U.S. patent application number 11/162714 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-05 for garment for cooling and insulating.
This patent application is currently assigned to ENVENTYS, LLC. Invention is credited to Louis J. Foreman, Ron Sytz.
Application Number | 20060000005 11/162714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36317924 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060000005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Foreman; Louis J. ; et
al. |
January 5, 2006 |
GARMENT FOR COOLING AND INSULATING
Abstract
A garment includes a fabric having dome-shaped indentations
formed therein to define air channels. The fabric includes: a first
yarn preferably being a single monofilament of polyester; a second
yarn preferably formed from staple or filament yarn; and a third
yarn being an elastomeric yarn that provides proper stretch and
recovery to enable a proper fit of the garment next to the body of
the wearer. The first yarn preferably is a single monofilament of
polyester. The second yarn preferably provides softness for
comfort. The third yarn preferably is spandex. For certain
applications of the garment, the second yarn is formed from staples
of synthetic materials such as Kevlar, Nomex, or Spectra in order
to provide fire retardence, cut resistance, and/or impact/ballistic
protection. The indentations may be formed only in selected areas
of the garment in accordance therewith.
Inventors: |
Foreman; Louis J.;
(Huntersville, NC) ; Sytz; Ron; (Gastonia,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TILLMAN IVSAN, PLLC
PO BOX 471581
CHARLOTTE
NC
28247
US
|
Assignee: |
ENVENTYS, LLC
520 Elliot Street
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
36317924 |
Appl. No.: |
11/162714 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10653311 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
|
|
|
11162714 |
Sep 20, 2005 |
|
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60407010 |
Aug 30, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 5/0485 20130101;
A41D 2400/322 20130101; A41D 31/14 20190201; A41D 31/24 20190201;
F41H 1/02 20130101; A41B 9/06 20130101; F41H 5/023 20130101; A41D
31/08 20190201; Y10S 2/01 20130101; A41D 27/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/115 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising a fabric having at least one area of
dome-shaped indentations formed therein so as to define air
channels next to the body of the wearer of the garment.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the fabric includes a plurality
of distinct and separate areas of dome-shaped indentations formed
therein, each said area thereby defining air channels next to the
body of the wearer of the garment.
3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a shirt,
and wherein a tale of the shirt includes no areas of dome-shaped
indentations formed therein.
4. A combination of an outer garment and an undergarment,
comprising: (a) an outer garment; and (b) an undergarment
comprising a fabric having at least one area of dome-shaped
indentations formed therein so as to define air channels next to
the body of the wearer of the undergarment.
5. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of claim
4, wherein the fabric of the undergarment includes a plurality of
distinct and separate areas of dome-shaped indentations formed
therein, each said area thereby defining air channels next to the
body of the wearer of the garment.
6. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of claim
5, wherein the outer garment overlays each said area of dome-shaped
indentations of the fabric of the undergarment.
7. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of claim
4, wherein the undergarment comprises, (i) a first yarn providing
sufficient rigidity to define and maintain the shape of the
indentations in and after the forming thereof, (ii) a second yarn,
and (iii) a third yarn comprising an elastomeric yarn providing
sufficient stretch and recovery to enable a proper fit of the
undergarment next to the body of the wearer.
8. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of claim
4, wherein the outer garment comprises protective equipment.
9. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of claim
8, wherein the fabric of the undergarment includes a plurality of
distinct and separate areas of dome-shaped indentations formed
therein, each said area thereby defining air channels next to the
body of the wearer of the garment, and wherein the protective
equipment at least partially overlays each said area of dome-shaped
indentations of the fabric of the undergarment.
10. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 4, wherein the outer garment comprises a bulletproof
vest.
11. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 10, wherein the fabric of the undergarment includes a
plurality of distinct and separate areas of dome-shaped
indentations formed therein, each said area thereby defining air
channels next to the body of the wearer of the garment, and wherein
the bulletproof vest at least partially overlays each said area of
dome-shaped indentations of the fabric of the undergarment.
12. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 4, wherein the outer garment comprises battle gear for
military use.
13. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 4, wherein the outer garment comprise protective gear for
athletic or sporting use.
14. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 4, wherein the outer garment includes a vent.
15. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 4, wherein the outer garment includes a vent that is
adjustable for selectively admitting airflow to the
undergarment.
16. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 4, wherein the outer garment includes a vent that is
adjustable for selectively admitting airflow to the undergarment,
and wherein the vent overlies indentations in the undergarment.
17. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 4, wherein the outer garment is wind resistant or wind
proof.
18. The combination of an outer garment and an undergarment of
claim 4, wherein the outer garment includes a port and further
comprising a conduit connected to the port supplying cool air to
the air channels of the undergarment.
19. A garment comprising a fabric having at least one area of
dome-shaped indentations formed therein so as to define air
channels next to the body of the wearer of the garment, wherein the
garment comprises: (a) a first yarn providing sufficient rigidity
to define and maintain the shape of the dome-shaped indentations
after the forming thereof; (b) a second yarn providing fire
retardence to the garment; and (c) a third yarn comprising an
elastomeric yarn providing sufficient stretch and recovery to
enable a proper fit of the garment next to the body of the
wearer.
20. The garment of claim 19, wherein the fabric includes a
plurality of distinct and separate areas of dome-shaped
indentations formed therein, each said area thereby defining air
channels next to the body of the wearer of the garment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of, and claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent
application Ser. No. 10/653,311 filed Sep. 2, 2003, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference, and which application is a
nonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to,
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/407,010 filed Sep.
2, 2002, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to clothing and, in
particular, to a garment for improved cooling and/or insulating of
the wearer, especially when used as an undergarment. Background of
the Present Invention Current garments promote cooling by wicking
of perspiration away from the body. The perspiration then
evaporates from the garment. It is desirable to provide for a layer
of air between the garment and the body such that the perspiration
evaporates from the body itself, thereby providing improved
cooling.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0003] Briefly described, the present invention relates to a
garment having indentations forming air channels for improved
cooling of the body of the wearer of the garment. In one aspect of
the invention, the garment includes: (a) a first yarn preferably
comprising a single monofilament of polyester; (b) a second yarn;
and (c) a third yarn comprising an elastomeric yarn.
[0004] The first yarn preferably consists of a single monofilament
of polyester. The second yarn preferably is formed from staples of
polyester or cotton for comfort, and the third yarn preferably
comprises Spandex whereby elasticity is provided to the garment for
comfort form fitting of the garment to the body of the wearer.
[0005] In additional aspects of the invention: the first yarn
provides sufficient rigidity to define and maintain the shape of
the indentations in and after the forming process and/or sufficient
rigidity that a force of impact is absorbed upon compression of the
indentations; the second yarn is formed from staples of fire
retardant Kevlar or the like; and the indentations are uniform or
varying in size and shape.
[0006] In another aspect of the invention, the garment is worn as
an undergarment and the invention further includes an outer
garment.
[0007] In aspect of the invention having an outer garment: the
outer garment comprises protective equipment or protective gear for
athletic and/or sporting use; and the outer garment includes a
vent. When a vent is provided, the vent preferably is adjustable
for selectively admitting airflow to the undergarment. Furthermore,
the vent preferably overlies indentations in the undergarment.
[0008] In additional aspects: the outer garment is wind resistant
or wind proof; the garment includes a port and further comprising a
conduit connected to the port supplying cool air to the air
channels of the undergarment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Further features and benefits of the present invention will
be apparent from a detailed description of preferred embodiments
thereof taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein
similar elements are referred to with similar reference numbers,
and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an elevational view of the front of a
shirt in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an elevational view of the back of the
shirt of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a fist planar view of a portion of the
shirt of FIG. 1 in an area of the indentations;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a second, closer planar view of the
portion of the shirt of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates yet a third, closer planar view of the
portion of the shirt of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a fist planar view of an underside
portion of the shirt of FIG. 1 in an area of the indentations;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a second, closer planar view of the
portion of the shirt of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates yet a third, closer planar view of the
portion of the shirt of FIG. 6;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a first perspective view of the portion
of the shirt of FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a second, closer perspective view of the
portion of the shirt of FIG. 6; and
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an underside
portion of the shirt of FIG. 1 in an area of the indentations
adjoining the tale of the shirt.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is
susceptible of broad utility and application in view of the
following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments
of the present invention. Many devices, methods, arrangements,
embodiments, adaptations and the like of the present invention
other than those embodiments herein expressly described, as well as
many variations, modifications, and equivalents thereof, will be
apparent from or reasonably suggested by the following detailed
description of one or more embodiments of the present invention,
without departing from the substance or scope of the present
invention.
[0022] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is
to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary
and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The disclosure herein is not intended
nor is to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise
to exclude any such other devices, methods, arrangements,
embodiments, adaptations and the like, or variations,
modifications, and equivalents.
[0023] The present invention comprises a garment having
indentations formed therein such that channels of air are defined
therebetween.
[0024] The garment preferably is hydrophobic but air permeable.
When the garment is worn, perspiration of the wearer evaporates
within these channels. The evaporation occurs on the body of the
wearer and, because heat is absorbed in the evaporation process,
the evaporation directly absorbs heat from the body and cools the
wearer. Wicking of the perspiration from the body by the garment
itself, with subsequent evaporation from the exterior of the
garment, cools the garment surface and thereby indirectly cools the
body of the wearer; however, the evaporation in the wicking garment
does not directly cool the body of the wearer.
[0025] The indentations may be uniform or may vary in size and
shape in the garment. Preferably the indentations are domed
shaped.
[0026] The garment is knit or woven from: a first yarn providing
sufficient rigidity to define and maintain the shape of the
indentations in and after the forming process; a second yarn
preferably formed from staple or filament yarn, whether manmade or
of natural fiber, such as polyester, cotton, rayon, nylon, acrylic,
etc.; and a third yarn comprising an elastomeric yarn that provides
proper stretch and recovery to enable a proper fit of the garment
next to the body of the wearer.
[0027] The first yarn preferably comprises a single monofilament of
polyester.
[0028] The second yarn preferably provides softness for comfort.
For certain applications of the garment, the second yarn could be
formed from staples of synthetic materials such as Kevlar, Nomex,
or Spectra to provide fire retardence, cut resistance, and/or
impact/ballistic protection.
[0029] The third yarn preferably is spandex and provides elasticity
of the garment for comfort form fitting of the garment to the body
of the wearer.
[0030] After knitting, the indentations are formed in the garment
using methods disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,062;
6,007,898; 5,833,321; 5,851,930; 5,896,680; 5,882,322; and
5,972,477, used for forming woven and knitted fabrics made entirely
of monofilament yarns. Each of these patents is hereby incorporated
by reference; however, the methods themselves as disclosed in these
patents form no part of the present invention and are cited for
purposes of provided an enabling disclosure of the invention
herein.
[0031] Preferably the first yarn consists of a single monofilament,
and is not formed from staples, such as a spun yarn. Because of the
use of a monofilament as opposed to staples, the indentations
formed in the garment do not have a tendency to flatten over
time.
[0032] In certain applications of the present invention, the
garment is used as an undergarment. For example, athletic equipment
such as football or baseball protective gear (shoulder pads, etc.)
can be worn over the undergarment, with the indentations forming
air channels between the body of the wearer and the protective
equipment. Airflow through the channels thereby provides cooling
not otherwise realized.
[0033] In law enforcement and the military, battle gear and combat
outfits such as flight uniforms and life vests can be worn over the
garment. Again, the indentations form air channels between the body
of the wearer and the battle gear and combat outfits such that
airflow therein provides cooling not otherwise realized.
[0034] In a feature of the present invention, only certain portions
of the garment include the indentations providing the air channels.
Thus, garments of the present invention have different patterns of
indentations.
[0035] For instance, for use of the garment as an undergarment to
be worn under a bulletproof vest, the indentations preferably are
formed in the garment only where the vest actually abuts the
garment and presses against the body. For use of the garment under
shoulder pads used for football, the indentations preferably are
formed in the garment only where the shoulder pads actually abuts
the garment and presses against the body.
[0036] In another instance, the use of the garment itself without
an outer garment includes an area of the bottom of the garment in
which no indentations are formed. This area permits comfortable
tucking of the "tail" of the garment into the pants or shorts of
the wearer.
[0037] In another feature of the invention, the monofilament yarn
provides sufficient rigidity that the indentations provide
protection by absorbing some extent of the force of impacts.
Furthermore, the degree of ballistic/impact protection needed in
different areas of the garment may vary; preferably, the size and
shape of the indentations in such area vary accordingly.
[0038] In another feature of the invention, the garment is used as
an undergarment in conjunction with a windproof or wind resistant
outer garment. In this use, the air channels provided by the
indentations become insulation for retention of heat. The garment
thus serves in part as a thermal insulator.
[0039] In yet another feature of the invention, the garment is used
as an undergarment with a windproof or wind resistant outer garment
having one or more vents, such as a zippered vent. Preferably, the
vent overlies a portion of the indentations such that selected
opening of the vent permits selected airflow through the air
channels defined by the indentations.
[0040] For example, the invention includes a flight suit in
combination with a garment as disclosed herein. The flight suit
includes a zippered vent overlying a portion of the undergarment
having the indentations forming air channels between the
undergarment and the body of the wearer of the flight suit. In this
case, the zipper serves a thermostatic function.
[0041] In another similar example, the invention includes a racecar
suit (such as those worn by NASCAR drivers) in combination with a
garment as disclosed herein. The racecar suit includes a port
through which cooling air is pumped into the racecar suit. The port
overlies a portion of the undergarment having the indentations
forming air channels between the undergarment and the body of the
wearer of the racecar suit.
[0042] A benefit of the garment of the present invention includes a
therapeutic effect that is provided by the indentations.
Specifically, the indentations on the skin provide a therapeutic
effect similar to a Shiatsu Massage. In this respect, it has been
shown in research by others that multiple small touch points
generally provide a way to ease pressure and stress.
[0043] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
the drawings for illustration purposes.
[0044] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the front and back, respectively, of a
shirt 20 of the present invention having a head opening 22, arm
openings 24, and bottom opening 26. The shirt includes a tale 28.
The shirt includes an area 30 of indentations formed in the front
and an area 32 of indentations formed in the back. Neither area
30,32 extends within the tale 28 of the shirt, whereby the shirt
may readily be tucked into the pants or shorts of a wearer.
[0045] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the front and back portions of the
shirt in the areas 30,32 having the indentations.
[0046] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the front and back portions of the
inside of the shirt in the areas 30,32 having the indentations. As
will be readily apparent from these figures, the indentations 34
themselves are domed-shaped, project inwardly, and define channels
36 therebetween for the passage of air.
[0047] In view of the foregoing detailed description of one or more
preferred embodiments of the present invention, it readily will be
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications,
and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably
suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description
thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the
present invention. Furthermore, any sequence(s) and/or temporal
order of steps of various processes described and claimed herein
are those considered to be the best mode contemplated for carrying
out the present invention. It should also be understood that,
although steps of various processes may be shown and described as
being in a preferred sequence or temporal order, the steps of any
such processes are not limited to being carried out in any
particular sequence or order, absent a specific indication of such
to achieve a particular intended result. In most cases, the steps
of such processes may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders, while still falling within the scope of the present
inventions.
[0048] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments,
it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative
and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for
purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the
invention. The foregoing disclosure herein is not intended nor is
to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to
exclude any such other devices, methods, arrangements, embodiments,
adaptations and the like, or variations, modifications, and
equivalents.
[0049] Thus, for example, while the first yarn has been described
herein as a single monofilament of polyester, the first yarn may by
any yarn such as a multifilament yarn in accordance with the
broadest scope of the present invention so long as such yarn
provides sufficient stability of the indentations during a molding
process as to enable the indentations to maintain their shape for
the otherwise useful life of the garment.
* * * * *