US2181175A - Garment-ventilating means - Google Patents

Description

A. H. COHEN Nov. 28, 1939.

GARMENT-VENTILATING MEANS Filed April 14, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 A 1 r r:

Ill! lili'arli l lilllllllllillllllill i'flllilll INVENTOR Alvin H. Cohen Nov. 28; 1939.

A. H. ,COHEN GARMENT-VENTILATING MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 14, 19:39

I H will will INVENTOR Alum H oh ATToRN s Patented Nov. 28, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT, OFFICE 2,181,175 7 v GARMENT-VENTILATING MEANS Alvin H. Cohen, New York, N. Y., assignor of onehalf to Frederick L. Katz', New York, N. Y.

. Application April 14, 1939, Serial No. 267,776

11 Claims.

My present invention relates generally to garments, and has particular reference to the ventilation thereof. a

My invention is not restricted to use with any particular type of garment, but is primarily intended and unusually well adapted for employment with raincoats, sport jackets, and outer garments generally, which, because of their impervious character or complete enclosure of. the

0 body of the'wearer, can be made more comfortable by ventilation.

I have found that the mere provision of openings or eyelets isnot of itself suificient to produce an adequate amount of ventilation. What is needed is a more or less positive means for transferring relatively large quantities of air from the interior of the garment to the outside, or vice versa. In accordance with my present invention, this desirable result is accomplished in a simple and practical manner, without altering the appearance of the garment, and without materially affecting its mode or cost of manufacture.

My invention is characterized by the employment of at least one valve which is associated with a wall of the garment, and which is operable under differences of air pressure on opposite sides of said wall for permitting passage of air through the valve in only one direction, i. e., either out of the garment from the inside, or

into the garment from the outside.

In a preferred mode of carrying my invention into effect, I provide a means for continually bringing about these air-pressure differences by the normal movements of the wearer of the garment, such as the movements of his arms or legs, or other portions of the body, during the act of walking, shooting, fishing or playing a game such as golf or the like.

More particularly, I provide a resilient compressible chamber in association with a wall of the garment, this chamber being relatively flat and preferably arranged on the inside of the garment wall over a considerable area of the latter. This chamber may be composed of two superposed walls of suitable flexible material, such as soft rubber or the like, which is substantially impervious to the passage of air through it. One of the Walls may, if desired, be formed of a portion of the garment wall itself. In accordance with my invention, there are communications between the chamber and the inside and outside of the garment respectively, and valve means are provided which are operable upon compression and de-compression of the chamber, for permitting passage of air only out of the chamber through one communication, and only into the chamber through the other communication.

' The chamber is tion where the normal movements of the wearer of the garment will bring about repeated compression and de-compression. A convenient and typical location of the chamber might be, for example, under the upper portion of one or both arms of the wearer.

' I achieve the foregoing objects, and such other objects as may hereinafter appear or be pointed out, in the manner illustratively exemplified in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is across-sectional view through a wall portion of a garment with a device of the present character associated therewith;

Figure 2 is an-enlarged cross-sectional view through the device of Figurel showing the relationship of the parts during a compression of the chamber;

Figure 3 is a view, similar to Figure 2 showing the diiferent relationship of the parts during a de-compression of the chamber;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through a modified type of construction;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional View taken' substantially along the line 55 of Figure 4;

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views similar to FigureA showing, respectively, three other possible modifications;

Figure 9 is a side view ofa garment indicating one possible arrangement of the device; and

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional View taken along the line l0-l[l of Figure '7.

In Figure l I have chosen to illustrate a wall portion 10 of a garment which is provided with a lining ll, Interposed between the garment wall l0 and the lining II is a resilient compressible chamber l2 which may be of rubber or other soft flexible material and which is substantially flat. The flatness of the chamber does not appear'in Figure 1, (nor in Figures 2-8) because theseviews are broken away for the sake of compactness of illustration, and because the wall thicknesses and relative dispositions are illustrated in somewhat exaggerated sizes. It may be pointed out, however, that the chamber is in each case of such soft, fiat, and inconspicuous character, that its association with the garment is practically unnoticeable, and the wearer of the garmentmay be practically unaware of its existence and functioning, unless it is specifically, pointed out to him. The same is preferably arranged in a positrue with respect to the various communications and valves, it being understood that the present drawings are exaggerated in this respect.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 there is a communication between the chamber l2 and the outside of the garment, through a flexible tube l3 and an eyelet or equivalent device M. The latter may be associated with the garment, and held in place, by a springy disc 15 or the like, having fingers which press outwardly against a flange or ring IS on the eyelet I4.

There is also a communication between the chamber l2 and the inside of the garment, through a similar tube or pipe I! and a similar or equivalent eyelet designated generally by the reference numeral I8, the latter being mounted in. the lining H.

In each of the communications there is a valve, and in Figures 1-3 I have chosen to illustrate. a valve construction of extremely simple and inexpensive character, adequate for the present purpose. The valve in the tube 13 consists of the two mutually threaded sleeve portions 19 and. 20, the portion 20 being provided with a conical valve seat 2i at the upper end of a substantially cylindrical bore 22. Mounted in the member 20 is a valve member 23 which may be composed of a small integral plug of rubber or the like, of extremely light weight, this valve member being entirely free of connection with the sleeve 20. The valve member 23 has a stem projecting into the bore 22, but of smaller cross section than this bore. The valve member 23 is also provided with a conical head which is adapted either to rest F upon the conical valve seat 2|, (as shown in Figure 3) or to lift from this valve seat by a slight amount (as shown in Figure 2). The amount by which the valve member lifts off the valve seat is limited by the inner end of the sleeve member l9, which serves as an abutment against which the valve member strikes or rests. This abutment, however, is provided with slots. or apertures which permit passage of air around the head of the valve member 23 when the latter is lifted off the valve seat.

A similar valve may be associated with the tube l1, and I have illustratively shown similar sleeve members 24 and 25, and a similar valve member 26. In Figure 2 the valve member 26 is shown seated upon the valve seat, while in Figure 3 it is shown lifted from the valve seat.

The arrangement of the valves in the passages i3 and I: is purposely designed so that the valve will operate as shown in Figures 2 and 3. In Figure 2, for example the chamber [2 is shown in process of compression. This forces the valve member 26 into the closed position, and lifts the valve member 23 into the open position, as a result of which the air in the chamber [2 is expelled through the tube I3 in the direction of the arrows 21. In Figure 3, the chamber I2 is shown in process of de-compression, as a result of which the valve member 23 is caused to seat itself into closed position, while the valve member 26 is lifted into the open position, thus permitting the passage of air through the pipe I! into the chamber I2 as indicated by the arrows 28.

As hereinbefore stated, the entire device is arranged in a position which causes repeated compression and ole-compression of the chamber to take place by virtue of the normal movements of the wearer of the garment. It will be under-- stood that this compression and decompression of the chamber is not effected with any predetermined regularity, but in a haphazard manner which sometimes compresses the chamber a slight amount, sometimes by a much greater amount, and possibly not at all during certain periods. However, during each period of compression air is expelled from the chamber to the outside of the garment, and during each period of de-compression air is drawn into the chamber from the inside of the garment. The ultimate result is that a more or less constant flow of air is positively produced, from the inside of the garment to the outside thereof. This flow of air, in only the one direction, produces an efficient and continuous ventilation.

It will be understood, of course, that the valves may be so arranged that the flow of air is restricted to a direction from the outside of the garment to the inside. The particular direction in which the air is caused to travel is a matter of choice, and does not affect the fundamental advantageous nature of the arrangement, whereby the flow of air is always in one direction, and never in the other.

As hereinbefore stated, the drawings are somewhat exaggerated, for the purpose of more clearly depicting the nature and mode of operation of the device. For example, the chamber 12 is preferably of such soft, thin, and flexible material such as that which is used, for example, in ordinary toy balloons, that the compression of the chamber is accompanied by a complete collapse of the two walls thereof; and the tubes 13 and I! (where such tubes are used) may be of similarly thin and flexible material, integrally formed or molded in association with the chamber I2, so that the entire structure is inconspicuously and unobtrusively compact.

If desired, the chamber may have one of its walls constituted of a wall portion of the garment itself, and this possibility is illustrated in Figures l and 8. In Figure 4 the wall of the garment is designated by the reference numeral 29, and no lining of any kind is shown. A bowlshaped diaphragm 30 is secured at its edges 31, by adhesive means or otherwise, directly to the wall 29, and a relatively flat chamber is thus provided. This arrangement is possible, of course, only where the material of the wall 29 is impervious to the passage of air through it, as in the case of a raincoat or similar garment composed of rubber or its equivalent.

In Figures 4 and 5 I have also illustrated the possibility of utilizing different types of valves, since my invention is not restricted to any specific type of valve structure. I have shown a valve mounted in the Wall 29 which is composed of the mutually threaded portions 32 and 33, a freely floating valve member 34, of substantially T-shaped cross-section, being mounted in the member 32. This member has openings 35 which are closed when the valve member 34 seats itself against them, but which permit the passage of air when the valve member is lifted into the position shown in Figure 4. The amount of lifting of the valve member may be limited by an abutment 36 provided on the inside of the member 33. This member is also provided with openings 3?, through which air may pass at all times.

As the valve is arranged in Figure 4, a compression of the chamber lifts the valve member 34 and permits air to flow out of the chamber through the valve communication to the outside of the garment. A de-compression of the chamber draws the valve member 34 into a position which seals the openings 35 and thus prevents air from flowing into the chamber from the outside.

The other valve shown in "Figures 4 and is a tube '38 which'may be integrally formed on the wall 38 andwhich projects into the interior of the chamber. This tube has a yieldable normally collapsed portion'39 which is adapted to distend under-the pressure of air that is forced or drawn through the tube 38. In Figures 4 and 5, the portion 39 is shown in its normal collapsed position, which is the position it assumes whenever the chamber of these figures is being compressed. When the chamber is de-compressed, air is drawn into the tube 38, and the portion 39 distends slightly to permit this air to flow into the chamber in the direction of the arrows 48.

In Figure- 6 I have shown a bag-like chamber 4| similar to that shown in Figure l and provided with a communication with the interior of the garment through a pipe 42 and an eyelet 43,

the pipe 42 being provided with a valve substantially similarto that which is shown'a't thebottom of Figures 1, 2 and 3, In this modified construction, however, the communication between the chamber 4| and the outside of the garment is provided by means of a valve 44 similar to the valve shown at the left of Figure 4. This valve is mounted in the outer wall 45 of the garment, just as the valve is mounted in the outer wall 29 of the garment of Figure 4, but it also engages with the adjacent wall of the bag-like chamber 4|. In this way the valve serves not only as a communication between the chamber and the outside of the garment, but also as a fastening means for holding the chamber 4| in position. In Figure 6. only one valve 44 is shown, but because of the flat and extensive nature of the chamber 4|, it is quite feasible to provide two or more such valves, these devices serving conjointly as fasteningmeans to hold the chamber 4i in position. In Figure 9, for example, I have shown an illustrative arrangement of a chamber 46beneath the arm of a garment, and the reference numeral 41 is intended to indicate three fastening devices of the character shown at 44 in Figure 6, it being understood that these fastening devices thus serve simultaneously as communications between the chamber 46 and the outside of the garment.

Figure 6 serves also to illustrate the possible use of a compression spring 48 arranged between the opposed walls of the chamber 4| and serving to urge the chamber 4| constantly and yieldably into de-compressed condition. The use of such a yieldable pressure means is not essential, if

the chamber is composed of material of sufficient inherent resilience to urge the chamber into normal de-compressed condition. It may be found desirable, however, to enhance this tendency toward de-compression by the aid of a yieldable means such as the spring.

In Figure '7 Ihave shown a device substantially the same as that shown in Figure 6, except that the compression spring 48 is replaced by a bendable springy finger 49 extending between opposite wall portions 58 and 5| of the chamber 52. I have illustratively shown the finger 49 of tubular cross-section (see Figure and integrally formed on the wall 50, but it will be understood that this finger may be of solid crosssection and may be otherwise supported in a position extending between opposite wall portions of the chamber 52. Also, two or more such bendable fingers may be provided,.if desired, it being understood that these fingers will buckle and collapse when the chamber is compressed, but will have a constant tendency to spring back into the normal -unbent-positions, thus inducin a de-compression of the chamber,

The combined communication, valve, and fastening means 53, shown in-Figure 7, is the same as that which is illustrated at 44 in Figure ,6. The tube 54 is the same as that shown in 42 at Figure 6 and is provided with a suitable valve, as will be understood, the tube 54 ultimately communicating through the lining 55 with the interior of the garment.

' In Figure 8 I have shown a construction which is similar to that "shown in Figure 4. A wall 56 is secured at its edges 51 to the garment wall 58, thus providing a yieldable compressible chamber. A valve 59, similar to that shown at the left of Figure 4 is mounted in the wall 58, and a similar valve 60 is mounted in the wall 56. Neither of these valves nor communications serves as a fastening means, in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 8.

In this figure, I have also shown the possibility of arranging a plurality of yieldable reinforcing ribs 6| on the interior of the wall 56. These ribs are preferably integral with the material of' the wall 56, and serve the purpose of the spring 48 of Figure Sand of the bendable springy finger 49 of Figure '7,'viz., to urge the wall 56 yieldably into the position of Figure 8, thus creating a constant tendency to decompress the chamber.

Various other modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, For example, the communication between the chamber of Figure 4 and the interior of the garment could be the same as that which is shown in Figures 1-3; or it could be like that shown at 6 0 in, Figure 8. Similarly, the pipe I! of Figures l-3, or the pipes 42 and 54 of Figures 6 and 7 could be replaced by tubes like the tube 38 of Figure 4. I 1 f Also, the inlet and outlet communications of Figure 8 could be of the character shown in Figures 1-3, or in Figure 4; while the springy ribs of Figure 8 could with equal advantage be provided on' the interior. of the bag-like chambers of Figures 1-3; f

By the same token, the'spring of Figure 6 or the springy finger of Figure 7 could be provided in a device of the kind shown in Figure 4.

Also, it will be understood that'a garment may be fitted with two or more devices of the present type, possibly one. under each arm, or along the thigh portions of a pair of trousers or breeches. In fact, it will be obvious that the invention is not restricted to any particular type of garment nor to any particular portion of the garment wall.

In general, it will be understood that changes in the details, herein described and illustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It is, therefore, intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination with a garment, of a resilient compressible chamber in association with a wall thereof, communications between thechamber and the inside and outside of the garment respectively, and valve means operable upon compression and de-compressionof said chamber for permitting passage of air only out of said chamber through one communication and only into said chamber through the other communication.

2. The combination with a garment, of a re silient compressible chamber in association with a wall thereof, communications between the chamber and the inside and outside of the garment respectively, a valve associated with one of said communications and operable under differences of air pressure on opposite sides thereof for permitting passage of air only out of said chamber, and another valve associated with the other of said communications and operable under differences of air pressure on opposite sides thereof for permitting passage of air only into said chamber, said air pressure differences being brought about by compression and de-comp ression of said chamber.

3. The combination with a garment, of a resilient compressible chamber in association with a wall thereof, communications between the chamber and the inside and outside of the garment respectively, and valve means operable upon compression and de-compression of said chamber for permitting passage of air only out of said chamber through onecommunication and only into said chamber through the other communication, said chamber being relatively flat and arranged on the inside of said garment wall over a considerable area of the latter.

4. The combination with a garment, of a resilient compressible chamber in association with a wall thereof, communications between the chamber and the inside and outside of the garment respectively, and valve means operable upon compression and de-compression of said chamber for permitting passage of air only out of said chamber through one communication and only into said chamber through the other communication, said chamber being relatively fiat and arranged on the inside of said garment wall over a considerable area of the latter, said chamber comprising two superposed Walls of flexible material substantially impervious to the passage of air through it.

5. The combination with a garment, of a resilient compressible chamber in association with a wall thereof, communications between the chamber and the inside and outside of the garment respectively, and valve means operable upon compression and de-cornpression of said chamber for permitting passage of air only out of said chamber through one communication and only into said chamber through the other communication, said chamber being relatively flat and arranged on the inside of said garment wall over a considerable area of the latter, said chamber comprising two superposed walls of flexible material substantially impervious to the passage of air through it, one of said walls being formed of a portion of the garment wall itself.

6. The combination with a garment, of a resilient compressible chamber in association with a wall thereof, fastening means securing said chamber to the inside of said wall, said means also affording a communication between said chamber and the outside of the garment, another communication between the chamber and the inside of the garment, and a valve associated with each of said communications and operable upon compression and de-compression of said chamber, one valve permitting passage of air only into the chamber, the other valve permitting passage of air only out of said chamber.

'7. The combination with a garment, of a resilient compressible chamber in association with a wall thereof, fastening means securing said chamber to the inside of said wall, said means also affording a communication between said chamber and the outside of the garment, another communication between the chamber and the inside of the garment, and a valve associated with each of said communications and operable upon compression and de-compression of said chamber, one valve permitting passage of air only into the chamber, the other valve permitting passage of air only out of said chamber, said inner communication comprising a tube provided with a yieldable normally collapsed portion adapted to distend under the pressure of air forced or drawn through said tube.

8. The combination with a garment, of a resilient compressible chamber in association with a wall thereof, a communication between said chamber and the outside of the garment, another communication between said chamber and the inside of the garment, and a valve associated with each of said communications and operable upon compression and tie-compression of said chamber, one valve permitting passage of air only into the chamber, the other valve permitting passage of air only out of said chamber, said inner communication comprising a tube provided with a yieldable normally collapsed portion adapted to distend under the pressure of air forced or drawn through said tube.

9. The combination with the elements set forth in claim 1, of means associated with the chamber for yieldably urging it into ole-compressed condition.

10. The combination with the elements set forth in claim 1, of means associated with the chamber for yieldably urging it into de-compressed condition, said means comprising a compression spring within the chamber.

11. The combination with the elements set forth in claim 1, of means associated with the chamber for yieldably urging it into de-compressed condition, said means comprising'a bendable springy finger on the inside of the chamber extending between opposite wall portions thereof.

ALVIN H. COHEN.

Images