US2390462A - Fabric construction - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 4, 1945. G; w. ROSENBERG FABRIC CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 25, 1942 2 SheetsSheet l 4, 1945. s w. ROSENBERG FABRIC CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 25, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I/lll/l/l 7/4 7 7 u i of Fig. 4;

Patented Dec. 4, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,390,462

FABRIC CONSTRUCTION Gordon W. Rosenberg, Elkins Park, Pa. Application February 25, 1942, Serial No. 432,338

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a novel multi-part fabric construction by means of which two fabric'fparts or members may be secured together 3 without the aid of auxiliary securing devices.

The invention, while not limited to any specific use, is especially applicable to garment constructions and when so employed is adapted for a wide variety of uses, both military and civilian, as set forth hereinafter.

The principal object of the invention, therefore, isto provide a novel fabric construction of the above-mentioned character.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel joint structure in a multi-part fabric construction.

i A further object of the invention is to provide a garment construction comprising at least two separable sections and embodying novel means for detachably securing said sections together.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a garment construction of this character which is extremely simple in design and may be constructed very economically, and which is also extremely simple from the standpoint of use or convenience and is adjustable as to height of the wearer.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a garment construction of this character, which, by virtue of its simplicity and other structural features, is well adapted for specialized military uses, such as gas protection.

Other objects and features of the invention will be apparent hereinafter.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates a garment constructed according to the invention, as applied to the body of a user;

Fig. 2 shows the various separabl sections of the garment in the specific form illustrated;

. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view of the main sections just prior to their being secured together by the novel means provided by the invention; Fig. 4 is a similar view showing the sections in associated relation;

Fig. 5 isa sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--G ns applied to sleeve and glove sections of a garment; I

Fig. 10 shows the same sections after they have been secured together;

Fig. 11 isa sectional view taken ll-|I of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a along line further form of the invention;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of two garment sections constructed according to a still further form of the invention; and

Fig. 14 is a similar view showing the sections secured together.

around such body, and if the circumferential dimension of the band is not greater than the circumferential dimension of the body by more than twice the width of the band, then the band cannot be inverted while on the body except by stretching it (if elastic) or by rolling it over'itself. This can readily be understood by imagining a circular band of the above-mentioned character placed about a rigid cylinder. Thus the band, by virtue of its semi-rigid nature, will tend to maintain its original position and will resist turning.

According to the present invention, this principle is utilized to secure two fabric members together. A semi-rigid band of predetermined circumferential dimension is provided at the edge of each member, and the two bands placed in juxtaposed relation about a body and are rolled or turned simultaneously. If the dimension of each band is related to the circumference of the body as above-mentionedthe bands become interlocked in a self-sustaining joint which maintains the fabric members together until they ar forceably separated. With the foregoing explanation in view, reference may now be had to the accompanying drawings.

Referring first to Figs. land 2, there is illustrated a multi-part garment constructed according to the invention and comprising at least a blouse section I and a trouser section 2 which are adapted to be secured together in the manner above-mentioned. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 these two sections have. detachable gloves or removably attached to the blousejsection inany suitable manner. The helmet is provided with a transparent portion 6 to accommodate the eyes: I

of the wearer. For ordinary usage the portion 6 may be an opening through which the wearer may see and breathe. such as gas protection, the hel'me'tma'y be suitably equipped, for example it may comprise a gas.

mask. y

The blouse section is adapted to be slipped'over the head and shoulders of the wearer, and it is of sufficfently large circumferential dimension to permit this. For the same reason the blouse section is substantially uniform-in circumferential .dimension from the, shoulder to the waist.

The trouser section 2 is adapted to be slipped onto the lower part of the users body with a maximum of ease and, therefore, this section is also sufficiently large in circumferential dimension for this purpose.

Both sections of the garment may be formed of anysuitable material and they are of very plain construction with a minimum of seams and are entirely free of pleats, flaps; buttons, etc.

In accordance with thepresent invention, both of the sections 1' and 2, are extended at the Waist portion, and preferably each section is extended at least 6 inches beyond the normal waist line. Each section'is provided at the edge'of the waist portion with a semi-rigid band 1 and 8, and the relative circumferential dimensions of the two sections. are such that the edge portion of one may be inserted in the edgeportion of the other. Preferably the waist portion of the blouse section is slightly larger in circumferential dimension than the waist portion of the trouser section, asillustrated in Fig. 2.

The band of each section may comprise a separate piece attached to the garment section but itis preferably formed by folding the edge portion of the garment section, as shown in Fig. 5, and by providing rows of heavy stitching 9 to impart the desired degree of stilfness to the band. Any other means of imparting a semi-rigid stiffness to the band may be used, such as the use of an insert of stiff fabric, hair cloth, whale bone or even wire inserts. Although each band may be continuous, it is preferred to interrupt the band at one or more places as shown at 10, H and [2 of Fig. 2 in order that the band may be adjusted in relation to the size of the wearers waist. In the illustration of Fig. 2,'the'-portions 10, II and 1.2 are parts of the garment proper and the band sections 1 and 8 are provided with hook and eye fasteners indicated generally at I3, in order that the band sections may be brought together, as shown in Fig. 3. However, any suitable means for adjusting the size of each band may be employed. For example, portions In, H and I2 may comprise elastic sections adapted to adjust each band automatically'to the waist of the wearer. As shown in Fig. 5, the band l-is preferabl formed "by folding the material inward, while the band 3 is formed by folding the material outward. The reason for this will appear shortly;

However, for special purposes Assuming that the two garment sections l and 2 have been placed on the wearers body, the

wearer proceeds as follows to adjust and secure the sections together. The band 8 is first reduced in size, assuming that the particular adjusting means employed requires manual manipulation, ,so that the band is related to the circumferential dimension of the wearers waist as described above. Theband I is then placed over band 8 as shown in Figs. 4 and 6, and band I, is likewise adjusted. With one band inserted within the other and with the two in juxtaposed relation as in Figs. 4 and 6, the two bands are simultanously turned or inverted as shown in Figs. 7 and 8; Fig. 7 shows the bands and adjacent portions of the garment sections after one inversion has been made, while Fig. 8 shows the parts after two inver sionshavebeen made. By reason of the semi-rigid nature of the two bands, this folding process may be easily performed. By providing two or more folds, the garment sections may be securely interlocked and they will remain secured together by virtue of the resistance of the bands to turning as previously described. As shownin Figs. 6 to 8,

the edge portions of the, garments containing; the

bands are, preferably rotated or folded in such direction that the fold on the outside of the garment is downward. This enables water to run down the outside of the garment without lodging in the folded joint.

It is important to note that the folded joint pro.- vided by this construction, as shown in, 8, provides a tight seal and also provides small spaces I4 within which air is trapped, thus, pro viding a sort of air seal entirely aroundthe, waist of the wearer. The joint may comprise as'many folds as are necessar to adapt; thegarmentto the height ofthe particular wearer and. ofcourse, the greater the number of folds, the greater will be the sealing effect. This featureis, important in certain usages of the garment.

boot sections, as shown in Fig. 2, these. sections ma be joined to the main sections in the same manner as-described'above. I

The joint structure is capable of various modifications. For example, only one of the-bands need be semi-rigid, althoughit is preferred to have them bothof this character :as it gives'a bet.- ter joint. Either or both of the bandsrmay-be circumferentially elastic, in whole as Well asin part, and in such case the tension or stretch of the band on the outer side, against the, inner band, will tend to keep them interlocked;

Where no elastic means of circumferential adjustment is provided, the portions lfi, II and 12 are purposely made flexible so that when the juxtaposed bands are folded over, the one on the inner side can adjust automatically to aslightly shorter length than the outer one, and thusavoid binding, each band in turn adjusting itself as they are folded over.

Portions 10, H and I2 could'beomitte'd'entirely.

. leaving spaces instead, in' one or'both of the bands. One or both of the bands wouldthen be fragmentary but none-the-less usable accordin to the invention.

From the foregoing description, it may be seen that the garment construction providedby' the invention is capable of a wide variety of uses, but it is particularly adapted for military: uses. From the standpoint of civilian use, the novel securing means may be employed in any instance where it is desired to secure two sections; of a garment together. However, the garment noonstruction as a whole is particularly adapted for weather-resistant uses. For example such a garment is admirably suited for use as a skiing, garment.

In respect to military use, the garment construction is particularly adapted for use by aviators, ski troops, etc., and it is especially well suited for gas decontamination workers. In the latter case the garment may be constructed of gas-proof material of any known type. Because of its simplicity of construction, the garment lends itself very well to this usage. Moreover, the novel means for securing the garment sections together provides a sealed joint, as pointed out above, which is an important feature from a standpoint of gas protection, and at the same time may be readily removed.

Although. the invention is particularly adapted for use in a garment, it is applicable to other uses wherein tubular fabric parts are used. For example, it could be applied to tarpaulin covers for cylindrical objects such as plane motors, dufiie bag covers, canvas air duct hose, etc.

In Figs. 9 to 11, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention, and although it is illustrated as applied to sleeveand glove sections I and I6 of a garment, it is equally well adapted for securing together any such fabric sections.

flap I9 is adapted to retain the folded portions,

thus further assuring that the interlocking relation will be retained as long as desired. As may be seen from Fig. 11, it is only necessary to insert the upper part of the fold under the flap I9.

Preferably the band I! is provided on a separate piece 20, and the flap l9is formed by folding a portion of section 15, as shown in Fig. 11. It is then possible to use an inserted strip 2| within flap l9 to stifien the same. If desired a similar flap could be used in conjunction with piece 22, and the two flaps would then hold both of the interfolded bands in place. By forming at least a portion of sections 20 and 22 of material which is elastic in width,'and if desired in circumference also, the folded joint may be caused to fit even more snugly under flap I9. It is also possible to employ fastening means to secure the edge of the flap to the folded joint after the parts have been fully assembled.

In Fig. 12, there is shown a further embodiment of the edge portions of two fabric sections 23 and 24, having bands 25 and 26 respectively. In this instance a piece of felt 21 or the like is stitched to band 25 and lies along the one side of section 23. When the edge portions are When the edge portions are interfolded as above described to interlock the sec tions together, the soft material 21 fills the spaces or interstices within the joint, making the joint even more secure and providing a tighter seal. This feature is particularly desirable where the joined sections are constructed of fairly stiff material, and the joint would not normally be as tight as is desired.

In Figs. 13 and 14, there is shown a further form of the joint structure in which fabric sections 28 and 29 are provided with complementary bands 30 and 3| of equal circumferential length. In this instance, the bands are disposed in edgeto-edge relation, as shown in Fig. 13, and they are then folded to obtain the joint of Fig. 14. If desired, a flap 32 may be provided on one section for the purpose previously described.

Thus, it will be seen that the invention pro- ,vides a construction whicn is capable of various modifications and is adapted for a wide variety of uses. It will be understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to the specific forms illustrated nor to any particular use.

I claim:

1. A garment construction comprising at least two separable sections adapted to envelope adjacent parts of a wearers body, said sections naving complementary edge portions adapted for disposition one within the other, a semi-rigid band on each of said edge portions for detachably securing said sections together by foldably interlocking said portions, and a flap on at least one of said sections in predetermined spaced relation to the band thereon and adapted to retain the folded portions in place, at least a portion of the interlocking edge portions being formed of material which is elastic transversely of the circumferential joint, whereby a tighter seal is imparted to the joint.

2. A fabric construction adapted to enclose a body and comprising tubular", flexible, fabric members having their end portions telescopically interfitted, at least one of said members having a part of its end portion relatively stifier than the flexible fabric of said members and being of such resiliency as to be capable of folding simultaneously with and within the fabric of said members, said interfitted end portions being jointly folded with and within the fabric of said members whereby to form a separable joint between said members, said relatively stiffer end portion defining a flat core member which facilitates folding, and said core member having a circumferential dimension greater than that of the body enclosed within said members by less than twice the width ofthe core member, whereby the joint is substantially incapable of unfolding and said core inhibits unfolding of the joint under longitudinal stress and independently of the body enclosed within said members.

GORDON W. ROSENBERG.

Images