CA2394087C - Protective garment with superabsorbent polymer layer - Google Patents
Protective garment with superabsorbent polymer layer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2394087C CA2394087C CA2394087A CA2394087A CA2394087C CA 2394087 C CA2394087 C CA 2394087C CA 2394087 A CA2394087 A CA 2394087A CA 2394087 A CA2394087 A CA 2394087A CA 2394087 C CA2394087 C CA 2394087C
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- Prior art keywords
- moisture
- composite structure
- moisture barrier
- fibrous matrix
- absorber
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Abstract
A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, and an outer shell disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer. In another contemplated embodiment, the the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the moisture absorber. In other contemplated embodiments, a thermally insulative layer comprising an inner cover, an outer cover, and a filler disposed between the inner and outer covers, which may be quilted, is interposed between the moisture absorber and the moisture barrier.
Description
Title of the Invention PROTECTIVE GARMENT WITH SUPERABSORBENT POLYMER LAYER
Technical Field of the Invention This invention pertains to a composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter. This invention contemplates that the composite structure incorporates a superabsorbent polymer.
Background of the Invention Commonly, in a firefighting environment, a firefighter wearing protective garments, such as bunker pants, a bunker coat, and gloves, sweats copiously within such garments, whereby the firefighter is exposed to severe stresses due to sweating, as well as to severe stresses due to firefighting. Such stresses are known to contribute significantly to fatigue, injuries, and fatalities among firefighters.
This invention addresses an ascertained need for a composite structure, from which such garments could be made and which would employ a superabsorbent polymer to absorb copious amounts of human sweat, whereby to reduce such stresses due to sweating.
Usage of a superabsorbent polymer in a composite structure for a protective garment, such as a protective garment for a firefighter, is disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 5,885,912 to Bumberger.
Summary of the Invention This invention provides a composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter. The composite structure has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, and an outer shell disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber incorporates a superabsorbent polymer.
Preferably, the moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating the superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers. Preferably, the fibrous matrix is disposed between an inner cover, which is moisture-pervious, and an outer cover, which is moisture-pervious or moisture-impervious. Preferably, the inner and outer covers, between which the fibrous matrix is disposed, is quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix.
In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell. Thus, the moisture barrier may be a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a neoprene layer, which is laminated to the inner surface of the outer shell, or a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a Breathe TexT"' layer, which is coated on the inner surface of the outer shell. In an alternative embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the moisture.absorber so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an inner surface of the moisture barrier and an outer surface of the outer cover of the moisture absorber.
In alternative embodiments, a thermally insulative layer is interposeu between the moisture absorber and the moisture barrier. The thermally insulative
Technical Field of the Invention This invention pertains to a composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter. This invention contemplates that the composite structure incorporates a superabsorbent polymer.
Background of the Invention Commonly, in a firefighting environment, a firefighter wearing protective garments, such as bunker pants, a bunker coat, and gloves, sweats copiously within such garments, whereby the firefighter is exposed to severe stresses due to sweating, as well as to severe stresses due to firefighting. Such stresses are known to contribute significantly to fatigue, injuries, and fatalities among firefighters.
This invention addresses an ascertained need for a composite structure, from which such garments could be made and which would employ a superabsorbent polymer to absorb copious amounts of human sweat, whereby to reduce such stresses due to sweating.
Usage of a superabsorbent polymer in a composite structure for a protective garment, such as a protective garment for a firefighter, is disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 5,885,912 to Bumberger.
Summary of the Invention This invention provides a composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter. The composite structure has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, and an outer shell disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber incorporates a superabsorbent polymer.
Preferably, the moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating the superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers. Preferably, the fibrous matrix is disposed between an inner cover, which is moisture-pervious, and an outer cover, which is moisture-pervious or moisture-impervious. Preferably, the inner and outer covers, between which the fibrous matrix is disposed, is quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix.
In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell. Thus, the moisture barrier may be a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a neoprene layer, which is laminated to the inner surface of the outer shell, or a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a Breathe TexT"' layer, which is coated on the inner surface of the outer shell. In an alternative embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the moisture.absorber so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an inner surface of the moisture barrier and an outer surface of the outer cover of the moisture absorber.
In alternative embodiments, a thermally insulative layer is interposeu between the moisture absorber and the moisture barrier. The thermally insulative
-2-layer may have a conventional construction so as to comprise an inner cover, an outer cover, and a filler, which is interposed between the inner and outer covers.
The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete portions of the filler.
In one contemplated embodiment employing the thermally insulative layer, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell. In an alternative embodiment employing the thermally insulative layer, the moisture barrier is affixed to the thermally insulative layer so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the thermally insulative layer and an inner surface of the moisture barrier. In the latter embodiment employing the thermally insulative layer, if the thermally insulative layer has the conventional construction noted above, the moisture barrier may be so affixed to the outer cover of the thermally insulative layer.
Hereinbefore and hereinafter, moisture refers to any predominantly aqueous liquid, particularly but not exclusively water or human sweat. Hereinbefore and hereinafter, terms such as inner, outer, inwardly, and outwardly are employed from a standpoint of a wearer of a protective garment.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, are fragmentary, cross-sectional views of composite structures, each constituting one contemplated embodiment of this invention. In the respective embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, similar elements are designated by similar numbers.
The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete portions of the filler.
In one contemplated embodiment employing the thermally insulative layer, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell. In an alternative embodiment employing the thermally insulative layer, the moisture barrier is affixed to the thermally insulative layer so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the thermally insulative layer and an inner surface of the moisture barrier. In the latter embodiment employing the thermally insulative layer, if the thermally insulative layer has the conventional construction noted above, the moisture barrier may be so affixed to the outer cover of the thermally insulative layer.
Hereinbefore and hereinafter, moisture refers to any predominantly aqueous liquid, particularly but not exclusively water or human sweat. Hereinbefore and hereinafter, terms such as inner, outer, inwardly, and outwardly are employed from a standpoint of a wearer of a protective garment.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, are fragmentary, cross-sectional views of composite structures, each constituting one contemplated embodiment of this invention. In the respective embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, similar elements are designated by similar numbers.
-3-Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiments As shown in Figure 1, a composite structure 10 for a'protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, is made from fire-resistant materials and has a moisture absorber 20, a moisture barrier 30 disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber 20, and an outer shell 40 disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier 30. As explained below, the moisture absorber 20 incorporates a superabsorbent polymer, which may be a cross-linked polyacrylamide and which can absorb copious amounts of human sweat.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the moisture barrier 30 is affixed to the outer shell 40 so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface 32 of the moisture barrier 30 and an inner surface 42 of the outer shell 40.
Thus, the moisture barrier 30 may be a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a neoprene layer, which is laminated to the inner surface 42 of the outer shell 40, or a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a Breathe Tex' layer, which is coated on the inner surface 42 of the outer shell 40.
As shown in Figure 1, the moisture absorber 20 has a fibrous matrix 22 incorporating particles 24 of the superabsorbent polymer. Alternatively, the fibrous matrix 22 incorporates fibers of the superabsorbent polymer. The fibrous matrix 22 is disposed between an inner cover 50, which is moisture-pervious, and an outer cover 60, which is moisture-pervious. The covers 50, 60, between which the fibrous matrix 22 is disposed, are textile layers, which are quilted to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix 22.
Examples of superabsorbent polymers and processes for their incorporation into fibrous matrices are disclosed in prior patents including U.S. Patent No.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the moisture barrier 30 is affixed to the outer shell 40 so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface 32 of the moisture barrier 30 and an inner surface 42 of the outer shell 40.
Thus, the moisture barrier 30 may be a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a neoprene layer, which is laminated to the inner surface 42 of the outer shell 40, or a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a Breathe Tex' layer, which is coated on the inner surface 42 of the outer shell 40.
As shown in Figure 1, the moisture absorber 20 has a fibrous matrix 22 incorporating particles 24 of the superabsorbent polymer. Alternatively, the fibrous matrix 22 incorporates fibers of the superabsorbent polymer. The fibrous matrix 22 is disposed between an inner cover 50, which is moisture-pervious, and an outer cover 60, which is moisture-pervious. The covers 50, 60, between which the fibrous matrix 22 is disposed, are textile layers, which are quilted to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix 22.
Examples of superabsorbent polymers and processes for their incorporation into fibrous matrices are disclosed in prior patents including U.S. Patent No.
-4-3,670,731 to Harmon, U.S. Patent No. 4,105,033 to Chaterjee et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,235,237 to Mesek et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,429,001 'to Kolpin et al., U.S.
Patent No. 4,985,298 to Buckley et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,087,513 to Kim, U.S.
Patent No 5,328,759 to McCormack et al., and U.S. Patent No. 5,419,955 to Ehrhardt et al.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the moisture barrier 30 is not affixed to the outer shell 40 so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion, as described above.
Rather, the moisture barrier 20 is affixed to the outer cover 60 of the moisture absorber 20 so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an inner surface of the moisture barrier 30 and an outer surface 62 of the outer cover 60 of the moisture absorber 20. Thus, the moisture barrier 30 may be a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a neoprene layer, which is laminated to the outer surface 62 of the outer cover 60 of the moisture absorber 20, or a moisture-impervious, layer, e.g. a Breathe TexT' layer, which is coated on the outer cover 60 of the moisture absorber 20.
In each of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, a thermally insulative layer 70 is interposed between the moisture absorber 20 and the moisture barrier 30. The thermally insulative layer 70 has a conventional construction so as to comprise an inner cover 80, an outer cover 90, and a filler 100, which is thermally insulative and which is disposed between the covers 80, 90. The covers 80, 90, are quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the filler 100.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the moisture barrier 30 is affixed to the outer shell 40, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and described above.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the moisture barrier 40 is affixed to the
Patent No. 4,985,298 to Buckley et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,087,513 to Kim, U.S.
Patent No 5,328,759 to McCormack et al., and U.S. Patent No. 5,419,955 to Ehrhardt et al.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the moisture barrier 30 is not affixed to the outer shell 40 so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion, as described above.
Rather, the moisture barrier 20 is affixed to the outer cover 60 of the moisture absorber 20 so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an inner surface of the moisture barrier 30 and an outer surface 62 of the outer cover 60 of the moisture absorber 20. Thus, the moisture barrier 30 may be a moisture-impervious layer, e.g. a neoprene layer, which is laminated to the outer surface 62 of the outer cover 60 of the moisture absorber 20, or a moisture-impervious, layer, e.g. a Breathe TexT' layer, which is coated on the outer cover 60 of the moisture absorber 20.
In each of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, a thermally insulative layer 70 is interposed between the moisture absorber 20 and the moisture barrier 30. The thermally insulative layer 70 has a conventional construction so as to comprise an inner cover 80, an outer cover 90, and a filler 100, which is thermally insulative and which is disposed between the covers 80, 90. The covers 80, 90, are quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the filler 100.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the moisture barrier 30 is affixed to the outer shell 40, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and described above.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the moisture barrier 40 is affixed to the
-5-outer cover 90 so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface 92 of the outer cover 90 and the inner surface 34 of the moisture barrier '30.
In each of the embodiments shown and described, the superabsorbent polymer can absorb copious amounts of human sweat, whereby to reduce sweat-caused stresses on a firefighter wearing a protective garment made from the composite material. .-Desirably, in each of the embodiments shown and described, a protective garment comprising the composite structure is made so that the composite structure can be easily removed for drying, or for laundering and drying, and so- that the removed structure can be easily replaced.
In each of the embodiments shown and described, the superabsorbent polymer can absorb copious amounts of human sweat, whereby to reduce sweat-caused stresses on a firefighter wearing a protective garment made from the composite material. .-Desirably, in each of the embodiments shown and described, a protective garment comprising the composite structure is made so that the composite structure can be easily removed for drying, or for laundering and drying, and so- that the removed structure can be easily replaced.
-6-
Claims (17)
1. For a protective garment, a composite structure having a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture absorber, and an outer shell disposed outwardly in relation to the moisture barrier, wherein the moisture absorber incorporates a superabsorbent polymer.
2. The composite structure of claim I wherein the moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating the superabsorbent polymer.
3. The composite structure of claim 1 wherein the moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating particles of the superabsorbent polymer.
4. The composite structure of claim 1 wherein the moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating fibers of the superabsorbent polymer.
5. The composite structure of claim 2 wherein the fibrous matrix is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover.
6. The composite structure of claim 5 wherein the inner and outer covers, between which the fibrous matrix is disposed, is quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix.
7. The composite structure of claim 3 wherein the fibrous matrix is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover.
8. The composite structure of claim 7 wherein the inner and outer covers, between which the fibrous matrix is disposed, is quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix.
9. The composite structure of claim 4 wherein the fibrous matrix is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover.
10. The composite structure of claim 9 wherein the inner and outer covers, between which the fibrous matrix is disposed, is quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix.
11. The composite structure of any one of claims 1 through 10 wherein the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell.
12. The composite structure of any one of claims 1 through 10 wherein the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the moisture absorber so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an inner surface of the moisture barrier and an outer surface of the outer cover of the moisture absorber.
13. The composite structure of any one of claims 1 through 10 wherein a thermally insulative layer is interposed between the moisture absorber and the moisture barrier.
14. The composite structure of claim 13 wherein the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell.
15. The composite structure of claim 13 wherein the moisture barrier is affixed to the thermally insulative layer so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the thermally insulative layer and an inner surface of the moisture barrier.
16. The composite structure of any one of claims 1 through 10 wherein a thermally insulative layer comprising an inner cover, an outer cover, and a filler disposed between the inner and outer covers of the thermally insulative layers is interposed between the moisture absorber and the moisture barrier.
17. The composite structure of claim 16 wherein the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer cover of the thermally -insulative layer so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the outer cover of the thermally insulative layer and an inner surface of the moisture barrier.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/151,387 US6806215B2 (en) | 2000-09-12 | 2002-05-20 | Composite structure for protective garment |
| US10/151,387 | 2002-05-20 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2394087A1 CA2394087A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
| CA2394087C true CA2394087C (en) | 2011-03-08 |
Family
ID=29582042
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2394087A Expired - Fee Related CA2394087C (en) | 2002-05-20 | 2002-07-18 | Protective garment with superabsorbent polymer layer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2394087C (en) |
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2002
- 2002-07-18 CA CA2394087A patent/CA2394087C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2394087A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20140718 |