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  Waterproof/breathable technical apparelUSPTO Application #: 20070281567Title: Waterproof/breathable technical apparel Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance. (end of abstract) Agent: Mattingly, Stanger, Malur & Brundidge, P.C. - Alexandria, VA, US Inventor: Baychar USPTO Applicaton #: 20070281567 - Class: 442181000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Fabric (woven, Knitted, Or Nonwoven Textile Or Cloth, Etc.), Woven Fabric (i.e., Woven Strand Or Strip Material) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070281567. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/098,639, filed Apr. 5, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. No. 60/559,009, filed Apr. 5, 2004. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to apparel (garments) which are particularly suited to transfer moisture away from an individual. Particularly, the present invention relates to apparel constructed according to a moisture transfer system having a combination of layers that removes moisture away from an individual while also being comfortable and aesthetically pleasing in appearance. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Various types of apparel are known in the prior art. However, none of these provides the advantages provided by the present invention. In particular, the types of apparel known in the prior art do not take advantage of the new advances in materials and fabrics that have been made in recent years. Additionally, new apparel known in the prior art do not teach a moisture transfer system based upon specific combinations of layers as taught in the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present inventor has recognized the deficiencies in the apparel known in the prior art and has designed new apparel that is capable of overcoming those deficiencies. More specifically, the present invention discloses a carefully selected combination of layers of specific materials that enable moisture transfer, while at the same time providing comfort to the individual wearing the apparel. [0005] An object of the present invention is to provide apparel that can quickly transfer moisture away from an individual's body so that the individual can feel more comfortable. [0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide individuals involved in activities such as in-line skating, snowboarding, hiking, etc. with active wear that is more functional and can better deal with additional moisture that is generated by such individuals while involved in such activities. [0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combination of foam-like materials and fabrics-like materials resulting from the latest technological advances in a manner unknown in the prior art. [0008] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in view of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 generally illustrates the layers forming the combination according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0010] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate various applications of the different combinations of materials utilized according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0011] A detailed description of the preferred embodiments will now be included in conjunction with the Figures. It should be understood that these embodiments are set forth for purposes of explanation only and are not to be interpreted as the only application of the present invention. [0012] The apparel illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 includes shirts and jackets. Although not specifically illustrated, all of the types of apparel can be manufactured according to the present invention. The application of this invention to other types of apparel could easily be accomplished by one with ordinary skill in the art. [0013] FIG. 1 generally illustrates the three layers that are a result of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely a first (inner) layer 10, an second layer 20, a third layer 30, and a fourth (outer) layer 40. These layers are attached to each other either by an environmentally friendly adhesive, mechanical bonding (or stitch bonding, such as that performed by Tietex, Inc., or Xymid Group of DuPont.RTM.), lamination (flame lamination, for example), welding or a combination of these three. Alternatively, a group of selected nonwoven synthetic or natural fibers blends may be flocked into the open cell, elastomeric composite or spacer fabric in the layer 20, 30 or the fibers may be flocked to the back side of the inner lining fabric or material or the outer shell exterior fabric or material. Mechanical bonding can be performed using nylon, elastine or LYCRA.RTM. thread or the fibers inclusive in the nonwoven structure or the like. Other equivalent methods may also be employed. Furthermore, as mentioned later, if encapsulation technology is used for the materials used as the fourth layer 40, then the fourth layer 40 is preferably not laminated to the third layer 30. This is due to the nature of encapsulated materials. In some performance categories layer 20 or 30 maybe eliminated. The invention may have additional layers added between layer 10 and 40 to accommodate the performance categories or the layers may be comprised of composites with additional layers. [0014] A detailed discussion of the materials preferably used in these layers follows. [0015] The first suggested fabrics for layer 10 are polyester or polypropylene fabrics or fabric blends made by Coville, Inc. or Deercreek Fabrics. These fabrics maybe are treated with TRANSPOR DRY FIBER TECHNOLOGY, a wetting solution or the like to enhance the moisture vapor transfer (MVT) properties. [0016] The second fabric is an anti-microbial, anti-fungal polypropylene fleece having a polyester, cotton, acrylic, rayon or wool backing, or the like (such as that manufactured by Coville, Inc.). This double-sided fabric combines two moisture management mechanisms, wicking and absorption. The wickable synthetic fiber pushes the moisture away and the cotton, rayon, etc. pull the moisture up from the inner layer and spreads it out for transfer and evaporation. This double-sided fabric may be used for winter hiking or climbing boots and various alpine boots, the backing made of polyester or cotton blends can be replaced with either natural or synthetic blends of fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, acetate, acrylics, tencel, rayon, polyester, corn, kapok fibers or the like. [0017] The third fabric may be a nonwoven such as that made by Freudenberg called VILDONA or EVOLON made from microdenier polyester, nylon synthetic blends or nonwovens made of natural fibers and natural fiber blends such as cotton, kapok, wood pulp and by-products such as those by NatureWorks called (PLA)CORNUCOPIA made from a corn fiber. [0018] The fourth fabric is an anti-microbial, anti-fungal polypropylene/cotton blend or polyester and cotton. Continue reading... Full patent description for Waterproof/breathable technical apparel Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Waterproof/breathable technical apparel patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Waterproof/breathable technical apparel or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Prepreg and conductive layer-laminated substrate for printed wiring board Next Patent Application: Protective and therapeutic body gear Industry Class: Fabric (woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.) ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Waterproof/breathable technical apparel patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 1.67386 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , |
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