Fabrics comprising inorganic fibers and uses in garments and coverings

Abstract

Fabrics comprising inorganic fibers, or threads composed of such fibers, coated with a polymer composition sufficient to contain fiber particles within the fabric, are disclosed. Such fabric is suitable for use in garments and coverings for valuable objects, among many other utilities. Methods of making such fabric are also disclosed, as are garments and other articles made from such fabrics, and methods for their use.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An article of manufacture comprising a fabric composed one or more types of inorganic fibers at least partially coated with a polymer coating agent. 
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the inorganic fiber is glass fiber. 
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer coating comprises silicone or PTFE. 
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is breathable. 
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric further comprises an additive. 
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 1 , selected from the group consisting of: a garment or portion thereof, a drape, a blanket, a covering for inanimate objects, and a covering for a building or portion thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The article of  claim 6 , wherein the fabric is breathable and forms part or all of a garment. 
     
     
         8 . The article of  claim 7 , wherein the garment comprises sleeves or sleeve coverings made of the fabric. 
     
     
         9 . The article of  claim 6 , wherein the fabric comprises an antimicrobial agent and is formed as a surgical drape or blanket. 
     
     
         10 . The article of  claim 6 , wherein the fabric is breathable and is formed as a covering for an object. 
     
     
         11 . A method comprising the steps of (a) identifying an individual or object, or combination thereof, that is at risk of exposure to an environmental hazard; and (b) covering or shielding the individual or object with a fabric comprising polymer-coated inorganic fibers. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the fabric comprises glass fibers and the polymer coating is selected from a silicone coating and a PTFE coating. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the fabric is breathable. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the environmental hazard is selected from flame, heat, smoke, water, noxious airborne particles or any combination thereof, and the fabric is partially or fully resistant to the environmental hazard. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the individual is a person or animal and the covering or shielding is performed by the individual donning a garment, at least a portion of which comprises the fabric, prior to or at the time of exposure to the hazard. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the object is an object of artistic, historic, technical or monetary value or significance and the covering or shielding is performed by cloaking the object with a cover or drape comprising the fabric prior to or at the time of exposure to the hazard. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the covering or shielding is automated. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the individuals or objects are located in a surgical theater and the covering or shielding is performed by installing surgical drapes or blankets into the surgical theater prior to the time of exposure to the hazard. 
     
     
         19 . A kit comprising, in separate containers in a single package, or in separate containers in a virtual package: (a) an article of manufacture comprising a fabric composed one or more types of inorganic fibers at least partially coated with a polymer coating agent; and (b) instructions for using the article to protect the individual or object from an environmental hazard. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19 , comprising one or more additional components selected from: (c) hardware for assembling the article of manufacture; (d) hardware for affixing the article of manufacture in proximity to an object to be protected; (e) instrumentation for automating the covering or shielding of the individual or object; and (f) instructions for assembly or use of the additional components.