Multiple hazard protection articles and methods for making them

Abstract

The present invention relates to an article, including fabrics and film layers, are disclosed which can protect against multiple hazards, including radiation, chemical, biological agents, metal projectiles and fire hazards. In some embodiments, the fabrics and films of the present invention are used to produce garments having protection against multiple hazards and superior heat dissipating properties. A radiation protective compound is preferably created by mixing a radiopaque material, such as barium, bismuth, tungsten or their compounds, with powdered polymer, pelletized polymer or a liquid solution, emulsion or suspension of a polymer in solvent or water. This radiation protective mixture can then be laminated or otherwise adhered to other types of protective films or fabric, such as the protective polymer films or fabrics used for chemical protective garments, biological protective garments, bullet proof vests or fire retardant garments. The principles of this invention can also be applied to a broad range of other articles including surgical hoods, hospital gowns, gloves, patient drapes, partitions, coverings, jumpsuits, ponchos, uniforms, fatigues, tents, probes, envelopes, pouches, wallpaper, liners, drywall, house sidings, house foundations, house roofings etc.

Description

[0001] Related Application Cross Reference [0002] This application is Serial No. 10 / 238160, filed September 9, 2002, and is entitled "Lightweight Radiation Protective Articles and Methods of Making the Same," a continuation of an earlier application, itself Serial No. 09 / 940681, filed on Filed Aug. 27, 2001, titled Continuation of Application for "Lightweight Radiation Protection Clothing," which was published as U.S. Patent 6,459,091 B1 on Oct. 1, 2002, itself Serial No. 09 / 206671, filed on Filed December 7, 1998 as a continuation of an application entitled "Lightweight Radiation Protection Clothing," which was published as US Patent 6,281,515 on August 28, 2001. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to an article comprising fabrics, composites and film layers which provides protection against life threatening hazards such as radiation, chemicals, biological agents, metallic projectiles and flames. In some embodiments, the fabrics and films of the present ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0012] Also, clothing designed to be effective against one hazard may not be effective against other hazards

For example, prior art radiation protection suits may not be effective at stopping bullets

On the contrary, prior art bulletproof underwear and bombproof clothing cannot effectively block radiation

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