Hermetic Textile Closure Hardware System

Effective collective protection fabrics must have a reliable closure system. During our Phase I Work Plan, Sigma-K began developing a Hermetic Textile Closure Hardware (HATCH) system. The HATCH combines both a magnetic and geometric self locking mechanism that will provide a hermetic seal when closed. Our current Phase I successes include developing self closing samples that can provide a hermetic seal when closed. During month twelve of the Phase II Work Plan, The HATCH will have the following physical strength properties: 1.) Withstand shear forces in excess of 10 lbs/inch, 2.) Provide a hermetic seal when bent to small radii, 3.) The HATCH will easily bond to all fabrics using current bonding techniques, and 4.) The HATCH system will pass a 30psi leak proof test used at the Natick facility. Months 12-24 will involve extensive testing of the HATCH system and any revisions that are needed for improvement. The second half of the Work Plan includes small scale fabrication techniques that can be scaled to full production. At the conclusion of Phase II, Sigma-K will provide pilot samples of the HATCH system and a tested production model that will enable the HATCH system to immediately reach production.