Abstract: A composite shock absorbing material for use in ballistic projectile protective garments, vibration reducing machine mountings, impact absorbing bumpers, exercise mats, protective sporting equipment, and the like, includes an array of elongated strands forming a mesh. Each strand includes an inner force transmitting core surrounded by a visco-elastic polymer. The inner core may be formed by a fiber or a fluid material. In the case of fiber cores, the fibers are intertwined to distribute impact forces throughout the mesh. In the case of fluid cores, the fluid passages are interconnected at each strand intersection, to distribute force throughout the mesh, and to provide a coolant flow path for a circulating fluid cooling system designed for use by wearer's of ballistic penetration protective garments. The visco-elastic polymer may be coated by a penetration resistant material, such as nylon or an aramid fabric.

Abstract: A full body garment made of flexible, non-stretchable, air impervious material which can be supplied with breathable, ventilating air from a remote source, for protecting a wearer when present in a contaminated atmosphere is disclosed. The garment includes a loose fitting body suit containing a shirt portion having two separate inner and outer layers of long sleeves, a manually cinchable neck opening, a long pants portion having separate inner and outer layers of legs joined together at and extending below the knee region, and a pair of gloves and foot covers joined in an air tight manner to the inner layers of the sleeves and legs, respectively. A loose fitting parka is also included which contains a slip over torso covering portion having sleeves with elastic bands around open ends thereof and an elastic waist band, a respirator hood, and a shoulder, upper chest and back encircling bib.

Abstract: A convertible, outerwear garment comprising a sleeveless vest with a jacket having sleeves attached to the interior of the vest at a pouch or pocket formed along a lower edge of the jacket. Panels at the sides of the jacket may be joined to the side of the pouch to complete the jacket structure. The jacket may be inserted into a pouch pocket when the vest is worn without the jacket. The jacket may be deployed from the pouch and the jacket sleeves inserted through the side openings in the vest, the jacket mode to provide added protection to the wearer. In this mode, the lower side panels of the jacket are secured at the side of the pouch. Another pocket may be provided in the rear of the vest to receive a rain cape or poncho which may be deployed by the user for additional wet weather protection.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate comprising: (a) a substrate layer of fibrous material; (b) an intermediate layer of polymeric material which is free of anti-static material and is extrusion laminated to the substrate layer; and (c) an outer layer of polyethylene containing anti-static material and including low density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene, which is coextruded with and extrusion laminated to the intermediate layer. Also disclosed is an appertaining process for making a multilayer laminate. The laminate of the invention has particular utility in the fabrication of protective garment articles, for use in applications involving exposure to flammable or explosive environmental constituents which are susceptible to ignition by static discharge.

Abstract: A protective garment is fed pressurized air through a hood piece connected to a pressurized air source and expels the air through air breather panels formed in the lower leg portions of the garment to prevent ballooning of the garment.

Abstract: A skin of a protective, compressible garment contains a top layer of nonmetallic material, a bottom layer of nonmetallic material, and a middle layer of open-cell foam material which is in contact with both the top and bottom layers. The garment contains an entry flap extending along its front, arms extending from both of its sides, and an opening across its bottom. Fasteners are provided for closing the entry flap and the opening across the garment bottom.

Abstract: A coverall for a beekeeper, having a main body portion for covering the extremities, including a hood portion, which would comprise multi-layered fabric, including an inside layer which would make contact with the inner clothing or skin of the wearer constructed of a mostly woven net in the neighborhood of 0.4 centimeters per opening, an outside net fabric layer also having openings in the neighborhood of 0.4 centimeters in diameter, with a layer of polyurethane open cells foam having foam elements of approximate 10 pores per linear inch, (100 pores per square inch), of sufficient thickness approximately 0.4-0.6 centimeters so that a bee stinger could not penetrate through the central polyurethane foam core, yet the inside and outside woven net layers would provide structural integrity to the suit, yet allow ventilation between the skin of the wearer and the outside air. The suit is constructed from such uniform flexible multi-layered material in its entirety except for a wire mesh of the face portion.

Abstract: An insect proof garment for protection against mosquitoes, black flies and other insects is disclosed. The garment is made entirely from a lightweight semi-rigid insect excluding mesh and is comprised of a head net attached to an upper body portion, with the upper body portion extending from the neck to proximate the hips of the wearer and has sleeves connected thereto. There is a separate lower portion extending from the wearer's waist and having leg members connected thereto.

Abstract: A cuff construction having readily accessible coverings for hands, feet and head is provided. The cuff is generally integrally attached to an article of clothing, and folds in on itself for storing the coverings. The cuff is formed at an opening in a garment, such as a glove, sleeve, neck or leg and included a panel along about one half of the circumference of the opening with the two adjacent edges of the panel secured to the cuff. The panel is switchable between a first open positon allowing the head, hand or foot to pass through and a second closed position forming a covering around the appendage. The covering may take the form of a glove or mitten, a sock or shoe, or a ski mask or the like. A pocket for ready storage may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a unitized system of garments that prevents particulate matter from passing from the body of the person wearing the garments into the surrounding atmosphere or vice versa. Water vapor or other gases such as air are free to pass through the garment fabric which is a laminate of expanded, porous and gas permeable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bonded to a porous and gas permeable backing material. Particulate matter is blocked by the very fine pores of the garment. The person is totally enclosed in the garments preferably presenting virtually a 100% external surface of nonlinting PTFE, and passage of water vapor or water vapor and air through the laminate is sufficient to allow breathability. In order to make practical putting the garment on and taking it off, and to eliminate gaps in the garment, separate pieces are required and particulate-proof barriers are required where the separate sections are joined.

Abstract: A hood having a face opening in the front portion and an opposite facing rear portion has indicia on the rear portion suggesting the appearance of an animal, human, or other face. The markings may be drawn, painted or embroidered onto the surface of the hood, but features such as simulated eyes, noses and ears may give greater realism in appearance. The hood may form an integral part of, or be attachable to, a garment, such as child's coat.

Abstract: A protective garment for protecting the wearer against adverse effects of chemical, biological and like environmental contamination including a body garment defined by a pair of legs, a pair of arms, a body and a hood with the latter including a transparent window and at least two openings, a plurality of ultrasonic welds seaming the components of the garment together, the garment being formed of a laminate including an outer layer defined by an impermeable ply of synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material and an inner ply formed as an admixture of synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material fibers and an adhesive; the plies being fused to each other by the adhesive, the fibers defining a porosity sufficient to function as a filter for relatively large size contaminants in the event the impermeable ply becomes torn, punctured or the impermeable integrity thereof is otherwise damaged; a filter covering one of the openings for filtering contaminated air drawn therethrough as a wearer of the garment i

Abstract: Low cost tuckaway garment which protects wearer against cold wind or rain and can be rolled or folded up when not needed and tucked into a pocket. The garmet is comprised entirely or essentially entirely of thin polyethylene sheet. A preferred embodiment is a windbreaker made of high density polyethylene having an opening at the top for the wearer's head, a long turtleneck and essentially identical front and back joined together by heat joining.

Abstract: A protective hood jacket adapted to be worn in combination with a protect suit in toxic environments comprises a hood jacket formed of heat-sealable material forming a garment that is hip length and short sleeved. There is a large hump in the rear to accommodate the air cylinder of a self-contained breathing apparatus and to avoid for forward bending. There is a combination closure in the back of the jacket consisting of a metal zipper and a CHLOROPEL zip-loc closure for donning/doffing an air bottle replacement. Vapor leakage is mechanically reduced by two types of seals. The first type encompasses the garment peripheries at the waist and sleeve ends and these seals incorporate cable draw strings and B-lock fasteners allowing for adjustment. The second type constitute internal collars, spaced above the end of the sleeves and waist and around the neck which include elastic webbing providing self-adjustability to fit small, medium and large size personnel.

Abstract: A protective garment in the form of a suit comprising gloves, boots, hood and facial mask. The suit is provided on its back region with a vertically extending slit which can be tightly closed by a zipper. Inside the garment, two protective skirts are respectively fastened along opposite portions of the slit; these are mutually connected by auxiliary protective portions situated at the opposite ends of the slit. The protective skirts are provided with respective gripping handles adapted to bring them, together with the auxiliary portions, from a rest position in which they are enclosed within the garment, to an operative position in which they are reversed astride the corresponding edges of the slit.

Abstract: A protective garment for protecting the wearer against adverse effects of chemical, biological and like environmental contamination including a body garment defined by a pair of legs, a pair of arms, a body and a hood with the latter including a transparent window and at least two openings, a plurality of ultrasonic welds seaming the components of the garment together, the garment being formed of a laminate including an outer layer defined by an impermeable ply of synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material and an inner ply formed as an admixture of synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material fibers and an adhesive; the plies being fused to each other by the adhesive, the fibers defining a porosity sufficient to function as a filter for relatively large size contaminants in the event the impermeable ply becomes torn, punctured or the impermeable integrity thereof is otherwise damaged; a filter covering one of the openings for filtering contaminated air drawn therethrough as a wearer of the garment i

Abstract: A disposable hospital gown includes body, arm, and hood portions and gloves connected with the arm portions assembled so as to provide a unitary structure impervious to fluid. The hood portion contains an enlarged viewing opening in its front surface for receiving a clear plastic visor and a ventilating mask which are connected with the hood portion in sealing relation. A protective flap is sealed to the visor to cover the ventilating mask. The gown, hood and flap are formed of a barrier material which is impervious to bodily fluids and germs. A plurality of fasteners at the rear of the body portion close a vertical opening contained therein when the device is worn. The unitary gown thus protects the wearer's body from contact with any fluids expelled from a patient's body to prevent the transmission of any disease between the wearer and the patient.

Abstract: A protective garment for protecting the wearer against adverse effects of chemical, biological and like environmental contamination including a body garment defined by a pair of legs, a pair of arms, a body and a hood with the latter including a transparent window and at least two openings, a plurality of ultrasonic welds seaming the components of the garment together, the garment being formed of a laminate including an outer layer defined by an impermeable ply of synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material and an inner ply formed as an admixture of synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material fibers and an adhesive; the plies being fused to each other by the adhesive, the fibers defining a porosity sufficient to function as a filter for relatively large size contaminants in the event the impermeable ply becomes torn, punctured or the impermeable integrity thereof is otherwise damaged; a filter covering one of the openings for filtering contaminated air drawn therethrough as a wearer of the garment i

Abstract: A protective suit has a zipper defining a pass-through opening with one end of the zipper being led over an indirect path about a region of the body which is not easily accessible by the wearer of the suit. The protective suit is improved so that for the purpose of easier opening, especially in emergency situations, the pass-through opening in the region of the indirect path can be opened by the suit wearer by a one-handed pull movement performed from a location within convenient reach and in any desirable direction suitable to the body. For this purpose, the zipper is provided with a slide on which a flexible pulling means acts which is guided along the indirect path.

Abstract: The headwear includes a headgear formed of flexible material for comfortably encompassing the individual's head. The forward portion of the headgear has an opening to which is mounted the inner end of a face tunnel, which projects forwardly of the headgear. The headwear is formed of three layers, an inner layer, an intermediate foam layer and an outer layer. One of the inner and outer layers is formed of a high wind resistant material having high heat retention and moisture vapor transmission characteristics. In one form, the foam forming the intermediate layer of the face tunnel has a greater density than the foam forming the intermediate layer of the headgear, whereby the face tunnel is substantially rigid, stiff and self-sustaining in shape, even in the face of high winds. An access opening is provided adjacent the back of the headwear to enable it to be placed on and pulled off the individual's head.

Abstract: A cover for a motorcycle and a rain suit for a motorcycle rider are contained on opposite sides of a single pouch. The motorcycle cover is contained within one compartment of the pouch and is accessed by opening a Velcro fastened flap. The rain suit is contained on the opposite side of the pouch and is also received beneath a Velcro fastened flap. When the motorcycle rider is wearing the rain suit, the pouch containing the motorcycle cover is disposed on the rider's back. The rain suit includes a hood, removably received within a pocket on the upper back portion of the rain suit. Closures are provided at the wrists and ankles of the rain suit. When it is desired to place the cover over the motorcycle, the rain suit is folded and stored within the compartment on one side of the pouch and the motorcycle cover is withdrawn from the other side of the pouch and placed over the motorcycle.

Abstract: An infant presentation wrap and method comprises a structure providing an infant receiving pocket, an infant headrest extension on a back panel of the pocket structure and projecting substantially beyond an open end of the pocket. A front panel of the pocket structure may have separable flaps which are adapted to be spread apart to provide an opening aligned with the open top end for facilitating insertion of an infant to the pocket, with separable means such as ties on the flaps for retaining the flaps closed. An overlap extends from the closed bottom of the pocket structure and is of a length to be folded into substantial covering relation to the front panel. Generally aligned ribbon straps extend from intermediate opposite sides of the overlap and are of a length to enwrap the pocket structure and the folded overlap and are adapted to be tied into a retaining bow over the folded overlap.

Abstract: A cold weather mask and hood (10) made of a flexible insulating layered material (39) which covers the wearer's entire head, shoulders and upper chest. A partially detachable face portion (11) contains a lens receptacle (13) which holds removable lens (15). An air intake hose (23) provides warm, fresh air for inhalation, and an exhaust tube (27) is used for exhalation. The exhaust tube (27) contains ridges (29) which hold the mask away from the lower face to form an air pocket (26).

Abstract: Multi-purpose, reversible, blanket garment including a main member of a size and configuration for use as an automobile robe, blanket, and a poncho-type garment, and which is formed of at least two opposed layers, one layer being a layer of woven, wool, blanket-type material, and the other layer being a layer of water repellent material, and which includes a hood of the same two layers of materials and wherein the hood may be fastened and unfastened from the main member by mating zippers provided on the hood and main member. The multi-purpose garment may further include epaulets for enhanced visual appearance, for securing various objects to the poncho-type garment and one of which may be used as an over-the-shoulder carrying strap for carrying the main member and hood upon the main member being suitably folded for carrying.

Abstract: A garment to protect the user against insect bites, including an insect-impervious yoke extending from the neckhole across the shoulders and down into the chest and back area, having piping sewn to the bottom edges of the yoke to hold away from the body of the user the semi-rigid mesh material that is draped from the yoke in gathers, and with every opening of the garment other than the neckhole including a closure and gathers whereby the semi-rigid mesh material is held away from the body in the form of an undulating surface.

Abstract: A dust-free garment for clean rooms made of anti-static woven cloth and comprising a jacket, pants and a hood which are sewn together in a manner that a front part of the jacket and pants are formed with a continuous single piece of cloth without seams and facings in the front, an open/close member with a fastener is provided between the front and back of the pants along the insides of the legs and crotch thereof, seams between the jacket and the hood, between the front and back parts of the jacket and pants, between front and back parts of the jacket and sleeves, between right and left parts of the back at the center are covered with piping of pieces of tape attached from outside to maintain airtightness, and drawstrings are provided at the waist and neck along the back portions of the back and the hood to thereby securely prevent harmful dust generated from underwears or the skin of workers from leaking outside.

Abstract: An improved coat that has large sleeves and an oversized girth whereby the wearer of the coat may carry a child under the coat on either the wearer's front or back. An adjustable length belt blacks the passage of air into the coat, prevents articles stored in the sleeves under the coat from falling out, and pulls the fullness of the coat into the wearer so that coat may be worn by a single person. A deployable front hood is provided to protect the child when carried in the front. A deployable hood in the back of the coat provides protection to child and wearer when child is carried in the back. A baby carrier is provided that adequately accommodates a child from birth, through all growth stages, to as long as the parent wishes to carry the child. A vest worn in conjunction with coat is provided to protect wearer's shoulders against cold.

Abstract: A protective vest is disclosed having a body portion wrappable and securable about a torso of a wearer and a head portion hingeably connected thereto for securing about the head of the wearer. The body and head portions both include respective quick connection means for easy entry into the vest prior to an aircraft crash. A multiple layer laminate material forms the head and body portions and gives thermal, puncture and shock absorption protection. The entire vest can be folded and stored within the head portion in a compact pack.

Abstract: A convertible poncho which may be adapted for use either as a protective covering for bicycles, motorcycles and the like, as a ground cover, or as protective rainwear for the rider. The cover is detachably secured to the bicycle by fastening means attached along the peripheral edges and to the interior faces of the cover. Additional fastening means are provided to detachably secure selected portions of the cover in a folding arrangement to adapt the cover for use as a poncho or as a ground cover. Apertures in the fore and aft portions of the covering are provided to allow a lock or cable to pass through the covering and capture a wheel of the vehicle. A detachable hood may be wrapped around the seat of the vehicle and secured by a drawstring or may be attached to the cover and adapted for use as a protective hood for the rider.

Abstract: Mounted in the front wall region of a hood is a curved replaceable facepiece lens. In order to obtain a gas-tight joint between the rigid component constituting the facepiece lens and the flexible garment material, as well as obtaining a distribution of the stresses which occur in the region of the junction between the facepiece lens and the garment material, a spherically-bent frame is enclosed by an overlapping cloth frame in the region of the opening for the facepiece lens and forms a firm connecting rim. Located as a seal between the said connecting rim and the rigid facepiece lens is an elastic coupling gasket.

Abstract: A garment, sleeping bag, tote bag combination formed from a plurality of sections made of flexible material joined to form a bag having a closable opening therein, sleeves associated with the bag, and adjusting means to include or remove sections to adjust its size. The bag has identical ends and is foldable upon itself to form a jacket or vest of a predetermined size when the ends are aligned.

Abstract: A protective hood adapted for use by a firefighter is disclosed in which a head portion, a lower marginal portion and a flap provide protection not only for the forehead, head and ears but also for the chin and neck of the firefighter. A means for adjustably and releasably fastening the flap to the protective hood is disclosed. The protective hood is fabricated from an exterior material and an interior liner material, so that the two layers of material provide an insulated fire resistant protective hood for the firefighter. The protective hood used in combination with an air pack face mask and a firefighting coat provides complete protection of the head and upper torso of the firefighter.

Abstract: A combination toy and garment comprising a toy portion and a garment portion attached together to form an article of clothing such that when the garment portion is enfolded by the toy portion the combination takes the shape of a stuffed toy.

Abstract: A disposable bonnet raincoat and method is disclosed which includes a tubular length of plastic material (10) which is folded upon itself to define interior flaps (20) and (24) and exterior flaps (18) and (16). At a fold line (30) of the interior flaps (20) and (24) there is an elongated slot (C) through which the head of the wearer protrudes to define a bonnet (A) for protecting the head of the wearer. The remainder of the tubular plastic sheeting provides a protective apron (B) around the body of the wearer in which he may sit or stand for protection against the weather.

Abstract: A method of repairing large coal fired boilers and the like using a special heat resistant suit which enables workmen to erect scaffolding in the boiler at about 1100.degree. F. and to enter the boiler at a temperature above 150.degree. F. to make the necessary repairs. Refrigerated air and air for breathing by the workmen are supplied from external sources through a special insulated hose having a breakaway connection with a fitting on one leg of the suit. The refrigerated air is distributed within the suit through apertured tubes and an apertured vest. Air for breathing is supplied to a face mask. A portable air tank automatically begins supplying the face mask when the hose is detached. A harness mounted safety reel and cable permits workers to drop from the scaffolding for fast escape in an emergency. A brake controls the rate of descent.

Abstract: A comic costume which includes at least a partial poncho-type element for covering at least selected postions of the person wearing the costume, with the poncho extending at least over the shoulders of the person, and a pair of inflatable members arranged respectively one on each shoulder of the poncho, with an opening for the head of the person wearing the costume arranged therebetween. The inflatable members consist of simulated heads which will stand in upright position on the person's shoulders when the same are inflated. The heads are caricatures or the like, and an additional headpiece is provided for the person wearing the costume, and the entire unit will include facial makeup materials, so that the person wearing the costume may decorate his or her face in the same manner that the heads are decorated, so that when the costume is properly worn, it will appear as though the person has three heads.

Abstract: Method of making a sleeping box by taking a blanket or comforter and folding over the bottom of the blanket or comforter in such a way as to form a box like structure when the folded parts are secured, taking the two longitudinal sides that extend up from the bottom of the box to the top, lapping one side over the other and securing the same so as to form a closure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article of wearing apparel provided with cooperating and complementary attaching members to be secured to one another after the article of wearing apparel is formed into a compact unit.

Abstract: A head cover and safety helmet having detachable ventilating means, and removable filter collar. The head cover, or shell, is formed of rigid material, having a face opening with a primary transparent shield yieldably mounted thereon, and multiple secondary transparent shields yieldably mounted on the primary shield, and a collar filter having novel means for mounting same in the head cover, and a novel skirt for protecting the user. The secondary shields are arranged in staggered relation, and have one end exposed so that when scratched or soiled, they may be easily removed by the user finger gripping the exposed end of the top secondary shield and pulling it free of the retaining band.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water-proof garment which is horizontally foldable to form a belt-like member to be worn around the waist when not in use.

Abstract: An insect proof coverall garment is disclosed. The garment of the present invention is made from a lightweight insect excluding material covering the user's body and limbs with a releasable fastener extending from the user's hips to the neck to aid in putting the garment on and removing the garment. The garment includes a hood attached at the neck to cover the head of the user with an open face portion. The perimeter of the face opening is lined with a velcro material so that an insect or other small animal excluding mesh may be releasably attached thereto to protect the head and face of the user from insects or other small animals. The face mesh is readily removable for access to the user's mouth. Openings are formed at the shoulders, elbows and knees, and these openings are covered with an insect excluding mesh to provide ventilation along with maximum flexibility and comfort. In another embodiment, the garment is formed entirely of insect excluding mesh and covers the body, head and limbs of the wearer.

Abstract: An insect proof coverall garment is disclosed. The garment of the present invention is made from a light-weight insect excluding material covering the user's body and limbs with a releasable fastener extending from the user's hips to the neck to aid in putting the garment on and removing the garment. The garment includes a hood attached at the neck to cover the head of the user with an open face portion. The perimeter of the face opening is lined with a VELCRO material so that an insect or other small animal excluding mesh may be releasably attached thereto to protect the head and face of the user from insects or other small animals. The face mesh is readily removable for access to the user's mouth. Openings are formed at the shoulders, elbows and knees, and these openings are covered with an insect excluding mesh to provide ventilation along with maximum flexibility and comfort.

Abstract: A disposable rain poncho system includes a string of ponchos, frangibly interconnected, and arranged in a roll. The roll is mounted on a dispenser which allows access to an end poncho of the string whereby that poncho can be unrolled from the roll and torn from an adjacent poncho. The dispenser is mounted on a shoulder strap for enabling a vendor, or the like, to carry the dispenser while dispensing rain ponchos. The roll is shorter than the width of the ponchos, and the string of ponchos is, therefore, folded along at least one longitudinal crease.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a poncho for human use having an enclosed area at the center of the rear panel which may be inflated to form a cushion on which the wearer sits.

Abstract: An article of clothing is disclosed for use as an outerwear garment (100). The garment comprises a planar integral portion (101) having a elliptical configuration. Invertible sleeves (113, 114) are attached at armholes (107, 106) in the integral portion at a position allowing for use as shawl-length outerwear and additionally for inverted use as floor-length outerwear.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a raincoat, hood and leggings which are particularly constructed and related for separate or combined dispensing from a coin-operated machine or over the counter.

Abstract: A rescue suit having belt loops positioned on the external surface of the suit, in close proximity to the line of the armpits, which engage a belt that holds a D ring for engaging a life line at the body of the suit. The rescue suit also has integral boots completely or partially coated with a tough, tear and puncture resistant plastic, a strip of highly reflective tape attached horizontally on the back of the suit near the shoulder line and a cinch strap located to circumscribe each leg near the upper thigh close to the crotch area.Reflective strips of tape may also be attached and circumscribe the suit at the wrists. A mask may be engaged to the inner surface of the hood. The mask is adapted to fully cover the face except for an eye-nose opening and may have sufficient length to extend under the zipper.

Abstract: A convertible women's ensemble capable of satisfying a range of apparel requirements, a single ensemble making it possible for the wearer to be appropriately dressed for active wear, for informal and formal occasions and for rain or shine. The ensemble is constituted by a long jacket and a pair of slacks, the jacket being preferably fabricated of waterproof material and having a removable hood in sac form equipped with a drawstring, whereby the hood is usable as a carrying bag. The jacket includes a removable liner which when removed functions as a long skirt to replace the slacks which are then stored in the carrying bag.

Abstract: A protective hood (balaclava) for ground and aircrews is disclosed. The protective balaclava may be worn beneath chemical respirators and flight helmets, and is fabricated from activated charcoal fabric to provide additional protection against chemical agents. The activated charcoal cloth acts as both a shield and provides absorptive layers to absorb toxic chemicals that might otherwise contact bare skin. For wearers, this balaclava provides an under-the-helmet disposable charcoal fabric hood that overlaps the top of the undercoverall, the facial opening of which can be drawn over the periphery of the facepiece of the chemical biological oxygen (CBO) mask.