EP2757913B1 - Disposable safety garment - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates generally to the field of safety apparel, and more specifically to safety garments for use in various environments, including for example environments containing actual or potential radiological, biological, or light-splash hazards, the apparel having, in various embodiments, reduced particulate shedding properties, attachment facilities, reinforced points of wear or contact contamination risk, and ease-of-safe-removal characteristics.
BACKGROUND
• Safety garments, e.g.US 2009/0126088, such as disposable smocks, jumpsuits, gloves, shoe coverings, and hair coverings, are required apparel for the performance of many jobs. Some of the jobs requiring safety garments are performed in clean room environments, wherein the introduction of foreign matter must be minimized. For example, technicians in certain sensitive medical fields dealing with infectious matter, aerospace researchers assembling interplanetary probes, and material scientists developing and manufacturing ultra-pure materials all wear safety garments in clean room environments. The safety garments in some situations perform the dual function of protecting the wearer from the potentially hazardous materials he is working with as well as preventing unwanted matter from the wearer's person from contaminating his work product. In other situations, safety garments protect the worker from exposure to dangerous materials, such as radioactive, chemical, and biological hazards.
• Safety garments for use in clean room environments are typically made from nonwoven disposable materials, such as from sheets of spunbond/melt blown/melt blown/spunbond (SMMS) material and the like. Such sheets of material are cut into patterns and stitched together to form desired safety apparel. Typically, as these garments are intended to be disposable and the focus is on their functionality and not aesthetic appeal, little attention is paid to the hemming and stitching. The "as cut" edges are thus exposed. However, in clean room environments where contaminant levels in the parts per million or even parts per billion would be too high, such exposed cut edges present genuine sources of potential particulate contamination.
• Moreover, as these garments are intended to be disposable, little effort is made to provide durable stitching. The prevalent attitude is that a garment intended to be worn for just a few hours does not require superior stitching. However, in a clean room situation or a hazardous environment such as asbestos remediation or nuclear demolition and decontamination, seam separation is not only a potential source of particulate evolution in and of itself, but also produces a pathway from the exterior to the interior of the garment through which potentially hazardous material may flow.
• Many workplace environments from industrial settings to hospitals hold the potential to expose workers to various types of radiation. One problem faced by workers in such environments is how to safely perform tasks while monitoring their exposure to potentially harmful radiation. Often such protective measures include the use of personal radiation measuring devices referred to as "dosimeters" along with protective garments.
• Traditionally, personal dosimeters have been attached to a worker's protective garments using tape or some other improvised means. Under normal working conditions, such informal attachment methods often lead to the detachment and potential loss or damage to the dosimeter device. Additionally, such protective garments are often bulky and difficult to remove safely when they are no longer needed.
• In addition, while most protective apparel is used with full-faced respirators to safeguard against respiratory particulate or chemical vapor inhalation in environments where minor skin contamination is not a major health issue, but presents an inconvenience (e.g., spray painting), radiological workers must maintain a contamination-free environment inside the protective "envelope" of their protective clothing and guard against contamination while doffing the protective clothing after the work in a contaminated zone is completed. Hence, they cannot overlook any types of gaps or openings to the suit.
• Heretofore the solution to bridging the gap typically formed by the closed zipper and hood underneath the chin and respirator has been to apply layers of duct, vinyl, masking or other tapes over the gap and surrounding the respirator mask to ensure a tight seal. This requires a safety professional to conduct audits of personnel entering contamination areas to ensure adequate application of the tape and correct positioning. It also requires skillful and carefulremoval of the contaminated tape around the bare neck upon exiting the contaminated work area while the personnel are still wearing potentially contaminated protective gloves, and risks exposing the worker's neck to that cross-contamination, creating a Personal Contamination Event (PCE) that may risk the worker's health and have to be reported to a regulatory agency.
• Traditional designs for this level of protective apparel account for a large portion of accidental self-contamination or PCEs each year. Even if a front zipper is closed to the end of its travel path, and the hood is applied over the head and around the face, many of those designs leave a gap in the neck area below the chin. Often, tape is wrapped around the respirator or other face mask to cover that gap. When the person is wearing a respirator, this gap can easily allow contaminants against the skin, which in radiological or biological environments is considered a recordable accident by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Safe removal of the apparel is often challenging, sometimes requiring a partner or observer and/or a mirror to help the wearer find the end of the tape to begin the sequence of doffing the hood and respirator, running the risk of self-contamination.
• There thus remains a need for an improved safety garment that is more durable and less prone to particulate shedding. There is also a need for protective garments to which personal dosimeter devices and other monitoring equipment can be effectively attached, as well as a garment that can be removed quickly, safely, and easily, and withstands high-wear regions such as elbows and knees. There is a further need for garments that protect the wearer from radiological, environmental, and other contaminants, both during exposure and during doffing of the garment.
• Certain features of the present disclosure address these and other needs and provide other important advantages.
SUMMARY
• One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a safety garment. Some embodiments include at least one sheet of nonwoven fabric having at least one cut edge, a plurality of stitches formed in the sheet(s) of nonwoven fabric to define a garment; and hemming formed at cut edges. The nonwoven fabric is preferably formed from spunbond/melt blown material. The stitching is characterized by an optimized stitch density of between 254 and 304,80 stitches per mm (ten and twelve stitches per inch). The garment includes at least one attachment feature for holding or attaching one or more dosimeters to the garment. These may be positioned to allow the wearer to grasp them and tear open certain seams, partially or completely open a zipper, or otherwise remove the garment. The garment also includes an improved neck closure that simplifies donning of the garment and aids the wearer's effort to doff the suit while avoiding self-contamination events. Some embodiments have reinforced knees and elbows for additional protection against contact with hazardous materials.
• One object of the present invention is to provide an improved safety garment. An object is to facilitate doffing of the garment with a reduced risk of contaminating oneself. Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Figures 1-8 are disclosed in the prior art mentioned on page 1.Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a safety garment
• Fig. 2 is an enlarged exploded partial view of a hemmed edge ofFig. 1.
• Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a safety garment
• Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a safety garment
• Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a safety garment
• Fig. 6 shows a protective garment
• Fig. 7 shows a protective garment
• Fig. 8 shows a closure mechanism
• Fig. 9 shows a protective garment
• Fig. 10 shows the present invention for the hood and upper body portions of the garment ofFig. 8.
• Fig. 11 shows another alternative design for the hood and upper body portions of the garment ofFig. 8.
• Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a reduced particulate shedding disposablenonwoven safety garment 10.Safety garment 10 is formed as a smock.Safety garment 10 is preferably made from spunbond/melt blown/melt blown/spunbond (SMMS) material, spunbond/melt blown/spunbond (SMS) material, or the like, and includes double-folded andhemmed edges 12. Theedges 12 are folded such that all cut edges of the non-woven material are double-folded under so as not to be exposed. Non-exposure of theedges 12 thus greatly reduces the potential for generation of shed particles where the material was cut. Theseams 16 are stitched with an optimization of the number of stitches per mm (per inch (SPI)), increased to 254-304,8 stitches per mm over the standard 152,4-203,2 stitches per mm (10-12 SPI over the standard 6-8 SPI). Stitch densities of 254-304,8 stitches per mm (10-12 SPI) have been found to be better than the lower range, as densities greater than 304,8 stitches per mm (12 SPI) weaken the non-woven material via excessive perforation and those less than 245 stitches per mm (10 SPI) provide a looser and weaker hem, such that particulate shedding is not minimized.
• Fig. 3 illustrates ajumpsuit 14 made from spunbond/melt blown/melt blown/spunbond (SMMS) material, spunbond/melt blown/spunbond (SMS) material, or the like. Thejumpsuit 14 includes twice-folded and hemmed edges 12. Theedges 12 are folded such that all cut edges of the non-woven material are double-folded under so as not to be exposed. Theseams 16 are stitched with an increased stitch density of 254-304,8 stitches per mm over the standard 152,4-203,2 stitches per mm (10-12 SPI over the standard 6-8 SPI). Seams are also bound with additional welting or other integrative material to reinforce the seams against contamination. The garment also includesfoot coverings 18 that are preferably stitched to the garment but may alternately be individually formed and attached, such as by an elastic band stitched into the hem at the foot opening. Thegarment 14 further includes an excess of material in thearmpit 20 and groin/seat area 22, to minimize the risk of accidental tearing that might generate additional particulate matter that enters into the environment, and might expose the wearer to environmental hazards.
• In practice, thegarments 10 and 14 are often made by cutting one or more sheets of nonwoven material into a desired safety garment pattern. Simple patterns (e.g., shoe coverings) may require a single sheet; more complex patterns (e.g., smocks, jumpsuits, and the like) may require two or more sheets of varying size. The sheet(s) is/are then stitched together to define agarment 10. The edges of thegarment 10 are then hemmed. All cut edges are twice folded and hemmed under to prevent exposure of any cut edges that could increase the likelihood of particulate shedding. All stitching in these illustrative embodiments is characterized by a stitch density in the range of 254-304,8 stitches per mm (10 to 12 stitches per inch).
• Fig. 4 illustratesgarment 24. Thegarment 24 ofFig. 4 is similar to that described inFIG. 1, but with the addition ofloops 30 affixed to thesleeve 32 portion of thegarment 24, to engage a wearer's hands so as to keep thegarment 24 positioned about the wearer's body. As ofFig. 1, thesafety garment 24 is formed as a smock and is preferably made from spunbond/melt blown/melt blown/spunbond (SMMS) material, spunbond/melt blown/spunbond (SMS) material, or the like. Thegarment 10 includes double-folded and hemmed edges 12. Theedges 12 are folded such that all cut edges of the non-woven material are double-folded under so as to not be exposed. Non-exposure of theedges 12 thus greatly reduces the potential for generation of shed particles where the material was cut. Theloops 30 are likewise folded over and stitched such that there are no exposed cut edges. Theseams 16 are stitched with an optimization of the number of stitches per per mm, increased to 254-304,8 stitches per mm over the standard 152,4-203,2 stitches per mm (per inch (SPI), increased to 10-12 SPI over the standard 6-8 SPI).
• Fig. 5 illustrates ajumpsuit 34 similar to that ofFig. 3 with the addition ofloops 30 extending from thesleeve portion 32 of thegarment 34 to engage the hands of a wearer (similar toFig. 4). Thejumpsuit 34 is likewise preferably made from spunbond/melt blown/melt blown/spunbond (SMMS) material, spunbond/melt blown/spunbond (SMS) material, or the like. Thejumpsuit 34 includes twice-folded and hemmed edges 12. Theedges 12 are folded such that all cut edges of the non-woven material are double-folded under so as to not be exposed. Theloops 30 are likewise formed of the SMMS, SMS or the like and folded over and stitched such that the cut edges are not exposed. Theseams 16 are stitched with 254-304,8 stitches per mm (10-12 SPI). The garment also includesfoot coverings 18 that are preferably stitched to the garment, but may alternately be individually formed and attached, such as by an elastic band stitched into the hem at the foot opening. Thegarment 12 further includes an excess of material in thearmpit 20 and groin/seat area 22, to minimize the risk of accidental tearing that might generate additional particulate matter into the environment as well as expose the wearer to environmental hazards.
• The loops ofFigs. 4 and5 are preferably formed with no exposed cut edges 12. In particular, eachloop 30 is preferably formed from an elongated piece of cut nonwoven fabric defining a pair of generally parallel cut edges 12, and wherein the cut edges 12 are folded under and hemmed into place such that the cut edges 12 are not exposed.
• Fig. 6 illustrates aprotective garment 110 for use with a radiation monitoring device Thegarment 110 is a jumpsuit or coverall-type garment having ahood portion 125 and abody portion 115. The garment also includesseparate boots 120, The garment includes separate, separable or integrated hand coverings. The garment includes separate, separable, or integrated hoods. Thearm openings 155 and theleg openings 156 are hemmed so as to reduce shredding of the garment material. Optionally, the edges atarm openings 155 and theleg openings 156 are double-folded and hemmed such that all cut edges are double-folded under so as to not be exposed. Non-exposure of the edges greatly reduces the potential for generation of shed particles where the material was cut. Thearm openings 155 and/or leg openings 56 further include elastic bands so as to ensure a tight fit.
• Garment 110 is accessible throughopening 146, which is held closed using a closure means 150 shown in greater detail inFig. 8. In this particular example, closure means 150 includes azipper 152. In other examples, closure means 150 includes snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop closure materials such as Velcro®, adhesive strips, or any other suitable closure means. Additionally, closure means 150 further includes acover flap 195 capable of being folded over onceopening 146 is closed usingzipper 152.Cover flap 195 prevents material from enteringgarment 110 throughzipper 152.Flap 195 is releasably held in the closed position by a securingstrip 190, which may comprise hook-and-loop closure materials such as Velcro®, adhesive strips, or any other suitable securing means.
• Garment 110 can be made from a non-woven material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester materials, and the like, including combinations of two or more non-woven materials. Such materials may be manufactured using spunbond/melt blown/melt blown/spunbond (SMMS) techniques, spunbond/melt blown/spunbond (SMS) techniques, or other suitable techniques for manufacturing non-woven garments, and may include two or more layers of material and/or multiple layers of different materials, as desired. Theseams 116 located at various points about thegarment 110 are optionally double-folded under so as not to be exposed. Theseams 116 are also stitched with an optimized number of stitches per mm increased to 254-304,8 stitches per mm over 152,4-203,2 stitches per mm (inch (SPI) increased to 10-12 SPI over 6-8 SPI), which is the industry standard. A stitch density of 254-304,8 stitches per mm (10-12 SPI) has been found to be optimal, as more than 304,8 stitches per mm (12 SPI) weakens the non-woven material via excessive perforation and less than 254 stitches per mm (10 SPI) provides a looser and weaker hem, such that particulate shedding is not minimized. Optionally, seams 16 are formed using some other method such as sonic welding or binding with welting or other materials.
• Continuing withFig. 6,garment 110 further includes at least oneattachment feature 130 for a dosimeter or other measurement, communication, or detection device. In this particular example,garment 110 includes two attachment features 130 located near the garment shoulders on its front side. The garment includes a greater or lesser number of attachment features positioned at other locations about the garment, such as the arms, wrists, or waist area, as desired. Attachment features 130 are shown as loops or straps affixed togarment 110 using box-type stitches. In other examples, attachment features 130 have a different configuration such as a sleeve, pouch, pocket, or the like, and are attached using a different type of stitching or a different attachment means such as adhesives, snaps, ties, and the like. Optionally,garment 110 includes further monitoring and/or communication devices in addition to dosimeters, such as body temperature monitoring devices, radios, pulse rate monitors, and the like.
• Thegarment 110 is constructed such that one or more closures (zippers, adhesives, etc.) are designed to open, rip, or tear when a force above a predetermined threshold is applied. Such "tear-open" garments are designed so as to allow for easy removal of a garment when it is no longer needed. Tear-open garments allow workers to quickly, safely, and easily remove a garment at the end of a shift, for example. Attachment features 130 are optionally positioned so as to allow a wearer to grasp one or more of them and strong enough such that pulling on the attachment features 130 causes the tear-open closures to at least begin to open, thereby allowing the worker to quickly, safely, and easily remove thegarment 110. Alternatively, agarment 110 according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology will open at the closure means 150 when sufficient force is applied by the wearer to the attachment features 130, thereby allowing the wearer to remove thegarment 110.
• Portions ofgarment 110 likely to experience wear such as the knees and elbows may include reinforcedportions 140, 145 to preclude seepage or bleed-through of contamination in the event the wearer leans or kneels in contaminated environments. Reinforcedportions 140, 145 may be made from the same material asgarment 110 or from a different, stronger material. Optionally,garment 110 may be made from two or more layer of material. Reinforcedportions 140, 145 may be attached to the interior or exterior surface ofgarment 110 and may be attached using adhesives, stitching, or any other suitable attachment method.Garment 110 may also include one ormore pockets 135 located about the garment as desired.
• Fig. 7 shows agarment 160.Garment 160 is a smock or apron having twosleeves 175 and anopen bottom portion 176 that extends down the wearer's torso.Garment 160 is closed using a closure means 165 (shown in this particular example as snaps). In other examples, closure means 165 may take the form of a zipper, buttons, adhesive strips, or any other suitable closure means.Garment 160 further includes twopockets 180 located nearbottom portion 176, although the garment may include more or fewer pockets located at different points aboutgarment 160.
• Continuing withFig. 7,garment 160 further includes at least oneattachment feature 170. In this particular example,garment 160 includes two attachment features 170 located near the garment shoulders and oneattachment feature 170 located on a sleeve. The garment includes a greater or lesser number of attachment features positioned at other locations on the garment such as the arms, wrists, or waist area as desired. Attachment features 170 are shown as loops or straps affixed togarment 160 using box-type stitches. In other examples, attachment features 170 have a different configuration such as a sleeve, pouch, pocket, or the like, and are attached using a different type of stitching or a different attachment means such as adhesives, snaps, ties, and the like. Optionally,garment 160 includes further monitoring and/or communication devices in addition to dosimeters such as body temperature monitoring devices, radios, pulse rate monitors, and the like.
• Turning to inFig. 9,garment 200 generally has a hood that closes snugly around a full face respirator or air mask, thereby reducing the necessity for additional tape or material for covering the neck, and reducing the risk of breach of the integrity of the seal around the neck area from external radiological, environmental or other contaminants.Garment 200 comprises an improved hood and closure system. In thisgarment 200,hood 210 is either made of contiguous nonwoven fabric withbody 220 or stitched tobody 220 from one or more cut panels of the same or different nonwoven fabrics. (Other assembly techniques will occur to those skilled in the art.)Hood 210 andbody 220 include an opening at the front of thesuit 200 that is shown closed byzipper 230 or other closure device. The garment, including for example shown inFig. 8,zipper 230 is covered byflap 240 over all or part of its length.
• Theloose edge 245 offlap 240 is secured tobody 220 andhood 210 by a two-part closure device 247, which might be one-time-closable, reopen-able, and/or repositionable closure device. Two-part closure device 247 is adhesive-based, such as a peel-and-stick adhesive strip, where adhesive is on either theflap 240 or thebody 220/hood 210, and the other (thebody 220/hood 210 or theflap 240, respectively) includes a landing zone to which the adhesive adheres well. Two-part closure device 247 is a hook-and-loop closure, with a region of hook material on theflap 240 and a region of loop material onbody 220/hood 210. Other alternative two-part closure devices include buttons, slide closures, snaps, adhesive tape strips, and the like.
• In use, the wearer ofsuit 200 typically dons a respirator or air mask, then suit 200. After she puts her legs and arms in thelegs 260 andarms 270 ofsuit 200, she puts thehood 210 over her head and closeszipper 230 up to edge 213 offace opening 215. She closesflap 240, securingflap 240 to thehood 210 andbody 220 using two-part closure device 247. The extra fabric around the neck area and under the chin and suits, in combination with elastic embedded in thehood edge 213, allows theedge 213 of thehood 210 to fully surround the perimeter of the respirator without the need to seal theedge 213 to the respirator by mechanical or adhesive means to produce an occlusive seal. Tape or other means are used to secureedge 213 to the mask or respirator. There is elastic aroundedge 213 that has a stretched (vertical), or open, diameter and a contracted, or closed, diameter that fits around a face mask or respirator. The open diameter offace opening 215 is less than about 381 mm (15 inches). The open diameter is less than about 254 mm (10 inches), while the closed diameter is less than about 177,8 mm (7 inches)
• To removegarment 200, the wearer opens at least the top of two-part closure device 247 and pulls doffingloops 250. This begins to openzipper 230, and the wearer opens it the rest of the way, while inother garments zipper 230 is manually opened without the assistance of doffingloops 250. The wearer pulls on adoffing loop 275 to remove her arm from each sleeve, including pulling her hand through theelastic band 273 at each wrist. The wearer preferably removes all ofgarment 200 using the "inside-out" method, containing all "outside" surfaces of thegarment 200 that had been exposed to actual or potential contamination within the inside-out garment 200 and disposing of it appropriately.
• In the present invention, the neck flap is extended and includes an extra closure device, while the hood bears additional doffing loops as illustrated inFig. 10 asgarment 300.Garment 300 includeszipper 330,flap 340, two-part closure strip 347 that holdsloose edge 345 close to the body, and doffingloops 350 on either side of the chest near the shoulders, all as discussed in corresponding terms above.Garment 300 also includes anextra portion 380 offlap 340 adjacent to or near the bottom offace opening 315 alonghood edge 313. On the body side ofextra portion 380 is a patch ofhook fabric 385 that mates with target zone 390, which is a patch of loop fabric that holdsextra portion 380 in a closed position, but allows theextra portion 380 offlap 340 to be reopened when desired. Different two-part closure devices are used with one part on the back ofextra portion 380 in the other on the front portion of the bottom ofhood 310. Doffingloops 355 on either side ofhood 310 give the user additional grasping points for removing thehood 310 and opening the top ofzipper 330 while keeping (potentially) contaminated gloves away from the exposed neck.
• In still another embodiment, shown inFig. 11 asgarment 400,flap 480 has a graspingtab 487 that extends beyond two-partclosure device portion 485 to provide an unattached point at which the wearer can grasp theflap 480 and pull it open to begin doffing thegarment 400. In alternative embodiments, graspingtab 487 takes the form of a strap, cord, or "tail" of any of a variety of shapes and materials, as will occur to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. Ongarment 400,closure device portion 485 mates withlanding area 490, as discussed above in relation togarment 300 andFig. 9. Ongarment 400, however, landingarea 490 is vertically wide enough and extends far enough aroundedge 413 offace opening 415 to makeface opening 415 adjustable for different-sized masks, respirators, and other equipment. The adjustment of this sizing is facilitated in this embodiment by the repositionable character of two-part closure device 485/490.
• Wherein the hazards include: radiological, light splash, chemical, biological or foreign matter hazards; hazards to the wearer from the environment; and hazards to the environment from the wearer.
• One or more pieces of material collectively having a plurality of edges, at least one seam connecting at least two of the plurality of edges, together defining a garment that has an inside and an outside and covers substantially all of the wearer.
• Stitching at least one sheet of nonwoven material to define a garment that has an inside and an outside and covers substantially all of the wearer.
• A plurality of doffing loops of fabric sewn onto the outside of garment.
• A closure that openably closes at least one seam, and wherein the closure at least partially opens when a separating force above a predetermined threshold is applied in a particular direction, and at least one of the doffing loops is positioned and attached on the garment to transmit force above the predetermined threshold to the closure in the particular direction.
• A hood having an edge that defines a face opening, a neck flap attached to a first side of the face opening, the neck flap bearing one part of a two-part attachment device, and on a second side of the face opening, opposite the first side, a second part of the attachment device, wherein, when the first part and the second part of the attachment device are in contact, the neck flap defines the bottom of the face opening.
• A hood having one or more doffing loops, each positioned and attached to the outside of the hood so that a wearer can pull at least one of them to doff the hood.
• A neck flap having one or more removal features, each positioned and attached to the outside of the neck flap so that, when the attachment device is in a closed position, a wearer can pull at least one of the removal features to move the attachment device to an open position.
• Reinforced knees and elbows that retard or prevent passage of liquids through the garment at those points.
• A plurality of doffing loops of fabric sewn onto the outside of the garment.
• Attaching a reopenable closure to the garment at the stitching, and the closure opens at least partially when a separating force above a predetermined threshold is applied perpendicular to the direction of the stitching, and at least one doffing loop being positioned and attached on the garment to transmit an applied force above the predetermined threshold perpendicular to the stitching at the closure.
• A hood that includes: an edge that defines a face opening, a neck flap on a first side of the face opening, the neck flap bearing one part of a two-part attachment device, and on a second side of the face opening, opposite the first side, a second part of the attachment device, wherein, when the two-part attachment device is in a closed position, the neck flap defines the bottom of the face opening.
• A hood having one or more doffing loops, each positioned and attached to the outside of the hood so that a wearer can doff the hood by pulling on at least one of them.
• A neck flap having one or more doffing features, each positioned and attached to the outside of the neck flap so that, when the attachment device is in the closed position, a wearer can pull at least one doffing feature to move the attachment device to an open position.
• Reinforcing the knees and elbows of the garment to retard or prevent passage of liquids through the garment at those points.
• A garment suit body, connected to a hood, the suit body covering the torso, arms, and legs of the wearer.
• A hood and a suit body that, in combination, cover substantially all of the wearer except the face.
• A hood and suit body that, in combination, cover substantially all of the wearer except the face, hands, and feet.

Claims (6)

1. A nonwoven safety garment (300) for protecting against hazards, such as radiological, light splash, chemical, biological or foreign matter, comprising:

   one or more pieces of material collectively having a plurality of edges;

   at least one seam connecting at least two of the plurality of edges, together defining a garment that has an inside and an outside and covers substantially all of the wearer;

   a plurality of doffing loops (350, 355) positioned and attached to the outside of the garment with sufficient strength that a wearer can pull on one or more of the doffing loops to doff at least a portion of the garment; and

   a closure that openably closes at least one of the at least one seams, and wherein the closure at least partially opens when a separating force above a predetermined threshold is applied in a particular direction;

   wherein at least one of the doffing loops is positioned and attached on the garment to transmit force above the predetermined threshold to the closure in the particular direction; and a hood (310) that includes:

   an edge (313) that defines a face opening (315);characterized in that a neck flap (340) is attached to a first side of the face opening, the neck flap bearing one part of a two-part attachment device; and

   on a second side of the face opening, opposite the first side, a second part of the attachment device;

   wherein, when the first part and the second part of the attachment device are in contact, the neck flap defines the bottom of the face opening;

   wherein the hood further includes one or more doffing loops (355), each positioned and attached to the outside of the hood so that a wearer can pull at least one of them to doff the hood; and

   wherein the neck flap further includes one or more removal features, each positioned and attached to the outside of the neck flap so that, when the attachment device is in a closed position, a wearer can pull at least one of the removal features to move the attachment device to an open position.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of doffing loops are loops of fabric sewn onto the outside of garment.
3. The garment of claim 1, further comprising reinforced knees and elbows that retard or prevent passage of liquids through the garment at those points.
4. A method of making a safety garment for protecting against hazards, such as radiological, light splash, chemical, biological or foreign matter, comprising the acts of:

   stitching at least one sheet of nonwoven material to define a garment that has an inside and an outside and covers substantially all of the wearer;

   attaching to the garment a plurality of doffing loops, each attached to the outside of the garment with sufficient strength that a wearer can pull on one or more of the doffing loops to doff at least a portion of the garment; and

   attaching a reopenable closure to the garment at the stitching, and the closure opens at least partially when a separating force above a predetermined threshold is applied perpendicular to the direction of the stitching;

   wherein at least one of the doffing loops is positioned and attached on the garment to transmit an applied force above the predetermined threshold perpendicular to the stitching at the closure;

   wherein the method further comprises including in the garment a hood that includes:

   an edge that defines a face opening;

   a neck flap on a first side of the face opening, the neck flap bearing one part of a two-part attachment device; and

   on a second side of the face opening, opposite the first side, a second part of the attachment device;

   wherein, when the two-part attachment device is in a closed position, the neck flap defines the bottom of the face opening;

   wherein the hood further includes one or more doffing loops, each positioned and attached to the outside of the hood so that a wearer can doff the hood by pulling on at least one of them; and

   wherein the neck flap further includes one or more doffing features, each positioned and attached to the outside of the neck flap so that, when the attachment device is in the closed position, a wearer can pull at least one doffing feature to move the attachment device to an open position.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of doffing loops are loops of fabric sewn onto the outside of the garment.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising reinforcing the knees and elbows of the garment to retard or prevent passage of liquids through the garment at those points.

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