Abstract: A distinctive article can include an elastomerically stretchable side panel having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension. A member of hook material is operably connected to a first, laterally outboard edge portion of the side panel, and each member of hook material includes a hook base layer which has an appointed fastening region and an appointed grip region. The fastening region has a plurality of hook elements which are integrally formed with the base layer and extend away from a base plane of the hook base layer. The hook elements are configured to operably engage a selected, cooperating loop material. The grip region has a relatively lower density of the hook elements per unit area, as compared to the fastening region. The fastening region is interposed between the side panel and the grip region. The grip region provides a laterally terminal edge of the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable protective garment for protecting personnel when caring for potentially infectious victims in an emergency situation. The garment is adapted to be readily donned by the user and is provided with strategically located fastener means to provide for quick and substantial closure of the garment about the user. Specially connected gloves and detachable masks are also provided for use with the protective garment.

Abstract: A protective garment incorporating radiation resistant materials has a resilient support for conforming to and supporting the weight of the garment across the back of the wearer. The support is a wide resilient band having a first end connected at a first interior side seam and a second end connected at a second interior side seam for extending across an interior back panel surface of the garment. When stretched across the back, the garment weight is distributed uniformly across the back to reduce fatigue. Alternatively, the garment may have a pair of resilient straps which extend from the shoulder seams and sides of a front panel, across the back to the front of the garment. By providing resilient back panels which extend from the shoulders, the front panel weight is distributed over the shoulders and back. Utilizing such a protective garment reduces upper body fatigue for those required to wear such garments.