US3228821A

US3228821A - Vented waterproof fabric

Info

Publication number: US3228821A
Application number: US187126A
Authority: US
Inventors: Trope Davida Ruth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1962-04-12
Filing date: 1962-04-12
Publication date: 1966-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 1983-01-11

Description

Jan. 11, 1966 D, R. TRQPE VENTED WATERPROOF FABRI C E. T. m mr@ M HUM A, www n D Filed April l2, 1962 Anni/anun United States Patent O 3,228,821 VENTED WATERPROOF FABRIC Davida Ruth Tropa, 365 Norcroft Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. Filed Apr. 12, 1962, Ser. No. 137,126 14 Claims. (Cl. 161-112) The present invention relates to waterproof fabri-cs, and more particularly to such fabrics which are provided with vents.

Waterproof fabrics are well-known in the prior art, and have been formed from rubber, waterproof plastics, waterproof resin-impregnated materials, or other suitable waterproof materials. The waterproof materials employed, however, have presented a major 4disadvantage in use, due to their lack of porosity, and consequent inability to breathe (i.e., to permit the free ow of gases therethrough). Such lack of porosity has proved to be especially disadvantageous when the fabric formed has been used for raincoats or other wearing apparel. Discomfort to the wearer has then been commonly encountered, as has been mildew formation within the fabric.

In some instances, the known waterproof fabrics have been provided with vents in order to overcome the abovementioned disadvantages. The vented waterproof fabrics known in the prior art have, however, usually been unduly heavy in weight. Furthermore, they have often been of quite complicated structure. A-lso, they have usually been comparatively costly to produce. In addition, such known fabrics have presented serious design limitations, in respect of possible variation in the arrangement of the vents in the fabric.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved vented waterproof fabric.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vented waterproof fabric of unusually light weight.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vented waterproof fabric which is of comparatively simple structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vented waterproof fabric of unusally low cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vented waterproof fabric which is comparatively free from design limitations.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved vented wterproof wearing apparel.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description thereof, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation, being somewhat diagrammatic, of a raincoat constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevation of a portion of the raincoat of FIG. l, being partly in section;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along the lines 3 3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan of a blank employable in constructing an insert member in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan of an insert member formed from the blank of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the use of the insert member of FIG, 6, in constructing fabric in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a View similar to FIG. 5, but of a blank of modified shape;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but of an insert member formed from the blank of FIG. 8; and

FIG. l0 is a View in perspective, being somewhat diagrammatic, of a tent constructed in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. l, a raincoat 10 is shown, which is generally of conventional design, apart from the provision therein of a plurality of vertically-extending and horizontally-spaced-apart rows 12 (four being shown) of vent structures 14 (see also FIG. 2). As best seen in FIG. 3, the raincoat 10 is constructed of two similar adjacently-positioned

sheets

16 and 18, which serve as outer and inner fabric component sheets, respectively. The

sheets

16 and 18 are of conventional flexible waterproof material suitable for fabric use. Rubber, a flexible waterproof plastic or other similar material may be utilized. Plastic in calendered sheet form (e.g., of vinyl or polyethylene type) may be ernployed. Also employable are woven or knitted sheets (e.g., of cotton or wool), which have been rendered waterproof by coating or impregnation thereof in conventional manner, with a plastic or other suitable material. Said

sheets

16 and 18 may be of any desired thickness, and may be secured together by conventional means (not shown), such as, eg., stitching.

A generally-horizontally-extending elongate incision, or slit 20 cut through the outer sheet 16 is provided at each vent structure 14. Each of the latter includes a hollow, generally oblong vent cover 22, open at one end to form an orifice 21, as will be described more fully hereinbelow. Each vent cover 22 is constructed of flexible waterproof sheet material of the same type as employed for the

sheets

16 and 18, but being preferably of comparatively great thickness (eg, twice the thickness of either of the latter sheets). Each of the vent covers 22 is formed of a front wall 23, which is normally substantially flat, and two

wings

24 and 25 rearwardly curving from the opposite sides of said front wall 23, respectively. The wings 24 and 2S overlap, and are sealed together by a suitable glue to form a rear wall 26 which is spaced-apart from the front wall 23. The seal is preferably effected over all of the interface between said

wings

24 and 25. Sealing together of the

wings

24 and 25 in other conventional manner (e.g., by a heat seal as described hereinbelow) may, alternatively, be effected.

Each vent cover 22 is of tapered form, including a comparatively slender inner end portion 27 lying inserted through the associated slit 20 and between the

sheets

16 and 18; and a comparatively broad lower or outer end portion 28 projecting from said slit 2t). It will be noted that at the area of insertion of each of the inner end portions 27, an outwardly-extending ap 29 is formed in the outer sheet 16. The inner end portion 27 of each vent cover 22 is sealed at the front wall 23 thereof to the adjacent flap 29, by a suitable glue. Sealing in other conventional manner here, again, may, alternatively, be effected. As a result of the manner of construction of the vent cover 22, the orifice 21 is formed in the rear wall 26 and adjacent the distal end of the outer end portion 28, said orifice 21 being covered by the front wall 23.

The outer sheet 16 is formed with a circular opening 30 therethrough, located a short distance below each of the slits 20. The inner sheet 18 is likewise provided with a circular opening 32 registering with each of the openings 30. The rear wall 26 of each of the vent covers 22 is provided with a circular opening 34, wihch registers with the

adjacent registering openings

30 and 32 in the

sheets

16 and 18. It will be seen that each set of registering

openings

30, 32 and 34 is located intermediate the corresponding slit 20 and orifice 21. A circular grommet 36, of conventional construction, is associated with each vent cover 22. Each grommet 36 may be of metal, a rigid light weight plastic (eg, nylon), or other similar material.

Each of the grommets 36 extends through the opening 34 in the rear wall 26 of the associated vent cover 22, and also through the

openings

36 and 32 registering with said opening 34. Each grommet 36 in conventional manner seals together the associated rear wall 26 and the

sheets

16 and 18. Each grommet 36, in cooperation with the

openings

30, 32 and 34, at the same time provides a vent 37 for the raincoat 10.

As may be seen, the rear wall 26 of each vent cover 22 lies in a generally vertical position when the raincoat is in use. Each front wall 23 then assumes a position of downward and outward inclination from said rear wall 26.

It will be obvious that air or other gas may pass through the orice 21 of each vent cover 22 and into the outer end portion 28; and thence through the associated vent 37 to the interior of the raincoat 10. Gases may also, of course, pass in the reverse direction. At the same time, any water or other liquid which comes onto the outer sheet 16 of the raincoat 10 cannot enter any of the vents 37, due to the construction of the flaps 29 and the vent covers 22. Such liquid will merely be directed downward over the flaps 29 and walls 23, and off the outer end portions 28 of the vent covers 22.

As has been previously indicated, the thickness of the sheet material of which each of the vent covers 22 is constructed is preferably greater than that of either of the

sheets

16 and 18. The vent covers 22, as a result, are comparatively rigid, and tend to maintain their shape as shown. As a consequence, the desired passage of gases therethrough is assured.

As a result of the multiple layers of material present in the area of each ap 29, and the comparatively great thickness of said layers of material as taken together, a ribbing effect is produced at each of said flaps 29. Such ribbing effect serves to increase'the strength of the vent structures 14, and also has decorative value.

Referring to FIG. 4, a portion of vented waterproof fabric 10' is shown, being constructed of outer and inner fabric component sheets 16' and 18' of eXible waterproof material, corresponding respectively to the

sheets

16 and 18 of the raincoat 10. The waterproof material here employed is heat-scalable (being, eg., of plastic of the vinyl type). The fabric 10' includes a vent structure 14' similar to the vent structure 14 of FIGS. l-3. Thus, the outer sheet 16' is provided with a generally horizontally-extending slit 20. A hollow, generally oblong vent cover 22' of heat-sealable flexible waterproof material and similar in structure to the vent cover 22 of FIGS. 1 3, lies inserted at its upper or inner end portion 27 through the slit 20'. The vent cover 22' at its lower or outer end portion 28' projects from said slit 20', providing an orifice 21'. The inner end portion 27' of the vent cover 22' is, at the front wall 23', heat sealed to the adjacent flap 29', and thus fused together therewith.

The rear wall 26 of the vent cover 22' is formed by overlapping wings 24' and 25', which are fused together by a heat seal. The rear wall 26', and the sheets 16' and 18' are heat sealed together, as shown at 36'. The seal at 36' is located a short distance below the slit 20'. Circular openings 30', 32 and 34' are formed in the sheets 16' and 18 and the rear wall 26', respectively, at the seal 36'. Said

openings

30', 32 and 34 register with one another to form a vent 37'.

The vent structure 14' provides the same advantages in use as discussed above in the case of the vent structure 14 of FIGS. 1-3. Thus, airor other gas may freely pass in either direction through the orifice 21' of the vent cover 22', and through the vent 37'. However, water or other liquid may not enter the vent 37',

Each of the vent covers 22 or 22' may be formed from a flat blank of suitable flexible waterproof sheet material, such as the circular blank 38 shown in FIG. 5. The blank 38 has two opposite side portions 40 and 42, which may be folded manually, or by conventional mechanical means, along a pair of fold lines 44 located therebetween and inclined toward one another, so as to form overlapping wings 24a and 25a, respectively (see FIG. 6). The overlapping wings 24a and 25a may then be sealed together by gluing (as illustrated in the case of the vent cover 22); by heat sealing (as illustrated in the case of the vent cover 22'); or in other conventional manner, so as to form a wall 26a. A hollow, generally oblong insert member 22a, having a front wall 23a and said wall 26a as a rear wall, is thus produced. Due to the inclination of the fold lines 44, and the overlapped construction 0f the wings 24a and 25a, the insert member 22a is tapered. Said insert member 22a thus has a slender end portion 27a, and a broad end portion 28a, the latter being formed at its distal end with an orifice 21a.

The member 22a is adapted for insertion through one of the slits 20 of the outer sheet 16 of the raincoat 10 of FIGS. 1-3, as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 7. Following such insertion, the inner end portion 27a of the member 22a may be sealed at the front wall 23a to the adjacent flap 29 by gluing, or in other conventional manner. The front wall 23a may then be lifted; and three registering openings (such as the

openings

30, 32 and 34 seen in FIG. 3) then formed in the rear wall 26a and the inner and outer sheet-

s

16 and 18, respectively. A grommet, Such as the grommet 36 seen in FIGS. 2-3, may then be inserted through said registering openings. A vent structure 14 will thus be produced. The steps here described for the production of the vent structure 14, employing the insert member 22a, may be accomplished manually, or by conventional mechanical means.

The insert member 22a, when formed of a suitable heatscalable material, is likewise adapted for insertion through .the slit 20' of the outer sheet 16' of the fabric 10 of FIG. 4. Following such insertion (not illustrated), the inner end portion 27a may then be heat sealed at the front wall 23a to the adjacent flap 29. Thereafter, the front wall 23a may be lifted; the rear wall 26a and sheets 16 and 18' fused together to form a seal, such as seen at 36' in FIG. 4; and openings 30', 32' and 34' (such as seen in FIG. 4) then formed in the rear wall 26a and the sheets 16' and 18', respectively. Alternatively, the openings 30', 32 and 34' may be formed prior to the sealing together at 36'. The vent 14' will thus be produced. Here, again, the production of the latter may be accomplished manually, or by conventional mechanical means.

Referring to FIG. 8, a blank 46 of flexible waterproof material is shown, similar to the blank 38 of FIG. 5, but being rectangular in shape. The blank 46 has

opposite side portions

48 and 50 which may be folded along fold lines 52 which are inclined toward one another, and intersect. Overlapping wings 24b and 2517 (see FIG. 9) are consequently formed. The latter, when sealed together in a manner such as described above, provide a wall 26b. A hollow, tapered insert member 22b is thus produced, having said wall 26b as a rear wall; and having a triangular front wall 23b. The broad end portion 28b of the insert member 22h, as may be seen, is formed adjacent its distal end and at the rear wall 26b with an orifice 2lb. The insert member 2211 may be used for vent cover purposes in the same manner as the insert member 22a.

It will be realized that the vent cover 22 or 22' may be formed in accordance with the procedure described above, from a blank of flexible waterproof sheet material which is of other shape than shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 8. The vent cover 22 or 22', furthermore, may be of any suitable shape, and produced by means other than here described. Also, the vent 37 or 37' may be of any suitable shape other than shown.

Referring to FIG. 10, a tent 54 embodying the invention is shown. The tent 54 is of convenitonal shape, and constructed of flexible waterproof sheet material, such as, e.g., canvas. The opposite side walls 56 of the tent 54 (only one being seen) are each composed of two adjacently-positioned sheets (only the outer sheet 16x being seen). Each of the walls 56 is provided with a plurality of rows 12x (three being shown) of vent structures 14x, identical to the vent structures 14 of the raincoat 10 of FIGS. l-3; or to the vent structure 14 of the fabric 1G of FIG. 4. If desired, each of the end walls 58 (only one being seen) of the tent 54 might also be provided with rows 12x of vent structures 14x.

The tent 54 offers the same advantages in respect of waterproofing, accompanied by breathingi as described with regard to the raincoat 10 and fabric 19.

In addition to its uses illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, it will be realized that the vented waterproof fabric of the invention may be employed for many other purposes in which waterproofing is required, and breathing of the waterproofing material is desired (e.g., for tarpaulins). It will also be realized that as many or as few vent structures 14 or 14' as desired may be utilized. Furthermore, the

vent structures

14 and 14 may be of any suitable size, and may be arranged in other patterns than as shown. For example, a circular pattern may be desired.

The fabric of the invention, it will be noted, provides adequate waterproofing accompanied by venting; and at the same time, is of unusually light weight and comparatively simple structure. Also, it may be constructed at comparatively low cost. In addition, it provides an unusual degree of freedom from design limitations.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be realized that various changes and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is as follows:

1. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positioned sheets of flexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner and outer fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet being forme-d with an elongate incision, and a liexible waterproof vent cover of hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orifice in said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portion of said vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets being formed with three openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediate said incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, said outer end portion and said sheets f being sealed together adjacent said registering openings, said vent cover being adapted for the passage of gas between said oritice and said openings.

2. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 1, said sheets and said vent cover being of plastic material.

3. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 1, said inner end portion being glued to said outer sheet.

4. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 1, said inner end portion being fused together with said outer sheet.

5. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positioned sheets of liexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner and outer fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet being formed with an elongate incision and an opening adjacent said incision, said inner sheet being formed with an opening registering with said opening in said outer sheet, and a iiexible waterproof vent cover of hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orifice in said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portion of said vent cover at said rear wall being formed with an opening registering with said openings in said sheets, said registering openings being located intermediate said incision and said orifice, said outer end portion and said sheets being sealed together adjacent said registering open ings, said vent cover `being adapted for the passage of gas between said orifice and said openings.

6. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positioned sheets of fiexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner and outer fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet being formed with an elongate incision, and a flexible waterproof vent cover including a front wall and a rear wall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orifice in said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portion of said vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets being formed with three openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediate said incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, said rear wall and said sheets being sealed together adjacent said registering openings, said front and rear walls of said vent cover being spaced-apart for the passage of gas between said orifice and said openings.

7. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positioned sheets of flexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner and outer fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet being formed with an elongate incision, 4and a flexible waterproof vent cover of hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall `to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orifice in said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portion of said vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets being formed with three openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediate said incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, and a grommet extending through said registering openings and sealing together said outer end portion and said sheets, said grommet being adapted for the passage of gas therethrough, said vent cover being adapted for the passage of gas between said orifice and said grommet.

8. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 7, in which said grommet is of plastic material.

9. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positioned sheets of flexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner and outer fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet being formed with an elongate incision, and a tiexible waterproof vent cover of hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orifice in said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portion of said vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets being formed with three openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediate said incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, said outer end portion and said sheets being fused together adjacent said registering openings, said vent cover being adapted for the passage of gas between said orifice and said openings.

10. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positioned sheets or flexible waterproof material adapted .to serve as inner and outer fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet being formed with an elongate incision, and a flexible waterproof vent cover of hollow formation, said vent cover including a front wall and curved wings extending rearwardly from said front wall, said wings being overlapped and sealed together to form a rear wall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orice in `said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said rear wall and said sheets being formed with three openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediate said incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, said rear wall and said sheets being sealed together adjacent said registering openings, said vent cover being adapted for the passage of gas between said orice and said openings.

11. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 10, said wings being glued together.

12. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim'10, said wings being fused together.

13. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positioned sheets of flexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner and outer fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet being formed with an elongate incision, and a exible waterproof vent cover of hollow formation, said vent cover including a front wall and a rear wall, said rear wall normally lying substantially parallel to said sheets, said front wall normally lying outwardly-inclined from said rear Wall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orifice in said rear wall and covered by said `front wall, said rear wall and said sheets being formed with three openings, respectively, said -openings being located intermediate said incision and said orice and registering one with the 8. other, said rear wall and said sheets being sealed'togethei` adjacent said registering openings, said vent cover being adapted for the passage of gas between said orifice and said openings.

14. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positioned sheets of exible w-aterproof material adapted to serve as inner and outer fabric component sheets, respectively, said -outer sheet being formed with an elongate incision, and a flexible waterproof vent cover of hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision and between said sheets, said outer -sheet being formed with a ap adjacent said inner end portion, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall to said flap, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orice in said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portion of said vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets being formed with three openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediate said incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, said outer end portion and said sheets being sealed together adjacent said registering openings, said vent cover being adapted for the passage of gas between said orifice and said openings.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,024,135 4/1912 Jacob 154-50 1,826,706 10/1931 Davis 154-51 XR 2,045,317 6/1936 Sobie 154-46 2,466,911 4/1949 Raymond 154-46 2,697,832 12/1954 Stich 154-46 XR 2,851,390 9/1958 Chavannes 154-50 XR ALEXADER WYMAN, Primary Examiner.

EARL M. BERGERT, Examiner.

Claims

1. A VENTED WATERPROOF FABRIC, COMPRISING TWO ADJACENTLY-POSITIONED SHEETS OF FLEXIBLE WTERPROOF MATERIAL ADAPTED TO SERVE AS INNER AND OUTER FABRIC COMPONENT SHEETS, REPSECTIVELY, SAID OUTER SHEET BEING FORMED WITH AN ELONGATE INCISION, AND A FLEXIBLE WATERPROOF VENT COVER OF HOLLOW FORMATION AND INCLUDING A FRONT WALL AND A REAR WALL, SAID VENT COVER HAVING AN INNER END PORTION LYING INSERTED THROUGH SAID INCISION AND BETWEEN SAID SHEETS, SAID INNER END PORTION BEING SEALED AT SAID FRONT WALL TO SAID OUTER SHEET, SAID VENT COVER HAVING AN OUTER END PORTION PROJECTING FROM SAID INCISION AN BEING FORMED WITH AN ORIFICE IN SAID REAR WALL AND COVERED BY SAID FRONT WALL, SAID OUTER END PORTION OF SAID VENT COVER AT SAID REAR WALL AND SAID SHEETS BEING FORMED WITH THREE OPENINGS, RESPECTIVELY, SAID OPENINGS BEING LOCATED INTERMEDIATE SAID INCISION AND SAID ORIFICE AND REGISTERING ONE WITH THE OTHER, SAID OUTER END PORTION AND SAID SHEETS BEING SEALED TOGETHER ADJACENT SAID REGISTERING OPENINGS, SAID VENT COVER BEING ADAPTED FOR THE PASSAGE OF GAS BETWEEN SAID ORIFICE AND SAID OPENINGS.