Waterproof laminate
AssigneeW. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
InventorsRobert W. Gore, Samuel B. Allen, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A waterproof article for use in, for example, protective clothing. The article prevents liquid water from penetrating through to undergarments while at the same time permitting moisture vapor such as perspiration to pass out through the article. The article is thus both breathable and waterproof. The article is layered: a microporous hydrophobic outer layer which permits the passage of moisture vapor but resists penetration by liquid water at pressures up to about 345 Kn/m.sup.2 ; a hyrophilic inner layer permitting the transfer of moisture vapor but preventing surface tension lowering agents such as those contained in perspiration and/or body oils from reaching the hydrophobic layer.
Claims28
A flexible layered article suitable for use in waterproof garments, or tents, which permits transfer of water vapor to prevent the build-up of moisture, the layered article retaining its resistance to transmission of liquid water even when the interior face of the article is exposed to a surface tension lowering agent, such as perspiration and body oils, comprising:
- (a) a flexible, first layer of hydrophobic material having a moisture vapor transmission rate exceeding 1000 gms./m.sup.2. day and an advancing water contact angle exceeding 90 degrees;
- and
- (b) a continuous hydrophilic layer attached to the inner face of said first layer, said hydrophilic layer having a moisture vapor transmission rate exceeding 1000 gms./m.sup.2. day and forming a barrier to passage of a surface tension lowering agent that would if present in said first layer tend to reduce the waterproofness of said first layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.