Apparatus and method for manufacturing protective clothing

Abstract

Improved protective garments and manufacturing systems and methods are disclosed, wherein a method of manufacturing a protective garment includes: providing a cuff material; providing a sleeve of the protective garment; and joining the cuff material to the sleeve at a predetermined first joining region of the sleeve, wherein joining includes: applying an adhesive on the predetermined first joining region of the sleeve; positioning the cuff material over the sleeve such that a predetermined second joining region of the cuff material is aligned with the predetermined first joining region of the sleeve; and applying heat to the first joining region and the second joining region, thereby forming a seal between the elastic cuff material and the sleeve at the first joining region and the second joining region.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefits and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 805,392, filed May 14, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 765,170, filed February 28, 2025. The entire disclosure of these applications is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing protective clothing. The clothing may include a fluid management system for the joint between the sleeve of a protective long coat and one or more protective gloves to prevent fluids (such as sweat from the wearer's skin that may accumulate at the sleeve / glove joint) from breaching the sleeve / glove joint, thereby preventing fluids from the wearer (e.g., sweat or blood) from leaving the sleeve / glove joint and contaminating the external environment (e.g., sterile surgical rooms, biohazard rooms, laboratories, cleanrooms for manufacturing processes, etc.). Conversely, the fluid management system disclosed herein also prevents external fluids from contacting the wearer's skin with the protective long coat and one or more protective gloves. Background Technology

[0003] The following disclosure is described in the context of an exemplary medical or surgical environment. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments and aspects of this disclosure can be applied and practiced in any environment or occasion in which it is desired to eliminate or reduce contamination between the wearer of the protective long coat and the external environment. For example, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art (POSITA), the protective long coat disclosed herein can be advantageously used in many different occasions in which it is desired to eliminate or reduce cross-contamination between the wearer of the protective long coat and the external environment. Some exemplary environments include biohazard rooms, sterile laboratory settings, clean rooms in manufacturing processes, and environments for handling food, chemicals, and hazardous materials, etc.

[0004] In the context of an exemplary surgical setting, as described in the literature, a “weak link” exists at the joint between the sleeve of a protective gown and the cuff of a protective glove within the barrier between the user and their external environment, which is equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) used in surgical settings. Without sufficient barrier protection, fluids such as sweat may pass through the user’s skin into the external sterile environment, thus contaminating it. Additionally, fluids such as blood or other bodily fluids can cross the joint from the external environment and come into contact with the user’s skin.

[0005] In surgical settings, sweat buildup between the sleeves of a surgical gown and the cuffs of protective gloves causes discomfort for surgeons and increases the risk of compromising aseptic technique. Sweat from the gloved hands / wrists flows down the knitted cuffs at the distal ends of the surgical gown sleeves, causing moisture to accumulate or pool between the impermeable (waterproof) surgical gown and the also waterproof surgical glove cuffs.

[0006] Because of the moisture (sweat) that accumulates between the surgical gown and the cuffs of the surgical gloves, the position of the gloves cannot be changed without compromising aseptic technique. Therefore, to avoid disrupting the sterile environment, the user's hands and arms may become very uncomfortable.

[0007] Fluid leakage from the external environment to the user's skin at the glove / coat joint is also a significant problem for surgical and perioperative professionals, as direct contact with blood or bodily fluids can be life-threatening, especially when caring for patients with infectious diseases such as hepatitis C, HIV, and viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola. Furthermore, contamination of the hands and wrists can lead to the colonization of drug-resistant bacteria or other bacteria that may be harmful to the patient.

[0008] The risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids increases when gloves roll down or slide over the sleeve. This risk also arises when gloves are pulled up over the wide, loose cuffs and sleeves of a surgical gown. An effect known as "channeling" can occur when bodily fluids leak from between the inner surface of the glove and the outer surface of the sleeve towards the wrist and hand. Glove "rolling down" or sliding can be caused by the low-friction joint between the inner side of the glove and the surgical gown sleeve. Existing techniques using cuffs on the sleeve to prevent leakage of fluids that have accumulated inside the glove do not provide a liquid-proof seam between the cuff material and the gown sleeve material, resulting in unacceptable leakage failures. Therefore, an improved glove / gown joint is needed in surgical settings.

[0009] As mentioned above, there are other non-surgical applications where similar problems may arise. These applications include, but are not limited to, laboratories, clean rooms, and emergency rooms, as well as in food, chemical, and hazardous material handling environments, where the improved glove / coat joint as disclosed herein will also benefit.

[0010] Additionally, current methods for manufacturing protective long coats incorporate some automated processes, such as cutting the coat material, but still involve significant manual assembly operations, such as fabricating sleeve seams, sewing on knitted cuffs, and welding straps, Velcro, and neck reinforcement. Furthermore, current methods for manufacturing protective long coats utilize limited types of materials and designs, particularly when the cuffs and sleeves interact with protective gloves. Consequently, current protective long coat designs do not provide liquid-proof glove-long coat joints. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The benefits and advantages of this disclosure relative to existing systems will become apparent from the summary of the invention and the detailed description below. Those skilled in the art will understand that this teaching can be practiced with embodiments other than those outlined or disclosed below.

[0012] In view of the aforementioned deficiencies in the design and manufacturing methods of the existing protective long coats, the inventors of this application have improved the current long coat design, materials, and methods for manufacturing protective long coats with sealed cuffs (also known as Tuff Cuff™), which eliminate or greatly reduce fluid leakage at the glove-long coat joint.

[0013] In one aspect, various embodiments of this disclosure include a fluid management system for a joint between a sleeve of a protective long coat and a protective glove. The fluid management system includes a sleeve member having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The first end of the sleeve member is adjacent to the distal end of the sleeve of the protective long coat, and the second end of the sleeve member extends within the distal end of the sleeve of the protective long coat. A portion of the outer surface of the sleeve member near the second end contacts a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve of the long coat. A cuff member having the first end, the second end, the inner surface, and the outer surface is present. The inner surface of the cuff member faces a portion of the outer surface of one or both of the sleeve member and the sleeve of the protective long coat and is movable relative to that portion, such that a cuff loop of the protective glove can be inserted between the inner surface of the cuff member and the outer surface of one of the sleeve member or the sleeve of the protective long coat.

[0014] In other aspects of this disclosure, one or more of the following features may be included: The cuff member may include a retaining member to secure the cuff loop of the protective glove in a suitable position between the inner surface of the cuff member and the outer surface of one of the sleeve member and the sleeve of the protective long coat. The inner surface of the sleeve member may include a moisture-absorbing material, and the outer surface of the sleeve member may include a waterproof material. The inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve of the protective long coat may each include a waterproof material. The inner surface of the cuff member may face and be movable relative to the outer surfaces of both the sleeve member and the sleeve of the protective long coat. A first end of the cuff member may be attached to a first end of the sleeve member and may be foldable onto a portion of the outer surface of both the sleeve member and the sleeve of the protective long coat. The sleeve member may extend beyond the distal end of the sleeve of the protective long coat and extend outside the distal end. The cuff loop of the protective glove may be clamped between the retaining member of the cuff member and the outer surface of the sleeve of the protective long coat. At a location where the first end of the cuff member is attached to the first end of the sleeve member, a stagnation space may be included between the inner surface of the cuff member and the outer surface of the sleeve member to trap leaked fluid.

[0015] In other aspects of this disclosure, one or more of the following features may be included: A cuff member may be formed from the distal end of a sleeve of a protective long coat, and the distal end of the long coat sleeve may be folded only onto the outer surface of the long coat sleeve near a first end of the cuff member. A cuff loop of a protective glove may be clamped between a retaining member on the distal end of the long coat sleeve and the outer surface of the long coat sleeve. At a location near the distal end of the long coat sleeve folded only onto the outer surface of the long coat sleeve, a stagnant space may be included between the outer surface of the cuff member and the outer surface of the sleeve member to trap leaked fluid. The cuff member may be formed from the distal end of the long coat sleeve, and the sleeve member may extend beyond the distal end of the long coat sleeve and extend outside that distal end. A cuff loop of a protective glove may be clamped between the distal end of the long coat sleeve and the outer surface of the sleeve member. The cuff loop of the protective glove may be adjacent to a retaining member, and the retaining member may be spaced apart from the distal end of the sleeve of the protective long coat and laminated between the inner surface of the sleeve of the protective long coat and the outer surface of the sleeve member. The sleeve member and the cuff member may be tubular in shape.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing protective clothing includes: providing cuff material; providing a sleeve of the protective clothing; and bonding the cuff material to the sleeve at a predetermined first bonding area of ​​the sleeve, wherein bonding includes: applying an adhesive to the predetermined first bonding area of ​​the sleeve; positioning the cuff material on the sleeve such that a predetermined second bonding area of ​​the cuff material aligns with the predetermined first bonding area of ​​the sleeve; and applying heat to the first and second bonding areas, thereby forming a liquid-impermeable seal between the elastic cuff material and the sleeve at the first and second bonding areas, wherein the second bonding area is positioned to facilitate a foldable portion of the cuff material being positioned proximal to the second bonding area when in an unfolded state, and wherein the foldable portion is configured to fold over the second bonding area and cover the second bonding area in a folded state. In some embodiments, the cuff material includes an elastic cuff material configured to stretch by 10% to 40% when applied to the sleeve of the garment.

[0017] According to some embodiments, a system for manufacturing protective clothing includes: a mandrel assembly configured to receive a sleeve of the protective clothing thereon; a multi-claw assembly configured to hold a tubular elastic cuff member in an extended state; a cuff clamping assembly configured to clamp the tubular elastic cuff member to the sleeve and the mandrel assembly when the tubular elastic cuff member is in the extended state; and a heating assembly configured to apply heat to a predetermined first bonding area of ​​the tubular elastic cuff member and a predetermined second bonding area of ​​the sleeve, thereby heating an adhesive disposed between the first bonding area and the second bonding area to create a liquid-impermeable seal between the tubular elastic cuff member and the sleeve at the first bonding area and the second bonding area.

[0018] In another embodiment, the protective garment includes: a sleeve; a cuff member attached to and sealed to the outer surface of the sleeve, the cuff member including: a first bonding area attached to and sealed to a second bonding area of ​​the sleeve; a foldable cuff portion extending proximally outward from the first bonding area in an unfolded position and configured to fold over the first bonding area and cover the first bonding area in a folded position; and a liquid-impermeable joint between the first and second bonding areas. It has been found that by implementing the teachings of this disclosure, leakage at the cuff / sleeve joint (also known as a seam) can be eliminated or at least significantly reduced, as described in further detail herein.

[0019] These and other features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sleeve component according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An alternative perspective view of the sleeve component shown in the image.

[0022] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the sleeve component according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A The side view of the sleeve component shown in the image.

[0024] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B The cross-sectional view of the sleeve component taken along line AA is shown in the figure.

[0025] Figure 2D yes Figure 2C An enlarged view of area B of the sleeve component shown in the image.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid management system according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid management system according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a fluid management system according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a fluid management system without depicting protective gloves, based on some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 7 The illustration shows a surgical long coat sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the surgical long coat sleeve having a rubber cuff welded to the distal end of the sleeve.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a long coat with an integrated fluid management system according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9A It is based on some implementation schemes of this disclosure. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the sleeve of a long coat.

[0033] Figure 9B The inner and outer gloves are shown according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9A Detailed cross-sectional view of the sleeve.

[0034] Figure 9C According to some embodiments of this disclosure, inner and outer gloves are not shown. Figure 9A Detailed cross-sectional view of the sleeve.

[0035] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view of a glove retaining features of a long outer garment with an integrated fluid management system according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10B It is deployed according to some embodiments of this disclosure to keep the gloves in place. Figure 10A A cross-sectional view of the glove retaining its features.

[0037] Figure 11 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing protective clothing with sleeves according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sleeves having cuff members attached to and sealed to the outer surface of each sleeve.

[0038] Figure 12 The illustration shows a perspective view of a cuff component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 13 The illustration shows a perspective view of a manufacturing fluid management system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figures 14A to 14D The illustrations show some embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 13 Various views of the multi-claw fork component of the system are shown in the figure.

[0041] Figure 15A and Figure 15B The illustrations show embodiments of the present disclosure with and without protective clothing sleeves placed on the mandrel assembly. Figure 13 The top view of the system is shown in the image.

[0042] Figure 16A and Figure 16B The illustrations show some embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 13 Various views of the cuff clamping assembly of the system are shown in the figure.

[0043] Figure 17A and Figure 17B The illustration shows a top view and a front view of a reheating assembly and a mandrel assembly having sleeves disposed thereon, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figures 18A to 18C The illustration shows three different embodiments of a protective garment sleeve according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the protective garment sleeve having a cuff member attached to and sealed to the outer surface of the sleeve.

[0045] Figure 19AThe illustration shows a perspective view of a protective garment sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sleeve having a new heat-sealed sleeve seam to remove excess sleeve material.

[0046] Figure 19B The illustration shows a perspective view of an apparatus for reducing at least a portion of the diameter of a long coat sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 20A and Figure 20B The illustrations depict some embodiments of the invention that can be used according to this disclosure. Figure 13 The image shows two views of the micro-pleated anvil in the mandrel assembly of the system.

[0048] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of a sleeve manufacturing apparatus according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the cuff material positioned on the sleeve according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 23A It is based on some implementation schemes of this disclosure. Figure 22 A top view of the cuffs and sleeves, including a detailed illustration of the gap between the edge of the sleeve and the edge portion of the pattern of the bonding material applied to the cuff material.

[0051] Figure 23B Figure 23 is a top view of the cuff and sleeve according to some embodiments of this disclosure, which, in addition to the foldable cuff, also includes a wrist element positioned at the wrist opening of the sleeve.

[0052] Figure 24 This is a top view of an example cuff or cuff material, including a pattern of combined material, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 25 This is a top view of a portion of the sleeve and cuff according to some embodiments of this disclosure, showing various aspects of the pattern of the combined material.

[0054] Figure 26 The flowcharts, based on some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrate an example method for producing sleeve and cuff components of protective clothing. Detailed Implementation

[0055] This disclosure and its various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples described and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and as those skilled in the art will recognize, features of one embodiment may be used in other embodiments, even if not expressly stated herein. Any dimensions included in the drawings or used herein are merely exemplary and not limiting.

[0056] Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of this disclosure. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate understanding of how this disclosure can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the methods and processes described herein are merely exemplary and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, the order of steps may be changed, steps may be modified, and / or steps may be omitted or added to the exemplary methods and processes described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, it should be noted that while one aspect of this disclosure is described in conjunction with surgical gloves and surgical gowns, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and it can be used in other applications (e.g., food, chemicals, hazardous materials, laboratories, clean rooms, and emergency rooms), and these concepts can be applied to other protective equipment articles.

[0057] The following describes the use of moisture-wicking sleeves to reduce the accumulation of moisture / fluid between the sleeves of a protective long coat (e.g., a surgical long coat) and the cuffs of protective gloves (e.g., surgical gloves). This aspect of the present disclosure can be used alone or in combination with other components to form a fluid management system for the joint between the sleeves of the protective long coat and the cuffs of the protective gloves, preventing sweat from accumulating at the long coat / glove joint and preventing fluids from the external environment from penetrating the long coat / glove joint and coming into contact with the skin of the person wearing the long coat / glove.

[0058] According to one aspect of this disclosure, sleeve 10 in Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown in the diagram. The sleeve 10 may be tubular in shape and may include a moisture / fluid management material such as a moisture-wicking material. The sleeve 10 may include a forearm opening 12 and a wrist opening 14, and the user's hand may be inserted into the forearm opening 12 and extended through the wrist opening 14, so that the sleeve is worn by the user on their forearm. At each opening, elastic stitching may be included, such as a band 13 around the circumference of the forearm opening 12 and a band 15 around the circumference of the wrist opening 14, to ensure a secure fit of the sleeve 10 when worn on the user's forearm. The sleeve may optionally include an opening 17 for the user's fingers (e.g., thumb) to secure the wrist opening 14 of the sleeve 10 in a position around the user's palm for good positioning to absorb sweat.

[0059] The forearm opening 12 is larger than the wrist opening to accommodate the user's forearm, which has a larger diameter compared to the user's wrist. The size of the opening and the length of the sleeve can be made in various sizes to accommodate users of various body types or as a "one-size-fits-all" option.

[0060] The sleeve 10 can be formed by taking a flat sheet of material and rolling it into a tubular shape, and then sewing it at both ends with, for example, spandex thread, or attaching it using adhesive materials, heat, ultrasonic welding, or other means known in the art. The flat material can be formed from multiple layers of material, for example, including a moisture-absorbing material on one side of the fabric and a waterproof material on the opposite side. When rolled up, the moisture-absorbing material can be disposed on the inner surface 18 of the tubular sleeve 10, and the waterproof material on the outer surface of the sleeve 10, thereby forming a double-layered sleeve.

[0061] The sleeve 10 can be made as a separate piece, initially independent of the sleeves of the protective long coat / garment, or it can be attached to the long coat / gloves in one or more places. Alternatively, the sleeve 10 can be formed as part of the sleeves of the protective long coat / garment. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use a complete sleeve; instead, one or more strips or other structural constructions can be used.

[0062] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an alternative implementation of the sleeve is... Figures 2A to 2DThe sleeve is depicted as sleeve 10a. Like sleeve 10, sleeve 10a may be tubular in shape and may include a forearm opening 12a and a wrist opening 14a. The user's hand can be inserted into the forearm opening 12a and protrude through the wrist opening 14a, so that the sleeve is worn by the user on their forearm. At each opening, elastic bands may be included, such as band 13a around the circumference of the forearm opening 12a and band 15a around the circumference of the wrist opening 14a, to ensure a secure fit of sleeve 10a when worn on the user's forearm. The sleeve may optionally include openings (not shown) for the user's fingers (e.g., thumb) to secure the wrist opening 14a of sleeve 10a in a position around the user's palm for good positioning to absorb sweat.

[0063] Sleeve 10a may include additional elastic binding / sewing loops 30 and 32 circumferentially positioned around sleeve 10a between forearm opening 12a and wrist opening 14a. These binding loops may be used to form the cuff member described below and to hold the cuff loops of the protective glove in place. For example, portion 34 of sleeve 10a may be folded over portion 36 to form the cuff member, wherein the outer waterproof layer of portion 34 faces and contacts the outer waterproof layer of portion 36. The cuff loops of the protective glove may be inserted into the cuff member formed by portion 34 folded over portion 36, for example, as... Figure 3 As described in [the text].

[0064] Fluid management systems according to various aspects of this disclosure can be deployed according to multiple implementation schemes. Three possible examples include, but are not limited to: 1. The sleeves of a fluid management system can be independent and separate from the long coat / garment. For example, sleeves containing moisture management fibers / materials.

[0065] 2. The sleeves of the fluid management system can be attached to the inner surface of a long coat / garment and can be in the form of strips, belts, circumferential sleeves or some other shape / configuration.

[0066] 3. The sleeves of the fluid management system can be incorporated into the long coat / garment as a component / part / layer. For example, a moisture-absorbing laminate or layer on the inner surface of the long coat / garment.

[0067] The sleeves of a fluid management system can be made of textiles that can be worn on all four limbs of the body (including but not limited to the area between the hands / wrist and forearm). The sleeves can be made of knitted, woven, nonwoven, ultrasonically bonded, welded, or heat-sealed materials. The sleeves can be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or blends thereof. Each side of the system may or may not have a coating or film. For example, a laminated material can be used, with one side having its own fluid management system, while the exterior can be waterproof. In all cases, whether formed from natural or synthetic materials, the textile fluid management system can be composed of highly absorbent materials with high water absorption capacity.

[0068] The sleeves of the fluid management system may contain natural or synthetic materials, including but not limited to additives such as organic materials, various types of nanoparticles, chemicals, heavy or light metals, waxes, and water-based antibacterial agents, including but not limited to chitosan.

[0069] The sleeves of a fluid management system can take various configurations, such as a one-piece tubular sleeve or a single piece of flat fabric, which can be properly positioned on the hand / wrist through an attachment process. Any of these or other configurations can be independent of, or part of, a surgical / protective gown / garment. The sleeves of a fluid management system can also be used in the form of other types of garments or sleeves to be worn / applied / used in combination with various parts of the body and various garments.

[0070] The following are some exemplary features and benefits of fluid management systems based on various aspects of this disclosure: • Creates a moisture management zone independent of surgical / protective long coats / clothing and / or as part of them.

[0071] • Creates a waterproof side independent of the surgical / protective outer garment.

[0072] • Creates a separate pathway for moisture, which restricts the movement of moisture from the inside of the surgical / protective sleeve to the outer surgical protective long coat.

[0073] • A material reservoir that collects moisture from the skin in contact with the surgical / protective glove, allowing for transport away from the surgical / protective glove area (vertical moisture absorption).

[0074] • Creates material pathways for moisture to flow from the reservoir to the limbs in the surgical / protective glove area, away from where evaporation occurs.

[0075] • Creates a microenvironment that reduces the chance of infection migrating away from the moisture management areas closest to the skin.

[0076] • Utilize fiber and chemical methods to create a microenvironment that effectively enhances water management.

[0077] • Increased user comfort by creating a drier environment inside the glove and between the glove and the hand.

[0078] • Multiple environments are created within the surgical / protective gloves / sleeves / outerwear / garment to work together as a master system that manages moisture, comfort, temperature, evaporation, and infection within the protective outerwear / garment.

[0079] • Create new cuff positions and fits on long outer sleeves to accommodate single or double gloves.

[0080] • Generate process equipment and process parameters to produce reliable and improved cuff-to-outerwear seams.

[0081] • The materials and material properties that provide an improved seam between the cuff components and the long outer sleeves.

[0082] • The material and material properties of the cuff are used to create a reliable and improved connection with the glove.

[0083] • A method is provided that enables the formation of an improved seam between the cuff component and the long coat sleeve material by using existing long coat sleeves, by changing at least a portion of the diameter of the long coat sleeve.

[0084] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Two views are depicted of an exemplary embodiment in the form of a protective sleeve worn on the user's forearm below the distal end of the sleeve of a protective long coat (such as a surgical long coat). As described above, the protective sleeve can be formed of any material suitable for the application, and it can be positioned near the joint between the protective long coat and the protective glove to reduce moisture buildup between the sleeve of the protective long coat and the cuff of the protective glove. The ends of the flat material can be joined by sewing, gluing, or any other suitable means of attaching the ends of the material.

[0085] Figure 3 An embodiment of a fluid management system 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. This fluid management system provides both moisture management functionality and a complete barrier between the user and their external environment. Therefore, the system prevents fluids (i.e., sweat) from traveling from the inner outer garment / glove to the external environment, and it also prevents fluids from the external environment from penetrating the glove / outer garment joint and reaching the user's skin.

[0086] like Figure 3As shown, the fluid management system 100 consists of a three-layer laminate. The first layer is the distal end of an impermeable surgical gown sleeve 110, having an outer surface 112 facing the external environment and an inner surface 114 facing and in contact with the user. Below the surgical gown sleeve 110 and in contact with at least a portion of the inner surface 104 of the surgical gown sleeve 110 is a moisture management / wicking sleeve member 120, which is located directly on the surface of the wearer's hand / wrist. The sleeve member 120 can be equivalent to the sleeve 10 / 10a described above in Figures 1 and 2, and can be configured as a double-layered sleeve having an outer surface 122 formed of an impermeable material and an inner surface 124 formed of a wicking material. When the glove 150 is put on and the user sweats, the wicking layer of layer 124 moves moisture from the inside of the inner glove to the sleeve / arm area below the surgical gown.

[0087] The moisture-wicking sleeve component 120 will typically extend upwards along the long outer sleeve 110 a sufficient distance to ensure that sweat does not transfer to the outside of the surgical long outer sleeve 110.

[0088] In this embodiment, a waterproof member 130 may be present, which may be attached to a first end 126 of a sleeve member 120 at its first or distal end 132. A second end 128 of the sleeve member terminates in the inner region of the surgical long coat sleeve 110. The first or distal end 132 of the waterproof member 130 attached to the top surface of the first / distal end 126 of the sleeve member 120 extends along a portion of the top surface 122 of the sleeve member 120 and the outer surface 112 of the waterproof long coat sleeve 110 and extends above / towards it. The waterproof member 130 forms a cuff member 134, which terminates at the second or proximal end 136 of the waterproof member. The cuff member 134 covers and contacts the distal end 116 of the waterproof surgical long coat sleeve 110. Therefore, the distal end 116 of the waterproof surgical long coat sleeve 110 is sandwiched between the outer surface 122 (at the bottom) of the sleeve component layer 120 and the inner surface 137 (at the top) of the waterproof component 130, thereby forming a three-layer laminate.

[0089] A retaining member 140 (e.g., an edge / band / strip) is attached to the second end / proximal end 136 of the waterproof member 130. This retaining member may resemble an O-ring or some other form of band or strip and has a certain level of stiffness, allowing the cuff loop 160 of the glove 150 to be attached to the retaining member (i.e., by wrapping around a portion of the retaining member 140), and allowing the cuff loop at the end of the glove 150 to connect to / engage with the retaining member to create a "watertight seal" between the waterproof long outer sleeve 110 and the inner part of the glove 150. The retaining member 140 may have a concave shape complementary to the cuff loop 160, allowing the retaining member to receive and engage the cuff loop 160 to secure it in place when interlocked.

[0090] For example, in the event of a leak at the seal between the cuff ring 160 of the glove 150 and the cuff member 134 due to the movement of the sleeve 110, there is a stagnation space 180 between the cuff member 134 and the distal end of the long coat sleeve 110, which will trap the leaked fluid.

[0091] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the fluid management system 200 in Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. In this implementation, it is possible to remove... Figure 3 The separate waterproof layer 130, and alternatively, the waterproof surgical long coat sleeve 210 can be folded back over itself at the first end / distal end 212 to form a long coat sleeve portion 214, which faces and covers the long coat sleeve portion 216, thereby forming together a cuff member 260.

[0092] At the second end / proximal end 218 of the long coat sleeve portion 214, a retaining member 270 may be attached, which may be similar to the retaining member 140 at the proximal end of the waterproof layer 130 in FIG. 2. The cuff loop 252 of the glove 250 may be inserted into the cuff 260 and is attached in place by the retaining member 270 by wrapping around a portion of the retaining member 270 to allow the cuff loop 252 at the end of the glove 250 to connect to the retaining member to create a "watertight seal". Due to the elastic ring around the opening of the long coat sleeve 210 at the end 218, the cuff member 260 formed by the long coat sleeve portions 214 and 216 of the waterproof long coat sleeve 210 is tightly sealed, thereby forcing the retaining member 270 against the cuff loop 252, and further against the long coat sleeve portion 216 to seal the cuff loop.

[0093] For example, in the event of a leak at the seal between the cuff ring 252 of the glove 250 and the cuff member 260 due to movement of the sleeve 210, a stagnant space 280 exists between the cuff member 260 and the distal end of the long coat sleeve 210, which traps the leaked fluid. The figure also shows a sleeve member 220, which may be attached to the bottom surface of the long coat sleeve 210 and terminate near the location where the cuff 260 is formed by folding the long coat sleeve 210 over itself, or the sleeve member may extend beyond that point, as indicated by the phantom at 220a.

[0094] In yet another implementation, the fluid management system 300 in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows a surgical long sleeve 310 that is waterproof, with a moisture-wicking layer or sleeve 320 disposed below and attached to the surgical long sleeve. The moisture-wicking layer or sleeve 320 may extend upwards along the surgical long sleeve 310 a certain distance (but not typically the entire length). The moisture-wicking layer / sleeve 320 will typically extend upwards along the sleeve sufficiently to ensure that sweat does not migrate to the outside of the surgical long sleeve 10.

[0095] Although the surgical gown sleeve 310 comprises a waterproof material on both its outer surface 312 and inner surface 314, the absorbent layer or sleeve 320 may comprise a waterproof material on its outer surface 322, which will come into contact with the inner surface 314 of the surgical gown sleeve 310 and also with the surgical glove 350 when worn, such as... Figure 6 As shown. The inner surface 324 of the moisture-absorbing layer or sleeve 320 will include moisture-absorbing material.

[0096] The distal ends 316 and 326 of the surgical long coat sleeve 310 and the moisture-wicking layer or sleeve 320, respectively, and inserted between them, may be attached to a retaining member 370 (e.g., an edge / band / strip). The composite of the surgical long coat sleeve 310, the moisture-wicking layer or sleeve 320, and the retaining member 370 may be formed by adhering the layers together using adhesives, ultrasonic or thermal welding, sewing, or any other suitable means of adhering articles.

[0097] A cuff member 360 is formed from a portion of the surgical long coat sleeve 310 between its distal end 316 and the edge / band / strip 370. A cuff portion 380 is also formed near the first or distal end of the absorbent layer or sleeve 320. It should be noted that the cuff member 360 and the cuff portion 380 of the absorbent layer 320 are not adhered together. The cuff member 360 and the cuff portion 380 extend from the edge of the retaining member 370 to their respective distal ends.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface of the cuff member 360 of the surgical long coat sleeve 310 initially rests directly on the outer surface of the cuff portion 380 of the absorbent layer or sleeve 20. As can be seen in this view, the cuff portion 360 of the surgical long coat sleeve 310 extends a distance X from its edge 370 to its distal end. Furthermore, the cuff 380 of the absorbent layer or sleeve 320 extends a distance X and an additional distance Y (total distance X+Y) from its edge 370 to its distal end. In some cases, X may differ from Y. In one embodiment, X may be equal to Y, and both may be approximately three (3) inches. In this example, the cuff member 360 extends three (3) inches from the edge 370, while the cuff portion 380 extends six (6) inches from the edge 370.

[0099] When the user intends to put on surgical gloves 350, the cuff portion 360 of the surgical gown sleeve 310 folds over itself onto the retaining member 370, as... Figure 6 As shown. Then, the user puts on surgical gloves 350, so that they cover the outside of the moisture-absorbing layer 320 up to the edge 370. Figure 6 The image shown is of the cuff 360' when the surgical glove 350 is moved back to its initial position on the outside. This prevents fluids from the external environment from penetrating the user's skin and prevents sweat from accumulating (as it is absorbed by the moisture-absorbing member / layer 320) and reaching the external environment, thus preventing the loss of a sterile environment.

[0100] Other embodiments of this disclosure are described in Figure 7 The image depicts a fluid management system 400. System 400 is shown as including a surgical long sleeve 410 having a distal end 416. A rubber cuff 490 is inserted at the distal end 416 into the opening of the long sleeve 410; this rubber cuff can be welded to the inner surface of the long sleeve 410 in a region 492. This embodiment can be used with… Figures 3 to 6 The above-described embodiments are used together. In each of these embodiments, the distal ends of the sleeves of the protective long coat, respectively depicted as 110, 210, and 310, are replaced by rubber cuffs 490.

[0101] Fluid management clothing In some implementations, the fluid management system can be incorporated into the garment as a component / part / layer. For example, now refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9A The garment 500 with an integrated fluid management system may include a moisture-wicking layer 503, which is typically located inside the inner surface of the sleeve 501 of the garment 500.

[0102] Depending on the implementation, garment 500 can be any garment in which fluid management is desired, including, for example, surgical gowns, protective equipment / garment for other industries and occasions such as food preparation and handling, chemicals, hazardous materials, laboratories, cleanrooms, emergency rooms, sports equipment, or combinations thereof. Figure 8 As shown, garment 500 can be a surgical gown. Surgical gowns are typically disposable garments with sleeves and can be made of impermeable or fluid-resistant fabrics, including nonwoven materials such as polypropylene, polyester, or polyethylene. To maintain impermeability, such garments are typically assembled by heat (e.g., heat welding), chemical (e.g., glue or other adhesives), or mechanical (e.g., tape) stitching rather than sewing. Therefore, in Figure 8 , Figure 9A and Figure 9B The various components of the garment 500 shown (e.g., sleeves 501 and body 502) can typically be attached using a sewing technique, and these components will be referred to hereinafter as "welded parts" (e.g., shoulder welded part 504 and cuff welded part 513). For example, as Figure 8 As shown, the sleeve 501 of garment 500 can be welded to the shoulder portion of the main body 502 of garment 500.

[0103] The moisture-wicking layer 503 typically extends at least a portion of the sleeve 501 that passes through the garment 500. For example, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9A As best shown, in some embodiments, the moisture-wicking layer may extend through the entire sleeve 501 of the garment 500, from the wrist all the way to the shoulder, and even in some embodiments, extend distally from the wrist to form a hand portion 505, which has a thumb loop 507 and / or a palm flap 509 to further wick moisture from the wearer's hand area. In other embodiments, the moisture-wicking layer 503 may extend only through a portion of the sleeve 501 and terminate at different locations (such as, for example, on the wearer's forearm), similar to... Figures 1A to 1B and Figures 2A to 2D The illustration shows a moisture-wicking sleeve.

[0104] Refer again Figure 8 and Figure 9AThe moisture-wicking layer 503 can be retained within the sleeve 501 of the garment by any suitable means capable of maintaining the impermeability of the garment 500. For example, the moisture-wicking layer can be retained by lamination or by more gap-stitched welds as described above with reference to techniques including, for example, thermal (e.g., heat welding), chemical (e.g., glue or other adhesives), or mechanical (e.g., tape) stitching. For example, in some embodiments, the moisture-wicking layer 503 can be laminated along its entire surface to the interior of the sleeve 501. In other embodiments, the moisture-wicking layer 503 can be welded to the sleeve 501 at one or more locations, such as, for example, the wrist, shoulder, elbow, forearm, or combinations thereof. The moisture-wicking material of the moisture-wicking layer 503 can generally be any material suitable for conveying or pulling fluid through the fabric and away from the fluid source. Such materials can include, for example, polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, wool, bamboo, micromodal fabric, nylon, and combinations thereof.

[0105] The hand portion 505 typically extends distally from the wrist of the sleeve 501. The hand portion may include: a thumb loop 507 to provide stability and comfort in the hand area; and / or a palm flap 509 to provide moisture management within the surgical or other protective glove by wicking away from the wearer's hand area. In some embodiments, the thumb loop 507 and palm flap 509 may be configured to provide moisture wicking from the hand while retaining the fit and flexibility available with a surgical glove. Figure 9A Ideally, the thumb loop 507 can extend downwards for insertion of the wearer's thumb. The palm flap 509 can preferably extend in a curved manner between the thumb loop 507 and the wrist portion of the moisture-wicking layer 503; in some embodiments, the palm flap can be sized and shaped to cover the base of the palm. In contrast, the thumb loop 507 on the side 507a opposite the palm flap 509 can extend directly (essentially straight) back to the wrist in the proximal direction to leave the back of the hand unaffected and minimize the volume inside the hand portion of the glove. Thus, such a configuration can provide moisture wicking from the hand without negatively impacting the wearer's fit, dexterity, or freedom of hand movement.

[0106] like Figure 9BAs best shown, the sleeve 501 of garment 500 may include a cuff member (“flap”) 511 attached thereto. To provide a secure attachment and maintain the garment’s impermeability, the flap 511 may be attached by means of a sewn cuff weld 513 constructed as described above with reference to techniques including, for example, thermal (e.g., heat welding), chemical (e.g., glue or other adhesives), or mechanical (e.g., tape) stitching. The flap 511 may typically be attached at any location along sleeve 501, adapted to fold the flap 511 downwards (distally) over the proximal end of glove 601 (e.g., over the O-ring 602 of a surgical glove) to hold the glove in place and prevent moisture from seeping in or slipping out.

[0107] Still referencing Figure 9B In many applications, both an inner glove 601 and an outer glove 603 can be worn. In such an embodiment, the proximal end of the inner glove 601 and the O-ring 602 can be positioned between the flap 511 and the sleeve 501 of the garment 500 to hold the glove in place and prevent moisture from entering or leaving via, for example, channel action. The proximal end of the outer glove 603 can be positioned outside the flap 511. In such an embodiment, it is preferable to position the O-ring 604 of the outer glove 603 proximal to the seam weld 513, such that the interaction between the O-ring 604 and the connection between the flap 511 and the weld 513 further holds the glove 603 in place. Figure 9C The illustration shows a cross-sectional view of sleeve 501 and flap 511, which is attached to the outer surface of sleeve 501 via a seam weld 513, as shown. Figure 9B As shown, gloves 601 and 603 have been omitted for clarity.

[0108] In some embodiments, flap 511 may be made of the same material as sleeve 501 of garment 500. In some embodiments, flap 511 may be made of a different material (such as, for example, a higher friction material) to further prevent gloves 601, 603 from slipping off the outside of sleeve 501. Suitable higher friction materials may include, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, or any other suitable impermeable material having a higher coefficient of friction than the material of sleeve 501.

[0109] In some implementation schemes, such as Figures 10A to 10BAs shown, a padded flap 1001 can be provided to offer greater rigidity and a more compressible fit, better holding the inner glove 601 and its O-ring 602 against the sleeve 501. Additionally, the padded flap 1001 can also better capture the O-ring 604 of the outer glove 603 when positioned proximal to the connection between the welded portion 513 and the padded flap 1001, because the padded flap 1001 creates a larger / thicker protrusion at the connection. In such an embodiment, the flap 1001 can be filled with any suitable fluid material, including, for example, gases (such as air or nitrogen) and liquids (such as water or brine). Although it will be apparent from this disclosure that the padded flap 1001 can be padded to any desired pressure, in some embodiments the flap may preferably be padded to a pressure high enough to enhance the compression of the inner glove 601 and the O-ring 602 of the inner glove 601 against the sleeve 501, and low enough to allow the padded flap 1001 to be flipped down (distally) over the proximal end of the inner glove 601 (e.g., over the O-ring 602 of the inner glove 601) to hold the inner glove 601 in place and prevent moisture from seeping in or slipping out.

[0110] Still referencing Figure 10A and Figure 10B Further retention of the inner glove 601 can be provided by a ridge 1003 extending around the distal portion of the weld 513, providing resistance to the distal retraction or slippage of the O-ring 602 of the inner glove 601. This resistance to distal retraction or slippage works in conjunction with the compression provided by the flap 511 or the padded flap 1001 to capture the O-ring 602 of the inner glove 601 proximal to the ridge 1003 and to prevent removal or partial removal of the inner glove 601 in a manner that would compromise the moisture seal and thus the sterility of the environment. In some embodiments, the ridge 1003 may be made of the same material as the sleeve 501 and / or the flap 511 or the padded flap 1001. Additionally, in some embodiments, the ridge 1003 may be padded similarly to the padded flap to provide additional height / thickness. As will also be apparent from this disclosure, in some embodiments, such as where the spine 1003 is preferably more rigid than the sleeve 501 or flap 511 or padded flap 1001, the spine 1003 may also be made of other materials, such as, for example, rubber, plastic, polymer, surgical stainless steel, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material.

[0111] In some embodiments, flap 511 or filler flap 1001 may further include one or more pull tabs (not shown) to facilitate gripping of flap 511 or filler flap 1001 when flipped downwards (distally) over inner glove 601 and O-ring 602. In some embodiments, the user may also place a rubber / elastic band or adjustable strip (e.g., an adjustable strip with hook-and-loop fasteners) to further compress flap 511 or filler flap 1001 against inner glove 601 and O-ring 602 to reduce or eliminate fluid / moisture flow through the downward joint of the glove. In some implementations, glue, tape or adhesive may be applied or attached to the outside of sleeve 501, the outside of welded portion 513 and / or the outer surface of flap 511 or filler flap 1001 (“outer surface” refers to the surface away from the user’s arm when flap 511 or filler flap 1001 is in the flip-down position) to further prevent inner glove 601 from rolling back or slipping distally.

[0112] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a method for fabricating a protective long coat with sleeves according to some embodiments, the sleeves having cuff members (also known as Tuff Cuff™) attached to the outer surface of each sleeve. It should be understood that... Figure 11 The flowcharts are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that the order of the illustrated steps may be changed, two or more steps may be performed in parallel, some steps may be omitted, and / or additional steps may be added, without departing from the inventive concept described in this disclosure.

[0113] In some embodiments, the cuff component is made of a film (e.g., an elastic film) formed in a cylindrical shape. The film is provided as a flat sheet of material having desired material properties, a desired length, and a desired width to provide a desired tubular (e.g., cylindrical or conical) shape and size. In some embodiments, the film is an elastic material that expands and relaxes around the circumference of the user's arm. Such an elastic material can be elastic in the machine direction or the transverse direction, or both, when cut from a roll of elastic material. In some embodiments, the proximal and / or distal ends of the sheet can be folded, and the overlapping material can then be sealed together to improve the strength and tear resistance of the sheet. Alternatively, according to various alternative embodiments, the proximal and / or distal ends can be rolled into an O-ring shape, the O-rings can be merged, or hot melt adhesive strips can be included to form the O-rings. The cuff material sheet is then rolled up around a longitudinal axis to form the desired tubular shape, and the overlapping longitudinal edges of the sheet are subsequently attached to each other and sealed to maintain the desired shape. According to various embodiments, the aforementioned seal can be made by heating and / or bonding with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the tubular cuff is preferably smaller in diameter than the long outer sleeve, which allows the elastic properties of the membrane to improve the impermeability of the joint between the cuff member and the outer surface of the sleeve, as described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the cuff member is made of an elastic material (such as an elastomer) such that the unstretched diameter of the elastic cuff member can be 20% to 30% smaller than the diameter of the long outer sleeve at the bonding area (i.e., the bonding zone). In some embodiments, the cuff member length can be in the range of 3 to 5 inches (76–127 mm), and preferably 4 inches (101 mm). In some embodiments, the cuff member is bonded to the outer surface of the long outer sleeve, and this bond is leak-proof, as measured at the joint between the cuff member and the outer surface of the long outer sleeve by ASTM 1670 (Standard Test Method for the Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Synthetic Blood Permeability). In some embodiments, the bond is made with a hot-melt adhesive that penetrates into the long outer material and forms a leak-proof bond. One way to achieve this is by reheating the hot melt adhesive applied to the bonding area after assembly and applying pressure and heat, as described in further detail below.

[0114] At step 1101, the film is unrolled from the roll. In some embodiments, the film is made of an elastic material that allows the cuff member made of the film to stretch around the circumference of the wearer's forearm. The elasticity allows the cuff member and the underlying long outer sleeve to stretch to allow sufficient space for the wearer's hands to pass through the sleeve, and then retract around the wearer's forearm to provide a snug fit between the cuff member / sleeve and the forearm. At step 1102, the unrolled film is cut to the desired size and shape to form the cuff member, as described above. In some embodiments, the final shape of the cuff member is cylindrical, so according to some embodiments, the initial flat film sheet unrolled from the roll is rectangular. In alternative embodiments, the final shape of the cuff member can be conical, so the initial shape of the flat film sheet can have straight lines and curves that, when rolled up and sealed, will form a cylindrical-conical shape. Those skilled in the art will know how to cut an unfolded film sheet to roll it into a desired conical shape with a desired length (with or without folds) and a desired circumference. As used herein, the term "tubular" includes both cylindrical and conical shapes.

[0115] At step 1103, at least one edge of the cut film (e.g., the distal edge in the folded position of the cuff member) is folded to improve the strength and tear resistance of the cuff member and further make it easier for the user to grasp and fold the foldable portion of the cuff. The folded edge may also provide a ridge to lock the O-ring of the protective glove to prevent its movement. In one embodiment, a single fold is made; however, in alternative embodiments, multiple folds may be made. Alternatively, the edge may be rolled up or formed with an O-ring. At step 1104, the folded edge is thermally bonded to secure the overlapping material together. Alternatively or additionally, it may be bonded with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the two opposite edges (distal and proximal) of the film are folded and sealed to improve the strength and tear resistance of the cuff member. At step 1105, the film sheet is formed into a cylindrical or conical shape with the desired dimensions. In some embodiments, the film sheet is wound around a mandrel and has overlapping material in the longitudinal direction to seal the longitudinally overlapping edges to create an overlapping seam. Next, at step 1106, the cylindrical (or conical) tube formed by heat bonding along the overlapping seam is used to maintain the cylindrical or conical shape of the cuff component. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive can be used for bonding. In a preferred embodiment, the bond is leak-proof and has sufficient strength to prevent delamination.

[0116] Figure 12The illustration shows a perspective view of a cuff member 1200 manufactured after performing steps 1101-1106 as described above, according to some embodiments. The cuff member 1200 is cylindrical in shape, having a desired length 1202 and a desired diameter 1204 in the longitudinal direction. Also as... Figure 12 As shown, the cuff member 1200 includes a folded edge 1206 that can be sealed as described above, and an overlapping seam 1208 created as described above by sealing the overlapping longitudinal edges of the film sheet. After completing steps 1101-1106, the resulting elastic cuff member 1200 is ready to be placed on the extension fork assembly, as described in further detail below.

[0117] Refer again Figure 11 At step 1107, the cuff member 1200 is placed onto the multi-claw assembly. In some embodiments, the cuff member 1200 is made of an elastomer, and the diameter of the elastic cuff in its unstretched state is smaller than the diameter of the long coat sleeve. Therefore, the cuff member is stretched to a larger diameter within its elastic limits to facilitate assembly onto the sleeve. One exemplary way to achieve this is by placing the elastic cuff member onto the extended multi-claw assembly 1302, such as... Figure 13 As shown, this will be referenced below. Figure 13 Further detailed description. Current protective long coats simply sew unstretched knitted cuffs to the distal end of the long coat sleeve and do not provide a liquid-impermeable seam. In contrast, in some embodiments, the cuff member of this disclosure is attached, in a stretched state, to the outer surface of the long coat sleeve at a desired proximal position relative to the distal end of the long coat sleeve (with or without a knitted cuff) to provide a liquid-impermeable sleeve-glove joint, as described herein. When placed onto the sleeve disposed on the mandrel 1304, the stretched cuff member 1200 applies pressure to the sleeve, and a hot melt adhesive is applied at the bonding area to facilitate a liquid-impermeable seal or bond between the cuff member 1200 and the sleeve material, as further detailed below. In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive is pressure-activated. Furthermore, by applying the cuff member 1200 to the sleeve and mandrel in a stretched state, diameter mismatch and wrinkles in the sleeve and / or cuff materials can be eliminated or at least significantly reduced, thereby promoting the formation of a liquid-impermeable bond between the cuff member 1200 and the sleeve material. Additionally, by placing the cuff member in a stretched state on the long outer sleeve, a snug fit around the user's forearm area can be provided. As described further below, the cuff member 1200 is first placed on the extended fork assembly 1302 in a retracted state, and then the fork is extended to stretch the cuff member before being placed on the sleeve... Figure 13 On the long sleeve of the outer garment on the spindle 1304, as described in further detail below.

[0118] Next, at step 1108, the long coat sleeve is placed on mandrel 1304. The sleeve may or may not be attached to the long coat body. According to some embodiments, mandrel 1304 has an anvil for the cuff joining process (step 1111). Preferably, the anvil is flexible to accommodate the varying layers of long coat material at the sleeve seam. Because current long coat manufacturing processes manually align and seal the sleeves before sewing, there is a high degree of variability in the sleeve diameter. To create a waterproof seam at the joint between the long coat sleeve and the cuff member, it is desirable to eliminate or minimize the number and size of wrinkles at the joint surface. In some embodiments, excess sleeve material can be removed before joining to the cuff member, as described in further detail below. According to some embodiments, by using a novel mandrel with an anvil at the joint location (where the cuff member will be joined to the sleeve), wrinkles in the long coat sleeve are eliminated or substantially reduced, the anvil being made of silicone or polyurethane rubber or other suitable material with a medium hardness of 50A ± 10%. Preferably, the shape and diameter of the anvil match the shape and diameter of the sleeve at the target joint area. In some embodiments, the mandrel 1304 may have vacuum holes to secure and hold the sleeve material close to the mandrel surface, as described in further detail below. In other embodiments, the anvil may also include micropleats to provide an increased anvil circumference, as described in further detail below.

[0119] At step 1109, pressure-sensitive hot melt adhesive is applied to the sleeve at the target bonding area. According to some embodiments, the midpoint of the bonding area is within 1.50-3.50 inches (38-89 mm) of the knitted cuff / sleeve joint, and preferably 2.50 inches (63 mm), as described below regarding... Figure 18A Further detailed description. If the sleeve does not end with a knitted cuff, it may end with a folded seam or elastic band at its distal end or edge. In this case, the midpoint of the joining area is within 1.50-3.50 inches [38-89 mm] from the distal end of the sleeve, and preferably 2.50 inches (63 mm) from the distal end of the sleeve, as described below regarding Figure 18B Further detailed description. If the sleeve ends at a thumbhole, the midpoint of the joining area is 4.50-6.50 inches (114-165 mm) from the distal edge of the thumbhole, and preferably 5.50 inches (140 mm), as described below regarding Figure 18C Further detailed description.

[0120] According to some embodiments, a standard industrial hot melt system with a non-contact applicator can be used to apply hot melt adhesive to the joint area of ​​the sleeve. A preferred nozzle type is a strip extruder; however, according to various embodiments, a spray nozzle or slit nozzle can also be used to apply the hot melt adhesive. According to some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive is applied at a strip weight of 0.1 to 0.5 grams per sleeve to deliver a leak-proof bond. In some embodiments, a uniform strip is applied along the entire circumference of the sleeve / cuff joint to a rotating sleeve rotated by a mandrel 1304, and the amount of adhesive used is approximately 0.001 grams per millimeter (mm). Alternatively, according to alternative embodiments, the hot melt applicator can rotate around a stationary sleeve. In some embodiments, a styrene block copolymer hot melt adhesive, product code HM3070, manufactured by Bostik Corporation, Wawatosa, Wisconsin, USA, can be used. In some embodiments, the adhesive will have a softening point of 75 degrees Celsius as measured by Herzog-ASTM E28, and viscosities of 19,130 ​​centipoise (cP) (at 110 degrees Celsius), 6,140 cP (at 130 degrees Celsius), 2,600 cP (at 150 degrees Celsius), and 1,325 cP (at 170 degrees Celsius). As discussed further in detail below, after the adhesive is applied at a first temperature (e.g., 75 degrees Celsius), it can be reheated at a second, higher temperature (e.g., 120–149 degrees Celsius), which will cause the adhesive to flow into the pores of the woven or nonwoven long outer garment sleeve, thereby creating a liquid-impermeable seam at the cuff / sleeve joint. Additionally, the inherent elastic properties of the adhesive can maintain a strong, liquid-impermeable seam between the cuff component and the sleeve in both a stretched and relaxed state.

[0121] At step 1110, with the extended fork assembly 1302 in the extended state, the extended cuff member (extended at step 1107) is positioned on the sleeve mounted on the mandrel 1304 without touching the hot melt adhesive. The joining area of ​​the cuff member is positioned and aligned on the joining area of ​​the sleeve, and thereafter, the front edge of the cuff member 1200 is clamped to the sleeve at multiple points using the clamping unit 1306, as described below. Figure 13 Further detailed description: After the cuff member 1200 is clamped to the sleeve, the forks (or gripper claws) of the multi-claw assembly 1302 are retracted. As the claws retract, the resilient cuff member springs back around the sleeve and mandrel to a tight fit. In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive is pressure-activated, such that the hot melt adhesive begins to cure when the resilient cuff member applies pressure to the hot melt adhesive disposed at the bonding area between the cuff member and the outer surface of the sleeve.

[0122] Next, at step 1111, after applying the hot melt adhesive as described above and placing the cuff member 1200 onto the sleeve, the hot melt adhesive is reheated to improve bond strength and further improve the impermeability of the seam between the sleeve and the cuff member 1200. In some embodiments, a reheating assembly 1308 is used to reheat the adhesive so that it flows into the pores of the sleeve fabric, thereby further impermeable to liquids at the seam, as described below. Figure 13 Further detailed description is provided. In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive is heated to a temperature that allows it to flow, preferably 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius). Depending on the adhesive properties, the reheating temperature can vary from 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (121 to 149 degrees Celsius) according to various embodiments. According to some embodiments, it has been found that reheating the adhesive in the temperature range of 120-149 degrees Celsius provides a viscosity that allows sufficient flow into the pore structure of the garment sleeve without excessive flow, thereby allowing the adhesive to remain on the bonding surface between the sleeve and cuff film materials to create a liquid-impermeable seal at the joint. Additionally, the amount of adhesive used can play a role in creating a liquid-impermeable bond between the sleeve and cuff materials. Too little adhesive will not produce a proper bond, while too much adhesive may take too long to cool and solidify. In some embodiments, an adhesive of 0.8 to 1.2 mg / mm, preferably 1 mg / mm, is applied as a uniform strip around the entire circumference of the joint / seal between the cuff material and the sleeve material.

[0123] In some embodiments, the reheating assembly 1308 also applies pressure to the surface of the cuff member at the pressure bonding zone to help the hot melt adhesive flow and penetrate into the pores of the sleeve fabric. In some embodiments, the applied pressure is equal to 5–10 pounds per square inch (3,500–7,000 kgf / sqm). Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the tool contact time can be in the range of 2 to 15 seconds, for example, 7 seconds. The combination of heat, pressure, and contact time ensures a leak-proof bond between the sleeve material and the cuff member membrane. It should be understood that, for example, the combination of heat, pressure, and contact time values ​​can be adjusted depending on the different intended purpose of the protective long coat and / or to support high-speed automation. In some embodiments, the contact surface of the heating element of the reheating assembly is curved to match the curvature of the bonding zone. In some embodiments, the heating element moves from a retracted position to an extended position, thereby clamping the cuff member, hot melt adhesive, and sleeve laminate against a circular anvil on the sleeve mandrel. In some implementations, the laminate is rotated by a mandrel to allow the heating element to reheat the adhesive along the entire circumference (360 degrees) of the cylindrical bonding area. Several rotation and heating cycles can be performed to achieve complete 360-degree coverage. Although Figure 13 Two heating elements 1310 are shown, but in alternative embodiments, depending on the various implementations, there may be one heating element, or three or more heating elements.

[0124] According to some implementation schemes, the reheating process includes the following operations: a) Extend the heating element to contact the circumferential contact portion of the joint area of ​​the cuff element; b) Allow the heated component to contact the mating area for a predetermined period of time (dwell time) to transfer heat and apply pressure; c) Retract the heating element to provide clearance for the rotating mandrel.

[0125] d) Rotate the sleeve mandrel to the next contact position that overlaps with the contact portion.

[0126] e) Repeat steps 1-4 until full 360-degree contact coverage is achieved.

[0127] To reduce manufacturing time, additional heating elements can be used to reduce the number of cycles (step ad above). In some embodiments, three or four heating elements are used to achieve 360-degree contact coverage in two or three cycles.

[0128] Next, at step 1112, after the hot melt adhesive has cooled, the assembled cuffs and sleeves are removed from the mandrel. At step 1113, steps 1101 to 1112 are repeated for the other sleeve of the long coat. The finished long coat will have one cuff component for each sleeve. Finally, at step 1114, the completed long coat is packed for shipment.

[0129] According to an alternative embodiment, during the long coat construction phase, the cuff component 1200 can be attached to the long coat sleeve before the sleeve is attached or sewn to the body of the long coat, which can provide manufacturing efficiency and advantages. In this embodiment, the cuff material is attached to the sleeve while it is flat, before the sleeve is sewn into a cylindrical shape and then sewn to the body of the long coat. According to some embodiments, the process includes the following steps: 1. Cut the sleeves into a certain size and shape from the long outer garment material.

[0130] 2. Cut the cuff component film into a certain size and shape.

[0131] 3. In some embodiments, the cuff member membrane is an elastomer, and the elastic cuff member membrane is stretched by a predetermined amount (e.g., 10% to 40%) when it is placed on the sleeve material. In some embodiments, the elastic cuff member is stretched in the range of 20% to 30%.

[0132] 4. Apply hot melt adhesive to the first bonding area on the sleeve. In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive is a pressure-activated adhesive.

[0133] 5. Position and press the second bonding area of ​​the cuff member onto the first bonding area of ​​the hot melt adhesive and the sleeve. In some embodiments, if the cuff member is a stretched elastic cuff member, while positioning and pressing the second bonding area of ​​the cuff member onto the first bonding area of ​​the hot melt adhesive and the sleeve, the elastic cuff member is held in a desired stretched state (e.g., stretched to a maximum of 10% to 40% in one or more desired directions) by at least two clamps (not shown) on opposite sides of the stretched flat cuff member.

[0134] 6. Heat and pressure are applied to the first and second bonding areas to remelt the hot melt adhesive, thereby creating a leak-proof bond and seam between the cuff component and the outer surface of the sleeve.

[0135] 7. A sleeve and cuff film are wound around a core axis and bonded together, and the overlapping longitudinal edges of the sleeve and cuff films are heat-sealed to form a longitudinal seam between the sleeve and cuff. In some embodiments, the longitudinal seam is formed by adhesive bonding that does not melt, shift, or otherwise degrade the seam of the cuff component while forming the longitudinal seam of the sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the cuff component is made of a material having a higher melting point than that of the long coat sleeve, such that the integrity of the cuff component and the cuff component seam is not degraded when forming the longitudinal seam of the long coat sleeve.

[0136] 8. If necessary, sew knitted cuffs at the far end of each sleeve.

[0137] 9. Then sew the left and right sleeves to the main body of the long coat.

[0138] Figure 13 The illustration shows a perspective view of a system 1300 for manufacturing a protective long coat with sleeves, the sleeves having cuff members attached thereto, according to some embodiments. The manufacturing system 1300 includes a multi-claw assembly 1302, a sleeve mandrel assembly 1304, a cuff clamp assembly 1306, and a reheating assembly 1308. For clarity, a hot melt adhesive applicator is not shown; however, it is located above the sleeve mandrel assembly 1304. Also... Figure 13As shown, the multi-claw fork assembly 1302 and the cuff clamp assembly 1306 are movably mounted on a linear track 1310 fixed to the platform 1312. A spindle assembly 1304 is attached to a rotating arm assembly 1314, also mounted on the platform 1312. The rotating arm assembly 1314 is configured to rotate the spindle 1304 about a longitudinal axis parallel to the linear track 1310. The reheating assembly 1308 includes two linear actuators 1309 and two heating elements 1316 on opposite sides of the sleeve spindle assembly 1304. Each linear actuator 1309 is configured to move a corresponding heating element 1316 toward and away from the spindle 1304 and is mounted on a corresponding support arm of two support arms 1318 fixed to the platform 1312 on opposite sides of the sleeve spindle assembly 1304. Each of the main components 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308 is described in further detail below.

[0139] Figure 14A The diagram shows Figure 13 A perspective view of the multi-claw fork assembly 1302. (See attached image.) Figure 14A As shown, the multi-paw fork assembly 1302 includes a plurality of forks 1402 (e.g., eight forks) extending outward from corresponding mounting brackets in a plurality of mounting supports 1404. Each mounting bracket in the mounting supports 1404 is movably coupled within a corresponding radial groove 1406 formed in the assembly plate 1408. Each mounting bracket 1404 is configured to slide radially within its corresponding radial groove 1406 when the actuating member 1410 is linearly pushed or pulled along a linear axis perpendicular to the front and rear walls of the assembly plate 1408, thereby moving the plurality of forks 1402 into extended and retracted states. As shown, the cuff member 1200 is held by the forks 1402 in the extended state.

[0140] Figure 14B The illustration shows a cross-sectional side view of the multi-claw fork assembly 1302. (See figure.) Figure 14B As shown, when the actuating member 1410 is pushed toward the assembly plate 1408, each mounting bracket in the mounting bracket moves radially outward in its corresponding radial groove 1406 to move the fork 1402 radially outward to the extended state. Conversely, when the actuating member 1410 is pulled linearly away from the assembly plate 1408, the mounting bracket moves radially inward to the retracted state. Figure 14C and Figure 14D The diagrams illustrate the multi-claw fork assembly in its extended and retracted states, respectively. For example... Figure 14C and Figure 14D As shown, the cuff member 1200 is held by a plurality of claws 1402 in both the extended and retracted states.

[0141] The cuff member 1200, in its retracted state, rests on and around the outer surface of the plurality of forks 1402. Subsequently, and before positioning the cuff member 1200 over the long coat sleeve 501, the fork assembly 1302 is actuated by the actuating member 1410 to an extended state to stretch the elastic cuff member from its relaxed diameter (e.g., 2.88 inches, 73 mm) to its stretched diameter (e.g., 4.39 inches, 111 mm). After stretching the cuff member 1200 to its extended state, the cuff member 1200 can move over and around the sleeve 501, which is mounted on the mandrel 1304, without contacting the sleeve or the hot melt adhesive applied to the sleeve at the bonding area. To ensure proper bonding and form a liquid-impermeable seal, contact between the cuff member 1200 and the sleeve 501 and the hot melt adhesive is desired until the cuff member 1200 is in the correct bonding position. As described further below, after the edge portion of the cuff member is clamped onto the sleeve, the forks remain in their extended state as they are retracted. As the forks 1402 are retracted, the cuff clamp assembly 1306 holds the cuff member 1200 in place, and the resilient cuff member 1200 springs back to the sleeve / mandrel diameter to compress the outer surface of the sleeve disposed on the mandrel. In some embodiments, after the resilient cuff member 1200 springs back onto the sleeve / mandrel, the resilient cuff member 1200 remains in a stretched state (e.g., the diameter or circumference of the resilient cuff member is 20% to 30% larger than its diameter or circumference in its unstretched state). This allows the cuff member 1200 to apply pressure to the sleeve and the hot melt adhesive. In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive may be a pressure-activated adhesive. Thus, when the resilient cuff member 1200 has a bonding area 1503 in which the hot melt adhesive is applied between the cuff member 1200 and the sleeve material 501 (…),… Figure 15B When the outer surface of the sleeve is squeezed, the pressure-activated hot melt adhesive will be activated and begin to cure to provide a bond and seal between the cuff component 1200 and the sleeve 501.

[0142] In some embodiments, the actuating element 1410 can be manually operated. In alternative embodiments, the actuating element 1410 can be automatically controlled by a controller and actuator (not shown) in an automated manufacturing system and method. Furthermore, it should be understood that... Figure 13 , Figure 14A and Figure 14BThe multi-claw fork assembly 1302 shown is an exemplary embodiment for performing the operation of extending the elastic cuff member 1200 and placing the cuff member 1200 on the sleeve 501 disposed on the spindle assembly 1304, as described above. In alternative embodiments, these or similar operations can be performed alternatively using a robotic arm with a gripper having multiple fingers. Such a robotic arm can be controlled by one or more controllers and actuators that control the movement of the robotic arm, gripper, and fingers in an automated manufacturing environment utilizing automated software and protocols. As used herein, "multi-claw assembly" can refer to the multi-claw fork assembly 1302 and similar assemblies, such as a robotic arm with a multi-finger gripper.

[0143] Figure 15A and Figure 15B Top views of the manufacturing system 1300 are shown before and after the garment sleeves are placed onto the mandrel assembly 1304. Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, before placing the sleeve 1501 onto the spindle assembly 1304, the cuff clamp assembly moves away from the spindle assembly 1304 and toward the multi-jaw fork assembly 1302 via the linear track 1310 to avoid interfering with the placement of the sleeve 1501 onto the spindle 1304. After placing the sleeve 1501 onto the spindle 1304, as... Figure 15B As shown, the cuff clamp assembly 1306 can move along the linear track 1310 over and past the spindle assembly 1304 toward the rotating arm assembly 1314 to be positioned to clamp the cuff member 1200 onto the outer surface of the sleeve at a location proximal to the engagement area 1503 of the sleeve 1501. Figure 15A As shown, according to some embodiments, the mandrel 1304 includes an anvil portion 1502 positioned to correspond to a bonding area 1503 of the sleeve when the sleeve 1501 is mounted on the mandrel 1304. In some embodiments, the bonding area 1503 is located approximately 2.5 inches from the seam between the sleeve 1501 and the knitted cuff 1504. According to some embodiments, the anvil portion 1502 is made of silicone or polyurethane rubber or other suitable material with a medium hardness of 50A ± 10%. As discussed in further detail below, the anvil portion 1502 helps to minimize wrinkles in the sleeve material and creates a liquid-impermeable seal during the reheating of the hot melt adhesive.

[0144] For example Figure 15A and Figure 15BAs shown, the reheating assemblies 1308 / 1316 are initially in a retracted state, such that the heating element 1316 is positioned away from the bonding area 1503 before the sleeve 1501 is placed onto the mandrel 1304. When the sleeve 1501 is positioned onto the mandrel 1304, the cuff clamp assembly 1306 moves away from the fork assembly 1302 toward the rotating assembly 1314. After clamping the edge portion of the cuff member 1200 onto the sleeve 1501 and pulling the fork assembly 1302 away from the mandrel assembly 1304, the heating element 1316 of the reheating assembly 1308 moves toward the mandrel 1304 to apply heat and pressure to the cuff member 1200, the hot melt adhesive, and the laminated layers of the sleeve 1501, as described above.

[0145] Figure 16A and Figure 16B The diagram illustrates some implementation schemes. Figure 13The cuff clamp assembly 1306 is shown in a side and front view. The cuff clamp assembly 1306 includes a plurality (e.g., eight) of cuff clamps 1602 arranged at equal intervals around the circumference of a spindle 1304. Each cuff clamp 1602 includes a clamp arm 1604, a cam groove 1606 disposed at a first end of the clamp arm 1604, and a clamping pad 1608 disposed at a second end of the clamp arm 1604 opposite the first end. The clamp assembly 1306 also includes a cam rod 1610, which can be operated manually or automatically in a manner similar to the actuating member 1310 described above. In response to operation of the cam rod 1610, the clamp arm 1604 rotates about a pivot member 1612 to press the clamping pad 1608 onto a corresponding portion of the outer surface of a cuff member 1200, which is arranged around a plurality of forks 1402 in an extended (stretched) state. After the cuff member 1200 is positioned on the long outer sleeve using the extended forks, the cuff clamps 1602 close and lock the cuff member in place on the sleeve 1501, allowing the multiple forks 1402 to retract, while the cuff clamps 1602 hold the cuff member 1200 in place relative to the sleeve 1501 and the spindle 1304. In some embodiments, the cam rod 1610 is spring-loaded by a spring 1614 disposed on a cam rod pull rod 1616 connected to a rotating plate 1618, which holds each of the multiple cuff clamps 1602 in place to hold the cuff member 1200 on the sleeve 1501. In some embodiments, in this state, the links of the cuff clamps 1602 are aligned and in a stable position, where opposing forces cancel each other out. This type of mechanism is called a toggle mechanism. Therefore, the cuff clamps 1602 can clamp and hold the cuff member to the sleeve at multiple points along the front edge of the cuff. As described above, this holds the cuff in place when the multiple forks are retracted. In some embodiments, each of the multiple cuff clamps 1602 contacts the cuff member between two adjacent forks 1402, stretching the elastic cuff member membrane onto the sleeve surface, thereby applying pressure against the sleeve. Thereafter, the forks 1402 can be retracted, causing the unclamped portion of the elastic cuff member to spring back to a tight fit around the sleeve and spindle.

[0146] like Figure 16BAs shown, according to some embodiments, the number of cuff clamps 1602 is equal to the number of forks 1402 of the multi-claw assembly 1302, and each cuff clamp 1602 is positioned such that each corresponding clamping pad 1608 is positioned approximately equidistant between two adjacent forks 1402 when engaged to hold the cuff member 1200 in place. In this way, when the clamping pads 1608 are engaged to hold the cuff member 1200 in place relative to the sleeve 1501 and the spindle 1304, the multiple forks 1402 can more easily retract and move away from the spindle assembly 1304 without disrupting the position of the cuff member 1200.

[0147] Figure 17A and Figure 17B The illustration shows a top and front view of a reheating assembly 1308 according to some embodiments, when heating elements 1316 are engaged to apply heat and pressure to layers of cuff member 1200, hot melt adhesive, and sleeve material 1501. As described above, after the cuff member 1200 is positioned such that the engagement area of ​​the cuff member 1200 is aligned with the engagement area 1503 of the sleeve, and the plurality of forks 1402 are retracted, the two heating elements 1316 move toward the mandrel 1304 on opposite sides of the mandrel 1304 to apply heat and pressure to the layers of cuff member 1201, hot melt adhesive, and sleeve 1501 at the engagement area 1503 corresponding to the position of the anvil 1502. As described above, linear actuators 1309 move their respective heating elements 1316 between their engaged and disengaged positions. According to various embodiments, the linear actuators can be operated manually or automatically as part of an automated manufacturing system, similar to what has been described above with respect to actuator 1410. After reheating is performed at the first portion of the bonding area, the heating element 1316 retracts, and the mandrel rotates to the next predetermined position (e.g., a predetermined degree) to reheat another portion of the bonding area until the entire circumference of the bonding area is reheated and sealed to provide a complete liquid-impermeable seal around the full 360-degree circumference of the bonding area between the cuff member 1200 and the sleeve material 1501. As described above, reheating the hot melt adhesive allows the adhesive to flow into the pores and spaces between the fibers of the sleeve material, thereby creating an improved liquid-impermeable seal between the cuff member 1200 and the sleeve 501 at the bonding area 1503.

[0148] As described above, novel methods and systems for manufacturing protective clothing having cuff members attached to the sleeves of each sleeve are disclosed. It should be understood that the methods and systems described above are intended to convey certain features and advantages described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Various modifications to the methods and systems disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art to achieve one or more of the features and advantages disclosed herein. For example, it has been found that bonding cuff material to the sleeve in an unstretched state by reheating the adhesive between the cuff material and the sleeve provides a significantly improved seam or bond between the cuff material and the sleeve material, which is liquid-impermeable or substantially liquid-impermeable. It has also been found that further improved seams / bonds between the cuff material and sleeve material are provided by bonding the cuff material to the sleeve in a stretched state and reheating the adhesive between the cuff material and the sleeve, which is reliably and consistently liquid-impermeable. Two embodiments of these implementations provide significant advantages and improvements compared to conventional protective long coats and the methods and systems used to manufacture conventional protective long coats.

[0149] Figures 18A to 18C Three different embodiments of the garment sleeve are shown, wherein the cuff member 1800 (e.g., TUFF CUFF™) is attached to and sealed to the outer surface of the sleeve 1501. Figure 18A The illustration shows a first design in which the cuff member 1800 has a total longitudinal length of 4.00 inches. The joining area 1802 between the cuff member 1800 and the sleeve 1501 is approximately 0.5 inches wide and is positioned 0.5 to 1.0 inches away from the distal edge of the cuff member 1200 to provide a skirt portion 1804 of the cuff member 1800, which has a width 1805 of approximately 0.5 to 1.0 inches (e.g., 0.75 inches). Figure 18A As shown, the midpoint of the joining area 1802 is approximately 2.5 inches from the distal edge of the sleeve 1501, at which the knitted cuff is sewn or otherwise attached to the sleeve. According to various embodiments, the distance between the midpoint of the joining area 1802 and the distal edge of the sleeve 1501 can be in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 inches. In some embodiments, when a protective glove is worn by a user, the O-ring of the protective glove is positioned on the skirt portion 1804. On the opposite side of the joining area 1802 from the skirt portion 1804 is a foldable cuff portion 1806, which has a width 1807 of approximately 2.5 to 3.0 inches.

[0150] As mentioned above Figures 9B to 10BAs described, when a user wears a protective glove over the knitted cuff 1504 and the O-ring of the protective glove is positioned over the skirt portion 1804, the foldable portion 1806 can be folded over the O-ring of the protective glove to clamp the O-ring between the skirt portion 1804 and the foldable portion 1806. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the skirt portion 1804 and the foldable portion 1806 that contact the O-ring and the protective glove may be textured and / or have a certain material composition to provide resistance to lateral slippage between the O-ring of the protective glove and the surfaces of the skirt portion 1804 and the foldable portion 1806 where the O-ring is clamped. According to some embodiments, the cuff member 1800 may be made of a liquid-impermeable material. Therefore, the cuff member 1800 can provide a liquid-impermeable barrier to prevent liquids (e.g., sweat) that may accumulate under the protective glove from leaking out of the protective glove and entering and contaminating the external environment (e.g., surgical area). Additionally, as described above, since the seam created at the joint area 1802 between the cuff member 1800 and the long coat sleeve 1501 is liquid-impermeable, no liquid can pass through the seam at the joint area in either direction, thus protecting both the wearer of the protective long coat and the external environment from cross-contamination.

[0151] Figure 18B Another embodiment is illustrated, in which the cuff member 1800 is attached to and sealed to the outer surface of the sleeve 1501. Figure 18B Implementation plan and Figure 18A The implementation scheme is similar, except that sleeve 1501 does not have a knitted cuff 1504. Instead, the distal end of sleeve 1501 may incorporate an elastic band to improve fit and tear resistance. Figure 18B Other features and dimensions shown in the diagram are similar to those in the diagram. Figure 18A The features and dimensions shown are essentially the same, and therefore their descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0152] Figure 18C An alternative embodiment is illustrated, in which the cuff member 1800 is attached to and sealed to the outer surface of the sleeve 1501. Figure 18C Implementation plan and Figure 18A The implementation scheme is similar, except that the knitted cuff 1504 is replaced by a palm flap portion 1808 with a thumb hole 1810, which is configured to receive the wearer's thumb passing through it. In this way, the thumb hole 1810 can maintain the position of the sleeve 1501 in a relatively constant position relative to the wearer's hand and wrist. Figure 18C As shown, the midpoint of the junction area 1802 is approximately 5.5 inches from the distal edge of the thumb hole. Depending on the implementation, this distance can range from 4.5 to 6.5 inches. Figure 18C Other features and dimensions shown in the diagram are similar to those in the diagram. Figure 18AThe features and dimensions shown are essentially the same, and therefore their descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0153] In some embodiments, the cuff component material is a three-layer laminate of an elastomeric material sandwiched between two polypropylene film layers, possessing the desired elasticity and liquid impermeability properties described herein. Using such a three-layer laminated film material, the cuff component can be constructed by performing steps 1101-1106, as described above regarding... Figure 11 As described. An example of a suitable three-layer laminated film is available from Berry Global Inc. under the name Elastipro. R 4008 is a laminated film obtained by cast extrusion of a blend of styrene and elastomer resin, with a thin polyolefin skin. It has a weight range of 30-35 grams per square meter, and exhibits 730% machine direction (MD) elongation and 800% transverse (CD) elongation, 32.4 N / inch MD breaking tensile strength and 23.5 N / inch CD breaking tensile strength. Its CD load is 1.7 N at 100% elongation, 0.9 N at 50% elongation (second loading), 1.5 N at 100% elongation (second loading), and 0.4 N at 50% elongation (second loading), with a CD permanent deformation of 5.5% at 100% elongation. It has been found that cuff materials made of such three-layer laminations can avoid deterioration of the cuff components during the reheating of the hot melt adhesive, as described above, or avoid deterioration of the cuff components during the sewing of the long coat sleeves after the cuff components are attached to the flat long coat sleeves, as described above.

[0154] In some embodiments, the unsealed end of the foldable portion 1806 can be rolled up and sealed to provide a grip for the user to pull the foldable portion 1806 onto the O-ring of the protective glove (Sample 1 of the present invention). In an alternative embodiment, a resilient O-ring is created at the unsealed end of the foldable portion 1806 using Vistamax™ 6902 adhesive strips (an elastomeric hot melt adhesive composed primarily of isotactic stereopropylene repeating units with a random ethylene distribution) (Sample 2 of the present invention). In yet another embodiment, a pre-fabricated O-ring is adhesively bonded to the unsealed end of the foldable portion 1806 (Sample 3 of the present invention). It has been found that each of the above-described sample embodiments passes the ASTM 1670 seam test and the Vartest laboratory immersion test, which tests the strength and liquid impermeability of seams formed in fabric or textile materials. Protective clothing sleeves (Tuff Cuff™ sleeves) with cuff components sealed to the outer surface of the sleeve are tested together with conventional sleeves (conventional sleeves) with knitted cuffs. See above references Figure 18AAs described, a first protective glove is placed over the user's hand and over the knitted cuff, such that the O-ring of the protective glove rests on the skirt portion 1804 of the cuff member 1800. Then, the foldable portion 1806 of the cuff member 1800 is folded over the skirt portion 1804 and the O-ring of the first protective glove. Then, a second protective glove is placed over the first protective glove and the cuff member 1800. For a regular sleeve, the first protective glove is worn to cover the knitted cuff and the distal side of the regular sleeve. Then, the second protective glove is worn over the first protective glove, such that the second protective glove completely covers the first protective glove.

[0155] In the first test, a regular sleeve with two protective gloves was immersed in a red dye solution for five (5) seconds, and a Tuff Cuff™ sleeve with two protective gloves was immersed in the same red dye solution for twenty (20) seconds. When both gloves were removed from the regular sleeve, the wearer's knitted cuffs and hands were found to be soaked in the red dye solution. In contrast, when both gloves were removed from the Tuff Cuff™ sleeve, the wearer's knitted cuffs and hands were found to be completely dry. In the second test, three (3) cubic centimeters (cc) of red dye solution was injected through a tube passing through the Tuff Cuff™ sleeve into the palm of the hand beneath the first protective glove worn by the user to simulate an abnormal amount of sweat accumulating inside the first protective glove. After filling the first inner protective glove with the red dye solution, the second outer protective glove was removed, and the outer surface of the first protective glove was found to be completely dry. Therefore, Tuff Cuff™ prevents any leakage of liquid from the inside of the first protective glove to the external environment. These tests demonstrate that the cuff member 1200 of this disclosure provides a liquid-impermeable barrier that prevents liquids (e.g., sweat) that may accumulate under the protective glove from leaking through the cuff member 1200, while also preventing any liquids from the external environment from contacting the wearer's skin under the protective glove. No prior art garments, methods, or systems provide such a liquid-impermeable barrier between the glove and sleeve joint. As described above, in some embodiments, the material of the cuff member 1200 is made of or includes at least one layer of liquid-impermeable material. Also as described above, in some embodiments, the seal between the cuff member 1200 and the outer surface of the sleeve at the joint area 1802 is also liquid-impermeable. As used herein, the term "liquid-impermeable" means that no liquid is allowed to pass through a material or area therein.

[0156] In alternative embodiments, as described above, the cuff component can be made of an elastic material that can be pre-molded to the desired size of the cuff component, for example using an dip molding process for making disposable surgical gloves. In some embodiments, the unsealed side of such a pre-molded cuff component can be rolled up to create a loop that provides a grip for the user to pull the cuff over the first glove.

[0157] Current methods for manufacturing protective long coats typically use a manual process to create seams in the sleeves. This manual placement of the sleeve seams at the desired location for the cuff component on a regular sleeve results in a height variation ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 inches in diameter. This variation and excess material can cause wrinkles and potential points of failure when attempting to create a liquid-impermeable seam between the cuff component and the long coat sleeve. Figure 19A The illustration shows an example of a regular sleeve, when performing the above instructions. Figure 11 During the described process steps 1108 to 1111, the conventional sleeve can be modified to reduce excess sleeve material and thereby reduce wrinkles in the material. Therefore, when using the current long coat sleeves made using the current long coat sleeve sewing process, novel equipment and processes have been designed to ensure a consistent and compatible sleeve diameter that allows the cuff component to be attached and sealed to the sleeve, wherein there is a liquid-impermeable bonding area between the cuff component and the sleeve, as described above. Figure 19A As shown, the diameter of a flat, regular sleeve can be altered by linearly heat-sealing the sleeve at the desired location, thereby reducing the overall sleeve diameter and providing the desired sleeve shape.

[0158] Figure 19B The illustration shows a perspective view of a sleeve resewing assembly 1900 configured to modify the diameter (or circumference) of at least a portion of a conventional sleeve such that wrinkles in the sleeve material can be eliminated or significantly reduced when the sleeve material is bonded to the cuff member, as described above. According to some embodiments, the resewing assembly 1900, configured to perform sleeve size adjustment, comprises at least two parts: (1) a mandrel 1902 for holding the sleeve thereon during resewing; and (2) a heating assembly 1904 having at least one heat-sealing anvil 1906, a heat-sealing rod 1907, and at least one linear actuator 1908. The heat-sealing anvil 1906 is attached to the heat-sealing rod 1907, which is attached to the linear actuator 1908. The linear actuator 1908 can be manually or automatically controlled to move the heat-sealing rod 1907 and the anvil 1906 to apply pressure and transfer heat at the desired new seam location on the sleeve (not shown).

[0159] like Figure 19BAs shown, in some embodiments, the mandrel 1902 has a flat, tapered shape and is configured to receive the sleeve thereon, such that the sleeve will be substantially flat during the re-sewing process, similar to how a sleeve is slatted when ironed on an ironing board. The mandrel 1902 is attached to a larger platform 1910, which holds the mandrel 1902 and stabilizes it during re-sewing. The mandrel 1902 also includes a notch 1912 formed between the tapered end portion 1914 of the mandrel 1902 and the body portion. The notch 1912 is configured to provide a seat for resting the knitted cuff or end portion of the sleeve when the sleeve is placed on the mandrel 1902, and the tapered end portion 1914 may extend into or beyond the knitted cuff, or beyond the distal edge of the sleeve. In some embodiments, it is desirable for the mandrel diameter to match the sleeve diameter at the joint area, as described above. If the sleeve diameter is too small, the sleeve seam may tear or rip when placed on the mandrel. If the sleeve diameter is too large, the extra material will fold and wrinkle, causing leakage across the joint area. Preferably, the target sleeve diameter mismatch with the mandrel diameter is less than 0.06 inches (1.5 mm).

[0160] For example Figure 19B As shown, the re-sewing assembly 1900 also includes two clamps 1916 located adjacent to the opposite ends of the heat-sealing anvil 1906 and fixedly attached to the platform 1910. When the heat-sealing anvil 1906 moves downward between the two clamps 1916 to re-sew at least a portion of the sleeve, the clamps 1916 hold portions of the sleeve material downward onto the platform 1910, thereby reducing the sleeve diameter (or circumference) at the joint area. As described above, if the sleeve diameter at the joint area is larger than the diameter near the joint area of ​​the cuff member, such a sleeve can be salvaged by reducing its size. In some embodiments, excess material of the sleeve can be removed (i.e., the sleeve is turned inside out) by adding a new heat seal along the inner surface of the sleeve at a location adjacent to and along the original sleeve seam to achieve the desired sleeve diameter and size. Figure 19A The illustration shows a change in the flattened sleeve circumference at the joint area from 13.50 inches (342 mm) to 12.50 inches (317 mm) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0161] In an alternative implementation, tooling improvements can be used to address loosely fitted sleeves with excess material. Typically, the anvil surface at the bonding area is flat and smooth, and its shape is cylindrical or conical. If excess sleeve material exists on a flat anvil, wrinkles or creases may occur, potentially creating channels for leakage. One solution is to replace the smooth anvil with an anvil 2000 that incorporates a micro-folded surface morphology with a fan-shaped shape, such as... Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown. The anvil 2000 includes a plurality of shallow recesses along the outer peripheral surface of the anvil 2000, otherwise referred to herein as “micro-pleats”. The perimeter of the micro-pleated anvil 2000 is larger than that of a flat anvil, and therefore can more easily accommodate excess material from the sleeve without allowing the excess material to cause conventional wrinkles or folds. In some embodiments, a plurality (e.g., 100) of small recesses or micro-pleats 2002 placed around the circumference of the anvil 2000 will increase the circumference and perimeter area of ​​the anvil 2000 by 5% to 10%. In some embodiments, the micro-pleated anvil 2000 also includes a plurality of vacuum holes 2004 configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and supply vacuum suction to hold the material of the garment sleeve on the anvil 2000. Thus, the micro-pleated anvil can hold and absorb excess sleeve material without forming conventional wrinkles or folds, but rather forming evenly spaced and uniform micro-pleats or wavy recesses in the material. In some embodiments, such as Figure 20B As shown, small, shallow recesses 2002 (preferably 0.02 inches (0.50 mm) deep) will be filled with hot melt adhesive during the reheating process, thereby creating a leak-proof seal. In various embodiments, the recesses or micropleats can range in depth from 0.01 to 0.05 inches. Shallow recesses or micropleats differ from typical pleats or corrugations, as typical pleats and corrugations prevent hot melt adhesive penetration and sealing. In contrast, it has been found that micropleats or shallow recesses can be easily filled with hot melt adhesive to provide a liquid-impermeable seal.

[0162] In various embodiments of this disclosure, sleeves with cuffs can be formed in various ways, resulting in garments that can be used to form waterproof, sealed garments. Sleeves or sleeve materials can be formed in a variety of ways and can have different shapes or configurations when the cuffs or cuff materials are attached to the sleeve or sleeve material. Some variations of the waterproof garment system can be produced as follows: In the first example, the sleeve can be formed from sleeve material to have a tubular shape. The sleeve can have a tubular shape by joining two or more sleeve material pieces together with longitudinal seams to create a tubular shape. In these examples, the cuff can be formed from cuff material to have a tubular shape. One or more cuff material pieces can be joined together with one or more longitudinal seams to create a tubular cuff. The tubular cuff can then be positioned on and attached to the tubular sleeve to form a waterproof seal. In these examples, the tubular cuff can be attached to the tubular sleeve in a manner previously described, such as positioning the tubular sleeve and / or the tubular cuff on a mandrel or other clamp. In examples of this category, the sleeve and cuff each form their respective tubular shape, and each tubular cuff is attached to the corresponding tubular sleeve.

[0163] In the second example, the sleeve can be formed from sleeve material to have a tubular shape, as described above. Cuff material can then be applied to the tubular sleeve. In these examples, the tubular sleeve can have a flat configuration. The tubular sleeve can be flattened such that the two sleeve material pieces forming the tubular sleeve are positioned abutting against each other or adjacent to each other. Cuff material can then be positioned on and attached to the flattened tubular sleeve. The cuff material can be a single or a single cuff material piece. A single cuff material piece can wrap around the flattened tubular sleeve such that a longitudinal seam is used to form the cuff. The cuff material can also be two separate cuff material pieces. A first cuff material piece can be positioned on one side (e.g., the top side) of the flattened tubular sleeve, and a second cuff material piece can be positioned on a second side (e.g., the bottom side) of the flattened tubular sleeve. The first and second cuff material pieces can be joined together via two longitudinal seams (i.e., one seam at each edge of the sleeve) to form the tubular cuff. In the aforementioned example, a tubular sleeve can be formed first, and then the cuff material can be formed into a tubular cuff when the cuff material is attached to the tubular, flattened sleeve.

[0164] In the third example, the sleeve material and cuff material are positioned and oriented relative to each other and formed into a tubular sleeve and a tubular cuff in the same process step. The sleeve material can be positioned flat as a single piece of sleeve material folded onto itself to create the sleeve. Alternatively, the sleeve material can be two separate pieces of sleeve material positioned adjacent to each other, or one on top of the other. The cuff material can be a single piece of cuff material folded and / or wrapped around the sleeve material. Alternatively, the cuff material can be two separate pieces of cuff material, each positioned on opposite sides of the sleeve material. In these examples, the tubular sleeve and tubular cuff can be formed simultaneously and / or in the same manufacturing station or process step. A longitudinal sleeve seam can be created to form the tubular sleeve. The longitudinal cuff seam can also be formed in the same process stage to create a waterproof sleeve and cuff system. The sleeve and cuff system can be formed in various iterations as described above. It should also be understood that sleeve and cuff systems can be produced using sleeves or sleeve materials that are attached to or separate from long coats.

[0165] During the production of the sleeve and cuff systems in the various alternatives described herein, the cuff and / or cuff material can be stretched when it is attached to the sleeve or cuff material. In some examples, the cuff or cuff material can stretch from about 10% to about 40%. In other examples, the cuff or cuff material can stretch from about 20% to about 30%. In still other examples, the cuff or cuff material can stretch from about 0% to about 40%. In other examples, the cuff or cuff material is not stretched, or may include minimal stretch.

[0166] According to the implementation plan, during the long coat construction stage, before the cuff and sleeve materials are formed into a tubular sleeve, or in some cases, before the cuff and sleeve materials are formed into a tubular sleeve and part of the long coat body, the cuff material can be attached to the long coat sleeve material. This can provide manufacturing efficiency and advantages. In such an implementation plan, the cuff material is attached to the sleeve while the sleeve is flat. According to some implementation plans, the process may include the following steps: 1. Cut the sleeves into a certain size and shape from the sleeve material.

[0167] 2. Forming the sleeve material into a sleeve. In some embodiments, adhesives or other bonding materials or bonding methods are used to seal one or more longitudinal edges of the sleeve material to create a tubular, sealed, and waterproof sleeve.

[0168] 3. Cut the cuff material to a specific size and shape. In some implementations, this step can be performed after the cuff material has been applied and / or bonded to the sleeve.

[0169] 4. In some embodiments, the cuff material is an elastomer, and the elastomer is stretched by a predetermined amount (e.g., 10% to 40%) when the elastomer is placed on the sleeve or sleeve material and / or when a hot melt adhesive is applied to the cuff material. In some embodiments, the elastomer is stretched in the range of 20% to 30%.

[0170] 5. Apply hot melt adhesive to the cuff or sleeve material at the cuff joint area. In some embodiments, the hot melt adhesive is a pressure-activated adhesive.

[0171] 6. Position and press the cuff bonding area of ​​the cuff material, which has a hot-melt adhesive on the sleeve material or cuff material, onto the sleeve bonding area of ​​the sleeve or cuff material. In some embodiments, if the cuff material is a stretched elastic cuff material, while positioning and pressing the cuff bonding area of ​​the cuff material onto the sleeve or cuff material, the elastic cuff material is maintained in a desired stretched state (e.g., stretched to a maximum of 10% to 40% in one or more desired directions) by at least two clamps on opposite sides of the stretched flat cuff material.

[0172] 7. Apply heat and pressure to the cuff and sleeve joint area to remelt the hot melt adhesive, thereby creating a waterproof bond and seam between the cuff material and the outer surface of the sleeve or sleeve material.

[0173] 8. If necessary, sew knitted cuffs at the far end of each sleeve.

[0174] 9. The left and right sleeves can be made separately according to the above description, and then the left and right sleeves (with joined cuffs) can be attached to the long coat body, or they can also form part of the long coat body when forming the tubular sleeves.

[0175] Now for reference Figure 21 Example device 2100 can be used to perform one or more steps in producing waterproof sleeves and cuffs. A suitable long coat with waterproof sleeves at the sleeve / glove joint can then be produced using the sleeve or sleeve material and the cuff or cuff material. In this example, device 2100 may include a first dispenser 2102 and a second dispenser 2104. The first dispenser 2102 and the second dispenser 2104 may be wheels or reel components for dispensing a certain length of sleeve material. The sleeve material may be one of the sleeve materials described previously. The first dispenser 2102 and the second dispenser 2104 may be connected to a suitable motor (such as a servo motor or other controllable motor) that can be used to rotate the first dispenser 2102 and / or the second dispenser 2104 at a desired speed and / or intermittently to dispense a predetermined length of sleeve material.

[0176] After the sleeve material is dispensed, the sleeve material can be positioned in a substantially horizontal position. Suitable conveyors, platforms, or other equipment can be used to hold and / or support the sleeve material 2112. At a first station, the edges 2106 of the sleeve material can be joined together to form a sleeve. It should be understood that a first material sheet from the first dispenser 2102 is positioned on top of a second material sheet from the second dispenser 2104. The edges 2106 can be sealed together using a suitable joining process, such as heat, adhesive, or ultrasonic sealing methods. In other examples, hot melt adhesive can be used at the edges 2106 to create a tubular sleeve. The edges 2106 can be joined together in the form of a finned seal. Such a seal or joining can be on the outside or inside of the sleeve. In yet another example (not shown), a single sleeve material sheet can be used. A single sleeve material sheet can be folded over itself, such that one edge of the sleeve material is joined or sealed to form a sleeve.

[0177] As can be seen, the sleeve can have a trapezoidal shape, such that the end of the sleeve to be positioned at or near the user's wrist is smaller than the opposite end that can be attached to the long coat. A seal can be performed along edge 2106 in this trapezoidal shape to create the trapezoidal shape. After the sealing or joining step, excess material 2110 can be cut from the sleeve to leave a trapezoidal sleeve 2108. The cutting of the excess material 2110 can be performed using a suitable cutting process (such as die-cutting, laser cutting, trimming, waterjet cutting, automatic knife cutting, etc.).

[0178] Now for reference Figures 22 to 24 The cuff material 2202 can be attached to the sleeve 2108 to create the aforementioned waterproof system. The cuff material 2202 can be positioned on the sleeve 2108. In this example, the cuff material 2202 may include a pattern of bonding material (such as the aforementioned hot melt adhesive). Before positioning the cuff material 2202 on the sleeve 2108, a pattern 2206 of bonding material can be applied to the cuff material 2202. Pressure and / or heat can be applied to the pattern 2206 around or on the cuff material 2202 and the sleeve 2108. The cuff material 2202 can be attached to the sleeve 2108, and the cuff material 2202 can be formed around the sleeve 2108, thus forming a tubular cuff. Figure 22 The image shows a first material sheet forming the cuff. This first material sheet for cuff material 2202 is shown above sleeve 2108. It should be understood that a second similar material sheet may be positioned below sleeve 2108, such that sleeve 2108 is positioned between upper and lower cuff material layers. A pattern of bonding materials may be applied to the upper or lower layer of the cuff material, or both. The process of applying pressure and / or heat to cuff material 2202 can cause the upper cuff material layer 2202 to melt and bond to the lower cuff material layer 2202, thereby forming a tubular cuff. The edge portion 2304 of pattern 2206 ( Figure 23A This can produce the final cuff edge, and the horizontal portion 2306 of pattern 2206 ( Figure 23A It can create a watertight seal to prevent or limit the movement of liquid through the sleeve / overcoat joint of the fluid management system.

[0179] When the cuff material 2202 is positioned and attached to the sleeve 2108, the cuff material 2202 can be stretched. In some examples, the cuff material 2202 can be stretched by a predetermined amount, such as in the range of about 10% to about 40%. In another example, the cuff material 2202 can be stretched by a predetermined amount in the range of about 20% to about 30%. In other examples, other predetermined amounts of stretching can be used. In other examples, the cuff material may not be stretched.

[0180] The pattern 2206 of the bonding material can be deposited in various configurations. In this example, the bonding material is deposited such that the edge portion 2304 of the pattern 2206 has a gap g with the edge 2302 of the sleeve 2108. The gap g can have various values. However, a gap of about 2 mm to about 10 mm has been determined to be desirable. The gap g is desirable so that the cuff material 2202 maintains its ability to fold down toward the wearer's wrist to produce the aforementioned fluid management system. If there is not enough gap g between the edge portion 2304 and the edge 2302 of the sleeve 2108, the cuff material 2202 may be bonded to the sleeve 2108 at one or more portions above the transverse portion 2306 (towards the wearer's shoulder). If the cuff material 2202 is bonded to the sleeve 2108 above the transverse portion 2306 at or along the edge 2302, the cuff material 2202 will not be able to fold down toward the wearer's wrist. In some examples, the pattern 2206 is formed of a type of adhesive or hot melt material. In other examples, pattern 2206 can be formed from a variety of different types of adhesives or hot melt materials. For example, edge portions 2304 and lateral portions 2306 can be formed from different types of adhesives or hot melt materials because such portions may have different bonding requirements.

[0181] Pattern 2206 can have an H-shape because it can include two edge portions 2304 and a transverse portion 2306 positioned across the cuff material 2202 to connect the edge portions 2304. The edge portions 2304 can be angled relative to the transverse portion 2306 to align with the trapezoidal sleeve 2108. In other examples, the edge portions 2304 and the transverse portion 2306 can have other relative shapes and orientations, as long as the edge portions 2304 create a sealed tubular cuff material 2202 and the transverse portion 2306 spans between the edges of the cuff material 2202 to prevent fluid leakage.

[0182] In various embodiments, the protective garment 2200 may include different configurations at the wrist opening 2314 of the sleeve 2108. (See above regarding...) Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C As described in the embodiment shown, the protective garment 2200 may exclude elements or include elastic bands at the wrist opening 2314. Figure 23A Such an implementation scheme is shown in the figure. Figure 23B As shown, protective clothing may include a wrist cuff or hand flap portion depicted as a wrist element 2310. The wrist element 2310 may be positioned at the end of the sleeve 2108 and may be attached to the sleeve 2108 at a joining area 2312 located at or near the wrist opening 2314.

[0183] The wrist element 2310 can be attached to the sleeve 2108 using suitable stitching or joining methods, such as adhesives, ultrasonic or thermal welding, sewing, or any other suitable means of adhering articles. In some embodiments, an impermeable seal can be created at the joint area 2312 using the methods described previously. For example, heat and / or pressure can be applied at the joint area 2312, causing an adhesive to fill the gaps and / or spaces between the material of the sleeve 2108 and the wrist element 2310 to create an impermeable seal. In some examples, the material of the sleeve 2108 and / or the wrist element 2310 can be melted via heat and / or pressure applied at the joint area 2312 to create an impermeable seal. In other examples, the wrist element 2310 can be attached to the sleeve 2108 using seams or other connections that do not create an impermeable seal.

[0184] In some examples, the wrist element 2310 can be configured as a wrist cuff, as previously discussed. Figure 18A The examples shown and described herein illustrate this. In other examples, the wrist element 2310 may be configured as a hand drape portion, as previously discussed. Figure 18C The examples shown and described herein illustrate this. A wrist cuff configuration or hand flap configuration may be attached to sleeve 2108, as previously described. Various materials may be used for the wrist cuff configuration or hand flap configuration. The wrist cuff may include woven materials, nonwoven materials, films and / or laminates, or otherwise formed from them. Woven materials may include various elastic woven materials, such as knitted materials. Nonwoven materials may be formed from elastomer fibers, or may be elastomer laminates made of elastomer fibers and films or elastomer films and fibers. In some examples, the elastomer nonwoven may be made by sandwiching elastic filaments (such as Lycra or Spandex) between two non-elastic fabric layers. In other examples, other materials may be used.

[0185] In some examples, the wrist element 2310 may be attached to the sleeve 2108 in a tubular configuration. In such examples, various mandrels or other clamps (as described above) may be used to attach the wrist element 2310 to the sleeve 2108. In other examples, the wrist element 2310 may be attached to the sleeve 2108 while the sleeve 2108 is in a flat state. The wrist element 2310 may be provided as a single piece of material folded onto itself and then positioned on both sides of the sleeve 2108. The wrist element 2310 may be sewn at its open edges to form a closed wrist element 2310, wrapping around the periphery of the sleeve 2108 at the wrist opening 2314. The wrist element 2310 may also be attached to and / or sealed to the sleeve 2108 while its edges are sewn into a tubular configuration. In other examples, the wrist element 2310 may be sewn on and then individually attached to the sleeve 2108.

[0186] like Figure 23B As shown, the wrist element 2310 can be positioned such that the open end of the wrist element 2310 is oriented away from the wrist opening 2314 of the sleeve 2108. In this configuration, the edge or open end of the wrist element 2310 is located further away from the shoulder of the sleeve 2108 than the wrist opening 2314 of the sleeve 2108. In such a configuration, the seam can be visible. In other examples, the wrist element 2310 can be positioned in a reverse configuration, wherein the wrist element 2310 is positioned such that the opening is located between the wrist opening 2314 of the sleeve 2108 and the shoulder of the sleeve 2108. The wrist element 2310 can be attached to the sleeve at the joining area 2312, and then the open end of the wrist element 2310 can be folded over the joining area 2312 in a direction away from the shoulder of the sleeve 2108 to hide the seam formed at the joining area 2312. In the folded configuration, the open end of the wrist element 2310 can then be positioned at the wrist opening 2314 that extends beyond the sleeve 2108.

[0187] In some examples, the wrist element 2310 may be attached to the sleeve 2108 in a common manufacturing station or manufacturing unit where the cuff material 2202 is attached to the sleeve 2108. The cuff material 2202 may be provided, and the wrist element material may be provided and positioned on the sleeve material 2108 at a predetermined location. Pressure and / or heat may be applied to the cuff material 2202 and the wrist element material to bond the cuff material 2202 and the wrist element 2310 to the sleeve material 2108. In other examples, the wrist element 2310 may be attached to the sleeve material 2108 independently of or separately from the cuff material 2202. The wrist element 2310 may be added before or after the cuff material 2202 is attached to the sleeve material 2108.

[0188] like Figure 25 As shown, the cuff material 2202 can be positioned on or near the wrist edge 2502 of the sleeve 2108. The cuff material 2202 can be positioned at a distance H2 away from the wrist edge or wrist opening 2502 (or... Figure 25 Positioned above it. Distance H2 allows for the knitting of the liner or other wrist elements (such as wrist element 2310). Figure 23B )) Attached to sleeve 2108. In some examples, the distance H2 can be approximately 1.5 inches. In other examples, different distances can be used.

[0189] The cuff material 2202 may have a total height H1. In some examples, the height H1 is approximately 4 inches. In other examples, the total height H1 may range from approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches. The cuff material 2202 may have sufficient height to allow the cuff material 2202 to fold over itself and be positioned over the wearer's first glove. In other examples, the total height H1 may have other sizes.

[0190] The lateral portion 2306 of pattern 2206 can be positioned above the wrist edge of cuff material 2202 at a distance H3. Distance H3 can be of various suitable distances. In some examples, distance H3 is in the range of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.5 inches.

[0191] The cuff and sleeve components described above can be manufactured using various methods envisioned in this disclosure. (Reference) Figure 26 The illustration shows an example method 2600. Method 2600 can be used to produce a sleeve and cuff assembly, which can then be attached to or formed into a long coat, or method 2600 can be used to produce a sleeve, a cuff assembly, and a portion or the entire body of a long coat. While the following description may be referenced... Figures 21 to 25 The cuffs and sleeves shown are the same as those described above, but it should be understood that the method is not limited to these embodiments.

[0192] Method 2600 may begin at step 2602. At step 2602, sleeve material is provided. A dispensing device or other equipment may be used to provide the sleeve material. In some examples, the sleeve material is provided via one or more automatically dispensed material rolls.

[0193] At step 2602, sleeve material can be used to produce a sleeve, such as sleeve 2108 as previously described. The sleeve material can be provided in two layers, which are sealed or joined together along the open edges of the sleeve material. In some embodiments, two separate sleeve material layers are provided and joined together to form a sleeve. In other examples, a sleeve material sheet can be folded, and then the loose edges of the folded material are sealed, joined, or joined together. As part of step 2604, excess sleeve material can be removed from the formed sleeve by cutting or otherwise separating it from the formed sleeve. It should be understood that in various variations of method 2600, the sleeve can be produced simultaneously with or in the same processing step as cuff material is joined to the sleeve (or sleeve material). The sleeve material can be provided as two sleeve material layers or two sleeve material sheets, and the longitudinal edges can be joined together via longitudinal seams. In such an example, step 2604 (i.e., the production of the tubular sleeve) can be performed simultaneously or concurrently with step 2614.

[0194] At step 2606, cuff material is provided. The cuff material may be provided on a roll. A cuff dispenser that can provide cuff material of a predetermined length can be used to dispense the cuff material.

[0195] At step 2608, the cuff material can be stretched. As previously described, various amounts of stretching can be used. In some examples, the cuff can be stretched from about 0% to about 40%. In other examples, the cuff can be stretched from about 10% to about 40%. In still other examples, the cuff material can be stretched from about 20% to about 30%. Suitable clamps can be used to stretch the cuff material, which can apply force to the edge of the cuff material. The cuff material can be cut to a predetermined length, and the edges of the cuff material can be gripped by clamps or other means to apply opposing forces to the opposite edges of the cuff.

[0196] At step 2610, a pattern of bonding material can be applied to the cuff material. In some examples, the bonding material is applied while the cuff material is in a stretched state. The bonding material, such as a hot melt adhesive or a pressure-activated adhesive, can be applied in an H-shaped pattern. The H-shaped pattern can have a configuration and shape as described above.

[0197] At step 2612, cuff material with bonding material can be applied to the sleeve. The cuff can be positioned at or near the wrist edge of the sleeve. In some examples, the cuff can be positioned at a predetermined distance away from the wrist edge of the sleeve. Two layers of cuff material can be applied to the sleeve, with one layer positioned on opposite sides of the sleeve.

[0198] At step 2614, the cuff is bonded to the sleeve. Heat and / or pressure may be applied to the bonding material on the cuff and sleeve. This step of the process connects the cuff to the sleeve and also creates a fluid-resistant or waterproof seal at the edge of the cuff and between the cuff and sleeve.

[0199] At step 2616, excess cuff material can be removed from the cuff to define the final size and shape of the cuff. Cuff material extending laterally outward from the edge of the combined pattern can be removed to create a tubular cuff.

[0200] Although not in Figure 26As shown, however, the method may also include attaching a wrist element to the sleeve. The method may include the processes and / or steps previously described. In one example, wrist element material (such as a knitted material) may be applied to the sleeve material at or near the wrist edge or wrist opening of the sleeve. A bonding material (such as a hot melt adhesive or a pressure-activated adhesive) may be applied to the sleeve and / or wrist element material at a predetermined bonding area. The wrist element material may be applied to the sleeve, and heat and / or pressure may be applied at the wrist element bonding area to bond the wrist element material to the sleeve. Then, in an example where one or both edges of the wrist element material are sewn together to form the wrist element, excess wrist element material may be removed.

[0201] Among other methods contemplated in this disclosure, a method for producing protective clothing is provided. This method can be used, for example, to produce a protective long coat comprising multiple sleeves. Each sleeve may include cuffs and / or wrist elements as described above. In some examples, the protective clothing or protective long coat may be manufactured in an assembly line for producing protective clothing. In some examples, cuffs and / or other wrist elements may be applied to and / or intermittently added to the protective long coat. In other examples, cuffs and / or wrist elements may be continuously added to each sleeve of the protective long coat. In still other examples, cuffs and / or wrist elements may be continuously or intermittently added to a sleeve, which may then be subsequently added to or attached to a body portion of the protective long coat.

[0202] Among the various methods envisioned in this disclosure, protective garments with cuffs and / or wrist elements can be produced using continuous or intermittent processing steps, or both continuous and intermittent processing steps. In continuous processing, the material used to produce the protective garment typically moves continuously or has short pauses between processing steps or at processing steps. For example, sleeve material may be dispensed from a roll and moved continuously through one or more rollers while the sleeve material is positioned on a jig or mandrel. Similarly, cuff or wrist element material may be dispensed continuously from a roll or other container. The material for the protective garment may pause during continuous processing, but such pauses are typically short in duration and allow for the production of protective garments at high rates. In various examples, protective long coats can be produced at rates of 20, 100, 300, or 500 garments per minute in a continuous process. Various processes, including cutting, joining, sealing, heating, pressing, etc., can be performed continuously using rollers or other equipment that allows continuous material movement.

[0203] In intermittent or rotational operations, material used to produce protective clothing, sleeves, cuffs, or wrist components can be moved into place and then held in the desired position for a period of time at a fixture, mandrel, or other processing station while operations are performed on the material. Such processing may include cutting, joining, heating, pressing, clamping, etc. The time during which the material or component of the protective clothing remains in a non-moving position may be referred to as the dwell time of the process step. In this disclosure, the term "continuous" in relation to processing or manufacturing means that the material used to produce the clothing moves at or between processing steps without interruption. Although some interruptions may occur on the order of 1.5 seconds or less, the process may still be considered continuous for the purposes of this disclosure. In this disclosure, the term "intermittent" in relation to processing or manufacturing means that the material used to produce the protective clothing may stop moving at a processing step. The dwell time in an intermittent process may, for example, be greater than 1.5 seconds. In various intermittent processes, the dwell time may be, for example, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 6 seconds, 12 seconds, or other durations. Intermittent processes generally have a slower production rate than continuous processes. Intermittent processes can produce, for example, 5 protective garments per minute, or about 20 protective garments per minute.

[0204] In other example methods of this disclosure, the method can be performed continuously or intermittently without exclusivity, and both continuous and intermittent processing can be used. For example, sleeve material or cuff material can be continuously distributed and cut to a certain length. Then, in another intermittent processing step, the cut blanks of sleeve material and / or cuff material can be positioned and joined together.

[0205] In the following description of the example methods, the terms "cuff" and "wrist element" are used for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that the cuff or wrist element (such as the terms described above) may be attached to the protective clothing via the methods described below, or both may be attached to the protective clothing.

[0206] The method may include the step of positioning sleeve material in or on a sleeve clamp. For example, the sleeve material may be positioned on a sleeve clamp that includes a mandrel to receive a tubular sleeve of the sleeve material. The mandrel may be cylindrical or conical in shape and may have a shape similar to that of the sleeve. In other examples, the sleeve clamp may be configured as a holding clamp to hold the sleeve material in a desired position and restrict movement of the sleeve material relative to the holding clamp. In still other examples, the sleeve clamp may include a combination of clamps and clamps or a mandrel.

[0207] The method may also include the step of expanding cuff material. The cuff material may be positioned over the end of the sleeve or sleeve material after its expansion. The cuff material or cuff may be elastic to allow the cuff material to be stretched, or, in the case of a tubular cuff, allow the cuff material to expand from a first diameter to a second, larger diameter. The expanded cuff material may adhere to the sleeve material and then return to an unexpanded state upon release, in which the cuff or cuff material contacts the sleeve material. Various clamps, pliers, or other devices may be used to expand the cuff material. In some examples, a multi-finger device may be used, in which elongated fingers can move apart to expand the cuff or cuff material to the expanded state. Such an expansion clamp may also move or translate to allow the expanded cuff or expanded cuff material to be positioned over the end of the sleeve and then released to the unexpanded state at said position at the end of the sleeve.

[0208] The method may also include allowing the extended cuff or extended cuff material to return to an unextended state at the end of the sleeve. The clamp or device for extending the cuff or cuff material, as described above, can return it to its original state. In other examples, the extended cuff or extended cuff material can be removed from the conical device to allow the cuff or cuff material to return to an unextended state. In still other examples, other devices, clamps, grippers, robotic grippers, etc., can be used to return the extended cuff or extended cuff material to an unextended state.

[0209] When the cuff or cuff material returns to its unexpanded state, the cuff or cuff material can be positioned at the end of the sleeve at the wrist area of ​​the sleeve, where the wearer's wrist will be located when wearing the protective clothing. The cuff or cuff material can be secured to the desired position at the end of the sleeve. The method may include the step of attaching the cuff or cuff material to the end of the sleeve material. Various suitable techniques can be used to attach the cuff or cuff material to the end of the sleeve. In some cases, suitable adhesives, such as hot melt adhesives or pressure-activated adhesives, can be used. The adhesive can be deposited on the sleeve and / or the cuff or cuff material. In one example, the adhesive can be deposited on the sleeve or sleeve material before positioning the cuff or cuff material on the end of the sleeve. In such an example, a nozzle or other suitable dispenser can deposit the adhesive at a position at the end of the sleeve where the cuff is desired to be positioned in the finished protective clothing. The sleeve can then be expanded and positioned on the end of the sleeve and on the adhesive. The cuff can then be allowed to return to its unexpanded state on the sleeve and on the adhesive.

[0210] In some examples, heat and / or pressure may be applied to the cuff and sleeve. The heat and / or pressure may cause an adhesive to bond the cuff or cuff material to the sleeve. In some examples, the bonding forms an impermeable or waterproof seal between the cuff and sleeve and serves to hold the cuff to the sleeve in the desired location. In other examples, the bonding is not an impermeable seal and serves to hold the cuff to the sleeve in the desired location.

[0211] The above method can be performed on one or both sleeves of a protective long coat to provide cuffs at each sleeve. In some examples, the protective long coat is formed in a common manufacturing system where cuffs are attached to the sleeves. In other examples, cuffs can be added to a pre-existing long coat. In still other examples, cuffs can be added to the sleeves, and then the sleeves are attached to the body portion of the protective long coat. In yet another example, the protective garment can be a sleeve with cuffs that is not attached to the body portion and serves as a protective sleeve.

[0212] This disclosure describes various examples and embodiments that can be used to create waterproof fluid management systems. It should be understood that the above examples and embodiments should not be construed as limiting the application of other variations or other methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, the bonding of sleeve materials, cuff materials, and / or the bonding of cuff or cuff material to sleeve or sleeve material can be accomplished using various adhesives, sealants, bonding methods, hot melt adhesives, pressure bonding agents, or other materials (such as those described above). To create the waterproof seams and connections of this disclosure, bonding materials can be used to fill and / or prevent leakage by sealing the gaps between fibers or pores in the respective bonded materials. The waterproof seams and connections of this disclosure can also be created by melting the fibers of one or both of the respective bonded materials together.

[0213] In other examples, other processes may be used to produce the sleeves, cuffs, and / or sleeve and cuff systems of this disclosure. For example, 3D textile printing methods may be used to form the sleeves, cuffs, wrist elements, and / or waterproof sleeve and cuff systems of this disclosure. In one example, the 3D textile printing process may be used to print a long coat or other protective clothing that may include a long coat body and one or more sleeves on the long coat body. The protective clothing, the long coat body, and one or more sleeves may be printed on a 3D-shaped body jig. Cuff material may be printed onto the sleeve such that the cuff material permeates and fills any pores or gaps in the 3D-printed long coat to create a waterproof seam at the junction of the cuff material and the long coat / sleeve, thereby forming a waterproof cuff. In other examples, the sleeve may be 3D printed, and then cuff material may be printed onto the sleeve. Cuff material can permeate and fill any pores or gaps in the sleeve material to create a waterproof seam at the cuff / sleeve joint, thus forming a waterproof cuff. The sleeve / cuff system can then be attached to a long coat or other protective clothing. In another example, the body material and / or sleeve material, as well as the cuff material, can be 3D printed in layers. Cuff material can be printed onto the sleeve material such that it permeates and fills any pores or gaps in the 3D-printed long coat or protective clothing to create a waterproof seam. The printed material, containing the body material, sleeve material, and / or cuff material, can be folded into the body shape, sleeve shape, and / or waterproof cuff. In other examples, wrist elements (such as knitted cuffs or hand flap extensions) can be 3D printed onto the sleeve material. In various examples, suitable 3D printing techniques can be used to produce the long coat, protective clothing, sleeves, and / or cuffs. Such 3D printing techniques can include gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, or nozzle printing. In other examples, other techniques and / or iterations can be used to take advantage of the benefits and versatility of 3D textile printing methods.

[0214] The foregoing outlines the features of several embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to better understand various aspects of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that they can readily use this disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same purposes and / or realize the same advantages as the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0215] This disclosure envisions the following embodiments as other combinations and features as described above.

[0216] Implementation Scheme 1: A method of manufacturing protective clothing, comprising: providing a tubular cuff; providing a tubular sleeve of the protective clothing; flattening the tubular sleeve such that two layers of the tubular sleeve are positioned adjacent to each other; joining the tubular cuff to the flattened tubular sleeve at a predetermined sleeve joining area of ​​the tubular sleeve, thereby forming a liquid-impermeable seal between the tubular cuff and the tubular sleeve, wherein a foldable portion of the tubular sleeve is located proximal to the sleeve joining area when in an unfolded state, and wherein the foldable portion is configured to fold over the sleeve joining area and cover the sleeve joining area in a folded state.

[0217] Implementation Scheme 2: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 1, wherein the bonding comprises: applying an adhesive at the predetermined sleeve bonding area of ​​the sleeve; and applying heat to the predetermined sleeve bonding area.

[0218] Implementation Scheme 3: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 1, further comprising: stretching the tubular cuff to increase the diameter of the tubular cuff; and positioning the stretched tubular cuff around the sleeve such that, while the tubular cuff is in a stretched state, the cuff joint area of ​​the tubular cuff is aligned above and around a predetermined sleeve joint area.

[0219] Implementation Scheme 4: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 3, wherein after the tubular cuff is attached to the flattened tubular sleeve, the tubular cuff remains in a stretched state.

[0220] Implementation Scheme 5: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 3, wherein the diameter of the stretched tubular elastic cuff member is 20% to 30% larger than the diameter of the unstretched tubular elastic cuff member.

[0221] Implementation Scheme 6: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 1, further comprising: after attaching the tubular cuff to the tubular sleeve, attaching the tubular sleeve to the protective long coat.

[0222] Implementation Scheme 7: The method of Implementation Scheme 1, further comprising: attaching a wrist element to the flattened tubular sleeve at or near the wrist opening, wherein the wrist element comprises one of an elastomeric cuff and a hand flap extension.

[0223] Implementation Scheme 8: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 7, wherein the open end of the wrist element is oriented away from the wrist opening of the flat tubular sleeve.

[0224] Implementation Scheme 9: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 7, wherein the open end of the wrist element is positioned between the wrist opening of the sleeve and the shoulder of the sleeve.

[0225] Implementation Scheme 10: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 7, wherein the element is incorporated into the flat tubular sleeve to create an impermeable seal.

[0226] Implementation Scheme 11: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 7, wherein the wrist element is incorporated into the flat tubular sleeve to create a permeable seal.

[0227] Implementation Scheme 12: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 7, wherein the wrist element comprises an elastomeric wrist element material selected from one of woven materials, nonwoven materials, laminated materials, and film materials.

[0228] Implementation Scheme 13: A method of manufacturing protective clothing, comprising: providing at least one cuff material sheet; providing a tubular sleeve of the protective clothing; flattening the tubular sleeve such that two layers of the tubular sleeve are positioned adjacent to each other; bonding the at least one cuff material sheet to the flattened tubular sleeve at a predetermined sleeve bonding area of ​​the tubular sleeve to form a tubular cuff and to form a liquid-impermeable seal between the tubular cuff and the tubular sleeve, wherein a foldable portion of the tubular sleeve is located proximal to the sleeve bonding area when in an unfolded state, and wherein the foldable portion is configured to fold over the sleeve bonding area and cover the sleeve bonding area in a folded state.

[0229] Implementation Scheme 14: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 13, wherein the at least one cuff material piece comprises a single cuff material piece, and the single cuff material piece wraps around the opposite side of the flat tubular sleeve.

[0230] Implementation Scheme 15: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 14, wherein the tubular cuff is formed by a longitudinal seam, the longitudinal seam being produced during the step of bonding the at least one cuff material piece to the flattened tubular sleeve.

[0231] Implementation Scheme 16: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 14, wherein the tubular cuff is formed by a longitudinal seam, the longitudinal seam being created simultaneously with the creation of a transverse seam to form the impermeable seal between the tubular cuff and the tubular sleeve.

[0232] Implementation Scheme 17: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 13, wherein the at least one cuff material piece includes a first cuff material piece and a second cuff material piece, the first cuff material piece being positioned on a first side of the tubular sleeve, and the second cuff material piece being positioned on a second side of the tubular sleeve opposite to the first side.

[0233] Implementation Scheme 18. The method of Implementation Scheme 17, wherein the tubular cuff is formed by a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, the first longitudinal seam and the second longitudinal seam connecting the opposite edges of the first cuff material piece and the second cuff material piece to each other during the step of joining the at least one cuff material piece to the flattened tubular sleeve.

[0234] Implementation Scheme 19: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 15, wherein the first longitudinal seam and the second longitudinal seam are produced simultaneously with the creation of a transverse seam to form the impermeable seal between the tubular cuff and the tubular sleeve.

[0235] Implementation Scheme 20: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 13, wherein the at least one cuff material piece is stretched while being attached to the tubular sleeve.

[0236] Implementation Scheme 21: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 13, further comprising: attaching the tubular sleeve to the protective long coat after attaching the at least one cuff material piece to the tubular sleeve.

[0237] Implementation Scheme 22: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 13, further comprising: attaching a wrist element to the tubular sleeve at or near the wrist opening, wherein the wrist element comprises one of a cuff and a hand flap extension.

[0238] Implementation Scheme 23: A method of manufacturing protective clothing, comprising: providing at least one cuff material piece; providing at least one sleeve material piece; positioning the at least one cuff material piece on a sleeve bonding area of ​​the at least one sleeve material piece in a substantially flat configuration; bonding the at least one cuff material piece to the at least one sleeve material piece at a predetermined sleeve bonding area of ​​the at least one sleeve material piece to form a tubular cuff and a tubular sleeve, wherein a liquid-impermeable seal is provided between the tubular cuff and the tubular sleeve, wherein a foldable portion of the tubular sleeve is located proximal to a first bonding area in an unfolded state, and wherein the foldable portion is configured to fold over the sleeve bonding area and cover the sleeve bonding area in a folded state.

[0239] Implementation Scheme 24: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 23, wherein the at least one cuff material piece comprises a single cuff material piece, and the single cuff material piece wraps around the opposite side of the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0240] Implementation Scheme 25: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 24, wherein the tubular cuff is formed by a longitudinal seam, the longitudinal seam being produced during the step of bonding the at least one cuff material piece to the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0241] Implementation Scheme 26: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 24, wherein the tubular cuff is formed by a longitudinal seam, the longitudinal seam being produced simultaneously with the creation of a transverse seam to form the impermeable seal between the at least one cuff material piece and the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0242] Implementation Scheme 27: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 23, wherein the at least one cuff material piece includes a first cuff material piece and a second cuff material piece, the first cuff material piece being positioned on a first side of the at least one cuff material piece, and the second cuff material piece being positioned on a second side of the at least one cuff material piece opposite to the first side.

[0243] Implementation Scheme 28: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 22, wherein the tubular cuff is formed by a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, the first longitudinal seam and the second longitudinal seam connecting the opposite edges of the first cuff material piece and the second cuff material piece to each other during the step of bonding the at least one cuff material piece to the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0244] Implementation Scheme 29: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 23, wherein the first longitudinal seam and the second longitudinal seam are produced simultaneously with the formation of a transverse seam to form the impermeable seal between the at least one cuff material piece and the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0245] Implementation Scheme 30: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 24, wherein the at least one sleeve material piece comprises a single sleeve material piece, and the single sleeve material piece is folded onto itself to form two adjacent sleeve material layers.

[0246] Implementation Scheme 31: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 30, wherein the at least one cuff material piece comprises a single cuff material piece, and the single cuff material piece wraps around the opposite side of the single sleeve material piece.

[0247] Implementation Scheme 32: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 31, wherein the tubular cuff is formed by a first longitudinal seam connecting the edges of the single cuff material piece, and the tubular sleeve is formed by a second longitudinal seam connecting the edges of the single sleeve material piece.

[0248] Implementation Scheme 33: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 32, wherein the first longitudinal joint and the second longitudinal joint are separated from each other by a gap.

[0249] Implementation Scheme 34: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 33, wherein the impermeable seal is formed by a transverse joint.

[0250] Implementation Scheme 35: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 34, wherein the first longitudinal seam, the second longitudinal seam, and the transverse seam are formed simultaneously during the bonding of the at least one cuff material piece to the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0251] Implementation Scheme 36: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 23, wherein the at least one cuff material piece includes a first cuff material piece and a second cuff material piece, the first cuff material piece being positioned on a first side of the at least one cuff material piece, and the second cuff material piece being positioned on a second side of the at least one cuff material piece opposite to the first side.

[0252] Implementation Scheme 37: The method of Implementation Scheme 36, wherein the tubular cuff is formed by a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, the first longitudinal seam and the second longitudinal seam connecting the opposite edges of the first cuff material piece and the second cuff material piece to each other during the step of bonding the at least one cuff material piece to the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0253] Implementation Scheme 38: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 37, wherein the at least one sleeve material piece includes a first sleeve material piece and a second sleeve material piece, the first sleeve material piece being positioned adjacent to the second sleeve material piece.

[0254] Implementation Scheme 39: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 38, wherein the tubular sleeve is formed by a third longitudinal seam and a fourth longitudinal seam connecting the opposite edges of the first sleeve material sheet and the second sleeve material sheet.

[0255] Implementation Scheme 40: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 39, wherein the first longitudinal seam is separated from the third longitudinal seam by a first gap at the first edge of the tubular sleeve, and the second longitudinal seam is separated from the fourth longitudinal seam by a second gap at the second edge of the tubular sleeve opposite to the first edge.

[0256] Implementation Scheme 41: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 40, wherein the impermeable seal is formed by a transverse joint.

[0257] Implementation Scheme 42: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 41, wherein the first longitudinal seam, the second longitudinal seam, the third longitudinal seam, the fourth longitudinal seam, and the transverse seam are formed simultaneously during the bonding of the at least one cuff material piece to the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0258] Implementation Scheme 43: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 42, wherein while the first cuff material piece and the second cuff material piece are bonded to the first sleeve material piece and the second sleeve material piece, the first cuff material piece and the second cuff material piece are each stretched.

[0259] Implementation Scheme 44: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 24, further comprising: attaching the tubular sleeve to the protective long coat after bonding the at least one cuff material piece to the at least one sleeve material piece.

[0260] Implementation Scheme 45: The method of Implementation Scheme 23, further comprising: attaching a wrist element to the flattened tubular sleeve at or near the wrist opening, wherein the wrist element comprises one of a cuff and a hand flap extension.

[0261] Implementation Scheme 46: A method of manufacturing protective clothing, comprising: providing a sleeve; and depositing cuff material onto the sleeve at a sleeve bonding area using 3D printing technology; wherein the step of depositing cuff material onto the sleeve creates a waterproof bond between the cuff material and the sleeve at the sleeve bonding area.

[0262] Implementation Scheme 47: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 46, wherein while performing the step of depositing the cuff material, the sleeve is a tubular sleeve and is positioned on a 3D fixture.

[0263] Implementation Scheme 48: The method of implementation scheme 46, wherein the 3D printing technology includes one or more of the following technologies or apparatus: gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing and nozzle.

[0264] Implementation Scheme 49: The method of Implementation Scheme 46 further includes: attaching the sleeve to the protective garment after depositing the cuff material onto the sleeve.

[0265] Implementation Scheme 50: The method of implementation scheme 46, further comprising: attaching a wrist element to the sleeve at or near the wrist opening, wherein the wrist element comprises one of a cuff and a hand flap extension.

[0266] Implementation Scheme 51: A method of manufacturing protective clothing, comprising: depositing sleeve material in one or more layers using 3D printing technology; depositing cuff material at the sleeve bonding area of ​​the sleeve material to form a waterproof bond between the cuff material and the sleeve material; folding the sleeve material and the cuff material to form a folded material assembly with open edges; and closing the open edges of the folded material assembly with longitudinal seams to form a tubular sleeve and cuff system with a waterproof bond therebetween.

[0267] Implementation Scheme 52: The method of Implementation Scheme 51, wherein the 3D printing technology includes one or more of the following technologies or apparatus: gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, and nozzle.

[0268] Implementation Scheme 53: A method of producing protective clothing, comprising: positioning sleeve material in or on a sleeve clamp; extending elastic cuff material over an end of the sleeve material; allowing the elastic cuff material to return to an unextended state at the end of the sleeve material; and attaching the elastic cuff material to the end of the sleeve material.

[0269] Implementation Scheme 54: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 53, wherein the sleeve clamp includes a mandrel.

[0270] Implementation Scheme 55: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 53, wherein the sleeve material is formed into a tubular shape to form a tubular sleeve before positioning the sleeve material in or on the sleeve clamp.

[0271] Implementation Scheme 56: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 53, wherein the elastic cuff material is formed into a tubular shape to form a tubular cuff before the elastic cuff material is extended over the end of the sleeve material.

[0272] Implementation Scheme 57: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 53, wherein while positioning the sleeve material in or on the sleeve clamp, the elastic cuff material is extended over the end of the sleeve material.

[0273] Implementation Scheme 58: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 53, wherein the sleeve material and the elastic cuff material comprise different materials.

[0274] Implementation Scheme 59: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 53, wherein a bonding material is used to bond the elastic cuff material to the sleeve material, the bonding material comprising a hot melt adhesive or a pressure-activated adhesive.

[0275] Implementation Scheme 60: The method of implementation scheme 53, wherein the bonding is performed by applying at least one of heat, pressure and adhesive to the sleeve material or the cuff material.

[0276] Implementation Scheme 61: The method of Implementation Scheme 53, further comprising: applying a bonding material to the end of the sleeve material before extending the elastic cuff material over the end of the sleeve material.

[0277] Implementation Scheme 62: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 53, wherein the step of bonding the elastic cuff material to the sleeve material forms an impermeable bond.

[0278] Implementation Scheme 63: The method as described in Implementation Scheme 53, wherein the sleeve material is part of a protective long coat.

[0279] Implementation scheme 64: The method described in implementation schemes 1, 13, 23 or 46, wherein the method is performed continuously.

[0280] Implementation scheme 65: The method described in implementation schemes 1, 13, 23 or 46, wherein the method is performed intermittently.

[0281] Implementation Scheme 66: The method described in Implementation Scheme 1, 13, 23 or 46, wherein some steps are performed sequentially and some steps are performed intermittently.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing protective clothing, comprising: Tubular cuffs are provided; Tubular sleeves that provide protective clothing; Flatten the tubular sleeve so that the two layers of the tubular sleeve are positioned adjacent to each other; The tubular cuff is joined to the flattened tubular sleeve at a predetermined sleeve joining area, thereby forming a liquid-impermeable seal between the tubular cuff and the tubular sleeve, wherein the foldable portion of the tubular sleeve is located near the sleeve joining area when in the unfolded state, and wherein the foldable portion is configured to fold over the sleeve joining area and cover the sleeve joining area in the folded state.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the combination comprises: Apply adhesive at the predetermined sleeve joint area of ​​the sleeve; as well as Heat is applied to the predetermined sleeve bonding area.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Stretch the tubular cuff to increase the diameter of the tubular cuff; as well as The stretched tubular cuff is positioned around the sleeve such that, while the tubular cuff is stretched, the cuff joint area of ​​the tubular cuff is aligned above and around the predetermined sleeve joint area.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed continuously.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the diameter of the stretched tubular elastic cuff member is 20% to 30% larger than the diameter of the unstretched tubular elastic cuff member.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: After attaching the tubular cuff to the tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve is then attached to the protective long coat.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: A wrist element is attached to the flattened tubular sleeve at or near the wrist opening, wherein the wrist element comprises one of an elastomeric cuff and a hand flap extension.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein incorporating the element into the flat tubular sleeve creates an impermeable seal.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein incorporating the wrist element into the flat tubular sleeve creates a permeable seal.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the wrist element comprises an elastomeric wrist element material selected from woven materials, nonwoven materials, laminated materials, and film materials.

11. A method for producing protective clothing, comprising: Position the sleeve material in or on the sleeve clamp; An elastic cuff material is extended over the end of the sleeve material; Allowing the elastic cuff material to return to an unstretched state at the ends of the sleeve material; as well as The elastic cuff material is attached to the end of the sleeve material.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sleeve clamp includes a mandrel.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the sleeve material is formed into a tubular shape to form a tubular sleeve before positioning the sleeve material in or on the sleeve clamp.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the elastic cuff material is formed into a tubular shape to form a tubular cuff before the elastic cuff material is extended over the end of the sleeve material.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein while positioning the sleeve material in or on the sleeve clamp, the elastic cuff material is extended over the end of the sleeve material.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the method is performed continuously.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein a bonding material bonds the elastic cuff material to the sleeve material, the bonding material comprising a hot melt adhesive or a pressure-activated adhesive.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the bonding is performed by applying at least one of heat, pressure, and adhesive to the sleeve material or the cuff material.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Before extending the elastic cuff material over the end of the sleeve material, a bonding material is applied to the end of the sleeve material.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the sleeve material is part of a protective long coat.

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