[0001] The present invention relates to a protective suit being CE approved according to
European Norm Standards EN 469 or according to US National Fire Protection Association
Standard NFPA 1971 to be worn by a wearer having a torso, during firefighting or similar
operations. The present invention also relates to a protective suit system to be worn
by a wearer during firefighting or similar operations.
[0002] Studies and research from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
indicate that the mortality among firefighters is higher than among the average population.
The studies furthermore show that firefighters are more frequently struck by different
types of cancer and the risk increases depending on years in duty of the firefighters.
[0003] Firefighters are obviously exposed to many different hazards, such as smoke, soot,
flames, chemicals etc. during their work, and they and their protective suits will
consequently be exposed to these hazards.
[0004] A protective suit is known from
WO 2016/023897 A1, which in many ways overcomes the above-mentioned hazards. However, there is a need
for further improving the protective suit in order to minimise the particle contamination
risk for the firefighters.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages
and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide an improved
protective suit facilitating that a wearer is less exposed to contamination over a
period of time.
[0006] The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features,
which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution
in accordance with the present invention by a protective suit being CE approved according
to European Norm Standards EN 469 or according to US National Fire Protection Association
Standard NFPA 1971 to be worn by a wearer having a torso, during firefighting or similar
operations, comprising:
- one or more opening(s),
- an outer layer which is at least made of a flame-resistant material, and
- an inner layer having a proximal part being closest to the torso and a distal part
being closest to the opening,
wherein the distal part has a first part and a second part, the first part comprising
a close-fitting member, the first part and the close-fitting member comprising a moisture
barrier, and the first part is detachable from the second part by means of a connection
unit.
[0007] Hereby it is obtained that the wearer of the protective suit according to the invention
is less exposed to skin contamination than when the prior art solutions are applied.
The combination of the first part and the close-fitting member has shown that the
openings of the protective suit where particles etc. normally enter during firefighting
operations are substantially closed, so that the potential entry of particles etc.
is minimised to a level not seen before in protective suits.
[0008] The first part and the second part may have an overall tubular configuration, the
connection unit being configured to attach the first part and the second part to each
other substantially along an entire circumference of the first part and the second
part.
[0009] Moreover, the connection unit may be zippers, press buttons, hook and loop or the
like.
[0010] Also, a protection slip may be arranged for protecting the connection unit when the
first part and the second part are attached.
[0011] Further, the protection slip may be connected with the second part and may be configured
to be positioned opposite the connection unit.
[0012] In addition, the first part may have an outer face configured to face the outer layer
and an inner face configured to face the wearer, the close-fitting member being connected
with the inner face.
[0013] Furthermore, the close-fitting member may be connected with the inner face a distance
from the opening.
[0014] A connection between the first part and the close-fitting member may be sealed so
as to minimise any entry of particles and/or moisture through the connection.
[0015] Moreover, the close-fitting member may project from the first part past the opening.
[0016] Also, the close-fitting member may be made by a knitted or woven fabric.
[0017] Said close-fitting member may be partly or fully made of a flexible material.
[0018] Further, the close-fitting member may comprise a tightening member configured to
tighten the close-fitting member to fit tightly around the wearer.
[0019] In addition, the close-fitting member may have a first member end and a second member
end, the first member end being connected with the first part, the close-fitting member
narrowing from the first member end towards the second member end.
[0020] The protective suit may comprise a jacket having a first sleeve and a second sleeve,
each sleeve having an opening at a wrist of the wearer.
[0021] Moreover, the close-fitting member may be configured to fit around the wrist of the
wearer.
[0022] Furthermore, the close-fitting member may have an aperture wherein a thumb of a wearer
may be inserted so as to ensure that the close-fitting member is maintained in position.
[0023] In addition, the protective suit may comprise a pair of trousers having a first leg
and a second leg, each leg having an opening at an ankle of the wearer.
[0024] Also, the close-fitting member may be configured to fit around the ankle of the wearer.
[0025] Further, the inner layer may comprise several layers having different properties.
[0026] Moreover, the outer layer and the inner layer may be made of a fabric making the
layers water-proof.
[0027] Further, the outer layer and the inner layer may be breathable.
[0028] The present invention also relates to a protective suit system to be worn by a wearer
during firefighting or similar operations, comprising the protective suit according
to the present invention, and the protective suit may comprise a plurality of first
parts.
[0029] The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with
reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration
show some non-limiting embodiments and in which
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an inner layer of a jacket of the protective suit according
to the invention,
Figs. 2-3 show an embodiment of the jacket of the protective suit,
Figs. 4-5 show an embodiment of an inner layer of a pair of trousers of the protective
suit according to the invention,
Figs. 6-7 show an embodiment of the pair of trousers of the protective suit,
Figs. 8-11 show the first part of the sleeve being attached to the second part of
the sleeve,
Figs. 12-13 show an embodiment of the first part of a sleeve with the close-fitting
member,
Figs. 14-15 show the outer layer being secured to the inner layer at an opening in
the sleeve of the jacket,
Figs. 16-19 show the first part of the leg being attached to the second part of the
leg,
Figs. 20-21 show another embodiment of the first part of a leg with the close-fitting
member,
Figs. 22-24 show the outer layer being secured to the inner layer at an opening in
the leg of the pair of trousers, and
Figs. 25-26 show photos of test results.
[0030] All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show
only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts
being omitted or merely suggested.
[0031] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an inner layer 1 of a jacket of a protective suit 100
according to the invention.
[0032] The protective suit 100 is CE approved according to European Norm Standards EN 469
or according to US National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA 1971. This is
inter alia obtained by incorporating different layers in the protective suit, each having different
properties so that when worn together, all layers in the protective suit provide the
intended overall protection for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the above
mentioned European and US standards.
[0033] The entire protective suit 100 is configured to be worn by a wearer having a torso,
during firefighting or similar operations. The wearer is not shown in Fig. 1 and thereby
not the torso either. However, the area where the torso would be is numbered with
reference number 2. The protective suit 100 comprises one or more opening(s) 5, an
outer layer which is at least made of a flame-resistant material, and an inner layer
1 having a proximal part 3 being closest to the torso 2 and a distal part 4 being
closest to the opening 5. In Fig. 1, the inner layer 1 is part of a jacket having
a first sleeve 6 and a second sleeve 7, each sleeve 6, 7 having an opening 5 at a
wrist of the wearer.
[0034] According to the invention, the distal part 4 has a first part 8 and a second part
9, the first part 8 comprising a close-fitting member 50. The first part 8 and the
close-fitting member 50 both comprises a moisture barrier. By the incorporation of
a moisture barrier in both the first part 8 and the close-fitting member 50, it is
obtained that the wearer of the protective suit according to the invention is less
exposed to skin contamination than when the prior art solutions are applied. In addition,
the first part 8 being detachable from the second part 9 by means of a connection
unit 10. Hereby it is obtained that the most exposed contamination areas of the protective
suit, that is the areas where there are openings, such as at the wrists or at the
ankles of the wearer, may easily be detached from the rest of the inner layer, so
that the exposure to the harmful particles and soot of the wearer is minimised to
a higher degree than what is the case for the previous, known protective suits. Since
the first part is the most contaminated area of the inner layer, the possibility of
detaching the first part 8 from the second part 9 allows the contaminated part to
be removed from the wearer in an expedient manner.
[0035] The first part 8 has an outer face 51 configured to face the outer layer and an inner
face 52 configured to face the wearer, the close-fitting member 50 being connected
with the inner face 52. In the present embodiment, the close-fitting member 50 is
configured to fit around the wrist of the wearer.
[0036] The close-fitting member 50 has an aperture 53 wherein a thumb of a wearer may be
inserted so as to ensure that the close-fitting member 50 is maintained in position
during the firefighting operation.
[0037] Furthermore, the close-fitting member 50 may project from the first part 8 past the
opening 5 so that a larger area in connection with the openings may be less exposed
to particle contamination.
[0038] Moreover, the close-fitting member 50 may be connected with the inner face a distance
from the opening, so that a part of the first part protects the connection between
the close-fitting member 50 and the first part 8.
[0039] A connection between the first part 8 and the close-fitting member 50 may be sealed
so as to minimise any entry of particles and/or moisture through the connection.
[0040] The close-fitting member 50 may be made by a knitted or woven fabric. In addition,
the close-fitting member 50 may be partly or fully made of a flexible material. Hereby
it is obtained that the close-fitting member conforms tightly to the wearer, and thereby
the potential entry of particles onto the wearer's skin is minimised. The flexible
property of the close-fitting member may be obtained by knitting or woven techniques,
or the elastic properties of the material, or a combination thereof.
[0041] In addition, the close-fitting member may comprise a tightening member configured
to tighten the close-fitting member to fit tightly around the wearer.
[0042] As shown in Fig. 1, the close-fitting member 50 has a first member end (not shown)
and a second member end 54, the first member end being connected with the first part
8, the close-fitting member 50 narrowing from the first member end towards the second
member end.
[0043] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a jacket 20 of the protective suit 100. In Fig. 2,
the jacket 20 is shown from a front side. As mentioned above, the protective suit
100 has an outer layer 21 which is at least made of a flame-resistant material, and
an inner layer (shown in Fig. 1). The inner layer and the outer layer may have different
properties built-in, for instance a moisture barrier, heat-resistance and/or breathability.
Advantageously, the inner layer comprises the moisture barrier. Both the inner layer
and the outer layer may have different design configurations, i.e. colours, accessories,
reflective trims etc. designed to the specific end user. Hence, the designs shown
in the figures are merely illustrative for an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] The jacket 20 furthermore comprises a reflective trim 22 arranged around the jacket,
both on the torso 2 and the sleeves 6, 7. Moreover, the jacket 20 comprises several
pockets 23 accessible from the outside. These pockets 23 may be reinforced with Kevlar
twill in their lower parts. The jacket 20 may obviously comprise additional features,
such as detachable snap hook straps, brass, Molle devices and reinforced elbow areas
24, as seen in Fig. 4 in which the jacket 20 is shown from the back.
[0045] The jacket 20 also comprises a long front flap 25 arranged to overlap and protect
the closing means of the jacket 20.
[0046] In addition, the close-fitting member 50 may also project from the opening and therefore
also from the outer layer 21 as seen in Figs. 2-3. The inner layer and the outer layer
21 are connected to each other at the openings 5 by connection slips 38, which will
be described further below.
[0047] Furthermore, the outer layer 21 may be detachably connected with the inner layer
1 by means of connection means, the connection means being arranged accessible from
the outside of the protective suit 100, so that the wearer can easily separate the
outer layer 21 from the inner layer 1, when the outer layer 21 has been contaminated
during firefighting, without having to take off the inner layer 1. In this regard,
it is important that access to the connection means is provided without the wearer
having to take off the protective suit 100, so that the outer layer 21 can be detached
from the inner layer 1 while the wearer is still wearing the inner layer 1. Furthermore,
the jacket 20 may comprise a collar 31.
[0048] The protective suit 100 may also comprise a detachable hood (not shown). The hood
may be attached to the jacket by zippers, press buttons, hook and loop or the like.
Furthermore, the hood may comprise an opening.
[0049] According to the inventive idea, the first part and the second part are preferably
of an overall tubular configuration, the connection unit being configured to attach
the first part and the second part to each other substantially along an entire circumference
of the first part and the second part. For instance, when the first part and the second
part are comprised in a sleeve of a jacket or a leg of a pair of trousers, the first
part and second part have a tubular configuration for receiving either an arm or a
leg, respectively, of the wearer.
[0050] In addition, the connection unit connecting the first part and the second part may
be zippers, press buttons, hook and loop or the like.
[0051] As shown in Figs. 4-5, the protective suit 100 may comprise a pair of trousers 33
having a first leg 34 and a second leg 35, each leg 34, 35 having an opening 5 at
an ankle of the wearer. In Fig. 4, the inner layer 1 of the protective suit 100 is
shown. The inner layer 1 has a proximal part 3 being closest to the torso 2 and a
distal part 4 being closest to the opening 5. In Fig. 4, the inner layer 1 of the
pair of trousers 33 is shown in a front view and the inner layer 1 of the pair of
trousers 33 is shown in a back view in Fig. 5.
[0052] The distal part 4 has a first part 8 and a second part 9. In the same manner as described
above, the first part 8 comprises a close-fitting member 50. The first part 8 and
the close-fitting member 50 both comprises a moisture barrier. By the incorporation
of a moisture barrier in both the first part 8 and the close-fitting member 50, it
is obtained that the wearer of the protective suit according to the invention is less
exposed to skin contamination than when the prior art solutions are applied. The first
part 8 is detachable from the second part 9 by means of a connection unit 10. Hereby
it is obtained that the most exposed contamination areas of the protective suit, that
is the areas where there are openings, such as at the wrists or at the ankles of the
wearer, may easily be detached from the rest of the inner layer, so that the exposure
to the harmful particles and soot of the wearer is minimised to a higher degree than
what is the case for the previous, known protective suits.
[0053] The close-fitting member 50 is configured to fit around the ankle of the wearer.
[0054] In Figs. 6-7, trousers 33 of the protective suit 100 are shown, the trousers 33 being
intended to be used in connection with the jacket 20 shown in Figs. 2-3. Fig. 6 shows
the trousers 33 seen from the front, and Fig. 7 shows the trousers 33 seen from the
back.
[0055] In the same manner as in connection with the jacket, the trousers 33 of the protective
suit 100 has an outer layer 21 which is at least made of a flame-resistant material,
and an inner layer (shown in Figs. 4-5). Furthermore, the outer layer 21 may be detachably
connected with the inner layer 1.
[0056] Figs. 8-11 and 14-15 show a sequence of how to attach a first part 8 to a second
part 9. In the present embodiment, the first part 8 and the second part 9 are part
of a sleeve 6 of a jacket. In addition, the first part 8 comprises a close-fitting
member 50.
[0057] In Fig. 8, the first part 8 is positioned correctly in relation to the second part
of the distal part 4. Fig. 9 shows a larger view of the connection unit 10 which is
configured to detachably connect the first part 8 to the second part 9. In the present
embodiment, the connection unit 10 is a zipper 10. In addition, a protection slip
36, shown in Fig. 9, is arranged for protecting the connection unit 10 when the first
part 8 and the second part 9 are attached. The protection slip 36 is, in the present
embodiment, connected with the second part 9 and is configured to be positioned opposite
the connection unit 10. In Fig. 9, the protection slip 36 is folded upwards against
the proximal part for providing access to the zipper 10. In the same manner, the first
part may comprise a protection slip 36' being arranged to protect the wearer against
the zipper 10.
[0058] Fig. 10 shows how the wearer 37 zips the zipper 10, so that the first part 8 is being
attached with the second part 9. When the zipper has been zipped around the entire
circumference of the first part 8 and the second part 9, the protection slip 36 is
folded back, so that it protects the zipper, which is shown in Fig. 11.
[0059] The inner layer is now ready to be connected with the outer layer 21. In Figs. 14-15,
the inner layer is positioned inside the outer layer 21. The first part of the inner
layer has, in this embodiment, two connection slips 38. Each connection slip 38 has
a press button 39 which is configured to engage a similar press button 40 arranged
on the outer layer 21, as shown in Fig. 15.
[0060] Figs. 12-13 show an embodiment of the first part 8 of a sleeve with the close-fitting
member 50. In Fig. 12, the first part 8 has been partly cut up for showing the close-fitting
member 50 provided within the first part 8. The close-fitting member 50 comprises,
in this embodiment, an aperture 53 to receive the thumb of the wearer. In addition,
the connection slip 38 is shown. In Fig. 13, the first part 8 is cut through so that
the connection 61 between the first part 8 and the close-fitting member 50 is visible.
In the present embodiment, the close-fitting member 50 extends in the entire length
of the first part 8 and has been sewn to the first part. Hence, a closed cavity is
provided between the inner face of the first part 8 and the close-fitting member 50,
whereby it is ensured that particles, soot etc. will be stopped in the closed cavity
and prevented from entering further up along the forearm of the wearer.
[0061] As seen in Figs. 12-13, the first part 8 may comprise several layers with different
properties, one of these properties being a moisture barrier. The close-fitting member
50 also comprises a moisture barrier.
[0062] In similar manner, Figs. 16-19 and 22-24 show a sequence of how to attach a first
part 8 to a second part 9. In this embodiment, the first part 8 and the second part
9 are part of a leg 34 of a pair of trousers.
[0063] In Fig. 16, the first part 8 is positioned correctly in relation to the second part
9 of the distal part 4. Fig. 17 shows a larger view of the connection unit 10 which
is configured to detachably connect the first part 8 to the second part 9. Like the
embodiment described above, the connection unit 10 is a zipper 10. In addition, a
protection slip 36 is arranged for protecting the connection unit 10 when the first
part 8 and the second part 9 are attached. The protection slip 36 is, in the present
embodiment, connected with the second part 9 and is configured to be positioned opposite
the connection unit 10. In Fig. 17, the protection slip 36 is folded upwards against
the proximal part for providing access to the zipper 10. In the same manner as described
above, the first part 8 may comprise a protection slip 36' being arranged to protect
the wearer against the zipper 10
[0064] Fig. 18 shows how the wearer 37 zips the zipper 10, so that the first part 8 is being
attached with the second part 9. When the zipper has been zipped around the entire
circumference of the first part 8 and the second part 9, the protection slip 36 is
folded back, so that it protects the zipper, which is shown in Fig. 19.
[0065] The inner layer is now ready to be connected with the outer layer 21. In Figs. 22-24,
the inner layer is positioned inside the outer layer 21. In this embodiment, the first
part of the inner layer also has two connection slips 38. Each connection slip 38
has a press button 39 which is configured to engage a similar press button 40 arranged
on the outer layer 21, as shown in Fig. 23. Furthermore, the connection slips 38 have
the additional advantage that it is ensured that the layers of the protective suit
are assembled correctly - since the connection slips function as a so-called "liner
alert". In Fig. 24, the inner layer has been secured to the outer layer 21 by the
press button of the inner layer having been pressed into engagement with the press
button of the outer layer. Furthermore, the close-fitting member 50 of the first part
projects from the opening 5 as seen in Figs. 22-24.
[0066] Figs. 20-21 show an embodiment of the first part 8 of a leg with the close-fitting
member 50. In Fig. 20, the first part 8 has been partly cut up for showing the close-fitting
member 50 provided within the first part 8. In this embodiment, the close-fitting
member 50 comprises a rib area 60 so that this section fits tightly to the wearer.
In addition, the connection slip 38 is shown. In Fig. 21, the first part 8 is cut
through so that the connection 61 between the first part 8 and the close-fitting member
50 is visible. In the present embodiment, the close-fitting member 50 extends in the
entire length of the first part 8 and has been sewn to the first part. One part of
the connecting unit 10 is shown. Also, the close-fitting member 50 is shown narrowing
from the connection 61 towards the rib 60. Hence, a closed cavity is provided between
the inner face of the first part 8 and the close-fitting member 50, whereby it is
ensured that particles, soot etc. will be stopped in the closed cavity and prevented
from entering further up along the leg of the wearer.
[0067] As seen in Figs. 20-21, the first part 8 may comprise several layers with different
properties, one of these properties being a moisture barrier. The close-fitting member
50 also comprises a moisture barrier.
[0068] Two Aerosol Systems Tests have been performed. In the first test a wearer wearing
a known protective suit was exposed to aerosols for a period of time. Subsequently
a picture was taken of the wearer wherein the skin contamination of entered aerosols
(the white areas shown in Fig. 21) is visible on the forearm of the wearer 37.
[0069] A second test was performed with the same wearer, now wearing a protective suit according
to the present invention. After the wearer had been exposed to aerosols for the same
period of time as in the first test, a picture of the wearer was taken. In Fig. 22,
the picture is shown. From this picture it is easily deduced that the wearer has not
been exposed to any substantial aerosol contamination on the forearm. Hence, by the
incorporation of a moisture barrier in both the first part 8 and the close-fitting
member 50, it is obtained that the wearer of the protective suit according to the
invention is less exposed to skin contamination than when the prior art solutions
are applied.
[0070] The protective suit may have different properties incorporated, for instance the
outer layer and/or the inner layer may be water-proof, and they may be breathable.
[0071] The present invention also relates to a protective suit system to be worn by a wearer
during firefighting or similar operations, comprising the protective suit, wherein
the protective suit comprises a plurality of first parts. Hereby it is obtained that
the first part of the inner layer may easily be removed when contaminated and exchanged
by a new uncontaminated first part. The wearer is then less exposed to the harmful
contamination, and the first parts being the most contaminated part may in an easy
manner be cleaned and washed more frequently.
[0072] The protective suit system may comprise one or more storage bag(s) for storing the
first parts when removed from the second parts and/or the outer layer when removed
from the inner layer. Hereby it is obtained that the wearer and his/her surroundings
are not contaminated by the contaminated first part and/or outer layer as in the known
solutions.
[0073] The invention also relates to a method for handling a protective suit after a wearer
has worn it during firefighting or other operations. The method comprises:
- providing access to the connection unit,
- detaching the first part from the second part by opening the connection unit, and
- removing the first part from the second part.
[0074] Hereinafter the first part may be placed in a storage bag, so that the part will
not contaminate the wearer or the surrounding environment.
[0075] The method further comprises:
- positioning a new uncontaminated first part in relation to the second part, and
- attaching the first part to the second part by means of the connection unit.
[0076] Although the invention has been described in the above in connection with preferred
embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that
several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined
by the following claims.
1. A protective suit (100) being CE approved according to European Norm Standards EN
469 or according to US National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA 1971 to
be worn by a wearer having a torso (2), during firefighting or similar operations,
comprising:
- one or more opening(s) (5),
- an outer layer which (21) is at least made of a flame-resistant material, and
- an inner layer (1) having a proximal part (3) being closest to the torso and a distal
part (4) being closest to the opening,
wherein the distal part has a first part (8) and a second part (9), the first part
(8) comprising a close-fitting member (50), the first part (8) and the close-fitting
member (50) comprising a moisture barrier, and
the first part is detachable from the second part by means of a connection unit (10).
2. A protective suit according to claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part
have an overall tubular configuration, the connection unit being configured to attach
the first part and the second part to each other substantially along an entire circumference
of the first part and the second part.
3. A protective suit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection unit is zippers,
press buttons, hook and loop or the like.
4. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a protection slip
(36) is arranged for protecting the connection unit when the first part and the second
part are attached.
5. A protective suit according to claim 4, wherein the protection slip is connected with
the second part and is configured to be positioned opposite the connection unit.
6. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part
(8) has an outer face configured to face the outer layer and an inner face configured
to face the wearer, the close-fitting member (50) being connected with the inner face.
7. A protective suit according to claim 6, wherein the close-fitting member (50) is connected
with the inner face a distance from the opening.
8. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a connection between
the first part and the close-fitting member is sealed so as to minimise any entry
of particles and/or moisture through the connection.
9. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the close-fitting
member projects from the first part past the opening.
10. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the close-fitting
member is made by a knitted or woven fabric.
11. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the close-fitting
member comprises a tightening member configured to tighten the close-fitting member
to fit tightly around the wearer.
12. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the close-fitting
member has a first member end and a second member end, the first member end being
connected with the first part, the close-fitting member narrowing from the first member
end towards the second member end.
13. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective
suit comprises a jacket (20) having a first sleeve (6) and a second sleeve (7), each
sleeve having an opening (5) at a wrist of the wearer.
14. A protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective
suit comprises a pair of trousers (33) having a first leg (34) and a second leg (35),
each leg having an opening at an ankle of the wearer.
15. A protective suit system to be worn by a wearer during firefighting or similar operations,
comprising the protective suit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
protective suit comprises a plurality of first parts.