U.S. patent application number 12/901143 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for garment with elastomeric coating.
Invention is credited to RANIL KIRTHI VITARANA.
Application Number | 20110083246 12/901143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43754712 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110083246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VITARANA; RANIL KIRTHI |
April 14, 2011 |
Garment with Elastomeric Coating
Abstract
A garment comprises a fabric and an elastomeric coating on at
least a portion of at least one side of the fabric to provide
designed, localized stretch and support in a garment, wherein the
elastomeric coating is located where reduced stretch of the garment
is desired. Garments having structures to facilitate cooling and
heating are also described.
Inventors: |
VITARANA; RANIL KIRTHI;
(COLOMBO, LK) |
Family ID: |
43754712 |
Appl. No.: |
12/901143 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61251354 |
Oct 14, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 ;
2/243.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/28 20130101;
A41D 31/145 20190201; A41D 31/065 20190201; A41D 31/185 20190201;
A41D 13/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 ;
2/243.1 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00; A41D 27/00 20060101 A41D027/00 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising: a fabric and an elastomeric coating on at
least a portion of at least one side of the fabric, wherein the
elastomeric coating is located where reduced stretch of the garment
is desired.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating forms at
least one shape including at least one of the following: circular,
triangular, octagonal, and hexagonal.
3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating forms a
pattern of shapes including at least one of the following:
circular, triangular, octagonal, and hexagonal.
4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating forms at
least one dot.
5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating forms a
pattern of dots.
6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating forms at
least one stripe.
7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating forms a
pattern of stripes.
8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the elastomeric
coating is designed to vary along the extent of the elastomeric
coating.
9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating is
applied to the interior of the garment.
10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating is
applied to the exterior of the garment.
11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric coating is
applied to both the interior and exterior of the garment.
12. The garment of claim 10, wherein the elastomeric coating on the
exterior of the garment is colored with a pigment.
13. The garment of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric coating on the
interior of the garment is embedded with flock fibers.
14. A garment comprising: a fabric and an elastomeric coating on at
least a portion of the side of the fabric constituting the inner
side of the garment, wherein the elastomeric coating forms at least
one channel.
15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the at least one channel is
substantially bounded by the fabric on one side and the elastomeric
coating on two sides.
16. The garment of claim 15, wherein the elastomeric coating holds
at least a portion of the fabric away from the skin of a wearer
when the garment is worn.
17. The garment of claim 16, wherein the at least one channel is
substantially bounded by the fabric on one side, the elastomeric
coating on two sides, and the skin of the wearer on one side when
the garment is worn.
18. The garment of claim 14, wherein the geometry of at least one
channel is one of the following: curved, straight, zigzag, and
diagonal.
19. The garment of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric coating is in
the form of dots or lines.
20. The garment of claim 14, wherein the fabric is a breathable
fabric.
21. The garment of claim 14 further comprising at least one opening
in the fabric, wherein the at least one opening allows the at least
one channel to communicate with ambient air.
22. The garment of claim 21 further comprising a plurality of
openings in the fabric, wherein the plurality of openings allows
the at least one channel to communicate with ambient air.
23. The garment of claim 21, wherein at least one of the openings
is located at a shoulder seam.
24. The garment of claim 21, wherein at least one of the openings
is located at a chest area.
25. The garment of claim 22, wherein at least one opening is
located at a shoulder seam and at least one opening is located at a
torso area, wherein at least one channel is able to communicate
with ambient air by way of the opening at a shoulder seam on one
end of the channel and by way of the opening at a torso area at the
other end of the channel.
26. The garment of claim 14, further comprising at least one slit
in the fabric, wherein the at least one slit is located at a
channel and allows the channel to communicate with ambient air.
27. The garment of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric coating is
embedded with flock fibers.
28. The garment of claim 14, further comprising: a second
elastomeric coating on at least a portion of at least one side of
the fabric, wherein the second elastomeric coating is located where
reduced stretch of the garment is desired.
29. A garment comprising: a fabric and an elastomeric coating on at
least a portion of the side of the fabric constituting the inner
side of the garment, wherein the elastomeric coating forms at least
one air pocket.
30. The garment of claim 29, wherein the air pocket is
substantially bounded by the fabric on one side and the elastomeric
coating on at least three sides.
31. The garment of claim 30, wherein the elastomeric coating holds
at least a portion of the fabric away from the skin of a wearer
when the garment is worn.
32. The garment of claim 31, wherein the air pockets are
substantially bounded by the fabric on one side, the elastomeric
coating on at least three sides, and the skin of the wearer on one
side when the garment is worn.
33. The garment of claim 32, wherein the air pocket is designed to
temporarily trap air therein.
34. The garment of claim 29, wherein the air pockets are in the
shape of at least one of the following: square, rectangle, circle,
triangle, octagon, and hexagon.
35. The garment of claim 29, wherein the fabric is a non-breathable
fabric.
36. The garment of claim 29, wherein the elastomeric coating is
embedded with flock fibers.
37. The garment of claim 36, wherein elastomeric coating forming a
boundary of at least one air pocket is embedded with flock
fibers.
38. The garment of claim 36, wherein elastomeric coating inside at
least one air pocket is embedded with flock fibers.
39. The garment of claim 30, wherein the elastomeric coating holds
at least a portion of the fabric away from a tight fitting article
of clothing worn by a wearer when the garment is worn.
40. The garment of claim 31, wherein the air pockets are
substantially bounded by the fabric on one side, the elastomeric
coating on at least three sides, and the tight fitting article of
clothing worn by the wearer on one side when the garment is
worn.
41. The garment of claim 29, further comprising: a second
elastomeric coating on at least a portion of at least one side of
the fabric, wherein the second elastomeric coating is located where
reduced stretch of the garment is desired.
42. The garment of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric coating is a
silicone.
43. The garment of claim 14 wherein the elastomeric coating is a
silicone.
44. The garment of claim 29 wherein the elastomeric coating is a
silicone.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/251,354, filed Oct. 14, 2009, which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to garments, and more
particularly, to garments having controlled stretch and designed
thermal properties.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Garments are often made of a material with a uniform modulus
of elasticity. However, some areas of the body require more support
than others. Further, some areas of the body require more control
and restriction of muscle movement than others. Accordingly, there
is a need for a garment with controlled stretch properties.
Further, it may be desirable for a garment to aid in cooling or
insulating the wearer depending on ambient conditions and the
activities of the wearer. Certain garments with various means of
thermal management are known in the prior art. However, these
garments are often cumbersome for athletic or even normal movement,
are uncomfortable, and are difficult to manufacture. Accordingly
there is also a need for a garment with desirable thermal
management characteristics that is relatively easy to manufacture
and is comfortable for the wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a garment
with elastomeric coatings that substantially obviates one or more
of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related
art.
[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a garment with controlled
stretch and support characteristics is provided. In certain
embodiments, a garment is described that includes a fabric having a
plurality of elastomeric coatings on at least a portion of at least
one side of the fabric, wherein the coating is designed to be
located in a portion of the garment where reduced stretch is
desired. In other embodiments, a coating is placed on a fabric to
enhance the support in a particularized area of the garment.
[0008] In certain aspects, the elastomeric coating may be formed in
various configurations such as dots, stripes, circles, triangles,
octagons, and hexagons and combinations and patterns of various
configurations. The thickness of the elastomeric coating may be
varied according to design specifications in particular
embodiments. The coating or coatings may be applied to the inside,
outside or inside and outside of a garment. The interior of the
garment may be embedded with flock fibers and silicone may be
employed as an elastomeric coating.
[0009] The present invention also provides a garment that aids in
cooling the wearer. In one aspect, the garment includes a fabric
and one or more elastomeric coatings on at least a portion of the
inside of the fabric of the garment with the elastomeric coating
forming at least one channel in the fabric of the garment. In one
aspect, a channel is formed that is substantially bounded by the
fabric on one side and the elastomeric coating on two sides such
that at least a portion of the fabric is held away from the skin of
a wearer when the garment is worn. In another aspect the
elastomeric coating forms a channel that engages the wearer.
[0010] The geometry of the channels may be varied including curved,
straight, zigzag, and diagonal shapes and the coating forming the
channels may be in the form of dots or lines. One or more openings
may be provided throughout various locations of the garment that
permit communication of a channel or channels with ambient air. In
certain embodiments, the elastomeric coating is embedded with flock
fibers and is made of a silicone. In certain aspects, a garment may
include an elastomeric coating forming one or more channels and
additionally may include one or more elastomeric coatings on the
inside, outside, or both sides of the garment that are designed to
be located in a portion of the garment where reduced stretch is
desired.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a garment is provided
that insulates the wearer from ambient conditions. In one
embodiment, the garment includes a fabric and an elastomeric
coating on at least a portion of the inside of the fabric of the
garment, and at least one air pocket being formed by the
elastomeric coating. An air pocket may be formed by a combination
of fabric and elastomeric coating or coating alone. In one aspect,
an air pocket is substantially bounded by the fabric on one side
and the elastomeric coating on at least three sides. In certain
embodiments, an elastomeric coating is designed to hold at least a
portion of the fabric away from the skin of a wearer when the
garment is worn.
[0012] Air pockets may also be created by an arrangement of fabric,
elastomeric coating, and the skin of a wearer. In various
configurations, the formed air pocket is designed to temporarily
trap air therein and may be in the shape of a square, rectangle,
circle, triangle, octagon, hexagon, or an irregular shape. The
elastomeric coating may be embedded with flock fibers and may be
made of silicone. In certain embodiments, a garment may include
elastomeric coatings forming one or more air pockets and may also
include one or more elastomeric coatings on the inside, outside, or
both sides of the garment that are designed to be located in a
portion of the garment where reduced stretch is desired.
[0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed
out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the
appended drawings.
[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a silkscreen configuration for applying an
elastomeric coating;
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a garment with power zones;
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts fabric panels with various designs of
elastomeric coating;
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts a garment with power zones having different
forms and levels of controlled stretch;
[0020] FIG. 5 depicts a fabric panel with an elastomeric coating of
varying thickness along the length of the coating;
[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a fabric panel with an elastomeric coating
that is embedded with flock fibers;
[0022] FIG. 7 depicts a fabric panel with an elastomeric coating
that forms channels between the fabric and a wearer's skin;
[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a garment with an elastomeric coating that
forms channels;
[0024] FIG. 9 depicts fabric panels with elastomeric coatings that
form channels of various shapes;
[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a garment with openings;
[0026] FIG. 11 depicts a garment with slits;
[0027] FIG. 12 depicts a fabric panel with an elastomeric coating
that forms channels between the fabric and a wearer's skin where
the elastomeric coating is embedded with flock fibers;
[0028] FIG. 13 depicts a garment with an elastomeric coating that
forms channels on the inside of the garment as well as power zones
on the outside of the garment;
[0029] FIG. 14 depicts a garment with openings and power zones on
the outside of the garment;
[0030] FIG. 15 depicts a garment with slits and power zones on the
outside of the garment;
[0031] FIG. 16 depicts a fabric panel with an elastomeric coating
that forms air pockets;
[0032] FIG. 17 depicts fabric panels with elastomeric coatings
forming air pockets of various geometries;
[0033] FIG. 18 depicts a garment with an elastomeric coating
forming air pockets;
[0034] FIG. 19 depicts a fabric panel with an elastomeric coating
forming air pockets where the elastomeric coating is embedded with
flock fibers; and
[0035] FIG. 20 depicts a garment with an elastomeric coating
forming air pockets on the inside of the garment as well as power
zones on the outside of the garment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0037] FIG. 1 depicts a silkscreen configuration for applying an
elastomeric coating to a garment. As shown in FIG. 1, a garment 100
may be placed beneath a silkscreen 101 on an area where an
elastomeric coating is desired. An elastomeric coating substance
102 may be passed through screen apertures 104 of silkscreen 101
using squeegees 103, which move in the direction of arrow 105. In
one embodiment, the elastomeric coating substance 102 is
transferred to the garment 100 by capillary action in controlled
and prescribed quantities to form an elastomeric coating 106 on the
garment 100. The apertures 104 may be provided in a wide variety of
patterns and squeegees 103 may be operated in a number of
orientations and directions. The elastomeric coating 106 forms a
three dimension (3D) structure on the garment 100. The thickness of
the 3D structure may be determined by parameters including, but not
limited to, the distance between the garment 100 and the silkscreen
101, the dimension of the apertures 104 of the silkscreen 101, and
the viscosity of the elastomeric coating substance 102.
Hereinafter, "thickness" refers to the dimension of the elastomeric
coating from the elastomeric coating/fabric interface to the top of
the elastomeric coating.
[0038] Alternatively, an elastomeric coating substance may be
sprayed onto a garment with or without a silkscreen. The thickness
of the coating may vary, and depends on the type and configuration
of the garment (e.g., the type of fabric used and the size of the
garment), as well as customer requirements. A stencil other than
that of a silkscreen configuration may also be used to further
enhance the process whereby a stencil with a particular pattern is
placed on the garment and the elastomeric coating sprayed through
the stencil onto the garment in order to achieve required patterns
on the garment.
[0039] Alternatively, an elastomeric coating may also be applied to
a garment by a process of extrusion, whereby an elastomeric coating
substance is extruded onto the fabric of the garment in controlled
and prescribed quantities, and may be applied in the form of
pre-designed patterns with or without the use of stencils.
[0040] FIG. 2 depicts a garment according to an embodiment of the
present invention. As illustrated, an elastomeric coating 202 is
applied to a garment 201 in predetermined areas. The elastomeric
coating increases the modulus of the fabric in areas where it is
applied, thereby providing the fabric with controlled stretch or
controlled support over a specific area. Thus, a single panel of
fabric may be designed to possess varied stretch and support
features at multiple locations as desired. The areas where the
elastomeric coating is applied are hereinafter referred to
generally as "power zones." In FIG. 2, power zones 203 are located
where the elastomeric coating 202 has been applied to the garment
201.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, different forms and levels of controlled
stretch at power zones may be obtained through an elastomeric
coating 302 applied to a fabric panel 301 in a variety of designs,
patterns, and builds of various orientations. For example,
circular, triangular, octagonal, hexagonal (honeycomb), and
irregular shapes as well as various types, dimensions and
combinations of dots, lines, or stripes may be used. Elastomeric
coating 302 may form a single shape, dot, line, or stripe. Further,
elastomeric coating 302 may form between 2 and 4 shapes, dots,
lines, or stripes. Still further, elastomeric coating 302 may form
a power zone may include between 5 and 10 shapes, dots, lines, or
stripes. Yet still further, elastomeric coating 302 may form a
pattern of shapes, dots, lines, or stripes.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a garment 401 with elastomeric coating
402 of exemplary patterns to form power zones 403 where the sleeves
include triangular patterns and the sides of the torso depict
circular shapes.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, an elastomeric coating 502 of varying
thickness may be applied to a fabric panel 501. Thus, different
levels of controlled stretch may be achieved along the extent of an
individual power zone. The thickness of an elastomeric coating may
be varied by techniques including, but not limited to, varied
diameter of apertures of a single silkscreen and varied squeegee
pressures. The thickness may vary linearly along the entire extent
of an individual power zone. The thickness may vary in a repeating
pattern such that the thickness varies linearly over a portion of
the power zone and the thickness profile over that portion is
repeated successively along the extent of the power zone. Gaps
where no elastomeric coating is applied may be located between
successive portions. Further, the thickness may vary in a
non-linear manner.
[0044] Power zones may be applied to the interior, exterior or both
sides of a garment. An elastomeric coating including various
designs, patterns, and builds in various orientations as mentioned
above, such as to form honeycomb structures for example, may also
contribute to the visual aesthetics of the garment, especially if
the elastomeric coating is applied to the exterior of the garment.
Enhancements such as, but not limited to, coloring of the
elastomeric coating as well as the addition of pigments sold under
the trademark HELICONE to the elastomeric coating may also be used
to further improve the visual aesthetics of a garment.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, power zones of elastomeric coating 602
located on the interior of a fabric panel 601 may be embedded with
flock fibers 603 to increase the aesthetics and the comfort to the
wearer. A flocking process such as that according to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/149,504, which is incorporated by reference
in its entirety, may be used.
[0046] Power zones may be used to control and restrict muscle
movement in performance sports wear providing the user with
enhanced protection and efficiency. Power zones could also support
and control regions of bust, under bust and shoulder areas in
intimate wear such as bras to improve comfort and performance.
Power zones may also be used in many other applications, such as
socks, stockings, swimwear, undergarments, and the like. For
example, the present invention may be applied to any type of
apparel wear which includes, but is not limited to, sportswear,
performance wear, intimate wear, casual wear, and medical wear.
[0047] FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 7, elastomeric coating 702 is applied to an inner side of a
fabric panel 701. The elastomeric coating 702 may be of sufficient
build and density to create a 3D structure. In some instances, the
3D structure is well defined. The structure may be in the form of
lines, walls, borders, dots, or various other designs that would
elevate and hold the fabric panel 701 slightly above a wearer's
skin 703. In certain aspects, the elastomeric coating 702 is
applied to create a gap between the fabric panel 701 and the
wearer's skin 703. Through the designed and controlled application
of the elastomeric coating 702, air channels 704 may be formed.
FIG. 8 depicts the interior of a garment 801 where elastomeric
coating 802 is applied to a garment 801 to form air channels
803.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, elastomeric coatings 902 applied to
fabric panels 901 may form air channels 903 of various geometries.
Exemplary geometries include, but are not limited to, curved,
straight, zigzag, diagonal, sinusoidal, parabolic, intersecting,
and irregular patterns.
[0049] The air channels allow air to be moved along the garment and
float parallel to the wearer's skin while also forming physical
pathways that may allow excess perspiration from the wearer's skin
to be removed by flowing out, thereby providing a cooling effect as
well as improved moisture management properties. The flow of air in
the air channels may also assist in the increase of the rate of
evaporation of perspiration from the wearer's skin surface. Thus,
due to absorption of heat from the wearer's body by the latent heat
of evaporation of water in perspiration, an enhanced cooling effect
to the wearer is achieved.
[0050] The cooling characteristics of a garment may be further
enhanced by using a breathable fabric. Further, as shown in FIG.
10, a garment 1001 may include air capture and routing mechanisms
illustrated by openings 1002, 1003 similar to air vents which may
be incorporated at shoulder seams, chest areas, lower torso areas,
stomach areas, back areas, or any other suitable location of the
garment 1001 to further aid the flow of air through the air
channels for the increased cooling effect. The openings 1002, 1003
may be arranged such that air channels are able to communicate with
ambient air by way of the opening 1002 at one end of the channel
and by way of the opening 1003 at the other end of the channel.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, a garment 1101 may include slits
1102 in the fabric of the garment 1101. The slits 1102 may be
incised using a cutting blade or any other recognized means of
cutting such as ultrasonic cutting, laser cutting, plasma cutting,
dye cutting or roller cutting, to further aid the flow of air
through the air channels.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 12, an elastomeric coating 1202 located on
an inner side of a fabric panel 1201 may be embedded with flock
fibers 1203 to increase the aesthetics and the comfort to the
wearer. A flocking process as described above may be utilized.
[0052] According to the principles of the invention, these
embodiments may be applied to any type of apparel wear which
include but are not limited to sportswear, performance wear,
intimate wear, casual wear, and medical wear.
[0053] In certain aspects, a garment may include an elastomeric
coating applied to an inner side of a fabric panel to form one or
more channels and other additional elastomeric coatings forming
power zones. For example, FIG. 13 shows a garment 1301 with an
elastomeric coating 1302 applied to the inside of the garment 1301
and an elastomeric coating 1304 applied to the outside of the
garment 1301. Elastomeric coating 1302 may be applied in such a way
as to form one or more channels 1303. Elastomeric coating 1304 may
be applied to form power zones 1305. Thus, a single garment with
controlled stretch and support that also aids in the cooling of the
wearer may be provided. The power zones can be applied to the
inside, outside, or inside and outside of the garment with any
geometry and structure as described herein according to the
principles of the invention. If the power zone is located on the
inside of the garment, the elastomeric coating forming the power
zone may be embedded with flock fibers. Further examples are shown
in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a garment 1401
with channels on the inside of the garment 1401 and openings 1402
and 1403 is further provided with power zones 1404 on the outside
of the garment 1401. As depicted in FIG. 15, a garment 1501 with
channels (not shown) on the inside of the garment 1501 connected to
slits 1502 is further provided with power zones 1503 on the outside
of the garment 1501.
[0054] FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 illustrates an elastomeric coating 1602 that has been
applied to a fabric panel 1601. The elastomeric coating 1602 may be
of sufficient build and density to create multiple 3D structures
thereby creating air pockets 1603. In certain embodiments, the 3D
structures are well defined. The air pockets 1603 shown in FIG. 16
are hexagons; however, various geometries including, but not
limited to, squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, octagons,
hexagons (honeycombs), and irregular shapes, or combinations
thereof may be used. Any shape that is useful to create a structure
that confines air therein, such as a structure substantially
bounded on at least three sides, may be used. As used herein, a
side of a structure refers to a straight segment of the structure.
A structure with a curved segment includes infinite sides. FIG. 17
depicts exemplary geometries of air pockets 1702 on fabric panels
1701. FIG. 18 depicts the interior of a garment of this embodiment
where elastomeric coating 1802 is applied to a garment 1801 to form
air pockets 1803.
[0055] When a garment according to this embodiment of the invention
is worn, an air pocket may be designed and constructed to
temporarily trap air between the garment and the wearer's skin.
Similarly, when a wearer wears a tight fitting article of clothing
under the garment according to this embodiment, an air pocket may
be designed and constructed to temporarily trap air between the
garment and the tight fitting article of clothing. Because air has
high insulating properties, in certain aspects the invention
provides an insulating layer of air between the wearer's skin or
tight fitting article of clothing and the garment which may
significantly reduce heat loss by conduction and convection, thus
allowing the wearer of the garment to retain heat.
[0056] Further, according to the invention the movement of air
inside the garment may be minimized which may reduce passive
convection which draws cool air into the garment and displaces the
warm light air already existent in the garment. Thus, heat loss is
further reduced as heat is further retained. The heat retention
feature may be further enhanced by a garment including
non-breathable fabric which may further minimize the movement of
air in the garment.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 19, an elastomeric coating 1902 located on
an inner side of a fabric panel 1901 may be embedded with flock
fibers 1904 to increase the aesthetics and the comfort to the
wearer. The elastomeric coating forming a boundary of the air
pockets or, in some cases, inside the air pockets may be embedded
with flock fibers. A flocking process as described above, in
accordance with the methods of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/149,504, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, may
be employed.
[0058] According to the principles of the invention, these
embodiments may be applied to any type of apparel wear which
include but are not limited to sportswear, performance wear,
intimate wear, casual wear, and medical wear.
[0059] In certain aspects, the garment may include an elastomeric
coating applied to an inner side of a fabric panel to form one or
more air pockets and an elastomeric coating forming power zones.
For example, FIG. 20 shows a garment 2001 with elastomeric coating
2002 forming air pockets 2003 on the inside of the garment 2001 and
elastomeric coating 2004 forming power zones 2005 on the outside of
the garment 2001. Thus, a single garment with controlled stretch
and support that aids in the insulation of the wearer may be
provided. The power zones may be provided on the inside, outside,
or inside and outside of the garment with any geometry and build
according to the invention. If power zones are provided on the
inside of the garment, the elastomeric coating forming the power
zones may be imbedded with flock fibers.
[0060] The elastomeric coating described above in the various
embodiments of the present invention may be a silicone.
[0061] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the garment with
elastomeric coating of the present invention without departing from
the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the
present invention cover the modifications and variations of this
invention provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *