U.S. patent application number 13/166026 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for garment including an abrasion resistant fabric.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jason Wayne Dieffenbacher. Invention is credited to Jason Wayne Dieffenbacher.
Application Number | 20120324618 13/166026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46466854 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20120324618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dieffenbacher; Jason Wayne |
December 27, 2012 |
GARMENT INCLUDING AN ABRASION RESISTANT FABRIC
Abstract
An abrasion-resistant garment may include a first fabric layer
with a first recovery property and a first direction, and a second
fabric layer with a second recovery property and a second
direction. The first recovery property is greater than the second
recovery property. The second fabric layer is disposed on the first
fabric layer in a predetermined orientation of the first direction
and second direction to provide enhanced sliding of the second
fabric layer along the first fabric layer.
Inventors: |
Dieffenbacher; Jason Wayne;
(Nashua, NH) |
Assignee: |
Jason Wayne Dieffenbacher
Nashua
NH
|
Family ID: |
46466854 |
Appl. No.: |
13/166026 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/93 ; 2/102;
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 31/245 20190201;
A41H 27/00 20130101; A41D 13/0593 20130101; A41D 13/0575 20130101;
A41D 1/084 20130101; A41D 1/067 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/93 ; 2/69;
2/102 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00; A41D 1/04 20060101 A41D001/04; A41B 9/00 20060101
A41B009/00; A41D 1/06 20060101 A41D001/06; A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00; A43B 17/00 20060101 A43B017/00; A41D 1/02 20060101
A41D001/02; A41B 1/00 20060101 A41B001/00 |
Claims
1. An abrasion-resistant garment comprising: a garment body
including: a first fabric layer having a first recovery property
and a first direction; and a second fabric layer having a second
recovery property and a second direction, wherein the first
recovery property is greater than the second recovery property;
wherein the second fabric layer is disposed on the first fabric
layer in a predetermined orientation of the first direction and the
second direction that provides enhanced sliding of the second
fabric layer along the first fabric layer.
2. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein a coefficient
of friction between the first fabric layer and second fabric layer
is between 0.15-0.5.
3. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein a coefficient
of friction between the first fabric layer and second fabric layer
is between 0.15-0.6.
4. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined orientation of the first and second directions is
defined by an angle of approximately 60.degree. to 90.degree.
between the first and second direction.
5. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined orientation of the first and second directions is
defined by an angle of approximately 45.degree. to 90.degree.
between the first and second direction.
6. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the first
recovery property is substantially between 5% to 230% greater than
the second recovery property.
7. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the first
recovery property is substantially between 10% to 230% greater than
the second recovery property.
8. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the first
recovery property is substantially between 15% to 230% greater than
the second recovery property.
9. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the first
recovery property is substantially between 20% to 230% greater than
the second recovery property.
10. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the first
fabric layer is an inner layer and the second fabric layer is an
outer layer.
11. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the first
and second fabric layers are provided at one or more high risk
areas of the garment.
12. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 1, wherein the garment
is selected from a group consisting of a shirt, jersey, jacket,
vest, arm warmer, short, pants, tight, knicker, leg warmer, knee
warmer, knee brace, sock, glove, baseball sliding short,
undergarment, and chap.
13. An abrasion-resistant garment comprising: a garment body
including: a first fabric layer with a first fabric layer portion
having a first direction; and a second fabric layer with a second
fabric layer portion having a second direction; wherein an area
defined by the second fabric layer portion is greater than an area
defined by the first fabric layer portion by 5% to 30%, and the
second layer fabric portion is disposed on the first fabric layer
portion in a predetermined orientation of the first direction and
the second direction that provides enhanced sliding of the second
fabric layer portion along the first fabric layer portion.
14. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 13, wherein the area
defined by the second fabric layer portion is greater than the area
defined by the first fabric layer portion by 5% to 15%.
15. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 13, wherein a
coefficient of friction between the first fabric layer and second
fabric layer is between 0.15-0.5.
16. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 13, wherein a
coefficient of friction between the first fabric layer and second
fabric layer is between 0.15-0.6.
17. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 13, wherein the
predetermined orientation of the first and second directions is
defined by an angle of approximately 60.degree. to 90.degree.
between the first and second direction.
18. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 13, wherein the
predetermined orientation of the first and second directions is
defined by an angle of approximately 45.degree. to 90.degree.
between the first and second direction.
19. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 13, wherein the first
fabric layer is an inner layer and the second fabric layer is an
outer layer.
20. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 13, wherein the first
and second fabric layers are provided at one or more high risk
areas of the garment.
21. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 13, wherein the garment
is selected from a group consisting of a shirt, jersey, jacket,
vest, arm warmer, short, pants, tight, knicker, leg warmer, knee
warmer, knee brace, sock, glove, baseball sliding short,
undergarment, and chap.
22. An abrasion-resistant garment comprising: a garment body
including: a first fabric layer with a first direction; and a
second fabric layer with a second direction, wherein the second
fabric layer is disposed on the first fabric layer in a
predetermined orientation of the first direction and the second
direction that provides enhanced sliding of the second fabric layer
along the first fabric layer, and wherein the first fabric layer is
subject to a greater tensile load than the second fabric layer when
the garment is in a fitted state.
23. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein a
coefficient of friction between the first fabric layer and second
fabric layer is between 0.15-0.5.
24. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein a
coefficient of friction between the first fabric layer and second
fabric layer is between 0.15-0.6.
25. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the
predetermined orientation of the first and second directions is
defined by an angle of approximately 60.degree. to 90.degree.
between the first and second direction.
26. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the
predetermined orientation of the first and second directions is
defined by an angle of approximately 45.degree. to 90.degree.
between the first and second direction.
27. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the tensile
load of the first fabric layer is substantially between 5% to 230%
greater than the tensile load in the second fabric layer.
28. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the tensile
load of the first fabric layer is substantially between 10% to 230%
greater than the tensile load in the second fabric layer.
29. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the tensile
load of the first fabric layer is substantially between 15% to 230%
greater than the tensile load in the second fabric layer.
30. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the tensile
load of the first fabric layer is substantially between 20% to 230%
greater than the tensile load in the second fabric layer.
31. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the first
fabric layer is an inner layer and the second fabric layer is an
outer layer.
32. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the first
and second fabric layers are provided at one or more high risk
areas of the garment.
33. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 22, wherein the garment
is selected from a group consisting of a shirt, jersey, jacket,
vest, arm warmer, short, pants, tight, knicker, leg warmer, knee
warmer, knee brace, sock, glove, baseball sliding short,
undergarment, and chap.
34. An abrasion-resistant garment, comprising: a garment body
including a pocket having a first pocket fabric layer with a first
direction; and a pad including a second pad fabric layer with a
second direction, the pad receivable in the pocket; wherein the pad
is disposable in the pocket in a predetermined orientation of the
first direction and the second direction that provides enhanced
sliding of the pad relative to the first pocket fabric layer.
35. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 34, wherein a
coefficient of friction between the first pocket fabric layer and
second pad fabric layer is between 0.15-0.5.
36. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 34, wherein a
coefficient of friction between the first pocket fabric layer and
second pad fabric layer is between 0.15-0.6.
37. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 34, wherein the
predetermined orientation of the first direction and second
direction is defined by an angle of approximately 60.degree. to
90.degree. between the first direction and second direction.
38. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 34, wherein the
predetermined orientation of the first direction and second
direction is defined by an angle of approximately 45.degree. to
90.degree. between the first direction and second direction.
39. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 34, wherein the garment
body further includes in localized areas, or substantially
throughout the garment body, a first fabric layer having a first
fabric layer direction, and a second fabric layer having a second
fabric layer direction, wherein the second fabric layer is disposed
on the first fabric layer with a predetermined orientation of the
second fabric layer direction and the first fabric layer direction
to provide enhanced sliding of the second fabric layer along the
first fabric layer.
40. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 34, wherein the garment
body further includes in localized areas, or substantially
throughout the garment body, a first fabric layer having a first
recovery property and a second fabric layer having a second
recovery property, wherein the second fabric layer is disposed on
the first fabric layer and the first recovery property is greater
than the second recovery property.
41. The abrasion-resistant garment of claim 34, wherein the garment
is selected from a group consisting of a shirt, jersey, jacket,
vest, arm warmer, short, pants, tight, knicker, leg warmer, knee
warmer, knee brace, sock, glove, baseball sliding short,
undergarment, and chap.
Description
FIELD
[0001] Garment including an abrasion resistant fabric.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bicycling has seen a recent surge in popularity, both in
terms of recreational activity and interest in competitive events.
However, bicycling carries an inherent risk of crashes and falls.
Recreational riders can commonly reach speeds in excess of 30 miles
per hour. During competitive races these speeds may even exceed 60
miles per hour. When a crash occurs serious abrasions and
lacerations may occur to the rider. Especially high risk areas for
abrasions and lacerations during a crash include the upper and
lower back, shoulders, upper and lower arms, knees, buttocks, outer
hips, and outer thighs. These abrasions and lacerations have been
termed "road rash" and are generally accepted as an inherent part
of the sport.
[0003] It has become common practice to wear helmets to reduce head
injuries both during recreational and competitive bike riding.
Their effectiveness in reducing the number and severity of head
injuries is well documented. Similar protective clothing is
desirable to protect against abrasions and lacerations of the body
during an energetic impact with the riding surface. Certain
protective bicycling apparel uses patches of high strength
materials, such as Kevlar, to simply act as a shield against
abrasion with the riding surface.
SUMMARY
[0004] The inventor has recognized and appreciated a need for
providing a garment, as well as other gear, that offers improved
protection from abrasions and lacerations during impacts against a
surface, such as may be experienced during a bicycle crash. While
the invention is disclosed specifically in connection with
bicycling apparel, other apparel arrangements are contemplated as
are other types of protective gear.
[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, an abrasion-resistant garment
includes a garment body having a first fabric layer with a first
recovery property and a first direction, and a second fabric layer
with a second recovery property and a second direction. The first
recovery property is greater than the second recovery property. The
second fabric layer is disposed on the first fabric layer in a
predetermined orientation of the first direction and the second
direction that provides enhanced sliding of the second fabric layer
along the first fabric layer. The garment body may be formed
substantially of the first and second fabric layers, or the first
and second fabric layers may be provided at localized areas of the
garment (e.g., high risk or abrasion prone areas).
[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, an abrasion-resistant
garment includes a garment body having a first fabric layer with a
first fabric layer portion having a first direction, and a second
fabric layer with a second fabric layer portion having a second
direction. The second fabric layer portion is disposed on the first
fabric layer portion. The area of the second fabric layer portion
is greater than the area of the first fabric layer portion by 5% to
30%. The second fabric layer portion is disposed on the first
fabric layer portion in a predetermined orientation of the first
direction and the second direction that provides enhanced sliding
of the second fabric layer portion along the first fabric layer
portion. The garment body may be formed substantially of the first
and second fabric layers, or the first and second fabric layers may
be provided at localized areas of the garment (e.g., high risk or
abrasion prone areas).
[0007] In a further exemplary embodiment, an abrasion-resistant
garment includes a garment body having a first fabric layer with a
first direction, and a second fabric layer with a second direction.
The second fabric layer is disposed on the first fabric layer in a
predetermined orientation of the first direction and the second
direction that provides enhanced sliding of the second fabric layer
along the first fabric layer. The first fabric layer is subject to
a greater tensile load than the second fabric layer when the
garment is in a fitted state. The garment body may be formed
substantially of the first and second fabric layers, or the first
and second fabric layers may be provided at localized areas of the
garment (e.g., high risk or abrasion prone areas).
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, an abrasion-resistant
garment includes a garment body having a pocket with a first pocket
fabric layer and a first direction. A pad includes a second pad
fabric layer with a second direction, the pad being receivable in
the pocket with a predetermined orientation of the first direction
and the second direction to provide an enhanced sliding of the pad
relative to the first pocket fabric layer. The garment body may
include first and second fabric layers with the direction of such
first and second fabric layers oriented to provide enhanced sliding
of the second fabric layer relative to the first fabric layer. The
garment body may alternatively, or in addition, include a first
fabric layer with a first recovery property and a second fabric
layer with a second recovery property, wherein the first recovery
property is greater than the second recovery property. The garment
body may be formed substantially of the first and second fabric
layers, or the first and second fabric layers may be provided at
localized areas of the garment (e.g., high risk or abrasion prone
areas).
[0009] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the
foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater
detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent)
are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed
subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are
contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein.
[0010] The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features
of the present teachings can be more fully understood from the
following description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical
component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented
by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may
be labeled in every drawing. Various embodiments of the invention
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of two fabric layers
oriented in a predetermined enhanced sliding relationship;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a two layer
abrasion resistant fabric;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an abrasion
resistant fabric integrated into a larger base fabric layer;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an abrasion
resistant fabric with a first and second layer having different
areas;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exemplary representation of a shear force being
applied to loose outer and inner fabric layers disposed on
skin;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exemplary representation of a shear force being
applied to taut outer and inner fabric layers disposed on skin;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exemplary representation of a shear force being
applied to a relatively loose outer fabric layer and a taut inner
fabric layer disposed on skin;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exemplary representation of the compression
applied by the first and second fabric layers;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exemplary representation of the different
tensile loading of the outer and inner fabric layers;
[0021] FIG. 10a is a schematic perspective view of a dynamic
friction testing setup;
[0022] FIG. 10b is a schematic perspective view of a dynamic
friction testing setup;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an abrasion
testing setup;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of a jersey incorporating
abrasion resistant fabric in localized high risk areas;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a schematic back view of a jersey incorporating
abrasion resistant fabric in localized high risk areas;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an arm warmer
incorporating abrasion resistant fabric in localized high risk
areas;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a legging
incorporating abrasion resistant fabric in localized high risk
areas;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a schematic top view of a tube like garment
incorporating abrasion resistant fabric;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a schematic end view of the tube like garment
presented in FIG. 16 incorporating a single seam;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a schematic end view of the tube like garment
presented in FIG. 16 incorporating two seams;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a cycling bib
incorporating abrasion resistant fabric and a pocket for an
additional pad;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a pad being
placed into a pocket in the abrasion resistant fabric; and
[0033] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a pocket formed
by the abrasion resistant fabric.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] It should be understood that aspects of the invention are
described herein with reference to the figures, which show
illustrative embodiments in accordance with aspects of the
invention. The embodiments described herein are not necessarily
intended to show all aspects of the invention, but rather are used
to describe a few illustrative embodiments. Thus, aspects of the
invention are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the
illustrative embodiments. It should be appreciated, then, that the
various concepts and embodiments introduced above and those
discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of
numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts and embodiments are not
limited to any particular manner of implementation. In addition, it
should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used
alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the
invention.
[0035] An abrasion resistant fabric for use in a garment and other
applications may include a plurality of fabric layers with at least
a first inner fabric layer and a second outer fabric layer. Each of
the fabric layers may be made from a knitted material, woven
material, non-woven material, other fabric constructions, and
combinations of any of the forgoing. The direction of each of the
at least two fabric layers may have a predetermined orientation to
provide enhanced sliding of the second outer fabric layer. When in
the predetermined orientation, the coefficient of friction between
the layers is substantially reduced in comparison to at least one
other orientation and the outer layer is able to more freely slide.
In one embodiment, the inner fabric layer of the abrasion resistant
fabric may be tensioned to a greater extent and/or provide a
greater amount of compression as compared to the outer fabric
layer. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a more taut inner
fabric layer may permit the inner fabric layer to remain in fixed
contact with the underlying skin. The taut inner fabric layer may
also provide a smooth regular surface for the adjacent outer fabric
layer to slide upon. In addition, the taut inner fabric layer may
prevent bunching and/or misorientation of the two layers both of
which may result in increased friction and/or binding between the
layers. During an impact or crash, the movement of the outer fabric
layer over the inner fabric layer, and the reduced coefficient of
friction between them, may reduce the transmission of a shear force
from the outer fabric layer to the inner fabric layer in contact
with the underlying skin.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the abrasion resistant fabric may be
incorporated into a garment at high risk and/or abrasion prone
areas. Without limitation, the abrasion resistant fabric may be
placed at one or more of the following areas: the upper back, lower
back, shoulder, upper arm, lower arm, knee, buttock, outer hip, and
outer thigh. In one embodiment, patches of the abrasion resistant
fabric may be applied in, or to, a base garment. Alternatively, the
garment may be made entirely from the abrasion resistant fabric.
Possible garments that may incorporate, or be substantially formed
of, the abrasion resistant fabric include, but are not limited to:
a shirt, jersey, jacket, vest, arm warmer, short, pants, tight,
knicker, leg warmer, knee warmer, knee brace, sock, glove, baseball
sliding short, undergarment, and chap. Where desired, the
individual layers of the abrasion resistant fabric may be selected
to provide various properties of breathability, wicking, and/or
moisture removal. The fabric layers may also further include high
strength fibers to provide additional abrasion resistance.
[0037] Turning now to the figures, several possible embodiments are
described in further detail.
[0038] An abrasion resistant fabric 2 may have a first inner fabric
layer 4 and a second outer fabric layer 8, with the second fabric
layer disposed over and, as shown in FIG. 1, on the first fabric
layer. The abrasion resistant fabric may include additional fabric
layers, such that one or more fabric layers are added beneath the
first fabric layer, above the second fabric layer, or between the
first and second fabric layers. A "direction" of a fabric is a well
known term in the textile arts. For example, warp yarns define a
direction of a woven fabric and rows of a knit define a direction
of a knit fabric. The first inner fabric layer 4 has a first
direction 6, indicated by the arrow. The second outer fabric layer
8 has a second direction 10, indicated by the second arrow. The
fabric layers may be oriented in a predetermined enhanced sliding
relationship to reduce the coefficient of friction between the
fabric layers 4 and 8. Reducing the coefficient of friction between
the fabric layers 4 and 8 may lower the amount of transmitted shear
force to the underlying skin during a crash. In the depicted
embodiment, the first and second directions 6 and 10 may be
substantially oriented at 90.degree. relative to one another. In
other embodiments, the direction of one layer may be oriented
substantially between 60.degree. to 90.degree. with respect to the
other layer. In another embodiment, the direction of one layer may
be oriented substantially between 45.degree. to 90.degree. with
respect to the other layer. In some embodiments, the coefficient of
friction between fabric layers 4 and 8 may be anisotropic with
regards to a clockwise versus counter clockwise orientation (i.e.
+90.degree. vs. -90.degree.). Therefore, it may be desirable to
determine an enhanced orientation of the directions of the two
fabric layers and to dispose the second fabric layer on the first
fabric layer in such a predetermined enhanced directional
orientation.
[0039] Each fabric layer of abrasion resistant fabric 2 may have a
right side, 4a and 8a, intended to face outwards and a wrong side,
4b and 8b, intended to face inwards toward the skin of an
individual. Some fabric properties of engineered fabrics, such as
wicking and moisture removal, may only function properly when the
fabric is arranged with the right side facing outwards. The second
fabric layer 8 may be disposed on top of the first fabric layer 4
with the wrong side 8b of the second fabric layer 8 in contact with
the right side 4a of the first fabric layer 4.
[0040] In one embodiment, one or both of the fabric layers may be
configured with desired wicking and/or moisture removal properties.
In the just mentioned embodiment, and/or in other embodiments, the
outer fabric layer 8 may be made from a high stretch material
and/or have a smooth regular surface. Without wishing to be bound
by theory, it is believed that a high stretch material with a
smooth regular outer surface may be less likely to tear or shred
during a crash. In certain embodiments, the outer fabric layer 8
may be formed of, or include, high strength fibers, providing
additional abrasion resistance. In a further embodiment, the inner
fabric layer 4 may have a smooth surface and may be made of a high
thread count material. In one embodiment, a high thread count
material may be 36-gauge or greater. Without wishing to be bound by
theory, the coefficient of friction between the layers may be
inversely related to the thread count of the materials. Therefore,
in some instances higher thread count materials may exhibit
correspondingly lower coefficients of friction. In addition to the
above, the fabric layers may include a relatively high percentage
of elastic-type fibers (e.g., SPANDEX) to both increase the
compression of the fabric layers and/or further decrease the
coefficient of friction between the fabric layers. In one
embodiment, the fabric layers may comprise 14%-22% elastic-type
fibers (e.g., SPANDEX).
[0041] After right and wrong faces of inner and outer fabric layers
6 and 8 are arranged and fabric directions 6 and 10 are
appropriately oriented, as depicted in FIG. 1, the inner fabric
layer 4 and outer fabric layer 8 may be joined together by a seam
12, as shown in FIG. 2. The fabric layers are joined together such
that the outer fabric layer may slide relative to the internal
fabric layer. In one embodiment, the fabric layers may include a
seam along a periphery of a portion of each fabric layer. In
another embodiment, the fabric layers may be joined along a single
seam to form a dual layer tube-like member as might be used for a
legging or sleeve. For larger sections of material, the fabric
layers may include a plurality of regularly spaced seams to avoid
bunching or misalignment of the fabric layers. In such an
embodiment, the seams may be appropriately spaced to allow
sufficient sliding of the outer fabric layer. The fabric layers may
be joined together using any appropriate method including, but not
limited to, sewing, adhesives, and thermal bonding.
[0042] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 3, a smaller outer
fabric layer 8 may be attached to a larger inner fabric layer 4.
Alternatively, a smaller inner fabric layer 4 could be joined to a
larger outer fabric layer 8. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3,
the area of the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer defined
by seam 12 is the same. In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG.
4, the area of outer fabric layer 8 defined by seam 12 is greater
than the area of inner fabric layer 4 defined by seam 12.
Regardless of the fabric arrangements and orientation, relative
sizing of the fabric layers, or the method used to join the layers
together, fabric layer 8 may slide relative to fabric layer 4
within the area defined by seam(s) 12 when in the fitted state
(i.e. worn by an individual).
[0043] The relationship between the tautness of the fabric layers
and the tensile loads and compression present in an abrasion
resistant fabric 2 in the fitted state will now be discussed. The
tautness of the fabric layers may be related to the tensile load
corresponding to the restoring force acting in the plane of the
fabric layers, as depicted in FIG. 9. The tensile load may
correspond to a hoop force substantially oriented in the
circumferential direction of the covered body part. The compression
provided by the fabric layers may correspond to the force directed
inwards against the covered body part, as depicted in FIG. 8, and
may be substantially oriented perpendicular to the fabric layers.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, an increase in the tautness
of a fabric layer, and the corresponding increase in tensile load,
may result in an increase in the compression provided by the fabric
layers to an underlying covered body part.
[0044] The preferential abrasion resistance of the inventive fabric
is presented in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 5-7. A shear force 14
may be applied to fabric 2 in both an x and/or y direction, as
shown in FIG. 2. A shear force 16 may be applied to outer fabric
layer 8 of abrasion resistant fabric 2 while disposed on the skin
18 of an individual, as detailed in FIGS. 5-7. The shear force
transmitted to skin 18 is represented by shear force 20. Without
wishing to be bound by theory, the friction between the fabric
layers, and the ability of at least one of the fabric layers to
slide relative to the other, may affect the shear stress 20
transmitted to underlying skin 18. As detailed above, the fabric
layers may be oriented in a predetermined enhanced sliding
relationship to reduce the friction between the layers and the
shear stress transmitted to the underlying skin. However, the
relative tautness of, and compression provided by, each fabric
layer may also affect both the friction between the layers and the
ability of one or both of the fabric layers to slide. For instance,
when inner and outer fabric layers 4 and 8 are both loose, as
depicted in FIG. 5, bunching and misalignment of the abrasion
resistant fabric may occur limiting the slidability of one or both
layers. Consequently, skin 18 may experience a relatively high
shear force 20. When both inner and outer fabric layers 4 and 8 are
taut, as depicted in FIG. 6, the increased compressive force from
outer layer 8 may result in increased friction between is the two
fabric layers. Thus, skin 18 may again experience a relatively high
shear force 20. When inner fabric layer 4 is relatively more taut
than outer fabric layer 8, as depicted in FIG. 7, and fabric layer
8 is not so taut as to excessively increase the friction between
the layers, outer fabric layer 8 may slide along inner fabric layer
4, thus, reducing the shear force 20 transmitted to skin 18.
[0045] In view of the above, the inner fabric layer may be
configured to bear a greater tensile load and/or provide a greater
amount of compression as compared to the outer fabric layer when
the abrasion resistant fabric 2 is in a fitted state. An exemplary
representation of the relative compression applied by the first
fabric layer 4 and second fabric layers 8 to a limb 22, or other
body part, in the fitted state, is presented in FIG. 8. The greater
compression provided by the inner fabric layer 4 is indicated by
the larger arrows 24. The lesser compression provided by the outer
fabric layer 8 is indicated by the smaller arrows 26. FIG. 9
presents an exemplary representation of the different tautness of
each fabric layer as represented by different tensile loading.
Inner fabric layer 4 is subject to a greater tensile load 28 in the
fitted stated than is outer fabric layer 8.
[0046] Providing a tighter fitting inner fabric layer 4 may help to
reduce the friction between opposing layers. Without wishing to be
bound by theory, it is believed that a taut inner fabric layer 4
may provide a smooth regular surface for the outer layer to slide
upon and also help to avoid misalignment and bunching of the inner
and outer layers during loading such as might be experienced during
a crash. Misalignment of the layers and/or bunching of the material
may lead to either increased friction between the layers and/or
less desirable sliding of the outer layer relative to the inner
layer. Alternatively, if the compression from, or the tautness of,
the outer fabric layer 8 is too great, the amount of friction
between the fabric layers may increase due to the increased normal
force. Therefore, the relative compression provided by, and the
tautness of, each fabric layer for a desired fit of a garment, may
be selected to avoid misalignment and bunching of the layers as
well as excessive friction at the interface between the fabric
layers.
[0047] One way to characterize a fabric layer is by its stretch
and/or recovery. A stretch property of a fabric is a measure of how
much a fabric can stretch in its length and/or width dimensions,
and is usually expressed in terms of a percentage. A recovery
property of a fabric, sometimes referred to as modulus, defines the
degree to which a material exerts a restoring force to pull itself
back to its original size and shape. Recovery is usually expressed
in terms of a percentage. Recovery may also be expressed in terms
of a mass needed to stretch a fabric a certain percentage (this may
be measured in grams). For example, a sweater may be stretched by
deformation of the knit structure. This is known as "mechanical
stretch". However, because the knit structure is relatively loose,
the sweater does not exert a particularly large restoring force. By
comparison, SPANDEX has both "mechanical stretch" and "material
stretch". Namely, the base material that each thread is made of is
able to stretch. This imparts a larger restoring force in a sweater
including SPANDEX as compared to a sweater without elastic fibers.
This difference in the restoring force may be characterized as a
difference in the recovery of each fabric. For instance a fabric
with a recovery of 80% will experience a larger restoring force
than a fabric with a recovery of 30%. Similarly, a fabric with a
recovery property of 1000 grams will experience a larger restoring
force than a fabric with a recovery property of 100 grams. So, two
geometrically identical tube-like garments would provide different
amounts of compression when made from fabrics with different
amounts of recovery. Similarly, the difference in tensile loads
present in two geometrically identical fabrics, when strained by
the same amount, may be proportional to the difference in the
recovery property of the two fabrics. However, when two fabrics are
not geometrically identical, the fabrics may have different strains
when deformed. The difference in strains may result in different
tensile loads in the two fabrics even when the two fabrics have
substantially the same recovery property. Consequently, the
difference in tensile loads present in different fabrics may be a
function of both the difference in recovery properties and
differences in the areas and/or strain of the fabrics when in a
fitted state.
[0048] In view of the above, the compression provided by, and the
tautness of each layer may be expressed using the recovery
percentage of a fabric layer. In one embodiment, the first inner
fabric layer 4 has a first recovery property greater than a second
recovery property of the second outer fabric layer 8. In some
embodiments, the first recovery property may be at least 5%, 10%,
15%, or 20% greater than the second recovery property. In certain
embodiments, the first recovery property may be greater than any of
the forgoing percentages and less than 230% greater than the second
recovery property. In another embodiment, the first inner fabric
layer 4 has a greater tensile load than the second outer fabric
layer 8. In some embodiments, the tensile load of the first inner
fabric layer 4 may be at least 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% greater than
the tensile load of the second outer fabric layer 8. In certain
embodiments, the tensile load of the first fabric layer 4 may be
greater than any of the forgoing percentages and less than 230%
greater than the tensile load of the second outer fabric layer 8.
In yet another embodiment, the compression provided by, and the
tautness of, each layer may be provided, at least in part, by a
difference in size of the fabric layers. In such an embodiment the
fabric layers are stretched by different amounts (i.e. different
strains) when in the fitted state. It is this difference in the
amount of deformation of each layer that provides the difference in
compression and tautness of each fabric layer. In one embodiment, a
first area of the first fabric layer 4 is greater than a second
area of the second fabric layer 8 by 5% to 15%. Alternatively, the
first area may be 5%-30% greater than the second area. Therefore,
the difference in compression provided by, and tautness of, each
fabric layer may be due to a difference in an intrinsic recovery
property of each fabric layer and/or the sizing of each fabric
layer.
[0049] Dynamic friction tests were performed for various fabric
layer combinations and fabric direction orientations, see FIGS. 10a
and 10b. During testing, inner fabric layer 4 was the bottom layer
and outer fabric layer 8 was the upper layer. The bottom layer was
strained to 10% and held prior to, and during, testing to provide a
taut inner surface as would be present when incorporated into a
garment and in the fitted state. A known mass 32 was applied to the
top of outer fabric layer 8. A force 34 was then applied in the
horizontal direction. Once mass 32 obtained a steady state
velocity, force 34 was recorded to determine a dynamic coefficient
of friction between the two layers. Testing was conducted for
multiple orientations of the first direction 6 and second direction
10 as depicted in FIGS. 10a and 10b. Fabrics were tested from
multiple manufacturers, including MITI Spa and Christian Eschler
AG. Fabrics tested from MITI Spa included Action, Ariane, Asteria,
Asteria Pro, Coach Interpower, Gavia, Lombardia, to Matrix, Shield,
Superdry, Tahiti, Thermoair, Thermoroubaix, Topazio, Wave, and
Zaffiro. Fabrics tested from Christian Eschler AG include product
numbers 11497, 63182, 63285, 63835, 63872, 63934, 63942, and 63944.
A summary of selected test results is presented in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Dynamic Friction Testing Inner Outer Fabric
Layer Fabric Layer Orientation .mu. Dry .mu. Wet 63934 Matrix 0
0.88 .+-. 0.10 1.01 .+-. 0.12 63934 Matrix +45 0.62 .+-. 0.06 0.71
.+-. 0.08 63934 Matrix -45 0.63 .+-. 0.06 0.70 .+-. 0.08 63934
Matrix +90 0.38 .+-. 0.03 0.44 .+-. 0.05 63934 Matrix -90 0.42 .+-.
0.03 0.48 .+-. 0.05 63934 63835 0 0.81 .+-. 0.10 0.94 .+-. 0.12
63934 63835 +30 0.65 .+-. 0.09 0.77 .+-. 0.11 63934 63835 -30 0.71
.+-. 0.09 0.83 .+-. 0.11 63934 63835 +45 0.58 .+-. 0.07 0.68 .+-.
0.08 63934 63835 -45 0.58 .+-. 0.07 0.68 .+-. 0.08 63934 63835 +60
0.43 .+-. 0.05 0.50 .+-. 0.06 63934 63835 -60 0.50 .+-. 0.05 0.59
.+-. 0.06 63934 63835 +90 0.34 .+-. 0.03 0.40 .+-. 0.04 63934 63835
-90 0.36 .+-. 0.03 0.42 .+-. 0.04
[0050] As detailed above in Table 1, the coefficient of friction
decreases as the orientation is varied from 0.degree. to
90.degree., with the 90.degree. orientation having the lowest
coefficient of friction for the tested fabric systems. The tested
fabrics had a range of coefficients of friction in a .+-.90.degree.
orientation ranging from approximately 0.3 to 0.4 in the dry state
and 0.4 to 0.5 in the wet state. However, it is possible that
coefficients of friction between the layers may be as low as 0.15
or less when these fabric layers are combined with low surface
energy coatings, such as a super hydrophobic coating, or when the
layers are made from finer fabrics.
[0051] Abrasion testing was conducted for selected fabric
combinations from the dynamic friction testing. Videos of bicycle
crashes were analyzed to determine an approximate coefficient of
friction between a rider and the ground. Without wishing to be
bound by theory, an average coefficient of friction between a rider
and a dry smooth pavement may be calculated for a bicycle crash by
assuming: a constant normal force equal to the estimated weight of
a rider, bicycle, and equipment; estimating the distance of a
crash; and calculating the initial kinetic energy of a rider. The
calculated coefficient of friction from multiple examined crashes
was approximately 0.6-0.7 on dry smooth pavement. To simulate the
crash a high speed belt sander 36 was fitted with a belt having a
coefficient of friction between 0.6-0.7 (600 grit). A flesh analog
38 was then wrapped in the abrasion resistant fabric 2 with an
approximate relative orientation of 90.degree. between the two
fabric layers. The abrasion resistant fabric 2 was stretched as it
would be in the fitted state. Flesh analog 38 may be any number of
materials ranging from chicken breasts, to whole pig carcasses, to
ballistics gel. The average skin area in contact with the riding
surface during a crash was estimated to determine an average normal
pressure applied to the skin during a bicycle crash. The average
normal pressure was estimated to be 13.8 kPa (2 psi). Normal force
40 may be selected to provide the calculated average normal
pressure 13.8 kPa (2 psi) to flesh analog 38 during testing. After
flesh analog 38 is positioned and normal force 40 is applied, the
belt sander 36 may be activated to turn the belt in a direction 42.
The average speed for crashes during competitive events is
approximately 27.5 MPH. The speed and duration of testing may be
selected to dissipate a similar amount of energy per unit area as
experienced during an actual bicycle crash. The duration of testing
may include an appropriate factor of safety to take into account
the multiple assumptions regarding average contact pressures,
coefficients of friction, and/or differences between an actual
crash speed and the testing speed. The present abrasion testing was
conducted at 21.6 MPH for six seconds to simulate the energy
dispation of a two second crash at 27.5 MPH with a conservative
factor of safety. After testing, the abraded surfaces were
evaluated and the performance of each fabric combination was
evaluated. Results from the abrasion testing are presented below in
Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Abrasion Testing Inner Fabric Outer Fabric
Layer Layer .mu. (+90.degree.) Result 63934 Matrix 0.38 .+-. 0.03
Mild 63934 63835 0.34 .+-. 0.03 Moderate 63934 Asteria -- Moderate
63934 Asteria Pro -- Severe 63934 63182 -- Moderate Zaffiro Matrix
-- Mild Zaffiro 63835 -- Moderate Zaffiro Asteria -- Moderate
Zaffiro Asteria Pro -- Severe Zaffiro Shield -- Mild Zaffiro 63182
-- Moderate
[0052] As presented above in Table 2, several fabric combinations
that yielded low friction coefficients in the earlier tests were
tested for their abrasion characteristics. Without wishing to be
bound by theory, and as illustrated from the first two results
presented in Table 2, and the related coefficients of friction, the
interlayer frictional properties and abrasion properties appear to
be independent. The fabric system comprising 63934, as the inner
fabric layer, and 63835, as the outer fabric layer, yielded the
lowest friction coefficients wet or dry. However, 63835 had a
waffled pyramidal texture. Without wishing to be bound by theory,
63835, when used as an outer fabric layer tended to grab the
abrasive belt, stretch, and then tear, exposing the inner layer.
The fabric system comprising 63934, as the inner fabric layer, and
Matrix, as the outer fabric layer, had a slightly higher
coefficient of friction, but performed better in abrasion tests.
The Matrix fabric was flatter and more planar in structure than
63835. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the lack of pyramidal
or other protruding structures on the Matrix fabric produced less
friction with the abrasive belt. For practical purposes, all of the
fabric systems discussed in Table 2 could be used in sports
apparel. However, the more abrasion-resistant combinations may be
more desirable for the highest risk locations such as the elbow,
shoulder, knee and buttocks. In one embodiment, less
abrasion-resistant combinations could be placed in lower risk areas
such as the back and lower leg, and could be optimized for other
parameters such as muscle compression, aerodynamics, heat stress,
and/or visual aesthetics.
[0053] Sports garments 44 may incorporate abrasion resistant fabric
46 at localized high risk areas as depicted in FIGS. 12-15. High
risk areas may include, but are not limited to, the upper back,
lower back, shoulders, upper and lower arms, knees, buttocks, outer
hips, and outer thighs. Alternatively, the garment may be made
entirely from the abrasion resistant fabric 46. Two embodiments of
a tube like garment 48, as might be used for a sleeve, are
presented in FIGS. 16-18. Tube like garment 48 may include inner
fabric layer 4 and outer fabric layer 8 arranged and oriented as
detailed above. Outer fabric layer 8 may completely envelope inner
layer 4 and include a single seam 50 as shown in FIG. 17.
Alternatively, layers 4 and 8 may be formed as two seamless tubes
and/or may be seamlessly joined together. In another embodiment,
outer fabric layer 8 may only be positioned on a portion of inner
layer 4 and include two or more seams 50 as shown in FIG. 18.
[0054] In some embodiments, one or more pads may be incorporated
into a garment 44, such as the bicycle bib depicted in FIG. 19 or
other possible protective articles. The pad(s) may provide
additional impact protection in areas such as the outer hips,
knees, elbows, or other appropriate location. A pocket 52 for
selective insertion or removal of a pad 54 may be provided on
either of inner fabric layer 4 or outer fabric layer 8, or between
the two fabric layers. The pocket 52 may be formed of the inner and
outer fabric layers, or include another fabric. Where a separate
pouch is provided between the inner and outer fabric layers, the
pouch may be arranged and oriented in a predetermined enhanced
sliding relationship to the first inner fabric layer and/or second
outer fabric layer. Pocket 52 may include fasteners 56 to hold the
pocket closed during use. Fasteners 56 may include, but are not
limited to, buttons, snaps, zippers, and/or hook and loop
fasteners. In some embodiments, pad 54 may be partially or entirely
covered by a third fabric layer having a third direction. The
fabric layers may be arranged with a predetermined orientation of
the third direction and either or both of the first direction and
the second direction to provide enhanced sliding of the third
fabric layer containing pad. The third fabric layer may be formed
of the same fabric as the first fabric layer or the second fabric
layer, or from another fabric arrangement. In some embodiments the
third fabric layer may have a smooth planar surface. The third
fabric layer may be joined, such as by adhesive, to the pad. Pad 54
may be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited
to, plastic, metal, and/or reactive padding materials. In one
embodiment pad 54 may be made from d3o reactive padding by d3o
lab.
[0055] While the present teachings have been described in
conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not
intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments
or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass
various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art.
[0056] Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by
way of example only.
* * * * *