초록 ▼

A breathable membrane and a method of constructing a fabric having the membrane, wherein the membrane is resistive to transport of liquid water, has a layer of breathable material and is stabilized dimensionally against distension by a force field, such as forces which may be applied to the membrane

A breathable membrane and a method of constructing a fabric having the membrane, wherein the membrane is resistive to transport of liquid water, has a layer of breathable material and is stabilized dimensionally against distension by a force field, such as forces which may be applied to the membrane or resulting from a hydrostatic pressure, by a reinforcing matrix of nonwoven filaments extending in plural directions along the layer of breathable material to inhibit the distension. In the matrix, the filaments are arranged in a first plurality of the filaments which intersect a second plurality of the filaments to form cells. A minimum diameter of an individual one of the cells is greater by at least approximately an order of magnitude than a diameter of one of the filaments to provide open areas of the layer of breathable material which are free from obstruction by the filaments. The membrane is suitable for construction of a surgical gown or drape preventing transmission of pathogens, a covering for a wall of a house, as well as a covering of a container for industrial processes. The matrix filaments may be constructed in elastic form, but wherein the elasticity of each filament is limited for a maximum amount of extension so as to avoid any rupture of the breathable film. The extension limits may be the same or may differ among the various filaments.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A breathable membrane, resistive to transport of liquid water, and having limited distension in response to a force, the membrane comprising:a layer of breathable material resistive to transport of liquid water; anda reinforcing matrix of filaments extending linearly in p

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A breathable membrane, resistive to transport of liquid water, and having limited distension in response to a force, the membrane comprising:a layer of breathable material resistive to transport of liquid water; anda reinforcing matrix of filaments extending linearly in plural directions within a two-dimensional geometric pattern along said layer of breathable material to inhibit said distension;wherein a first plurality of said filaments intersect a second plurality of said filaments to form cells within said matrix, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of an individual one of said cells being greater by at least approximately an order of magnitude than a diameter of one of said filaments to provide open areas of said layer of breathable material free from obstruction by said filaments; andthe filaments in at least one of said first and said second plurality of filaments have a range of elasticity with a limitation on extension of each of the respective filaments.