WO2001001804A1 - Air permeable rain barrier comprising slanted capillary apertures - Google Patents
Air permeable rain barrier comprising slanted capillary apertures Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001001804A1 WO2001001804A1 PCT/US2000/018055 US0018055W WO0101804A1 WO 2001001804 A1 WO2001001804 A1 WO 2001001804A1 US 0018055 W US0018055 W US 0018055W WO 0101804 A1 WO0101804 A1 WO 0101804A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- film
- capillaries
- rain
- opening
- article according
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D3/00—Overgarments
- A41D3/02—Overcoats
- A41D3/04—Raincoats
Definitions
- Air permeable rain barrier comprising slanted capillary apertures
- the present invention relates to rain protection and rain barrier articles like raincoats, roof liners for buildings or tents and other protection covers intended to prevent entry of rainwater.
- the articles are provided with or by at least one breathable layer of a resilient, three dimensional web which consists of a liquid impervious polymeric film having apertures. These apertures form capillaries which are not perpendicular to the plane of the film but are disposed at an angle of less than 90° relative to the plane of the film and installed to retard entry of rain.
- rain barrier or protection articles there are other rain barrier or protection articles in which similar considerations can be applied.
- rain wear reusable or disposable
- Another usage for the articles according to the present invention would be protective covers against directional liquid exposure such as can be found in the agricultural field when spraying chemicals (fertilizer or other plant treatments).
- a further usage situation for the articles according to the present invention would be disposable outer liners for cars, cycles or shipment packages for example in the agricultural field or for the transportation industry.
- Rain barrier or protection articles satisfying the above objectives are of course already known in the form of water impermeable polymeric films. Such films have the benefit of not being directional i.e. the installation or usage thereof is independent of the direction from which water will impact. However they also suffer a tremendous drawback from causing an occlusion to airborne humidity such as water vapor but also other airborne materials such as dust particles. Conventionally the occlusion is accepted to achieve protection against rain water entry. Articles having water vapor transport characteristics such as Gore Tex (RT) or other microporous film materials are already well known.
- RT Gore Tex
- the intended benefit of the rain protection articles according to the present invention is the ability to allow water vapor and air to freely pass in and out through the barrier while the rain protection function is kept. It has now been found that this can be achieved by use of the principles disclosed in WO97/03818, WO97/03795 or US-A- 5.897.543 to design the special breathable rain barrier according to the present invention. It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide rain barrier articles which allow free air circulation through them while at the same time preventing or at least minimizing water transmission of water deposited primarily in a designated direction, such as rain. At the same time reapplication of known and proven manufacturing processes and equipment is desirable for economic reasons. Satisfying this objective as well as other benefits of the present invention will become readily apparent when considering the summary of the invention and the detailed description thereof.
- the present invention relates to airpermeable rain protection articles.
- Rain protection articles are those articles which are intended to protect a wearer or a thing against becoming wet from rain. Rain protection in this sense also provides protection from being exposed to chemicals or dirt conventionally contained in rain or chemicals contained in sprayed liquid having a designated direction (such as fertilizer or fungicides in agricultural use). Examples of rain protection articles are rain coats, roof liners and wall liners in construction, tents, car or packaging materials in the agricultural field or the transportation industry.
- the rain protection articles can be reusable for example in rain coats or disposable such as for example in rain protection capes. They can of course also be intended for longterm, permanent use such as roof liners or wall liners on buildings.
- the rain protection article according to the present invention has the particular benefit and characteristic of being airpermeable. Airpermeability is important for clothing but also for example in the building industry to allow for water vapor to escape through a roof or wall while still providing the rain protection performance.
- the present invention utilizes the phenomenon of rain water having a designated direction relative to the surface of the protection material.
- the rain protection article comprises a resilient three dimensional layer which has a first and a second surface.
- the second surface is that which is exposed to rain while the article is used for rain protection.
- the layer consists of a liquid impervious polymeric film with apertures which are formed by capillaries.
- the capillaries allow the free air exchange between the first and the second surface of the liquid impervious film.
- the capillaries have side walls which extend away from the second surface of the film and the capillaries have a first opening in the first surface of the film and a second opening at the end of the capillary which is spaced apart from the second surface of the film.
- the capillaries extend away from the second surface of the film at an angle which is less than 90° relative to the plain of the film and the angle points the capillaries away from that direction from where rain falls during usage of the rain protection article.
- all capillaries in the film are substantially identical and preferably homogeneously distributed across the film.
- the angle at which the capillaries extend away from the second surface of the film is preferably between 85 ° and 20°, more preferably between 65 ° and 25° and most preferably between 55° and 30°.
- the shape of the capillaries is most preferably such that they form cones in which the opening in the first surface of the film is larger than at the end of the capillaries. In an alternative embodiment or in combination with the cones the capillaries can be curved so as to direct the second opening again towards the second surface of the film.
- the open area for conducting air through the film should provide a effective airpermeability.
- the first opening of the capillaries measured within the plain of the film has been found to be preferably in the range between 1-20 mm 2 , preferably 3-10 mm 2 and most preferably 5-8 mm 2 .
- the film material alone can most preferably be used as roof liner or for disposable rain coats or capes.
- a combination with other layers such as non wovens or woven material has been found more appealing since the direct skin contact (even with small areas of polymeric film) often causes the sensation of sweatiness.
- the film material is microporous as starting material so as to allow at least water vapor transport in regions where no apertures are present, thus combining the benefits of air permeability with water vapor permeability while maintaining rain protection.
- Figure 1 shows a photocopy representation of the first surface of a film useful in the articles according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 shows a photocopy representation of the second surface of the film useful in articles according to the present invention.
- FIGS 3 through 7 show particular alternative embodiments of the capillaries used for the film useful in articles according to the present invention.
- suitable airpermeable rain coats comprise a resilient three dimensional layer which consists of a liquid impervious film which has apertures and is air permeable.
- the film is oriented such that it retards or prevents rain dropes and water running down on the rain coat from passing towards the inside while allowing free air flow through it.
- any additional layer of the rain coat needs to provide at least air permeability in order to improve the comfort benefit from the breathability of the article.
- suitable water vapour and air permeable layers include two- dimensional micro- or macro-apertured films, which can also be micro-or macroscopically expended films, formed apertured films and monolithic films, as well as nonwovens, or wovens.
- Such films and film materials are disclosed in detail e.g. in EPO 293 482 and the references therein, or US 3, 929,135, US 4 637 819 and US 4 591 523.
- the film layer according to the present invention provides air and water vapour permeability by being apertured.
- this layer is made in accordance with the aforementioned US-A-5,591 ,510 or PCT WO- 97/03818, WO-97/03795.
- this layer comprises a polymeric film indicated in figure 1 and 2 as layer (55), having capillaries (54).
- the capillaries extend away from the second surface of film (55) at an angle which is less then 90 degrees.
- FIG 3 through 7 alternative embodiments of such capillaries are shown.
- the capillaries are evenly distributed across the entire surface of the layer, and are all identical.
- articles having only certain regions provided with apertures could be provided with a film in which only selected regions have capillaries according to the present invention or with an additional impermeable layer in regions where permeability is not desired.
- a polymeric film such as a polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE or laminates thereof) is heated close to its melting point and exposed through a forming screen to a suction force which pulls those areas exposed to the force into the forming apertures which are shaped such that the film is formed into that shape and, when the suction force is high enough, the film breaks at its end thereby forming an aperture through the film.
- Other film materials include PVC, polypropylene, polyesthers, polyethers, polyvinyl alcohols and other such as monolithic polymer film e.g. Hytrel TM film from DuPont, Corporation, USA. Films can also be treated to have an increased water repellency e.g. by Teflon TM, silicone, or other fluoride coatings or by residue integrated hydrophobicity increasing compounds such as fluoro carbons.
- the apertures (53) form capillaries (54) which have side walls (56).
- the capillaries extend away from the wearer facing surface of the film (55) for a length which typically should be at least in the order of magnitude of the largest diameter of the aperture while this distance can reach up to several times the largest aperture diameter.
- the capillaries have a first opening (57) in the plane of the first surface of the film (55) and a second opening (58) which is the opening formed when the suction force (such as a vacuum) in the above mentioned process creates the aperture.
- the edge of the second opening (58) may be rugged or uneven, comprising loose elements (70) extending from the edge of the opening as shown in Fig. 2 and 3.
- the opening it is preferred that the opening be as smooth as possible so as not to create a capillary liquid transport force between the extending elements at the end of the second opening (58) and the capillary (54) aperture (53).
- the first opening has a center point (157) and the second opening also has a center point (158).
- These center points for non-circular openings are the area center points of the respective opening area.
- a center axis (60) is defined.
- This center axis (60) forms an angle (59) with the plain of the film which is the same plain as the first surface of the film (55). This angle should be preferably in the range between 85 and 20 degrees, more preferably between 65 degrees and 25 degrees, and most preferably between 55 and 30 degrees.
- the capillaries can take the shape of a funnel such that the second opening (58) is (substantially) smaller than the first opening (57) when considering the opening size in a plain perpendicular to the center axis (60).
- FIG 3. In figure 5 another embodiment of the capillaries useful for the present invention is shown which is curved along its length towards the second surface of the film (55).
- FIG 6 another preferred embodiment of a capillary according to the present invention is shown which has a first portion (257) and a second portion (258).
- the first portion (257) of the capillary is different in direction than the second portion (258) of the capillary (54).
- This difference can also be in shape, size, and form of the portions of the capillary in order to achieve the desired level of airpermeability while preventing liquid passage through the film.
- Such an example is shown in figure 7.
- the second opening in accordance with the present invention, has to be directed away form the incident direction of rain.
- the capillaries according to the present invention in the film layer of the breathable backsheet allow air and water vapour permeability which is not hindered by them being slanted at an angle or by the shape as indicated above.
- the slanting and shaping according to the present invention will prevent or hinder liquid transport through the capillaries towards the inside of the article due to gravitational force.
- the polyethylene film shown in figures 1 and 2 was used to compare the rain resistance relative to an umbrella nylon fabric.
- the test is conducted in accordance with ASTM D3379 which is the standard test method for rain wear.
- the test was conducted using a water resistance rain tester 35-1994 as a standard instrument developed by the American Association of Textile Chemist and Colorist (AATCC). This instrument is also used to investigate umbrella fabrics which are however usually tested according to ASGM D4112 as the standard test setup.
- the instrument measures the resistance of a fabric or combination of fabrics to the penetration of water by impact to predict the rain penetration (or lack thereof).
- the water penetration is indicated by the increase in weight of water penetrating through the test fabric.
- the test is performed at different head pressures (rain strength) short shower: 30 seconds from 60 mm height usual rain: 2 minutes from 60 mm height rain storm: 5 minutes from 950 mm height.
- the rain protection article can be used beneficially in the context of rain coats, roof barriers and all the other articles mentioned supra. It is therefore apparent to the skilled person that the respective rain barrier article should also have all those features and parts which are typical for products in the context of their intended use.
- the capillaries extend from the first surface of the film.
- the capillaries also allow free air circulation and extend from the first surface at an angle of less than 90° measured from the plain of the film.
- the angle needs to direct the capillaries in an upward direction i.e., substantially against the gravitational force vector.
- the capillaries are such that the opening in the second surface, which is exposed to rain is not larger than the opening at the end of the capillaries in order to prevent a capillary pumping surge action directed against gravitational forces.
- the capillaries when extending from the first surface are on the inside of the rain protection article. Thereby any internal squeezing of the film surface causes the capillaries to temporarily collapse and close. Especially for rain coats or caps this allows to provide the whole article with capillaries e.g. under arms or on shoulders. It also provides a smooth outside which is appealing and the loose elements pointing to the inside reduce/prevent the appearance and sensation of plain plastic film touching the skin (for articles without inner liner) which is otherwise known to cause rejection of polymeric film garments.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU57816/00A AU5781600A (en) | 1999-07-03 | 2000-06-30 | Air permeable rain barrier comprising slanted capillary apertures |
EP00943331A EP1196051A1 (en) | 1999-07-03 | 2000-06-30 | Air permeable rain barrier comprising slanted capillary apertures |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99112868.7 | 1999-07-03 | ||
EP99112868A EP1066764A1 (en) | 1999-07-03 | 1999-07-03 | Air permeable rain barrier comprising slanted capillary apertures |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001001804A1 true WO2001001804A1 (en) | 2001-01-11 |
Family
ID=8238503
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/018055 WO2001001804A1 (en) | 1999-07-03 | 2000-06-30 | Air permeable rain barrier comprising slanted capillary apertures |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP1066764A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU5781600A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001001804A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2401302A (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2004-11-10 | Dewhirst Group Ltd | Tailored apparel with moisture management |
US10391736B2 (en) * | 2013-06-11 | 2019-08-27 | Chen-Cheng Huang | Breathable and waterproof composite fabric and a method of making the same |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE657775C (en) * | 1938-03-12 | Degea Akt Ges Auergesellschaft | Electrical protective suit | |
DE929001C (en) * | 1953-05-27 | 1955-06-16 | Hans Klepper | Outer clothing made of water-permeable fabric |
US3703432A (en) * | 1970-11-18 | 1972-11-21 | John T Koski | Rainproof ventilated plastic sheet material for rainwear and method of making same |
DE9318838U1 (en) * | 1993-12-08 | 1994-02-10 | George, Siegfried, Dr., 35435 Wettenberg | Raincoat that is permeable to air, but impermeable to water |
WO1997003818A1 (en) * | 1995-07-24 | 1997-02-06 | Tredegar Industries, Inc. | Film with angled capillaries |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3929135A (en) | 1974-12-20 | 1975-12-30 | Procter & Gamble | Absorptive structure having tapered capillaries |
US4151240A (en) | 1976-10-19 | 1979-04-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for debossing and perforating a running ribbon of thermoplastic film |
US4319868A (en) | 1978-12-07 | 1982-03-16 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Apparatus for embossing and perforating a running ribbon of thermoplastic film on a metallic pattern roll |
US4324426A (en) | 1980-03-10 | 1982-04-13 | Transportation Security, Inc. | Lock-protecting hasp |
US4343314A (en) | 1980-08-11 | 1982-08-10 | Bohumir Sramek | Non-invasive real time blood pressure measurement system |
US4695422A (en) | 1984-02-16 | 1987-09-22 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Production of formed material by solid-state formation with a high-pressure liquid stream |
US4609518A (en) | 1985-05-31 | 1986-09-02 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Multi-phase process for debossing and perforating a polymeric web to coincide with the image of one or more three-dimensional forming structures |
US4591523A (en) | 1985-05-31 | 1986-05-27 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Apertured macroscopically expanded three-dimensional polymeric web exhibiting breatheability and resistance to fluid transmission |
US4637819A (en) | 1985-05-31 | 1987-01-20 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Macroscopically expanded three-dimensional polymeric web for transmitting both dynamically deposited and statically contacted fluids from one surface to the other |
US4629643A (en) | 1985-05-31 | 1986-12-16 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Microapertured polymeric web exhibiting soft and silky tactile impression |
JPS63135569A (en) | 1986-11-18 | 1988-06-07 | 三井東圧化学株式会社 | Air permeable waterproof nonwoven fabric |
US5562932A (en) | 1994-06-14 | 1996-10-08 | Tredegar Industries, Inc. | Screen for producing a perforated film |
US5591510A (en) | 1994-06-14 | 1997-01-07 | Tredegar Industries, Inc. | Layered fabric material having angled capillaries |
US5897543A (en) | 1994-06-14 | 1999-04-27 | Tredegar Industries, Inc. | Film |
DE69512067T2 (en) | 1994-06-30 | 2000-04-27 | The Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati | LIQUID-CONDUCTIVE FABRIC WITH SURFACE ENERGY RADIENTS |
TW304178B (en) | 1994-09-28 | 1997-05-01 | Grace W R & Co |
-
1999
- 1999-07-03 EP EP99112868A patent/EP1066764A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2000
- 2000-06-30 WO PCT/US2000/018055 patent/WO2001001804A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-06-30 EP EP00943331A patent/EP1196051A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-06-30 AU AU57816/00A patent/AU5781600A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE657775C (en) * | 1938-03-12 | Degea Akt Ges Auergesellschaft | Electrical protective suit | |
DE929001C (en) * | 1953-05-27 | 1955-06-16 | Hans Klepper | Outer clothing made of water-permeable fabric |
US3703432A (en) * | 1970-11-18 | 1972-11-21 | John T Koski | Rainproof ventilated plastic sheet material for rainwear and method of making same |
DE9318838U1 (en) * | 1993-12-08 | 1994-02-10 | George, Siegfried, Dr., 35435 Wettenberg | Raincoat that is permeable to air, but impermeable to water |
WO1997003818A1 (en) * | 1995-07-24 | 1997-02-06 | Tredegar Industries, Inc. | Film with angled capillaries |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU5781600A (en) | 2001-01-22 |
EP1066764A1 (en) | 2001-01-10 |
EP1196051A1 (en) | 2002-04-17 |
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