Hems, edges, patches and seams for durable, water repellant woven fabric, and methods for making the same

Patent 6797352 Issued on September 28, 2004. Estimated Expiration Date:

January 2, 2023. 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

Windproof and water resistant composite fabric with barrier layer
Patent #: 5364678
Issued on: 11/15/1994
Inventor: Lumb, et al.

Fabric material Patent #: 5660914
Issued on: 08/26/1997
Inventor: Essig, et al.

Inventor

Fowler, Rick

Application

No. 10336616 filed on 01/02/2003

US Classes:

428/57, SHEETS OR WEBS EDGE SPLICED OR JOINED428/122, Channel-shaped edge component (e.g., binding, etc.)428/193, Including layer embodying mechanically interengaged strands, strand portions or strand-like strips (e.g., weave, knit, etc.)428/194, Comprising discontinuous or differential impregnation or bond112/419Channel-shaped edge binding

Examiners

Primary: Thomas, Alexander S.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Seed IP Law Group PLLC

Foreign Patent References

WO 9305958 WO 04/01/1993
WO 9417992 WO 08/01/1994
WO 0013889 WO 03/01/2000
WO 0063007 WO 10/01/2000
WO 0070975 WO 11/01/2000
WO 0103919 WO 01/01/2001
WO 0107174 WO 02/01/2001
WO 0192009 WO 12/01/2001

International Classes

B32B 304
B32B 306

Abstract

Edges, hems, patches and seams for woven fabric that has been treated for water repellency, and methods for making the same, are shown and described. In one particular embodiment of the invention, for example, a lapped seam between two pieces of water repellent fabric has an outer material at least partially overlapping an inner material, and a laminate strip positioned between the overlapping portions of the materials. The outer and inner materials, which are both oriented in the same direction, have an exterior layer of woven fabric that has been treated with water repellent and/or stain repellent chemicals, and an inner layer comprising a polymer membrane, such as polyurethane. The laminate strip has a bottom portion in contact with the outer layer of the inner material. The bottom portion has a low melt point, high flow rate adhesive system of one or more layers that penetrates and surrounds the fibers in the woven fiber of the outer layer of the inner piece of material. The laminate strip also has a top layer in contact with the inner layer of the outer piece of material. The top layer of the laminate is a thin, elastic, highly abrasion resistant material with a strong bonding affinity for polyurethane. The layers of the laminate strip bond to the adjacent layers of the overlapped material to create a strong lap seam.