Protective apparel

Abstract

Apparel suitable for providing protection against noxious agents, wherein the apparel comprises a laminate material that provides a substantially effective barrier against the noxious agents. It is preferred that the laminate material comprises two or more layers, at least one of which is a barrier layer that is a substantially effective barrier against the noxious agents and at least one of which is a protective layer that protects the at least one barrier layer.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . An item of protective apparel suitable for preventing the ingress of harmful chemicals comprising a laminate material wherein the laminate material comprises at least one layer of a barrier material and at least two layers of a protective material and wherein the at least one layer of barrier material is sandwiched between the at least two layers of protective material. 
   
   
       13 . An item of protective apparel according to  claim 12  wherein the barrier layer is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol, a mixture of tetrafluoro ethylene hexafluoropropylene and vinylidine, thermoplastic epoxy resin, low density polyethylene, polyurethane, and mixtures thereof, preferably from polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol, a mixture of tetrafluoro ethylene hexafluoropropylene and vinylidine and mixtures thereof. 
   
   
       14 . An item of protective apparel according to  claim 12  wherein the protective layer is selected from Surlyn®, polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyurethane, nylon, and mixtures thereof, preferably from polyurethane, polyethylene and mixtures thereof. 
   
   
       15 . An item of protective apparel according to  claim 12  wherein the laminate material is formable by thermoforming. 
   
   
       16 . An item of protective apparel according to  claim 12  wherein the laminate material can be welded to form a seal. 
   
   
       17 . An item of protective apparel according to  claim 12  wherein the laminate material is manufactured by coextrusion. 
   
   
       18 . An item of protective apparel according to  claim 12  wherein the laminate comprises a further at least two layers of a tie layer material.