contradiction

CONTRADICTIONS: A contradiction cannot exist. An atom is itself, and so is the universe; neither can contradict its own identity; nor can a part contradict the whole. No concept man forms is valid unless he integrates it without contradiction into the total sum of his knowledge. To arrive at a contradiction is to confess an error in one’s thinking; to maintain a contradiction is to abdicate one’s mind and to evict oneself from the realm of reality.

AYN RAND; FROM GALT’S SPEECH IN ATLAS SHRUGGED

Earlier this week I read in the online issue of Apparel magazine an article about a company Cocona Inc. suing both North Face (NF) and Columbia Sportswear (CS) for patent infringement.

The patent #8945287 is for “Active particle-enhanced membrane and methods for making and using the same”. From what I understand the particles are places on the membrane to enhance its waterproof/breathability capability. I thought how interesting that one could enhance something that does not exist in the first place. Since there is no single material or combination of materials that are capable of functioning in this manner where is the enhancement?

I spoke with the inventor of the material that enables this enhancement inquiring how it works. There are 3 or 4 components that are mixed together and then liquefied. This liquid mixture is then extruded with polyester chemical as a filament. These tiny components according to the inventor are capable of absorbing the moisture that comes from the human body when a garment is made from the material made from the fiber. The result is the retention of the moisture in these tiny components. In all the years I have been involved with the concept of waterproof/breathable conversation as well as insulation I learned how important it is to not inhibit movement of moisture out of the garments one is wearing. I believe this is a contradiction.

Apparently NF and CF learned how to enhance their waterproof/breathable membranes which in my educated opinion makes them worse than they are to begin with. Why would they want to do that?

NF and CS are functioning on the basis that the Corona Company is going to get a host of marketing companies to use materials that they have licensed yarn companies and weaving companies to incorporate their chemical into the fabrics that are sold by them. And of course there will be tons of advertising dollars available.

Cocona Company is following other companies whose products did not work but were able to sell their chemicals for blending with fibers for use in the manufacture of those fabrics used for sheets, shirts and socks to mention a few. The “Outlast” product or the “Primaloft” product have each failed to perform as originally intended so they looked at products in the market place that are commodities and convinced companies making these products to incorporate their fiber and would therefore be in line for advertising dollars.

The Cocona Company sent me samples of their fiberfill made in Asia with the enhancement, I looked at it and felt it and if it were there I had no way of knowing even if I were to look at the fibers under a microscope. If I used it to make a jacket all of the moisture that came out of my body would be absorbed by their chemical; TERRIFIC!!!! Don’t I want as much of that moisture to get away from me as quickly as possible; OF COURSE!!!

“Abdicate one’s mind and to evict oneself from the realm of reality” is a very fitting statement about these people.

The above statement can be applied to a significant number of people working in the outdoor industry.