DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

In its more general aspect, the present invention refers to the technical sector of articles of clothing and, in particular, the invention refers to a so-called ventilated rainproof article of clothing.

State of the art

Nowadays, the known art provides articles of clothing, in particular outerwear, such as jackets, heavy jackets, lightweight jackets, coats and the like, comprising a layer of waterproof and breathable material, to shield the body of a user from the water coming from the outside while ensuring the outflow of sweat in vapour phase.

In particular, outerwear is known which is provided with a fabric outer layer and an inner layer consisting of a waterproof and breathable membrane, wherein the two layers are coupled to each other, e.g. constituting a laminate.

In addition, in order to ensure a high breathability of the aforesaid outerwear, openings in the outer layer are sometimes prearranged which allow the direct outflow of warm air and sweat in vapour phase, which would otherwise cause discomfort to the user, especially during the physical activity.

Inconveniently, however, the aforesaid openings may also allow water to enter from outside, e.g. in the form of rain, which could wet the user's body.

In order to at least partially resolve the above drawback, the known art has provided articles of clothing of the type considered above which have a so-called “tilelike” construction, wherein portions of fabric of the outer layer are partially overlapped on each other at the aforesaid openings, so that a lower flap of a portion of upper fabric (upper tile) - e.g. a portion of fabric closer to the shoulders of a user - is farther from a user's body than a higher flap of a portion of lower fabric (lower tile) adjacent thereto.

An example of an article of clothing of the aforesaid type having an outer layer with a “tile-like” construction is described in the US 10,244,804 B2 document.

Although advantageous, articles of clothing with “tile-like” construction are, however, not free from drawbacks, in particular when they are equipped with a further fabric layer, i.e. with a third fabric layer which, with the fabric outer layer, sandwiches the layer consisting of the waterproof and breathable membrane. In this case, it is possible that water seepage occurs with associated water wicking between the fabric layers.

The document JP 4229410 B2 describes an example of an article of clothing with “tile-like” construction comprising a fabric outer layer, a fabric inner layer, a waterproof and breathable layer and a lining, wherein the waterproof and breathable layer is joined to the fabric inner layer and the join thus obtained is interposed between the fabric outer layer and the lining, wherein the waterproof and breathable layer and the fabric inner layer joined to each other are held in place by fabric strips.

In this case, the article of clothing is equipped with front and rear ventilation openings provided both on the fabric outer layer and on the waterproof and breathable layer, all of which made with “tile-like” overlapping of respective portions of the fabric outer layer and, respectively, the waterproof and breathable layer.

Disadvantageously, however, it has been observed that articles of clothing made as described in JP 4229410 B2 are subject to unexpected water seepage if they are subjected to laboratory tests, such as e.g. the so-called “rain tower’’’ performed according to the EN 14360:2004 regulation.

In particular, it has been verified that a sizing of the “tile-like” construction, sufficient to avoid seepages at the vertebral furrow of a manikin dressed with an article of clothing of the aforesaid type during a “rain tower’’’ test, on the other hand, it is not sufficient to prevent seepages at the scapulae of the same manikin where, considering a given layer of the article of clothing, the respective upper tile is pressed against the respective lower tile with more pressure than the pressure exerted between the same tiles in the area of the vertebral furrow of the manikin.

The seepage phenomenon described above is known as wicking.

Summary of the invention

The technical problem underlying the present invention has been that of providing a so-called ventilated rainproof article of clothing, having structural and/or functional characteristics such as to overcome one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art.

In accordance with the invention, the aforesaid problem is solved by an article of clothing of the aforesaid type having a so-called “tile-like” construction, comprising: an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the outer layer is arranged toward the external environment and the inner layer is arranged toward the body of a user who wears the article of clothing, when the article of clothing is arranged in use, wherein the aforesaid inner layer comprises at least one upper portion and one lower portion which are arranged in a “tile-like” manner with formation of an overlapping area of the aforesaid upper portion and the aforesaid lower portion, wherein the aforesaid upper portion and the aforesaid lower portion each comprise at least one functional layer of waterproof and breathable material, wherein the aforesaid upper portion is joined to the aforesaid lower portion at two or more junctions which identify at least one ventilation opening, wherein the aforesaid article of clothing comprises spacer means arranged in the aforesaid overlapping area with definition of a first portion having a width r’ corresponding to the distance between the aforesaid spacer means and the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion, and a second portion having a width r” corresponding to the distance between the aforesaid upper portion and the aforesaid lower portion, wherein r’ < r” and wherein the aforesaid first portion and the aforesaid second portion are arranged at least partially at elevations different from each other.

A ventilated article of clothing means an article of clothing having at least one layer equipped with at least one opening.

“Tile-like” construction of a ventilated article of clothing means that in the aforesaid layer equipped with the aforesaid at least one opening, at least one upper portion and one lower portion are defined adjacent to each other, wherein the upper portion is closer to the shoulders of a user than the lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are partially overlapped on each other at the aforesaid at least one opening, thus creating an overlapping area, so that a lower flap or edge of the aforesaid upper portion (upper tile) is further away from the body of a user than the upper edge or flap of the aforesaid lower portion (lower tile).

A material is waterproof if the absence of crossing points, by water, occurs when the material is subjected to a pressure of at least 1 bar for at least 30 seconds. In particular, impermeability is assessed as resistance by a specimen, which is substantially consisting of the material being tested, to the penetration of water under pressure, according to the method described in the EN1734 regulation. According to this method, a sample of the aforesaid material is fastened to a receptacle and used to close the receptacle, wherein the receptacle, which is provided with an inlet of pressure water, is filled with water so that the face of the aforesaid sample facing the inside of the receptacle is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure of 1 bar, in which this condition is maintained for 30 seconds. In detail, the aforesaid sample is stuck between the opening mouth of the receptacle and a restraining ring, wherein the sample and the restraining ring are covered with silicone rubber sealing gaskets and wherein pressurisation is achieved by forcing water into the receptacle from a tank by means of a flow of compressed air regulated by a valve with pressure gauge on which the reached pressure is shown. Then the face (surface) of the sample outside the receptacle is observed. The absence of crossing points consisting of the formation on this face or surface of drops with a diameter of between 1 mm and 1.5 mm denotes the impermeability of the sample, therefore of the aforesaid material. If it is necessary to prevent the deformation of the sample, a square-meshed grid of synthetic material, with a side of no more than 30 mm, made of threads with a diameter of between 1 mm and 1.2 mm, is fastened thereto.

Vapour permeability is the amount of vapour that passes through a material as a result of a partial pressure gradient. ISO 20344-2004 regulation related to the safety of footwear, in chapter 6.6 "Determination of water vapour permeability" , describes a test method consisting of fastening a specimen of the material being tested so as to close the opening of a bottle containing a certain amount of solid desiccant, i.e. silica gel, wherein the bottle is subjected to a strong air current in a conditioned atmosphere. The bottle is rotated so as to mix the solid desiccant and to optimise the drying action of the air contained in the bottle. The bottle is weighed before and after the test period to determine the moisture mass that has passed through the material and has been absorbed by the solid desiccant. The water vapour permeability expressed in milligrams per square centimetre per hour [mg/cm ² /h] is then calculated on the basis of the measured moisture mass, the area of the bottle opening and the test time. In the context of the present invention and, in any case, in accordance with common practice, the expressions “vapour permeability”, “water vapour permeability” and the like are therefore to be understood as equivalent to each other and synonymous with “breathable”.

Water-repellent means a material capable of making a drop of water slide on its surface, as a very high contact angle is generated between surface and drop that does not allow the absorption by the same material, in the absence of hydrostatic pressure. The water repellency of a surface is generally measured through the contact angle present between water droplet and surface and its surface tension.

Basically, in accordance with the present invention, the aforesaid first portion defines, in the aforesaid overlapping area, at least one channel having a width r’, while the aforesaid second portion defines, in the aforesaid overlapping area, an interspace having a width r”, wherein r’ < r” and, precisely, wherein r’ « r”.

In particular, in accordance with the present invention and what stated above, the aforesaid first portion may comprise a channel of width r’ defined at a lower end of the aforesaid overlapping area or it may comprise a channel of width r’ defined at an upper end of the aforesaid overlapping area or again it may comprise two channels of width r’, one defined at a lower end of the aforesaid overlapping area, the other defined at an upper end of the aforesaid overlapping area, wherein one, the other or both of the aforesaid channels may be possibly discontinuous.

A discontinuous channel, in accordance with the present invention, comprises at least two lengths of width r’ arranged substantially at the same elevation and not contiguous with each other, i.e. it comprises at least two lengths of width r’ between which a portion of width equal to r” is comprised, and still in accordance with the above, the aforesaid first portion of the overlapping area may also be a discontinuous portion.

In accordance with the above, therefore, the aforesaid second portion may define an interspace of width r” arranged above the aforesaid at least one channel or it may define an interspace of width r” arranged below the aforesaid at least one channel, or it may also define an interspace of width r” arranged between two channels of the aforesaid type, wherein in the event that the aforesaid at least one channel is discontinuous, the aforesaid interspace comprises at least one end portion arranged at the same elevation as the at least one discontinuous channel and, particularly, at the same elevation as the aforesaid at least two lengths of channel, wherein the aforesaid at least one end portion may be a lower end portion and/or an upper end portion of the interspace, still considering the aforesaid article of clothing in a usage configuration, i.e. in a configuration in which “upper” means a position closer to the user's head with respect to a “lower” position.

In accordance with the present invention, the aforesaid spacer means preferably comprise at least one possibly discontinuous strip of material combined with the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer at one end of the aforesaid overlapping area, and/or at least one folded edge of the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer, wherein the aforesaid folded edge is a lower edge of the aforesaid upper portion and/or an upper edge of the aforesaid lower portion.

In other words, the aforesaid spacer means may be integral to the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion, i.e. they may be made in one piece with one or both of the latter ones, and/or may be means constrained to the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion without being made of one piece with it or with them.

In accordance with what is mentioned above, in case the aforesaid strip of material is discontinuous comprising two or more lengths which are not contiguous with each other, the respective channel is discontinuous and also comprises two or more lengths which are not contiguous with each other, as described above.

As regards the aforesaid possibly discontinuous strip of material, it should be mentioned that it may consist of a hydrophobic or non-hydrophobic, waterproof or nonwaterproof material, wherein hydrophobic materials are preferred and wherein materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane (PU), polymeric foams in general or a three-dimensional fabric, such as the one described in Patent EP 2 007 235 Bl in the name of the same applicant, are more preferred.

Still with regard to the aforesaid strip of material, which substantially provides, if present, the main contribution to the value of r” , it should be mentioned that it preferably has a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, more preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm.

More generally, it can be mentioned that the aforesaid spacer means preferably have a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, more preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm.

As far as the aforesaid second portion of the overlapping area, therefore the aforesaid interspace, it should be mentioned that it has preferably an height P between about 0.1 cm and about 2.5 cm, more preferably between about 0.3 cm and about 1 cm, excluding the height of any respective at least one end portion, so in the event that the aforesaid at least one channel is continuous.

In the event that the aforesaid at least one channel is discontinuous, the height of the aforesaid interspace at the second portion located at an elevation different from the elevation at which the aforesaid at least one discontinuous channel is arranged, preferably has always the value of P set forth above, while the height of the aforesaid at least one end portion of the aforesaid interspace, which corresponds to the height of the strip of discontinuous material, is preferably between about 0.2 cm and about 2.5 cm, more preferably between about 0.3 cm and about 2 cm.

Generally speaking, it can be mentioned that the height of the aforesaid spacer means, therefore the height of the aforesaid at least one strip of material and/or the height of the aforesaid at least one folded edge, is preferably between about 0.2 cm and about 2.5 cm, more preferably between about 0.3 cm and about 2 cm.

As regards the aforesaid functional layer, it should be mentioned that it is preferably a membrane made of a polymeric material selected from the group comprising polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyester, polyethylene.

In accordance with the invention, it should be mentioned that the aforesaid inner layer may be a so-called single-layer in which the aforesaid upper portion and the aforesaid lower portion essentially consist of a functional waterproof and breathable layer, as stated above, or the aforesaid inner layer may be, integrally or partially, of multiple layers and, particularly, of two or three layers, wherein “partially” or “partial” refers to only one of the two upper or lower portions, and “integrally” or “integral” refers to both the aforesaid upper and lower portions of the inner layer.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion may comprise a supporting layer combined with the aforesaid functional layer, or the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion may comprise two supporting layers combined with the aforesaid functional layer, wherein the latter is interposed between the two aforesaid supporting layers.

One-layer, two-layer or three-layer implementations of the aforesaid upper portion of the inner layer are therefore possible, and substantially independent of how the aforesaid upper portion is made, one-layer, two-layer or three-layer implementations of the aforesaid lower portion of the inner layer are possible.

In the event of multi-layered implementation, the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portions are preferably a so-called laminate.

It should be underlined that all that is described above with reference to the aforesaid spacer means remains valid also for the partial or integral two-layer and three- layer implementations of the aforesaid inner layer.

In this regard, it should be added that, if in single-layer or three-layer implementations of the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion of the inner layer, the respective layer which defines the aforesaid second portion of the overlapping area, then the respective layer at the aforesaid interspace, is the aforesaid functional layer or, respectively, the aforesaid supporting layer, in two-layer implementations these can be arranged as required.

In other words, in the two-layer, partial or integral, implementations of the aforesaid inner layer, therefore in the aforesaid upper portion and/or in the aforesaid lower portion, independently of each other, the aforesaid functional layer may be either the inner layer or the outer layer and, consequently, the aforesaid supporting layer may be either external or respectively internal, where outer means arranged toward the environment outside the article of clothing and thus further away from the body of a user, and inner means arranged toward the user’s body and, therefore, closer to the user.

In any case, preferably, the aforesaid supporting layer is a polyester or polyamide jersey, a fabric comprising weft and warp, a non-woven fabric or a leather layer, supporting layers different from each other in the aforesaid upper portion and the aforesaid lower portion or in the same upper or lower portion of a three-layer implementation being also possibly provided.

Preferably, the aforesaid functional layer of waterproof and breathable material is less hydrophilic than the aforesaid supporting layer and, more preferably, it is hydrophobic.

In accordance with the invention and regardless of the spacer means used, from the aforesaid single-layer, two-layer or three-layer implementations of the aforesaid upper and/or lower portions of the inner layer and from the reciprocal arrangement of the aforesaid functional and supporting layers in the event of two-layer implementation of the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion of the inner layer, it should be mentioned that the phenomenon of water seepages, by wicking the same water between the layers of the article of clothing, has advantageously decreased.

Without thereby wishing to be bound to any scientific theory, it is believed that the physical model that best represents the wicking phenomenon mentioned above is the one that describes the phenomenon of capillarity, for a cylindrical capillary of radius “r”, according to the known law of Borelli-Jurin:

In the present case, half of the width of the aforesaid first portion, i.e. half of the width of the aforesaid at least one channel, equal to r’/2, and half of the width of the aforesaid second portion, i.e. half of the width of the aforesaid interspace, equal to r”/2, may be considered as the radius of the capillary in question.

That is to say, the aforesaid at least one channel and the aforesaid interspace are approximated to capillaries for which the aforesaid Borelli-Jurin law applies, in accordance with the present invention.

Therefore, in accordance with the above, “h” denotes the height that the water can reach by capillarity inside the capillary in question, “p” denotes the density of the water, “y” denotes the surface tension of the water, “g” denotes the acceleration of gravity and “9” is the angle between the inner surface of the capillary in question, which is substantially a vertical surface inside the aforesaid overlapping area in the usage configuration of the present article of clothing and the tangent to the curvature at the point of intersection between the aforesaid inner surface of the capillary in question and the water. In practice, “9” is the contact angle between the surface of the capillary in question as defined above and a liquid, in this case, water.

Therefore, advantageously, the “9” angle is also used to distinguish hydrophobic materials (9>99°) from hydrophilic materials (9<99°), from which it follows that materials with increasing hydrophilicity show a gradually decreasing value of the angle '9' and thus gradually result in an increase in “h”. Basically, as the value of “9” increases (i.e. when it tends to hydrophobic materials), the value of cos9 decreases and, consequently, the value of “h” also decreases.

In accordance with the above, basically, the aforesaid at least one channel has a width r’ and constitutes a path for the water to rise by capillarity, since there is no waterproof seal at this channel, while the aforesaid interspace, by virtue of its relatively large width r”, results in a decrease in the value of “h” calculated according to the Borelli-Jurin law.

Since in practice the condition r’«r” occurs and since in the condition of use of the present article of clothing, the aforesaid upper portion (upper tile) and the aforesaid lower portion (lower tile) may come into contact with each other, particularly at the area of the scapulae, the value of r’ tends to zero and, therefore, the water could easily flow up the whole channel. Thus, it becomes important to correctly size P which must in practice be greater than the value of “h” inside the interspace according to the model of the Borelli-Jurin law. Briefly, in accordance with the above and with reference to the various embodiments described above, it can be mentioned that: in embodiments where both the aforesaid interspace and the aforesaid at least one channel are defined by walls consisting of the aforesaid functional layer, the value cos9 is relatively small. This condition occurs, e.g., in single-layer implementations in which the aforesaid spacer means are made from the aforesaid folded edge. It should be added that embodiments substantially equivalent to the aforesaid single-layer implementations comprise single-layer implementations in which the aforesaid spacer means are made of a strip of hydrophobic material and implementations integrally in two layers of the inner layer, wherein the functional layer of the upper portion and the functional layer of the lower portion delimit the aforesaid interspace, and the aforesaid spacer means are made of a strip of hydrophobic material. As set forth above and according to the present invention, it is also possible to implement the aforesaid condition with the upper portion and the lower portion which comprise a number of layers different from each other. In any case for the condition set forth above, with reference to the interspace and r” being equal, it is possible to have a value of “h”, and therefore of P, less than for a tile-like construction, in which the walls of the aforesaid interspace don’t both consist of the functional layer. Basically, in the condition concerned, it is possible to limit the rise of water by capillarity with minimum r” and P values.

This advantageously translates into a lower height of the aforesaid overlapping area, resulting in saving material and aesthetics, so to speak, “cleaner” of the article of clothing; in two-layer embodiments in which the aforesaid interspace is defined by walls consisting of the aforesaid functional layer, while the aforesaid at least one channel is defined on one side by the aforesaid functional layer and on the other side by the aforesaid supporting layer, since the aforesaid spacer means are made of a folded edge of the aforesaid upper or lower portion, the minimum value of r” is obtained because both walls of the interspace consist of the functional layer, which advantageously results into a decrease in the value cos9; in the three-layer embodiments, in which both walls of the aforesaid interspace consist of a supporting layer, a value of r” and/or p greater than in the cases considered above is required. In particular, in the case of spacer means comprising a folded edge, the latter results “naturally” in a value of r” as the contribution to the r” value determined by a three-layer portion or tile is generally greater than that determined by a one-layer or two-layer portion or tile. However, in these embodiments, the functional layer of the aforesaid upper portion and that of the aforesaid lower portion, since they are between two supporting layers thus forming a laminate, are advantageously high- protected. As a general rule, it can be mentioned that in the three-layer implementations of both the upper portion and the lower portion of the inner layer, the width interspace r” reduces the height “h” reached by the water by capillarity, while the supporting layers, typically of fabric/jersey, tend to increase the value of “h”. In any case, advantageously, the three-layer implementations allow the use of particularly economical, functional layers provided, e.g., with mechanical characteristics, such as little tensile strength, elongation, bending strength, etc. Furthermore, the three-layer implementations allow considerable freedom of execution by ensuring that a supporting layer faces the user, which is capable of guaranteeing maximum comfort for softness, appearance and “touch”. Again, the three-layer implementations allow a supporting layer to face the outer layer of the article of clothing, instead of a functional layer, thus limiting, if not eliminating, the risk of local adhesion between the functional layer and the outer layer and/or “noise” (rustling) due to the respective rubbing against the two, for which, if present, is generally referred to as “singing fabric”; in the embodiments in which at least one of the walls of the aforesaid interspace consists of a supporting layer, there is a relatively high value of cos9 compared to the embodiments in which both walls consist of a functional layer and, consequently, the value of “h” also increases. In this case, the value of r” and/or the value of P must be increased to limit the rise of the water by capillarity. However, with respect to the embodiments in which both walls of the aforesaid interspace consist of a functional layer, having a wall of the aforesaid interspace consisting of a supporting layer allows a supporting layer to face the user thus increasing the comfort of the article of clothing and/or to face a supporting layer toward the outer layer of the article of clothing, thus limiting, if not eliminating, the risk of local adhesion between the functional layer and the outer layer and/or “noise” (rustling) due to the relative rubbing between the two; in embodiments in which the aforesaid spacer means are discontinuous (strip of discontinuous material), it is advantageously decreased the height attainable by the water by capillarity in the lengths corresponding to the aforesaid end portions of the aforesaid interspace, i.e. in the lengths having width r” and being interposed between lengths of the aforesaid at least one channel with width r’.

It should be underlined that, in accordance with the present invention, a particularly preferred embodiment provides a two-layer implementation of both the aforesaid upper portion and the aforesaid lower portion, wherein i.e. both the upper tile and the bottom tile each comprise a functional layer and a supporting layer laminated to each other, wherein the supporting layer, in both of the aforesaid tiles, faces the body of a user to confer greater comfort, i.e. it is an inner layer of the respective tile, in which the aforesaid spacer means are made of a folded edge, in particular a lower edge of the aforesaid portion or upper tile. In this case, the aforesaid at least one channel is defined on both sides by a functional layer and this is the best possible condition to reduce the contribution to capillarity due to the channel. On the other hand, the aforesaid interspace is defined on the one side by a functional layer and on the other side by a supporting layer, where the latter is generally less hydrophobic than the functional layer and thus tends to increase the cos9 value and, consequently, the “h” value and, therefore, the P value. Thus, in order to limit the “h” value, and therefore P value, it is necessary to increase the value of r” with respect to single-layer implementations. Advantageously, this embodiment allows to use a functional layer generally thinner and cheaper than that used in single-layer implementations, thus allowing considerable savings considering the extent the upper and lower portions can reach inside an article of clothing. Furthermore, such a thinner functional layer has and confers greater softness and less stiffness to the article of clothing than an analogous article of clothing packaged according to a one-layer implementation. In particular, if the aforesaid spacer means consist of a folded edge, the use of a supporting layer allows to make up for the reduced contribution of the functional layer (thinner than the single-layer implementations) to the value of r”. In accordance with the aforesaid particularly preferred embodiment, the aforesaid spacer means may alternatively consist of a strip of hydrophobic material combined with the supporting layer constituting one of the walls of the aforesaid interspace. According to a further alternative, it is possible to use a supporting layer that has undergone a water-repellent treatment. In accordance with the invention, however, it is possible to provide a two-layer implementation of both the aforesaid upper portion and the aforesaid lower portion, wherein both the upper tile and the lower tile each comprise a functional layer and a supporting layer laminated to each other, wherein the functional layer of one of the upper portion and the lower portion constitutes the inner layer of the laminate, i.e. the layer closest to the user, considering a given upper or lower portion, while the functional layer of the other portion between the aforesaid upper and lower portions constitutes the outer layer of the respective laminate, i.e. the furthest layer from the user, wherein the aforesaid spacer means are made of a folded edge of the upper portion and/or lower portion. In this case, it is possible to have two embodiments which are still advantageous since the aforesaid at least one channel has at least one wall consisting of a functional layer. Again as regards the two-layer implementations, by way of example, an upper portion and a lower portion may also be provided, each comprising a functional layer and a supporting layer laminated to each other, wherein the supporting layer, in both of the aforesaid portions, faces the body of a user to confer greater comfort, i.e. it is an inner layer of the respective portion, wherein the aforesaid spacer means are made of a folded edge, in particular an upper edge of the aforesaid lower portion. This solution is also advantageous because the aforesaid upper edge of the aforesaid lower portion folded inwards into the overlapping area improves the finishing and toughness of the article of clothing according to the present invention.

Again as regards the aforesaid spacer means, it should be mentioned that if they are made of the aforesaid possibly discontinuous strip of material, the latter may be an adhesive strip or may be applied to the respective tile by means of suitable fastening means which, preferably, are provided in the case of spacer means made of the aforesaid folded edge of the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion, in order to better keep the same folded edge in position, i.e. to keep the folded edge adhering and constrained to the upper or lower portion from which it originates.

Preferably, the aforesaid fastening means consist of an adhesive which can be spread or arranged in spots or strips and that can possibly be thermally activated, although this does not exclude the possibility of fastening means in the form of suitably waterproofed seams, heat or ultrasonic welds and the like.

In this regard, it should be noted that the aforesaid fastening means, due to their thickness, can advantageously increase the value of “r””, i.e. the width of the aforesaid interspace, limiting the value of “h” and, therefore, of p.

The value of “r”” can also be advantageously increased by providing an air cushion in the case of spacer means made by means of the aforesaid folded edge. In this regard, it is possible to shape the aforesaid folded edge so as to create a loop containing air instead of integrally adhering it to the upper or lower portion from which it originates and to keep it in position thus shaped by properly arranging the aforesaid fastening means, e.g. an adhesive applied in spots or seams suitably waterproofed, heat or ultrasonic welds and the like, wherein the consistency of the material selected for the aforesaid inner layer prevents the aforesaid loop from collapsing.

Preferably, the aforesaid article of clothing comprises a lining which is arranged on the side of the aforesaid inner layer opposite to that where the aforesaid outer layer is arranged. The aforesaid lining constitutes in practice the innermost layer of the article of clothing, i.e. closer to the body of a user.

Preferably, the aforesaid article of clothing comprises joining means for constraining the aforesaid outer layer to the aforesaid inner layer and/or for constraining the latter to the aforesaid lining.

Preferably, the aforesaid joining means comprise at least one tape (bridge), preferably made of fabric, combined with the aforesaid outer layer by means of a first seam and combined with the aforesaid inner layer, particularly with the aforesaid upper portion of the aforesaid inner layer, by means of a second seam, wherein the aforesaid first seam is arranged at a higher elevation than the second seam, e.g. wherein the first seam is arranged above the second seam with reference to the article of clothing being arranged in use.

Preferably, the aforesaid lining is constrained to the aforesaid inner layer by means of the aforesaid second seam.

The join described above is advantageous because it limits the wicking of water coming from the outside that could seep into the aforesaid first seam. Before reaching the aforesaid second seam and infiltrating inside the article of clothing, in fact, the water should also pass through the aforesaid tape.

In accordance with the invention, the aforesaid article of clothing is a so-called outerwear of the type of a jacket, heavy jacket, lightweight jacket, coat and the like and, therefore, it comprises a portion of bust and sleeves extending from the portion of bust.

In the aforesaid article of clothing, the extent of the aforesaid inner layer is preferably smaller than the extent of the aforesaid outer layer, the inner layer more preferably extending, as regards the aforesaid bust portion, in the upper portion of the article of clothing at the shoulders only, to cover part of a user's back and chest.

Preferably, the aforesaid inner layer, in addition to comprising the aforesaid portion at the shoulders, commonly referred to as yoke, comprises two portions referred to as right oversleeve and left oversleeve, respectively, which preferably extend along the arm of the user to the region of the wrists substantially along the surface of the arm facing the external environment, when the article of clothing is arranged in use. In practice, the aforesaid left and right oversleeves extend along a portion of the sleeves of the article of clothing opposite a portion of the sleeves which faces the bust of the user and then faces the aforesaid portion of bust of the article of clothing.

In accordance with the invention, it should be mentioned that the aforesaid inner layer, as regards the aforesaid portion of bust, may in any case have an extent also corresponding to that of the aforesaid outer layer and/or be extended, as regards the sleeves, up to the region of the elbows and/or also along the portion of the same sleeves facing the bust of the user.

Preferably, the aforesaid right oversleeve and the aforesaid left oversleeve are joined to the aforesaid yoke through respective right and left junctions, preferably made by means of high-frequency welds so as not to compromise the integrity of the inner layer, e.g. its impermeability, however, the possibility of making the aforesaid right and left junctions by means of seams waterproofed by taping according to known arts is not excluded.

Preferably, the aforesaid article of clothing comprises at least one so-called gutter arranged at a lower end or at a lower end portion of the aforesaid lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer, in order to collect and properly direct any water penetrating inside the article of clothing between the aforesaid outer layer and the aforesaid inner layer.

The aforesaid at least one gutter is in practice a preferential path for the liquidstate water, meaning that when the water in its liquid state encounters a material that has an area with paths and an area without paths, it is attracted to the paths and is subject to “preferring” them and consequently is subject to preferring the area containing the paths over the area without them.

Preferably, at the aforesaid at least one gutter, the aforesaid article of clothing comprises hydrophilic filaments in order to attract the liquid-state water toward the aforesaid preferential paths.

Preferably, the aforesaid at least one gutter defines a curved and/or inclined path with respect to a horizontal plane coinciding with the ground, when the article of clothing is arranged in use.

Preferably, the aforesaid at least one gutter may be made by folding outwards a lower edge of the aforesaid lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer, so as to form a sort of loop which makes a respective preferential path, or it can be made by applying a strip of waterproof material at the aforesaid lower edge of the lower portion of the inner layer, or it can be made, as it were in bas-relief, e.g. by means of embossing techniques, at a pre-set distance from the lower end of the lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer, therefore, wherein the aforesaid bas-relief defines in practice a groove facing the environment outside the present article of clothing.

Preferably, the aforesaid article of clothing comprises a plurality of gutters.

Brief description of the figures

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better evident by the review of the following detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments shown for illustration purposes only and without limitation, with the aid of the accompanying drawings made not to scale, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows, worn by a user, a front view in partial transparency of a ventilated rainproof article of clothing comprising an outer layer, a lining, an inner layer with “tile-like” construction interposed between the outer layer and the lining, and a plurality of gutters arranged at the inner layer, in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a partially cutaway rear view in partial transparency of the article of clothing of figure 1;

- Figure 3 shows the article of clothing of figure 1 without the aforesaid outer layer;

- Figure 4 shows the article of clothing of figure 2 without the aforesaid outer layer;

- Figures 5a - 5f show a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the inner layer of the article of clothing of figure 1, with “tile-like” construction comprising an upper tile and a lower tile which define a ventilation passage, in an single-layer integral implementation of the inner layer and with spacer means interposed between the upper tile and lower tile, in accordance with respective embodiments of the present invention;

- Figure 6 shows a top view of a portion of the inner layer of the article of clothing of figure 1, with “tile-like” construction comprising an upper tile and a lower tile which define a ventilation passage, in a single-layer integral implementation of the inner layer and with discontinuous spacer means interposed between the upper tile and the lower tile, in accordance with an implementation variant of the present invention;

- Figures 7a - 7p show a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the inner layer of the article of clothing of figure 1, with “tile-like” construction comprising an upper tile and a lower tile which define a ventilation passage, in a two-layer integral implementation of the inner layer and with spacer means interposed between the upper tile and the lower tile, in accordance with respective embodiments of the present invention;

- Figures 8a - 8f show a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the inner layer of the article of clothing of figure 1, with “tile-like” construction comprising an upper tile and a lower tile which define a ventilation passage, in a three-layer integral implementation of the inner layer and with spacer means interposed between the upper tile and the lower tile, in accordance with respective embodiments of the present invention;

- Figures 9a and 9b show an enlarged perspective as viewed from a first side or outer side and, respectively, from a second side or inner side of the inner layer of the example of figure 7i;

- Figure 10 shows an enlarged and detailed view of the inner layer of the example of figure 7i; - Figure 11 shows, in section, respective portions of the outer layer, inner layer and lining constrained to each other by joining means, of the article of clothing of figure 1;

- Figure 12 shows a portion of the inner layer of the article of clothing of figure 1, with a respective gutter as viewed from the front and in section, in four different embodiments (a-d) in accordance with the present invention;

- figure 13 shows the article of clothing of figure 4 in accordance with an implementation variant of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to figures 1-4, 9a, 9b and 10, 1 generally denotes a ventilated rainproof article of clothing in accordance with the present invention.

The article of clothing 1 is a so-called outerwear of the type of a jacket, heavy jacket, lightweight jacket, coat and the like, which comprises a portion of bust 2 and sleeves 3 extending from the portion of bust 2.

In particular, from a structural point of view, the article of clothing 1 essentially comprises an outer layer 4, an inner layer 5 and a lining 4a, wherein the inner layer 5 is interposed between the outer layer 4 and the lining 4a and wherein, in accordance with the aforesaid figures, the inner layer 5 has an extent smaller than the extent of the outer layer 4, extending as regards the bust portion 2, substantially only in the upper portion of the article of clothing 1 at the shoulders, to cover part of the back and chest of a user U.

The inner layer 5, in addition to comprising the aforesaid portion at the shoulders, denoted by 5a and commonly referred to as yoke, comprises two portions referred to as right oversleeve 5b and left oversleeve 5c, respectively, which are joined to the yoke 5a through respective right and left junctions, which are preferably made by means of high-frequency welds so as not to compromise the integrity of the inner layer 5, e.g. its impermeability. Alternatively, the aforesaid left and right junctions may consist of seams waterproofed by taping according to known techniques.

In detail, the yoke 5a comprises a right front portion 5d at the right half of the user’s chest, a left front portion 5e at the left half of the user’s chest and a rear portion 5f at the user’s back, while the right and left oversleeves 5b and 5c extend, in the configuration of use of the article of clothing 1, along the user’s arm to the region of the wrists, substantially along the surface of the arm facing the external environment. In practice, the right and left oversleeves 5b and 5c extend along a portion of the sleeves of the article of clothing opposite a portion of the sleeves facing the aforesaid portion of bust.

In accordance with the invention, the aforesaid inner layer, as regards the aforesaid portion of bust, may in any case have an extent also corresponding to that of the aforesaid outer layer and/or be extended, as regards the sleeves, up to the region of the elbows and/or also along the aforesaid portion of the sleeves facing the aforesaid portion of bust, as will become better apparent hereinafter.

It should also be noted that the aforesaid lining is not essential since the article of clothing may comprise only the aforesaid outer layer and the aforesaid inner layer, wherein the outer layer is always arranged toward the external environment and the inner layer is always arranged toward the body of the user wearing the article of clothing, while the possible lining is always arranged closer to the user’s body compared to the aforesaid inner layer.

The article of clothing 1 has a so-called “tile-like” construction, wherein the inner layer 5 comprises an upper portion 6 and a lower portion 7 which are arranged partially overlapping each other in a “tile-like” manner, with implementation of a respective overlapping area 8 and at least one ventilation opening 9. In particular, the upper portion 6, also identified as upper tile, and the lower portion 7, also identified as lower tile, are joined at two or more junctions 10 defining the aforesaid at least one ventilation opening 9, which are made, e.g., as heat or ultrasonic welds, taped seams, adhesive spots and the like. In other words, in the overlapping area 8, the upper and lower portions 6 and 7 are not completely constrained to each other but between two consecutive junctions 10, the upper portion can simply rest on the lower portion, forming free lengths. This way, a path comprising the aforesaid at least one ventilation opening is made, which facilitates the outflow of the sweat in the vapour phase and of warm air toward the external environment through the aforesaid free lengths. The aforesaid path is therefore a ventilation path generally denoted by V, whereas W denotes water coming from the external environment, e.g. in the form of rain.

It should be mentioned that the width of a ventilation opening between two junctions can easily be predetermined depending on the requirements and that, in accordance with implementation variants of the invention, junctions of the aforesaid type may be made in positions different from those shown in the example of figure 9b, e.g. in the proximity of the armhole, making a ventilation opening of the aforesaid type extended throughout the rear portion of the aforesaid yoke.

In accordance with the example of the aforesaid figures 9a, 9b and 10, both the upper portion 6 and the lower portion 7 of the inner layer 5 in turn comprise two layers and, therefore, is generally referred to as a two-layer integral implementation of the inner layer, however not excluding the possibility of providing a single-layer integral or three-layer integral implementation of the inner layer, as will become better apparent hereinafter, wherein “integral” refers to both the upper and lower portions of the inner layer. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a single-layer, two-layer or three-layer partial implementation of the inner layer, as will become better apparent hereinafter, in which “partial” refers to only one of the upper portion and the lower portion of the inner layer. In other words, the upper portion or tile of the inner layer and the lower portion or tile of the inner layer may comprise the same number of layers or, independently of each other, may comprise a number of layers different from each other, particularly one, two or three layers wherein, in the case of two or more layers, these preferably constitute a so-called laminate. It should be added that in the case of single-layer implementation, the respective tile consists essentially of a functional layer of waterproof and breathable material, and in the case of two- or three-layer implementation, the respective tile comprises, in addition to the aforesaid functional layer, a supporting layer or two supporting layers, respectively. In the event of a two-layer, integral or partial, implementation, in accordance with the invention, the relative arrangement of the two layers in the respective tile is substantially irrelevant in that it is possible to provide for the outer functional layer and the inner supporting layer, i.e. considering the article of clothing being arranged in use, the functional layer furthest from the user’s body and the supporting layer closest to the user’s body or vice versa. In the case of three-layer, integral or partial implementation, the functional layer is always between two supporting layers in a so-called sandwich configuration, as will become better apparent hereinafter.

In any case, preferably, the functional layer is a membrane made of a polymer material selected from the group comprising polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyester, polyethylene, while the supporting layer is preferably a polyester or polyamide jersey, a fabric comprising weft and warp, a non-woven fabric or a leather layer.

Therefore, preferably, the functional layer is less hydrophilic than the supporting layer and, more preferably, it is hydrophobic.

In accordance with the above and according to the present invention, it should be added that it is also possible to provide functional layers and, if present, supporting layers which differ from each other in the upper portion or tile and, respectively, in the lower portion or tile of the inner layer, just as in three-layer implementations it is possible to provide, in a given tile, supporting layers different from each other.

Without prejudice to the above, it should be added that, in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide embodiments in which the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion comprise other layers, particularly breathable, e.g. a further layer of fabric, padding, etc.

In accordance with the above, a number of embodiments of the present article of clothing which are dictated by the numerous possible combinations stated above, are therefore possible, all of which have in common that they comprise, according to the invention, spacer means arranged in the aforesaid overlapping area, as better described hereinafter.

In detail, the present article of clothing comprises spacer means arranged in the aforesaid overlapping area, which define a first portion having a width r’ corresponding to the distance between the aforesaid spacer means and the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion, and a second portion having a width r” corresponding to the distance between the aforesaid upper portion and the aforesaid lower portion, wherein r’ < r” and wherein the aforesaid first portion and the aforesaid second portion are arranged at least in part at elevations different from each other.

Basically, in accordance with the present invention, the aforesaid first portion defines, in the aforesaid overlapping area, at least one channel having a width r’, while the aforesaid second portion defines, in the aforesaid overlapping area, an interspace having a width r”, wherein r’ < r” and, precisely, wherein r’ « r”.

In particular, in accordance with the present invention and as stated above, the aforesaid first portion may comprise a channel of width r’ defined at a lower end of the aforesaid overlapping area or it may comprise a channel of width r’ defined at an upper end of the aforesaid overlapping area, or again it may comprise two channels of width r’, one defined at a lower end of the aforesaid overlapping area, the other defined at an upper end of the aforesaid overlapping area, wherein one, the other or both of the aforesaid channels may be possibly discontinuous.

A discontinuous channel, in accordance with the present invention, comprises at least two lengths of width r’ substantially arranged at the same elevation and not contiguous with each other, i.e. it comprises at least two lengths of width r’ between which a portion of width r” is comprised and, still in accordance with the above, the aforesaid first portion of the overlapping area may also be a discontinuous portion as it may be arranged partially below the aforesaid second portion and partially above the aforesaid second portion, as described in more detail hereinafter.

Consequently, in accordance with the above and according to the present invention, the aforesaid second portion may define an interspace of width r” arranged above the aforesaid at least one channel, or it may define an interspace of width r” arranged below the aforesaid at least one channel, or it may also define an interspace of width r” arranged between two channels of the aforesaid type, wherein in the event that the aforesaid at least one channel is discontinuous, the aforesaid interspace comprises at least one end portion arranged at the same elevation as the at least one discontinuous channel and, particularly, at the same elevation as the aforesaid at least two lengths of channel, wherein the aforesaid at least one end portion may be a lower end portion and/or an upper end portion of the interspace, still considering the aforesaid article of clothing in a usage configuration, i.e. in a configuration in which “upper” means a position closer to the user's head with respect to a “lower” position.

Taking the above into account it follows that, if in single-layer or three-layer implementations of the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion of the inner layer, the respective layer which defines the aforesaid second portion of the overlapping area, therefore the respective layer at the aforesaid interspace, is the aforesaid functional layer or the aforesaid supporting layer, respectively, in two-layer implementations, since the functional layer and the supporting layer may be mutually arranged as necessary, the respective interspace may be defined by two functional layers, either by two supporting layers or by a functional layer and a supporting layer, wherein in this latter case, the functional layer may be an inner layer of the upper portion or an outer layer of the lower portion and thus the supporting layer may be an outer layer of the lower portion or an inner layer of the upper portion, respectively.

As far as the aforesaid at least one channel, it should be mentioned that the nature of the walls defining it depends on the inner layer of the aforesaid upper portion and/or the outer layer of the aforesaid lower portion, as well as on the aforesaid spacer means.

In this regard, it should be mentioned that in accordance with the present invention, the aforesaid spacer means preferably comprise at least one possibly discontinuous strip of material combined with the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer at one end of the aforesaid overlapping area, and/or at least one folded edge of the aforesaid upper portion and/or the aforesaid lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer, wherein the aforesaid folded edge is a lower edge of the aforesaid upper portion and/or an upper edge of the aforesaid lower portion. In accordance with what is mentioned above, in case the aforesaid strip of material is discontinuous and comprises two or more lengths which are not contiguous with each other, the respective channel is discontinuous and also comprises two or more lengths which are not contiguous with each other, as described above.

Returning to the aforesaid figures 9a, 9b and 10, the upper portion 6 and the lower portion 7 of the inner layer 5 therefore each comprise a functional layer 11 of waterproof and breathable material and a supporting layer 12, wherein the functional layer 11 is outermost of the supporting layer 12, the first one being arranged toward the external environment and the second one toward the user’s body, this configuration being particularly advantageous and therefore among the preferred ones.

In this case the aforesaid spacer means, generally denoted by 13, comprise a folded edge 14 of the upper portion 6, which is precisely a lower edge of the upper portion 6, so that part of the respective functional layer 11 of waterproof and breathable material of the upper portion 6 faces the functional layer 11 of waterproof and breathable material of the lower portion 7.

Therefore, in the overlapping area 8, a channel of the aforesaid type with width r’ is defined, in particular a continuous lower channel defined by two walls arranged as facing each other, wherein both of the aforesaid walls consist of a functional layer 11 of waterproof and breathable material.

Advantageously, this way, the phenomenon of water seepages, by wicking the same water between the layers of the article of clothing, has significantly decreased.

Advantageously, moreover, it should also be noted that the implementation according to the example of figures 9a, 9b and 10 (and the implementations with similar configuration) allow to make the aforesaid functional layer by means of a polyurethane (PU) membrane, which is generally a material less breathable than ePTFE but wherein the lower breathability is compensated for by the particular “tile-like” construction described above which allows the outflow of the sweat in vapour phase effectively, without necessarily requiring a particularly performing and expensive membrane, such as ePTFE ones, resulting in a lower environmental impact by virtue of being also possible to recycle polyurethane membranes.

Again advantageously, it should also be added that the solution described above makes it possible to essentially avoid the need for water-repellent treatments on fabric supporting layers, e.g. a jersey, which are often necessary in known art to eliminate undesired hydrophilic characteristics of the jersey, essentially due to the presence of hydrophilic oils used as lubricants (to make the threads slide better) during the spinning and weaving processes.

In the aforesaid water-repellent treatments, in particular the long-lasting water- repellent treatments known as DWR, as well as when making ePTFE membranes, fluorocarbons are used which can be advantageously avoided by preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Again in accordance with the example of figures 9a, 9b and 10, it should be mentioned that the spacer means 13 also comprise a folded edge 15 of the lower portion 7 of the inner layer 5, which is an upper edge of the lower portion 7, so that part of the respective supporting layer 12 of the lower portion 7 faces the supporting layer 12 of the upper portion 6.

This way, a second channel of the aforesaid type is defined, particularly a continuous upper channel defined by two walls arranged as facing each other, wherein both of the aforesaid walls consist of a supporting layer 12.

Advantageously, this way the finishing and toughness of the article of clothing have also been improved according to the present invention. In accordance with the invention, it should be mentioned that the height of the aforesaid spacer means, therefore the height of a folded edge of the aforesaid type, is preferably between about 0.2 cm and about 2.5 cm, more preferably between about 0.3 cm and about 2 cm, while the thickness of the spacer means is preferably between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, more preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm.

Generally speaking, it can be mentioned that the presence of the aforesaid spacer means also allows advantageously to limit the height of the aforesaid overlapping area, thus allowing the quantity of material used to be limited, resulting in the limitation of costs, and also advantageously avoids excessive stiffening of the article of clothing according to the present invention.

As far as the aforesaid second portion of the overlapping area, therefore the aforesaid interspace with width r”, which is delimited by a functional layer 11 on one side and by a supporting layer 12 on the other side, it should be mentioned that it has preferably an height between about 0.1 cm and about 2.5 cm, more preferably between about 0.3 cm and about 1 cm, excluding the height of any respective at least one end portion, so in the event that the aforesaid at least one channel is continuous.

Again in accordance with the example of figures 9a, 9b and 10, it should be mentioned that the article of clothing according to the present invention preferably also comprises fastening means 16 to better keep the folded edges 14 and 15 in position, e.g. in order to better adhere the same folded edges to the respective tile from which each of them originates.

In detail, the fastening means 16 preferably consist of an adhesive arranged between the folded edge and the respective tile from which the given folded edge is obtained. The aforesaid adhesive may be spread or arranged in spots or strips and possibly may be a thermally activated adhesive, although the possibility of providing for fastening means in the form of seams suitably waterproofed, heat or ultrasonic welds and the like, may not be excluded.

The aforesaid fastening means, thanks to their thickness, increase the width of the aforesaid second portion in the overlapping area and, therefore, increase the width of the aforesaid interspace, thus decreasing the phenomenon of water seepages by wicking the same water between the layers of the article of clothing.

In accordance with the invention, the width of the aforesaid interspace can be advantageously increased also by providing an air cushion at a folded edge of the aforesaid type, by shaping the latter so as to create a loop containing air (instead of integrally adhering it to the tile portion facing it from which it is obtained), by keeping it in position thus shaped by means of suitable arrangement of the aforesaid fastening means, e.g. an adhesive applied in spots or suitably waterproofed seams, heat or ultrasonic welds and the like, wherein the consistency of the material selected for the making of the aforesaid inner layer prevents the aforesaid loop from collapsing, the latter embodiment not being in the depicted figures.

As mentioned above, the aforesaid spacer means may comprise a possibly discontinuous strip of material for which, unless otherwise specified, what is mentioned above applies with reference to the aforesaid folded edges.

In fact, according to the invention, the aforesaid spacer means may comprise a folded edge or two folded edges as depicted in the example of figures 9a, 9b and 10, or they may comprise one strip of material or two strips of material, or still they may comprise a folded edge and a strip of material which are arranged in the aforesaid overlapping area as required, e.g. a folded edge at a lower end of the overlapping area and a strip of material at an upper end of the overlapping area, or vice versa, wherein the strip of material may possibly be discontinuous. In this regard, single-layer embodiments of the inner layer 5 with various examples of the continuous spacer means 13 are depicted in figures 5a - 5f; embodiments of the inner layer 5 in two-layer implementations with various examples of the continuous spacer means 13 are depicted in figures 7a - 7h and 7j - 71 (the embodiment of the example of figure 7i corresponds to the embodiment of the example in the aforesaid figures 9a, 9b and 10 in which it is more detailed); and embodiments of the inner layer 5 in three-layer implementations with various examples of the continuous spacer means 13 are depicted in figures 8a - 8f. In the aforesaid single-layer, two-layer or three-layer embodiments, a functional layer is always denoted by the reference 11, a supporting layer is always denoted by the reference 12, a folded edge is always denoted by the reference 14 or 15, depending on the case as described above, and a strip of material with continuous spacer means is denoted by the reference 17.

An example of a single-layer embodiment of the inner layer 5 with discontinuous spacer means 13 is instead depicted in figure 6. In this case, the functional layer is denoted by the reference 11 and the discontinuous strip of material is denoted by the reference 17a.

Therefore, it should be underlined that what is described above for the spacer means 13 with reference to the two-layer example of the inner layer 5 according to figures 9a, 9b and 10 remains valid for other variants of two-layer implementations, unless specified otherwise, in addition to single-layer and three-layer, partial or integral, implementations of the aforesaid inner layer.

Therefore, it should be specified that the aforesaid possibly discontinuous strip of material may consist of a hydrophobic or non-hydrophobic, waterproof or nonwaterproof material, wherein hydrophobic materials are preferred and wherein materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane (PU), polymer foams in general or a three-dimensional fabric, such as e.g. the one described in Patent EP 2 007 235 Bl in the name of the same Applicant, are more preferred.

The aforesaid possibly discontinuous strip of material may be an adhesive strip or may be applied to the respective tile through appropriate fastening means of the type considered above.

In the case of strip of discontinuous material, it should be added that the respective channel delimited by it is also discontinuous and that the height of the aforesaid interspace at the second portion located at an elevation different from the elevation at which the discontinuous channel is arranged, preferably always has the above value of set forth above, while the height of the end portion of the aforesaid interspace, which corresponds to the height of the strip of discontinuous material, is preferably between about 0.2 cm and about 2.5 cm, more preferably between about 0.3 cm and about 2 cm.

In any case, in accordance with the invention, regardless of the spacer means used, of the aforesaid single-layer, two-layer or three-layer implementations of the aforesaid upper and/or lower portions of the inner layer and of the reciprocal arrangement of the aforesaid functional and supporting layers in the case of two-layer implementation, it should be mentioned that the phenomenon of water seepages, by wicking the same water between the layers of the article of clothing, has advantageously decreased.

In accordance with the invention, it should be added that the present article of clothing preferably also comprises joining means for constraining the outer layer 4 to the inner layer 5 and/or for constraining the latter to the lining 4a.

In particular, with reference to the example of figure 11, the aforesaid joining means comprise a tape 18 also referred to as a bridge, preferably made of fabric and constrained to the outer layer 4 by means of a first seam 19 and constrained to the inner layer 5, particularly to the upper portion 6 of the inner layer 5, by means of a second seam 20, wherein the first seam 19 is arranged at a higher elevation than the second seam 20, e.g. wherein the first seam 19 is arranged above the second seam 20 with reference to the article of clothing 1 being arranged in use.

It should also be added that the lining 4a, preferably as shown in figure 11, is constrained to the inner layer 5 by means of the second seam 20.

The join described above is advantageous because it limits the wicking of water coming from the outside and that could seep into the aforesaid first seam. Before reaching the aforesaid second seam and infiltrating inside the article of clothing, the water should also pass through the aforesaid tape.

With reference to the aforesaid figures it should be added that, preferably, the article of clothing according to the present invention also comprises at least one so- called gutter arranged at a lower end or at a lower end portion of the aforesaid lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer, in order to collect and suitably direct the water that possibly penetrates inside the article of clothing between the aforesaid outer layer and the aforesaid inner layer.

A gutter in the context of the present invention is in practice a preferential path for liquid-state water, meaning that when the liquid-state water meets a material that has an area with paths and an area without paths, it is attracted to the paths and is subject to “preferring them” and, consequently, is therefore subject to preferring the area containing the paths over the area without them, wherein preferably the aforesaid at least one gutter defines an inclined and/or curved path.

Preferably and advantageously, the article of clothing according to the present invention comprises hydrophilic filaments at the aforesaid at least one gutter, in order to attract the liquid-state water toward the aforesaid preferential paths.

In detail, in accordance with the aforesaid figures, the article of clothing 1 comprises three gutters at the yoke 5a, in particular two front gutters, a right front gutter 21a and a left front gutter 21b, that is to say, which are arranged at the frontal part of the article of clothing 1 at the right front portion 5d and the left front portion 5e of the yoke 5a, respectively, and a rear gutter 21c arranged at the rear portion 5f of the yoke 5a, wherein the right front gutter 21a and the left front gutter 21b are arranged so as to have, in a configuration of use of the article of clothing 1, a slope toward respective right and left axillary cavities of the article of clothing 1, so that the water therein is directed toward the latter as a result of the force of gravity, whereas the rear gutter 21c has a curved course essentially C-shaped with concavity facing downwards of the article of clothing 1 when the latter is in use, i.e. towards the ground. In practice, the rear gutter 21c has a slope downward of the article of clothing 1, starting from the spinal column of a user and going toward the hips of the latter, and ends at the right and left axillary cavities. This slope means that, when the liquid-state water is inside the rear gutter 21c, it is directed toward the right and left axillary cavities as a result of the force of gravity.

Furthermore, in a preferred manner and as shown in the example of the aforesaid figures, the article of clothing 1 comprises gutters also at the right oversleeve 5b and the left oversleeve 5c.

In detail, the right oversleeve 5b is equipped with two preferential gutters or paths, particularly a right oversleeve front gutter 21d and a right oversleeve rear gutter 21e, and similarly the left oversleeve 5c is equipped with two preferential gutters or paths, particularly a left oversleeve front gutter 21f and a left oversleeve rear gutter 21g.

The right oversleeve front gutter 21d and the right oversleeve rear gutter 21e, as well as the left oversleeve front gutter 21f and the left oversleeve rear gutter 21g, are joined to the gutters provided on the yoke 5a in the sense that joined gutters make a substantially continuous preferential path.

In detail, at a respective junction between the aforesaid right and left junctions, the right oversleeve front gutter 21d is joined to the right front gutter 21a and the right oversleeve rear gutter 21e is joined to the rear gutter 21c, while at the other of the aforesaid junctions, the left oversleeve front gutter 21f is joined to the left front gutter 21b and the left oversleeve rear gutter 21g is joined to the rear gutter 21c, wherein the join of the aforesaid gutters can be achieved, e.g., by high-frequency welding or waterproofed seaming.

This way, any droplets of water that, e.g. in rainy conditions, may pass through the outer layer 4, e.g. at seams, reach the inner layer 5 and, as a result of gravity, descend until reaching the preferential paths previously described.

In this regard, it should be noted that experimental tests carried out by the Applicant have shown that, as regards the bust portion 2, the extent of the inner layer 5 substantially limited to the height of the chest of a user U is sufficient since the majority, if not all, of water that passes through the outer layer 4 is found in the area substantially between the shoulders and chest and between the shoulders and dorsal- cervical area of the article of clothing 1.

The aforesaid gutters and, in particular, the aforesaid continuous preferential paths end with outlet openings allowing the collected water to be discharged to the external environment.

Thus, e.g., in accordance with the aforesaid figures, the left oversleeve front gutter 21f ends with a left oversleeve front opening 22, whereas the right oversleeve rear gutter 21e ends with a right oversleeve rear opening 23. The aforesaid openings are made by known techniques and are passed through by the water that reaches them, as a result of gravity, then exiting outside the article of clothing according to the present invention.

As set forth above, the extent of the inner layer 5, as regards the sleeves 3 of the article of clothing according to the present invention, can reach up to the wrists, however, in accordance with an implementation variant of the present invention, the extent of the aforesaid inner layer, as regards the sleeves, may be substantially limited to the height of the elbows, as depicted in the example of figure 13.

In particular, the example of figure 13 shows an article of clothing 100 which is entirely similar to the article of clothing 1 depicted above, the description of which is referred to, except for the extent of the inner layer, in the example of figure 13 denoted by 50, and of the respective gutters, into the sleeves.

In the example of figure 13, where for more clarity and simplicity the article of clothing 100 is shown without the outer layer, a right oversleeve front gutter 210d and a right oversleeve rear gutter 210e are visible as regards the right sleeve, which extend substantially to the height of the elbows, wherein the right oversleeve front gutter 210d is joined to the right oversleeve rear gutter 210e. An analogous implementation is also provided for the left sleeve of the article of clothing 100.

Advantageously, this way, only one outlet opening per sleeve is sufficient to allow water to escape to the external environment. It should be underlined that in the example of figure 13, the aforesaid only one opening per sleeve is not depicted, whereas the yoke 5a of the inner layer 50 and the lining 4a are visible and indicated.

In any case, the aforesaid gutters can be made in different ways, as depicted in the example of figure 12 which shows a portion of the aforesaid inner layer of the article of clothing according to the present invention, in particular a part of the aforesaid lower portion, with a respective gutter, in four different embodiments.

In particular, the example of figure 12 refers to the aforesaid rear gutter of the aforesaid yoke of the article of clothing according to the present invention, but it is understood that what is described hereinafter and what is depicted in the aforesaid figure 12 is valid also for the other gutters of the article of clothing 1 and for the gutters of the article of clothing 100, with the respective implementation variants.

Recalling that a gutter of the aforesaid type is arranged at a lower end or at a lower end portion of the lower portion 7 of the inner layer 5, in accordance with a first embodiment (Figure 12-a), the rear gutter 21c can be made by folding outwards a lower edge 24 of the rear portion 5f of the aforesaid yoke, so as to form a sort of loop which makes the respective preferential path, wherein the shape of the rear gutter 21c can be kept substantially unchanged by connecting means 25, for a possible permanent combination, or it can be kept substantially unchanged by means of semi-rigid elements, e.g. strips of polymeric material applied near the lower edge 24. The connecting means 25, e.g., can consist of snap buttons, rivets, glue spots and the like.

In accordance with a second embodiment (Figure 12-b), the rear gutter 21c can be made by folding outwards a lower edge 24 of the rear portion 5f of the aforesaid yoke, in order to form a sort of loop that makes the respective preferential path, wherein the lower edge 24 is pleated so as to assume an almost permanent fold that allows the shape of the preferential path to be kept substantially unchanged over time without resorting to connecting means.

In accordance with a third embodiment (Figure 12-c), the rear gutter 21c can be made by applying a strip of waterproof material 26, e.g. a thermoplastic polymer, to a lower edge of the rear portion 5f of the aforesaid yoke, in such a way that the strip of waterproof material 26, with its own thickness, constitutes a bottom of the respective preferential path, wherein the strip of waterproof material 26 can be applied e.g. by heat-sealing, thus avoiding subjecting the aforesaid lower edge to mechanical stresses as is the case in the embodiments described above.

In accordance with a fourth embodiment (Figure 12-d), the rear gutter 21c may be made, as it were, in bas-relief, e.g. by using known embossing techniques at a pre-set distance from the lower end of the lower portion of the aforesaid inner layer, thus by a lower edge of the rear portion 5f of the aforesaid yoke, wherein the aforesaid bas-relief defines in practice a groove 27 facing the outside of the present article of clothing.

In accordance with the above, therefore, it follows that the present ventilated rainproof article of clothing does not basically require a waterproof outer layer or openings arranged on the outer layer.

In accordance with the invention, in fact, any passage of water - through openings, junctions, seams or through the structure, e.g. a knitted one, of the outer layer - capable of passing through the same outer layer, it is managed, as it were, thanks to the special “tile-like” construction of the inner layer that prevents water from reaching the user’s body, as well as by the gutters, if present.

In summary, it could be mentioned that the outer layer of the present article of clothing is preferably breathable and not waterproof; more preferably, the outer layer is also water-repellent.

It goes without saying that if the outer layer were to be waterproof, it would of course still have to be breathable or have a “tile-like” construction or, in any case, should be equipped with at least one opening.

The advantages of the present invention, which have become apparent in the description set forth above, can be summarised by pointing out that a ventilated article of clothing with “tile-like” construction has been provided, which is capable of significantly reducing, if not preventing, that water coming from the outside reaches the body of a user.

Advantageously, the article of clothing according to the present invention allows an effective thermoregulation of the body of a user also through an improved drainage of sweat in the vapour phase, and it can be made according to known techniques with particularly low environmental impact and costs.

In order to meet contingent and specific needs, a person skilled in the art can make numerous changes and modifications to the present invention and embodiments shown and described, all of which moreover are included within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.