Patent ID: 8296862
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: B32B,F41H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a protective garment for a contoured body part of a user, the method comprising: providing an outer layer that is conformable to said contoured body part, said outer layer including a plurality of outer layer tiles, each individual outer layer tile having an upper surface and a lower surface, each individual outer layer tile having a three-dimensional shape, each individual outer layer tile formed from a substantially rigid, shape-retaining material, each individual outer layer tile including an outer edge that forms a boundary of the respective individual outer layer tile; bonding the plurality of outer layer tiles permanently and directly to a fabric support, with the outer edges of adjacent individual outer layer tiles positioned adjacent one another, but with a gap defined therebetween, the fabric support having a perimeter; placing an inner layer component adjacent the fabric support opposite the plurality of outer layer tiles; and joining substantially only the perimeter of the fabric support with the inner layer component so that the fabric support and plurality of tiles are adapted to orient themselves to mimic the contours of the contoured body part.