US20160135529A1

US20160135529A1 - Ventilation system for a garment

Info

Publication number: US20160135529A1
Application number: US14/939,417
Authority: US
Inventors: Florian Traulle; Serge Chapuis
Original assignee: Salomon SAS
Current assignee: Salomon SAS
Priority date: 2014-11-14
Filing date: 2015-11-12
Publication date: 2016-05-19
Also published as: EP3020296B1; FR3028388A1; FR3028388B1; EP3020296A1

Abstract

An article of clothing that includes first layer incorporating an opening defined by first and second edges, each edge being demarcated by first and second ends. The article of clothing includes an adjusting mechanism that modifies the position of the first end of the first edge in relation to the first end of the second edge, such that the first edge deforms projectingly in relation to the second edge, the first edge, when deformed, defining an inlet of an air duct.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. FR 14/02566, filed Nov. 14, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a ventilation system intended particularly for garments, such as everyday garments, sports garments, technical garments, etc.
The invention is more particularly directed to the ventilation of sports and outdoor garments, particularly sports jackets, windbreakers, winter sports jackets, as well as pants, shorts, etc.
2. Background Information
Persons who are employed in outdoor occupations or who are involved in outdoor sports or activities often wear garments that are impermeable to water or moisture or at least which are used as windbreaks.
A substantial drawback to windbreakers or water/moisture impermeable garments is their poor ventilation.
Indeed, because the material constituting such garments is impermeable to water, or at least to wind, it usually constitutes a barrier to the evaporation of moisture released by the body during physical exercise, such that garments worn underneath can become completely saturated with moisture.
The ventilation of such waterproof and/or windproof garments can be improved by using so-called breathable-impermeable materials, i.e., materials permeable to water vapor but not condensed water (rain). These garments are nonetheless very fragile and very expensive. Furthermore, their degree of ventilation is limited to a given ratio of water vapor transmission that is not always sufficient for the user and, therefore, moisture-related problems always occur.
Another way for improving the ventilation of such garments is to provide them with ventilation structures, such as openings, which can be opened or closed, so as to be more or less impermeable.
For example, the patent documents EP 1 428 441 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,845 describe a garment provided with an opening and means for keeping the opening actually open so as to allow entry of air, particularly when the user is not moving. In these constructions, the opening is formed by slits, the edges of which are spaced apart in the same plane. The edges remain pressed against the body.
The ventilation of these garments is increased when the user is moving and/or exposed to the wind. The opening then makes it possible to capture an air flow normal to the plane of the opening. The effectiveness of the ventilation is particularly related to the location of these openings. Thus, ventilation is not good when the wind or the direction of displacement is substantially tangent to the opening, as very little air enters inside of the garment.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an improved garment ventilation system.
In particular, the invention increases the air intake for specific locations of the openings.
The invention also captures and channels a flow of air close to the garment.
Further, the invention provides an article of clothing comprising a first layer incorporating an opening defined by first and second edges, each edge being demarcated by first and second ends.
The article comprises an adjusting mechanism for modifying the position of the first end of the first edge in relation to the first end of the second edge, such that the first edge deforms projectingly in relation to the second edge, the first edge, when deformed, defining an air duct inlet.
Thus, this construction makes it possible to create an air duct improving the air intake for the ventilation of the garment. The first edge, when deformed projectingly in relation to the second edge, creates an opening in a plane different from the plane locally tangent to the garment in the area of the second edge. Accordingly, this opening makes it possible to capture an air flow substantially tangent to the first layer, in the area of the second edge. For example, if the opening is located in the area of the flanks or shoulders, the first edge, by being spaced laterally or upwards, creates an opening for capturing a frontal air flow, but also an air flow flowing around the garment. The air flow thus captured can then be directed via the air duct to a ventilation system and more particularly a system for ventilating the heat-generating zones of the user; such as the armpits or the back for a jacket, for example.
According to advantageous but non-essential aspects of the invention, such an article of clothing may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, taken in any technically feasible combination:

- The first edge deforms projectingly outward in relation to the second edge.
- The adjusting mechanism comprises a slide fastener capable of closing the opening, the slide fastener being provided with a slider and a linkage fixed to the slider, on the one hand, and to the first end of the first edge, on the other hand. According to one embodiment, the linkage is elastic.
- The adjusting mechanism comprises a keeper fixed to the first layer through which the linkage extends.
- The keeper is fixed to the second edge, between its two ends.
- The adjusting mechanism is formed by a fastening element comprising two portions, a male portion configured to cooperate with a female portion.
- The first edge comprises a reinforcing element providing rigidity to the first edge.
- The reinforcing element is made of an elastically deformable material.
- The reinforcing element, at rest, is shaped along a curve so as to cause a projecting deformation of the first edge in relation to the second edge, when the first edge is not biased.
- The adjusting mechanism is formed by the reinforcing element associated with a closing mechanism.
- The air duct includes the inlet and a guiding panel supporting the first edge. The guiding panel comprises at least one element for coupling to the first layer so as to enable the relative displacement of the first end of the first edge in relation to the first end of the second edge, and such that the guiding panel is substantially coupled continuously to the first layer from the air duct inlet, when it is formed.
- The air duct includes a net closing the air inlet.
- The article of clothing comprises at least two layers. The opening is provided only on the outer layer.
- The opening is positioned in the area of the flanks of a jacket and is equipped with a slide fastener arranged so that its slider is at the top when the slide fastener is opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be carried out, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a skier fitted with gear schematically showing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view with a partial cut-away of a panel of a first embodiment, when the opening is closed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment when the opening is open;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the plane IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the plane V of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view with a partial cut-away of a panel of a second embodiment, when the opening is open;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment, when the opening is open;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment, when the opening is open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, FIGS. 2 and 6 show a partial cut-away of the guiding panel forming the air duct, in order to show elements of the adjusting mechanisms.
FIG. 1 shows the invention as applied to a jacket and ski pants. The invention is not limited to winter sportswear and can be transposed to hiking, running, cycling, motorcycling, hang-gliding, windsurfing sportswear, or the like. The garment may be designed to cover the upper or lower portion of the body of the user. For example, the garment can be a jacket, a shirt, pants, shorts, or overalls or other garment.
The article of clothing 1 comprises at least a first outer layer 2 that can be of various types. It may be a knitted fabric, a laminated panel, a fabric, a cloth, a membrane, a film, a nonwoven panel. This first layer 2 can be made of a material having waterproofing and/or windproofing properties.
To ventilate the garment, that is to say, to bring air within the first layer, the garment includes an opening 3 defined by first and second edges 10, 20. Each edge 10, 20 is demarcated by first and second ends 11, 12 and 21, 22, respectively. It is through this opening 3 that the air passes to penetrate into the first layer 2. The opening 3 can therefore be opened or closed, depending upon whether the two edges 10, 20 are brought closer together or spaced apart.
The article of clothing 1 comprises an adjusting mechanism 30 for modifying the position of the first end 11 of the first edge 10 in relation to the first end 21 of the second edge 20, such that the first edge deforms projectingly in relation to the second edge. The first edge is thus spaced from the portion of the first layer located in the area of the second edge. In this example, the first edge deforms projectingly outward in relation to the second edge.
Generally, a ventilation opening of this type opens substantially in the same plane corresponding to the plane locally tangent to the first layer in the area of the opening. This plane can be slightly curved because it corresponds to a portion of the enveloping surface of the first layer. The plane T will be referred to below as the “tangent plane”. In other words, if the garment is laid flat, horizontally, in the area of the opening, the spacing apart of the two edges occurs substantially in the same horizontal plane corresponding to the tangent plane T. If the garment is worn, the first layer forms a 3D “curved” plane adapting to the volume of the body. The two edges, when spaced apart to open the opening, remain close to the body of the user, and the opening remains generally in the “curved” plan. In this case, the two edges are substantially equidistant from the portion of the body that is covered by the garment. The two edges remain included in the equidistant surface enveloping the portion of the body.
According to the invention, the adjusting mechanism 30 makes it possible to deform the first edge 10 in a deformation plane D other than the tangent plane T, as illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, the first edge 10 deforms projectingly outward. In this case, a portion of the first edge is spaced apart from the body and, therefore, from the tangent plane T. According to an embodiment, the first edge becomes deformed in a deformation plane D substantially perpendicular to the tangent plane T. Alternatively, it becomes deformed in a deformation plane D inclined in relation to the tangent plane T, by an angle α so that, for example, the inlet 41 of the duct 40 faces away from the tangent plane T. The inclination angle α, in a particular embodiment, is greater than 45° or within a range of greater than 45° and less than 90°. In the first embodiment, the second edge 20 remains in the tangent plane T and, therefore, remains at substantially the same distance from the body.
Thus, the first edge 10 deforms projectingly in relation to the second edge when the first edge 20 is spaced apart from the tangent plane T or, in other words, from a substantially equidistant surface enveloping the portion of the body. The deformation of the first edge 10 is then a “volumetric deformation”, in a direction other than the tangent plane T. A third dimension is thus added to the air duct, giving rise to the concept of 3D deformation. In a particular embodiment, the first edge is spaced apart from the tangent plane T, by moving away from the body. Alternatively, it may be spaced apart from the tangent plane T by moving closer to the body; this embodiment is not shown.
When the first edge 10 deforms in the deformation plane D, the first edge is shaped to create a curve. The curve may be a circular arc, a V-shape, a succession of linear segments, an accordion or a sinusoid, etc. The ends of the curve remain substantially in the tangent plane T. To achieve this deformation, the ends 11, 12 of the first edge 10 are brought closer together in the tangent plane T. This bringing closer together causes deformation of the first edge because the length of the first edge is greater than the distance separating the two ends 11, 12 of the first edge in the tangent plane T.
Consequently, the deformed first edge 10, together with a portion of the first layer 2, forms an inlet 41 of an air duct 40 for bringing an air flow within the garment. As has been seen, this inlet 41 is not in a tangent plane T but in a plane D inclined in relation to the tangent plane T. Thus arranged, the inlet 41 makes it possible to capture more air and to locally facilitate the discharge of hot air. The inlet 41 is demarcated by the first edge 10 and a portion of the first layer 2 that may correspond, in certain embodiments, to a portion of the second edge 20. The deformation of the first edge may be provided so that it occurs in a plane receiving a maximum of air during movements of the user.
The deformation plane D may be “curved”.
In order to facilitate the shaping of the first edge 10, the latter may incorporate a reinforcing element 13 providing rigidity thereto. This reinforcement 13 can be a foam strip, a flexible plastic bar, a hem, etc. It may be discontinuous. This reinforcement contributes to the shaping of the first edge along a predetermined curve. The deformation of the edge is then controlled and can be balanced/symmetrical, thereby providing an optimum air inlet 41 having a large opening surface.
In these examples, the opening 3 can take at least two configurations.
The first configuration is the closed configuration. In this case, the two edges 10, 20, having substantially the same length, are substantially side by side to be in contact. Consequently, the first layer has a continuity in the area of the opening, which limits or prevents entry of air within the garment.
The second configuration is the open configuration. This is the arrangement previously described. The first edge 10 is spaced apart from the tangent plane T, projecting outward, to form the inlet 41 of the air duct 40. An air flow can then penetrate beneath the first layer 2 of the garment.
To achieve this second configuration from the first configuration, the first end 11 of the first edge 10 is movable in relation to the first end 21 of the second edge 20, as seen in the illustrated embodiments.
In these examples, the air duct 40 is created when the opening 3 is in its open configuration. The air duct 40 includes the inlet 41 and a guiding panel 42 supporting the first edge 10. In this example, the guiding panel 42 corresponds to a portion of the first layer 2. The air duct 40 forms a kind of semi-funnel for guiding the captured air flow, passing through the inlet 41, to a zone of the garment to be ventilated. So that air is effectively directed inward of the garment, the guiding panel 42 must be coupled to the first layer 2 almost continuously from the inlet 41 of the air duct 40. Thus, air rushes into the duct and does not flow back out. To enable the shaping of the air duct 40, and especially of the first edge 10, the guiding panel 42 includes at least one element 43 for coupling to the first layer 2 so as to allow relative movement between the guiding panel 42 and the first layer 2. This movement includes in particular the relative displacement of the first end 11 of the first edge 10 in relation to the first end 21 of the second edge 20. In the examples shown, the coupling element 43 is in the form of a gusset and/or of a local recess. Here, the gusset is formed by a coupling between an edge of the guiding panel 42 and the first layer 2. In these examples, the edge of the guiding panel is oriented along a direction forming an angle greater than 45° in relation to the length the second edge 20. This coupling is made of two bands connected to one another to form a “V” which is open or closed depending upon the position of the first end 11 of the first edge 10. Other coupling elements 43 may be employed; it can be an elastic band, for example. The shape and location of the coupling elements should enable the shaping of the air duct.
The guiding panel 42 covers a passage opening 44 through which the air penetrates beneath the first layer 2. The air duct 40 then includes the inlet 41, the guiding panel 42, and the passage opening 44.
FIGS. 2 to 5 illustrate a first embodiment.
In this example, the opening 3 is configured to be closed by a slide fastener 31 comprising a slider 311. The two rows of teeth of the slide fastener are fixed to the first and second edges 10, 20, respectively. The slider 311 can be positioned in a closed position in which the teeth of the two rows of the slide fastener cooperate, as shown in FIG. 2, and in an open position in which the teeth no longer cooperate, as shown in FIG. 3. In the first case, the opening 3 is closed. The slide fastener 31 then provides imperviousness whose effectiveness is dependent upon the type of slide fastener used, the covering by the hem of the first edge 10, as well as the orientation of the opening in relation to the direction of the wind, rain, or snow. In the second case, the opening 3 is open and the air duct 40 is formed.
In the area of the first edge 10, a reinforcing element 13, foam in this case, is incorporated into a hem configured to cover the slide fastener when closed.
The guiding panel 42 includes a gusset 43 as previously mentioned.
To form the air duct 40, the article of clothing is provided with an air-duct-adjusting mechanism 30 comprising the slide fastener 31 and a linkage 32 fixed to the slider 311 of the slide fastener, on the one hand, and to the first end 11 of the first edge 10, on the other hand. In this example, the linkage 32 is fixed to the portion of the slider 311 oriented inward of the garment, as shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the linkage 32 has a length less than the length of the first edge 10. Consequently, when the slider 311 is in its open position, the first end 11 of the first edge 10 is brought closer to the second end 12 of the first edge 10 in the tangent plane T due to the linkage 32. This bringing closer together causes the outward projecting deformation of the first edge 10, as noted above. The air duct 40 is then operational. The linkage 32 may be a cord, a strip, a rod, or a chain, for example.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the linkage 32 is elastic, which allows for an elastic displacement of the first end 11 of the first edge 10 when the slide fastener 31 is open. Thus, if pressure is applied onto the projecting portion of the reinforced first edge 10, the elastic linkage 32 then acts as a shock absorber. As a result, the force resisting this action on the projecting portion of the first edge 10 is lessened, which is more comfortable for the user. This perception is important in the event of an impact with an external element of nature, an accessory, or an individual. When the opening 3 is positioned under the arms, bringing the arms closer to the torso can act on the first edge 10 and cause this perception. With a non-elastic linkage, the user feels a hard spot, a resistance less felt by the user with an elastic linkage.
In this example, the adjusting mechanism 30 incorporates a keeper 33 through which the linkage 32 extends, to improve the shaping of the first edge 10 when it deforms. The keeper is not required but makes it possible to guide the linkage and, thus, the trajectory of the first end 11. The linkage 32 is kept in a position in which it does not hinder actuation of the slide fastener 31. It is also possible to prevent the linkage 32 from extending through the inlet 41. The keeper 33 is fixed to the first layer 2. In addition, it promotes the storage of the linkage under the guiding panel 42, thereby preventing an end of the linkage from exiting from the opening and catching an external element or getting stuck in the slide fastener 31 when actuated.
In FIGS. 2 to 5, the keeper 33 is fixed to the second edge 20, between its two ends 21, 22. This configuration makes it possible to control the position of the first end of the first edge when the air duct is formed. The inlet 41 of the duct is then demarcated by the first edge 10 and a portion of the second edge 20.
According to this embodiment, the second end 12 of the first edge 10 and second end 22 of the second edge 20 are attached to the layer 2, in the same area.
FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment. The constructional difference lies primarily in the location of the keeper 33. In this second embodiment, the keeper 33 is fixed to the first layer 2, at a distance d from the second edge 20 towards the first edge 10 (along a direction normal to the second edge). This design makes it possible to move the position of the first end 11 of the first edge 10 away when the air duct 40 is formed. The air inlet 41 is here demarcated by the first edge 10 and a portion of a protective net 7 covering the passage opening 44. In addition to the inlet 41 of the air duct 40, this system makes it possible to create an air passage 5 in the tangent plane T, which contributes to the ventilation of the garment. This increases the air flow capture zone, in particular by capturing at least two directions of air flow. In this example, the complementary air passage 5 is substantially in the form of a triangle demarcated by the second edge 20 and a portion of the taut linkage 32. To enable an embodiment of the air duct 40, the coupling elements 43 must be adapted.
In the examples illustrated above, the keeper 33 is formed by a cord arranged to form a loop inside which the linkage 32 passes. Alternatively, the keeper can be formed by a panel folded over itself so as to form a tunnel through which the linkage 32 passes. This tunnel can extend along an edge 10, 20 over a portion of its length.
According to a third embodiment, the opening 3 is not closed by a slide fastener. The adjusting mechanism 30 is formed by a fastening element 34 comprising two portions: a male portion 342 configured to cooperate with a female portion 341. The first end 11 of the first edge 10 supports a female portion 341 of the fastening element 34. The first layer 2 then supports at least one male portion 342 b. For at least one male portion 342 b, the cooperation between the male portion and the female portion causes the projecting deformation of the first edge in relation to the second edge. Advantageously, another male portion 342 a is fixed in the area of the first end 21 of the second edge 20. Thus, when the other male portion 342 a cooperates with the female portion, the opening 3 is closed. The two edges 10 and 20 are substantially parallel. Alternatively, the construction is reversed. The male portion 342 is fixed to the first end 11 of the first edge 10, and at least one female portion 341 is fixed to the first layer 2.
FIG. 7 illustrates the third embodiment. In this example, the fastening element 34 is a snap fastener. A female portion 341 of the snap-fastener 34 is fixed to the first end 11 of the first edge 10. The garment 1 further comprises at least two male portions 342 fixed to the first layer 2. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the garment comprises three male portions 342 a, 342 b, and 342 c. The first male portion 342 a is positioned in the area of the first end 21 of the second edge 20. The distance between the first male portion 342 a and the second end 12 of the first edge 10 is substantially equal to the length of the first edge. The second male portion 342 b is positioned such that the distance between this second male portion 342 b and the second end 12 of the first edge 10 is less than the length of the first edge. The second male portion 342 b can be positioned along the second edge 20; this amounts to a design similar to the first illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the second male portion 342 b may be moved away from the second edge 20; this amounts to a design similar to the second illustrated embodiment. The third male portion 342 c makes it possible to further bring the two ends 11 and 12 closer together in the tangent plane T. With more than two male portions 342, it is possible to vary the shape of the inlet 41 of the air duct 40.
The invention also encompasses other fastening elements 34 between the first end 11 of the first edge 10 and the first layer 2. Thus, the snap-fastener 34 may be replaced by a simple button cooperating with a slit, by two magnets, by hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.
According to another embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 30 is formed by a reinforcing element 13 a associated with a closing mechanism. In this case, the reinforcing element is an elastically deformable element which, at rest, is shaped along a curve. Thus, when the reinforcing element is not biased, it causes the projecting deformation of the first edge 10 in relation to the second edge 20, because the reinforcing element is integrated into the first edge. This configuration corresponds to the open configuration of the opening. The second edge then substantially reproduces the curve of the reinforcing element. In other words, the reinforcing element 13 a is shaped, at rest, along a curve so as to cause the projecting deformation of the first edge 10 in relation to the second edge 20, when the first edge is not biased. The curve of the reinforcing element at rest can form a circular arc. The reinforcing element may be a band of plastic material.
To achieve the closed configuration of the opening, the user uses the closing mechanism. The closing mechanism makes it possible to bring the first edge closer to the second edge by displacing the first end 11 of the first edge 10 in relation to the first end 21 of the second edge 20. This relative movement between the two ends biases the reinforcing element 13 a, thus causing the elastic deformation of the reinforcement. In this example, the reinforcing element substantially flattens. The first edge 10 becomes positioned opposite the second edge 20, thereby closing the opening 3. The first end 11 joins the first end 21. The closing mechanism can be a slide fastener 31, as shown in the first embodiment; a fastening element 34, as mentioned in the third embodiment.
FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention illustrating an example of the latter construction. This fourth embodiment has a construction very similar to that of the first embodiment, but for which the linkage 32 and keeper 33 have been removed. The specificity of this example lies in the use of a particular reinforcing element 13 a, as defined above. In addition to FIG. 8, FIGS. 2-5 are used to represent this fourth embodiment provided that the linkage 32 and keeper 33 are removed.
In an alternative to the previous embodiments, the first end 11 of the first edge 10 can be envisioned to be directly fixed to the slider of a slide fastener. In this case, this slide fastener extends from the first end 21 of the second edge 20, along the second edge, towards the second end 22 of the second edge 20.
According to another variant, the reinforcing element 13 comprises an extension extending in the extension of the first edge 10, beyond the first end 11. This extension comprises an indexing arrangement, for example a row of notches configured to cooperate with a ratchet or clip mechanism fixed to the first layer 2, in the area of the first end 21 of the second edge 20. Thus, the first edge 10 bulges more or less depending upon the position of the notch of the row cooperating with the ratchet/clip. This deformation thus forms the air duct according the invention.
All of these constructions have the advantage of modulating the air inlet for ventilation. Thus, the adjusting mechanism 30 makes it possible to adjust the surface and shape of the inlet 41 of the air duct 40, the inlet projecting from the first layer 2.
Alternatively, the invention can employ a second adjusting mechanism for modifying the position of the second end 12 of the first edge 10 of the layer 2 in order to obtain a similar effect and generate the air duct. Alternatively, one can design a common adjusting mechanism for simultaneously or alternatively modifying the position of the two ends 11 and 12 of the first edge 10.
This construction is applicable particularly advantageously to a multilayer garment, generally intended to be worn in winter, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the garment 1 can comprise a first outer layer 2, on which there is provided at least one opening 3, and a second inner layer 4 without an opening extending through the layer. An insulating material 6, for example cotton wool, is arranged between the two layers. The first outer layer 2 forms a first substantially impermeable protective layer. For this layer, a waterproof, windproof, and breathable membrane, e.g., a GORE-TEX® fabric, can be used. The second inner layer 4 can be made of a material that absorbs internal moisture for subsequent transfer to the outside. In other words, it absorbs the perspiration of the user and transfers the liquid to the insulating material 6. It can be a knitted fabric made of polyester PE which improves the moisture transfer. A material of this type is not used in the linings of winter clothing, such as jackets or trousers.
With such a construction, a garment comprising at least two layers 2, 4, and the opening 3 of which is provided only on the outer layer 2, the ventilation system makes it possible to introduce an air flow between the two layers 2, 4 strongly promoting the evaporation of the liquid absorbed by the insulating material 6. The insulating material can be dried quickly. This design provides a second inner layer 4 continuously covering a portion of the body of the user, which is thermally more comfortable. There is no air inlet directly towards the body. Moreover, the user can close the openings 3 if increased insulation is desired. The air no longer penetrates inside the garment.
Conventionally, a winter garment comprises two main levels of protection. The first level is comprised of garments worn against the body. These garments are often soft, stretchable, insulating but not impermeable. This first level usually includes one or two “layers”. A second level provides insulation in relation to the environment. This is the article of clothing described here. It generally comprises a membrane for imperviousness, the layer 2 in the described embodiments, and an insulating material to improve thermal insulation, the insulating material 6 in the illustrated embodiments.
To limit the accumulation of moisture in the area of the first level, there is usually provided openings extending completely through the article of clothing forming the second level of protection. These openings are often closed by slide fasteners. The disadvantage of this type of garment (jacket or trousers) is that these openings, even when closed, form thermal bridges which substantially cool off the first level of protection.
In certain illustrated embodiments, the invention provides a multilayer construction having a better insulation for the user and thus providing greater comfort. Indeed, in contrast to a conventional construction, the ventilation openings only extend through the first outer layer 2 and do not extend through the second inner layer 4. Here, each slide fastener forms a thermal bridge for a space between two layers. The second inner layer 4 completely envelops the portion of the body involved, without thermal bridge. The insulation is therefore improved. As has been seen, the second inner layer 4 is advantageously made of a material promoting moisture transfer from the first level of protection towards the middle of two layers filled with an insulating material 6. This makes it possible to keep the first level of protection always dry. The opening is then used to dry the insulating material between the layers 2 and 4.
For an article of clothing as illustrated, the openings 3 can be suitably arranged to optimize the air supply to the ventilation system of the garment.
For example, for good capture of the air flow for a person moving forward, the openings 3 are arranged close to the lateral or upper portions of the garment. For a jacket, it may be the sides and/or shoulders. For pants, it may be the outer sides of the thighs. Thus, the forward movement of the user makes it possible to recover more air, in proportion to the wearer's moving speed. This arrangement also makes it possible to capture an air flow of a front wind. Moreover, this arrangement makes it possible to locate the air inlets close to the heat-generating zones. For example, by being in the area of the sides or slightly forward, the air duct is located near the armpits, a zone that undergoes heavy perspiration. To ventilate the back, another heat-generating zone, the air ducts may be in the area of the shoulders or of the sides. In this case, the air quickly flows towards the zone of the back, thereby enabling the back to dry.
The openings may also be at the front and located so as to be well exposed to the air flow as a function of certain movements of the user, such as bending of a limb, for example.
For a cyclist leaning over the handlebars, the openings can be positioned a little farther rearward in the back, for example in the area of the shoulder blades.
The invention also applies to single-layer garments. For example, for a summer garment, the user may wish to increase the air intake for a T-shirt, a jacket, or single-layer pants. This may be for running, hiking, or cycling.
According to a particular embodiment, the two edges 10, 20 are connected by an elastic net. This net makes it possible to close the air inlet 41 when the opening 3 is in its open configuration. This net allows entry of the air required for ventilation but prevents the intrusion of external elements, such as snow or insects, inside the garment.
Alternatively, a net closes off the passage opening 44. This net has the same functionality as the previous net. It allows entry of air and limits the insertion of foreign elements inside the garment. This example is illustrated through FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, in which a protective net 7 is shown.
Furthermore, the openings equipped with a slide fastener, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 and 8, are arranged so as to facilitate the handling of the adjusting mechanism 30 of the ventilation system.
For example, when an opening of a jacket is positioned in the area of the sides, slightly forward, the slide fastener is arranged such that its slider is at the top when in its open position, i.e., when the slide fastener is open, the air duct then being formed. This arrangement makes it possible to quickly close the opening, in order to insulate the garment, with a natural and ergonomic movement that involves moving the slider downward. When the user cools off, he/she thermal protection can then be improved with a simple and quick movement, contrary to the conventional constructions of ventilation system provided by the prior art.
According to an alternative embodiment, the first edge 10 deforms projectingly in relation to the second edge, inwardly towards the body of the user.
The invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is possible to combine these embodiments.
The invention also extends to all of the embodiments covered by the appended claims.
Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising:

a first layer having an opening demarcated by first and second edges;

each of the first and second edges being demarcated by first and second ends;

a position-adjusting mechanism to modify relative positions of the first end of the first edge in relation to the first end of the second edge such that the first edge is movable in a direction outwardly of a body of a wearer when the article of clothing is worn to demarcate a projectingly deformed position of the first edge in relation to the second edge;

in the projectingly deformed position of the first edge, the first edge defining an inlet of an air duct.

2. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

in the projectingly deformed position, the first edge is deformed projectingly outward in relation to the second edge.

3. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the position-adjusting mechanism comprises:

a slide fastener configured to close the opening, the slide fastener being provided with a slider;

a linkage fixed to the slider and to the first end of the first edge.

4. An article of clothing according to claim 3, wherein:

the linkage is elastic.

5. An article of clothing according to claim 3, wherein:

the adjusting mechanism comprises a keeper fixed to the first layer, the linkage extending through the keeper.

6. An article of clothing according to claim 5, wherein:

the keeper is fixed to the second edge between the two ends of the second edge.

7. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the adjusting mechanism is formed by a fastening element comprising a male portion and a female portion, the male portion configured to cooperate with the female portion.

8. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the first edge comprises a reinforcing element providing rigidity to the first edge.

9. An article of clothing according to claim 8, wherein:

the reinforcing element is made of an elastically deformable material.

10. An article of clothing according to claim 9, wherein:

the reinforcing element, at rest, is shaped along a curve causing deformation of the first edge projecting in relation to the second edge, when the first edge is not biased.

11. An article of clothing according to claim 9, wherein:

the adjusting mechanism is formed by the reinforcing element associated with a closing mechanism.

12. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the air duct comprises:

the inlet; and

a guiding panel supporting the first edge;

the guiding panel comprising at least one element for coupling to the first layer so as to enable a relative displacement of the first end of the first edge in relation to the first end of the second edge, and so that the guiding panel is substantially continuously coupled to the first layer from the inlet of the air duct, when it is formed.

13. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the air duct comprises a net closing the air inlet.

14. An article of clothing according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least two layers;

the opening is provided only on an outer layer of the at least two layers.

15. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the article of clothing is a jacket;

the opening is positioned in an area of sides of the jacket and is equipped with a slide fastener having a slider configured at a top of the opening when the slide fastener is in an open position.

16. An article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein:

the position-adjusting mechanism is designed to move the opening between a closed configuration and an open configuration;

in the closed configuration, the first and second edges lie substantially within a tangent plane when the first layer of the article of clothing is laid flat; and

in the open configuration, the first edge lies in a deformation plane that extends away from the tangent plane to create a three-dimensional air duct volume.

17. An article of clothing according to claim 16, wherein:

the deformation plane is inclined in relation to the tangent plane such that the inlet of the air duct faces outwardly of the body of the wearer when the article of clothing is worn.