Apparel – General structure – Seams
Patent
1984-05-29
1986-06-10
Hunter, H. Hampton
Apparel
General structure
Seams
112417, 112418, A41D 2724
Patent
active
045934185
ABSTRACT:
Self-sealing seam construction for recreational fabrics and other uses reducing the tendency to permit water penetration and leaking. The seam includes the use of one of a number of overlapping type seams formed with water resistant fabrics. In the overlapped area, between the fabrics, a strip or tape of highly resilient, nontacky, weather resistant elastomeric material is provided. The seam is formed by one or more stitching lines placed so that the sewing needle penetrates not only the overlapped fabrics but the elastomeric strip as well. The highly resilient nature of the elastomeric strip causes it to stretch and eventually aperture under the action of the needle and, when the needle is withdrawn, the elastic strip tends to return to its original position thus closing the aperture tightly around the thread positioned within the aperture by the sewing needle. The result is a tightly formed seal minimizing any open area remaining from the sewing operation. Preferred elastomeric strip materials also include those having a high ultimate elongation, preferably in the range of from about 400 to 750%, high ultimate tensile, preferably in the range of from about 2500 to 4200 psi, in cases where the ultimate elongation is less than about 400%, a high rebound, preferably in the range of from about 33% to 49% and a low permanent set, preferably less than about 35%. In addition, the elastomeric strip preferably is nontacky and thin so as to not unduly exaggerate the overall seam thickness and is wider than the stitching width while narrower than the overall seam width. Specific examples include a neoprene elastomer tape having a thickness of 0.030 in., width of 0.75 in., ultimate elongation of 750%, ultimate tensile strength of 3200 psi, and modulus at 500 percent stretch of 9000 psi used in seaming a combination of polypropylene nonwoven fabrics as recreational fabric material. Other preferred embodiments include seamed constructions wherein the edges are folded over to avoid raw edge exposure for improved appearance.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1706461 (1929-03-01), Oathout
patent: 1725749 (1929-08-01), Blair
patent: 2115368 (1938-04-01), Lustberg
patent: 2372632 (1945-03-01), Webb
patent: 2624886 (1953-01-01), Herman
patent: 4152783 (1979-05-01), Choksi
Herrick William D.
Hunter H. Hampton
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
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