Description of material


a. The company behind the brand.

Bringing Dreams to Reality


       Founders Bill and Vieve Gore started W. L. Gore & Associates in the basement of their own house in 1958. The company was selling electronic products mostly. After fifty years, in 2008, Gore celebrated its huge and long success at translating dreams into reality, valuable realities for customers and communities all around the world. In 1969 Bill's and Vivie's son has discovered remarkably versatile new polymer what has led the enterprise into countless new applications in fabric, medical and industrial markets. As the company that invented this new polymer, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (or ePTFE), and has introduced it in marketplace, Gore is committed to remaining a leader in fluoropolymers. Gore was the world's first to create technologically advanced apparel and it is still the leader nowadays in this industry due to its durability, breathability, waterproof ability. Gore has been able to stay unique because of its membrane technology. It is not able to find anywhere else in the marketplace. Gore is unique and they are the only ones. Company has designed and created its products to increase performance for almost every person regardless of activity level or interest. They have created product lines for women, men, youth and unisex. Gore's main products can be grouped into four main categories:

• Clothing,
• Footwear,
• Outdoor gear
• Accessories.

  Listed below are some of the sports and activities Gore has produced products for:

• Backpacking,
• Cycling,
• Hunting,
• Mountaineering,
• Running,
• Fishing,
• Golf,
• Skiing,
• Water Sports
• Outdoor
• Casual.

Learn more at www.gore.com or www.gore-tex.com .

Sources: http://www.gore.com/en_xx/aboutus/timeline/index.html

b. The functionality of the material.

It is extremely important to understand what Gore-Tex is, in order to understand what it does. The fabric is made using high technology fabrics connected on either side of a Gore-Tex membrane. Membrane is constructed using Teflon and it is made up of many threads forming vast amounts of micro pores. These micro pores are so small that water can't leak through the membrane but they are large enough for moisture vapor to escape. Gore-Tex is very light breathable fabric. The most useful characteristic of Gore-Tex is its versatility for humidity control. When used correctly, it can evenly humidify an object in an incredibly delicate manner, and at the same time it gives you a greater amount of control of this humidity. Gore-Tex material can sustain cold and wet weather over and over again, doesn't matter what season is. The fabric is washable and it can handle a variety of contaminants (e.g. sweat, bug spray and even fuel). What is more, Gore-Tex is 100% waterproof and windproof. It has the ability to reflect wind and repel water, what means it keeps people warm and dry. Material is breathable which means that moisture can escape. This prevents heat loss and allows you to stay dry and warm no matter what weather is outside. Another interesting fact about Gore-Tex functionality is Gore-Seam Tape which covers the seams of every product made by company. This tape prevents water from leaking through the stitching holes. Waterproof fabric is never 100% without reinforced seam protection. What is probably the most impressive thing about Gore-Tex is how they have contributed to the enhancements of a variety of industries. Outlined below are a few of these professions.

Fire Services & Law Enforcement Liquid penetration protection. That is how Gore-Tex has contributed to these industries by keeping water, body fluids,blood,and chemicals away from people's skin. The breathability of material improves performance under stressful conditions by allowing moisture to escape.

Medical Gore-Tex Has taken surgical dressing-gowns to a new level of quality and performance. The liquid proof fabric has the ability to stop the spread of disease by preventing liquids from leaking through. It has enhanced the safety for both the surgical staff and for patients. The breathability helps to regulate body temperatures during long and intensive procedures.

Military High performance Gore-Tex field wear Was created to withstand any weather conditions and to improve soldiers comfortability and performance. Gore-Tex has been qualified by a variety of defense authorities.

c. Examples of companies that use the functional material in their products.

There are a number of  both famous and little-known companies that have used Goretex in their products. Below are listed the companies that use this functional material in their products.

Nike

 In 2001, Nike's company teamed up with Gore-Tex to create two new performance golf footwear collections. They have used the combination of Nike's Max Air and Gore's Membrane technology to develop the first style golf shoe. Both of these collections incorporate the characteristics of all Gore-Tex footwear and Nike's classic design style.
 
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/127926Gore-Tex

Adidas

Featuring a breathable GORE-TEX® membrane, the men's adidas Terrex Fast X Gore-Tex shoes offer 100 percent weather protection during fast-paced outdoor pursuits.

Ecco

Bring you footwear that keeps your feet dry and protected from the elements. This is possible because the Gore-Tex® membrane is a breathable barrier, keeping water out whilst allowing moisture from within the shoe to escape. So for a perfect inner climate choose ECCO with Gore-Tex®.

Other companies: