Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02524465 2006-01-13
HOOD FOR PROTECTIVE GARMENT
The present invention relates to a hood, in particular for clothing items
for protective and/or military purposes, such as nuclear-biologi-
cal-chemical (NBC) protective suits/garments or the like. The present
invention further relates to clothing items, in particular for protective
and/or military purposes, such as NBC protective suits or the like,
which are equipped with such a hood.
The present invention further relates to clothing items, in particular for
protective and/or military purposes, such as NBC protective suits or the
like. Finally, the present invention also relates to the use of an elastic
hem for closing out the transition between a portion of a clothing item,
in particular a hood, on the one hand and a further clothing item or
outfit article (equipment article), in particular a respirator.
Persons who come into contact with poisonous materials which are
absorbable via the respiratory tract pathways have to protect themselves
against these poisonous materials by wearing a respirator. If, in addi-
tion, there is a danger that the poisonous substances can also be taken
up or absorbed via the skin or if it is part of their outfit (i.e. equip-
ment), these persons (examples are armed forces personnel, firefighters,
police personnel, members of special forces such as GSG 9, etc.) must
additionally wear protective clothing, in particular NBC protective suits
which prevent any contact of the poisonous materials with the skin or
body and are generally equipped with a hood. The hood of such NBC
protective suits can have a circumferential (i.e. orbital or peripheral), in
particular elastic, hem to form a face opening which is provided to
receive a respirator, the hem of the hood being intended to abut the
respirator in the use state.
However, this often leads to problems, since the transition between the
hood/hem on the one hand and the respirator on the other is in most
cases not adequately sealed. Consequently, poisonous or perilous
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materials can pass through the inadequately sealed transition between
hood/hem on the one hand and respirator on the other and consequently
the wearer of such a protective suit will come into contact with these
materials, or these materials can even pass underneath the rim of the
respirator, so that they are finally inhaled. This is particularly perilous
for the wearer of such a protective suit when he or she is exposed to
skin contact poisons, an example being mustard gas (bis(2 chloroethyl)
sulfide, also known as Hd).
The present invention, then, has for its object to provide such a clothing
item, preferably for protective and/or military purposes, such as an
NBC protective suit or the like, or to be more precise a hood for such a
clothing item as at least substantially avoids the problems described
above. In particular, the present invention has for its object in relation
to such a clothing item and/or in relation to such a hood to engineer the
transition between clothing item/hood on the one hand and respirator on
the other such that this transition is at least substantially sealed.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is accordingly
provided a hood, in particular for a clothing item, preferably for protec-
tive and/or military purposes, such as an NBC protective suit or the
like, the hood comprising a circumferential (i.e. peripheral/orbital)
elastic hem to form a face opening, the face opening being provided to
receive a respirator and the hem abutting the respirator in the use state,
wherein the side of the hem that faces into the face opening (i.e., the
side of the hem's face opening which faces toward the respirator in the
use state) is provided with at least one circumferential (i.e. periph-
eral/orbital) sealing element for closeout abutment of the respirator.
One fundamental idea of the present invention is thus to equip the
above-described hood's hem which forms the face opening with at least
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one circumferential (i.e. peripheral/orbital) sealing element on that side
of the hem which faces into the face opening, (i.e., on that side of the
hem which faces toward the respirator in the use state). The result is
that, in the use state, i.e., when the respirator is being worn, sealing of
the transition between hood/hem on the one hand and respirator on the
other is achieved or significantly improved.
In the use state, i.e., when the respirator is being worn, the sealing
element rests on the respirator, creating a leakproof friction-grip con-
nection with the underlying respirator.
The term "circumferential" (i.e. "peripheral"/"orbital" as synonyms) as
used herein in relation to the hem and the sealing element is to be
understood for the purposes of the present invention not only in its
narrow sense but also in a wider sense. Therefore, "circumferential"
(i.e. "peripheral"/"orbital") can designate not only a state where the
hem or the sealing element form a closed ring or circle, but also a state
where the hem and the sealing element has two loose ends (for example
when the hood comprises a closure or a closable opening), in which
case the two loose ends of the hem and of the sealing element then can
be placed on top of one another or be at least essentially brought to-
gether at the ends. This too shall for the purposes of the present inven-
tion also be understood as subsumed by the term "circumferential" (i.e.
"peripheral"/"orbital"). What is decisive is that the circumferential
sealing element is at least essentially continuous, i.e., without channels
and openings, so that it can abut sealingly against the respirator.
It is particularly advantageous when the sealing element abuts the
respirator at least essentially linearly, and/or the sealing element pro-
jects and/or protrudes from the hem. The at least essentially linear
abutment of the respirator in the use state creates a higher contact
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pressure and consequently an improved closeout. To achieve an at least
essentially linear abutment of the respirator by the sealing element, the
sealing element must be appropriately configured.
Further advantages, properties, aspects and features of the present
invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred
operative example depicted in the drawing, where
Fig. 1 shows a schematic depiction of an inventive clothing item
equipped with an inventive hood;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic depiction of an inventive hood in the use
state;
Fig. 3A shows an enlarged depiction of that region of the inventive
hood in the use state which is marked in Fig. 2 by broken
lines;
Fig. 3B shows an enlarged depiction of the region marked in Fig.
3B by broken lines or of the cutout marked accordingly in
Fig. 3A;
Fig. 4A shows a schematic plan view of the hem equipped accord-
ing to the present invention with sealing elements;
Figs. 4B, C show a schematic cross section through a hem according to
two embodiments which is equipped according to the pres-
ent invention with sealing elements;
Fig. 5 shows a side view of the inventive hood in the use state;
and
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Fig. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional depiction along the line
VI depicted in Fig. 5.
Fig. 1 shows an inventive clothing item 2, preferably for protective
and/or military purposes, such as an NBC protective suit or the like,
that is equipped with an inventive hood 1. Said hood 1 has a circumfer-
ential elastic hem 3 to form a face opening 4. As evident from Fig. 2
and Fig. 3A, the face opening 4 is provided to receive a respirator 5.
The hem 3 abuts the respirator 5 in the use state.
Fig. 3B shows the region specially marked in Fig. 3A, as a schematic
enlargement, the hem 3 which abuts the respirator 5 being flipped
upward in the arrow direction in the depiction of Fig. 3B, revealing the
sealing element 6 which, according to the present invention, is provided
for closeout abutment of the respirator 5 and which is provided on that
side of the hem which faces into the face opening 4 or on that side of
the hem which faces the respirator 5 in the use state.
In a particular embodiment, the sealing element 6 provided according to
the present invention abuts the respirator 5 at least essentially linearly.
It is appropriately configured for this purpose, as Fig. 3B shows. The
advantages of the at least essentially linear abutment were described
above in the general descriptive part.
The functioning of the sealing element 6 which is provided according to
the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 6 in conjunction with Fig. 5.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional depiction along the broken line VI
depicted in Fig. 5. As can be seen from Fig. 6, in the use state, i.e.,
when a respirator 5 is being worn, the sealing elements 6 abut the
respirator 5 at least essentially linearly together with the hem 3, the hem
3 pressing the sealing elements 6 against the respirator 5. The at least
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essentially linear abutment of the sealing elements 6 significantly
increases the contact pressure and ensures excellent close-out.
As evident from Fig. 4A, it can be advantageous to provide a plurality
of sealing elements 6 on the hem 3, preferably at least two sealing
elements 6. Various configurations with regard to the arrangement of
the sealing elements are possible in such a case. As Fig. 4A shows, the
individual sealing elements 6 may be in an at least essentially parallel
arrangement. In addition, it is also possible, for example, to arrange
the individual sealing elements in such a way that they form a honey-
comblike construction (not depicted). What is decisive is solely that a
leakproof connection between hem 3 and respirator 5 is achieved in the
use state.
As cross-sectional depictions 4B and 4C show, the sealing element 6
may project and/or protrude from the hem 3. This, instead of a two-
dimensional abutment, provides an essentially linear abutment in the use
state, which is associated with a higher contact pressure and with a
higher closeout.
The sealing element 6 provided according to the present invention is in
particular configured as a sealing ring, as a sealing lip or as a sealing
protrusion. In general, this creates an elevation or uprising on the hem
3.
The sealing element 6 may be secured to the hem 3, in particular
durably joined to the hem 3, preferably by stitching, interweaving,
adhering, stapling, welding or the like; such an embodiment is depicted
in Fig. 4B. In another embodiment, the sealing element 6 may however
also be part of the hem 3, in particular the sealing element 6 and the
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hem 3 may be configured as a one piece structure; such an embodiment
is depicted in Fig. 4C.
The sealing element provided according to the present invention may be
thread, ligament, string or strip shaped or else webbed or else honey-
comb shaped.
In general, the sealing element 6 consists of an elastically deformable
material. Care should be taken in particular to ensure that the elasticity
of the sealing element 6 corresponds at least essentially to the elasticity
of the hem 3 or even exceeds it.
In a particular embodiment of the present invention the sealing element
6 has a relative elastic extensibility or extension, based on its original
length, of not less than 20%, in particular not less than 30%, preferably
not less than 50 %, more preferably not less than 70 % and even more
preferably not less than 85 % or more. In a particular embodiment of
the present invention the 25 C modulus of elasticity in stretching of the
material of which the sealing element 6 consists is not more than 108
N=m 2, in particular not more than 107 N=m 2, preferably not more than
5= 106 N=m 2, and is preferably in the range from 5= 105 N=m 2 to 9= 106
N=m 2.
In a further embodiment of the present invention it may be advanta-
geous when the Fig. 4B cross-sectional thickness d of the sealing
element 6 is not less than 1/4, in particular not less than 1/3, preferably
not less than 2/3 and more preferably not less than 3/4 of the Fig. 4B
cross-sectional thickness D of the hem 3. In particular, the sealing
element 6 should project and/or protrude from the hem 3 by not less
than 0.1 mm, in particular not less than 0.25 mm, preferably not less
than 0.4 mm, more preferably not less than 0.6 mm and even more
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preferably to an extent of 1 mm or more. A particularly good sealing
effect can be achieved as a result.
The material of which the sealing element 6 which is provided accord-
ing to the present invention consists may be for example any kind of
gum, latex, elastic plastic, etc., as long as it is suitable for use in the
realm of the present invention. In particular, these materials should
advantageously have a certain thermal and UV stability and also, what
is more, a certain resistance to aggressive media, in particular warfare
agents, but also to body fluids, in particular sweat. It is also of advan-
tage for the material to be water repellent.
Examples of materials suitable according to the present invention are for
example certain kinds of so called elastofibers (see ROMPP-Chemie-
lexikon, 10th edition, volume 2, 1997, pages 1104 to 1106, headword
"Elastofasern", Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart/New York); elastofibers
are manufactured fibers which are extremely extensible and, after the
tensile force has been removed, substantially return into the original
state. The most important representatives are elastane, fibers composed
of high polymers which consist to at least 85 % by weight of segmented
polyurethane, and elastodiene, fibers which consist of synthetic poly-
isoprene or of high polymers formed by polymerization of one or more
dienes with or without one or more vinyl monomers. The second group
may also be considered as including the elastomeric fibers formed from
natural rubber. Elastodienes are frequently vulcanized. Elastic proper-
ties are also possessed by a bicomponent fiber consisting of polyamide
and polyurethane. See the aforementioned literature reference for
further details. The dimensions of such fibers must be appropriately
adapted for the purposes of the present invention. Such fibers can be
incorporated with the hem material for example.
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As depicted in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 for example, the present invention's
hood 1 including the face opening 4 may comprise, in particular on the
side portion of the face opening 4, a fastener 7, for example in the form
of a touch and close fastener or zip fastener. A fastener makes it easier
to put on the respirator and also enhances the wear comfort, since the
hood can be opened in situations where the respirator is not needed.
But it should be ensured that the hood fastener 7 is at least essentially
tightly closable. In principle, the fastener 7 can be disposed at any
desired location of the face opening 4, for example laterally but also
centrally with regard to the face opening 4; in practice, however, it will
be found advantageous in particular for reasons of practicability, wear
comfort and superior sealability for the fastener 7 to be situated on the
side portion of the face opening 4.
The hood 1 may be made detachable from the rest of clothing item 2,
for example via a touch and close fastener or a zip fastener; with this
embodiment too care must be taken to ensure that the rest of clothing
item 2 and the hood 1 are at least essentially tightly conjoinable with
one another. It is similarly possible for the hood 1 to be part of cloth-
ing item 2, in particular to be stitched thereto or even form a one piece
construction therewith.
In a further embodiment it may be provided, as depicted in Fig. 1 and
Fig. 2 for example, that the present invention's hood 1 comprises at
least one loop, tab or the like 8 above the face opening 4. This makes it
possible in particular to adjust the face opening 4 and/or the hood 1, in
particular when the hood 1 is being worn in conjunction with a helmet
or some other head covering on top of the hood 1.
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To enable poisonous materials, in particular warfare agents, to strike
through the hood 1 and/or, alternatively, to ensure removal of any
poisonous materials which have succeeded in penetrating into the hood
1, it may be provided that the hood 1 is fully or partially lined on its
inside surface with an inside material which comprises an adsorption-
capable material, in particular activated carbon, for example in the form
of activated carbon granules or spherules or activated carbon fibers.
Alternatively or in combination with such an adsorption-capable mate-
rial it may be provided that the inside material comprises a water vapor
pervious, at least essentially gas and/or air impervious barrier layer
which prevents or at least retards the passage of harmful gases or
liquids, in particular chemical warfare agents. Such inside materials,
which are endowed with an absorptive layer and/or a barrier layer, are
known as such from the prior art. Reference may be made in this
regard for example to DE 198 29 975 Al, DE 39 39 373 Al, DE 38 15
720 Al, DE 195 19 869 Al, DE 198 42 274 Al and DE 102 40 548,
whose respective disclosure contents are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
In a particular embodiment the entire clothing item 2 may be wholly or
partly equipped with such an inside material.
The present invention accordingly further provides a clothing item, in
particular for protective and/or military purposes, such as an NBC
protective suit or the like. The above observations relating to the hood
of the present invention and to the clothing item of the present invention
respectively apply accordingly.
The present invention accordingly also provides a clothing item, in
particular for protective and/or military purposes, such as an NBC
protective suit or the like, the clothing item comprising at least one
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opening for a body part (for example a hand, arm, foot, leg or head)
having a circumferential elastic hem to form this opening, the opening
being provided to receive a further clothing item in particular having a
smooth surface texture (for example a protective glove etc.) and/or to
receive an outfit article (i.e. piece of equipment, for example a respira-
tor etc.) and the hem abutting the further clothing item and/or the outfit
article (piece of equipment) in the use state, wherein the side of the hem
that faces the further clothing item and/or the outfit article (i.e. the
piece of equipment) in the use state, preferably the side of the hem
which faces into the opening, is provided with at least one circumfer-
ential sealing element for closeout abutment of the further clothing item
and/or outfit article (equipment article). For further details reference
may be made to the above observations with regard to the hood of the
present invention and with regard to the clothing item of the present
invention respectively, which apply here accordingly.
It is thus a further fundamental idea of the present invention to close out
the transition between the openings provided in clothing items for body
parts, on the one hand, and further clothing items or outfit articles
(equipment articles), on the other, by the corresponding opening having
been provided with a hem which comprises at least one sealing element
of the above-described kind on the appropriate side.
The present invention finally further provides for the use of an elastic
hem for closing out the transition between a portion of a clothing item,
in particular a hood, on the one hand and a further clothing item and/or
outfit article (equipment article), in particular a respirator, on the other,
wherein the side of the hem that faces the further clothing item and/or
outfit article (equipment article) is provided with at least one circumfer-
ential sealing element for closeout abutment of the further clothing item
and/or outfit article (equipment article). The observations with regard
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to the hood of the present invention and with regard to the clothing item
of the present invention, respectively, apply accordingly with regard to
the use according to the present invention.
Further refinements, modifications and variations of the present inven-
tion will be readily apparent to and realizable by the ordinarily skilled
after reading the present description without their having to depart from
the realm of the present invention.
