US20130133121A1 - Apparel with improved protection and performance - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparel articles such as undergarments, performance apparel, and other articles of clothes are described. The apparel articles incorporate various combinations of materials and fabrics to offer breathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management, odor-free protection, and/or other benefits. The articles can have an open- or closed-front design. Further, an insert can be fixed or removably secured to a gusset section of the article to offer replacement and cleaning convenience. The inserts can be comprised of materials such as viscose, polyester, and/or other materials.

Description

FIELD
• This invention generally relates to apparel with improved protection and performance. More particularly, this invention relates to open- and closed-style undergarments with incorporated or removable inserts that offer improved performance and moisture management.
BACKGROUND
• Current performance and intimate apparel incorporates different materials to aid in common problems related to sweat, moisture incurred in high energy activities, general incontinence, or other problems. More particularly, some apparel comprises materials capable of wicking away some moisture from the skin. Further, many current garments incorporate a predominate percentage of cotton in the body of the garments. However, there are shortcomings in current performance and intimate apparel and garments. For example, current apparel is inefficient or ineffective in offering breathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management, and/or odor-free protection. Further, current apparel does not offer open- and closed-style designs with incorporated or removable inserts configured to aid in or improve the ability of the wearer to stay dry through breathability, wicking, and the use of absorbent, non-woven materials.
• Therefore, a need exists for improved performance and intimate apparel that can efficiently and effectively alleviate common problems. More particularly, a need exists for performance and intimate apparel comprising new and improved combinations of fabrics, and constructed in open styles and closed styles, with incorporated or removable inserts.
SUMMARY
• Implementations are directed to an undergarment for improving protection. The undergarment comprises a body with a gusset section attached thereto. The gusset section comprises a front section that is configured to be removably secured to the body, and an opening comprising a set of tabs. The undergarment further comprises an insert that is configured to be inserted into the opening and removably secured to the gusset section via the set of tabs.
• According to implementations in another regard, an apparel article for improving protection is disclosed. The apparel article comprises a body with a gusset section attached thereto, wherein the gusset section comprises an inner layer and an outer layer configured to be attached to the body, and an insert positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the insert is comprised of at least one of viscose and polyester.
• According to implementations in another regard, an article of clothing is disclosed. The article of clothing comprises a gusset section configured to be removably secured to an individual. The gusset section comprises an outer layer of fabric, and a layer of waterproof material positioned adjacent to the outer layer of fabric. The article of clothing further comprises an insert positioned adjacent to the waterproof layer, wherein the insert is comprised of at least one of viscose and polyester.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the implementations.
• FIGS. 1A-D illustrate an exemplary undergarment comprising a closed gusset with a removable insert according to various implementations.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary undergarment comprising a fixed gusset with a fixed insert according to various implementations.
• FIGS. 3A-C illustrate an exemplary undergarment comprising an open gusset with a removable insert according to various implementations.
• FIGS. 4A-B illustrate an exemplary undergarment according to various implementations.
• FIGS. 5A-C illustrate an exemplary undergarment according to various implementations.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary performance apparel according to various implementations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments (exemplary embodiments) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following description is, therefore, merely exemplary.
• While the invention has been illustrated with respect to one or more implementations, alterations and/or modifications can be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular function. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” The term “at least one of” is used to mean one or more of the listed items can be selected.
• Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges, percentages, and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “less than 10” can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 1 to 5. In certain cases, the numerical values as stated for the parameter can take on negative values. In this case, the example value of range stated as “less than 10” can assume values as defined earlier plus negative values, e.g. −1, −1.2, −1.89, −2, −2.5, −3, −10, −20, −30, etc. It shall be further understood that any disclosed percentages of material composition are merely exemplary, and that other percentages are envisioned.
• Embodiments as described herein generally relate to performance and intimate apparel. In particular, the performance and intimate apparel can comprise materials and designs that can offer improved breathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management, odor-free protection, and/or other benefits. Further, the performance and intimate apparel can comprise natural and synthetic materials such as, for example, nylon, spandex, lycra, viscose, bamboo, polyester, rayon, Supplex®, polyurethane, and/or other fabrics or materials. According to implementations, the apparel can comprise or otherwise be a part of underwear, yoga wear, adult and child diapers, active wear, performance wear, military field wear, and/or other types of apparel that can comprise textiles and/or non-woven materials configured to be odor-free, wick moisture from the skin, repel water, be flame retardant, and/or perform other functions.
• Referring toFIG. 1A, depicted is anexemplary apparel article100. More particularly,FIG. 1A depicts a gusset section of thearticle100. It should be appreciated that thearticle100 depicted inFIG. 1A is merely exemplary and that other articles and configurations thereof are envisioned.
• Thearticle100 can comprise afront stitch line102 that can be configured to secure the various layers of the gusset region from the front of thearticle100. Further, thearticle100 can comprise aback stitch line104 that can be configured to secure the various layers of the gusset region from the back of thearticle100. Referring toFIG. 1B, depicted is a detailed view of agusset region110 of thearticle100. According to implementations, thegusset region110 can comprise a set of layers configured to improve the performance of thearticle100. In particular, thegusset region110 can comprise anouter fabric112, a waterproof layer114, and a set of liningpocket tabs116. Theouter fabric112 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, microfiber, polyester, viscose, spandex, and/or others. Further, the waterproof layer114 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, terry cloth, microfiber, and/or others. In some embodiments, the waterproof layer114 can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane, or 75% polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of liningpocket tabs116 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or others. In some embodiments, the set of liningpocket tabs116 can be comprised of 100% polyester.
• The set of liningpocket tabs116 can be configured to receive and secure aremovable pad120, as shown inFIG. 1C. For example, as indicated by122 inFIG. 1C, the ends of theremovable pad120 can be inserted into the respective set of liningpocket tabs116, such that theremovable pad120 can be secured in thegusset region110. Further, theremovable pad120 can be removed from the set of liningpocket tabs116. In implementations, theremovable pad120 can be washable and reusable in thearticle100, or other articles.
• Referring toFIG. 1D, depicted is a detailed view of theremovable pad120. In implementations, theremovable pad120 can comprise two (2) layers ofcore material132 and two (2) layers oflining130. Further, theremovable pad120 can be in a range of about 6″ to 12″ long, and 1.5″ to 5″ wide. Still further, the layers of thecore material132 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, viscose, polyester, spandex, nylon, non-woven materials, and/or others, and the layers of lining130 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, terry cloth, microfiber, polyester, and/or others. In some embodiments, the layers of thecore material132 can be comprised of 100% viscose, or 50% polyester and 50% viscose. Further, in some embodiments, the layers of lining130 can be comprised of 100% polyester microfiber. It should be appreciated that theremovable pad120 can comprise other layer amounts of core material and lining, and can be other dimensions. In embodiments, theremovable pad120 can be finished with a marrow stitched on one or more edges. Further, any or all of the layers ofcore materials132 and layers of lining130 can be stitched through vertically so that theremovable pad120 can stay together through use, washing, and other activities. For example, as shown inFIG. 1D, theremovable pad120 can comprise two (2), or other amounts, of lines stitched therethrough. In implementations, theremovable pad120 can comprise a strip ofVelcro® 125 or other similar fastening material or device on one or both ends, for optional fastening or securing to the set of liningpocket tabs116.
• Referring toFIG. 2, depicted is an exemplary gusset region200 of an exemplary article, such as thearticle100. According to implementations, the gusset region200 can comprise a fixed insert, in contrast to theremovable pad120 functionality as shown inFIG. 1C. More particular, the gusset region200 can comprise an outer self fabric212, awaterproof layer214, and alining216. In implementations, the outer fabric212 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, viscose, and/or combinations thereof. Further, thewaterproof layer214 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, and/or others. In some embodiments, thewaterproof layer214 can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane, or 75% polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of liningpocket tabs216 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, cotton, terry cloth, microfiber, and/or others. In embodiments, the set of liningpocket tabs216 can be comprised of 100% polyester.
• The gusset region200 can further comprise an absorbent core220 that can be configured to repel and/or wick moisture, and/or perform other functions. The absorbent core220 can be configured with the same amount and type of layers as theremovable pad120, as described herein. For example, the absorbent core220 can comprise one or more layers of core material and/or one or more layers of lining. Further, the absorbent core220 can be in a range of about 6″ to 12″ long, and 1.5″ to 5″ wide. It should be appreciated that the absorbent core220 can comprise other dimensions. Still further, the core material layer(s) of the absorbent core220 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, viscose, polyester, and/or others, and the lining layers can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, and/or others. In some embodiments, the core material layer(s) of the absorbent core220 can be comprised of 100% viscose, or 50% polyester and 50% viscose. Further, in some embodiments, the layers of lining of the absorbent core220 can be comprised of 100% polyester microfiber.
• Referring toFIG. 3A, depicted is anexemplary apparel article300. More particularly, thearticle300 can function as an open-front gusset. Thearticle300 can comprise afront opening302 that can comprise Velcro® or other similar fastening material or device to secure agusset region310 to thearticle300. More particularly, thearticle300 can comprise Velcro® or other similar fastening material or device on both the front of thegusset region310 and the front of thearticle300. Further, thearticle300 can comprise aback gusset seam304 that can be configured to secure the various layers of the gusset region from the back of thearticle300. As shown inFIG. 3A, the front of thegusset region310 of thearticle300 can be removably secured305 to the front of thearticle300 via thefront opening302.
• Referring toFIG. 3B, depicted is a detailed view of thegusset region310 of thearticle300. According to implementations, thegusset region310 can comprise a set of layers configured to improve the performance of thearticle300. In particular, thegusset region310 can comprise anouter fabric312, awaterproof layer314, and a set of liningpocket tabs316. Theouter fabric312 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, microfiber, polyester, viscose, spandex, and/or others. Further, thewaterproof layer314 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, terry cloth, microfiber, and/or others. In some embodiments, thewaterproof layer314 can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane, or 75% polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of liningpocket tabs316 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or others. In some embodiments, the set of liningpocket tabs316 can be comprised of 100% polyester.
• The set of liningpocket tabs316 can be configured to receive and secure aremovable pad320, as shown inFIG. 3C. For example, as indicated by322 inFIG. 3C, the ends of theremovable pad320 can be inserted into the respective set of liningpocket tabs316, such that theremovable pad320 can be secured in thegusset region310. Further, theremovable pad320 can be removed from the set of liningpocket tabs316. In implementations, theremovable pad320 can be washable and reusable in thearticle300, or other articles. In embodiments, theremovable pad320 can be the same or similar to the removable pad shown inFIG. 1D.
• Referring toFIG. 4A, depicted are exemplary apparel articles. In particular,FIG. 4A depicts three (3) designs for a men's underwear orundergarment405,410,415. It should be appreciated that the designs of thearticles405,410,415 are merely exemplary and that other designs are envisioned. Further, thearticles405,410,415 can each be constructed according to various techniques, with various hems, materials, dimensions, stitches, and/or the like. According to embodiments, each of thearticles405,410,415 can comprise a respective set ofpanels406,411,416. More particularly, the panels labeled “1,” as shown inFIG. 4A, can depict the outer front crotch panels, the panels labeled “2” can depict the middle layer front crotch panels, and the panels labeled “3” can depict the inside front crotch panels. In embodiments, the middle layer front crotch panels can comprise an absorbent pad stitched, affixed, or removably attached to the one or both of the outer front crotch panels and the inside front crotch panels. In some embodiments, the outer front crotch panels can be comprised of 84% nylon and 16% lycra.
• Referring toFIG. 4B, depicted is a more detailed view of thearticle415. More particularly, thearticle415 comprises an opening424 between the outer front crotch panel and the inside front crotch panel. In embodiments, the opening424 can be finished with a hem of double needle cover stitch that can be about ¼″ from the edge, or according to other configurations. A removable pad420 can be configured to be removably inserted into the opening424. More particularly, the removable pad420 can comprise afastening device422, such as a strip of Velcro® or other similar fastening material, that can attach to a similar component within thearticle415. In embodiments, the removable pad420 can be the same or similar to the removable pad shown inFIG. 1D.
• It should be appreciated that the components of the apparel articles as discussed herein can be introduced or otherwise incorporated in other forms of apparel. For example,FIG. 5A depicts a diaper article500 that can be worn by an infant, child, or adult. The diaper article500 can comprise strips502 of Velcro® or other similar fastening material that can allow an individual to secure the diaper article500 to a person. Further, the diaper article500 can comprise alining505 that can be fixed or removably secured to the front, center, and/or back of the diaper article500, as shown inFIG. 5A. In embodiments, the lining505 can be a waterproof lining and can be stitched to the diaper article500.
• Further, referring toFIG. 5B, the lining505 can comprise anedge507 that can be located at or near the leg openings of the diaper article500. Further, theedge507 can be about 1″ tall, or other dimensions. Still further, theedge507 can be tightened by a soft elastic to prevent leaking and to perform other functions. Moreover, theedge507 can be stitched to the seam that allocates a binding for the leg opening. Referring toFIG. 5C, depicted is a fixed pad510 that can be removably secured to the lining505 of the diaper article500. More particularly, the fixed pad510 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, bamboo, microfiber, terrycloth, muslin, cotton, viscose, polyester, nylon, and/or others. The fixed pad510 can comprise amiddle area512 that can have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the ends of the fixed pad510. Further, the fixed pad510 can have an additional pad515 fixed or removably secured thereto. The additional pad515 can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, nylon, polyurethane, polyester, viscose, microfiber, and/or others. In embodiments, the additional pad515 can be the same or similar to the removable pad shown inFIG. 1D. Further, in embodiments, the additional pad515 can comprise edges that can be finished with a marrow zig-zag stitch.
• Referring toFIG. 6, depicted are exemplary apparel articles. In particular,FIG. 6 depicts three (3) views for ayoga wear article605,610,615. It should be appreciated that the views of thearticles605,610,615 are merely exemplary and that other designs are envisioned. Further, thearticles605,610,615 can each be constructed according to various techniques, with various hems, materials, dimensions, stitches, and/or the like. In some embodiments, thearticles605,610,615 can comprise an outer fabric that can be comprised of 88% nylon and 12% spandex, 86% nylon and 14% lycra, and/or other materials and combinations. According to embodiments, each of thearticles605,610,615 can have a fixed or removable pad secured thereto or otherwise incorporated therein. More particularly, the yoga wear article as depicted inFIG. 6 can have a fixed or removable pad secured from afront607 of the article to a back617 of the article. The fixed or removable pad can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, viscose, nylon, polyurethane, and/or others. In embodiments, the fixed or removable pad can be the same or similar to the removable pad shown inFIG. 1D.
• The articles of apparel and designs thereof, as discussed herein, are merely exemplary, and can comprise different materials, constructions, dimensions, and/or the like. Therefore, the foregoing description is illustrative, and variations in configuration and implementation may occur to persons skilled in the art.

Claims (17)

1. An undergarment for improving protection, the undergarment comprising:

a body comprising a front section, a back section, and a gusset section extending therebetween and configured to fit between legs of a user;

an outer layer fixedly attached to the body and at least partially overlaying the gusset section;

a set of tabs comprising a first tab extending over the gusset section proximal to the front section of the body, and a second tab extending over the gusset section proximal to the back section of the body; and

an insert removably overlaying at least a portion of the outer layer, the insert comprising a first end, a second end, and a middle section extending between the first and second ends, wherein the first end is removably entrained between the first tab and the gusset section and the second end is removably entrained between the second tab and the gusset section, so as to secure the insert to the gusset section of the body, wherein the middle section extends across an opening between the first and second tabs so as to directly receive and absorb fluids.

2. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the insert comprises two layers of core material and two layers of lining.

3. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the insert comprises viscose, polyester, or a combination thereof.

4. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the insert comprises a core material comprised of 100% polyester, 100% viscose or a combination of about 50% viscose, and about 50% polyester.

5. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the insert comprises a core material comprised of 100% polyester, about 50% viscose and about 50% polyester or 100% viscose.

6. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the gusset section further comprises a waterproof layer positioned adjacent to the set of tabs.

7. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the insert comprises edges that are finished with a marrow stitch, and multiple layers that are stitched therethrough.

8. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the gusset section comprises nylon, spandex, polyurethane, viscose, polyester, or a combination thereof.

9.-15. (canceled)

16. An article of clothing, the article of clothing comprising:

a body configured to be removably secured to an individual, the body comprising a front section, a back section, and a gusset section extending therebetween and configured to fit between legs of the individual;

an outer layer of fabric at least partially overlaying the gusset section, wherein the outer layer is fixedly attached to the body at and forms a seam with the front section, the back section, or both;

a layer of waterproof material positioned adjacent to the outer layer of fabric;

first and second tabs secured to the body and extending over a portion of the outer layer; and

an insert positioned adjacent to the waterproof layer, and removably overlaying at least a portion of the outer layer, wherein the insert comprises a first end, a second end, and a middle section extending between the first and second ends, wherein the first end is removably disposed between the first tab and the outer layer and the second end is removably disposed between the second tab and the outer layer, to secure the insert to the gusset section, wherein the middle section extends across an opening between the first and second tabs so as to directly receive and absorb fluids, wherein the insert is comprised of at least one of viscose and polyester.

17. The article of clothing ofclaim 16, wherein the insert comprises one or more layers of core material and one or more layers of lining.

18. The article of clothing ofclaim 16, wherein the insert comprises a core material comprising of 100% viscose.

19. The article of clothing ofclaim 16, wherein the insert comprises a core material comprised of about 50% viscose and about 50% polyester.

20. The apparel article ofclaim 16, wherein the gusset section comprises nylon, spandex, viscose, polyester, or a combination thereof.

21. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the insert is configured to be washed and reused.

22. The article ofclaim 16, wherein the insert is washable and reusable.

23. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the outer layer forms a seam with the back section, the front section, or both.

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