Self-Actuating Seals for Barrier-Fabric Protective Coveralls

The objective of this SBIR is to develop a rigid (yet collapsible) standoff ring for use on existing, proven neck or wrist seals on anti-exposure suits (such as the Navy"s CWU-86/P). This standoff ring would greatly improve comfort and airflow by relieving the constricting pressure on the wearer"s neck and wrists until such time that it becomes absolutely necessary to positively seal these areas against the influx of water. That need of course should only arise in the case of an aircraft ditching or ejection, or other such accident or mission that would put the wearer of the suit in the water. The premise of this proposal is to create a ring design that automatically collapses on immersion in water, allowing the original, proven seals to"re-seat"themselves against the wearer"s neck and wrists, without any need for the wearer to adjust or effect such a seal. The key aspect to the development of this concept will be to add a water soluble feature to an otherwise rigid standoff ring. This has never been accomplished or attempted previously for this application, though there has been ample precedent in other fields to suggest it is achievable here.