U.S. patent application number 17/592616 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-19 for breathable composite with moveable baffles.
The applicant listed for this patent is The North Face Apparel Corp.. Invention is credited to John Ly.
Application Number | 20220152977 17/592616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220152977 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ly; John |
May 19, 2022 |
BREATHABLE COMPOSITE WITH MOVEABLE BAFFLES
Abstract
A composite fabric includes a first fabric layer and a plurality
of insulating structures adjacent to the first fabric layer. Each
of the plurality of insulating structures include a fabric shell
defining a cavity and an insulating material located within the
cavity. In further aspects a composite fabric includes a plurality
of insulating structures separated by a plurality of spacers. Each
of the plurality of spacers includes a fabric material and each of
the plurality of insulating structures includes a fabric shell
defining a cavity and an insulating material located within the
cavity.
Inventors: |
Ly; John; (Oakland,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The North Face Apparel Corp. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/592616 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16502188 |
Jul 3, 2019 |
11279109 |
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17592616 |
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62694189 |
Jul 5, 2018 |
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International
Class: |
B32B 5/26 20060101
B32B005/26; A41D 31/02 20060101 A41D031/02; B32B 5/08 20060101
B32B005/08; A41D 31/08 20060101 A41D031/08 |
Claims
1. A composite fabric comprising: a plurality of insulating
structures separated by a plurality of spacers, wherein each of the
plurality of spacers comprises a fabric material and each of the
plurality of insulating structures comprises a fabric shell
defining a cavity and an insulating material located within the
cavity.
2. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric
material comprises a woven fabric, a knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric
or a laminate fabric.
3. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric
material has an air permeability of from about 40 CFM to about 80
CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
4. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric
material has an air permeability of from about 50 CFM to about 60
CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
5. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric
shell comprises a woven fabric, a knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric or
a laminate fabric.
6. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric
shell has an air permeability of from 0 CFM to about 5 CFM when
tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
7. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric
shell has an air permeability of from 0 CFM to about 2 CFM when
tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
8. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the
insulating material comprises a natural insulating material, a
synthetic insulating material, or a combination thereof.
9. The composite fabric according to claim 8, wherein the natural
insulating material comprises down, cotton, wool or a combination
thereof.
10. The composite fabric according to claim 8, wherein the
synthetic insulating material comprises polyester, polyethylene
terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic and combinations thereof.
11. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of spacers are strips of fabric.
12. The composite fabric according to claim 11, wherein each of the
plurality of insulating structures are retained against the first
fabric layer by the fabric strips
13. The composite fabric according to claim 12, wherein the
plurality of fabric strips retain the plurality of insulating
structures against the first fabric layer in a woven
construction.
14. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of spacers is sized so that when the composite fabric is
worn the plurality of insulating structures lie against and
substantially overlap the plurality of spacers.
15. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of spacers is sized so that when the composite fabric is
worn the plurality of insulating structures lie against and
substantially cover the plurality of spacers.
16. A garment formed from a composite fabric further comprising: a
plurality of insulating structures separated by a plurality of
spacers, wherein each of the plurality of spacers comprises a
fabric material and each of the plurality of insulating structures
comprises a fabric shell defining a cavity and an insulating
material located within the cavity.
17. The garment according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of
spacers are strips of fabric.
18. The garment according to claim 17, wherein each of the
plurality of insulating structures are retained against the first
fabric layer by the fabric strips
19. The garment according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of
fabric strips retain the plurality of insulating structures against
the first fabric layer in a woven construction.
20. The garment according to claim 16, wherein each of the
plurality of spacers is sized so that when the composite fabric is
worn the plurality of insulating structures lie against and
substantially overlap or cover the plurality of spacers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of Nonprovisional
application Ser. No. 16/502,188, filed on Jul. 3, 2019, which is a
Nonprovisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/694,189, filed Jul. 5, 2018, each of which is
hereby incorporated by referenced in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to composite fabrics, and in
particular to composite fabrics including a plurality of insulating
structures that provide the composite fabric with thermal
insulation.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] An article of apparel may include a material including an
insulator. Examples of insulators include, natural filler materials
such as down (e.g., goose or duck plumage) and synthetic filler
materials such as polyester. The insulator may move within the
material. For example, the insulator may move as a result of use of
the article, movement of a wearer of the article, and/or the force
of gravity.
[0004] Additionally, the insulator may not be evenly distributed
throughout the material. As an example, the insulator may not be
evenly distributed throughout the material as a result of the
insulator moving within the material. As another example, the
insulator may not be evenly distributed throughout the material as
a result of the method of manufacturing the material and/or the
method of disposing the insulator within the material.
Consequently, the article of apparel may have regions of varying
thermal insulation.
[0005] These and other shortcomings are addressed by aspects of the
disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0006] Aspects of the disclosure relate to a composite fabric
including a first fabric layer and a plurality of insulating
structures adjacent to the first fabric layer. Each of the
[0007] plurality of insulating structures include a fabric shell
defining a cavity and an insulating material located within the
cavity.
[0008] Aspects of the disclosure further relate to a composite
fabric including a plurality of insulating structures separated by
a plurality of spacers. Each of the plurality of spacers includes a
fabric material and each of the plurality of insulating structures
includes a fabric shell defining a cavity and an insulating
material located within the cavity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals may describe similar components in different views.
Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent
different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate
generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various
embodiments discussed in the present document.
[0010] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a composite fabric
according to an aspect of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a photograph of one side of the composite fabric
of FIG. 1A.
[0012] FIG. 1C is a photograph of another side of the composite
fabric of FIG. 1A.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a composite fabric
according to an aspect of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a photograph of the composite fabric of FIG.
2A.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a composite fabric
according to an aspect of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3B is a photograph of the composite fabric of FIG.
3A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure
and the Examples included therein. In various aspects, the present
disclosure pertains to composite fabrics including a first fabric
layer and a plurality of insulating structures adjacent to the
first fabric layer, each of the plurality of insulating structures
including a fabric shell defining a cavity and an insulating
material located within the cavity. Further aspects of the
disclosure relate to a composite fabric including a plurality of
insulating structures separated by a plurality of spacers, wherein
each of the plurality of spacers includes a fabric material and
each of the plurality of insulating structures includes a fabric
shell defining a cavity and an insulating material located within
the cavity.
[0018] Before the present compounds, compositions, articles,
systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is
to be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic
methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents
unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is
also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended
to be limiting.
[0019] Various combinations of elements of this disclosure are
encompassed by this disclosure, e.g., combinations of elements from
dependent claims that depend upon the same independent claim.
[0020] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise
expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set
forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed
in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not
actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not
otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that
the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way
intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for
any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including:
matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or
operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical
organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments
described in the specification.
[0021] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by
reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in
connection with which the publications are cited.
Definitions
[0022] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not
intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the
claims, the term "comprising" can include the embodiments
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" Unless defined
otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art to which this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in
the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of
terms which shall be defined herein.
[0023] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,
reference to "an insulating material" includes mixtures of two or
more insulating materials.
[0024] As used herein, the term "combination" is inclusive of
blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like.
[0025] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one value (first
value) to another value (second value). When such a range is
expressed, the range includes in some aspects one or both of the
first value and the second value. Similarly, when values are
expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent `about,` it
will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect.
It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the
ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that
there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value
is also herein disclosed as "about" that particular value in
addition to the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is
disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood
that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For
example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are
also disclosed.
[0026] As used herein, the terms "about" and "at or about" mean
that the amount or value in question can be the designated value,
approximately the designated value, or about the same as the
designated value. It is generally understood, as used herein, that
it is the nominal value indicated .+-.10% variation unless
otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey
that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited
in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes,
formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics
are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger
or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors,
rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors
known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size,
formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is
"about" or "approximate" whether or not expressly stated to be
such. It is understood that where "about" is used before a
quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific
quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated
otherwise.
[0027] Unless otherwise stated to the contrary herein, all test
standards are the most recent standard in effect at the time of
filing this application.
[0028] Each of the materials disclosed herein are either
commercially available and/or the methods for the production
thereof are known to those of skill in the art.
[0029] It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have
certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural
requirements for performing the disclosed functions and it is
understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform
the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and
that these structures will typically achieve the same result.
Composite Fabrics Including a First Fabric Layer and Insulating
Structures
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1A-2B, aspects of the disclosure
relate to a composite fabric 100, 200 including a first fabric
layer 130, 230 and a plurality of insulating structures 140, 240
adjacent to the first fabric layer 130, 230. In some aspects each
of the plurality of insulating structures 140, 240 include a fabric
shell 150, 250 defining a cavity 160, 260 and an insulating
material (not shown) located within the cavity 160, 260.
[0031] The first fabric layer 130, 230 may be located on either
side of a fabric and/or a garment formed therefrom. For example, in
some aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 is located on a body
side of the composite fabric 100, 200, i.e., the side of the fabric
facing towards the body of a user. In other aspects the first
fabric layer 130, 230 is located on a face side of the composite
fabric 100, 200, i.e., the side of the fabric facing away from the
body of the user. In certain aspects the composite fabric 100, 200
is reversible such that a user of the fabric (e.g., a wearer of a
garment including the composite fabric 100, 200) could use the
composite fabric with the first fabric layer 130, 230 facing
towards the user or away from the user. Also as used herein,
"adjacent" means on or in proximity to and does not foreclose
intervening components, including additional fabric layer(s), air
or fluid.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 1A-1C, in some aspects each of the
plurality of insulating structures 140 are attached to the first
fabric layer 130. In particular aspects each of the plurality of
insulating structures 140 are stitched 170 to the first fabric
layer (bottom of insulating structure 140 shown as stitched
directly to the first fabric layer 130. The plurality of insulating
structures 140 could be attached to the first fabric layer 130 by
any suitable method, such as with an adhesive, sewn, knit, welded
or stitched.
[0033] The plurality of insulating structures 140 shown in FIGS.
1A-1C may in some aspects be loosely attached (or stitched 170) to
the first fabric layer 130 such that they are free to move. When
the fabric is used (e.g., worn), the plurality of insulating
structures may lay down against the first fabric layer 130
(illustrated by the arrows 180), forming a warm insulating layer in
the composite fabric 100.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in further aspects each
of the plurality of insulating structures 240 are retained against
the first fabric layer 230 by a plurality of fabric strips 270. The
plurality of fabric strips 270 may in some aspects retain the
plurality of insulating structures 240 against the first fabric
layer 230 in a woven construction. Any suitable weave pattern may
be used. In some aspects the weave pattern is a plain weave
(1.times.1, illustrated). In certain aspects the weave pattern is a
satin weave or a twill weave (e.g., 1.times.2, 1.times.3,
2.times.2, etc.). The components of the composite fabric 200 can
have any desirable dimensions. For example, in some aspects the
plurality of insulating structures 240 are sized so that when the
fabric is used (e.g., worn) the plurality of insulating structures
240 lie against and/or substantially cover the first fabric layer
230 (as shown by arrows 280), providing the composite fabric 200
with a layer of insulation.
[0035] The first fabric layer 130, 230 may have any suitable fabric
construction. In some aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 is a
woven fabric. In other aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 is a
knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric. In particular
aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 includes taffeta, although
any other suitable fabric material may be used, including but not
limited to cotton, wool, nylon, polyester and combinations
thereof.
[0036] In certain aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 is highly
breathable, or air permeable. Air permeability may be determined in
accordance with ASTM D737, and is reported in cubic feet per minute
(CFM). In some aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 has an air
permeability of from about 40 CFM to about 80 CFM when tested in
accordance with ASTM D737. In particular aspects the first fabric
layer 130, 230 has an air permeability of from about 50 CFM to
about 60 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737. The high air
permeability of the first fabric layer 130, 230 provides a
breathable layer to the composite fabric 100, 200 that allows
moisture to pass therethrough.
[0037] The fabric shell 150, 250 can have any suitable fabric
construction. In some aspects the fabric shell 150, 250 is a woven
fabric, a knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric. In
particular aspects the fabric shell 150, 250 includes taffeta,
although any other suitable fabric material may be used, including
but not limited to cotton, wool, polyester, nylon and combinations
thereof.
[0038] It may be desirable in some aspects for the fabric shell
150, 250 to be substantially impermeable to air or to have a very
low permeability. In particular aspects the fabric shell 150, 250
has an air permeability of from 0 CFM to about 5 CFM when tested in
accordance with ASTM D737. In further aspects the fabric shell 150,
250 has an air permeability of from 0 CFM to about 2 CFM when
tested in accordance with ASTM D737. The use of an impermeable or
substantially impermeable fabric for the fabric shell 150, 250
provides warmth to the fabric and encapsulates the insulating
material in the cavity 160, 260 to prevent or minimize migration or
movement of the insulating material within the composite fabric
100, 200.
[0039] As noted, each of the plurality of insulating structures
140, 240 include a fabric shell 150, 250 defining a cavity 160, 260
and an insulating material located within the cavity 160, 260. Any
suitable insulating material can be used, including a natural
insulation material, a synthetic insulation material, or a
combination thereof. In particular aspects the insulating material
includes at least one natural insulating material, including down
(e.g., goose or duck plumage). Other natural insulating materials
that could be used in the composite fabric 100, 200 include, but
are not limited to, cotton and wool. In further aspects the
insulating material includes at least one synthetic insulating
material, including polyester. Other synthetic insulating materials
that could be used in the composite fabric 100, 200 include, but
are not limited to, PrimaLoft.RTM., Thinsulate.TM.,
Thermolite.RTM., Quallofil.RTM., ThermoBall.TM., polyethylene
terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic and combinations thereof. The
insulating material may be inserted into the cavity by any
conventional process, including but not limited to air blowing,
insertion, injection, and rapier insertion. In addition, the
insulating material may be in any form. In some aspects the
insulating material is a loose fiber; in other aspects the
insulating material is shaped (e.g., in a tubular form).
Composite Fabrics Including Insulating Structures and Spacers
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, aspects of the disclosure
further relate to a composite fabric 300 including a plurality of
insulating structures 310 separated by a plurality of spacers 320.
Each of the plurality of spacers 320 includes a fabric material,
and each of the plurality of insulating structures 310 includes a
fabric shell 330 defining a cavity 340 and an insulating material
(not shown) located within the cavity 340.
[0041] In some aspects the composite fabric 300 is reversible such
that a user of the fabric (e.g., a wearer of a garment including
the composite fabric 300) could use the composite fabric 300 with
either side facing towards the user or away from the user.
[0042] The plurality of spacers 320 may have any suitable fabric
construction. In some aspects the plurality of spacers 320 are a
woven fabric. In other aspects the plurality of spacers 320 are a
knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric. In particular
aspects the plurality of spacers 320 include taffeta, although any
other suitable fabric material may be used, including but not
limited to cotton, wool, polyester, nylon and combinations thereof.
The plurality of spacers 320 can have any desirable dimensions. In
some aspects--as illustrated--the plurality of spacers 320 are
strips of fabric.
[0043] The plurality of spacers 320 and the fabric shell 330 can
have any suitable dimensions. In a certain aspect the plurality of
spacers 320 have a width of about 1 inch (1''), and the fabric
shell 330 has a width of from about 5'' to about 6''. In addition,
the plurality of spacers 320 and/or the fabric shell 330 could have
varying dimensions within the same composite fabric 300. The
plurality of spacers 320 may be sized so that when the fabric is
used (e.g., worn) the plurality of insulating structures 310 lie
against and/or substantially overlap or cover the plurality of
spacers 320 (as shown by arrows 350), providing the composite
fabric 300 with a layer of insulation.
[0044] In certain aspects the plurality of spacers 320 are highly
air permeable. In some aspects the plurality of spacers 320 have an
air permeability of from about 40 CFM to about 80 CFM when tested
in accordance with ASTM D737. In particular aspects the plurality
of spacers 320 have an air permeability of from about 50 CFM to
about 60 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737. The high air
permeability of the plurality of spacers 320 provides a breathable
component to the composite fabric 300 that allows moisture to pass
therethrough.
[0045] The fabric shell 330 can have any suitable fabric
construction. In some aspects the fabric shell 330 is a woven
fabric, a knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric. In
particular aspects the fabric shell 330 includes taffeta, although
any other suitable fabric material may be used, including but not
limited to cotton, wool, polyester, nylon and combinations
thereof.
[0046] It may be desirable in some aspects for the fabric shell 330
to be substantially impermeable to air or to have a very low
permeability. In particular aspects the fabric shell 330 has an air
permeability of from 0 CFM to about 5 CFM when tested in accordance
with ASTM D737. In further aspects the fabric shell 330 has an air
permeability of from 0 CFM to about 2 CFM when tested in accordance
with ASTM D737. The use of an impermeable or substantially
impermeable fabric for the fabric shell 330 provides warmth to the
fabric and encapsulates the insulating material in the cavity 340
to prevent or minimize migration or movement of the insulating
material within the composite fabric 300.
[0047] As noted, each of the plurality of insulating structures 310
include a fabric shell 330 defining a cavity 340 and an insulating
material located within the cavity 340. Any suitable insulating
material can be used, including a natural insulation material, a
synthetic insulation material, or a combination thereof. In
particular aspects the insulating material includes at least one
natural insulating material, including down (e.g., goose or duck
plumage). Other natural insulating materials that could be used in
the composite fabric 300 include, but are not limited to, cotton
and wool. In further aspects the insulating material includes at
least one synthetic insulating material, including polyester. Other
synthetic insulating materials that could be used in the composite
fabric 300 include, but are not limited to, PrimaLoft.RTM.,
Thinsulate.TM., Thermolite.RTM., Quallofil.RTM., ThermoBall.TM.,
polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic and combinations
thereof. The insulating material may be inserted into the cavity by
any conventional process, including but not limited to air blowing,
insertion, injection and rapier insertion. In addition, the
insulating material may be in any form. In some aspects the
insulating material is a loose fiber; in other aspects the
insulating material is shaped (e.g., in a tubular form).
[0048] The composite fabrics 100, 200, 300 and the components
thereof may be formed according to conventional processes (e.g.,
conventional sewing, weaving and knitting processes).
[0049] The composite fabrics 100, 200, 300 described herein may be
incorporated into a fabric and used to manufacture articles.
Exemplary articles include articles of apparel, such as jackets,
pants, hats, gloves, jumpsuits, and other outerwear. Other
exemplary articles include, but are not limited to, blankets,
sporting equipment (e.g., the lining of a helmet) and outdoor
equipment.
[0050] Various combinations off elements of this disclosure are
encompassed by this disclosure, e.g., combinations of elements from
dependent claims that depend upon the same independent claim.
Aspects of the Disclosure
[0051] In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to and
includes at least the following aspects.
[0052] Aspect 1. A composite fabric comprising:
[0053] a first fabric layer; and
[0054] a plurality of insulating structures adjacent to the first
fabric layer, each of the plurality of insulating structures
comprising a fabric shell defining a cavity and an insulating
material located within the cavity.
[0055] Aspect 2. The composite fabric according to Aspect 1,
wherein each of the plurality of insulating structures are attached
to the first fabric layer.
[0056] Aspect 3. The composite fabric according to Aspect 1 or 2,
wherein each of the plurality of insulating structures are stitched
to the first fabric layer.
[0057] Aspect 4. The composite fabric according to Aspect 1,
wherein each of the plurality of insulating structures are retained
against the first fabric layer by a plurality of fabric strips.
[0058] Aspect 5. The composite fabric according to Aspect 4,
wherein the plurality of fabric strips retain the plurality of
insulating structures against the first fabric layer in a woven
construction.
[0059] Aspect 6. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1
to 5, wherein the first fabric layer comprises a woven fabric or a
knit fabric.
[0060] Aspect 7. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1
to 6, wherein the first fabric layer has an air permeability of
from about 40 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to about 80 CFM when
tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
[0061] Aspect 8. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1
to 6, wherein the first fabric layer has an air permeability of
from about 50 CFM to about 60 CFM when tested in accordance with
ASTM D737.
[0062] Aspect 9. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1
to 8, wherein the fabric shell comprises a woven fabric, a knit
fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric.
[0063] Aspect 10. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects
1 to 9, wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from 0
CFM to about 5 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
[0064] Aspect 11. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects
1 to 10, wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from 0
CFM to about 2 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
[0065] Aspect 12. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects
1 to 11, wherein the insulating material comprises a natural
insulating material, a synthetic insulating material, or a
combination thereof.
[0066] Aspect 13. The composite fabric according to Aspect 12,
wherein the natural insulating material comprises down, cotton,
wool or a combination thereof.
[0067] Aspect 14. The composite fabric according to Aspect 12,
wherein the synthetic insulating material comprises polyester,
polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic, PrimaLoft.RTM.,
Thinsulate.TM., Thermolite.RTM., Quallofil.RTM., ThermoBall.TM. and
combinations thereof.
[0068] Aspect 15. A composite fabric comprising a plurality of
insulating structures separated by a plurality of spacers, wherein
each of the plurality of spacers comprises a fabric material and
each of the plurality of insulating structures comprises a fabric
shell defining a cavity and an insulating material located within
the cavity.
[0069] Aspect 16. The composite fabric according to Aspect 15,
wherein the fabric material comprises a woven fabric, a knit
fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric.
[0070] Aspect 17. The composite fabric according to Aspect 15 or
16, wherein the fabric material has an air permeability of from
about 40 CFM to about 80 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM
D737.
[0071] Aspect 18. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects
15 to 17, wherein the fabric material has an air permeability of
from about 50 CFM to about 60 CFM when tested in accordance with
ASTM D737.
[0072] Aspect 19. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects
15 to 18, wherein the fabric shell comprises a woven fabric, a knit
fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric.
[0073] Aspect 20. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects
15 to 19, wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from
0 CFM to about 5 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
[0074] Aspect 21. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects
15 to 20, wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from
0 CFM to about 2 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
[0075] Aspect 22. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects
15 to 21, wherein the insulating material comprises a natural
insulating material, a synthetic insulating material, or a
combination thereof.
[0076] Aspect 23. The composite fabric according to Aspect 22,
wherein the natural insulating material comprises down, cotton,
wool or a combination thereof.
[0077] Aspect 24. The composite fabric according to Aspect 23,
wherein the synthetic insulating material comprises polyester,
polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic, PrimaLoft.RTM.,
Thinsulate.TM., Thermolite.RTM., Quallofil.RTM., ThermoBall.TM. and
combinations thereof.
[0078] Method examples described herein can be machine or
computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a
computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with
instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform
methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of
such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language
code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can
include computer readable instructions for performing various
methods. The code may form portions of computer program products.
Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or
more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible
computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other
times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can
include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic
disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital
video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random
access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the
like.
[0079] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract
is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.72(b), to allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the
above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped
together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be
interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is
essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in
less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus,
the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on
its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such
embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations
or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined
with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
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