U.S. patent application number 13/119358 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-01 for waterproof sound-permeable hood.
This patent application is currently assigned to JAPAN GORE-TEX INC.. Invention is credited to Ichiro Komada, Sanae Mannami, Masashi Ono.
Application Number | 20110209265 13/119358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42039458 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110209265 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Komada; Ichiro ; et
al. |
September 1, 2011 |
Waterproof Sound-Permeable Hood
Abstract
It is an object of the present invention to provide a waterproof
sound-permeable hood having excellent waterproofness and excellent
sound permeability. The waterproof sound-permeable hood of the
present invention is formed of a waterproof material, which hood
includes a waterproof sound-permeable means provided on at least
one of portions respectively facing to the ears of a wearer who
wears the waterproof material, wherein the waterproof
sound-permeable means includes a waterproof sound-permeable
membrane having a sound-transmission loss of not greater than 5
db.
Inventors: |
Komada; Ichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Mannami; Sanae; (Tokyo, JP) ; Ono;
Masashi; (Tokyo, JP) |
Assignee: |
JAPAN GORE-TEX INC.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
42039458 |
Appl. No.: |
13/119358 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
September 3, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/065421 |
371 Date: |
May 11, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/202 ;
2/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/048 20130101;
A41D 2200/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/202 ;
2/205 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/04 20060101
A42B001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 17, 2008 |
JP |
2008-238484 |
Claims
1. A waterproof sound-permeable hood formed of a waterproof
material, which hood comprises a waterproof sound-permeable means
provided on at least one of portions respectively facing to the
ears of a wearer who wears the waterproof material, wherein the
waterproof sound-permeable means comprises a waterproof
sound-permeable membrane having a sound-transmission loss of not
greater than 5 db.
2. The waterproof sound-permeable hood according to claim 1,
wherein the waterproof sound-permeable membrane comprises at least
one porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer.
3. The waterproof sound-permeable hood according to claim 1,
wherein the waterproof sound-permeable means comprises at least one
protective layer to protect the waterproof sound-permeable
membrane.
4. The waterproof sound-permeable hood according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one protective layer is firmly attached to the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane.
5. The waterproof sound-permeable hood according to claim 1,
wherein the waterproof sound-permeable means comprises a holing
member having a cylindrical swaging part and a holding part formed
on one end of the cylindrical swaging part and wherein the holding
member holds the waterproof sound-permeable membrane in the holding
part and is fixed to the waterproof material by the cylindrical
swaging part.
6. The waterproof sound-permeable hood according to claim 5,
wherein the holding member has a gap between the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane and the holding part, which gap is sealed
with a sealing member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a waterproof
sound-permeable hood having excellent waterproofness and excellent
sound permeability.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, rainwears to be used in daily life or for
work, such as raincoats and rain jackets, are each provided with a
waterproof hood for preventing the head of a wearer from becoming
wet with raindrops or the like. Such a waterproof hood is formed of
a waterproof material such as a waterproof fabric or a waterproof
sheet. However, when a hole or break occurs in the waterproof
material by, for example, abrasion while wearing or stress during
washing, the waterproofness of the waterproof hood becomes lost.
Therefore, in view of improving the durability against, for
example, abrasion while wearing, a material obtained by the
waterproof treatment of a relatively thick fabric of polyamide,
polyester, or any other resin is often used as a waterproof
material forming a waterproof hood.
[0003] In the meantime, a waterproof hood usually has such a
structure as to cover the head (the parietal region, the temporal
region, and the occipital region) of a wearer. Therefore, when a
waterproof hood is worn, the waterproof hood also covers both ears
of the wearer. In addition, as described above, a waterproof hood
is often formed of a relatively thick waterproof material. However,
such a waterproof hood formed of a relatively thick waterproof
material has a very low sound permeability. Therefore, when a
waterproof hood is worn, ambient sounds are difficult to hear,
which causes the following problems. For example, the wearer may
have difficulty in making a conversation while wearing the
waterproof hood. Alternatively, the wearer may miss an alarm from a
device or the like at a worksite.
[0004] Thus, to improve sound permeability during wearing, various
proposals have been made for waterproof hoods having openings in
positions respectively corresponding to the ears of a wearer (e.g.,
Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, the waterproof hoods disclosed
in Patent Documents 1 and 2 had a problem that raindrops infiltrate
through the openings.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
Patent Documents
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration
Publication No. 3054521
[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No.
2002-275723
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] The present invention was completed in view of the above
problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a
waterproof sound-permeable hood having excellent waterproofness and
excellent sound permeability.
Means of Solving the Problems
[0008] The waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present
invention, which can solve the above problems, is formed of a
waterproof material, which hood comprises a waterproof
sound-permeable means provided on at least one of portions
respectively facing to the ears of a wearer who wears the
waterproof material, wherein the waterproof sound-permeable means
comprises a waterproof sound-permeable membrane having a
sound-transmission loss of not greater than 5 db. The use of a
waterproof sound-permeable membrane having a sound-transmission
loss of not greater than 5 db as the waterproof sound-permeable
means makes it possible to improve the waterproofness of a
waterproof sound-permeable hood without deteriorating the sound
permeability of the waterproof sound-permeable hood.
[0009] As the waterproof sound-permeable membrane, there may be
preferred those which have at least one porous
polytetrafluoroethylene layer. In addition, as the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane, there can also be used those which are
obtained by the water-repellant treatment of nonwoven fabrics,
meshes, and any other materials so as to have waterproofness.
[0010] The waterproof sound-permeable means may preferably have at
least one protective layer to protect the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane. In addition, the at least one protective
layer may preferably be firmly attached to the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane.
[0011] In the waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present
invention, one embodiment may be preferred in which the waterproof
sound-permeable means comprises a holing member having a
cylindrical swaging part and a holding part formed on one end of
the cylindrical swaging part and wherein the holding member holds
the waterproof sound-permeable membrane in the holding part and is
fixed to the waterproof material by the cylindrical swaging part.
The holding member may preferably have a gap between the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane and the holding part, which gap is sealed
with a sealing member.
EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to the present invention, a waterproof
sound-permeable hood having excellent waterproofness and excellent
sound permeability can be obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of
the waterproof sound-permeable hood, of which waterproof
sound-permeable means has a holding member.
[0014] FIG. 2 This is a side view of the waterproof hood shown in
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 This is a sectional view of the holding member.
[0016] FIG. 4 This is a perspective view of the holding member.
[0017] FIG. 5 This is a sectional view of the holding member fixed
to the waterproof material.
[0018] FIG. 6 This is a perspective view showing another embodiment
of the waterproof sound-permeable hood, of which waterproof
sound-permeable means does not have a holding member.
[0019] FIG. 7 This is a side view of the waterproof sound-permeable
hood shown in FIG. 6.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0020] The following will describe one embodiment of the waterproof
sound-permeable hood of the present invention by reference to the
drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of
the waterproof sound-permeable hood, of which waterproof
sound-permeable means has a holding member. FIG. 2 is a side view
of the waterproof sound-permeable hood shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waterproof sound-permeable
hood of the present invention is formed of a waterproof material,
which hood comprises a waterproof sound-permeable means provided on
at least one of portions respectively facing to the ears of a
wearer who wear the waterproof material, wherein the waterproof
sound-permeable means comprises a waterproof sound-permeable
membrane having a sound-transmission loss of not greater than 5
db.
Waterproof Sound-Permeable Means
[0022] The waterproof sound-permeable means to be used in the
present invention is not particularly limited, so long as the
waterproof sound-permeable means has a waterproof sound-permeable
membrane having a sound-transmission loss of not greater than 5 db.
As the embodiment of the waterproof sound-permeable means to be
used in the present invention, there can be mentioned an embodiment
in which the waterproof sound-permeable means is formed only of a
waterproof sound-permeable membrane; an embodiment in which the
waterproof sound-permeable means is formed of a waterproof
sound-permeable membrane and a protective layer to protect the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane; and an embodiment in which the
waterproof sound-permeable means is formed of a waterproof
sound-permeable membrane and a holding member described later.
Waterproof Sound-Permeable Membrane
[0023] The following will describe a waterproof sound-permeable
membrane having a sound-transmission loss of not greater than 5 db,
which membrane is used for the waterproof sound-permeable means
(the membrane may hereinafter be referred to simply as a
"waterproof sound-permeable membrane").
[0024] The waterproof sound-permeable membrane has a
sound-transmission loss of not greater than 5 db, preferably not
greater than 3 db, and more preferably not greater than 1 db. When
the sound-transmission loss is greater than 5 db, the waterproof
sound-permeable means has an increased sound-transmission loss, and
therefore, a waterproof sound-permeable hood having excellent sound
permeability cannot be obtained. The lower limit of the
sound-transmission loss of the waterproof sound-permeable membrane
is not particularly limited, but is, of course, greater than 0 db.
There will be described later about the method of measuring the
sound-transmission loss of the waterproof sound-permeable membrane
in the present invention.
[0025] The mass per unit area of the waterproof sound-permeable
membrane, for example, when a single-layer membrane of porous
polytetrafluoroethylene as described later is used as the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane, may preferably be not smaller
than 0.5 g/m.sup.2, more preferably not smaller than 1.0 g/m.sup.2,
and still more preferably not smaller than 2.0 g/m.sup.2, but may
preferably be not greater than 20 g/m.sup.2, more preferably not
greater than 10 g/m.sup.2, and still more preferably not greater
than 5 g/m.sup.2. When the mass per unit area of the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane is smaller than 0.5 g/m.sup.2, a problem
may arise with handleability during the production of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane. When the mass per unit area of
the waterproof sound-permeable membrane is greater than 20
g/m.sup.2, the sound permeability of the waterproof sound-permeable
means has a tendency to be decreased. The mass per unit area of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane is determined by, for example,
cutting the waterproof sound-permeable membrane into a 10 cm square
and measuring the mass of the square with a precision balance.
[0026] The thickness of the waterproof sound-permeable membrane may
preferably be not smaller than 3 .mu.m, more preferably not smaller
than 4 .mu.m, and still more preferably not smaller than 5 .mu.m,
but may preferably be not greater than 150 .mu.m, more preferably
not greater than 33 .mu.m, and still more preferably not greater
than 10 .mu.m. When the thickness of the waterproof sound-permeable
membrane is smaller than 3 .mu.m, a problem may arise with
handleability during the production of the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane. When the thickness of the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane is greater than 150 .mu.m, the sound
permeability of the waterproof sound-permeable means has a tendency
to be decreased. The measurement of the thickness of the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane is based on the average thickness measured
with a dial thickness gauge (the measurement of the average
thickness was carried out using a 1/1000 mm dial thickness gauge,
available from Teclock Corporation, in the state where no load was
applied other than the spring load of the gauge body).
[0027] The waterproof sound-permeable membrane is not particularly
limited, so long as the sound-transmission loss is not greater than
5 db, but may be a single-layer membrane or a multi-layer membrane
in which two or more layers are laminated. As the material forming
the waterproof sound-permeable membrane, there can be mentioned
many polymer materials including, for example, silicone rubber;
polyurethane; polyamide; polyester; polyolefin such as polyethylene
and polypropylene; and fluoropolymer. As the fluoropolymer, there
may be preferred, for example, polyfluorovinylidene (PVDF),
tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP),
tetrafluoroethylene-(perfluoroalkyl)vinyl ether copolymer (PFA),
and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In addition, as the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane, there can also be used those which are
obtained by the water-repellant treatment of nonwoven fabrics,
meshes, and any other materials so as to have waterproofness.
[0028] As the waterproof sound-permeable membrane to be used in the
present invention, there may be preferred those which have at least
one layer of porous polytetrafluoroethylene (which may hereinafter
be referred to as a "porous PTFE film"). In this case, as the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane, there can be used a
single-layer membrane formed only of a porous PTFE film layer, or a
multi-layer membrane in which a porous PTFE film layer is laminated
with a layer formed of another material. Among these, a
single-layer membrane formed only of a porous PTFE film layer may
be more preferred in view of the sound permeability of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane.
[0029] The porous PTFE film means one obtained by preparing a
shaped material from a paste obtained by mixing a fine powder of
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a forming aid; removing the
forming aid from the shaped material; and then stretching the
shaped material in planar form at high temperature and high speed,
and therefore, the porous PTFE film has a porous structure. That
is, the porous PTFE film is formed of nodes, which are aggregates
of polytetrafluoroethylene primary particles connected to one
another by minute crystal ribbons, and fibrils, which are bundles
of fully elongated crystal ribbons pulled out from the primary
particles. The spaces defined by the fibrils and the nodes
connecting the fibrils become pores. The porosity, the maximum pore
diameter, and any other properties, which are described later, of
the porous PTFE film can be controlled by stretch ratio and any
other factors.
[0030] The maximum pore diameter of the porous PTFE film may
preferably be not smaller than 0.01 more preferably not smaller
than 0.1 .mu.m, but may preferably be not greater than 15 .mu.m,
more preferably not greater than 10 .mu.m. When the maximum pore
diameter is smaller than 0.01 .mu.m, it is difficult to produce the
porous PTFE film. On the other hand, when the maximum pore diameter
is greater than 15 .mu.m, the waterproofness of the porous PTFE
film has a tendency to be decreased, and the strength of the film
also becomes decreased. Thus, it is likely to be difficult to
handle the porous PTFE film in the subsequent steps such as
lamination.
[0031] The porosity of the porous PTFE film may preferably be not
smaller than 50%, more preferably not smaller than 60%, but may
preferably be not greater than 98%, more preferably not greater
than 95%. When the porosity of the porous PTFE film is not smaller
than 50%, the sound permeability of the film can be ensured. When
the porosity of the porous PTFE film is not greater than 98%, the
strength of the film can be ensured.
[0032] The maximum pore diameter of the porous PTFE film is the
value measured in accordance with the requirements of ASTM F-316.
Using the apparent density (.rho.) measured in accordance with the
apparent density measurements of JIS K 6885, the porosity of the
porous PTFE film is determined by calculation with the following
formula, where the true density of the PTFE is regarded as being
2.2 g/cm.sup.3:
Porosity (%)=100.times.(2.2-.rho.)/2.2
[0033] The porous PTFE film may preferably have greater air
permeability. When expressed in the Gurley number, the air
permeability of the porous PTFE film may preferably be not greater
than 50 sec, more preferably not greater than 10 sec. When the air
permeability of the porous PTFE film is greater than 50 sec in the
Gurley number, the sound permeability of the porous PTFE film
becomes decreased. The air permeability (Gurley number) of the
porous PTFE film is measured based on JIS P 8117.
[0034] When the porous PTFE film is used, the surfaces inside the
pores of the porous PTFE film may preferably be coated with a
water- and oil-repellent polymer. The reason for this is as
follows. If contaminants, such as machine oils, beverages, and
laundry detergents, penetrate into, or are held in, the pores of
the porous PTFE film, the contaminants become a cause to reduce the
hydrophobicity of the porous PTFE film and to deteriorate the
waterproofness of the porous PTFE film. However, the coating of the
surfaces inside the pores of the porous PTFE film with a water- and
oil-repellent polymer (which may hereinafter be referred to as a
"coating polymer") makes it possible to prevent contaminants, such
as machine oils, beverages, and laundry detergents, from
penetrating into, or being held in, the pores of the porous PTFE
film.
[0035] As the coating polymer, there can be used, for example, a
polymer having fluorine-containing side chains. The details of such
a polymer and a method for the combined use of the polymer in the
porous PTFE film are disclosed in WO 94/22928 and other
publications. An example thereof is shown below.
[0036] As the coating polymer, there can preferably be used a
polymer having fluorine-containing side chains (the fluorinated
alkyl moiety thereof may preferably have from 6 to 16 carbon
atoms), the polymer being obtained by polymerizing a fluoroalkyl
acrylate and/or a fluoroalkyl methacrylate, represented by the
following general formula (1):
##STR00001##
wherein n is an integer of from 3 to 13 and R is hydrogen or a
methyl group.
[0037] To coat the inside of the pores of the porous PTFE film with
the polymer, an aqueous micro-emulsion of the polymer (having an
average particle diameter of from 0.01 .mu.m to 0.5 .mu.m) is
prepared using a fluorine-containing surfactant (e.g., ammonium
perfluorooctanoate), and the inside of the pores of the porous PTFE
film is impregnated with the aqueous micro-emulsion, followed by
heating. As a result of the heating, the water and the
fluorine-containing surfactant are removed, and at the same time,
the polymer having fluorine-containing side chains is melted to
coat the surfaces inside the pores of the porous PTFE film such
that the continuous pores are maintained. Thus, a porous PTFE film
having high water repellency and high oil repellency can be
obtained.
[0038] Alternatively, as another coating polymer, there can be
used, for example, "AF Polymer" available from E. I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company, and "CYTOP (registered trademark)" available
from Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. To coat the surfaces inside the pores of
the porous PTFE film with each polymer, the polymer may be
dissolved in an inert solvent, such as "FLUORINERT (registered
trademark)" available from 3M Company, and the porous PTFE film may
be impregnated with the resulting solution, and then, the solvent
may be removed by evaporation.
Protective Layer
[0039] The waterproof sound-permeable means to be used in the
present invention may preferably have at least one protective layer
that protects the waterproof sound-permeable membrane. The
inclusion of a protective layer makes it possible to prevent an
external force from being applied to the waterproof sound-permeable
membrane when the waterproof sound-permeable hood is used, thereby
preventing the waterproof sound-permeable membrane from being
damaged. The waterproof sound-permeable means may preferably have a
protective layer on each side of the waterproof sound-permeable
means.
[0040] The protective layer is not particularly limited, so long as
the protective layer does not deteriorate the effect of the present
invention. As the protective layer, porous members, such as meshes,
nets, foam rubbers, sponges, nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, and
knits, may be preferred because such porous members each have
sufficient strength and also ensure the sound permeability of the
waterproof sound-permeable means. Each of these porous member may
preferably have through pores of substantially the same shape,
which though pores are formed uniformly throughout the porous
member. If through pores of substantially the same shape are formed
uniformly throughout the porous member, the sound permeability and
the strength are uniform throughout the porous member, and
therefore, there can be obtained a waterproof sound-permeable means
having sound permeability and strength, both of which are uniform
throughout the waterproof sound-permeable means.
[0041] The thickness of the protective layer may preferably be not
smaller than 10 .mu.m, more preferably not smaller than 100 .mu.m,
but may preferably be not greater than 1,000 .mu.m, more preferably
not greater than 500 .mu.m. When the thickness of the protective
layer is smaller than 10 .mu.m, a problem may arise with
handleability during the production of the protective layer. When
the thickness of the protective layer is greater than 1,000 p.mu.m,
the sound permeability of the waterproof sound-permeable means
becomes decreased. The method of measuring the thickness of the
protective layer is the same as that of the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane.
[0042] When a porous member is used as the protective layer, the
maximum pore diameter of the protective layer may preferably be not
smaller than 10 .mu.m, more preferably not smaller than 100 .mu.m,
but may preferably be not greater than 5 mm, more preferably not
greater than 1 mm. When the maximum pore diameter of the protective
layer is smaller than 10 .mu.m, the sound permeability of the
waterproof sound-permeable means may significantly be decreased. On
the other hand, when the maximum pore diameter of the protective
layer is greater than 5 mm, the open pores may become so large that
the protective effect on the waterproof sound-permeable means
cannot be obtained. The maximum pore diameter can be measured using
a microscope.
[0043] In addition, the porosity of the protective layer may
preferably be not smaller than 10%, more preferably not smaller
than 50%, but may preferably be not greater than 95%, more
preferably not greater than 90%. When the porosity of the
protective layer is not smaller than 10%, the sound permeability of
the waterproof sound-permeable means can be ensured. When the
porosity of the protective layer is not greater than 90%, the
strength of the protective layer can be ensured to effectively
protect the waterproof sound-permeable means. The porosity is
measured in the same manner as described for the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane.
[0044] Examples of the material of the protective layer may include
polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyester
resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate;
thermoplastic resins such as polyimide resins; and metals such as
stainless steel. As described later, when the protective layer is
firmly attached to the waterproof sound-permeable membrane, the
material of the protective layer may preferably be a thermoplastic
resin having a lower melting point than that of the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane. This is because such a thermoplastic
resin can be fusion-bonded to the waterproof sound-permeable
membrane by thermal lamination, without using an adhesive.
[0045] Specific examples by product name of the protective layer
may include "Net Eyelet #25" available from Morito Co., Ltd. In
addition, specific examples by product name of the protective layer
to be brought in firm contact with the waterproof sound-permeable
membrane may include "Conwed (registered trademark) Net XN6065"
available from Nisseki Plasto Co., Ltd.
[0046] In the waterproof sound-permeable means to be used in the
present invention, the at least one protective layer may preferably
be firmly attached to the waterproof sound-permeable membrane.
[0047] The waterproof sound-permeable membrane needs to be made
thin to ensure the sound permeability of the waterproof
sound-permeable means. Thus, a pinhole or break may easily occur in
the waterproof sound-permeable membrane by, for example, stress
during washing, and there is fear that the waterproofness of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane may be lost. Therefore, the at
least one protective layer may preferably be firmly attached to the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane to support the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane. The protective layer may be firmly
attached to one side of the waterproof sound-permeable membrane, or
the protective layer may be firmly attached to each side of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane. In view of the sound
permeability of the waterproof sound-permeable means, the
protective layer may preferably be firmly attached to only one side
of the waterproof sound-permeable membrane.
[0048] The protective layer to be firmly attached to the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane may preferably be a net, a nonwoven
fabric, or any other materials formed of a resin, in view of
strength and fusion bondability. Examples of the resin net may
include "Delnet (registered trademark) (integrally formed
polypropylene product) RB0404-12P" available from DelStar
Technologies, Inc. In addition, examples of the resin nonwoven
fabric may include "ECOOL (registered trademark) (polyester
nonwoven fabric) 3151A" available from Toyobo Co., Ltd., in view
of, for example, sound permeability.
[0049] The method of firmly attaching the protective layer to the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane is not particularly limited,
but examples thereof may include adhesion using an adhesive; and
melt bonding by thermal lamination. When an adhesive is used and a
porous product is used as the waterproof sound-permeable membrane,
the adhesive may block a large portion of the pores of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane, and there is fear that the
sound permeability of the waterproof sound-permeable means may
significantly be decreased. However, if a thermoplastic resin
having a lower melting point than that of the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane is used as the material of the protective
layer and is fusion-bonded by thermal lamination, the number of the
pores of the waterproof sound-permeable membrane to be blocked by
the thermoplastic resin can be reduced, and this prevents the sound
permeability of the waterproof sound-permeable means from
decreasing, which may be preferred.
[0050] When the protective layer is firmly attached to the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane, the sound-transmission loss of
the waterproof sound-permeable membrane, to which the protective
layer has been firmly attached (which may hereinafter be referred
to as a "laminated waterproof sound-permeable membrane"), may
preferably be not greater than 5 db, more preferably not greater
than 4 db, and still more preferably not greater than 3 db. When
the sound-transmission loss of the laminated waterproof
sound-permeable membrane is greater 5 db, the sound-transmission
loss of the waterproof sound-permeable means is increased, and
therefore, a waterproof sound-permeable hood having excellent sound
permeability cannot be obtained. The method of measuring the
sound-transmission loss of the laminated waterproof sound-permeable
membrane in the present invention is the same as that of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane.
Holding Member
[0051] In the waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present
invention, there is a preferred embodiment in which the waterproof
sound-permeable means comprises a holding member having a
cylindrical swaging part and a holding part formed on one end of
the cylindrical swaging part, and the holding member holds the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane in the holding part and is
fixed to the waterproof material by the cylindrical swaging
part.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the following will describe one
example of the waterproof sound-permeable means using the holding
member. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the holding member. FIG. 4 is
a perspective view of the holding member. FIG. 5 is a sectional
view of the holding member fixed to the waterproof material.
Holding Member
[0053] The holding member 20 has a cylindrical swaging part 21 and
a holding part 22 formed around one end of the cylindrical swaging
part 21, the holding part 22 having such a large outer diameter as
to correspond in size to the inward folding when supporting the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane. In addition, in this
embodiment, the waterproof sound-permeable membrane 11 has
protective layers 12a and 12b on the respective sides thereof such
that the protective layer 12a is firmly attached to the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane 11. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, after the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane 11 and the protective layers
12a and 12b are laminated on the holding part 22, the edge of the
holding part 22 is folded inwardly. Thus, the edges of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane 11 and the protective layers
12a and 12b are attached together so as to be sandwiched by the
holding part 22.
[0054] The material of the holding part 20 is not particularly
limited, but examples thereof may include metals such as brass, and
resins.
[0055] The inner diameter of the cylindrical swaging part is not
particularly limited, but may preferably be not smaller than 3 mm,
more preferably not smaller than 5 mm, and still more preferably
not smaller than 8 mm, but may preferably not greater than 80 mm,
more preferably not greater than 60 mm, and still more preferably
not greater than 40 mm. When the inner diameter of the cylindrical
swaging part is set to be not smaller than 3 mm and not greater
than 80 mm, the sound permeability of the waterproof
sound-permeable means can be ensured, and the attachment of the
cylindrical swaging part to the waterproof material becomes
facilitated.
[0056] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, in the holding member 20,
the gap between the waterproof sound-permeable membrane 11 and the
holding section 22 may preferably be sealed with a sealing member
23.
[0057] When the gap between the waterproof sound-permeable membrane
and the holding section 22 is sealed with the sealing member 23,
the waterproof performance of the waterproof sound-permeable hood
can further be improved. Examples of the sealing member to be used
for the sealing may include resins such as silicone resins,
polyamide resins, polyester resins, polyvinyl acetate resins, and
polyurethane resins. These resins can appropriately be used alone,
or two or more kinds of these resins can also appropriately be used
as a mixture.
[0058] Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the holding member 20 is attached
and fixed to a waterproof material 2 by causing the cylindrical
swaging part 21 to directly break through and penetrate the
waterproof material 2, to which the holding member 20 is to be
attached; fitting a female ring 24 around the cylindrical swaging
part 21 extending to the opposite side of the waterproof material
2, and then crushing the end of the cylindrical swaging part 21 by
a pressing force from the inner direction. The use of the holding
member in this manner makes it possible to form a sound-permeable
opening in the waterproof material and attach a waterproof
sound-permeable membrane to the waterproof material at one time,
resulting in an improvement of workability.
Waterproof Sound-Permeable Hood
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the following will describe the
structure of the waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present
invention.
[0060] The waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present invention
is formed of a waterproof material, and comprises a waterproof
sound-permeable means provided on at least one of portions
respectively facing to the ears of a wearer who wears the
waterproof material.
[0061] The waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present invention
may include not only those which are used alone as hoods, but also
those which have been attached to rainwears such as rain jackets
and raincoats, and those which are attachable to and detachable
from these rainwears.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waterproof sound-permeable
hood 1 of the present invention is formed of the waterproof
material 2, and the main unit of the waterproof sound-permeable
hood 1 has such a structure as to cover the head (the parietal
region, the temporal region, and the occipital region) of a wearer.
The structure of the main unit of the waterproof sound-permeable
hood 1 is not particularly limited, so long as the main unit of the
waterproof sound-permeable hood 1 covers at least the head of a
wearer. For example, the main unit of the waterproof
sound-permeable hood 1 may cover the cheeks or the neck of a
wearer. Alternatively, the connecting portion between the main unit
of the waterproof sound-permeable hood 1 and a rainwear, such as a
rain jacket, may be formed in an integrated manner.
[0063] The waterproof material is not particularly limited, so long
as it has waterproofness, but examples thereof may include
waterproof sheets formed of resins or rubbers; waterproof fabrics
obtained by impregnating fabrics, such as woven fabrics or knitted
fabrics, with resins or rubbers; and waterproof laminated products
having the lamination of a fabric such as a woven fabric or a
knitted fabric with a sheet formed of a resin or a rubber. In view
of improving the feel of the waterproof laminated product against
the wearer's skin, the lamination may preferably include a woven
fabric or a knitted fabric as a lining. Among these, the waterproof
material forming the waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present
invention may preferably have the lamination of a woven fabric, a
waterproof moisture-permeable membrane, and a lining, such that the
woven fabric serves as the outer material and the main unit of the
lamination.
[0064] Examples of the resin and the rubber to be used for the
waterproof sheet and the waterproof fabric may include polyurethane
resins; polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and
polybutyrene terephthalate; acrylic resins; polyolefin resins such
as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyamide resins; vinyl chloride
resins; synthetic rubbers; natural rubbers; and fluorine-containing
resins.
[0065] In addition, the fibers forming the woven fabric and the
knitted fabric may be either natural fibers or synthetic fibers.
Examples of the natural fibers may include plant fibers such as
cotton and linen; and animal fibers such as silk, wool, and any
other animal hairs. In addition, examples of the synthetic fibers
may include polyamide fibers; polyester fibers; and acrylic fibers.
In particular, when the fibers are used for clothing or any other
products, polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, and any other fibers
may be preferred in view of characteristics such as flexibility,
strength, durability, cost, and lightweightness.
[0066] In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the waterproof
laminated product having the lamination of a fabric such as a woven
fabric or a knitted fabric with a sheet formed of a resin or a
rubber, a waterproof moisture-permeable sheet is used as the
waterproof sheet included in the waterproof laminated product. The
waterproof moisture-permeable sheet is a flexible sheet having
"waterproofness" and "moisture permeability." That is, the
waterproof laminated product can be provided with "moisture
permeability" as well as the "waterproofness" described above. For
example, the water vapor of perspiration generated from the human
body of a wearer is released through the waterproof laminated
product to the outside. This makes it possible to prevent
stuffiness while wearing. The "moisture permeability" as used
herein refers to the property of allowing the transmission of water
vapor. The desired "moisture permeability" may preferably be not
smaller than 50 g/m.sup.2h, more preferably not smaller than 100
g/m.sup.2h, based on the rate of moisture permeability as measured
by, for example, the JIS L 1099 B-2 method.
[0067] Examples of the waterproof moisture-permeable sheet may
include films formed of hydrophilic resins such as polyurethane
resins, polyester resins, silicone resins, and polyvinyl alcohol
resins; and porous films formed of hydrophobic resins (which may
hereinafter be referred to simply as "hydrophobic porous films")
such as polyester resins, polyolefin resins, e.g., polyethylene and
polypropylene, fluorine-containing resins, and polyurethane resins
subjected to water-repellent treatment. The "hydrophobic resins" as
used herein refers to resins in which the contact angle of a water
droplet placed on the surface of a smooth and flat plate formed of
each of the resins is not smaller than 60 degrees (as measured at a
temperature of 25.degree. C.), more preferably not smaller than 80
degrees.
[0068] In the hydrophobic porous sheet, its porous structure having
pores (continuous pores) in the inside thereof maintains the
moisture permeability, while the hydrophobic resin forming the base
material of the sheet prevents water from infiltrating the pores.
Thus, the hydrophobic porous sheet exhibits waterproofness as the
entire sheet. Among these, the waterproof moisture-permeable sheet
may preferably be a porous film formed of a fluorine-containing
resin, more preferably a porous PTFE film.
[0069] The shape, the size, and the number of attached units of the
waterproof sound-permeable means included in the waterproof
sound-permeable hood of the present invention are not particularly
limited, but may appropriately be modified or changed depending on
the waterproof sound-permeable membrane, the protective layer, and
the holding member to be used. For example, when a porous PTFE film
is used as the waterproof sound-permeable membrane and the holding
member to be used has a cylindrical swaging part having an inner
diameter of 9 mm, the number of attached units of the waterproof
sound-permeable means may preferably be at least one and not
greater than six.
ANOTHER EMBODIMENT
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the following will describe
another embodiment of the waterproof sound-permeable hood of the
present invention, where a holding member is not used. FIG. 6 is a
perspective view showing the waterproof sound-permeable hood in an
embodiment in which a waterproof sound-permeable means does not
have a holding member. FIG. 7 is a side view of the waterproof
sound-permeable hood shown in FIG. 6.
[0071] In the waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present
embodiment, the waterproof sound-permeable means 10 does not have a
holding member, but is formed only of the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane 11, or is formed of a laminated product of
the waterproof sound-permeable membrane 11 with a protective layer
12. The waterproof sound-permeable means 10 is attached to the
waterproof hood 1 so as to close each sound-permeable opening 2a
provided in the waterproof material 2 forming the waterproof hood
1. The method of attaching the waterproof sound-permeable means 10
is not particularly limited. For example, the waterproof
sound-permeable membrane 11 and the protective layer 12 may be cut
into a predetermined size and then may be sewn onto, or
fusion-bonded to, the waterproof material 2 so as to close each
sound-permeable opening 2a.
[0072] The waterproof sound-permeable membrane or the laminated
waterproof sound-permeable membrane may be sewn onto the waterproof
material using a sewing machine or any other means. As the material
of the sewing thread to be used for the sewing, the following
materials may be used alone, or any mixture of the following
materials may also be used: cotton; silk; linen; polynosic;
polyamide resins; polyester resins; vinylon resins; and
polyurethane resins. Polyamide resins or polyester resins may
preferably be used in view of strength and heat resistance. The
thickness of the sewing thread may appropriately be adjusted
depending on the thickness of the laminated product to be sewn and
the required strength of the final product. The method of sewing is
not particularly limited, so long as the sewing is carried out
using one or more threads. As the form of the stitch, lock stitch,
single chain stitch, double chain stitch, or any other stitch may
preferably be used, and there can be mentioned sewing in a linear,
curved, zigzag, or any other manner.
[0073] In addition, examples of the method of melt bonding the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane or the laminated product of the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane with the support may include an
indirectly melt bonding method using a sheet formed of a hot-melt
resin (which may hereinafter be referred to simply as a "hot-melt
sheet"). As the hot-melt sheet, there can be mentioned "Gore-Seam
(registered trademark) Sheet Adhesive" available from Japan
Gore-Tex Inc. In addition, as the hot-melt resin of the hot-melt
sheet, there can be used the same as the one to be used for a
hot-melt resin layer of a seam-sealing tape described later. As the
conditions for melt bonding using the hot-melt sheet, there can be
employed the same as those for compression-bonding a seam-sealing
tape.
[0074] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the portion where the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane or the laminated waterproof
sound-permeable membrane has been sewn or fusion-bonded may
preferably be subjected to seam-sealing treatment. The seam-sealing
treatment further improves the waterproofness and the strength of
the waterproof sound-permeable hood obtained.
[0075] The method of seam-sealing treatment is not particularly
limited, so long as the waterproofness can be ensured for the seam
portion or the fusion-bonded portion. For example, when the
waterproof sound-permeable membrane or the laminated waterproof
sound-permeable membrane is sewn onto the waterproof material,
there may be preferred a method of closing the needle hole portions
with a resin, because higher waterproofness can be attained. As the
method of closing the needle hole portions with a resin, there can
be mentioned a method of applying a resin to the seam portion and a
method of adhering or melt bonding a tape-shaped resin
(seam-sealing tape). The method using a seam-sealing tape may be
preferred, because the seam-sealed portion has a higher waterproof
durability. In addition, when the waterproof sound-permeable
membrane or the laminated waterproof sound-permeable membrane is
fusion-bonded to the waterproof material, the strength of the
waterproof sound-permeable hood obtained is decreased. Therefore,
the fusion-bonded portion is subjected to seam-sealing treatment
using a seam-sealing tape or any other means, thereby improving the
strength of the waterproof sound-permeable hood obtained.
[0076] As the seam-sealing tape to be used for the seam-sealing
treatment of the seam portion or the fusion-bonded portion in the
waterproof sound-permeable hood of the present invention, there can
appropriately be used a tape in which a low melting-point adhesive
resin is laminated on the back face (the seam side) of a base
material tape formed of a high melting-point resin, preferably a
seam-sealing tape in which a hot-melt resin layer is provided on
the back face of a base material tape. The front face (the side
exposed to the outside) of the base material tape may be subjected
to lamination processing with a knit, a mesh, or any other
material. As the seam-sealing tape, there can appropriately be
used, for example, seam-sealing tapes such as "T-2000" and "FU-700"
available from San Chemicals, Ltd., and seam-sealing tapes such as
"MF-12T2" and "MF-10F" available from Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.,
each using a polyurethane resin film as the base material tape and
using a polyurethane hot-melt resin as the adhesive resin; and
"GORE-SEAM (registered trademark) Tape" available from Japan
Gore-Tex Inc., using a porous PTFE film as the base material tape
and using a polyurethane hot-melt resin as the adhesive resin.
[0077] As the hot-melt resin of the seam-sealing tape, the
following various resins may be used alone, or two or more kinds of
the following various resins may also be used as a mixture:
polyethylene resins or copolymer resins thereof; polyamide resins;
polyester resins; butyral resins; polyvinyl acetate resins or
copolymer resins thereof; cellulose derivative resins; polymethyl
methacrylate resins; polyvinyl ether resins; polyurethane resins;
polycarbonate resins; and polyvinyl chloride resins. When the
hot-melt resin is used for a clothing product, polyurethane resins
may be preferred.
[0078] The thickness of the hot-melt resin layer of the
seam-sealing tape may preferably be not smaller than 25 .mu.m, more
preferably not smaller than 50 .mu.m, but may preferably be not
greater than 400 .mu.m, more preferably not greater than 200 .mu.m.
When the thickness of the hot-melt resin layer is smaller than 25
.mu.m, the amount of resin is too small, which makes it difficult
to completely cover the irregularities of threads in the needle
holes, and there is fear that the waterproofness of the seam
portion becomes insufficient. On the other hand, when the thickness
of the hot-melt resin layer is greater than 400 .mu.m, there occurs
the possibility that the thermal compression bonding of the tape
may need a long time for sufficiently melting the hot-melt resin
layer, thereby decreasing productivity, or may cause a thermal
damage on the waterproof sound-permeable means, to which the tape
is to be adhered. In addition, if the time for thermal compression
bonding is shortened, the hot-melt resin layer does not
sufficiently melt, resulting in that sufficient adhesive strength
and sufficient waterproofness cannot be obtained.
[0079] These seam-sealing tapes can be used for melt bonding
processing with an existing hot air sealer that applies hot air to
the hot-melt resin layer side of each tape, and causes the
compression bonding of the tape to an adherend with a pressure roll
in the state where the resin is being melted. There can be used,
for example, "QHP-805" available from Queen Light Electronic
Industries Ltd., or "5000E" available from W. L. Gore &
Associates, Inc. In addition, to achieve the melt bonding
processing of a short seam portion in an easier and simpler manner,
the seam-sealing tape may be subjected to thermal compression
bonding with a commercially available heat press machine or iron.
In this case, heat and pressure are applied to the seam-sealing
tape layered on the seam portion. The conditions for thermal
compression bonding of the seam-sealing tape may appropriately be
set depending on the softening point of the hot-melt resin to be
used for the tape, the melt bonding speed, and any other
factors.
EXAMPLE
[0080] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
detail by reference to Example; however, the present invention is
not limited to the following Example, and various modifications,
changes, and embodiments, which are made without departing from the
spirit of the present invention, are all included within the scope
of the present invention.
Evaluation Methods
1. Sound-Transmission Loss
[0081] The sound-transmission loss was measured using "Transmission
Loss Tube Kit (Type 4206-T)" and "PULSE sound and vibration
analysis hardware (Type 3560-C)" available from Bruel & Kjr
Sound & Vibration Measurement A/S. The measurement conditions
were as follows: a small tube (having an inner diameter of 29 mm)
was used as a transmission loss tube kit; and noise to be generated
from a sound source was 120 db. The measurement was carried out in
the state where the end opposite to the end, at which the sound
source was disposed, of the transmission loss tube was closed, and
also in the state where the opposite end was open. The
sound-transmission loss was determined using analysis software
"PULSE LabShop Version 10.1.0.15" available from Briiel & Kjaer
Sound & Vibration Measurement A/S.
2. Waterproofness
[0082] The waterproofness of waterproof sound-permeable hoods was
evaluated by visually checking the presence or absence of water
leakage in the artificial rain test which was carried out using an
artificial rain chamber under the conditions of a precipitation
amount of not smaller than 50 mm/h and a period of 30 minutes.
3. Durability Against Washing
[0083] The durability against washing of waterproof sound-permeable
hoods was evaluated by carrying out the above waterproof test after
repeating the washing twenty times.
[0084] The step of washing the hood using a household
fully-automatic washing machine (available from Matsushita Electric
Industrial Co., Ltd.; model number "NA-F70PX1") and hanging the
hood to dry at room temperature for 24 hours was regarded as one
cycle of the washing. Washing was carried out using 40 liters of
tap water and 30 g of synthetic laundry detergent ("Attack
(registered trademark)" available from Kao Corporation) for 6
minutes, followed by rinsing two times and dewatering for 3
minutes.
4. Sound Permeability
[0085] A bell alarm clock ("G07Y5G" available from DAILY) was
placed 2 m away from a subject wearing a rain jacket ("R03 Rain
Jacket" available from Japan Gore-Tex Inc.), to which each of hoods
obtained in the following Production Examples is attached, or to
which no hood is attached, such that the bell alarm clock was
placed on one side of the subject, or in other words, placed so as
to be directed to one ear of the subject. When the bell alarm clock
was sounded in the state where the hood was worn, and also in the
state where no hood was worn, noise near the ear of the subject was
measured with a sound level meter (Sound Level Meter "NL-20"
available from Rion Co., Ltd.). When the hood was worn, the
detection section of the sound level meter was provided within the
hood.
Laminated Waterproof Sound-Permeable Membrane
[0086] A mesh laminate as a laminated waterproof sound-permeable
membrane was prepared as follows: a porous PTFE film (available
from Japan Gore-Tex Inc., and having a thickness of 8.5 .mu.m, a
mass per unit area of 2.3 g/m.sup.2, an air permeability (Gurley
number) of 0.032 sec., and a porosity of 87.4%) was used as a
waterproof sound-permeable membrane; a polypropylene mesh ("Conwed
(registered trademark) net (having a thickness of 0.48 .mu.m and a
mass per unit area of 100 g/m.sup.2)" available from Nisseki Plasto
Co., Ltd.) was used as a protective layer; and the protective layer
was firmly attached to the waterproof sound-permeable membrane by
thermal lamination (at 170.degree. C. for 5 seconds). The
sound-transmission loss was measured for the obtained mesh
laminate. The result is shown in Table 1.
Waterproof Material Having Waterproof Sound-Permeable Means
[0087] A waterproof material having waterproof sound-permeable
means was prepared by attaching the mesh laminate as the laminated
waterproof sound-permeable membrane obtained as described above to
a waterproof material ("EB FPL70WDH/6366-WR" available from Japan
Gore-Tex Inc.). For the attachment of the mesh laminate, a net
eyelet (available from Morito Co., Ltd.; the cylindrical swaging
part thereof has an inner diameter of 9 mm and the protective layer
thereof is a wire fabric) was used as a holding member, and the
number of attached mesh laminate was one. The gap between the
holding portion of the mesh eyelet and the mesh laminate was sealed
with a silicone resin.
[0088] The structure of the waterproof sound-permeable means
according to the present Example will be specifically described by
reference to FIG. 5. That is, the fabric corresponds to the
waterproof material 2; the porous PTFE film forming the mesh
laminate corresponds to the waterproof sound-permeable membrane 11;
and the polypropylene mesh corresponds to the protective layer 12a.
In addition, the mesh eyelet corresponds to the holding member 20
and the female ring 24; the wire fabric included in the mesh eyelet
corresponds to the protective layer 12b; and the silicone resin
corresponds to the sealing member 23.
[0089] The sound-transmission loss was measured for the obtained
waterproof material having the waterproof sound-permeable means.
Further, as a comparative example, the sound-transmission loss of
the waterproof material and the sound-transmission loss of the
waterproof material including an opening having an inner diameter
of 10 mm were also measured. The results are shown in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sound-transmission loss (db) Mesh laminate
2.76 Waterproof material having waterproof 8.75 sound-permeable
means Waterproof material 10.5 Waterproof material (having opening)
1.70
Waterproof Hoods
Production Example 1
[0090] A waterproof hood was prepared by sewing a waterproof
laminate ("EB FPL70WDH/6366-WR" available from Japan Gore-Tex Inc.)
as a waterproof material. The seam was sealed using a seam-sealing
tape ("GORE-SEAM (registered trademark) Tape" available from Japan
Gore-Tex Inc.). A waterproof sound-permeable hood was prepared by
attaching a waterproof sound-permeable means to each of the
portions of the obtained waterproof hood, which portions
respectively face to the right and left ears of a wearer. The
waterproof sound-permeable means had the same structure as used in
the waterproof material having the waterproof sound-permeable
means, and the number of attached means was one for each of the
portions facing to the right and left ears of the wearer.
[0091] When a waterproof test and a durability-against-washing test
were carried out for the obtained waterproof sound-permeable hood,
water leakage was not observed in either test. In addition, a sound
permeability test was carried out for the waterproof
sound-permeable hood. The result is shown in Table 2.
Production Example 2
[0092] A waterproof hood was prepared using the same waterproof
laminated product and seem-sealing tape as those which were used in
Production Example 1. A sound permeability test was carried out for
the obtained waterproof hood. The result is shown in Table 2.
Production Example 3
[0093] A waterproof hood was prepared using the same waterproof
laminated product and seem-sealing tape as those which were used in
Production Example 1. The waterproof hood obtained was provided
with an opening having an inner diameter of 25 mm each on the
portions respectively facing to the right and left ears of a wearer
to prepare a sound-permeable hood. A sound permeability test was
carried out for the obtained sound-permeable hood. The result is
shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Sound noise measured value (db) Waterproof
sound-permeable hood 67.5 Waterproof hood 66.7 Sound-permeable hood
68.8 No hood 72.7
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0094] The present invention is useful for waterproof hoods having
excellent waterproofness and excellent sound permeability.
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
[0095] 1: Waterproof hood; 2: waterproof material; 2a: opening for
sound-permeation; 3: seam-sealing tape; 10: waterproof
sound-permeable means; 11: waterproof sound-permeable membrane; 12:
protective layer; 20: holding member; 21: cylindrical swaging part;
22: holing part; 23: sealing member; and 24: female ring.
* * * * *