| abstract |
A variety of embodiments of layered and laminated fabric systems, each, preferably, including a puncture-resistant layer are disclosed. The puncture-resistant layer(s) of the layered systems can, in some embodiments, comprise or consist essentially of high tenacity fibers having a tensile breaking strength of at least about 10 g/Denier. The puncture-resistant layer(s) can be combined with one or more additional layers providing one or more desirable attributes of an article of apparel for use in, for example, rugged outerwear (e.g., dyeability, printability, soft hand, breatheability, abrasion resistance, etc.). The puncture-resistant layers can comprise fabrics or non fabrics and, when comprising a fabric, can comprise a woven or non-woven fabric (e.g., felts and knitted fabrics). In some embodiments, puncture-resistant layers of the multi-layer constructions and systems can comprise intimate blend fabrics comprising two or more different fiber types and/or high cover factor, small fill yarn fabrics or, in other embodiments, can comprise one or more conventionally constructed puncture-resistant layer(s). |