Layered, composite lens and method of construction

A protective article comprising:

• a garment comprising a first surface and a second surface and defining an aperture having a perimeter;
• and
• a protective lens coupled to the first surface and second surface of the garment about the perimeter of the aperture, the lens comprising:
• a first layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first layer comprising a substantially non-reactive material, wherein the first layer is sealingly attached to the garment;
• a second layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second layer being positioned adjacent to the second surface of first layer, the second layer further comprising a substantially fire-resistant material;
• and
• a third layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the third layer being positioned adjacent to the second surface of the second layer, wherein the third layer comprises a substantially hydrophobic material,
• wherein the second layer and the third layer are stitched together and wherein the first layer is not stitched to the stitched second and third layers and wherein the first layer at least partially encapsulates the stitched second and third layers to secure the stitched second and third layers between the first layer and the garment.

A method of constructing a protective article, the method comprising:

• providing a first layer having a first surface and a second surface and comprising a substantially non-reactive material, a second layer having a first surface and a second surface and comprising a substantially fire-resistant material, and a third layer having a first surface and a second surface and comprising a substantially hydrophobic material;
• positioning the first surface of the second layer adjacent to the second surface of the first layer;
• positioning the first surface of the third layer adjacent to the second surface of the second layer;
• providing a garment having an aperture, the aperture defining a perimeter;
• and
• coupling the first, second and third layers together and to the garment about the perimeter of the garment, wherein said coupling step comprises stitching the second layer and the third layer together without stitching the first layer to the stitched second and third layers and wherein the first layer at least partially encapsulates the stitched second and third layers to secure the stitched second and third layers between the first layer and the garment.