Calspan Corporation

Norris E Shoemaker

Charles K Akers

Roland J Pilie

A system is provided for safe passage of personnel between a pair of protective enclosures, at least one of which is portable such as a garment or a mobile unit, and which afford a protective environment to persons or things therewithin. The enclosures comprise an eveloping structure having at least one flexible panel, and the enclosures are adapted to be brought into a position with panels abutting. A first opening is formed in one of said panels and a second opening in the other panel, the openings being dimensioned and arranged to be co-extensive when said panels are in abutting position, and primary fasteners, such as zippers, are attached to each of the openings for repeated opening and closing thereof. Secondary covering fasteners, including flaps with fabric hook-latch material, are on the exterior of each of the panels surrounding and totally covering the primary fasteners. The flaps and secondary fasteners cooperate when opened to interengage and to fasten the panels together with the openings aligned, permitting controlled opening of the primary fasteners and thus forming a passage between the interiors of said enclosures. Provisions are made to decontaminate the regions normally covered by the flaps, if necessary. One of the enclosures may be a protective shelter including a compartment having one or more of such flap covered and zippered openings, and also including hangers on its exterior to hold garments which personnel have shed in entering through such openings.

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Williamsville, NY, United States of America

Norris E Shoemaker