FOUR-LAYER FABRIC

Abstract

A four-layer fabric includes a first fiber layer; a waterproof, breathable layer secured to a bottom of the first fiber layer; a foam layer having a top secured to a bottom of the waterproof, breathable layer by melting, and a bottom; and a second fiber layer secured to the bottom of the foam layer by melting. In addition to insulation against cold condition, the four-layer fabric is waterproof, breathable, and capable of absorbing shock due to padding nature.

Claims

1. A four-layer fabric comprising: a first fiber layer; a waterproof, breathable layer secured to a bottom of the first fiber layer; a foam layer having a top secured to a bottom of the waterproof, breathable layer by melting, and a bottom; and a second fiber layer secured to the bottom of the foam layer by melting.

2. The four-layer fabric of claim 1, wherein the first fiber layer is secured to the waterproof, breathable layer either (i) by applying adhesive on a plurality of spaced positions on the bottom of the first fiber layer or the top of the waterproof, breathable layer prior to joining them or (ii) by applying adhesive on all areas of the bottom of the first fiber layer or the top of the waterproof, breathable layer prior to joining them.

3. The four-layer fabric of claim 1, wherein the foam layer is made of foam having a thickness of 2.5 mm.

4. The four-layer fabric of claim 1, wherein the top and the bottom of the foam layer are melted at a temperature of 300° C. in a manufacturing process.

5. The four-layer fabric of claim 1, wherein sequentially the top of the foam layer is secured to the waterproof, breathable layer by melting and pressing, the foam layer is cooled, and the bottom of the foam layer is secured to the second fiber layer by melting and pressing in a manufacturing process.

6. The four-layer fabric of claim 1, wherein the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer are made of the same fiber.

7. The four-layer fabric of claim 1, wherein the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer are made of different fiber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a four-layer fabric according to the invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the area in a circle shown in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the four-layer fabric;

[0019] FIG. 4 is another exploded view of the four-layer fabric;

[0020] FIG. 5 is an environmental view showing a piece of clothing made of the four-layer fabric worn on the arm for illustrating shock absorbing capability of the clothing;

[0021] FIG. 5A is a detailed view of the area in a circle shown in FIG. 5;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the four-layer fabric for illustrating its waterproof capability;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 for illustrating its breathability; and

[0024] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional waterproof three-layer fabric.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a four-layer fabric in accordance with the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

[0026] A first fiber layer 10 is provided. A waterproof, breathable layer 20 is secured to a bottom of the first fiber layer 10. A foam layer 30 has a top 31 secured to a bottom of the waterproof, breathable layer 20 by melting, and a bottom 32. A second fiber layer 40 is secured to the bottom 32 of the foam layer 30 by melting.

[0027] Preferably, the first fiber layer 10 is secured to the waterproof, breathable layer 20 by applying adhesive on a plurality of spaced positions on the bottom of the first fiber layer 10 or the top of the waterproof, breathable layer 20 prior to joining them. Alternatively, the first fiber layer 10 is secured to the waterproof, breathable layer 20 by applying adhesive on all areas of the bottom of the first fiber layer 10 or the top of the waterproof, breathable layer 20 prior to joining them.

[0028] Preferably, the foam layer 30 is made of foam having a thickness of 2.5 mm.

[0029] Preferably, the top 31 and the bottom 32 of the foam layer 30 are melted at a temperature of 300° C. in the manufacturing process.

[0030] Preferably, sequentially the top 31 of the foam layer 30 is secured to the waterproof, breathable layer 20 by melting and pressing, the foam layer 30 is cooled, and the bottom of the foam layer 30 is secured to the second fiber layer 40 by melting and pressing in the manufacturing process.

[0031] Preferably, the first fiber layer 10 and the second fiber layer 40 are made of the same fiber.

[0032] Preferably, the first fiber layer 10 and the second fiber layer 40 are made of different fiber.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6 specifically, it shows a piece of clothing made of the four-layer fabric of the invention being impervious to water when an individual wears the piece of clothing in a rainy day.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7 specifically, it shows a piece of clothing made of the four-layer fabric of the invention being capable of allowing moisture vapor to be transmitted through it when an individual wears the piece of clothing, i.e., for removing heat generated by the body.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A specifically, it shows a piece of clothing made of the four-layer fabric of the invention being capable of not only insulating against cold condition but also absorbing shock and jarring due to the provision of the foam layer 30 when an individual wears the piece of clothing.

[0036] It is envisaged by the invention that in addition to clothing described in above embodiments, the four-layer fabric can be made into shoes, hats, backpacks, handbags, or other personal items.

[0037] While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.