CA2640825A1 - Buoyant insulation composition for garments - Google Patents
Buoyant insulation composition for garments Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2640825A1 CA2640825A1 CA 2640825 CA2640825A CA2640825A1 CA 2640825 A1 CA2640825 A1 CA 2640825A1 CA 2640825 CA2640825 CA 2640825 CA 2640825 A CA2640825 A CA 2640825A CA 2640825 A1 CA2640825 A1 CA 2640825A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- foam sheet
- slits
- buoyant
- insulation composition
- fabric layer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Landscapes
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
A buoyant insulation composition for garments has a foam sheet made of a flexible and buoyant closed cell foam having a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet. Each of the slits is offset from the slits in adjacent rows. There is then an inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet that functions to bias the slits towards a closed configuration.
Description
BUOYANT INSULATION COMPOSITION FOR GARMENTS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates generally to a buoyant insulation composition for garments, and more particularly to a composition having a closed cell foam sheet having alternating slits, and a elastic layer bonded to the foam sheet.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:
Flotation suits or garments are generally produced having a waterproof outer shell material or fabric which is normally coated on its normally inner side with a breathable polyurethane film or other layer which allows air and/or water vapor to pass through but not water, thus forming a waterproof breathable outer shell or fabric layer.
Thus, any water vapor resulting from perspiration of the user can be dispersed through the outer shell to the outside so as to keep the user dry and comfortable.
Further, floatation suits or other garments or buoyancy aids are made buoyant by having a layer of buoyant foam material stitched as part of the garment inwardly of the outer shell material or fabric. The plastics foam has closed cells, such as air and/or vapor filled bubbles, which provide buoyancy should the user fall into the water. The foam also acts as thermal insulation.
A well known problem existing in the art however, is that the foam sheet is not breathable i.e. air and/or water vapor cannot pass through it. The wearer of such a garment can, therefore, become uncomfortable through perspiration being unable to be dispersed to the outside of the garment.
The prior art shows the use of apertures in the foam wherein significant amount of material was removed from the foam sheet to leave normally open holes through the foam so as to allow water vapor to pass through. Unfortunately, the use of such holes is not satisfactory because the resultant foam is weakened and/or does not meet, for example, safety requirements for buoyancy aids.
The prior art also shows the use of slits to allow water vapor to pass through. However, the slits have been required to be aligned to prevent the foam sheet from remaining open once the slits have been pulled upon. This drastically limits the ability of the foam sheet to stretch to accommodate movement of the person wearing the foam sheet.
The present state of the art in this field is Carroll, U.S. 2007/0062638, which teaches a flexible closed cell foam material in sheet form for forming at least part of a garment.
The foam material has one or more slits or cuts through the material.
Importantly, the cuts are all aligned so that un-slit foam material can prevent the slits from remaining open once the material has been pulled open. There is no structure that functions to pull the slits closed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates generally to a buoyant insulation composition for garments, and more particularly to a composition having a closed cell foam sheet having alternating slits, and a elastic layer bonded to the foam sheet.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:
Flotation suits or garments are generally produced having a waterproof outer shell material or fabric which is normally coated on its normally inner side with a breathable polyurethane film or other layer which allows air and/or water vapor to pass through but not water, thus forming a waterproof breathable outer shell or fabric layer.
Thus, any water vapor resulting from perspiration of the user can be dispersed through the outer shell to the outside so as to keep the user dry and comfortable.
Further, floatation suits or other garments or buoyancy aids are made buoyant by having a layer of buoyant foam material stitched as part of the garment inwardly of the outer shell material or fabric. The plastics foam has closed cells, such as air and/or vapor filled bubbles, which provide buoyancy should the user fall into the water. The foam also acts as thermal insulation.
A well known problem existing in the art however, is that the foam sheet is not breathable i.e. air and/or water vapor cannot pass through it. The wearer of such a garment can, therefore, become uncomfortable through perspiration being unable to be dispersed to the outside of the garment.
The prior art shows the use of apertures in the foam wherein significant amount of material was removed from the foam sheet to leave normally open holes through the foam so as to allow water vapor to pass through. Unfortunately, the use of such holes is not satisfactory because the resultant foam is weakened and/or does not meet, for example, safety requirements for buoyancy aids.
The prior art also shows the use of slits to allow water vapor to pass through. However, the slits have been required to be aligned to prevent the foam sheet from remaining open once the slits have been pulled upon. This drastically limits the ability of the foam sheet to stretch to accommodate movement of the person wearing the foam sheet.
The present state of the art in this field is Carroll, U.S. 2007/0062638, which teaches a flexible closed cell foam material in sheet form for forming at least part of a garment.
The foam material has one or more slits or cuts through the material.
Importantly, the cuts are all aligned so that un-slit foam material can prevent the slits from remaining open once the material has been pulled open. There is no structure that functions to pull the slits closed.
Other references of interest include the following:
Uglene et al., U.S. 5,267,519, teaches a vapor permeable buoyant insulation composition suitable for floatation garments. The composition is impermeable to water, and yet allows the escape of perspiration when the composition is used in garments or boots.
The composition comprises a closed-cell insulating foam which has a plurality of holes distributed throughout, first and second layers of fabric, one layer on each side of the foam, and stitching pattern throughout the composition causing the first and second layers to be in contact at the holes in the foam.
Casad, U.S. 5,022,878, teaches a wet suit style personal flotation device having a buoyant insert interposed between an outer layer and an inner layer of a vest portion of the wet suit. The buoyant insert extends in front of and behind the wearer's body. The wet suit style personal flotation device is constructed such that the wearer is supported in a slightly back from vertical position in water and such that the wearer can don the suit in less than about 60 seconds.
Rhea, U.S. 5,778,451, teaches a buoyant swim garment having inner and outer layers of fabric and, intermediate the inner and outer layers a buoyant flexible sheet material. The sheet material has spaced V-shaped grooves with sides meeting in a line at an apex, the grooves extending in a height-wise dimension of the garment to define panels.
The periphery of the material has a bevel with a thin, pliant outer edge.
Stitching extends through the apex of the V-shaped grooves and the inner and outer layers of fabric. In manufacturing the garment, the V-shaped grooves are skived, and the periphery of the sheet material is also skived to form the bevel. In one embodiment, the grooves face the inner layer of fabric, and the beveled periphery faces the outer layer.
Johnson et al., U.S. 6,986,691, teaches a system for improved stabilization of multiple layers of flexible foam material in personal flotation devices. The present invention includes front and back covered segments incorporating multiple layers of buoyant material connected together by fabric inserted into one or more slits formed through the layers. The ends of the fabric are preferably sewn together. In an alternative embodiment, the connected multiple layers of buoyant material are secured within the covered segments by affixing them within the covered segments. The present invention provides improved stabilization of multiple layers of flexible foam material when used in personal flotation devices to reduce curling and fanning issues and avoid bulk and weight while providing a cosmetically appealing flotation device.
Rhea, U.S. 4,291,427, teaches a floatation garment adapted to aid in keeping the user afloat in the water. The garment has at least one floatation pad of suitable flexible floatation material of a predetermined thickness, the pad having one or more lines of reduced thickness extending across the pad. A fabric cover or shell having an outer and inner panel is provided with the floatation pad being disposed within a pocket between the outer and inner panels. The outer and inner panels are sewn to the pad and to one another along the lines of reduced thickness thereby to hold the pad in place with respect to the shell and to permit the garment to readily be flexed along the lines of reduced thickness.
Uglene et al., U.S. 5,267,519, teaches a vapor permeable buoyant insulation composition suitable for floatation garments. The composition is impermeable to water, and yet allows the escape of perspiration when the composition is used in garments or boots.
The composition comprises a closed-cell insulating foam which has a plurality of holes distributed throughout, first and second layers of fabric, one layer on each side of the foam, and stitching pattern throughout the composition causing the first and second layers to be in contact at the holes in the foam.
Casad, U.S. 5,022,878, teaches a wet suit style personal flotation device having a buoyant insert interposed between an outer layer and an inner layer of a vest portion of the wet suit. The buoyant insert extends in front of and behind the wearer's body. The wet suit style personal flotation device is constructed such that the wearer is supported in a slightly back from vertical position in water and such that the wearer can don the suit in less than about 60 seconds.
Rhea, U.S. 5,778,451, teaches a buoyant swim garment having inner and outer layers of fabric and, intermediate the inner and outer layers a buoyant flexible sheet material. The sheet material has spaced V-shaped grooves with sides meeting in a line at an apex, the grooves extending in a height-wise dimension of the garment to define panels.
The periphery of the material has a bevel with a thin, pliant outer edge.
Stitching extends through the apex of the V-shaped grooves and the inner and outer layers of fabric. In manufacturing the garment, the V-shaped grooves are skived, and the periphery of the sheet material is also skived to form the bevel. In one embodiment, the grooves face the inner layer of fabric, and the beveled periphery faces the outer layer.
Johnson et al., U.S. 6,986,691, teaches a system for improved stabilization of multiple layers of flexible foam material in personal flotation devices. The present invention includes front and back covered segments incorporating multiple layers of buoyant material connected together by fabric inserted into one or more slits formed through the layers. The ends of the fabric are preferably sewn together. In an alternative embodiment, the connected multiple layers of buoyant material are secured within the covered segments by affixing them within the covered segments. The present invention provides improved stabilization of multiple layers of flexible foam material when used in personal flotation devices to reduce curling and fanning issues and avoid bulk and weight while providing a cosmetically appealing flotation device.
Rhea, U.S. 4,291,427, teaches a floatation garment adapted to aid in keeping the user afloat in the water. The garment has at least one floatation pad of suitable flexible floatation material of a predetermined thickness, the pad having one or more lines of reduced thickness extending across the pad. A fabric cover or shell having an outer and inner panel is provided with the floatation pad being disposed within a pocket between the outer and inner panels. The outer and inner panels are sewn to the pad and to one another along the lines of reduced thickness thereby to hold the pad in place with respect to the shell and to permit the garment to readily be flexed along the lines of reduced thickness.
Carroll, GB 2,383,300, teaches a buoyancy foam plastic material that incorporates vapor filled bubbles and has cuts provided in the foam to allow the passage of water vapor therethrough. The cuts cans be a variety of lengths and configurations and may be 2 cm long and X-shaped. The vapour in the bubbles may be air. The foam may be used to form floatation suits or buoyancy aids, the cuts opening as the wearer moves to allow perspiration in the form of water vapor to escape.
The prior art teaches buoyant insulation composition for garments that include foam sheets having aligned slits. However, the prior art does not teach a flexible and resilient 1o buoyant insulation composition for garments that includes a foam sheet with alternating slits, and an elastic material bonded to the foam sheet for biasing the foam material to the closed configuration. The prior art uses structures that weaken the overall resilience of the buoyant insulation composition or structures that do not allow vapor to pass through.
The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following sununary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
The present invention provides a buoyant insulation composition for garments, the composition comprising a foam sheet made of a flexible and buoyant closed cell foam.
The buoyant insulation composition further includes a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet, each of the slits being offset from the slits in adjacent rows. An inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet functions to bias the slits to the closed configuration.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a buoyant insulation composition having advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to provide a buoyant insulation composition that remains buoyant, thermally insulated, and largely waterproof, but still allows a great deal of elasticity and flexibility and comfort of the wearer.
Another objective is to provide a buoyant insulation composition that includes a foam sheet having offset slits that provide maximum elasticity.
A further objective is to provide a composition that further includes an inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet to bias the slits to the closed configuration.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The prior art teaches buoyant insulation composition for garments that include foam sheets having aligned slits. However, the prior art does not teach a flexible and resilient 1o buoyant insulation composition for garments that includes a foam sheet with alternating slits, and an elastic material bonded to the foam sheet for biasing the foam material to the closed configuration. The prior art uses structures that weaken the overall resilience of the buoyant insulation composition or structures that do not allow vapor to pass through.
The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following sununary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
The present invention provides a buoyant insulation composition for garments, the composition comprising a foam sheet made of a flexible and buoyant closed cell foam.
The buoyant insulation composition further includes a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet, each of the slits being offset from the slits in adjacent rows. An inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet functions to bias the slits to the closed configuration.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a buoyant insulation composition having advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to provide a buoyant insulation composition that remains buoyant, thermally insulated, and largely waterproof, but still allows a great deal of elasticity and flexibility and comfort of the wearer.
Another objective is to provide a buoyant insulation composition that includes a foam sheet having offset slits that provide maximum elasticity.
A further objective is to provide a composition that further includes an inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet to bias the slits to the closed configuration.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:
FIGURE 1 is an perspective view of a buoyant insulation composition in a relaxed configuration, the buoyant insulation composition having an outer fabric layer, a foam sheet, and an inner elastic layer, with portions being illustrated broken away to better illustrate the buoyant insulation composition;
FIGURE 2 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view thereof once the buoyant insulation composition has been pulled from the relaxed configuration to a stretched configuration, the buoyant insulation composition being illustrated with the outer fabric layer removed to more clearly show the foam sheet;
FIGURE 4 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3 FIGURE 5 is a top plan view, illustrating a portion of the foam sheet in a relaxed configuration; and FIGURE 6 is a top plan view, illustrating a portion of the foam sheet in a stretched configuration.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:
FIGURE 1 is an perspective view of a buoyant insulation composition in a relaxed configuration, the buoyant insulation composition having an outer fabric layer, a foam sheet, and an inner elastic layer, with portions being illustrated broken away to better illustrate the buoyant insulation composition;
FIGURE 2 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view thereof once the buoyant insulation composition has been pulled from the relaxed configuration to a stretched configuration, the buoyant insulation composition being illustrated with the outer fabric layer removed to more clearly show the foam sheet;
FIGURE 4 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3 FIGURE 5 is a top plan view, illustrating a portion of the foam sheet in a relaxed configuration; and FIGURE 6 is a top plan view, illustrating a portion of the foam sheet in a stretched configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a buoyant insulation composition 10, for garments or other suitable products.
Fig. 1 is an perspective view of a buoyant insulation composition 10 in a relaxed configuration, the buoyant insulation composition 10 having a foam sheet 20, and an inner elastic layer 30, and an outer fabric layer 40. Portions of the composition 10 are illustrated broken away to better illustrate the buoyant insulation composition 10. Fig. 2 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the buoyant insulation composition 10 pulled from the relaxed configuration to a stretched configuration. In this view, the buoyant insulation composition 10 is illustrated with the outer fabric layer 40 removed to more clearly show the foam sheet 20. Fig. 4 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 3.
As shown in Figs. 1-3, the buoyant insulation composition 10 comprises the foam sheet that is buoyant and thermally insulating. A plurality of parallel rows of slits 22 extend through the foam sheet 20. This offset positioning of the slits 22 allow the foam sheet 20 to stretch from a relaxed configuration wherein the slits 22 are substantially closed, to a 20 stretched configuration wherein the slits 22 are pulled open as shown in Fig. 3. The foam sheet 20 is able to stretch a great deal further than prior art materials due to the offset and overlapping nature of the slits 22.
The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a buoyant insulation composition 10, for garments or other suitable products.
Fig. 1 is an perspective view of a buoyant insulation composition 10 in a relaxed configuration, the buoyant insulation composition 10 having a foam sheet 20, and an inner elastic layer 30, and an outer fabric layer 40. Portions of the composition 10 are illustrated broken away to better illustrate the buoyant insulation composition 10. Fig. 2 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the buoyant insulation composition 10 pulled from the relaxed configuration to a stretched configuration. In this view, the buoyant insulation composition 10 is illustrated with the outer fabric layer 40 removed to more clearly show the foam sheet 20. Fig. 4 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 3.
As shown in Figs. 1-3, the buoyant insulation composition 10 comprises the foam sheet that is buoyant and thermally insulating. A plurality of parallel rows of slits 22 extend through the foam sheet 20. This offset positioning of the slits 22 allow the foam sheet 20 to stretch from a relaxed configuration wherein the slits 22 are substantially closed, to a 20 stretched configuration wherein the slits 22 are pulled open as shown in Fig. 3. The foam sheet 20 is able to stretch a great deal further than prior art materials due to the offset and overlapping nature of the slits 22.
The slits 22 allow the buoyant insulation composition 10 to stretch much more freely than the prior art, and thereby allow the wearer to move freely while not compromising the effectiveness of the buoyant insulation composition 10. These slits 22 also allow any perspiration to escape and evaporate off the foam sheet 20.
The foam sheet 20 is preferably made of flexible and buoyant closed cell foam generally made from a synthetic material such a polymeric foam such as polyethylene, polyurethane, or neoprene, as is well known in the art. The closed cells may contain bubbles of vapor or air to increase buoyancy. The foam sheet 20 is preferably in the region of 3 mm thick, but the thickness can vary according to the user's needs. While certain examples of suitable materials are described, any suitably buoyant and thermally insulating material can be used, and alternative materials such as may be selected by one skilled in the art are also considered within the scope of the present invention.
The buoyant insulation composition 10 further comprises the inner elastic layer 30 bonded across substantially all of an inner surface 31 to the foam sheet 20, as shown in Figs 1-2.
The inner elastic layer 30 functions to bias the foam sheet 20 towards the closed configuration. When in the closed configuration the slits 22 are normally in abutment or close proximity and therefore substantially closed.
The inner elastic layer 30 allows the foam sheet 20 to have more slits 22 and be more flexible without compromising the structural integrity of the foam sheet 20.
Without the elastic layer, the slits 22 could remain open once stretched or used in extreme temperatures. The foam sheet 20 would then lose effectiveness and therefore be less buoyant. Preferably, the inner elastic layer 30 is made of any elastic and resilient material suitable for this purpose.
In the preferred embodiment, the buoyant insulation composition 10 has the outer fabric layer 40 covering the foam sheet 20 opposite the inner elastic layer 30. The outer fabric layer 40 has an inner fabric layer 42 that is substantially unattached to the foam sheet 20 as shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the foam sheet 20 and the outer fabric layer 40 are stitched or otherwise bonded together in peripheral regions (not shown) leaving the foam sheet 20 and the outer fabric layer 40 merely adjacent in other regions.
The inner fabric layer 42 abuts but is not connected to a top surface 28 and ensures that the foam sheet 20 moves freely relative to the outer fabric layer 40 as shown in Figs.
1-4.
Preferably, the outer fabric layer 40 is made from a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester or any other suitable material. The outer fabric layer 40 should preferably be waterproof and vapor-permeable such as by having a hydrophilic or micro-porous or other suitable coating on the inside.
The current invention further comprises a method for manufacturing the buoyant insulation composition 10. The method comprises providing a foam sheet 20.
Slits 22 are the cut through the foam sheet 20 such that there is a plurality of parallel rows of slits 22 through the foam sheet 20, each of the slits 22 being offset from the slits 22 in adjacent rows. This allows the foam sheet 20 to stretch from a relaxed configuration wherein the slits 22 are substantially closed, to a stretched configuration wherein the slits 22 are pulled open.
The method of manufacture further provides an inner elastic layer 30. The inner elastic layer 30 is bonded across substantially the entire inner surface 31 to the foam sheet 20.
The inner elastic layer 30 functions to bias the foam sheet 20 towards the closed configuration.
In the preferred embodiment, the method further provides the outer fabric layer 40 and attaches the outer fabric layer 40 to the foam sheet 20 opposite the inner elastic layer 30 along its periphery. The outer fabric layer 40 has an inner fabric layer 42 that is substantially unattached to the foam sheet 20.
Fig. 5 is a top plan view, illustrating a portion of the foam sheet in a relaxed configuration and Fig. 6 is a top plan view, illustrating a portion of the foam sheet in a stretched configuration. As illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, each of the slits 22 of one row R
are offset from the slits 22 in the adjacent rows A, such that the slits 22 overlap, and such that an end 24 of a slit 22 in row R overlaps an end 26 of a slit 22 of adjacent rows A.
The terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application.
Additionally, the words "a," "an," and "one" are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, the terms "have,"
"include,"
"contain," and similar terms are defined to mean "comprising" unless specifically stated otherwise.
While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.
The foam sheet 20 is preferably made of flexible and buoyant closed cell foam generally made from a synthetic material such a polymeric foam such as polyethylene, polyurethane, or neoprene, as is well known in the art. The closed cells may contain bubbles of vapor or air to increase buoyancy. The foam sheet 20 is preferably in the region of 3 mm thick, but the thickness can vary according to the user's needs. While certain examples of suitable materials are described, any suitably buoyant and thermally insulating material can be used, and alternative materials such as may be selected by one skilled in the art are also considered within the scope of the present invention.
The buoyant insulation composition 10 further comprises the inner elastic layer 30 bonded across substantially all of an inner surface 31 to the foam sheet 20, as shown in Figs 1-2.
The inner elastic layer 30 functions to bias the foam sheet 20 towards the closed configuration. When in the closed configuration the slits 22 are normally in abutment or close proximity and therefore substantially closed.
The inner elastic layer 30 allows the foam sheet 20 to have more slits 22 and be more flexible without compromising the structural integrity of the foam sheet 20.
Without the elastic layer, the slits 22 could remain open once stretched or used in extreme temperatures. The foam sheet 20 would then lose effectiveness and therefore be less buoyant. Preferably, the inner elastic layer 30 is made of any elastic and resilient material suitable for this purpose.
In the preferred embodiment, the buoyant insulation composition 10 has the outer fabric layer 40 covering the foam sheet 20 opposite the inner elastic layer 30. The outer fabric layer 40 has an inner fabric layer 42 that is substantially unattached to the foam sheet 20 as shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the foam sheet 20 and the outer fabric layer 40 are stitched or otherwise bonded together in peripheral regions (not shown) leaving the foam sheet 20 and the outer fabric layer 40 merely adjacent in other regions.
The inner fabric layer 42 abuts but is not connected to a top surface 28 and ensures that the foam sheet 20 moves freely relative to the outer fabric layer 40 as shown in Figs.
1-4.
Preferably, the outer fabric layer 40 is made from a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester or any other suitable material. The outer fabric layer 40 should preferably be waterproof and vapor-permeable such as by having a hydrophilic or micro-porous or other suitable coating on the inside.
The current invention further comprises a method for manufacturing the buoyant insulation composition 10. The method comprises providing a foam sheet 20.
Slits 22 are the cut through the foam sheet 20 such that there is a plurality of parallel rows of slits 22 through the foam sheet 20, each of the slits 22 being offset from the slits 22 in adjacent rows. This allows the foam sheet 20 to stretch from a relaxed configuration wherein the slits 22 are substantially closed, to a stretched configuration wherein the slits 22 are pulled open.
The method of manufacture further provides an inner elastic layer 30. The inner elastic layer 30 is bonded across substantially the entire inner surface 31 to the foam sheet 20.
The inner elastic layer 30 functions to bias the foam sheet 20 towards the closed configuration.
In the preferred embodiment, the method further provides the outer fabric layer 40 and attaches the outer fabric layer 40 to the foam sheet 20 opposite the inner elastic layer 30 along its periphery. The outer fabric layer 40 has an inner fabric layer 42 that is substantially unattached to the foam sheet 20.
Fig. 5 is a top plan view, illustrating a portion of the foam sheet in a relaxed configuration and Fig. 6 is a top plan view, illustrating a portion of the foam sheet in a stretched configuration. As illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, each of the slits 22 of one row R
are offset from the slits 22 in the adjacent rows A, such that the slits 22 overlap, and such that an end 24 of a slit 22 in row R overlaps an end 26 of a slit 22 of adjacent rows A.
The terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application.
Additionally, the words "a," "an," and "one" are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, the terms "have,"
"include,"
"contain," and similar terms are defined to mean "comprising" unless specifically stated otherwise.
While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. A buoyant insulation composition comprising:
a foam sheet made of a flexible and buoyant closed cell foam;
a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet, each of the slits being offset from the slits in adjacent rows; and an inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet.
a foam sheet made of a flexible and buoyant closed cell foam;
a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet, each of the slits being offset from the slits in adjacent rows; and an inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet.
2. The buoyant insulation composition of claim 1, further comprising an outer fabric layer covering the foam sheet opposite the inner elastic layer.
3. The buoyant insulation composition of claim 2, wherein the outer fabric layer has an inner fabric layer that is substantially unattached to the foam sheet.
4. The buoyant insulation composition of claim 3, wherein the outer fabric layer is waterproof and vapor-permeable.
5. A buoyant insulation composition for garments, the composition comprising:
a foam sheet made of a flexible and buoyant closed cell foam;
a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet, each of the slits being offset from the slits in adjacent rows such that the foam sheet can stretch from a relaxed configuration wherein the slits are substantially closed, to a stretched configuration wherein the slits are pulled open; and an inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet, the inner elastic layer functioning to bias the foam sheet towards the closed configuration.
a foam sheet made of a flexible and buoyant closed cell foam;
a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet, each of the slits being offset from the slits in adjacent rows such that the foam sheet can stretch from a relaxed configuration wherein the slits are substantially closed, to a stretched configuration wherein the slits are pulled open; and an inner elastic layer bonded across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet, the inner elastic layer functioning to bias the foam sheet towards the closed configuration.
6. The buoyant insulation composition of claim 5, further comprising an outer fabric layer covering the foam sheet opposite the inner elastic layer.
7. The buoyant insulation composition of claim 6, wherein the outer fabric layer has an inner fabric layer that is substantially unattached to the foam sheet.
8. The buoyant insulation composition of claim 7, wherein the outer fabric layer is waterproof and vapor-permeable.
9. A method for manufacturing a buoyant insulation composition, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a foam sheet;
cutting slits such that there are a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet, each of the slits being offset from the slits in adjacent rows such that the foam sheet can stretch from a relaxed configuration wherein the slits are substantially closed, to a stretched configuration wherein the slits are pulled open;
providing inner elastic layer; and bonding the inner elastic layer across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet, the inner elastic layer functioning to bias the foam sheet towards the closed configuration.
providing a foam sheet;
cutting slits such that there are a plurality of parallel rows of slits through the foam sheet, each of the slits being offset from the slits in adjacent rows such that the foam sheet can stretch from a relaxed configuration wherein the slits are substantially closed, to a stretched configuration wherein the slits are pulled open;
providing inner elastic layer; and bonding the inner elastic layer across substantially all of an inner surface to the foam sheet, the inner elastic layer functioning to bias the foam sheet towards the closed configuration.
10. The method of Claim 9 further comprising the step of:
providing an outer fabric layer; and attaching the outer fabric layer to the foam sheet opposite the inner elastic layer such that the outer fabric layer has an inner fabric layer that is substantially unattached to the foam sheet.
providing an outer fabric layer; and attaching the outer fabric layer to the foam sheet opposite the inner elastic layer such that the outer fabric layer has an inner fabric layer that is substantially unattached to the foam sheet.
11. The method of Claim 10 wherein the outer fabric layer is waterproof and vapor-permeable.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US97413207A | 2007-10-11 | 2007-10-11 | |
| US11/974,132 | 2007-10-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2640825A1 true CA2640825A1 (en) | 2009-04-11 |
Family
ID=40527680
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2640825 Abandoned CA2640825A1 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2008-10-09 | Buoyant insulation composition for garments |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2640825A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015024067A1 (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2015-02-26 | Performance Flotation Developments (Aust) Pty Ltd | Flotation device |
-
2008
- 2008-10-09 CA CA 2640825 patent/CA2640825A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015024067A1 (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2015-02-26 | Performance Flotation Developments (Aust) Pty Ltd | Flotation device |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4348774A (en) | Weight lifter's belt | |
| ES2385334T3 (en) | Breathable, waterproof and windproof sewn items | |
| ES2398306T3 (en) | Breathable stitched items, waterproof and windproof | |
| USRE41346E1 (en) | Flexible material | |
| US8191170B2 (en) | Material for a drysuit | |
| US20100122390A1 (en) | Baby garment with integrated front covering | |
| FI109677B (en) | Unbrushed material | |
| CA2525257C (en) | Foam material and garments made therefrom | |
| ES2263134T3 (en) | SUIT FOR USE IN OR IN ASSOCIATION WITH WATER. | |
| US6206744B1 (en) | Insulated flotation garments | |
| US9079647B2 (en) | Vented personal flotation device | |
| CA2640825A1 (en) | Buoyant insulation composition for garments | |
| FI113158B (en) | Non-sweat-driven material | |
| US20100203781A1 (en) | Light weight insulated, flexible buoyant article | |
| CN112389611B (en) | Diving suit and composite cloth thereof | |
| US7685650B2 (en) | Oilskin-type water-tight and air-tight protective garment | |
| EP0924999B1 (en) | Inflatable insulation | |
| AU2002244788A1 (en) | Cellular plastic material | |
| CA2358886C (en) | Personal flotation device construction method | |
| USRE45402E1 (en) | Flexible material | |
| JP3049430U (en) | Thermal insulation underwater clothes | |
| GB2317102A (en) | Inflatable breathable insulation module for a heat-transfer contol article | |
| JPH0515297Y2 (en) | ||
| JPS6332078Y2 (en) | ||
| JP3039794U (en) | Fabric and life jacket using the fabric |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20131009 |