Waterproof, moisture-vapor permeable sheet material and method of making the same

Patent 4613544 Issued on September 23, 1986. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 4, 2004. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3265529

3326713

3852090

Hydrophilic porous structures and process for production thereof
Patent #: 4113912
Issued on: 09/12/1978
Inventor: Okita

Waterproof laminate
Patent #: 4194041
Issued on: 03/18/1980
Inventor: Gore , et al.

Breathable laminate
Patent #: 4344999
Issued on: 08/17/1982
Inventor: Gohlke

Hydrophilic monomer treated microporous films and process
Patent #: 4346142
Issued on: 08/24/1982
Inventor: Lazear

Breathable, non-porous polyurethane film prepared from a low molecular weight difunctional compound, a polyethylene glycol and a diisocyanate
Patent #: 4367327
Issued on: 01/04/1983
Inventor: Holker , et al.

Moisture-permeable waterproof coated fabric and method of making the same
Patent #: 4429000
Issued on: 01/31/1984
Inventor: Naka , et al.

Elastomeric waterproof laminate
Patent #: 4443511
Issued on: 04/17/1984
Inventor: Worden , et al.

More ...

Inventor

Burleigh, Malcolm B.

Assignee

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.

Application

No. 06/677982 filed on 12/04/1984

US Classes:

428/315.5, Voids specified as micro427/245, Microporous coating (e.g., vapor permeable, etc.)428/316.6, Plural void-containing components428/422Addition polymer is perhalogenated

Examiners

Primary: Van Balen, William J.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

International Classes

A61L 15/42 (20060101)
A61L 15/26 (20060101)
A61L 15/16 (20060101)
D06N 3/00 (20060101)
D06N 3/04 (20060101)
A61L 15/24 (20060101)
C08J 5/18 (20060101)
C08J 9/00 (20060101)
C08J 9/42 (20060101)

Abstract

A waterproof, moisture-vapor permeable unitary sheet material comprises a microporous polymeric matrix having pores comprising continuous passages extending through its thickness and opening into the opposite surfaces thereof, the passages being sufficiently filled with a moisture-vapor permeable, water-impermeable, hydrophilic material to prevent the passage of water and other liquids through the unitary sheet material while readily permitting moisture vapor transmission therethrough rendering the sheet material breathable. The unitary sheet is made by causing a liquid composition comprising the hydrophilic material or precursor thereof to flow into the pores of the matrix, then causing the conversion thereof to solid hydrophilic material.

Other References

N S. Schneider et al., J. Macromol. Sci.-Phys., B3(4) 623-644, 767-766 (Dec., 1969)
J. L. Illinger et al, Polymer Science and Technology, vol. 6, 83-196, H. B. Hopfenberg, Plenum Press, New York and London (1974)
C. T. Chen et al., J. Applied Polymer Science, vol. 16, 2105-2114 (1972)