One-piece protective garment with improved cover sheet

Abstract

A single piece of clothing (10) comprising a protective clothing fabric, a fastener assembly (20) for joining a first region (21) and a second region (22) of the protective clothing fabric, and a cover sheet (11) for covering the fastener assembly (20), the cover sheet (11) being attached to a single piece of clothing outer surface of the first region (21) of the protective clothing fabric, the cover sheet (11) being sized and shaped such that the first region (21) of the protective clothing fabric is exposed to the second region (22) of the protective clothing fabric. When the fastener assembly (20) is closed, the covering area of the cover sheet (11) completely covers the fastener assembly (20), the cover sheet (11) having an average flexural rigidity that is at least 7.5% greater than the average flexural rigidity of the protective garment fabric; the color and / or visual marking or pattern of the cover sheet (11) may be different from or distinct from other portions of the single piece of clothing (10).

Description

Background Art

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improved one-piece protective garment features that help ensure that the one-piece garment fasteners are closed while the one-piece garment is worn on the body and, if desired, visually indicate that the one-piece garment fasteners have been released while the one-piece garment is worn on the body.

[0002] Related art description.One function of some personal protective clothing that workers wear is to prevent or reduce environmental pollutants from contacting the skin.Such clothing can include encapsulated liquid-resistant and / or chemical-resistant suits or single clothing, or be designed to prevent suits or single clothing from being exposed to particulates, or be designed to prevent suits or single clothing from contacting the skin with multiple hazardous materials.Such clothing can include items such as coveralls, shirts, coats or the combination of these articles.The clothing can be made of various special single-piece protective clothing cloth, barrier cloth, laminate and film.The clothing can also include a laminate of nonwoven and / or woven cloth and such material and film.In certain embodiments, the clothing material is a laminate of multilayer film and nonwoven.In certain embodiments, the clothing material is a nonwoven that resists liquid and / or particulate penetration.

[0003] Clearly, openings in garments are potential weak points in preventing the ingress of liquids and / or particulates, as these openings must be present in order for the garment to be donned, and then must be adequately closed or sealed after donning. Any improvement in ensuring that a worker's piece of clothing is sealed prior to entering a potentially hazardous area, or in helping a piece of clothing remain sealed in a potentially hazardous area, or in indicating that a piece of clothing has become unsealed or unsecured when used in a potentially hazardous environment, would be highly desirable. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a single garment, comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first area and a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, wherein each of the first area and the second area of ​​the protective garment fabric has a single garment inner surface and a single garment outer surface, and the fastener assembly comprises a fastener having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape,

[0005] each fastener strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener strip further having an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface and a closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon;

[0006] wherein the attachment area of ​​the first fastener tape is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener tape is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric,

[0007] The cover sheet also has an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a cover area having an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0008] wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape, or to the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area of ​​protective clothing fabric, or some combination of these; the cover sheet is of a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the row of cooperating fastener elements mounted on the second fastener tape of the fastener assembly, and

[0009] The cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 7.5% greater than an average bending stiffness of the protective clothing fabric.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a single garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first region and a second region of the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, wherein each of the first region and the second region of the protective garment fabric has a single garment inner surface and a single garment outer surface,

[0011] The fastener assembly has one or more first cooperating fastening elements and one or more second cooperating fastening elements, wherein the first fastening elements are attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric and the second fastening elements are attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric,

[0012] The cover sheet has an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a cover area having an inner surface and an outer surface,

[0013] wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the single garment of the first area of ​​the protective clothing fabric, the cover sheet has a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the first cooperating fastening elements and the second cooperating fastening elements of the fastener assembly, and

[0014] The cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 7.5% greater than an average bending stiffness of the protective clothing fabric.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a single garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first area and a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, wherein each of the first area and the second area of ​​the protective garment fabric has a single garment inner surface and a single garment outer surface, and the fastener assembly comprises a fastener having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape,

[0016] each fastener strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener strip further having an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface and a closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon;

[0017] wherein the attachment area of ​​the first fastener tape is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener tape is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric,

[0018] The cover sheet also has an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a cover area having an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0019] wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape, or to the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area of ​​protective clothing fabric, or some combination of these; the cover sheet is of a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the row of cooperating fastener elements mounted on the second fastener tape of the fastener assembly, and

[0020] The cover sheet has a first color or a first visual mark or pattern, and the protective clothing fabric has a different second color or a different second visual mark or pattern, or only one of the cover sheet or the protective clothing fabric has a visual mark or pattern.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a single garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first area and a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, wherein each of the first area and the second area of ​​the protective garment fabric has a single garment inner surface and a single garment outer surface, and the fastener assembly comprises a fastener having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape,

[0022] each fastener strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener strip further having an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface and a closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon;

[0023] wherein the attachment area of ​​the first fastener tape is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener tape is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric,

[0024] The cover sheet also has an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a cover area having an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0025] wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape, or to the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area of ​​protective clothing fabric, or some combination of these; the cover sheet is of a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the row of cooperating fastener elements mounted on the second fastener tape of the fastener assembly, and

[0026] wherein the cover sheet has a first color or a first visual indicia or pattern and the second fastener tape has a second, different color or a second, different visual indicia or pattern, or only one of the cover sheet or the second fastener tape has a visual indicia or pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a coverall provided with a cover panel covering a fastener assembly.

[0028] Figure 2 Details of one possible method of attaching a cover sheet to a single item of clothing.

[0029] Figure 3 Details of the relative position of the cover sheet with respect to the fastener assembly in one possible embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 Detail of an unfastened piece of clothing showing how one embodiment can make a significant difference to an unfastened piece of clothing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention relates to a protective clothing single piece, which includes a protective clothing fabric with an improved cover piece. Typically, a worker puts on a single piece of protective clothing (such as a coverall) through an opening (such as a central front opening provided with a sliding fastener such as a zipper). After putting on the single piece of clothing, the worker moves the zipper slider to close the single piece of clothing. On some single pieces of clothing, a cover piece, which is usually attached to only one side or the other of the opening, is used to cover the zipper as an additional level of protection; however, wind or worker activity may cause the cover piece to open because usually only one side of the cover piece is attached to the single piece of clothing. The improved cover piece described herein has a smaller tendency to open when the single piece of clothing is worn, thereby helping to ensure the additional level of protection desired by using the cover piece. This is achieved by providing a cover piece having an average bending stiffness that is at least 7.5% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective clothing fabric used to make the main body of the single piece of clothing.

[0032] In an optional embodiment, when the fastener assembly is closed, the color and / or visual pattern of the area of ​​the single garment covered by the cover sheet can be different from the color and / or visual pattern of the cover sheet and the color and / or visual pattern of the area of ​​the single garment not covered by the cover sheet. This provides a visual indication that the single garment fastener is not fully closed or, if the fastener was fully closed when the single garment was first put on, that the fastener has become loose. All of this can help improve worker safety.

[0033] Therefore, the present invention is directed to a protective clothing single piece comprising a protective clothing fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first area and a second area of ​​the protective clothing fabric, and a cover sheet for covering at least a section of the fastener assembly, the cover sheet fabric having an average bending stiffness at least 7.5% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective clothing fabric.

[0034] Figure 1 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a coverall 10 provided with a cover piece 11 covering a fastener assembly. This particular coverall has a torso section for covering the torso of the wearer and having an opening for the neck or head connected to an opening for donning and doffing the piece of clothing; two arm sections connected to the torso section for covering the arms of the wearer, each terminating in an opening for a hand or wrist; and two leg sections connected to the torso section for covering the legs of the wearer, each terminating in an opening for a foot or ankle. Figure 1 The specific embodiment of further shows an optional collar at the neck opening. For example, the single piece of clothing may have a hood with a facial opening for the head, or some other type of collar. Figure 1 , the fastener assemblies are not visible because the piece of clothing is shown with the fastener assemblies closed and covered by a coverall 11 that is a different color than the protective garment fabric used for the torso section (and other sections) of the coverall 10.

[0035] In some embodiments, the fastener assembly includes a fastener having a first fastener band and a second fastener band, each fastener band having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener band further having an attachment area and a closure area, the attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface, the closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon; wherein the attachment area of ​​the first fastener band is attached to a first area of ​​the protective clothing fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener band is attached to a second area of ​​the protective clothing fabric.

[0036] As a further illustration, Figure 2Detail of a possible method of attaching a cover sheet to a single piece of clothing. This specific perspective is from the inside of a single piece of clothing and shows a fastener assembly 20 that joins a first area 21 of a protective fabric and a second area 22 of a protective clothing fabric. The fastener assembly 20 has a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape (two zipper tapes) 23, each of which has a row of cooperating fastener elements, in this case, the fastener elements are teeth of a zipper. Each fastener tape 23 is also referred to as a stringer tape. Each fastener tape or stringer tape has an attachment area and a closure area, and the attachment area is used to attach each fastener tape to an area of ​​the protective clothing fabric, wherein each closure area has a row of cooperating fastener elements (e.g., zipper teeth) mounted thereon. Through the sewing seams shown by the dotted lines 26 on each zipper tape, one fastener tape 23 is shown as being attached to the first area 21 of the protective clothing fabric and the other fastener tape 23 is shown as being attached to the second area 22 of the protective clothing fabric. As shown, the fastener assembly is closed and the teeth are engaged along the centerline of the fastener assembly 29 , the engaged teeth being generally indicated at 24 .

[0037] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, both the first and second regions 21, 22 of the protective fabric are folded over and sewn to each of the zipper tapes 23 by stitches 26, which are shown by dashed lines on each of the zipper tapes. The cover sheet also has an attachment region for attaching the cover sheet to a single article of clothing or a fastener assembly, the cover sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a covering region for covering the cooperating fastener elements of the fastener assembly, the covering region also having an inner surface and an outer surface. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the end of the cover sheet 25 is inserted between the first area 21 of the protective fabric and the fastener assembly, and the end serves as the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet; therefore, the stitching on the zipper tape also attaches the cover sheet to the single piece of clothing by stitching. As shown, the inner surface of the cover sheet contacts the fastener tape 23 of the first area 21 of the protective fabric, and the outer surface of the cover sheet contacts the outer surface of the single piece of clothing in the first area 21 of the protective garment fabric. In this embodiment, the cover sheet is attached to both the fastener assembly and the body of the single piece of clothing by stitching, but other possible attachments and arrangements are possible.

[0038] Figure 2 A way of combining fabrics in the seam area is shown, with the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet being between the first area of ​​the protective garment fabric and the first fastener tape, and also the feature of folding the ends of the protective garment fabric after the seams are sewn. After the fabric is sewn to the fastener tape 23, the ends of the second area 22 of the protective garment fabric are also folded in a similar manner to the first area 21 of the protective garment fabric.

[0039] After suturing, if necessary, the fastener tape (or wire braid in the case of a sliding fastener) can be sealed by applying a suitable inner sealing tape to the suture or joint between the different materials. The inner sealing tape may comprise chlorinated polyethylene or thermoplastic elastomer or other materials compatible with the material being sealed. Representative commercially available inner sealing tapes are available from manufacturers such as Adhesive Films, Inc., Bemis Associates, Inc., Worthen Industries, Inc., and other manufacturers.

[0040] In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to sewing, any of the fastener tapes, cover sheets, or protective garment fabrics can be attached to each other by using heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, chemical welding, adhesive welding, etc.; and the fastener tapes can be additionally coated with a compatible material to assist in such sealing. In addition, instead of sewing or bonding the cover sheet to the protective garment fabric by using applied energy (heat, ultrasound, etc.), any of the fastener tapes, cover sheets, or protective garment fabrics can be attached to each other by applying tape (e.g., single-sided tape, double-sided tape, etc.) if a suitable adhesive for the desired use is available.

[0041] Although Figure 2 A preferred embodiment is shown when a slide fastener is used as the fastener assembly, but the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet can be attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape 23, or the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area 21 of the protective garment fabric, or some combination of these.

[0042] Figure 3 Detail of the cover sheet 25 covering the closed fastener assembly 20, showing the preferred relative position of the cover sheet with respect to the closed fastener assembly. In this figure, the cover sheet 25 covers the closed fastener assembly 20 and further covers a section of the second area of ​​the protective garment fabric. The closed fastener assembly 20 is centered on the front face of the single garment, wherein the center of the front face of the single garment corresponds to the vertical centerline 29 of the closed fastener assembly 20. Figure 2 shown but in Figure 3 Without repetition, one fastener strip 23 is shown attached to a first area 21 of the protective garment fabric and another fastener strip 23 is shown attached to a second area 22 of the protective garment fabric. Figure 3 Also shown is a bottom seam 28 which attaches the bottom end of the fastener assembly to the protective garment fabric of the piece of clothing; this bottom seam is not attached to the flap, but rather is beneath the flap and preferably covered by the flap.

[0043] exist Figure 3, one vertical edge of the cover sheet is attached to the first fastener tape, and one vertical edge of the fastener assembly and one vertical edge of the cover sheet (on the first area on the protective garment fabric side) are visually aligned. The protective garment fabric is omitted for clarity. The other vertical edge of the closed fastener assembly 20 below the cover sheet (the vertical edge of the second fastener tape) is shown by the dotted line 27.

[0044] Additionally, in this embodiment, the cover sheet is wider than the closed fastener assembly, and the cover sheet will further cover a portion of the one-piece protective garment fabric on one side of the closed fastener assembly, specifically a section of the second area 22 of the protective garment fabric, such as Figure 2 As shown, this means that the vertical centerline of the cover piece is not aligned with the center of the front of the piece or the vertical centerline of the closed fastener assembly, both of which are indicated by dashed line 29. This embodiment with an offset cover piece provides a unique look to the piece that draws the attention to the center front of the piece.

[0045] Other embodiments of the cover sheet are possible, as long as the cover sheet covers the closed fastener elements. For example, although the drawings show vertically oriented fasteners, the fastener assembly can be installed in a single piece of clothing at an angle across the torso. In addition, in some situations, it may be desirable that the cover sheet only covers the closed fastener elements.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fastener assembly has one or more first cooperating fastening elements and one or more second cooperating fastening elements, wherein the first fastening elements are attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric and the second fastening elements are attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric. For example, it is contemplated that the cooperating fastening elements may include a set of snap fasteners, the cooperating fastening elements being two sides of the snap fastener that mate to close the fastener. Likewise, in some cases, the cooperating fastening elements may include simple buttons and loops or buttonholes.

[0047] Other cooperating fastener elements may be used in the fastener assembly. A particularly useful fastener assembly has cooperating fastener elements in the form of multiple rows of parallel fastener elements. In one particular example, the fastener elements are cooperating sliding fastener elements mounted on a fastener tape (also known as a wire braid). For example, Figure 2The particular fastener assembly shown in is a slide fastener commonly referred to as a "zipper" that includes cooperating fastener elements in the form of multiple rows of parallel teeth, each row attached to a fastener or braid that engage to close the fastener assembly. The slide fastener further includes a slider that cooperates with the fastener elements on the braid to engage and disengage the teeth and open and close the slide fastener. Alternatively, the fastener assembly may have cooperating fastener elements in the form of multiple parallel rows of interlocking channels or ribs, such as in plastic storage bags (e.g., brand bags) and generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,826,808 to Kutschka; when used in a single piece of clothing, such fastener assemblies typically include a slider to assist in the interlocking and opening of the parallel channels, but as in the storage bag, the slider is a convenient but optional feature. In other embodiments, the fastener assembly may have cooperating fastener elements, such as those used in velvet-type hook and loop fasteners, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,437 to de Mestral, more generally referred to as Fasteners. Other fastener assemblies and cooperating fastener elements may be used, including such items as magnetic seals (such as those sold by GooperHermetic) and toothless extruded zippers (such as those sold by Nite For sale Zip).

[0048] The cover sheet has a size and shape such that the cover sheet's coverage area adequately covers the cooperating fastener elements, which can vary based on the type of fastener being used. For example, if the fastener has multiple rows of cooperating fastener elements, such as in a slider or hook-and-loop fastener, and the cover sheet is mounted on a first area of ​​protective garment fabric and / or a first fastening strip, then when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover sheet's coverage area should be sufficient to cover at least the row of cooperating fastener elements on the second fastener strip of the fastener assembly mounted on a second area of ​​protective garment fabric.

[0049] Alternatively, if a fastener assembly has one or more first cooperating fastening elements and one or more second cooperating fastening elements, such as for snaps and buttons / buttonholes, wherein the first fastening elements are attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric and the second fastening elements are attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the single garment of the first area of ​​the protective garment fabric; the cover sheet has a size and shape such that, when the fastener assembly is closed, the coverage area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the first cooperating fastening elements and the second cooperating fastening elements of the fastener assembly.

[0050] If desired, the cover piece does not necessarily have to completely cover the top end of the fastener assembly, which has no cooperating fastener elements and is typically located at the neck or face opening of the piece of clothing; the cover piece only needs to cover the cooperating fastener elements that fasten the first area of ​​the protective garment fabric to the second area of ​​the protective garment fabric.

[0051] The cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 7.5% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective garment fabric. The bending stiffness (also known as bending stiffness) is measured using the Kawabata Evaluation System (KES). In some embodiments, the cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 9% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective garment fabric. In some embodiments, the cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 25% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective garment fabric. In other embodiments, the cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 40% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective garment fabric. In yet other embodiments, the cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 100% greater or even at least 140% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective garment fabric. It is believed that a cover sheet having an average bending stiffness that is at least 250% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective garment fabric may cause problems with the fit and construction of a single garment.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cover sheet has an average bending rigidity of 0.2800 to 1.2000 grams-force per square centimeter per centimeter length. In some embodiments, the cover sheet has an average bending rigidity of 0.3500 to 1.2000 grams-force per square centimeter per centimeter length. In other embodiments, the cover sheet has an average bending rigidity of 0.8500 to 1.2000 grams-force per square centimeter per centimeter length. In yet other embodiments, the cover sheet has an average bending rigidity of up to 1.2000 grams-force per square centimeter per centimeter length.

[0053] The flap has a width and a length. In a typical coverall, the flap is oriented vertically on the front of the piece and preferably has a length that extends from the coverall's head or neck opening in the head or neck region to an area below the waist and above the upper inseam of the pant leg (or the junction of the pant leg or leg section with the torso section of the piece if no actual inseam exists). The actual length depends on the size of the coverall or piece.

[0054] The cover sheet is typically a strip of material whose width is significantly less than its length. As used herein, the "cover sheet cut width" is the width of the cover sheet material piece after initial cutting, and the "cover sheet width" or "finished width" is the width of the unattached section of the cover sheet cut width after the cover sheet has been attached to a single piece of clothing. In some embodiments, the cover sheet cut width is from about 1.75 to 6 inches, and in some embodiments preferably 1.75 to 5 inches. In some other embodiments, the cover sheet cut width is preferably 1.75 to 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the unattached "cover sheet width" or "finished width" is 1 to 3 inches; in some preferred embodiments, the cover sheet width or finished width is 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

[0055] The top and bottom ends of the cover sheet; that is, the ends of the cover sheet at the neck opening and below the waist, respectively, can be cut straight across to form a rectangular cover sheet as shown, or if desired, the shape can be preferably a straight shape, with one or more ends tapering up to about 30 or 40 degrees from the vertical. In one embodiment, this is shown as Figure 3 The dotted line 45 on the top has an angle α of about 30 degrees. Alternatively, the lidding sheet may be cut so that the ends taper from both sides with the finished center of the lidding sheet terminating at one point (again tapering up to about 30 or 40 degrees from vertical if desired).

[0056] The cover is preferably attached to or on a first side of the piece of clothing, preferably to or on a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the width of the cover piece preferably covers the fastener assembly. Additionally, in some further embodiments, the width of the cover piece not only further covers the fastener assembly, but the width of the cover piece is such that it further extends and covers a section of the piece of clothing adjacent to the fastener assembly, preferably a section of the second area of ​​the protective garment fabric adjacent to the fastener assembly. However, in some preferred embodiments, the cover piece covers the section that is not attached to the second area of ​​the protective garment fabric.

[0057] If a visual indicator indicating that a single piece of clothing is closed is desired, the color of the area of ​​the single piece of clothing covered by the cover sheet can be different from the color of the cover sheet and the color of the area of ​​the single piece of clothing not covered by the cover sheet when the fastener assembly is closed. Specifically, in some embodiments, the cover sheet can have a color different from the color of the second fastener tape. In some embodiments, the cover sheet can have a color different from the color of the protective clothing fabric, specifically the cover sheet can have a color different from the color of any covered area of ​​the protective clothing fabric (the fabric covered by the cover sheet), and the covered area of ​​the protective clothing fabric can preferably be different from the color of the protective clothing fabric not covered by the cover sheet. For example, a coloring or colored coating can be used to distinguish the color of the cover sheet from other parts of the single piece of clothing, or to distinguish the area covered by the cover sheet from the cover sheet or the uncovered protective clothing fabric. The coloring or colored coating can also make the cover sheet harden (i.e., increase the average bending rigidity).

[0058] If desired, the cover sheet may have a unique pattern to draw the person's attention to the cover sheet, or the fastener assembly or area covered by the cover sheet may have a contrasting visual pattern or other otherwise different color to indicate that the fastener assembly is open and not fully covered by the cover. For example, the cover sheet may be made unique by a single piece of clothing having a cover sheet with a visual mark or pattern and the second fastener band or fastener assembly having a different visual mark or pattern or having no visual mark or pattern. Alternatively, the cover sheet may be made unique by a single piece of clothing having a cover sheet with a visual mark or pattern and the protective garment fabric having a different visual mark or pattern or having no visual mark or pattern.

[0059] In some embodiments, because the average bending stiffness of the cover sheet is higher than the protective garment fabric used for the main body of the one-piece garment, the cover sheet material must be different in some way from the one-piece garment protective garment fabric; i.e., the protective garment fabric used for the rest of the main body of the one-piece garment. In preferred embodiments, the cover sheet material has the same or better protective properties as the one-piece garment protective garment fabric. In other words, preferably, the cover sheet material is different from the one-piece garment protective garment fabric, but the cover sheet material has the same or better protective properties against the intended hazards.

[0060] It is believed that the average bending stiffness of the cover sheet for any one of the protective fabrics can be increased by a desired amount using any number of methods. In one embodiment, the single-piece protective clothing fabric has a mechanical treatment to soften the fabric, while the cover sheet material does not have any such mechanical treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical softening treatment involves locally stretching or breaking the surface bonds in a uniform manner across the entire surface of the fabric to be softened. Such methods include nail or pin softening methods, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,811,979 and 3,920,874 to Dempsey et al. These methods and other such methods of locally stretching or processing the surface of the sheet can reduce the sheet stiffness in a uniform manner across the entire sheet. Similarly, the fabric does not need to be softened and will therefore have a higher surface stiffness. As shown in the examples, a preferred embodiment utilizes a flash spun polyethylene sheet bonded by embossing without subsequent softening as the cover sheet material; while a flash spun polyethylene sheet bonded by embossing followed by pin softening is used as a single-piece protective clothing fabric.

[0061] Another way to increase the average bending rigidity is by adding substances to the fabric. For example, the average bending rigidity of a single piece of protective clothing fabric can be measured, and the fabric can then be modified by applying one or more layers of coating or by other treatments until the desired increase in the average bending rigidity of the cover sheet is achieved. Some non-limiting examples of this type of treatment include providing a flash-spun polyethylene or other nonwoven sheet that is optionally pin-softened by embossing bonding, and then coating one or more surfaces of the sheet with a polymer layer or other coating; providing a flash-spun polyethylene sheet or other nonwoven sheet that is optionally pin-softened by embossing bonding, and then one or more surfaces of the sheet are further provided with a microporous membrane. Still other examples include providing a flash-spun polyethylene or other nonwoven sheet that is optionally pin-softened by embossing bonding, and the sheet is further provided with an additional surface treatment, such as a flame retardant treatment.

[0062] Additional rigidity may also be provided to the nonwoven fabric by applying a film (with or without an intermediate adhesive). For example, the cover sheet material may be a flash spun polyethylene or other nonwoven sheet bonded by embossing and optionally subsequently pin softened, which sheet has been additionally provided with a film laminated to one or more surfaces of the sheet. Such films are considered to be non-limiting, for example, these films may be microporous films or films of a single polymer or films comprising more than one polymer.

[0063] Preferably, the lidding sheet is made from a single sheet of material, whether that sheet is a laminate, coated or uncoated.Any coating or film used in the manufacture of the lidding sheet material may contain pigments and / or other additives such as fillers to impart additional stiffness to the coated fabric.

[0064] Preferably, the cover sheet is made of a single layer of fabric, which is preferably not folded in half or hemmed in a special way to impart additional rigidity. This reduces the complexity of manufacturing a single piece of protective clothing. However, if desired, the cover sheet can be made of multiple layers of fabric; however, preferably, the multiple layers of fabric are adhered (especially at any cut edges) or tightly sewn together to obtain the desired increase in average bending rigidity.

[0065] It should be understood that, as used herein, the average stiffness of a cover sheet is considered to be the average stiffness of the fabric from which the cover sheet is made, and such fabric is considered herein to be "cover sheet fabric". For example, if a single layer of fabric is used to make the cover sheet, the average stiffness of the cover sheet is the same as the average stiffness measured on the fabric cut to make the cover sheet. Similarly, if more than one layer of a single fabric (a multi-layer fabric) is used to make the cover sheet, the average stiffness of the cover sheet is considered to be the average stiffness of the multi-layer fabric used to make the cover sheet, and the multi-layer fabric is considered to be "cover sheet fabric". In addition, it should be understood that a fabric or sheet structure may be considered to be a cover sheet fabric in one single piece of clothing, while the same fabric or sheet structure may be considered to be a single garment body or protective garment fabric in another single piece of clothing, depending on how the fabric or sheet structure is paired with other fabrics used for the single garment body or protective garment fabric and the cover sheet fabric, respectively.

[0066] In some embodiments, the difference between the cover sheet fabric and the main body fabric of the single garment preferably has a different "fabric hand" detectable and distinguishable by touch or feel; this is particularly useful for workers putting on the single garment, because they can feel that the single garment is closed and the cover sheet is in place. The presence of a coating (especially with pigments or fillers) can help to create this tactile difference, as can lamination or the lack of substantial mechanical softening treatment of the cover sheet material.

[0067] Some specific combinations of body fabric and cover fabric in a single garment include a single garment having the following body fabric and cover fabric: the body fabric is a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is pin softened by embossing bonding, and the cover fabric is a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is pin softened by embossing bonding but has no subsequent softening. Alternatively, the body fabric can be a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is pin softened by embossing bonding, and the cover fabric is: (a) a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is pin softened by embossing bonding and then not softened or not pin softened subsequently, (b) a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is pin softened by embossing bonding and then one surface of the sheet is coated with a polymer layer; (c) a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is pin softened by embossing bonding and then has an additional flame retardant treatment to stiffen the sheet; or (d) a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is pin softened by embossing bonding and has a film laminated to one surface of the sheet.

[0068] Still other combinations may include a main body fabric of a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is embossed bonded followed by pin softening and an additional flame retardant treatment to stiffen the sheet, and a cover fabric of a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is embossed bonded followed by pin softening and further has a film laminated to one surface of the sheet (due to the difference in stiffness between the two fabrics).

[0069] Other specific combinations of main body fabric and cover fabric in a single piece of clothing include a single piece of clothing having the following main body fabric and cover fabric combination: the main body fabric is (a) a point-bonded sheet known in the art as spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS), which is a sandwich of a meltblown layer between two meltspun layers, which are laid in sequence and then bonded together, or (b) a point-bonded meltspun sheet further provided with a microporous film on one surface; the cover fabric is (a) a flash-spun polyethylene sheet that is embossed bonded and then pin-softened, wherein one surface of the sheet is coated or not coated with a polymer layer; (b) a flash-spun polyethylene sheet that is embossed bonded and then pin-softened and has an additional flame retardant treatment to stiffen the sheet; or (c) a flash-spun polyethylene sheet that is embossed bonded and then pin-softened and has a film laminated to one surface of the sheet.

[0070] The one-piece garment preferably comprises a protective garment fabric. From a structural element point of view, the use of "protective garment fabric" as a structural element means the fabric used for the body of the one-piece garment, covering most of the torso section and any other arm or leg sections, and is also referred to herein as "one-piece garment body fabric" or simply "body fabric". When the protective garment fabric is used for a cover sheet, it is considered to be a cover sheet fabric and is specifically described in this way herein.

[0071] From a composition point of view, the term "protective clothing fabric" is intended to include a wide variety of single-piece protective clothing fabrics, barrier fabrics, laminates and films. The term "protective clothing fabric" also includes nonwoven and / or woven fabrics and laminates of such materials with films or multilayer films. In some preferred embodiments, the protective clothing fabric and thus the clothing material is a multilayer film and nonwoven fabric laminate. In some embodiments, the clothing material is a nonwoven that resists penetration by liquids and / or particles, such as Nonwoven of spunbonded polyethylene. Other useful protective apparel fabrics provide protection against a wide variety of threats and include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in the following U.S. Patent Nos.: 5,626,947 (Hauer et al.); 4,855,178 (Langley); 4,272,851 (Goldstein); 4,772,510 (McClure); 5,035,941 (Blackburn); 4,214,321 (Nuwayser); 4,920,575 (Bartasis); 5,162,148 (Boye); 4,833,010 (Langley).

[0072] Some specific protective clothing fabrics include those made from flash spun polyethylene sheets that have been spun and then slightly bonded, followed by a softening treatment; or there is no subsequent softening treatment. One method of providing such flash spun sheets is described in Janis 5,972,147. Another method of providing the sheet is point bonding a loosely consolidated flash spun polyethylene sheet by passing the sheet between one or more heated rollers with bosses and an elastic roller, as described in Dempsey et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,141. In the case where a softer flash spun sheet is desired, either sheet can be softened by passing the sheet through a pin or nail softening device, as disclosed in Dempsey et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,811,979 and 3,920,874. Either sheet can be further coated with various compositions or laminated to a film to produce a treated, coated or film-laminated product.

[0073] Other protective clothing fabrics include spunbond nonwovens, meltblown sheets, and spunbond combinations of meltspun and meltblown layers (e.g., SMS), electrosprayed sheets, and any combination thereof. The term "nonwoven" means a planar sheet structure comprising at least one randomly distributed web of fibrous material, as opposed to a woven or knitted fabric made of interlaced yarns or interlocking yarn loops. In some preferred embodiments, the fibrous material in the nonwoven sheet is a synthetic polymer; in some embodiments, the synthetic polymer is a thermoplastic polymer. In some preferred embodiments, the fibrous material in the nonwoven sheet structure does not contain an added adhesive; that is, the fibrous material is bonded to the sheet by melting at the fiber intersections in the sheet structure without adding additional adhesive compounds to the sheet. "Fibrous" means that the material in the nonwoven sheet has some fiber properties. This fiber property can be provided by things such as chopped fibers, continuous or semi-continuous fibers, and / or plexifilamentary fiber structures. The fibrous material can contain a single material or multiple materials, as a combination of different fibers or as a combination of similar fibers each containing different materials.

[0074] In some embodiments, before any additional treatment, coating or film lamination, the fibrous nonwoven sheet structure can have a basis weight of 75 grams per square meter or less. In some more preferred embodiments, the fibrous nonwoven sheet structure or protective clothing fabric has a basis weight of 55 grams per square meter or less; and in some most preferred embodiments, the fibrous nonwoven sheet structure or protective clothing fabric has a basis weight of 45 grams per square meter or less. In some embodiments, the fibrous nonwoven structure or protective clothing fabric has a basis weight of 125 grams per square meter or less. In some embodiments, the fibrous nonwoven structure or protective clothing fabric has a basis weight of 70 grams per square meter or less.

[0075] In some embodiments, the single garment comprising the protective garment fabric, fastener assembly and cover sheet is an A, B, C or D level single protective garment. A-level single garments are used in situations where the highest level of skin, respiratory and eye protection is required, and are typically fully encapsulated single vapor protective garments. B-level single garments are used in situations where the highest level of respiratory protection is required, but a lower level of skin protection is required. C-level single garments are used in situations where atmospheric contaminants, liquid splashes and other direct contacts will not adversely affect or be absorbed by any exposed skin. D-level single garments are used in situations where contamination is only an obstruction. There may be some situations where a combination of protective garments rated as A, B, C or D levels can be used together.

[0076] In another embodiment, the single piece of clothing including the protective garment fabric, fastener assembly and cover sheet is a single piece of secondary flame resistant protective clothing. Secondary flame resistant protective clothing is designed for use in industrial environments where flame hazards may be present and such clothing will not negatively affect the thermal performance provided by the primary flame resistant protective clothing worn underneath.

[0077] In one embodiment, the present invention is also directed to a single garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first region and a second region of the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, wherein each of the first region and the second region of the protective garment fabric has a single garment inner surface and a single garment outer surface, and the fastener assembly includes a fastener having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape,

[0078] each fastener strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener strip further having an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface and a closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon;

[0079] wherein the attachment area of ​​the first fastener tape is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener tape is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric,

[0080] The cover sheet also has an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a cover area having an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0081] wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape, or to the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area of ​​protective clothing fabric, or some combination of these; the cover sheet is of a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the row of cooperating fastener elements mounted on the second fastener tape of the fastener assembly, and

[0082] The cover sheet has a first color or a first visual mark or pattern, and the protective clothing fabric has a different second color or a different second visual mark or pattern, or only one of the cover sheet or the protective clothing fabric has a visual mark or pattern.

[0083] If desired, all features and elements previously described herein may be applied to this embodiment.

[0084] Figure 1 is an illustration of a single piece of clothing where the cover sheet has a color and / or visual markings or patterns that are different and distinct from the protective apparel fabric, which has a contrasting color and no markings or patterns.

[0085] In another embodiment, the present invention is also directed to a single garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first region and a second region of the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, wherein each of the first region and the second region of the protective garment fabric has a single garment inner surface and a single garment outer surface, and the fastener assembly includes a fastener having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape,

[0086] each fastener strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener strip further having an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface and a closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon;

[0087] wherein the attachment area of ​​the first fastener tape is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener tape is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric,

[0088] The cover sheet also has an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a cover area having an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0089] wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape, or to the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area of ​​protective clothing fabric, or some combination of these; the cover sheet is of a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the row of cooperating fastener elements mounted on the second fastener tape of the fastener assembly, and

[0090] wherein the cover sheet has a first color or a first visual indicia or pattern and the second fastener tape has a second, different color or a second, different visual indicia or pattern, or only one of the cover sheet or the second fastener tape has a visual indicia or pattern.

[0091] If desired, all features and elements previously described herein may be applied to this embodiment.

[0092] Figure 4 Detail of the upper portion of an unfastened one-piece garment showing how this embodiment can make an unfastened one-piece garment have a significant difference. As shown, the one-piece garment 40 has a cover piece 41, which has a color different from the color of the protective garment fabric. In addition, the cover piece has no pattern, but the second fastener band 42 has a visual mark or pattern to distinguish it from the cover piece and draw attention to the fact that the one-piece garment is at least partially unfastened (zipper unzipped). In this illustration, the protective garment fabric also has no visual mark or pattern, thereby increasing the uniqueness of the one-piece garment.

[0093] Test Method

[0094] Bending rigidity (also called bending stiffness) was measured using a bend tester and the Kawabata Evaluation System (KES), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,086 to Baliga et al. KES is a method for measuring the mechanical and surface properties of fabrics using a set of very sensitive instruments, described in Kawabata, S., "The Standardization and Analysis of Hand Evaluation", The Textile Machinery Society of Japan, 2nd Edition, July 1980, Osaka, Japan, and manufactured by Kato Tekko Co., Ltd. (Kyoto, Japan). In this instrument, the test specimen is mounted on two chucks (one stationary and one movable) 1 cm apart. The specimen is moved between curvatures K = -2.5 and 2.5 (cm) at a constant rate of curvature change. -1 ) is subjected to pure bending. The rate is 0.50 (cm -1) / sec. The fixed end of the specimen is on a rod, which is also supported by piano strings at both ends. The bending moment caused by the bending deformation is measured by the torque meter assembly, and the curvature is detected by measuring the rotation angle of the crank. The bending moment and curvature are sent to an xy recorder through an electrical signal circuit system and plotted. The slope of the curve of bending moment versus curvature is the bending stiffness (B) and is expressed by the following equation:

[0095] M=BK+H B

[0096] Where M is the bending moment per unit fabric width (gf cm / cm), K is the curvature (cm -1 ), and B is the bending stiffness per unit width (gfcm 2 / cm). B is the intercept when K = 0 and is also a measure of hysteresis. The reported bending stiffness, B, is the average of the two slopes. One of them, B f , is the slope of the MK curve when the cloth is bent on the outside with its surface. The other is the gradient of the straight line when the cloth is bent on the outside with its back surface g Therefore, B = (B f +B g ) / 2. For nonwoven fabrics, the bending stiffness B in the machine (MD) and transverse (TD) directions was measured by the above procedure, and the average values ​​of the machine (MD) and transverse (TD) directions were reported.

[0097] Reference Example 1

[0098] The average flexural rigidity (B) values ​​of various polymer nonwoven fabrics listed in Tables 1 and 2 were calculated using the Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) in gf*cm 2 / cm. Higher B values ​​indicate greater stiffness. The relative basis weights of these fabrics are measured according to ASTM D3776. The polymer nonwoven fabrics are made as follows:

[0099] Fabric 1 is a flash spun polyethylene sheet bonded by embossing without subsequent softening.

[0100] Cloths 2 and 3 were flash spun polyethylene sheets that were bonded by embossing followed by pin softening; Cloth 3 had a greater basis weight than Cloth 2.

[0101] The cloth 4 is a flash spun polyethylene sheet which is bonded by embossing followed by pin softening, and one surface of the sheet is then coated with a polymer layer.

[0102] The cloth 5 is a flash spun polyethylene sheet which is bonded by embossing followed by pin softening, and then one surface of the sheet is further provided with a microporous film.

[0103] Fabric 6 is a flash spun polyethylene sheet which is bonded by embossing followed by pin softening and additional flame retardant treatment.

[0104] The fabric 7 is a flash spun polyethylene sheet that is bonded by embossing followed by pin softening and additional flame retardant treatment, and then the film is laminated to one surface of the sheet.

[0105] The cloth 8 is a point-bonded melt-spun sheet further provided with a microporous film on one surface.

[0106] The cloth 9 is a point-bonded sheet known in the art as SMS, which is made by bonding a sandwich structure of a meltspun layer on a meltblown layer, which is on another meltspun layer, the layers being laid in sequence and then bonded together.

[0107] Table 1

[0108]

[0109] Example 2

[0110] A single piece of protective clothing with a cover sheet (windproof cover sheet) is manufactured; the single piece of clothing is laid flat and stabilized on a table, and then exposed to increasingly strong airflow. The airflow is supplied onto the surface of the single piece of clothing and parallel to the surface of the single piece of clothing, blowing into the open side of the cover sheet to determine the amount of airflow required to open the cover sheet or to flip the cover sheet open. If the cover sheet is lifted from the surface of the single piece of clothing by more than 0.5 inches, the cover sheet is considered to be open. If the airflow pushes the cover sheet past the point where the cover sheet is perpendicular to the single piece of clothing, the cover sheet is considered to be open.

[0111] The main fabric of all single protective garments is fabric 2 from Example 1, which has a 42 g / m 2 Basis weight and 0.253 g-force cm 2 The control one-piece garment had a closure or windproof flap made from a single layer of Fabric 2. The inventive one-piece garment had the same body fabric as the control one-piece garment, but the flap or windproof flap was made from a single layer of Fabric 4, which was a flash spun and softened polyethylene nonwoven coated with a polymer coating. The flaps for both the control and inventive one-piece garments were made by sewing a single layer strip of flap fabric having a cut flap width of 2-3 / 16 inches to the front of the one-piece garment, as Figure 2 As shown; the final exposed cover sheet has a cover sheet width or finished width of 1-11 / 16 inches. The coated nonwoven has a 55g / m 2 The basis weight of the nonwoven is 0.286 grams of force cm 2 / cm measured bending rigidity, 13% stiffer than the main fabric.

[0112] It was found that the airflow required to open the flap of the present garment by more than 0.5 inches was 70% greater than that of the control garment, and the airflow required to open the flap of the present garment was 115% greater than that of the control garment.

[0113] Example 3

[0114] Example 2 was repeated, again using Fabric 2 as the main fabric for all garments. The control single garment again had a cover sheet or windbreaker made from a single layer of Fabric 2; however, the single garment of the invention had the same main fabric as the control single garment, but the cover sheet or windbreaker was made from a single layer of Fabric 7, which was a flash spun polyethylene sheet that was embossed and then pin-softened, and then the film was laminated to one surface of the sheet. The dimensions of the cover sheet were the same as in Example 2. Fabric 7 had a 109 g / m 2 A basis weight of 0.856 g / cm 2 / cm measured bending rigidity, 238% stiffer than the main fabric.

[0115] It has been found that the airflow required to open the flap of the present garment by more than 0.5 inches is 250% greater than that of the control garment, and the airflow required to open the flap of the present garment is 350% greater than that of the control garment.

[0116] Example 4

[0117] Various other single garments made with cover sheet fabrics that are more rigid or stiffer than the main body fabric are possible. Table 2 summarizes several different combinations of fabrics that can be used in single garments, each combination having a single layer cover sheet having an average bending stiffness that is at least 7.5% greater than the average bending stiffness of the protective garment fabric. Table 2 includes the percentage difference in average bending stiffness for Examples 1 and 2, as well as several other combinations of fabrics described in the Reference Examples, whose properties are shown in Table 1.

[0118] Table 2

[0119]

Claims

1. A single garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first region and a second region of the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, each of the first region and the second region of the protective garment fabric having a single garment inner surface and a single garment outer surface, and the fastener assembly comprising a fastener having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape, each fastener strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener strip further having an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface and a closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon; in, the attachment area of ​​the first fastener tape is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener tape is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric, The cover sheet also has an attachment area and a cover area, the attachment area has an inner surface and an outer surface, the cover area has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape, or to the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, or some combination of these; the cover sheet is of a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the row of cooperating fastener elements mounted on the second fastener tape of the fastener assembly, and The cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 7.5% greater than an average bending stiffness of the protective clothing fabric.

2. The single piece of clothing according to claim 1, wherein: The cover sheet has an average flexural rigidity that is at least 40% greater than the average flexural rigidity of the protective garment fabric.

3. The single garment of claim 2, wherein: The cover sheet has an average flexural rigidity that is at least 100% greater than the average flexural rigidity of the protective garment fabric.

4. A single piece of clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The lidding sheet has an average bending stiffness of 0.2800 to 1.2000 grams-force per square centimeter per centimeter of length.

5. The single garment of claim 4, wherein: The lidding sheet has an average bending stiffness of 0.3500 to 1.2000 grams force per square centimeter per centimeter of length.

6. The single article of clothing according to claim 5, wherein: The lidding sheet has an average bending stiffness of 0.8500 to 1.2000 grams force per square centimeter per centimeter of length.

7. A single piece of clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The cover sheet has a first color and the protective garment fabric has a second color, and the first color is different from the second color.

8. A single piece of clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The cover sheet has a first color and the second fastener tape has a third color, and the first color is different than the third color.

9. The single article of clothing according to claim 8, wherein: The first color, the second color, and the third color are different from each other.

10. A single piece of clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The cover sheet has a visual indicia or pattern and the second fastener tape has no visual indicia or pattern or has a different visual indicia or pattern.

11. A single piece of clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The cover sheet has a visual marking or pattern and the protective garment fabric has no visual marking or pattern or has a different visual marking or pattern.

12. A single piece of clothing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: When the fastener assembly is closed, the covered area of ​​the flap further covers a section of the outer surface of the single garment in the second area of ​​the protective apparel fabric.

13. The single article of clothing according to claim 12, wherein: The outer surface of the piece of clothing of the second region of the protective garment fabric that is covered by the covered region of the cover sheet has a different color from both the cover sheet and the protective garment fabric that is not covered by the cover sheet.

14. A single garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first region and a second region of the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, each of the first region and the second region of the protective garment fabric having a single garment inner surface and a single garment outer surface, The fastener assembly has one or more first cooperating fastening elements and one or more second cooperating fastening elements, wherein: The first fastening element is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric and the second fastening element is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric, The cover sheet has an attachment area and a cover area, the attachment area has an inner surface and an outer surface, the cover area has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the single garment of the first area of ​​the protective clothing fabric, the cover sheet has a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the first cooperating fastening elements and the second cooperating fastening elements of the fastener assembly, and The cover sheet has an average bending stiffness that is at least 7.5% greater than an average bending stiffness of the protective clothing fabric.

15. The single article of clothing of claim 14, wherein: The cover sheet has an average flexural rigidity that is at least 40% greater than the average flexural rigidity of the protective garment fabric.

16. The single article of clothing of claim 15, wherein: The cover sheet has an average flexural rigidity that is at least 100% greater than the average flexural rigidity of the protective garment fabric.

17. A single article of clothing as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The lidding sheet has an average bending stiffness of 0.2800 to 1.2000 grams-force per square centimeter per centimeter of length.

18. The single article of clothing of claim 17, wherein: The lidding sheet has an average bending stiffness of 0.3500 to 1.2000 grams force per square centimeter per centimeter of length.

19. The single article of clothing of claim 18, wherein: The lidding sheet has an average bending stiffness of 0.8500 to 1.2000 grams force per square centimeter per centimeter of length.

20. A single article of clothing as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein: The cover sheet has a first color and the protective garment fabric has a second color, and the first color is different from the second color.

21. A single article of clothing as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein: The cover sheet has a first color and the second fastener tape has a third color, and the first color is different than the third color.

22. The single article of clothing of claim 21, wherein: The first color, the second color, and the third color are different from each other.

23. A single article of clothing as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein: The cover sheet has a visual indicia or pattern and the second fastener tape has a different visual indicia or pattern or has no visual indicia or pattern.

24. A single article of clothing as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein: The cover sheet has a visual marking or pattern and the protective garment fabric has a different visual marking or pattern or has no visual marking or pattern.

25. A single article of clothing as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein: When the fastener assembly is closed, the covered area of ​​the flap further covers a section of the outer surface of the single garment in the second area of ​​the protective apparel fabric.

26. The article of clothing of claim 25, wherein: Some of the sections of the outer surface of the piece of clothing of the second region of the protective garment cloth that are covered by the covering area of ​​the cover sheet have a different color from both the cover sheet and the protective garment cloth not covered by the cover sheet.

27. A one-piece garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first region and a second region of the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, each of the first region and the second region of the protective garment fabric having a one-piece inner surface and a one-piece outer surface, and the fastener assembly comprising a fastener having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape, each fastener strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener strip further having an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface and a closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon; in, the attachment area of ​​the first fastener tape is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener tape is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric, The cover sheet also has an attachment area and a cover area, the attachment area has an inner surface and an outer surface, the cover area has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape, or to the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, or some combination of these; the cover sheet is of a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the row of cooperating fastener elements mounted on the second fastener tape of the fastener assembly, and wherein the cover sheet has a first color or a first visual mark or pattern, and the protective clothing fabric has a different second color or a different second visual mark or pattern, Alternatively, only one of the cover sheet or the protective garment fabric may have a visual marking or pattern.

28. A one-piece garment comprising a protective garment fabric, a fastener assembly for joining a first region and a second region of the protective garment fabric, and a cover sheet, each of the first region and the second region of the protective garment fabric having a one-piece inner surface and a one-piece outer surface, and the fastener assembly comprising a fastener having a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape, each fastener strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, each fastener strip further having an attachment area having an inner surface and an outer surface and a closure area having a row of cooperating fastener elements mounted thereon; in, the attachment area of ​​the first fastener tape is attached to a first area of ​​the protective garment fabric, and the attachment area of ​​the second fastener tape is attached to a second area of ​​the protective garment fabric, The cover sheet also has an attachment area and a cover area, the attachment area has an inner surface and an outer surface, the cover area has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the attachment area of ​​the cover sheet is attached to the inner or outer surface of the first fastener tape, or to the inner or outer surface of a single garment of the first area of ​​the protective clothing fabric, or some combination of these; the cover sheet has a size and shape such that when the fastener assembly is closed, the cover area of ​​the cover sheet completely covers the row of cooperating fastener elements mounted on the second fastener tape of the fastener assembly, wherein the cover sheet has a first color or a first visual mark or pattern, and the second fastener strip has a different second color, a different second visual mark or pattern, Alternatively, only one of the cover flap or the second fastener tape may have a visual indicia or pattern.

Images