US4503565A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Membrane valve for dry diver's apparel
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1983-02-17
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Granted: 1985-03-12
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Expires: 2003-02-17
Abstract
Abstract A water excluding vent valve for insulated gloves or other portions of a er's dry suit utilizes a vent control element including a microporous membrane disposed in obturating relation to an opening in the shell of the glove or other article. The membrane is laminated between protective layers of woven synthetic fabric, and a retaining means permitting replacement of the control element is described.
Inventors
- 👤 Maxwell W. Lippitt, Jr.
- 👤 Marshall L. Nuckols
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:11
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C11/00; B63C11/02; B63C11/04; B63C11/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A vent device in combination with an article of diver's dry suit apparel including a shell of waterproof fabric, said device comprising: a vent control element comprising a water impervious, microporous membrane of expanded, hydrophobic, synthetic material; means for securing said vent control element in obturating relation to a vent opening in said shell; and said vent control element being operative to prevent ambient water from entering said article through said opening and to permit venting of gas from said article through said opening when the gas pressure within said article exceeds ambient water pressure outside said article.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A vent device in combination with an article of diver's dry suit apparel including a shell of waterproof fabric, said device comprising: a vent control element comprising a water impervious, microporous membrane of expanded, hydrophobic, synthetic material; means for securing said vent control element in obturating relation to a vent opening in said shell; and said vent control element being operative to prevent ambient water from entering said article through said opening and to permit venting of gas from said article through said opening when the gas pressure within said article exceeds ambient water pressure outside said article.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A vent device as defined in claim 1, and wherein: said vent control element comprises first and second protective layers of woven synthetic fabric bonded to opposite sides of said membrane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A vent device as defined in claim 2, and wherein: said means for securing said vent control element comprises a flexible material bonded to said shell and to the periphery of said element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
A vent device as defined in claim 2, and wherein: said means for securing said vent control element comprises an annular holder fixed to said shell around said opening, said holder comprising a base member and a removable member, said members cooperating to releasable clamp the periphery of said vent control element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A vent device as defined in claim 3, and wherein: said membrane comprises expanded polytetraflouroethylene.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A vent device as defined in claim 4, and wherein: said membrane comprises expanded polytetraflouroethylene.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A vent device as defined in claim 6, and wherein: said base member and said removable member comprise cooperating screw thread means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A vent device as defined in claim 5, and wherein: said vent control element is operative to vent gas during a diver's ascent at such a rate that said gas pressure remains below a predetermined maximum pressure differential relative to said ambient pressure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A vent device as defined in claim 7, and wherein: said vent control element is operative to vent gas during a diver's ascent at such a rate that said gas pressure remains below a predetermined maximum pressure differential relative to said ambient pressure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A vent device as defined in claim 8, and wherein: said article of apparel comprises a diver's glove; and said vent device is disposed on the back of said glove.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A vent device as defined in claim 9, and wherein: said article of apparel comprises a diver's glove; and said vent device is disposed on the back of said glove.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
A vent device as defined in claim 10, and wherein: said microporous membrane has pores in the size range of from about 1.0 micron to about 3.0 micron.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A vent device as defined in claim 11, and wherein: said microporous membrane has pores in the range of from about 1.0 micron to about 3.0 micron.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-03-11 | 1988-09-10 | 1989-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-03-11 | 1992-09-10 | 1993-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-03-11 | 1996-09-10 | 1997-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |