A shell part for use in an article of clothing with a ventilation provision, and an article of clothing

Abstract

The invention relates to a shell part for use in an article of clothing to be worn around the body by a wearer, which article of clothing comprises a ventilation provision which is provided with at least one airflow generator, wherein the shell part comprises a body side and, lying opposite thereto, an outer side, wherein the body side of the shell part is provided with at least two support edges between which a channel wall extends for the purpose of forming an airflow distribution channel between the channel wall and two adj acent support edges when the at least two support edges support against a part of the body of the wearer during use, and wherein the airflow distribution channel is in fluid connection with at least one airflow generator for the purpose of having the airflow generated thereby flow through the airflow distribution channel. In a second aspect the invention also relates to an article of clothing to be worn around the body by a wearer, comprising at least one shell part according to the invention, which article of clothing comprises a ventilation provision which is provided with at least one airflow generator for the purpose of having the airflow generated thereby flow through at least one airflow distribution channel of the at least one shell part.

Description

[0001] A shell part for use in an article of clothing with a ventilation provision, and an article of clothing

[0002] The invention relates to a shell part for use in an article of clothing to be worn around the body by a wearer, which article of clothing comprises a ventilation provision which is provided with at least one airflow generator . In a second aspect the invention relates to an article of clothing to be worn around the body by a wearer, provided with a shell part according to the invention.

[0003] In order to increase the wearer comfort in high ambient temperatures or to for instance make it possible to exert physical effort in such temperatures, it is a known solution to apply for instance a ventilation provision.

[0004] EP4035549 for instance describes an article of clothing which aids in suppressing an oppressive and hot feeling in the article of clothing. For this purpose the article of clothing is provided with a fan and manufactured from a fabric consisting substantially of hygroscopic fibres, wherein the fabric has a maximum air-permeability of

[0005] 45 cm3 / s / cm2 .

[0006] A drawback of the known clothing is that it is difficult to combine with other clothing which is also or may also have to be worn. The clothing is also blown outward due to the low permeability in combination with the active airflow, this reducing the wearer comfort .

[0007] It is now an obj ect of the invention to reduce or even wholly obviate the above stated drawback.

[0008] This obj ect is achieved according to the invention with a shell part for use in an article of clothing to be worn around the body by a wearer, which article of clothing comprises a ventilation provision which is provided with at least one airflow generator, wherein the shell part comprisesa body side and, lying opposite thereto, an outer side, wherein the body side of the shell part is provided with at least two support edges between which a channel wall extends for the purpose of forming an airflow distribution channel between the channel wall and two adj acent support edges when the at least two support edges support against a part of the body of the wearer during use, and wherein the airflow distribution channel is in fluid connection with at least one airflow generator for the purpose of having the airflow generated thereby flow through the airflow distribution channel .

[0009] By providing a shell part, for instance manufactured from a deformable material such as foam rubber, in which are arranged part-channels which, when in use on the body of the carrier, form channels through which a generated airflow can flow, it is possible to obtain a highly effective cooling owing to the improved discharge of moisture, without the clothing being blown outward by the generated airflow.

[0010] An airflow generator can bring about an airflow. An airflow generator is for instance and preferably a fan. Other airflow generators can also be applied according to the invention, such as for instance an air pump or a pressure reservoir provided with outflow openings .

[0011] In order to carry the airflow generated by the airflow generator along the body part of the wearer, use is here made here according to the invention of at least one part-channel which is arranged on the body side of the shell part and which is in fluid connection with an airflow generator such as for instance a fan. By supporting the shell part on a part of the body of the wearer the part-channel becomes a whole airflow distribution channel which extends between the fluid connection to at least one airflow generator on one side and at least one outflow opening on the other . Theshell part need not support directly on or lie directly against the skin of the wearer here, but can also lie against an underlying layer of clothing. For optimal operation it is however important that any underlying clothing has the correct properties for being able to discharge perspiration.

[0012] The part-channel is formed between two adj acent support edges . A channel wall extends between the support edges and recessed relative to the upper edges of the support edges . Together with the part of the body against which the support edges lie, the airflow distribution channel is formed. The part-channel is substantially free from further obstructions, so that a good flow therethrough is possible .

[0013] Also according to the invention is an embodiment of a shell part wherein the body side comprises a plurality of airflow distribution channels, which are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other .

[0014] Applying a plurality of airflow distribution channels enables the distribution of the airflow over the body of the wearer to be controlled better . Three to twelve airflow distribution channels are preferably applied for a shell part that is applied on the front or rear side of the torso of a wearer, more preferably eight channels . With eight channels a good balance is obtained between the contact surface of the support edges and the throughflow through the airflow distribution channels .

[0015] In another embodiment of a shell part according to the invention at least two airflow distribution channels are in fluid connection with each other .

[0016] The airflow generated by a single airflow generator can hereby be distributed over a plurality of airflow distribution channels . The fluid connection between the airflow distribution channels is preferably situated close to the fluid connection to the airflow generator . The fluidconnection between the airflow distribution channels referred to here is a fluid connection in the shell part during use and not the ever-present fluid connection via the surrounding area, such as for instance through outflow openings of the airflow distribution channels debouching in the surrounding area .

[0017] Also according to the invention is an embodiment of a shell part wherein at least one first airflow distribution channel forms part of a first distribution zone and at least one second airflow distribution channel forms part of a second distribution zone .

[0018] Applying different distribution zones enables the generated airflow to be controlled separately in the different distribution zones . Each distribution zone is preferably provided here with its own airflow generator .

[0019] Yet another embodiment of a shell part according to the invention is a shell part which extends in a longitudinal direction between an upper edge and a lower edge and in a width direction between a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the longitudinal direction and the width direction preferably lie at right angles to each other .

[0020] Because the human body is also elongate, a shell part adapted to the body of a wearer is preferably likewise elongate . The upper and lower edge indicate the respective edges which also have this relative position when being used on a wearer in the standard anatomical position.

[0021] Another embodiment of a shell part according to the invention is a shell part wherein at least one airflow distribution channel extends substantially in the longitudinal direction, up to the upper edge .

[0022] During use the airflow distribution channel hereby debouches at the upper edge . Because the heated air rises, the flow in the airflow distribution channel is enhanced.At least one airflow distribution channel preferably extends substantially in the longitudinal direction here, from a position close to the lower edge up to the upper edge .

[0023] The airflow distribution channel thus runs upward along the body part of the wearer from a position close to the lower edge up to the upper edge, where the airflow distribution channel debouches .

[0024] Yet another embodiment according to the invention is an embodiment of a shell part wherein at least one airflow generator is arranged in the shell part .

[0025] By making the airflow generator part of the shell part a good connection to the at least one airflow distribution channel can be guaranteed. Also obtained in this way is a shell part whereby an article of clothing can be provided with a ventilation provision in simple manner, also in the case that it did not yet have a ventilation provision itself . The airflow generator arranged in the shell part can thus fulfil or optionally supplement the function of the ventilation provision of the article of clothing.

[0026] The at least one airflow generator is here preferably arranged close to the lower edge .

[0027] The airflow generator can hereby draw in the air from a position close to the lower edge and force it through the at least one airflow distribution channel on the basis of overpressure . An additional advantage is that any sound created by the airflow generator is thus further removed from the head of the wearer during use .

[0028] In yet another embodiment of a shell part according to the invention the shell part comprises on the body side a textile layer, preferably a moisture-discharging textile layer, which spans the at least two support edges during use .

[0029] Arranging a textile layer over the support edges improves the wearer comfort on one hand in that the forinstance foam rubber shell part does not lie directly against the body of the wearer and, on the other, in that the textile layer functions during use as part of the part of the wall of the airflow distribution channel which is formed by the body part of the wearer . The textile layer can hereby influence the exchange between the airflow in the channel and the wearer . In order to increase the cooling capacity the textile layer is therefore preferably moisture-discharging. Moisture, such as perspiration, is hereby carried in simple manner through the textile layer and to the airflow distribution channel, where the evaporation provides for the cooling effect there .

[0030] Moisture-discharging is not understood to mean absorption of moisture into the textile, but transport of moisture through the textile . In the context of textiles this property is also referred to as wicking or moisture wicking.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of a shell part according to the invention the textile layer biases the shell part about a main axis, wherein the distance between two sides of the shell part lying on either side of the main axis is smaller due to the bias than without the bias .

[0032] By biasing the shell part about a main axis, which is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell part, a better connection is obtained to the body part of a wearer, such as the torso of the wearer . When the textile layer lies against the support edges during wear, the two sides of the shell part lying on either side of the main axis are here pulled still further toward each other by the textile layer . The shell part is hereby better able to follow the curves of the body, and the at least one airflow distribution channel connects even better .

[0033] In a second aspect the invention also relates to an article of clothing to be worn around the body by a wearer, comprising at least one shell part according to the firstaspect of the invention, which article of clothing comprises a ventilation provision which is provided with at least one airflow generator for the purpose of having the airflow generated thereby flow through at least one airflow distribution channel of the at least one shell part .

[0034] Providing an article of clothing with the shell part according to the first aspect of the invention significantly increases the effectiveness of the ventilation provision of the article of clothing.

[0035] An embodiment of an article of clothing according to the invention preferably comprises here for the at least one shell part, preferably for each shell part, a pouch for receiving the shell part therein.

[0036] Arranging in the article of clothing a pouch in which the shell part can be placed enables the shell part to be arranged at the location intended therefor in simple manner . The shell part can thus also be transferred between different articles of clothing in simple manner . A part of the pouch can here then optionally serve as the textile layer situated between the wearer and the at least one airflow distribution channel .

[0037] Another embodiment of an article of clothing according to the invention is an embodiment wherein the article of clothing is a vest, such as for instance a tactical vest or a bulletproof vest, which vest comprises a first and second torso part, wherein each torso part comprises a shell part according to the invention.

[0038] The shell part is preferably applied in a vest, wherein a matching shell part can be applied for each torso part of the vest . A tactical vest or a bullet-proof vest can then be used with increased comfort, whereby it is possible in high ambient temperatures to mitigate the heat accumulation in such existing vests .These and other features of the invention are further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings .

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a shell part according to the invention.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a front view of a shell part according to the invention.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a cross-section III-III of the shell part according to figure 2.

[0042] Figures 4a and 4b show a schematic top view of a second embodiment of a shell part in respectively the biased position and the position of use .

[0043] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an article of clothing according to the invention.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a shell part 1 according to the invention. The shell part 1 is shaped to a part of the back of a wearer . The shell part extends in the longitudinal direction between an upper edge 2 and a lower edge 3. The upper edge 2 is also directed upward when being used by a wearer in the anatomical position. In the width direction the shell part extends between the first side edge 4 and the second side edge 5. On the shown body side 6 four part-channels 7 are arranged in a first distribution zone adj acent to the first side edge 4. On the second side edge 5 four part-channels 8 are also arranged in the second distribution zone .

[0045] The sub-channels are formed between two adj acent support edges 9, two pairs of which are designated. A channel wall 10 extends between the support edges 9.

[0046] Close to the lower edge 3 the part-channels 7, 8 of the respective distribution zones are in mutual fluid connection. An airflow generator 11 in the form of a fan is provided close to the lower edge 3 in each of the distributionzones . The suctioned air 12 of the fans 11 is drawn in from the surrounding area . The airflow 13 generated by the fans 11 is distributed over the different airflow distribution channels 7, 8 in the relevant distribution zone . After flow has taken place through the airflow distribution channels 7, 8, the airflow 14 flows out at the outlet of the channels 7, 8 at the upper edge 2 .

[0047] Figure 2 shows the shell part 1 of figure 1 in front view, as seen at right angles to the body side 6 of the shell part 1. The fans have been omitted in this figure . The first 15 and second distribution zone 16 in which the sub-channels 7, 8 are respectively located are designated close to the upper edge 2. The omitted fans make the airflow 17 from the surrounding area to the part-channels 7, 8 clearly visible .

[0048] Figure 3 shows the cross-section III-III of the shell part 1 according to figure 2. The outer side 18 lying opposite the body side 6 is partially visible . Designated in the cross-section is an airflow distribution channel 19 wherein the adj acent support edges 9 lie against a part of a body part of a wearer marked as broken line 20.

[0049] Figures 4a and 4b show a schematic top view of a second embodiment of a shell part 21 according to the invention in respectively the biased position and the position of use . A textile layer 22 is provided on the body side . The textile layer 22 biases the shell part 21 about a main axis 24, whereby the distance 25 between the two sides 26 of the shell part 21 lying on either side of the main axis 24 is smaller due to the bias than if it were unbiased.

[0050] Because the torso 27 of the wearer displaces the textile layer 22, the distance 28 between the sides 26 becomes smaller due to the biasing of the textile layer 22, whereby the shell part 21 also fits closely to the flanks of the torso 27. It is also clearly visible that the part-channels 23 offigure 4a are at this point closed by the torso 27 lying against the support edges, and so form complete airflow distribution channels 29.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article of clothing 31 according to the invention. The article of clothing 31 is a bulletproof vest . A first torso part 32 is provided for the chest side and a second torso part 33 for the back side, wherein the shoulder straps and flank straps 34 mutually connect the parts 32, 33. Arranged behind a first layer of ballistic material 35 is a pouch 36 in which a shell part 37 is arranged. The shell part 37 can be removed from the pouch 36 in simple manner . The pouch 36 can for instance be manufactured from a textile with moisturedischarging properties .

Claims

Claims1. A shell part for use in an article of clothing to be worn around the body by a wearer, which article of clothing comprises a ventilation provision which is provided with at least one airflow generator, wherein the shell part comprises a body side and, lying opposite thereto, an outer side, wherein the body side of the shell part is provided with at least two support edges between which a channel wall extends for the purpose of forming an airflow distribution channel between the channel wall and two adj acent support edges when the at least two support edges support against a part of the body of the wearer during use, and wherein the airflow distribution channel is in fluid connection with at least one airflow generator for the purpose of having the airflow generated thereby flow through the airflow distribution channel .

2. Shell part according to claim 1, wherein the body side comprises a plurality of airflow distribution channels, which are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other .

3. Shell part according to claim 2, wherein at least two airflow distribution channels are in fluid connection with each other .

4. Shell part according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one first airflow distribution channel forms part of a first distribution zone and at least one second airflow distribution channel forms part of a second distribution zone .

5. Shell part according to any one of the foregoing claims, which extends in a longitudinal direction between an upper edge and a lower edge and in a width direction between a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the longitudinal direction and the width direction preferably lieat right angles to each other .

6. Shell part according to claim 5, wherein at least one airflow distribution channel extends substantially in the longitudinal direction, up to the upper edge .

7. Shell part according to claim 6, wherein at least one airflow distribution channel extends substantially in the longitudinal direction, from a position close to the lower edge up to the upper edge .

8. Shell part according to any one of the claims 5-7, according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one airflow generator is arranged in the shell part .

9. Shell part according to claim 8, wherein the at least one airflow generator is arranged close to the lower edge .

10. Shell part according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the shell part comprises on the body side a textile layer, preferably a moisture-discharging textile layer, which spans the at least two support edges during use .

11. Shell part according to claim 10, wherein the textile layer biases the shell part about a main axis, wherein the distance between two sides of the shell part lying on either side of the main axis is smaller due to the bias than without the bias .

12. An article of clothing to be worn around the body by a wearer, comprising at least one shell part according to any one of the foregoing claims, which article of clothing comprises a ventilation provision which is provided with at least one airflow generator for the purpose of having the airflow generated thereby flow through at least one airflow distribution channel of the at least one shell part .

13. Article of clothing according to claim 12, which article of clothing comprises for the at least one shell part, preferably for each shell part, a pouch for receiving theshell part therein.

14. Article of clothing according to claim 12 or 13, which article of clothing is a vest, such as for instance a bulletproof vest with a first and a second torso part, wherein each torso part comprises a shell part according to any one of the claims 1-11.

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