Quilted cold-weather garment with a substantially uncompressed interior foam layer

Abstract

Disclosed is an improved cold weather garment construction. The construction uses two fabric layers positioned about an intermediate foam layer. To improve range of motion and reduces bulkiness, the three layers are quilted together and the foam is provided in varying thicknesses to match anticipated weather conditions. Additionally, the intermediate foam layer can have a skinned layer adjacent to the exterior layer and a convoluted surface opposite the interior layer.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is continuation in part and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. nonprovisional application Ser. No. 11 / 074,303, filed Mar. 4, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a cold weather garment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-layer, quilted garment with a substantially uncompressed interior foam layer. BACKGROUND [0003] Through the years, various improvements have been made in the area of cold weather garments. All cold weather garments to date have sought to provide adequate insulation against cold temperatures, wind and water, while at the same time allowing for sufficient moisture vapor transmission from the wearer's body. Garments achieving these goals, however, tend to be unattractive and bulky. [0004] One well-known cold weather garment system was developed by the outdoorsmen J. G. Phillips, Jr. and Sr. and is known...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] It is therefore one of the objectives of this invention to create a cold weather garment affords its wearer increased dexterity and a wider range of movement, while not sacrificing cold weather resistance.

[0012] It is also an object of this invention to provide a multilayered garment wherein the multiple layers are quilted together to reduce bulkiness.

[0015] The objectives of the present invention are also achieved by providing a cold weather garment formed of an exterior layer of a waterproof and / or windproof breathable fabric and an interior layer of a mesh fabric. A layer of an open-celled polyurethane foam is positioned in between the interior and exterior layers. The intermediate layer has a first flat face disposed adjacent to the exterior layer and a skin formed upon the flat face to enhance ease of construction and improve wind resistance. The intermediate layer also includes a convoluted surface with peaks and valleys that is disposed adjacent to the interior layer. The convoluted surface reduces material and weight and improves moisture vapor transfer. A plurality of lines of stitching are provided to secure together the exterior, interior and intermediate layers as a quilt. The plurality of lines also intersect one another to form a box stitch.

Problems solved by technology

Garments achieving these goals, however, tend to be unattractive and bulky.

The drawbacks of the Phillips System, however, are that it has poor wind resistance and is bulky.

This System, however, still suffers from the aforementioned problem of bulkiness and, as a result, it often lacks sufficient dexterity to perform routine movements.

However, although skinned foam facilitates handling during manufacturing, it does not remedy the bulkiness inherent to the Phillips System.

Again, this improvement does not address the aforementioned problem of bulkiness.

By substantially compressing the down-fill material, a thin lining is formed at the expense of the thermal insulating value, which is substantially compromised.

Thus, although each of the above referenced inventions achieves its individual objective, they all suffer from a common problem.

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