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Arc’teryx Shifts Focus from the Outside in, Brand to Apply Expertise to Make Protective Gowns for Healthcare Workers

Wednesday, April 15th, 2020

Global design company responds to COVID-19 outbreak by manufacturing 90,000 medical gowns for provincial health authorities in partnership with B.C. Apparel and Gear Association members.

(Global) NORTH VANCOUVER, Canada, April 14, 2020 – Arc’teryx Equipment is applying design to solve the medical gown shortage in the brand’s home province of British Columbia. In collaboration with key industry partners, the outdoor apparel company has prototyped and developed a medical gown for frontline healthcare workers. The pattern, design and technical specifications of the medical gown can now be accessed by manufacturers worldwide through the B.C. Apparel and Gear website.

Five hundred of these medical gowns were delivered to hospitals last week, and the brand is expected to manufacture 30,000 medical gowns in the weeks ahead. Between Arc’teryx and local manufacturing partners Mustang Survival and Boardroom Clothing, a total of 90,000 medical gowns will be delivered to community hospitals.

The call for medical gowns came directly from the local healthcare community by way of the B.C. Apparel and Gear Association, of which Arc’teryx is a member. Working alongside manufacturing partners and with the guidance of health authorities, a design was created, prototyped and tested. Within two weeks a team of Arc’teryx sewers, engineers, sample and pattern makers gathered at the ARC’One facility in New Westminster, B.C. to fulfill the first production order of 500 medical gowns.

“The world around us has shifted, and we knew that we needed to help protect our frontline healthcare workers,” said Shirley Chan, Senior Director of Product Commercialization and Quality. “There wasn’t much we could do on the medical front lines, but as apparel designers and manufacturers, we could turn our expertise to support the medical community in this fight. Creating the right gear is something we know how to do, and by making the pattern open source, we hope others with manufacturing capabilities can bring more protective equipment to those communities in need.”

The team manufacturing these medical gowns have been adhering to strict health and safety protocols at the ARC’One facility. Workstations are arranged to comply with social distancing practices, and all employees are wearing masks and gloves while working. Before the medical gowns are distributed to healthcare workers, they will be washed and sanitized by K-Bro Linen Systems, a laundry and linen service for hospitals and healthcare providers across Canada.

As part of a federal initiative to establish and secure new supply chains to produce personal protective equipment for Canadian healthcare workers, Arc’teryx is currently focused on producing medical gowns for healthcare workers in British Columbia. However, the brand will continue to consider requests from other provincial, federal, and international health authorities.

For more information about Arc’teryx Equipment and the medical gown initiative, please visit www.arcteryx.com.

To see the video, visit blog.arcteryx.com/medical-gowns.

Posted in Arc'teryx, COVID-19 Pandemic, Medical, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Hygiene Machine Gun (EDC Door Opener & Stylus)

Tuesday, April 14th, 2020

The world is changing and we have to start adapting to a new, more germ-conscious way of living. The Hygiene Machine Gun is to help decrease the spreading of germs while performing some of your everyday tasks.

Literally a week and a half ago in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. I went to a pharmacy to pick up a prescription and was asked to use their stylus to sign for the purchase. When I pointed out to the pharmacist that the stylus must be full of germs from all the people picking up prescriptions before me they said they are out of hand sanitizer so I should just wash my hands when I get home.

As the days went by and the COVID-19 spread I became more and more aware how many times I have to touch things that must be full of germs.. elevator buttons, buttons to pay by credit card at stores and gas pumps and of course pulling open doors to public bathrooms.

As the world has been gripped by COVID-19, we wanted to use our design and manufacturing ability to come out with a solution to help slow the spread of the COVID-19. Our world is EDC and being prepared is a core component. We are proud to do our part in this pandemic by doing what we do best – designing EDC tools that have real world utility.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/good-times/hygiene-machine-gun-edc-door-opener-and-stylus

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic, Gadgets, Press Release | Comments Off on Hygiene Machine Gun (EDC Door Opener & Stylus)

Mystery Ranch Continues its Charitable Mission to Produce COVID-19 Face Masks

Monday, April 13th, 2020

Social distancing mandate spurs the development of the “Street Mask”

Bozeman, Mont. (April 13, 2020) – MYSTERY RANCH, the industry-leading pack company built on a heritage of comfortable load carriage, function and durability for people who have a mission to accomplish, has expanded its efforts to build personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel, essential workers and government entities in the Gallatin Valley. MYSTERY RANCH has worked in collaboration with local volunteers and members of the outdoor industry to provide over 8500 masks, and counting, to local essential workers.

MYSTERY RANCH employee builds face masks for local Bozeman hospital and government agencies.

To date, MYSTERY RANCH has sewn and donated 500+ face masks and facilitated the making of 8500 masks by sourcing, donating and cutting the materials for their local volunteer effort. “We are grateful to our employees, the outdoor industry, our suppliers, and especially Nite Ize, for stepping up at a critical time,” said Dana Gleason, CEO and Co-Founder of Mystery Ranch. Nite Ize, a Boulder, Colo. based company that designs and manufactures inventor-driven products, has supplied critical materials to the overall mask building program. Gleason continued, “Elastic is a hot commodity and they supplied some of the best in the world. A unique and new formulation to keep this project going. The 3D nose piece is also an enormous step forward in long-term comfort.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with Mystery Ranch to provide much needed mask making supplies. The spirit of innovation is strong in the mask making community and we’re excited that Gear Ties & BetterBands can play a pivotal part in the effort to keep people safe.” Rick Case, Nite Ize CEO + Founder

MYSTERY RANCH is using the feedback from hospital workers and the experience of the past several weeks to design a new mask that will be made available to the general public and government entities who are seeking all-day protection from COVID-19. The development of the new “Street Mask” includes a more form-fitting design and technical materials for a more comfortable fit over longer periods of time. The company plans to produce both the ‘Hospital Mask’ and the ‘Street Mask’ as long as there is demand.

See the masks in production and learn more about the effort here.

Posted in Advertiser, COVID-19 Pandemic, Medical, Press Release | Comments Off on Mystery Ranch Continues its Charitable Mission to Produce COVID-19 Face Masks

TYR Tactical Introduces Huron DLV Soft Face Mask and Filter

Saturday, April 11th, 2020

When TYR Tactical owner Jason Beck told me a few weeks ago he was working on a filter system, I wasn’t surprised. He’s been in the personal protective products business for decades. What did surprise me was how fast they brought the technology to market. Turns out, his team had been working in this for about six weeks.

They have just received results back from the lab and they are so promising that TYR has submitted the filtration media to NIOSH for N95 certification but that process can take an additional 10 weeks or more. Until they receive proper certification, TYR Tactical is not promising that this product meets the NIOSH, but rather that it has done so in independent testing to remove 95% of all particles 0.3 microns and above.

As soon it started to look like they were on to something with the filter, they came up with a cloth mask to wear it. It’s a straight forward design with a pocket for the filter and tapes which can be tied to suit different face sizes.

The masks are offered in MultiCam, OD, White, Medical Blue and Grey.

The MultiCam and OD versions are made from a Burlington hot weather fabric which has not been treated with Permethrin for those who are sensitive to the anti-mosquito treatment. The other colors are a cotton fabric, also free from treatments. All are machine washable.

They are prepared to make up to 25,000 masks per week.

First Responders get 20% off using coupon code: DLV20 at check out!

DLV Soft Mask

DLV Filter

The full Spec sheet for the filters and mask can be downloaded here.

Posted in Advertiser, COVID-19 Pandemic | Comments Off on TYR Tactical Introduces Huron DLV Soft Face Mask and Filter

Serket USA Introduces Berry Compliant 3-Layer Protective Face Mask

Friday, April 10th, 2020

DENVER, APRIL 10, 2020 — Serket, builders of intelligent clothing and snow mobility systems for the military and law enforcement communities, today introduced their Berry Compliant reusable face mask.

Designed for optimum performance and comfort, the Serket Protective Face Mast is soft, comfortable and anti-microbial. Thoughtful placement of seams, an ergonomic fit and anatomical shape over chin, mouth and nose enhance comfort next-to-skin, making it easy to wear.

Features include:

SilverPlus® anti-microbial fabric. Anti-microbial properties in accordance with AATCC 100.

Flame resistant, no melt/drip in accordance with ASTM-D-6413.

No ties. Ergonomic ear holes keep the mask firmly in place and allow the mask to be donned/doffed easily and quickly with one hand.

Soft, comfortable jersey knit fabric.

Moisture management in accordance with AATCC C2C TS-017 and ASTM E 96

Available in two sizes: Medium (fits most women) and Large (fits most men).

100% made in the USA. Berry compliant.

Washable and reusable.

The flame resistant and moisture management qualities are inherent to the fibers and cannot be washed out of the fabric. The silver-based anti-microbial properties are tested to retain 90% efficacy, even after 50 launderings.

The Serket Protective Face Mask is currently available in Coyote Brown with Desert Sand trim and Navy (energy/oil/gas/electrical/utility and law enforcement). Colors are subject to change based on availability. Orders may be placed through distributors and direct purchase vehicles. Priority given to military, LE and first responders.

Part # 418-PFM

For more information, contact sales@serketusa.com or visit serketusa.com/fr-protective-face-mask

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic, Press Release | Comments Off on Serket USA Introduces Berry Compliant 3-Layer Protective Face Mask

US Army Launches xTech COVID-19 Ventilator Challenge – Offers $1M in Total Awards

Friday, April 10th, 2020

The Army is supporting the nation’s fight against the COVID-29 pandemic which is led by FEMA. One of their initiatives is the xTech COVID-19 Ventilator Challenge which seeks a low-cost, readily manufacturable emergency ventilator to quickly augment ventilator capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The technology solution must provide a rapid response breathing apparatus capable of short-term, rugged field operation.

The prize competition will evaluate technology proposals immediately upon submission and award novel solutions with a prize of $5,000 to present a virtual pitch of the technology concept to the xTech COVID-19 panel, and award prizes of $100,000 to solutions accepted by the panel to develop a concept prototype. Select technologies may receive follow on contracts for additional production and deployment.

The total prize pool is $1,000,000.00.

• Application Part 1: White Paper – $5,000

• Application Part 2: Technology Pitches – $100,000

Virtual pitches for selected companies will begin April 13.

Details here.

Submit here.

xTechSearch is a competition sponsored by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics andTechnology (ASA(ALT)), targeting small businesses.

Posted in COVID-19 Pandemic, Design, Medical | Comments Off on US Army Launches xTech COVID-19 Ventilator Challenge – Offers $1M in Total Awards

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Reusable Face Mask

Friday, April 10th, 2020

FirstSpear has announced they are manufacturing a reusable face mask and making them available right away. 100% Berry compliant one size fits all mask with a 4 point reinforced closure for long term security. Colors will vary based on availability, the construction will vary between a nylon cotton or polyester cotton blend also based on material availability. The mask can be laundered for re-use and it is recommended to hand wash each day with a mild antibacterial dish or laundry soap and hang dry over night.

Currently available in ACU and Sage Green.

FirstSpear has stated orders are being filled as quickly as possible but as always FS prioritizes government agency, law enforcement agencies, hospital and EMS requests first. Production is on going and individual orders will be filled in the order they are received.

www.first-spear.com/protective-mask

Posted in Advertiser, COVID-19 Pandemic, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – Reusable Face Mask

Kommando Store Poised To Fulfill COVID-19 PPE Needs

Friday, April 10th, 2020

Nugget Enterprises LLP/KommandoStore is a small military surplus and public safety supply store located in St Paul, MN.

We have a significant inventory of PPE supplies we are distributing at cost to qualified individuals and organizations.

Our focus is frontline COVID response—those facing the highest risk such as hospitals, EMS etc.

We have reusable full face and half mask respirators, COVID capable 40mm filters, pathogen rated Dupont coverall suits, nitrile gloves (both exam and long cuff trauma types), and shelf stable food available in significant quantities.

The 40mm particulate filters we have in stock have been shown to last an incredibly long time—up to a year in hospital conditions. With proper donning and doffing procedures both the masks and filters we have may be reused multiple times.