WO2008142451A2

WO2008142451A2 - Protective clothing

Info

Publication number: WO2008142451A2
Application number: PCT/GB2008/050367
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Jackson
Original assignee: UNIVERSAL CARBON FIBRES (HOLDINGS) Ltd
Current assignee: UNIVERSAL CARBON FIBRES (HOLDINGS) Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-21
Filing date: 2008-05-21
Publication date: 2008-11-27
Anticipated expiration: 2009-11-21
Also published as: GB0709705D0; WO2008142451A3; EP2162026A2; AU2007202978A1

Abstract

An article of protective clothing (10) comprises a material body (12), at least a part of the 5 material body comprising fire retardant material, the protective clothing further comprising an impact protection element (60, 62), the impact protection element being incorporated into the material body. Examples of clothing described can protect a wearer against injury for example when riding a motorcycle as well as being suitable for use by the emergency services.

Description

Protective Clothing

This invention relates to protective clothing. Preferred aspects of the invention relate to protective garments, for example jackets, trousers and/or suits. In examples described, such protective clothing may be suitable for use by emergency services personnel and/or military personnel in carrying out their duties.

Emergency services personnel may be exposed to potentially dangerous situations involving fire and/or hazardous substances. Such personnel are required to wear protective clothing to help to reduce the risk of injury or accident in the performance of their duties.

For example, it is known for fire fighters to have a fire fighter's suit specifically designed to be worn when fighting fires. Such fire fighter's suits may comprise a single piece garment covering the full body (including torso, legs and arms), or may comprise for example a two piece suit including trousers or salopettes and a jacket. Such suits comprise fire retardant materials and heat resistant materials, as well as being liquid and/or chemical resistant for example to guard against injury from chemicals or other substances which might be present at the scene of the incident.

Protective clothing for emergency services personnel and/or military personnel preferably also has high tear resistance and/or also high perforation resistance to guard against penetration of objects through the clothing.

An object of the present invention is to provide improved protective clothing, in particular (but not exclusively) for emergency services personnel, in particular suitable to be worn by fire fighters.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an article of protective clothing comprising a material body, at least part of the material body comprising fire retardant material, the protective clothing further comprising an impact protection element, the impact protection element being incorporated into the material body.

Traditionally, emergency services personnel have travelled to the scene of an emergency using specialised transport, for example fire engines, ambulances and the like. Such transport generally comprises a specialised vehicle which includes equipment for tackling the widest possible range of emergency situations. However, there can be problems in such vehicles quickly reaching the scene of an emergency, for example in view of the time taken for the vehicle to be prepared to depart from the station, or in view of traffic problems. Also some situations requiring the attendance of emergency services personnel do not require the full facilities provided by the emergency vehicle and thus the deployment of the vehicle to such an emergency can reduce cost efficiency as well as preventing the vehicle from attending other emergencies. It has been identified that there would be benefit in a fast response unit being sent to the scene of an incident prior to or instead of the dedicated emergency services vehicle. Emergency services personnel can thus quickly assess the severity of the incident and offer a faster tailored response to the call. There will be incidents which do not require the attendance of the comprehensive emergency vehicle, for example minor car fires and small domestic fires. In such situations, the attendance of the fast response unit will be more efficient than that of the emergency vehicle.

Thus a need has been identified for the use of alternative transport to enable fast arrival at the scene and/or attendance at scenes where the full emergency vehicle is not required. In particular the use of motorcycles for example as fast response units by emergency services personnel has been proposed.

The rider of the motorcycle or other fast-response unit may have to handle emergency situations, for example fight small fires at the incident. There may also be dangerous substances present at the scene of the incident and/or physical dangers present. This will require the officer to have the same or similar level of protection, for example as given to operational fire fighters. Such garments are currently measured by the specification EN469.

However, existing clothing for fire fighters and other emergency services personnel are not considered suitable for wear when riding a motorcycle. It is considered in particular that conventional protective clothing is the wrong fit for riding a motorcycle, is too heavy and gives inadequate protection to the wearer in the event of an accident while riding the motorcycle. Equally, conventional motorcycles suits are considered unsuitable for use in fighting fires or for use in attending other emergency situations. The inventors have identified that by providing protective clothing including a material body comprising fire retardant material and also including an impact protection element, the wearer can be protected against accident and/or injury both when riding the motorcycle or fast response vehicle as well as when attending the incident itself.

Where reference is made herein to fire retardant and fire retardance, preferably the reference is to include for example materials clothing and articles which have some resistance to some or all of the effects of fire. Such materials preferably protect against heat and/or flame. Preferably fire retardant materials inhibit or resist the spread of flame and/or can provide a barrier to convective and/or radiant heat. Preferably a fire retardant material or article has properties relating to for example flame spread, convective heat transfer, radiant heat transfer and/or heat resistance such that it can be used to provide protection from the effects of fire. Preferably one or more of those properties of the material or article are such that it complies with the requirements of a relevant standard, for example EN469.

Preferably the article of clothing comprises a jacket portion having a shoulder region, the material body comprising an impact protection element associated with the shoulder region. Preferably the article of clothing comprises a jacket portion having an elbow region, the material body comprising an impact protection element associated with the elbow region.

Preferably the article of clothing comprises a trousers portion having a thigh region, the material body comprising an impact protection element associated with the thigh region.

Preferably the article of clothing comprises a trousers portion having a knee region, the material body comprising an impact protection element associated with the knee region.

The protective element provided can assist in the prevention of injury in the event of an accident, in particular involving falling from a motorcycle or other vehicle. Preferably the clothing includes a plurality of impact protection elements arranged within the material body so as to be located in suitable positions in the clothing to reduce the risk of injury to the wearer.

The impact protectors preferably include material which absorbs impact energy and/or to reduce the rate of transfer of the impact energy through the element. The impact protectors may have any appropriate shape and construction. They may comprise high density foam, or foam backed hard armour, or another appropriate alternative. The material from which the impact protectors are made may include synthetic rubber, polyurethane or other suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably the material body has a structure and/or composition such that it has high tear resistance and/or abrasion resistance. It has been found that in many arrangements, the tear resistance and/or abrasion resistance required for clothing suitable for motorcycle or other vehicle riders is greater than that required of conventional emergency services protective clothing. Furthermore, the regions of the clothing at which the enhanced tear resistance and/or abrasion resistance is required is different where the clothing is to be used for riding a motorcycle compared with use at an emergency incident. For example, some existing fire fighter suits may comprise neoprene patches at knees to improve the resistance to wear of the suit, for example where the wearer is crawling in the suit. However, where the clothing is to be used for example for riding a motorcycle, there is a requirement for greater abrasion resistance, for example in the upper outside leg and back regions of the clothing, as appropriate.

Preferably the material body is such that it is fire retardant. Preferably the article of clothing meets the requirements of EN469. EN469 defines standards relating to the fire retardance of clothing to be worn as protective clothing for fire fighters. Preferably the clothing comprises inherently fire retardant materials. By providing a range of fire retardant materials in a garment having a motorcycles suit-type design, comfort, safety when riding, and fire protection can be achieved. Preferably at least part of the material body comprises a plurality of layers of material. By providing a plurality of layers, the desired properties of the clothing can be more easily achievable.

A different composition of the material layers may be provided at different portions of the clothing. Thus different characteristics for example of fire and/or heat resistance, chemical resistance, blood borne pathogen resistance, breathability, abrasion resistance, tear resistance and impact resistance can be achieved at different portions of the clothing.

The article of protective clothing according to any preceding claim may include a first layer including the impact protection element and a second layer comprising fire retardant material.

In some arrangements, the article of clothing may include several layers. For example, there may be an outer layer which includes the fire retardant material, and an inner layer which provides the impact protection elements. These layers may be separable. As discussed further below, the separable layers may comprise separate garments as parts of the article of protective clothing. The layers may be separable.

The impact protection element may be removable from the material body.

In some arrangements, the impact protection elements may be able to be inserted and removed from the material body. This may be advantageous in some arrangements and can give flexibility on the number or type of impact protection elements included in a clothing article for a particular application or use. For example, the clothing may include pockets or other formations for insertion of impact protection elements. The removal of impact protection elements may also be preferred when the clothing is washed.

The separate layers of the material body may be formed by separate garments. In some cases, it will be advantageous for the article of clothing to be formed of two or more individual garments. Preferably, one garment provides a fire retardant function, and another provides impact protection features. Therefore a further aspect of the invention provides an article of protective clothing comprising a fire retardant outer garment, and further including an inner garment, the inner garment including an impact protection element. The outer garment may comprise for example, an all-in-one suit, a jacket and/or trousers. The inner garment may comprise for example an all-in-one suit, a jacket and/or trousers. Different combinations are possible. For example, an all-in-one inner garment may be worn with a two-piece jacket and trouser outer garment.

In most situations, the outer garment or combination of outer garments will be designed so as to fully cover the relevant parts of the body. For example for an outer garment being a jacket, the jacket will be designed to cover substantially the full torso and arms of the wearer so as to provide sufficient protection from fire. However, the inner garment need not be so complete in its coverage of the body. For example, an inner garment for a jacket might not have full sleeves, and/or might not cover the full torso. The inner garment might only be associated with the arm and shoulder region where impact protection is required. Where the inner garment is associated with the leg region, it might for example extend mainly, or exclusively, in the knee and hip region where the most impact resistance is required. The garment might include cut out regions, for example to improve mobility in the garment and/or breathability of the garment. The inner garment might include more than one sub-garment. For example, the inner garment might comprise individual components for the arms.. In some cases the inner garment may comprise impact resistant elements combined with fastening elements for fastening the impact resistant elements to the relevant part of the user's body. For example there may be provided impact resistant elements provided for use with the fire resistant garment. For example, the impact resistant elements might comprise "strap on" armour including means for fastening the elements to the relevant part of the body of the user. The outer garment and/or the inner garment may comprise abrasion resistant material or element.

Also provided is an outer garment for use with an inner garment in an article of clothing according to any preceding claim, the outer garment comprising fire retardant material.

Also provided is an inner garment for use with an outer garment in an article of clothing according to any preceding claim, the inner garment including an impact resistant element.

The invention also provides a protective clothing kit comprising a first garment and a second garment, the first garment comprising fire resistant material, and the second garment comprising an impact resistant element. It will normally be the case, as indicated above, that the fire resistant material would be provided in an outer garment, and the impact resistant element would be provided in a garment to be worn within the outer garment, but it is envisaged that the fire resistant material might not be provided at the outer garment. Also, or alternatively, the impact resistant element might not be provided within the garment, for example as part of an inner layer.

The invention also provides a protective clothing kit comprising a garment comprising fire resistant material, and further comprising at least one impact resistant element to be worn by a user in conjunction with the fire resistant garment.

As discussed herein, the impact resistant element may be provided as a separate element, for example including fastening means for fastening the element to a suitable part of the user's body, it may be provided as an insert for insertion into the fire resistant garment and/or may be incorporated into a further garment.

Preferably the fire resistant garment meets the relevant fire resistance standard required for the garment to be used by a fire fighter. Preferably the fire resistant garment meets the relevant part of EN 469. Preferably the impact resistant element meets the relevant impact resistance standard required for the element to be used by a motorcycle rider. Preferably the garment including the impact resistant element meets the relevant impact resistance and/or abrasion resistance standard required for the garment to be used by a motorcycle rider Preferably the garment including the impact resistant element meets the relevant part of EN 13595. Preferably the garment including the impact resistant element is substantially fire retardant. Although this layer will usually be beneath a substantially fire retardant outer, for improved safety, it is preferred for the inner garment also to be fire retardant. Preferably the garments do not include any thermoplastic materials or flame-supporting materials. Preferably substantially all the components of the inner garment, outer garment and/or article of clothing are non-flame-supporting and/or non-thermoplastic or such as would melt or support flame in the presence of heat and/or flame.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an article of protective clothing comprising a material body, the material body comprising fire retardant material, the material body further comprising a plurality of layers of material. Preferably at least one of the layers of material comprises fire retardant material. Preferably all of the layers of material comprise fire retardant material.

One or more of the material layers may comprise a fabric or textile material, for example a woven, knitted or other construction. In preferred examples, one or more of the material layers comprise a synthetic material. The material may comprise a polymer material. In preferred examples, one or more of the layers comprise aromatic polyamide (aramid) fibres. Each material layer may include more than one material component. One or more of the material layers may comprise leather.

By using a combination of layers, this can provide an advantageous construction having regard to the safety and comfort of the wearer. The materials chosen and the structure of the layered material will preferably be such that each layer will be certified to a relevant standard, for example EN469, either alone or in combination with other layers.

Preferably at least a part of the material body includes a fire retardant outer layer. The outer layer preferably is the outer layer of the clothing worn by the wearer, although in some situations, other clothing layers may be provided over the outer layer. For example, in some situations, it may be desired for the wearer to wear additionally a high- visibility tunic. Preferably a part of the garment or clothing comprises a fire retardant outer layer.

The outer layer preferably comprises a material which is highly tear and/or abrasion resistant as well as being fire retardant. In an example described herein, the outer layer comprises a combination of leather and a high tear strength fire retardant material. The outer layer may comprise leather. Preferably the outer layer comprises a material which is flame resistant, chemical resistant and/or resistant to blood borne pathogens.

Preferably at least a part of the clothing, for example the material body includes a layer comprising a moisture-resistant membrane. Preferably the moisture resistant membrane is fire retardant. This layer may comprise a PTFE membrane. Preferably a part of the garment or clothing includes a moisture-resistant membrane.

Preferably at least a part of the material body includes a layer comprising wadding and/or felt. Preferably the wadding and/or felt is fire retardant. This layer may include aramid or para-aramid fibres. This layer provides heat and fire resistance.

One or more of the garments or layers may include wadding. In preferred arrangements, the material body comprises four layers of material. In some preferred examples, the material body comprises a fabric body, the clothing comprising fabric material.

Preferably at least a part of garment or clothing, for example the material body includes a lining fabric. This may form a further layer of the material body. The lining fabric is preferably able to wick moisture away from the skin to increase the comfort of the wearer. The lining preferably is adapted to protect the material body and to facilitate the taking on and off of the clothing by the wearer. Preferably the lining comprises fire retardant material. The lining may, for example, comprise fire retardant viscose material.

For example, the lining may comprise KERMEL fire retardant lining material. The lining fabric may comprise a single layer fabric or may be a multi layer or quilted fabric. Preferably thread used to construct the article of clothing is fire retardant. Preferably zips and other fasteners, as appropriate, are fire retardant. Preferably all of the components of the article comply with the relevant safety standards, for example EN469.

The article of clothing will preferably be risk assessed, meet the relevant international standards and/or be bar coded for Health and Safety purposes in accordance with the relevant practice.

The article of clothing may comprise a jacket and/or trousers. The article of clothing is preferably at least part of a protective suit. The suit may be a single-piece suit or may comprise more components. For example, the suit may comprise a separate jacket and trousers.

Preferably the outer surface of the clothing or garment includes regions of high visibility material.

Preferably the article of clothing further comprises high visibility material attached to an outer surface of the clothing. Preferably high visibility strips are attached to the outer surface of the material body. Preferably the high visibility material comprises a retroreflective material, which is preferably certified to meet EN471 : the European Standard for conspicuity of reflective materials.

A further aspect of the invention provides an article of protective clothing comprising a material body, at least a part of the material body comprising abrasion and/or impact resistant material, wherein at least one region of a retroreflective material is provided on an outer surface of the clothing.

Preferably the abrasion and/or impact resistance is such that the article of clothing is suitable for use as protective clothing for a rider of a motorcycle.

Preferably the high visibility material is fire retardant. The garment will preferably have fire retardant reflective tape attached to the exterior of the garment. The amount and arrangement of the reflective material will preferably be such as to comply with relevant regulations regarding visibility of the wearer.

The article of clothing may have bands of retroreflective material around the sleeves, legs and/or torso of the garment, as appropriate. A broad aspect of the invention provides a garment for a motorcycle rider, the garment including at least one region of high visibility material on an exterior surface of the garment. Preferably the pattern of the regions of high visibility materials on the outer layer of the clothing or garment complies with the relevant regulations, for example EN471.

Preferably the clothing or garment complies with the relevant regulations, for example EN469. Preferably the clothing or garment comprises fire retardant material.

In some examples, the article of protective clothing is comprised only of fire retardant materials.

A broad aspect of the invention provides clothing for use as protective clothing for a rider of a motorcycle, the clothing comprising a material body including fire retardant material.

The fire retardant material may have one or more of the additional features described herein of the material of the material body. By providing fire retardant material in a motorcycle suit, comfort, safety when riding, and fire protection can be achieved.

A broad aspect of the invention provides clothing for use as protective clothing for emergency services personnel or military personnel, the clothing comprising a material body having high impact resistance and/or high abrasion resistance.

Preferably the clothing is suitable for use by fire fighters.

In a further broad aspect, the invention provides protective clothing that provides features of impact protection and/or abrasion resistance required for clothing worn by a motorcycle rider, with one or more features of:

(a) fire retardance

(b) heat resistance (convective and radiant heat)

(c) water resistance

(d) puncture resistance (e) resistance to blood borne pathogens. required for clothing to be worn by, for example, emergency services personnel or military personnel.

Preferably the clothing also provides comfort, breathability of the clothing and/or mobility for its wearer. The article of clothing may comprise a plurality of separate garments. For example, the clothing may comprise two garment layers; one garment may provide the features of impact protection and/or abrasion resistance required for a motorcycle rider, and the other garment may provide one or more of the features identified as (a) to (e) above. The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The invention also provides use of impact resistant elements in clothing for a fire fighter.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Features described above in relation to an article of clothing are applicable to a garment, and vice versa, were appropriate.

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically a front view of a protective jacket according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows schematically a front view of a pair of protective trousers according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the structure of material of protective clothing; Figure 4 shows schematically an example of a two-layer upper garment set; and Figure 5 shows schematically an example of a two-layer lower garment set.

Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a protective jacket 10. The jacket comprises a body portion 12 for fitting the torso of a wearer, together with two sleeves 14. It will be seen from Figure 1 that the fit of the jacket 10 is such that it is suitable for wear by a motorcycle rider. For example, the general fit is such that it is tight fitting. Preferably the regions of the jacket at the chest 15, waist 16, hip 18, shoulder 20, biceps 22, forearm 24 and wrist 28 regions are all sized so as to fit a wearer tightly as is required for proper protection when the jacket 10 is to be worn when riding a motorcycle.

The outer surfaces of the jacket 10 include high visibility tape 30. Sections of tape extend around the circumference of the body portion 12 at the chest 15 and hips 18. Further sections of tape extend around the circumference of each sleeve 14 at the wrist 28 areas. A further high visibility badge region 32 may be provided on the chest area 15. It will be understood that the jacket may include further high visibility regions on the outer surface of the back (not shown) of the jacket 10. The pattern of the high visibility regions is chosen so as to comply with relevant regulations regarding visibility of the clothing.

Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of a pair of protective trousers 40. The waist 42, hips 44, thigh 46, knee 48, calf 50 and ankle 52 regions are sized so as to fit the wearer tightly as is required for proper protection of the rider when the trousers 40 are to be worn when riding a motorcycle.

The outer surfaces of the trousers include high visibility tape 60. A strip of tape 60 extends on an outer portion of each leg of the trousers 40 from the knee region 48 to the ankle 52. A further portion of tape 60 extends around the circumference of the leg of the trousers 40 between the calf 50 and ankle 52 regions. The pattern of the high visibility regions is chosen so as to comply with relevant regulations regarding visibility of the clothing.

In some examples of the protective clothing, the outer surface of the clothing might not include high visibility regions, or may include a reduced area of high visibility regions. The level of visibility of the wearer of the clothing required, for example by regulation, can be provided instead or in addition by the wearer having, for example, a further garment worn over the protective clothing, for example a high visibility tunic.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of material from which the jacket 10 and/or trousers 40 may be made. It will be seen from Figure 3 that the material comprises four layers of fire retardant material. In some cases, the layer composition of the material body may not be the same at all parts of the clothing. As discussed in more detail below, some parts of the material body may include impact protection elements.

The outer layer 50 is the layer which is at the exterior surface of the protective clothing. Beneath the outer layer 50 is provided a fire retardant moisture proof membrane 52, fire retardant wadding 54 and a fire retardant lining 56 which is worn as the internal surface of the clothing. The lining 56 may have the function of protecting the other layers of the material as well as providing ease of use of the protective clothing, for example for the wearer when putting the clothing on or taking it off. Further garments may or may not be worn under the protective clothing. Preferably any such garments worn have fire retardant properties.

It will be appreciated that the material may include further layers in addition to those shown, as appropriate. For example, the material may include a metal mesh to increase abrasion resistance and/or protection from puncture or stabbing. This is particularly of benefit for clothing to be worn by the police and/or by fire fighters.

In one example of a material construction for protective clothing, the outer layer 50 comprises leather. In a further example, the outer layer 50 comprises a combination of leather and abrasion resistant fire retardant fabric. Alternatively, the outer layer 50 may comprise no leather.

The outer layer 50 may comprise a textile material, for example a fabric including polymer fibres, for example aramid fibres. The fibres of the fabric may comprise synthetic materials. An example of a fabric which may be used for the outer layer 50 is a KERMEL (RTM) H66 fabric which includes KERMEL (RTM) yarn comprising aramid fibres. Alternative fabrics for the outer layer include NOMEX fire retardant fabrics of Du Pont.

The outer layer 50 may comprise panels of fabric and separate panels of leather. The outer layer 50 itself may include one or more sublayers. For example, the outer layer may comprise a textile fabric, and regions of leather or fabric may be provided on the outer surface of the textile layer.

The lining fabric is preferably able to wick moisture away from the skin to increase the comfort of the wearer. The lining may, for example, comprise fire retardant viscose material. For example, the lining may comprise KERMEL fire retardant lining. In an example, the lining fabric comprises SILVER LINING from John Heathcoat Weavers, UK. The lining fabric may comprise a single layer fabric or may be multi layer or quilted fabric.

The fire retardant moisture proof membrane 52 may comprise a PTFE fire retardant membrane, for example STEDAIR 4000 available from Stedfast Inc. The fire retardant wadding 54 may comprise KERMEL fibres. An example of a fire retardant wadding 54 is ISO'AIR available from Duflot, France. The clothing article is preferably manufactured by constructing the clothing from the materials which make up the various layers of the material body, rather than by forming the multi-layer material and then forming the clothing article from the resulting material. However, it is envisaged that the latter technique could be used for the manufacture of some or all the clothing article.

Appropriate thread, zippers and hook and loop fasteners are used in the construction of the clothing article, as appropriate.

Impact protectors are provided within the material body to provide impact protection to the wearer of the clothing, for example when riding a motorcycle. Shoulder, elbow, knee and thigh protectors (60, 62, 64, 66 respectively) are incorporated into the material construction. The impact protectors may comprise high density foam, or foam backed hard armour, or another appropriate alternative. The purpose of the impact protectors is to reduce injury to the wearer in the event of an accident.

Figure 4 shows an example of an upper garment or jacket set 60 comprising two separable layers in this case comprising separate garments. A jacket undergarment 62 in this example comprises a long-sleeved fabric jacket having built-in elbow impact protection portions 64 a and b arranged at the elbow regions of the undergarment 62 and shoulder impact protection portions 64 c and d arranged at the shoulder regions of the undergarment 62. In this example, the undergarment 62 also includes an impact protection panel 64e inserted into the back of the jacket undergarment The arrangement of impact protection portions may be different from that shown in Figure 4. For example, additional protection regions may be provided in the chest and/or other regions of the jacket undergarment 62. The impact protection elements are such and are arranged such that the garment meets the requirements of EN 13595. The jacket undergarment 62 is worn in use in combination with a jacket outergarment 66. In this example, the jacket outer garment 66 comprises a heavy weight jacket which is fire resistant. In the present example, the jacket meets the fire resistance requirements of EN 469. The outer garment 66 (and/or the undergarment 62 as appropriate) may further include additional layers or components, for example those described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3. For example, an external surface of the outer garment 66 may include regions of reflective material. An example of suitable jacket undergarment 62 includes a shirt formed from a wool/viscose/aramid (with antistatic) knit fabric, for example the flame retardant K170 fabric from Universal Carbon Fibres Limited. Impact protection elements, for example obtained from Forcefield Body Armour (CEPS pic, United Kingdom) are inserted in the regions shown in Figure 4. An example of a suitable jacket over garment 66 is a technical rescue suit jacket (tested to EN469 level 1 )

It should be understood that the outer and/or inner garments may include one or more of the features described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3, for example with regard to the materials and fabrics used. Figure 4 shows a garment set comprising a jacket. Figure 5 shows a garment set 70 comprising trousers.

Figure 5 shows an example of a lower garment or trouser set 70 comprising two separable layers in this case comprising separate garments. A trouser undergarment 72 in this example comprises a pair of long-legged fabric trousers having built-in knee impact protection portions 74 a and b arranged at the knee region of the trousers and hip impact protection portions 74 c and d arranged at the hip regions of the undergarment 72 The arrangement of impact protection portions may be different from that shown in Figure 5. For example, additional protection regions may be provided in the seat and/or other regions of the trouser undergarment 72. The impact protection elements are such and are arranged such that the garment meets the requirements of EN 13595.

The trouser undergarment 72 is worn in use in combination with a trouser outergarment 76. In this example, the outer garment 66 comprises a heavy weight pair of salopettes which is fire resistant. In the present example, the salopettes meet the fire resistance requirements of EN 469. The outer garment 76 (and/or the undergarment 72 as appropriate) may further include additional layers or components, for example those described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3. For example, an external surface of the outer garment 76 may include regions of reflective material.

An example of suitable lower undergarments include trousers formed from a wool/viscose/aramid knit fabric, for example the flame retardant K170 fabric from Universal Carbon Fibres Limited. Impact protection elements, for example obtained from

Forcefield Body Armour (CEPS pic, United Kingdom) are inserted in the regions shown in Figure 5. An example of a suitable lower over garment is a pair of technical rescue suit trousers (tested to EN469 level 1 ).

It should be understood that the outer and/or inner garments may include one or more of the features described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3, for example with regard to the materials and fabrics used.

In an alternative example, the garment set might comprise an all-in-one undergarment (including jacket and trousers together) and/or an all-in-one over garment (including jacket and trousers together)

Preferably the impact portions of the undergarments are such that the garments meet the requirements of EN 13595 for body armour. t will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Claims

1. An article of protective clothing comprising a material body, at least a part of the material body comprising fire retardant material, the protective clothing further comprising an impact protection element, the impact protection element being incorporated into the material body.

2. An article of protective clothing according to claim 1 comprising a jacket portion having a shoulder region, the material body comprising an impact protection element associated with the shoulder region.

3. An article of protective clothing according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising a jacket portion having an elbow region, the material body comprising an impact protection element associated with the elbow region.

4. An article of protective clothing according to any preceding claim comprising a trousers portion having a thigh region, the material body comprising an impact protection element associated with the thigh region.

5. An article of protective clothing according to any preceding claim comprising a trousers portion having a knee region, the material body comprising an impact protection element associated with the knee region.

6. An article of protective clothing according to any preceding claim, wherein the article of clothing meets the requirements of EN469.

7. An article of protective clothing according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of the material body comprises a plurality of layers of material.

8. An article of protective clothing according to any preceding claim, including a first layer including the impact protection element and a second layer comprising fire retardant material.

9. An article of protective clothing according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the layers are separable.

10. An article of protective clothing according to any preceding claim, wherein the impact protection element is removable from the material body.

11. An article of protective clothing comprising a fire retardant outer garment, and further including an inner garment, the inner garment including an impact protection element.

12. An article of clothing according to claim 11 , wherein the outer garment and/or the inner garment comprises abrasion resistant material.

13. An outer garment for use with an inner garment in an article of clothing according to any preceding claim, the outer garment comprising fire retardant material.

14. An inner garment for use with an outer garment in an article of clothing according to any preceding claim, the inner garment including an impact resistant element.

15. A protective clothing kit comprising a first garment and a second garment, the first garment comprising fire resistant material, and the second garment comprising an impact resistant element.

16. A protective clothing kit comprising a garment comprising fire resistant material, and further comprising at least one impact resistant element to be worn by a user in conjunction with the fire resistant garment.

17. An article of protective clothing comprising a material body, at least a part of the material body comprising fire retardant material, at least a part of the material body further comprising a plurality of layers of material.

18. An article of protective clothing according to claim 7, 8 or 17 wherein all of the layers of material comprise fire retardant material.

19. An article of protective clothing according to any of claims 7, 8, 17 or 18 wherein at least a part of the material body includes a fire retardant outer layer.

20. An article of protective clothing according to any of claims 7, 8 or 17 to 19, wherein at least a part of the clothing, for example the material body includes a layer comprising a moisture-resistant membrane.

21. An article of protective clothing according to any of claims 7, or 17 to 20, wherein at least a part of the material body includes a layer comprising wadding.

22. An article of protective clothing according to any of claims 7, or 17 to 21 , wherein at least a part of the clothing, for example the material body includes a lining fabric layer.

23. An article of protective clothing according to any preceding claim, the article of clothing comprising a jacket and/or trousers.

24. An article of protective clothing or garment according to any preceding claim, further comprising high visibility material on an outer surface of the clothing.

25. An article of protective clothing comprising a material body, at least a part of the material body comprising abrasion and/or impact resistant material, wherein at least one region of a retroreflective material is provided on an outer surface of the clothing.

26. A garment for a motorcycle rider, the garment including at least one region of high visibility material on an exterior surface of the garment.

27. Clothing for use as protective clothing for a rider of a motorcycle, the clothing comprising a material body including fire retardant material.

28. Clothing for use as protective clothing for emergency services personnel or military personnel, the clothing comprising a material body having high impact resistance and/or high abrasion resistance.

29. An article of protective clothing having features of impact protection and/or abrasion resistance required for clothing worn by a motorcycle rider, with one or more features of: (a) fire retardance

(b) heat resistance (convective and radiant heat)

(c) water resistance

(d) puncture resistance

(e) resistance to blood borne pathogens. required for clothing to be worn by, for example, emergency services personnel or military personnel.

30. An article of clothing according to claim 29, wherein the article of clothing comprises a plurality of garments.

31. An article of clothing being substantially as herein described, preferably having reference to Figures 1 to 3.

32. A garment or set of garments being substantially as herein described, preferably having reference to Figure 4 and/or Figure 5.