Patent Publication Number: US-2022234738-A1

Title: Protective Aviation Garment

Description:
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     The subject disclosure relates to protective garments, and more particularly to protective garments worn by crewmembers during the flight of high performance aircraft. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     Various protective garments have been utilized to protect crewmembers during flight. Often, crewmembers will wear multiple separate garments during a flight. This can include an outer pressure garment designed to apply pressure to the lower torso and/or legs of a user. In some cases, the pressure garment may cover more than just the lower body of the user, additionally covering the upper torso and arms. The pressure garment provides G-force protection for the user during flight. In many cases, the pressure garment is formed between two separate layers, and can be an enclosed by another, separate outer suit layer. A coverall is additionally worn underneath the pressure garment, and over the entire body of the user. The coverall provides protection against hazards from the external environment, such as from water or a possible fire. Further, these garments can also be hot, and additional garments are sometimes worn to provide liquid cooling to the user for comfort, or even safety. 
     While the combination of a multiple layer pressure garment, coverall, and liquid cooling garment generally serves their desired purposes, this setup is imperfect for a number of reasons. First, the suit being multiple separate garments can create an ongoing source of discomfort because of the bulk, weight, and independent movement of the various garments. It can also be difficult to disperse heat through the bulk of the suit, particularly since the suit can inhibit evaporation of a user&#39;s natural perspiration. Solutions to this problem, and others are limited, given that the user&#39;s perspiration must escape through two separate garments. Additionally, existing suits provide no practical way for a crewmember to urinate during flight. This results in crewmembers drinking few fluids prior to flight, which can be dangerous, particularly during long flights when the crewmember could become dehydrated. Even suits which allow urination typically require the user to manipulate the suit and compromise their restraints, resulting in a dangerous condition. Therefore, there is a need for an improved aviation garment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     In light of the needs described above, in at least one aspect, the subject technology relates to an aviation garment which combines multiple layers securely in a single garment. 
     In at least one aspect, the subject technology relates to a garment configured to protect a user during aircraft flight. A bladder layer is configured to retain a first pressurized fluid and apply pressure to the user, the bladder layer being a semi-permeable layer which is impermeable to both oxygen and nitrogen and permeable to water vapor. A first fluid tube is formed as part of the bladder layer and configured to deliver the first pressurized fluid to an interior of the bladder layer. A cover layer is formed from a fire-retardant fabric, the cover layer surrounding an exterior of the bladder layer, the cover layer sealed around the first fluid tube and allowing the first fluid tube to pass therethrough. Two thigh seals are configured to seal the bladder layer to the user such that the bladder layer forms a lower volume and an upper volume. The first fluid tube is configured to deliver the first pressurized fluid to the lower volume. 
     In some embodiments, the garment includes a second fluid tube formed as part of the bladder layer and configured to deliver a second pressurized fluid to the interior of the bladder layer at the upper volume. The cover layer is then sealed around the second fluid tube, allowing the second fluid tube to pass therethrough. In some cases, the upper volume is configured to be pressurized up to 50 mmHg and the lower volume is configured to be pressurized up to 12 psig. The bladder layer can be formed from a plurality of separate sections stitched together with nylon thread. The seams of the nylon thread can be sealed with tape within the interior of the bladder layer. 
     In some embodiments, the bladder layer includes a boot region defined by an air and water impermeable fabric in the shape of boots. The air and water impermeable fabric can be urethane-coated nylon which is ultrasonically sealed to the bladder layer. In some cases, the thigh seals are a laminated sponge fabric, the thigh seals cemented to the bladder layer around an outer circumference of each seal. In some cases, the fire-retardant fabric of the cover layer is Nomex. The cover layer can be formed from a plurality of separate sections stitched together with Nomex thread. 
     In some embodiments, the cover layer includes a lower region proximate the lower volume and an upper region proximate the upper volume. In the lower region, the cover layer can be lined with Dacron cloth having a relatively higher strength than the cover layer. In the upper region, the cover layer can include at least one attachment provision configured to allow an external component to be attached to an exterior of the cover layer. In some embodiments, the cover layer includes resizing areas. A first resizing area is located below the thigh seals, the first resizing area allowing the cover layer to be tightened above a knee region of the garment. A second resizing area is located below the first resizing area, the second resizing area allowing the cover layer to be tightened below the knee region. 
     In some embodiments, a liquid cooling layer is positioned on the interior of the bladder layer. A pass through device then defines a first channel and a second channel through the cover layer and bladder layer. The pass through device includes a first hose barb coupled to the first channel and a second hose barb coupled to the second channel, the hose barbs protruding from an exterior of the cover layer. The first channel is configured to receive a pressurized fluid and direct the pressurized fluid to the bladder layer and the second channel is configured to receive a cooling fluid and direct the cooling fluid to the liquid cooling layer. 
     In some embodiments, the garment includes a urine evacuation pass through providing a channel from the interior of the bladder layer proximate a groin region of the garment, through the bladder layer and cover layer, to an exterior of the garment. In some embodiments, the garment includes a urine evacuation device, the urine evacuation device including a tube and a waste container. The tube is configured to deliver urine from a groin region of the garment, through a urine evacuation pass through of the bladder layer, and to the waste container. 
     In some embodiments, the cover layer includes a plurality of adjustable seals configured to seal the cover layer to the user. The adjustable seals include a neck seal and two wrist seals. In some embodiments, the garment has a neck region and a foot region. In some cases, the bladder layer and the cover layer extend an entire length of the garment between the foot region and the neck region. In other cases, the cover layer extends an entire length of the garment between the foot region and the neck region and the bladder layer terminates proximate a waist region of the garment. 
     In some embodiments, the cover layer includes a main entry closure operative to selectively open or seal the cover layer. The cover layer can be configured to enclose a removable urine collection device connected to the interior of the bladder layer in a groin region of the garment via a pass through opening, the removable urine collection device accessible through the main entry closure. In some embodiments, the cover layer includes a plurality of removable pouches containing flotation devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system pertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a bladder layer of a first embodiment of a garment in accordance with the subject technology. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of the bladder layer of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the bladder layer for the first embodiment being worn by a user. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the bladder layer of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the full garment of the first embodiment being worn by a user. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the garment of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a truncated bladder layer for a second embodiment of a garment in accordance with the subject technology being worn by a user. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of the bladder layer of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the full garment of the second embodiment being worn by a user. 
         FIGS. 10-11  are perspective views of a pass through device for a garment in accordance with the subject technology. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the exterior of a cover layer for a garment including protruding hose barbs from a pass through device, in accordance with the subject technology. 
         FIGS. 13-16  are perspective views of the bladder layer of the first embodiment turned inside out to more easily illustrate certain features. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of a wrist seal of the bladder layer of the first embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject technology overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with protective suits for aviators. In brief summary, the subject technology provides a single aviation garment which is safe, comfortable, and provides unique features not available (or possible) in prior suits. The advantages, and other features of the systems and methods disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals are used herein to denote like parts. Further, words denoting orientation such as “upper”, “lower”, “distal”, and “proximate” are merely used to help describe the location of components with respect to one another. For example, an “upper” surface of a part is merely meant to describe a surface that is separate from the “lower” surface of that same part. No words denoting orientation are used to describe an absolute orientation (i.e. where an “upper” part must always at a higher elevation). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-9 , an aviation garment  100   a ,  100   b  (generally  100 ) in accordance with the subject technology is shown. In particular,  FIGS. 1-2  show the exterior of a first embodiment of an aviation garment  100   a  when not in use, the garment  100   a  including a full length bladder layer  102   a  (i.e. inner layer). In this configuration, the bladder layer  102   a  is designed to encompass both the legs and torso of the user.  FIGS. 3-6  show the first embodiment of the aviation garment  100   a  being worn by the user.  FIGS. 7-9  show a second embodiment  100   b  of the aviation garment being worn by the user, the second embodiment including a truncated bladder layer  102   b  (see also, cutoff line  101  in  FIGS. 1, 7  denoting the line at which the bladder layer  102   b  can be truncated just about a user&#39;s waste). A rear view of the exterior of the second embodiment is omitted, that view being substantially the same as that of the first embodiment of the garment  100   a  shown in  FIG. 6 . It should be understood that in  FIGS. 3-4 and 7-8  the bladder layer  102   a ,  102   b  (generally  102 ) is shown separate from the cover layer  104  for ease of reference. However, when in use, the aviation garment  100  according to the subject technology will include both the bladder layer  102  and cover layer  104  integrated to work together to form a single garment  100  which can be worn by the user. 
     The garment  100  includes the bladder layer  102  which is designed to retain a pressurized fluid, such as air, to apply a force against the user  106  for g-protection. Thigh seals  108  are integrated within the interior of the bladder layer  102  in a thigh region of the suit to seal the bladder layer  102  to the thighs of the user  106 . The thigh seals  108  separate the bladder layer  102  into a lower portion  110  around the lower thighs and legs of a user  106 , and an upper portion  112  which extends around the upper thighs and torso of the user  106 . By sealing to the user  106 , the thigh seals  108  create two distinct volumes, allowing the upper portion  112  to be pressurized to a different pressure than the lower portion  110 . The thigh seals  108  can be a laminated sponge fabric, cemented to the bladder layer  102  around the outer circumference of each thigh seal  108  to provide the desired seal against the user&#39;s thighs. In general, the lower portion  110  can be pressurized up to 12 psig to provide g-force protection during flight. A lower pressure tube  114  is sealed to the bladder layer  102  to provide a channel for pressurized fluid to enter the interior of the bladder layer  102  from an external source (not shown distinctly). In general, the external source can be a pump system or the like configured to pressurize air for delivery to the bladder layer  102 . 
     In the first embodiment of the garment  102   a , where the upper portion  112  of the bladder  102   a  is full length and covers the torso of a user  106 , the upper portion  112  can be pressurized up to 50 mmHg. A pressurized upper portion  112  can provide air cooling and torso counter pressure for a user  106  for comfort during flight. Further, the garment  102  may include a urine evacuation device  116 , as discussed in more detail below, and the pressurized upper portion  112  can then assist in urine evacuation. An upper pressure tube  118  is sealed to the bladder layer  102  in the upper portion  112  to provide a channel for the pressurized fluid to enter the interior of the bladder layer  102  in the upper portion  112 . The upper tube  118  can connect to an external source, separate from the source connected to the lower pressure tube  114 , to facilitate delivering lower pressure air to the upper portion  114 . Notably, for environments where the pressurized upper portion  112  is unnecessary, the embodiment of the garment  100   b  shown in  FIGS. 7-9  may be used, with the bladder layer  102   b  being truncated above the user&#39;s waist (see also cutoff line  101  in  FIG. 1 ) to make a less cumbersome garment. In the truncated embodiment  100   b , the upper volume  112  is not enclosed to retain pressure and the upper pressure tube  118  is omitted. 
     The bladder layer  102  is formed from a lightweight, selectively permeable material which allows water vapor to pass through for the evaporation of perspiration from a user  106 . The bladder layer  102  is impermeable to the pressurized fluid (which can be air including oxygen, nitrogen, etc., for example) to maintain the desired pressure within the lower and upper portions  110 ,  112  of the bladder layer  102 . The fabric of the bladder layer  102  can be stitched together with nylon thread and the seams of the fabric can be taped internally to ensure there are no gaps in the sealed bladder layer  102 . Boots  120  are integrally formed as part of the bladder layer  102  at a foot region (i.e. designed to conform to a user&#39;s foot). The boots  120  are both air and water tight to provide immersion protection. The boots  120  can be fabricated from a urethane-coated nylon fabric, ultrasonically sealed at the seams connecting the boots  120  to the bladder layer  102 . 
     In the embodiment with the full length bladder layer  102   a , the bladder layer  102   a  can also include seals  122 ,  124  for sealing to the extremities of the user  106 . Wrist seals  122  provide a seal in the region of the garment  100   a  proximate the wrists of the user  106 , allowing the user&#39;s hands to extend from the bladder layer  102   a . The bladder layer  102   a  can also include a neck seal  124  to seal the bladder layer  102   a  to the user&#39;s upper torso and/or neck, allowing the user&#39;s head to extend from the top of the bladder layer  102   a . A zipper  125  is positioned on the rear of the bladder layer  102   a , the zipper  125  allowing the user to initially open and step into the bladder layer  102   a  when donning the garment  100   a.    
     One problem often faced by crewmembers in high performance aircraft is the inability to urinate after a flight garment is equipped. This results in the crewmember dehydrating themselves in preparation for flight which can result in discomfort, or even danger. Further, even in garments that allow urination, the crewmember will normally need to compromise their equipment or restraints temporarily to do so. To overcome this problem, the garment  100  includes the urine evacuation device  116  which can be comprised of several different components that allow for a user to urinate directly into the urine evacuation device  116 . First, an anatomy interface device is included (not shown distinctly herein) to couple to the user&#39;s anatomy to receive the urine. Such devices are known and used currently in fields outside of aviation, and can be particularly designed to interface with a male or female user. The bladder layer  140  then includes a pass through opening  148  which seals around a tube  150  (see  FIG. 1 ). The tube  150  connects to the anatomy interface device to receive the urine and transport it through the bladder layer  102 . On the end opposite the anatomy interface device, the tube  150  can be connected to a waste container to collect and dispose the urine. As such, the urine evacuation device  116  allows the user  106  to urinate during a flight without removing the garment  100 . The urine evacuation device  116  can included in either bladder layer  102  embodiment. The cover layer  104  can be formed with corresponding openings (not shown distinctly) to seal around the tube  150  as needed. In the embodiment of the garment  100   b  with the truncated bladder layer  102   b , the waste container, or urine collection device, may be worn inside the cover layer  104  and accessed through the main entry closure (i.e. front zipper  146 ). 
     In both embodiments, the garment  100  includes a cover layer  104  outside the bladder layer  102  which fits over the arms, torso, legs, and feet of the user  106 . The cover layer  104  serves the purposes of a traditional flyer coverall, and also includes additional features, as will be discussed in more detail herein. Unlike a traditional flyer coverall, the cover layer  104  is positioned over the bladder layer  102  to support the functionality of the bladder layer  102  and create a less bulky garment  100 . 
     In general, the cover layer  104  provides protection to the user from possible environmental hazards, including a potential aircraft fire, and also serves some operational, comfort, and aesthetic purposes. To that end, the cover layer  104  includes provisions  126  for attaching external components in an upper half  138  of the garment  100 . This can include the attachment of floatation devices  128 , if desired, which can be optionally attached for flights over water. In the example shown, the floatation devices  128  are pouches which are connected to the suit without hindering mobility or comfort, and are removable for maintenance, overhaul, and repair. In other cases, the attachment provisions  126  can be used for attaching pockets for storage, or for the attachment of a patch  130 , insignia, name tags, or other aesthetic components. In the example shown, the provisions  126  include a number of Velcro strips integrated as part of the cover layer  104 , to allow for Velcro components to be quickly and easily removably attached to the cover layer  104 . The provisions  126  can also include an area of the suit that is designed to be punctured, allowing patches  130  or the like to be permanently sewn to the cover layer  104 . It should be understood that the attachment provisions  126  shown are exemplary only, and other provisions  126  may be included depending on the intended use of the garment  100  and preferences of the user  106 . 
     Upper and lower resizing areas  132 ,  134  are included above and below the user&#39;s knees, respectively. The resizing areas  132 ,  134  include a laced region (covered by standard cover layer  104  material) which can be tightened to shorten the leg length of the garment  100 , if desired, for a better fit. The lower ankle region of the cover layer  104  also includes slide fasteners  136 , running axially on inner side of the user&#39;s leg. When donning or removing the garment  100 , the slide fasteners  136  can be opened to allow for an expansion in the leg region of the cover layer  104 , making it easier to put on or take off the garment  100 . Once the garment  100  is equipped by the user, the slide fasteners  136  can be closed. Similarly, a front zipper  146  extends from groin region to the neck region of the cover layer  104 , allowing for the garment  100  to be easily put on or taken off, and securely closed thereafter. 
     The cover layer  104  includes lower and upper sleeves  142 ,  144  conforming around the lower and upper pressure tubes  114 ,  118 , respectively, allowing the tubes  114 ,  118  to pass through the cover layer  104 . The cover layer  104  can be formed from a fire-retardant Nomex fabric and stitched together with Nomex thread. The lower half  140  of the cover layer  104  is lined with high strength, low elongation Dacron cloth for additional protection. This material in the lower half  140  also works together with the bladder layer  102  to help restrain the bladder layer  102  and bear the pressure loads felt in the lower half  140  (e.g. 12 psig in some cases) when the bladder layer  102  is pressurized. Thus, the bladder layer  102  relies on the cover layer  104  to help retain the pressure on the user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , in some cases, the garment  100  can include an additional liquid cooling layer (not shown distinctly which can be integrated as part of the garment  100 . The cooling layer represents the most interior layer and is positioned directly against the user when the garment  100  is worn. The cooling layer can cover at least the torso of the user, but can also be configured to encompass the lower body, legs, and/or arms, as desired, and therefore is shaped to conform to the user&#39;s body as desired. An internal pass through device  152  is sealed within the interior of the garment  100 , defining two channels  154  through all external layers (which can include the cover layer  104 , bladder layer  102 , and the liquid cooling layer, if included). A similar pass through device (not shown separately) is positioned on the exterior of the garment  100  and connected to the internal pass through device  152  with channels  154  of the pass through devices  152  connected to provide a fluid path between the interior and exterior of the garment  100 . Each pass through device  152  includes hose barb  156  fluidly coupled to each channel  154 . The hose barbs  156  allow hoses  158  to be easily attached thereto to form a fluid connection with respective channels  154 . On the interior side, hoses  158  can be connected to the barbs  156  to deliver the desired fluid, such as cooling liquid, to the correct area of the cooling layer within the garment  100 . On the exterior side, the cover layer  104  can be designed to fit over the body  160  of the pass through device  152 , while allowing the barbs  156  to protrude from the exterior (see  FIG. 12 ). The barbs  156  in  FIG. 12  are shown with quick connects, allowing hoses from the aircraft to be easily connected to the protruding barbs  156  to receive and circulate the cooling fluid between the aircraft and liquid cooling layer through the channels  154 . In one embodiment, two channels  154  connecting between opposing barbs  156  (one barb  156  in the interior of the suit and one barb  156  on the exterior of the suit) can be used for cooling liquid in the upper volume of the bladder layer  102   a  while the other connected channels  154  and opposing barbs  156  can be used for pressurized air in the lower volume  110  of the bladder layer  102   a . Further, in some embodiments, a pass through device  152  can be used in lieu of pressure tubes  118 ,  144  to deliver cooling liquid to an upper portion  112  of the bladder layer  102  around the user&#39;s torso. Or, in cases where the upper pressure tubes  118 ,  144  are used to deliver air pressure to the upper portion  112 , pass through devices  152  can be used to additionally deliver cooling liquid to the cooling layer around the user&#39;s torso (or elsewhere). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-16 , the bladder layer  102   a  is shown inside out to better illustrate various internal components. The rear zipper  125  runs from the upper torso of the garment bladder layer  102   a , through the groin region and can extend substantially to the area of the urine evacuation device  116 . The thigh seals  108  are attached to the bladder layer  102   a  at their upper ends, extending away from the bladder layer  102   a  at their lower ends. Therefore, when the bladder layer  102   a  is worn by the user, the thigh seals  108  will narrow to a smaller inner diameter toward their bottom ends, forming a tight seal against the user&#39;s thigh. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 14 , the neck seal  124  is also sealed to the interior of the bladder layer  102   a . The neck seal  124  narrows towards an opening  162  through which a user&#39;s head can exit the bladder layer  102   a . A zipper  164  (see also  FIG. 3 ) is positioned on the exterior of the bladder layer  102   a  and extends from the bottom of the neck seal  124  to the opening  162 . Once the user has donned the garment  100   a , the zipper  164  can be closed to close the neck seal  124  around the upper torso and/or neck of the user and seal the upper volume  112  of the bladder layer  102   a . Further, the zipper  164  can be utilized to adjust the width of the seal  124  to ensure a proper fit. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 15 , the boots  120  are integrally and permanently formed as part of the bladder layer  102   a . A seam  166  is visible where the air and water tight fabric of the boot  120  was originally ultrasonically sealed to the ankle region of the bladder layer  102   a . The final product is a boot  120  which is fully integrated into the bladder layer  102   a , with no separate connecting components or seals required. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16-17 , a wrist seal  122  of the bladder layer  102   a  is shown.  FIG. 16  shows the wrist seal turned inside out to view the interior, while  FIG. 17  shows the wrist seal  122  as viewed from the exterior. The wrist seals  122  narrow from the arm portion of the bladder layer  102   a  to an opening  168  at the end from which the user&#39;s hand would protrude during use. The seal  122  includes a zipper  170  which can be closed to close the wrist seal  122  around the wrist of the user. Further, the zipper  170  can be adjusted to ensure a proper fit to the user&#39;s wrist. Notably, while the exemplary wrist and neck seals  122 ,  124  are shown as including zippers  164 ,  170 , it should be understand that that seals  122 ,  124  need not include zippers in all embodiments. 
     Overall, the aviation garment  100  disclosed herein is a suit which performs all of the functions of multiple, separate garments that are typically worn together and on top of each other. Additionally, the garment  100  is functionally improved and provides features which are not present in traditional aviation garments as disclosed herein, such as urine evacuation and air cooling. The garment  100  is able to adequately provide g-protection and immersion protection while reducing the weight, bulk, and thermal burden of previous solutions. Further, if immersion protection is not required, the garment  100   b  can be utilized which provides an even less bulky solution, with a truncated bladder layer  102   b  which does not include a pressurized upper volume around the user&#39;s torso. The garment  100  also provides breathability through internal fluid flow, and even can provide liquid and/or air cooling as desired. 
     All orientations and arrangements of the components shown herein are used by way of example only. Further, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art that the functions of several elements may, in alternative embodiments, be carried out by fewer elements or a single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiment. Also, functional elements shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements in a particular implementation. 
     While the subject technology has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the subject technology without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject technology. For example, each claim may depend from any or all claims in a multiple dependent manner even though such has not been originally claimed.