U.S. patent application number 14/356793 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for multi-layered garment.
The applicant listed for this patent is HELLY HANSEN AS. Invention is credited to Tor Jenssen, Silje Oygarden, Kristoffer Ulriksen.
Application Number | 20140310848 14/356793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47430020 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140310848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ulriksen; Kristoffer ; et
al. |
October 23, 2014 |
MULTI-LAYERED GARMENT
Abstract
A garment comprising at least two layers, wherein the first
layer (1) is a protective shell, the second layer (4) is an
insulating layer. The insulating layer (4) has a thickness
sufficient to form predefined holes each capable of holding a
volume of air.
Inventors: |
Ulriksen; Kristoffer;
(Sperrebotn, NO) ; Jenssen; Tor; (Oslo, NO)
; Oygarden; Silje; (Oslo, NO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HELLY HANSEN AS |
Oslo |
|
NO |
|
|
Family ID: |
47430020 |
Appl. No.: |
14/356793 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 8, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NO2012/050218 |
371 Date: |
May 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 31/065 20190201;
A41D 2400/10 20130101; A41D 3/02 20130101; A41D 27/285
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/02 20060101
A41D003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 8, 2011 |
NO |
20111531 |
Claims
1. A garment with the ability to adjust temperature, airflow and
humidity comprising: a first layer in the form of a water
repellent, vapour permeable, exterior shell covering said garment,
a second layer in the form of an insulating layer with a thickness
sufficient to provide holes holding a volume of air, so that the
holes function as air cells, said air cells has varying size and
spacing in relation to the torso characterised in that, a third
layer in the form of a mesh liner, and said first layer is provided
with air flow ports.
2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the air cells are formed
by mechanically or chemically removing predefined parts of material
from the second layer.
3. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the air cells are laser
cut holes.
4. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the air flow ports are
in the form of zippers.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to garments, more specifically
to garments suitable for outdoor use and especially jackets
suitable for outdoor use at various levels of activity and weather
conditions.
[0002] There is a constant need in the market for jackets for
outdoor enthusiasts that are truly light weight and comfortable
across an extreme spectrum of climates, environments and uses.
[0003] At most places, weather shifts quickly, a warm evening can
turn suddenly cold, and blue skies can quickly turn to rain. The
body's climate can fluctuate at an even faster rate as internal
temperature and perspiration levels vary during even moderate
physical training. These constantly varying conditions create a
need for persons being outdoor to manage his/her own personal
climate. Until now persons working out or in other ways being
active outdoor, have had to shed layers, bring extra layers, tie
jackets around their waist, or toss them to the side in order to
deal with the various climates they encounter during an outdoor
activity. This effectively encumbers and slows down the outdoor
person and especially outdoor athletes, and reduces their
performance, comfort, and enjoyment.
[0004] The present invention introduces a micro-climate system to
provide the wearer an improved capability to regulate their own
personal climate, i.e. moisture and temperature, across a variety
of outdoor conditions and activities--all within one garment, such
as a jacket.
[0005] Many types of multilayered garments exist on the market
today.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,769 describes an anti exposure
inflatable structure suit designed for airmen. This structure is
designed with spaced inflatable cavities and water vapour openings
to prevent water from entering through the structure next to the
body. Perspiration can get trapped under the structure next to the
body and cannot escape creating an excessively wet environment
within the jacket. The suit is breathable only at the outer layer
and does not influence the internal moisture or temperature, that
is, there is no ability to regulate the micro-climate around the
body.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,489 describes a light weight jacket with
a sealed air polymer cellular thermal layer. It is water
impermeable and offers thermal protection and water buoyancy. This
garment is multipurpose and intended for nautical work and outdoor
use. These designs are intended for extreme climates. However, this
solution is not lightweight and is therefore not applicable for a
range of physical activities. As it is intended for nautical work,
it is not breathable, as moisture will get locked into the suit
next to the body, and there is no ability to regulate the
micro-climate around the body.
[0008] Jackets and outerwear such as the above, are built for use
within a specific climate spectrum, e.g. for warm and sometimes
rainy weather the jacket should be waterproof and not insulated. In
extremely cold and dry weather, the jacket should be heavily
insulated and breathable but not water resistant. Jackets have had
to be built this way to keep the jacket wearer comfortable when in
that specific climate. The ability for a single jacket to provide
protection, performance and comfort in a broader range of climates
has been limited due to the lack of innovative materials and
designs specifically targeting the micro-climate that is created by
the body's' natural perspiration and heat generated around the
torso.
[0009] The term "micro-climate" as it is used here, can be defined
by temperature, humidity and airflow around the torso. By
regulating the micro-climate around the torso, the jacket wearer
can adjust to changing weather conditions as well as activity
levels, e.g. more intense activities will introduce more heat and
moisture in the micro-climate.
[0010] Jackets on the market today have limited versatility,
because they have been designed with a specific climate in mind,
e.g. the cold/dry jackets would not function well when it's
warm/rainy. Because the external climate and the micro-climate
within the jacket are constantly changing, the wearer is often
either too warm, too cold, or too sweaty, leaving them
uncomfortable as there is little opportunity to adjust their
micro-climate beyond the traditional means of venting zippers--or
simply removing the jacket.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to create a garment
such as a jacket that allow the wearer to adjust the micro-climate
around the body, and to control his\her personal temperature,
airflow and humidity at any given time. This is obtained by a
jacket that provides a dramatically and surprisingly expanded range
of performance, comfort and versatility.
[0012] A jacket according to the invention provides the wearer the
ability to adjust the climate (temperature, airflow, humidity)
within the jacket via a new design that employs four elements, that
when combined, provide an improved range of comfort to consumers.
The elements are: [0013] A first layer, preferably in the form of a
breathable protective shell. The shell acts as a barrier against
the elements (wind & water), while allowing the jacket to
"breathe" and release excessive moisture/humidity created by the
wearer. Further the protective shell does not have to be
breathable, any type of outer shell can be used. [0014] A
mechanical ventilation system that utilizes the natures' elements.
This system is designed with air flow ports, on the exterior shell
of the jacket that can be opened or shut via zippers to allow the
wearer to regulate the flow of air into and through the jacket. If
you're cold, you use your body's natural heat generation to warm
up. If you're warm, you use natures' elements, that is flowing of
cool air, to cool down. [0015] A second layer, preferably in the
form of an insulation layer, for example a fleece layer, that sits
next to the exterior shell that features exaggerated air cells,
i.e. articulated holes, that vary in size and spacing in the
insulation layer in relation to the torso and moisture levels. The
exaggerated air cells allow a larger amount of air to be captured
and used in combination with the fleece to provide a substantial
level of insulation vs. the cold. The exaggerated air cells also
allow the wearer to regulate temperature and humidity by engaging
the natural flow of air--that enters through the air flow ports to
quickly vent and purge the warm air and excess humidity that gets
trapped in the exaggerated air cells. The air cells can be of any
shape and size.
[0016] A third layer, preferably in the form of a mesh liner that
is either hung or attached, that separates the insulation layer
from the body. The mesh liner provides additional opportunities, to
capture insulating air, provide greater air circulation and
breathability capabilities, and as a vehicle to transport moisture
away from the body.
[0017] If the garment does not have a mesh liner the edges of the
air cells can be sewn to the outer protective shell.
[0018] The micro-climate system according to the invention works as
follows. The combination of the above four elements elements allows
the jacket wearer to effectively regulate the micro-climate inside
the jacket.
[0019] When the wearer is cool/cold, e.g. when the wearer is in an
inactive situation in a cold environment, the air flow ports are
closed completely--no air flows into the jacket, the air is
captured in the insulation layer, in the exaggerated air pockets,
and in the pockets created by the mesh liner. The wearer gains
maximum insulating value from the captured air and effectively
regulates the climate within the jacket. Moreover when wearer is
cold and air flow ports are closed the wearer maintains better
moisture and temperature balance via the windproof/breathable
shell.
[0020] When the wearer is warm, e.g. when the wearer is engaged in
an aerobic or physical situation, the air flow ports are opened to
their fullest, the air flow purges the warm/humid air from inside
the jacket. The warm/moist air that was captured in the exaggerated
air cells is quickly replaced with fresh, cool air that has entered
through the air flow ports. The mesh liner facilitates the flow of
air around the whole of the interior of the jacket. The combination
of air flow ports, exaggerated air pockets and the mesh liner
allows this climate adjustment to happen almost instantly.
[0021] In all situations, the mesh liner acts as a moisture
transport vehicle, wicking the moisture away from the body/next to
skin layer.
[0022] The invention and terms used in the above will now be
further explained by way of the attached drawings of an exemplary
embodiment of a garment according to to the invention.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows en exploded view of the layers of a garment
according to the invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows an example of an air flow port.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view showing an insulating layer
according to the invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view showing a mesh liner.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view showing circulation of air and
moisture in a garment according to the invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows an example of an exaggerated air cell.
[0029] FIGS. 7a and 7b shows the outer shell of a jacket according
to the invention.
[0030] FIGS. 8a-8c shows partly the insulating layer of the jacket
on FIG. 7.
[0031] FIGS. 9a and 9b shows a suit according to the invention.
[0032] FIGS. 10a and 10b shows the suit in FIG. 9 partly showing
the arrangement of the insulating layer.
[0033] FIGS. 11a and 11b shows the suit in FIG. 9 showing the mesh
liner.
[0034] A garment according to the invention is made of a
combination of layers having different properties. This is
particularly beneficial for the use in jackets, but it can also be
used in other garments used outdoor, such as jackets, pants,
overalls or one piece suits or in apparel such as tents, emergency
shelters, blankets or sleeping bags. In the below description of
the drawings, we will refer to a jacket according to one embodiment
of the invention, but it will be obvious to the reader is that the
description will apply also to any other use of the invention as
explained above.
[0035] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the layers of a jacket
according to the invention. The outermost layer 1 is a breathable
protective shell. The layer includes an outer shell fabric, such as
a polyester micro light weight ripstop which is water repellent and
can function as a windstopper. The outer shell fabric can also be a
textile covered with a water repellent and vapor permeable membrane
2.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows an example of an air flow port 3. In the
jacket, there is provided air flow ports, being a mechanical
ventilation system. The air flow ports are provided in the exterior
or outermost layer 1 of the jacket and can be opened and shut via
opening and locking means such as zippers, Velcro or hooks and
loops, snap fasteners or other suitable locking means. The air flow
ports allow the wearer to regulate the flow of air into, out of and
through the jacket.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view showing the insulating layer 4
of the jacket. The insulating layer is provided with exaggerated
air cells 5. The insulation layer 4 is arranged under an exterior
shell 6 forming the outermost layer of the jacket. The insulating
layer 4 has a thickness sufficient to provide holes holding a
volume, so that the holes function as air cells 5. The holes can be
made by laser cutting holes in the insulating layer or by, in any
other way, mechanically or chemically removing predefined parts of
the insulating layer, leaving a number of holes in the layer.
[0038] The holes can also be described as exaggerated air cells,
varying in size and spacing. The holes are provided throughout the
jacket having sizes and patterns adapted to expected amount of
moisture and heat generated on various places on the torso. For
example, the back side of the jacket form a V in relation to the
amount of moisture generated in this area. The holes provided in
the insulating layer 4 are substantially larger than what is known
from commercially available outdoor jackets at the time of filing,
enabling the capture of a larger volume of heated air in the
jacket.
[0039] The holes can be of any shape, but are preferably round,
square or polygonal.
[0040] The air cells 5 allow a larger amount of air to be captured
and used in combination with the insulating layer to provide a
substantial level of insulation vs. the cold. The air cells 5 also
allow the wearer to regulate temperature and humidity by venting is
and purging the warm air and excess humidity by engaging the air
flow ports 3. The insulation layer 4 can for example be made of
fleece, woollen fleece, tangled wool or any other material capable
of forming a material with a sufficient thickness to form air cells
5.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view showing a mesh liner 7 of the
garment. The mesh liner is provided under the insulating layer 4 as
a vehicle to transport moisture away from the body. The mesh liner
7 is the innermost layer of the jacket and form the contact surface
of the jacket towards the user of the jacket. The fabric of the
mesh liner is selected to provide a dry sensation for the user at
any time.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view showing circulation of air and
moisture in a jacket according to the invention. The exterior shell
6 prevent water from penetrating the jacket when it is made of a
water repellent material. Air can circulate in each air cell 5, in
the insulating layer 4 and out through the exterior shell 6. Fresh
air is allowed to enter the jacket, as none of the layers are air
tight, thereby enabling an efficient transport of moisture away
from the body of the user. In this way a micro-climate system is
formed in the layers of the jacket, presenting a dynamic way of
providing both insulation and ventilation.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows an example of an air cell 5 according to the
invention. Heat generated by the body is captured in the air cells
or exaggerated air cells 5. Excess heat is purged via air flow
ports and to a limited extent through the exterior shell 6.
[0044] FIGS. 7a-8c shows an embodiment of a jacket 8 according to
the invention. FIGS. 7a and 7b show the exterior shell 6 of the
jacket and FIGS. 8a-8c shows the jacket where a part of the
exterior shell 6 is visually removed from the torso of the jacket,
thereby showing the insulating layer 4 of the jacket.
[0045] The jacket 8 according to the invention is provided with a
front zipper 9 and air flow ports 3 in the form of zippers. The air
flow ports 3 are arranged to be easily reachable for the user of
the jacket, see FIG. 8c. The air flow ports 3 are furthermore
arranged so that they provide an efficient ventilation for the
user.
[0046] On the jacket as shown on FIGS. 8a and 8b, the insulating
layer is provided as three separate layers, with one on each side
of the front zipper 9 and one on the back of the torso, leaving the
sides of the jacket situated under the arms with only the exterior
shell and mesh liner and no middle insulation layer. It should be
noted that is it is also conceivable to arrange a continuous
insulating layer 4 from one side of the front zipper 9 around the
torso to the other side of the front zipper.
[0047] Holes 5 forming the exaggerated air cells are provided in
the insulating layer 4 on the torso in a predefined pattern, where
larger holes are made in areas of the jacket covering areas of the
torso more likely to sweat heavily and smaller holes in areas with
less sweat. The larger holes will facilitate transportation of
sweat away from the torso during heavy workout. If the user is
slowing down, the jacket will give an improved insulation of the
body as the holes are able to hold a substantial amount of hot air
flowing out from the torso, between the exterior shell 6 and the
mesh liner. As the back usually emits more heat, it is advantageous
to provide larger holes on the back, enabling a more extensive
emission of heat and humidity. On the front of the torso, the body
emits less sweat and the need for transport of sweat away from the
body is less significant, while it is advatageous to isolate the
inner organs by minimising the flow of air away from the body. To
reflect this, it is advantegeous to have fewer and, if this is
found profitable, smaller holes 5.
[0048] The presentation in FIGS. 7a to 8c of a micro-climate system
jacket does not have an insulation layer from the arm pit and
continuing from the arm pit down the side panels. Arm pit and side
panels can be left uninsulated because this area does not need as
much regulation. This approach, however should not preclude the
ability to design a jacket that would have insulation along the
panels and under the armpits. It will be obvious to the skilled
person that the combination of a breathable exterior layer provided
with air flow ports, an insulation layer with exaggerated air cells
and mesh liner may be arranged in varying ways.
[0049] In one example of the embodiment, the larger holes are about
30 mm in diameter, the medium sized holes are about 20 mm in
diameter and the smaller holes are about 13 mm in diameter. In
other embodiments, not shown here, other dimensions can be
used.
[0050] FIGS. 9a to 11b shows a suit 10 according to the invention.
FIGS. 9a and 9b shows the exterior shell 6 on the front and back of
the suit. FIGS. 10a and 10b shows the suit 10 where the exterior
shell is partly removed, showing the arrangement of the insulating
layer 5. FIGS. 11a and 11b shows a view of the suit 10 showing the
inner mesh liner 7.
[0051] The suit according to an embodiment of the invention is
provided with an exterior breathable shell 6 and a front zipper 9,
as shown on FIGS. 9a and 9b. The breathable shall 6 can be water
repellent and preferably vapour permeable, as explained above.
There is also provided air flow ports 3 in the form of zippers on
the torso and on the thighs, preferably between the legs and close
to the crotch of the user, as these are areas of the body sending
out a larger amount of heat and sweat. The suit is presented
without arms, but it will also be possible to provide the suit with
arms, if this is desirable. The arrangement of the air flow port
zippers are only meant as exemplary suggestions, as the air flow
ports can be arranged anywhere it is found necessary to provide
extra ventilation.
[0052] FIGS. 10a and 10b shows the suit 10 where a part of the
exterior shell is removed, showing the arrangement of the
insulating layer 4. Air cells 5 in the form of laser cut holes are
provided over the front and back of the torso and on the upper part
of the legs. Larger air cells 5 are provided on the back while the
air cells on the front torso and legs have smaller dimensions. On
this embodiment of a suit according to the invention, the crotch is
provided with a mesh lining fabric instead of an insulating layer 4
provided with air cells 5. As the knees often needs extra
protection and heat to prevent injuries and optimise mobility, the
insulating layer 4 near the knees is left without air cells.
[0053] FIGS. 11a and 11b shows a view of the suit 10 showing the
inner mesh liner 7. The mesh liner 7 principally cover the inner
surface of the suit 10 to provide a dry surface of the suit,
thereby giving the user a feeling of comfort both during hard
workout and calm behaviour.
[0054] Garments according to the present invention has a number of
advantages over other garments in the marketplace. The air flow
ports is a simple and efficient mechanical ventilation system that
uses natures' elements. The exaggerated air cells in a fleece
fabric provide a substantially larger ability to hold air in the
layers of a garment. The micro-climate system according to the
invention presents a unique combination of a protective shell, air
flow ports, exaggerated air cells in a fleece material and a mesh
liner.
[0055] While the best effects of micro-climate control will be
realized while combining all four elements, it is possible to
combine some of the elements in unique combinations to deliver
similar results.
[0056] It is also conceivable that a garment according to the
invention can be realized through other elements that would provide
enhanced insulation properties and increased air flow such as other
combinations of insulation and air pockets, other synthetics, down,
etc, combinations of air flow ports, insulation and exaggerated air
pockets or liners that enhance air flow while providing exaggerated
air pockets for insulation. However, for the garment or apparel
according to the invention to work in an efficient manner, the
garment should be provided with at least one breathing layer, at
least one insulating layer being able of forming air cells having
the properties described above and preferably at least one layer
being able of transporting humidity and to some extent hold air
inside the air cells of the insulating layer.
[0057] The outermost breathable layer can be a simple textile
functioning as a windstopper. It can also be a more advanced
material also providing water repellent and/or vapour permeable
properties. In some applications of the invention, it is beneficial
to provide an outermost layer including several layers, for example
a textile covered with one or more membranes with different
properties or a layer where one or more textiles are adhedered to
each other with or without one or more membranes.
[0058] This invention can be broadened to provide similar benefits
in other applications such as technical outerwear, e.g. insulated
jacket and pants, uninsulated jackets and pants, as normal
outerwear, e.g. jackets and pants, as mid-layers in jackets, pants
and one piece suits, as base-layers in underwear, jackets and
pants, as sportswear such as jackets, shirts and pants. It can also
be applied to gloves, hats and footwear or infant apparel, such as
playsuits, outerwear, hats, gloves, booties and one-piece
bodysuits.
[0059] Furthermore, the concept could be adapted for use beyond
apparel in areas such as tents, emergency shelters, blankets or
sleeping bags.
* * * * *