GB1583447A - Survival suits - Google Patents
Survival suits Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB1583447A GB1583447A GB4267276A GB4267276A GB1583447A GB 1583447 A GB1583447 A GB 1583447A GB 4267276 A GB4267276 A GB 4267276A GB 4267276 A GB4267276 A GB 4267276A GB 1583447 A GB1583447 A GB 1583447A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- suit
- survival
- wearer
- feet
- straps
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000004083 survival effect Effects 0.000 title claims description 44
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 claims description 18
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005188 flotation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000000689 upper leg Anatomy 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011527 polyurethane coating Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002631 hypothermal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
- B63C9/087—Body suits, i.e. substantially covering the user's body ; Immersion suits, i.e. substantially completely covering the user
- B63C9/093—Body suits, i.e. substantially covering the user's body ; Immersion suits, i.e. substantially completely covering the user using solid buoyant material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/012—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches for aquatic activities, e.g. with buoyancy aids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/02—Overalls, e.g. bodysuits or bib overalls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B17/00—Protective clothing affording protection against heat or harmful chemical agents or for use at high altitudes
- A62B17/005—Active or passive body temperature control
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Oceanography (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Description
(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO SURVIVAL
SUITS
(71) We, MULTIFABS LIMITED, a
British Company, of Osmaston Works,
Osmaston Road, Derby DE3 8LF, England, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention concerns improvements in or relating to waterproof garments known as survival suits.
Survival suits are designed to be worn by people who are liable to be exposed to cold and wet conditions as a protection against hypothermia. Most survival suits are onepiece and include a body portion, arms, legs (with or without feet attached thereto) and a hood.
According to the present invention there is provided a survival suit manufactured from a material comprising a substrate of a knitted fabric and a coating of polyurethane.
Preferably the polyurethane is transfercoated onto the substrate. To obtain waterproof seams in the garment they are sewn and subsequently sealed using high frequency welding techniques.
The rim of the hood is adapted to fit around the wearer's face.
Preferably, the cuffs of the suit adapted to fit around the wearer's wrists, (and the leg openings when no feet are attached thereto are made from an elastic waterproof material which may be formed from a substrate of a knitted elastomeric yarn and a waterproof coating, for example, polyurethane.
Some or all of the suit may be lined with a closed-cell synthetic foam material.
Preferably the suit is provided with one or more air vents to allow air trapped in the suit to be released to the surroundings when the suit is subjected to external pressure, for example, when the suit is immersed in water. Further, a plurality of straps may extend round portions of the suit, said straps being adapted, on fastening, to hold the suit close to the wearer's body and to minimise entrapped air in areas adjacent to the straps.
The suit may be provided with a waterproof zip fastener and an internal flap is preferably provided on the suit on one side of the zip fastener, the flap extending beyond the neck portion of the suit to provide a watertight seal against the wearer's chin when the zip is fastened. A neck strap may be provided also.
The suit is preferably fitted with feet which are of such design that the wearer's shoes can be worn over the suit. To this end the feet may each be manufactured from two pieces of material, one piece forming the sides, base and rear of the foot and a gusset portion providing a front portion.
The suit may include a flotation waistcoat and a transparent cover to protect the wearer's face when required.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows diagrammatically a survival suit.
A one-piece survival suit is manufactured from a polyurethane coated fabric having a high visibility colour, for example, "international orange". The fabric comprises a substrate of a warp knitted nylon fabric which is transfer-coated with polyurethane.
The suit is constructed in a known manner and the seams are sewn and subsequently sealed by welding using a high frequency welding machine.
The suit 10 includes feet portions 12, to be described later, internal cuffs 14 and a hood 16. The internal cuffs are manufactured from a waterproof elastic material which, conveniently, comprises an elastomeric circular knitted substrate which is transfercoated with polyurethane. Articles of clothing including cuffs of this type are the subject of our co-pending application No.
42944/77 (Serial No. 1 583 448). The hood 16 is also elasticated by the insertion of a gusset 18 from the rim of the hood which is adapted to seal against the wearer's face, the gusset being manufactured from the same waterproof elastic material as the cuffs.
The suit is provided with a waterproof zip fastener 20 and a flap 22 is attached on one side of the zip 20, the flap extending above the neck opening of the suit such that when the zip is closed the flap firmly engages the wearer's chin to provide a watertight seal. Thus the suit is sealed round the wearer's face by the flap 22 and the elastic gusset 18. To assist in the closing of the suit a neck band 24, which may be held down by a Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) or a stud fastening or the like, is provided.
The feet of the suit are manufactured from a material which is similar in construction to the material of the suit and are sewn and subsequently sealed to the end of the legs.
The thinness of the material and the design of the feet is such that they can be worn inside the wearer's shoes and to this end comprise only two pieces of material.
It will be realised that when this suit is put on, in view of the waterproof seal around the face and cuffs, it is inevitable that air will be trapped within the suit. This can be dangerous for the wearer as, if it accumulates in the leg and feet portions, he is liable to be suspended feet-first by this suit with his face under water. This condition is particularly applicable in a capsized boat or ditched aircraft. To prevent this problem the suit is provided with air vents 30 conveniently situated in a shoulder and lower leg area. The air vents 30 are non-return valves which, when the suit is subjected to external pressure, for example on immersion, allow the entrapped air to escape from within the suit. The non-return valves are designed to vent at very low water pressure and to pass a substantial volume quickly.
Alternatively, or additionally, means are provided to expel a considerable portion of air from the suit when it is put on, said means comprising a plurality of straps 40 provided around the legs and thighs of the suit. Conveniently, each strap is attached to the suit along three-quarters of its length the remaining quarter being free and having a free end which is provided with suitable fastening means, for example Velcro (Registered Trade Mark), for attachment to co-operating fastening means on the end of the attached portion of the strap, such that on putting on a suit the wearer can tighten it against his legs by use of the straps. Conveniently, each leg of the suit is provided with three straps, one at the ankle, one just below the knee and one at the thigh.
A survival suit of the type described above is beneficial in that, unlike prior survival suits, not only will it act as a survival suit but also it is comfortable for wearing in normal working conditions.
Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
For example, the suit can be provided with hand portions permanently attached thereto; the material surrounding the internal cuffs can be dispensed with so that the arms terminate in the elastic waterproof material cuffs 14; a transparent protective visor can be provided on the hood to extend over and protect the wearer's face; the feet portions can be eliminated and elasticated ankle portions similar to the wrist portions 14 can be provided; the suit can be provided with a flotation waistcoat and the suit can be lined with a closed-cell foam material.
WHAT WE CLAIM IS:
1. A survival suit manufactured from a material comprising a substrate of a knitted fabric and a coating of polyurethane.
2. A survival suit as claimed in claim 1, in which the polyurethane coating is transfer-coated on to the substrate.
3. A survival suit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the seams of the garment are sewn and subsequently sealed using high frequency welding techniques.
4. A survival suit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including one or more air vents to allow air trapped in the suit to be released to the surroundings when the suit is subjected to external pressure.
5. A survival suit as claimed in claim 4, in which the air vents are non-return valves.
6. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the rim of the hood adapted to fit around the wearer's face is manufactured from an elastic waterproof material.
7. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the cuffs of the suit adapted to fit around the wearer's wrists are made from an elastic waterproof material.
8. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the cuffs of the suit adapted to fit around the wearer's legs are made from an elasticated waterproof material.
9. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims lined with a closedcell synthetic foam material.
10. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of straps extend round portions of the suit, said straps being adapted, on fastening, to hold the suit close to the wearer's body and to minimise entrapped air in areas adjacent to the straps.
11. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, provided with a waterproof zip fastener.
12. A survival suit as claimed in claim 11, in which an internal flap is provided on the suit on one side of the zip fastener, the flap extending beyond the neck portion of the suit to provide a watertight seal against the wearer's chin when the zip is fastened.
13. A survival suit as claimed in claim
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (17)
1. A survival suit manufactured from a material comprising a substrate of a knitted fabric and a coating of polyurethane.
2. A survival suit as claimed in claim 1, in which the polyurethane coating is transfer-coated on to the substrate.
3. A survival suit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the seams of the garment are sewn and subsequently sealed using high frequency welding techniques.
4. A survival suit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including one or more air vents to allow air trapped in the suit to be released to the surroundings when the suit is subjected to external pressure.
5. A survival suit as claimed in claim 4, in which the air vents are non-return valves.
6. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the rim of the hood adapted to fit around the wearer's face is manufactured from an elastic waterproof material.
7. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the cuffs of the suit adapted to fit around the wearer's wrists are made from an elastic waterproof material.
8. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the cuffs of the suit adapted to fit around the wearer's legs are made from an elasticated waterproof material.
9. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims lined with a closedcell synthetic foam material.
10. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of straps extend round portions of the suit, said straps being adapted, on fastening, to hold the suit close to the wearer's body and to minimise entrapped air in areas adjacent to the straps.
11. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, provided with a waterproof zip fastener.
12. A survival suit as claimed in claim 11, in which an internal flap is provided on the suit on one side of the zip fastener, the flap extending beyond the neck portion of the suit to provide a watertight seal against the wearer's chin when the zip is fastened.
13. A survival suit as claimed in claim
11 or claim 12, in which a neck strap is provided on the suit.
14. A survival suit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 13, in which the suit has feet attached thereto, the feet being of such design that the wearer's shoes can be worn over the suit.
15. A survival suit as claimed in claim 14, in which the feet are each manufactured from two pieces of material, one piece forming the sides, base and rear of the foot and a gusset portion providing a front portion.
16. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a flotation waistcoat.
17. A survival suit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the hood is provided with a transparent cover to protect the wearer's face when required.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB4267276A GB1583447A (en) | 1977-10-14 | 1977-10-14 | Survival suits |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB4267276A GB1583447A (en) | 1977-10-14 | 1977-10-14 | Survival suits |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB1583447A true GB1583447A (en) | 1981-01-28 |
Family
ID=10425476
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB4267276A Expired GB1583447A (en) | 1977-10-14 | 1977-10-14 | Survival suits |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB1583447A (en) |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2506573A1 (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1982-12-03 | Moelnlycke Ab | OPERATIVE CLOTHING |
| US4993077A (en) * | 1990-03-08 | 1991-02-19 | Robison Maurice L | All weather garment |
| US5113532A (en) * | 1988-12-16 | 1992-05-19 | Golden Needles Knitting & Glove Co., Inc. | Method of making garment, garment and strand material |
| USRE33966E (en) * | 1990-03-08 | 1992-06-23 | Marco Distributing, Inc. | All weather garment |
| US5159719A (en) * | 1989-06-27 | 1992-11-03 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Waterproof garment |
| GB2255707A (en) * | 1991-03-25 | 1992-11-18 | W M Healthcare Limited | Thermal protective aid garment |
| US5224363A (en) * | 1988-12-16 | 1993-07-06 | Golden Needles Knitting & Glove Co., Inc. | Method of making garment, garment, and strand material |
| GB2266837A (en) * | 1992-05-12 | 1993-11-17 | Multifabs Ltd | A survival suit |
| US6041437A (en) * | 1998-06-09 | 2000-03-28 | Barker; Edward C. | Waterproof thermal insert for outdoor sports pants |
| GB2399277A (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2004-09-15 | Mark Richard Southcott | A showerproof or waterproof blazer or suit style jacket |
| CN104757708A (en) * | 2015-04-15 | 2015-07-08 | 中国人民解放军海军医学研究所 | Multipurpose waterproof and windproof clothing |
-
1977
- 1977-10-14 GB GB4267276A patent/GB1583447A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2506573A1 (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1982-12-03 | Moelnlycke Ab | OPERATIVE CLOTHING |
| US5113532A (en) * | 1988-12-16 | 1992-05-19 | Golden Needles Knitting & Glove Co., Inc. | Method of making garment, garment and strand material |
| US5224363A (en) * | 1988-12-16 | 1993-07-06 | Golden Needles Knitting & Glove Co., Inc. | Method of making garment, garment, and strand material |
| US5159719A (en) * | 1989-06-27 | 1992-11-03 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Waterproof garment |
| US4993077A (en) * | 1990-03-08 | 1991-02-19 | Robison Maurice L | All weather garment |
| USRE33966E (en) * | 1990-03-08 | 1992-06-23 | Marco Distributing, Inc. | All weather garment |
| GB2255707A (en) * | 1991-03-25 | 1992-11-18 | W M Healthcare Limited | Thermal protective aid garment |
| GB2266837A (en) * | 1992-05-12 | 1993-11-17 | Multifabs Ltd | A survival suit |
| GB2266837B (en) * | 1992-05-12 | 1996-05-29 | Multifabs Ltd | Survival suits |
| US6041437A (en) * | 1998-06-09 | 2000-03-28 | Barker; Edward C. | Waterproof thermal insert for outdoor sports pants |
| GB2399277A (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2004-09-15 | Mark Richard Southcott | A showerproof or waterproof blazer or suit style jacket |
| CN104757708A (en) * | 2015-04-15 | 2015-07-08 | 中国人民解放军海军医学研究所 | Multipurpose waterproof and windproof clothing |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS | Patent sealed | ||
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |