WO1999065345A2

WO1999065345A2 - Controlled environment garment system

Info

Publication number: WO1999065345A2
Application number: PCT/US1999/013428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph P. Burke; Barry L. Bronzino
Original assignee: G & K Services, Inc.
Priority date: 1998-06-17
Filing date: 1999-06-15
Publication date: 1999-12-23
Also published as: WO1999065345A3

Abstract

A garment system for use in controlled or specialized environments is described and includes a back vent (24) having a back vent section (25) covered by a flap (26). The flap traps particles that may be emitted from personnel and the back vent section, directs these particles down and away from the front of the garment system, and protects the back vent section from potential hazards. Sleeve vents (22A, 22B) and leg vents (40A, 40B) with corresponding flaps are also provided.

Description

CONTROLLED ENVLROMENT GARMENT SYSTEM

This patent application relates to a garment system, and more particularly to a garment system for personnel working in controlled or specialized environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In certain controlled or specialized environments, such as computer component manufacturing "cleanrooms" and automobile spray painting areas, it is important to limit particle emissions from personnel working in these environments to maintain the purity of the products being manufactured. Thus, as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,511,246, issued to Farkas et al. ("Farkas"), the garments worn by these personnel are typically manufactured from a polyester-based fabric which produces few contaminating particles and dissipates static charges which may otherwise attract contaminating particles. Further, as discussed in Farkas and U.S. Patent No. 4,823,404, issued to Morell et al. ("Morell"), these garments are typically restrictive around the extremities of the personnel to reduce particle emission from the personnel. Because of this fabric and restrictive construction, these garments typically trap in body heat and are not comfortable to wear. Several venting solutions are known which attempt to release trapped body heat while minimizing particle emission, particularly from the front of the garment near the products being manufactured. For example, Farkas (col. 5, lines 5-23) discloses ventilation panels on the back of a garment upper torso, on opposite sides of the torso beneath the arms, and along the inseam of each leg. Morell (col. 1, lines 64-65) discloses venting the entire back portion of the garment jacket and pants with a breathable fabric, such as spunbonded polypropylene. The problem with these garments is that particles from the personnel may escape through the venting fabric and the fabric itself may emit contaminating particles. These released particles may travel in the controlled environment to the front of the garment, and thus contaminate the product being manufactured. Finally, the venting material is completely exposed and not protected from potential hazards, such as protruding equipment or other objects, in the specialized or controlled environment.

French Patent No. 1, 166,636 discloses a garment having two shoulder vents covered by a flap extending across the entire back shoulder area of the garment. The problem with this garment is that the flap does not direct emitted particles away from the front of the garment.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a garment system for use in controlled or specialized environments which limits particle emission from personnel and venting fabric, and directs any emitted particles down and away from the front of the garment system. Further, it is desirable to provide a garment system that has maximum air ventilation and increased garment durability, while being safe and comfortable to wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a garment system for use in a controlled or specialized environment, in particular, a substantially particle free manufacturing environment, as defined in the Federal Standard (FED-STD-209E) relating to airborne paniculate cleanliness classes in cleanrooms and clean zones, for example, Classes 1-100,000. In one embodiment, the garment system of the present invention includes a jacket having a back vent formed in a jacket back panel. The back vent includes a back vent section and a flap covering the back vent section. The back flap has two side edges which are at least partially attached to the back panel. The back flap further includes a bottom edge which is also partially attached to the back panel. The jacket further includes two sleeves attached to the jacket back panel. Each sleeve has a cuff and a sleeve vent extending from the back panel toward the cuff. In an alternative embodiment, each sleeve vent may include a sleeve vent section and corresponding attached flap similar in function to the back vent section and back flap of the back vent. Finally, the garment system of the present invention includes pants having a seat and two legs. Each leg extends from the seat and includes an ankle cuff. Further, each leg has a leg vent extending from the seat toward its respective ankle cuff. In an alternative embodiment, each leg vent may include a leg vent section and corresponding attached flap similar in function to the back vent section and back flap of the back vent. The fabric used for the garment system must not produce paniculate matter or allow the build up of static charge. A woven polyester-based fabric, such as 99% polyester and 1% Carbon, is an example of such a fabric. Further, the fabric used for the respective vents and vent sections must permit air to enter and escape the garment system, act as a filter and produce few particles. A knitted polyester fabric, such as tricot, is an example of such a fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the garment system; Figure 2 is a back view of the garment system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the garment system shown in Figure 1; and Figure 4 is back view of another embodiment of the garment system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, garment system 10 of the present invention is a two-piece system comprising a separate jacket 12 and pants 34. The two- piece system is most easy to put on and remove. It is understood, however, that the features disclosed herein can be included in a garment system in which the jacket and pants are joined together to form a one-piece system, for example, a jump suit or coveralls. Although a one-piece system is not as easy to put on or remove, such a system may be required for a particular controlled environment.

With respect to the garment system shown in Figures 1 and 2, jacket 12 includes front panels 14A and 14B, and a back panel 16. Front panels 14A and 14B are joinable by any suitable fastener 15, for example a zipper, buttons, snaps or velcro. Fastener 15 is covered or enclosed by flap 17 to keep fastener 15 clean and reduce fastener particle emission.

The front panels 14A and 14B are joined to back panel 16 at the shoulders 23 A and 23B and underneath the sleeves 20A and 20B to form a main body 13 of the jacket 12. A collar 18, attached to front panels 14A and 14B, and back panel 16, also includes a fastener 19, for example a button, snap or velcro, to keep collar 18 relatively tight and secure around the neck. Such a fit around the neck is desired to reduce particle emission from the personnel. Fastener 19 is covered or enclosed by tab 23 to keep fastener 19 clean and reduce fastener particle emission.

Back panel 16 of jacket 12 includes a back vent 24 joined to a jacket bottom section 28. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, back vent 24 comprises a vent section 25 (shown partially in phantom) extending downward from shoulders 23A and 23B, and sleeves 20A and 20B, to bottom section 28. Vent section 25 is covered by a flap 26 having two opposing side edges 27A and 27B, and a bottom edge 29. In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, flap 26 is attached to back panel 16 at the shoulders 23 A and 23B, and sleeves 20A and 20B. Flap side edges 27A and 27B extend downward and are at least partially attached to the back panel under each respective sleeve 20A and 20B. Flap 26 traps particles that may be emitted from personnel through vent section 25, and any particles that may be emitted from the vent section fabric. Flap 26 also directs these emitted particles down and away from the front of the garment to reduce the possibility of product contamination. Because air currents in some controlled environments may cause flap 26 to billow or puff out, thus preventing trapped particles from exiting flap 26, bottom edge 29 may also be at least partially attached to back panel 16. Figs. 2 and 3 show bottom edge 29 attached to bottom section 28 by a fastener 30, such as a strap, button, snap or velcro. It is understood that more than one fastener 30 may be used to attach bottom edge 29 to bottom section 28. Finally, a waist securing structure 32, such as elastic or a tie, is included on bottom section 28 to provide a tight and secure fit of jacket 12 around the waist of the personnel. It is understood that vent section 25 and flap 26 may be of other configurations so as to vent back panel 16. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), sides 27A and 27B are fully attached to main body 13 underneath sleeves 20A and 20B, respectively, so as to form a full pocket covering vent section 25. Flap 26 provides more protection to vent section 25 and traps more particles from personnel and vent section 25 when flap 26 covers more of vent section 25. However, in certain less hazardous and less "clean" environments, more of vent section 25 can be exposed to provide more ventilation.

Finally, flap 26 protects vent section 25 from potential hazards, such as protruding equipment, in the controlled environment. Jacket 12 further comprises sleeves 20A and 20B each extending outward from the main body 13. To further reduce particle emission from the personnel, each sleeve 20 A and 20B includes a cuff closure, 21 A and 2 IB, respectively, such as a button, snap, velcro or elastic, to keep each sleeve 20A and 20B relatively tight and secure around its respective wrist. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each sleeve 20A and 20B further includes a sleeve vent, 22A and 22B, respectively. In one embodiment, each sleeve vent 22A and 22B is of a general triangular shape and extends outward from the main body 13 along the back side of its respective sleeve 20 A and 20B. It is understood that sleeve vents 22 A and 22B may be of other configurations so as to vent the back side of each sleeve 20 A and 20B. In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 4, each sleeve vent 220A and 220B includes a sleeve vent section 221 A and 22 IB, respectively. An attached cover or flap

222A and 222B, respectively, similar to flap 26 discussed above, is provided to trap particle emissions from personnel, and sleeve vent sections 221 A and 22 IB, direct such emitted particles down and away from the front of the garment system, and protect sleeve vent sections 221 A and 22 IB from potential hazards. Each flap 222 A and 222B includes and edge, 223A and 223B, respectively, which is at least partially attached to its respective sleeve, 20A and 20B, so that emitted particles are directed down and away from the front of the garment system 10. Further, as shown in Fig. 4, to prevent these flaps 222A and 222B from billowing or puffing out, one edge of each flap may be attached to its respective sleeve by a corresponding fastener 224 A and 224B. It is understood that sleeve vent sections 221 A and 22 IB and corresponding flaps 222 A and 222B may be of other configurations to protect vent sections 221 A and 22 IB, and vent the back side of each sleeve 20 A and 20B. Further, more than one fastener 224 A and 224B of different configurations can be used.

Figures 1 and 2 show the pants 34 of the subject garment system 10 which comprise front leg panels 36A and 36B, and back leg panels 37A and 37B, joined together to form pant legs 39A and 39B, respectively. Side hip pockets 38A and 38B are also provided and may include any suitable closure device (not shown), such as a zipper, button, snap or velcro. If such a closure device is used, it is understood that a flap or other tab must cover the closure device so as to prohibit particle emission and to keep the closure device clean. Other pockets of similar design, for example a back hip pocket, as shown in Figure 4, may also be provided. To reduce particle emission from personnel, each leg 39 A and 39B includes an ankle closure, 44A and 44B, respectively, such as a button, snap, velcro or elastic, to keep each leg 39A and 39B relatively tight and secure around its respective ankle. Finally, pants 34 include a securing structure 42, such as elastic or ties, for securing pants 34 to the waist of the personnel.

In one embodiment, each back leg panel 37A and 37B includes a corresponding leg vent 40A and 40B, extending downward from the back of the pants or seat 41. In this embodiment, each leg vent 40A and 40B is a generally vertical panel having one width at the seat 41 generally wider than another width at its respective ankle closure 44 A and

44B. It is understood that leg vents 40 A and 40B may be of other configurations so as to vent each back leg panel 37A and 37B, respectively. For example, leg vents 40 A and 40B may extend from ankle cuffs 44 A and 44B, respectively, but terminate before seat 41. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 4, each leg vent 400A and 400B includes a leg vent section 401 A and 40 IB, respectively. A corresponding attached cover or flap 402A and 402B, similar to back vent flap 26 discussed above, is provided trap particle emissions from personnel and leg vent sections 401 A and 40 IB, direct such emitted particles down and away from the front of the garment system, and to protect leg vent sections 401 A and 40 IB from potential hazards. Each flap 402 A and 402B includes an edge, 403A and 403B, respectively, which is at least partially attached to the respective leg, 37A and 37B, so that emitted particles are directed down and away from the front of the garment system 10. Further, as shown in Fig. 4, to prevent these flaps 402A and 402B from billowing or puffing out, one edge of each flap may be attached to its respective leg by a corresponding fastener 404 A and 404B. It is understood that leg vent sections 401 A and 40 IB and corresponding flaps 402 A and 402B may be of other configurations to vent the back side of each leg 37A and 37B, and that more than one fastener 404 A and 404B of different configurations can be used. The fabric used for the garment system 10 must have minimal particle emissions and reduce or limit the electostatic charge buildup on personnel. An example of such fabric is a woven polyester-based fabric of 99% polyester and 1 % Carbon, as selected according to the Institute of Environmental Sciences IES-RP-CC003.2 titled "Garment System Considerations for Cleanrooms and Other Controlled Environments" and tested accordong to ASTM F51 (standard test method for sizing and counting particulate contaminant in and on cleanroom garments).

The material used for the findings (e.g. zippers, buttons, snaps and velcro) must also have minimal particle emissions and reduce or limit the electostatic charge buildup on personnel. An example of such material is plastic.

Finally, the fabric used for the back vent section 25, sleeve vents 22A and 22B, sleeve vent sections 221 A and 22 IB, leg vents 40A and 40B, and leg vent sections 401 A and 40 IB, must be a breathable material which allows air to enter and escape the garment system 10. The fabric must also have filtration properties and limited particle emissions. An example of such a fabric is tricot, a knitted polyester selected according to IES-RP- CC003.2 and tested accordong to ASTM F51.

Although specific embodiments have been described herein, they are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A controlled environment garment system comprising: a back panel including a back vent formed therein, the back vent having a back vent section and a flap, the flap at least partially covering the back vent section, and having two side edges which are at least partially attached to the back panel.

2. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 1 wherein: the flap includes a bottom edge which is at least partially attached to the back panel.

3. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 2 wherein: the back panel further includes a bottom section formed therein, and the flap is at least partially attached to the bottom section by a fastener.

4. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 3 wherein: the fastener is a strap.

5. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 1 wherein: the back panel further includes a gathering structure adapted to cinch the back panel to the waist of personnel wearing the garment system.

6. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 1 further comprising: two sleeves attached to the back panel, each sleeve including a cuff and a sleeve vent extending proximately from the back panel toward the cuff.

7. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 6 wherein: each sleeve vent includes a sleeve vent section and a flap which at least partially covers the sleeve vent section and is at least partially attached to its respective sleeve.

8. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 1 further comprising: a seat and two legs extending therefrom, each leg including an ankle cuff and a leg vent extending proximately from the seat toward the ankle cuff.

9. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 8 wherein: each leg vent includes a leg vent section and a flap which at least partially covers the leg vent section and is at least partially attached to its respective leg.

10. A controlled environment garment system comprising: a jacket including a back panel and a back vent formed therein, the back vent having a back vent section and a flap, the flap at least partially covering the back vent section and having two side edges which are at least partially attached to the back panel, and two sleeves attached to the back panel, each sleeve including a cuff and a sleeve vent extending proximately from the back panel toward the cuff, and a pair of pants including a seat and two legs extending therefrom, each leg including an ankle cuff and a leg vent extending proximately from the seat toward the ankle cuff.

11. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 10 wherein: the flap includes a bottom edge which is at least partially attached to the back panel.

12. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 11 wherein: the back panel further includes a bottom section formed therein, and the flap is at least partially attached to the bottom section by a fastener.

13. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 10 wherein: each sleeve vent includes a sleeve vent section and a flap which at least partially covers the sleeve vent section and is at least partially attached to its respective sleeve.

14. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 10, wherein: each leg vent includes a leg vent section and a flap which at least partially covers the leg vent section and is at least partially attached to its respective leg.

15. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 10, wherein: the back vent section is made of tricot.

16. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 10, wherein: each sleeve vent is made of tricot.

17. The controlled environment garment system of Claim 10, wherein: each leg vent is made of tricot.