Ventilation device for clothing

Abstract

A selectively openable or closeable ventilation device integrated into an article of clothing, having a first air-permeable panel integrated into the article of clothing in a frame. A second air-permeable panel ( 20 ) is slidably affixed to the frame ( 22 ), overlapping the first panel ( 24 ). The panels have complimentary openings ( 26 ) such as slits, perforations or the like that are offset in a first, closed position, and that are in vertical alignment in a second, open position wherein air may pass through the aligned openings of the panels. In an alternative embodiment a ventilation sleeve is provided extending from the device to the outside of an outer garment.

1 . A ventilation system for clothing, comprising a first air-permeable panel integrated into a first article of clothing in a first frame, a second air-permeable panel that is slideable in relation to, and overlapping the first panel, wherein the panels have complimentary openings such as slits, perforations or the like that are offset in a first, closed position, and that are in vertical alignment in a second, open position wherein air may pass through the aligned openings of the panels, the system further comprising an air passage arranged to lead air past a second, outer article of clothing to the outside environment. 
     
     
         2 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A ventilation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the second panel is arranged to slide inside the first frame, and wherein the air passage comprises a ventilation sleeve having first and second open ends, the first open end being attachable to the first frame, and the second open end being arranged to communicate with the outside environment. 
     
     
         9 . A ventilation system according to  claim 8  wherein the ventilation sleeve is arranged to extend past the bottom periphery of the outer garment. 
     
     
         10 . A ventilation system according to  claim 8  wherein the second open end of the ventilation sleeve is arranged to communicate with an opening arranged in the second article of clothing. 
     
     
         11 . A ventilation system according to  claim 8  wherein a plurality of ventilation canals are connected to the ventilation device either removably or permanently attached. 
     
     
         12 . A ventilation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the air passage comprises the first panel being arranged in the first article of clothing in the first frame, and the second panel being arranged in the second article of clothing in a second frame, the locations of the first and second frames being chosen such that the panels are in alignment when the second article of clothing is worn over the first article of clothing. 
     
     
         13 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A ventilation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the panels comprise flexible sheets having perforations. 
     
     
         17 . A ventilation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the panels comprise grids of rigid members. 
     
     
         18 . A ventilation system according to  claim 8 , wherein the second panel is arranged to slide inside the first frame, the frame comprises an edge member having teeth arranged for engagement with corresponding edge perforations of the second, moveable panel, the teeth and perforations being arranged to cause the complimentary openings to securely align in the open or closed positions respectively. 
     
     
         19 . A ventilation system according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more raised ribs or pillars arranged on the inside surface of the first frame, the ribs or pillars arranged to created a space between the frame and a wearer's body when the first article of clothing comprising the first frame is worn.