Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

Core Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Brian Farnworth

Cedomila Ristic-Lehmann

Anit Dutta

Bradley E Reis

Edward C Gunzel

Gregory D Culler

Craig D Lack

Paul Dacey

Anita Dutta

Cedomilla Ristic-Lehmann

A material comprising aerogel particles and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is formed having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K at atmospheric conditions. The material is moldable or formable, having little or no shedding of filler particles, and may be formed into structures such as tapes or composites, for example, by bonding the material between two outer layers. Advantageously, composites may be flexed, stretched, or bent without significant dusting or loss of insulating properties.

Aerogel/PTFE composite insulating material

Articles of apparel comprising insulating components having insulating structures with low thermal conductivity. Preferred insulating components for use in apparel have an insulating structure comprising a gas impermeable envelope and a porous material contained within the envelope where the insulating structure has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K.

Thermally insulating products for footwear and other apparel

A garment for cooling the body of a wearer is described which comprises a substantially gas impermeable first substrate and a gas-permeable second substrate attached to form a cavity. At least one spacer element is provided between the first and second substrates to maintain gas flow in regions likely to be subjected to compression, e.g. by the body of a wear. At least one of the first and second substrates preferably comprises a plurality of raised protrusions on a surface within the cavity, and the gas permeable second substrate comprises a plurality of raised protrusions on the surface external to the cavity and proximate to the body of the wearer. The cavity is adapted to be connected to a gas supply such that the gas flows into the cavity and exits the cavity through the gas permeable second substrate. The cooling garment is light weight and conformable, and may be non-tethered for portability.

Gas distribution garment having a spacer element

The present invention describes chemical protective enclosure comprising a waterproof outer surface comprising an impermeable portion and an air diffusive portion, and further comprising a chemically adsorptive material substantially adjacent the air diffusive portion, wherein there is sufficient diffusion of breathable air into the chemical protective enclosure to sustain life.

Protective enclosure

A multi-layered, composite, inflatable and deflatable article of manufacture is provided. The article includes at least two layers of a flexible, waterproof, air impermeable, optionally water-vapor-permeable material, the two layers forming at least one inflatable compartment therebetween. The two layers have at least one additional layer of a porous insulating material, e.g., batting, disposed between them within the compartment. The layers are all adhesively bonded together about the periphery of the compartment and, optionally, at discrete locations within the periphery of the compartment. The porous insulating layer is otherwise unattached to either of the waterproof layers, and preferably is not otherwise attached to either. The compartment has at least one sealable opening therein through which air may be injected into or removed from the compartment, as desired, to thereby inflate or deflate the compartment to a desired volume and to thereby control its insulative value. The construct of the invention is useful, inter alia, in garments, in air mattresses, in sleeping bags, or in a combination air mattress and sleeping bag, and in various bed covers.

Growing community of inventors

Elkton, MD, United States of America

Brian Farnworth