U.S. patent application number 14/168573 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for upper garment having a pre-tensioned band and method for making the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to DashAmerica, Inc. d/b/a/ Pearl Izumi USA, Inc., DashAmerica, Inc. d/b/a/ Pearl Izumi USA, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is DashAmerica, Inc. d/b/a/ Pearl Izumi USA, Inc., DashAmerica, Inc. d/b/a/ Pearl Izumi USA, Inc.. Invention is credited to Peter Curran, Cyndi Saggus, Tony Torrance.
Application Number | 20140143929 14/168573 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50771979 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140143929 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Curran; Peter ; et
al. |
May 29, 2014 |
UPPER GARMENT HAVING A PRE-TENSIONED BAND AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE
SAME
Abstract
This invention generally relates to a garment assembly. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a garment assembly
comprising an upper garment, a lower garment, and a removable
liner. The removable liner is non-permanently interconnected to
both the lower garment and the upper garment. The upper garment
includes a pre-tensioned waistband.
Inventors: |
Curran; Peter; (Lafayette,
CO) ; Saggus; Cyndi; (Westminster, CO) ;
Torrance; Tony; (Boulder, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DashAmerica, Inc. d/b/a/ Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. |
Louisville |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DashAmerica, Inc. d/b/a/ Pearl
Izumi USA, Inc.
Louisville
CO
|
Family ID: |
50771979 |
Appl. No.: |
14/168573 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13907636 |
May 31, 2013 |
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14168573 |
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12817810 |
Jun 17, 2010 |
8479316 |
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13907636 |
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61218026 |
Jun 17, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/14 20130101;
A41F 5/00 20130101; A41D 27/04 20130101; D05D 2209/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: a) applying and maintaining a strain to an
elastomeric band, the elastomeric band having opposing distal ends
and opposing upper and lower edges; b) attaching the lower edge of
the elastomeric band to a waist edge of an upper garment while
substantially maintaining the strain on the elastomeric band; c)
attaching the distal ends to at least one of each other or the
upper garment; d) removing the strain applied to the elastomeric
band to form a pre-tensioned elastomeric band and a pre-tensioned
upper garment edge; e) interconnecting a removable liner to the
upper garment.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching by at least
one of stitching, welding, and bonding.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the interconnection between the
removable liner and the upper garment is non-permanent.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower edges of the
pre-tensioned elastomeric band have differing tensions.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the upper garment has opposing
inner and outer surfaces and wherein the pre-tensioned elastomeric
band is positioned adjacent to the inner surface.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least some portion of the top
edge of the pre-tensioned elastomeric band is attached to the upper
garment.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the top edge of the pre-tensioned
elastomeric band is attached to the upper garment substantially
about one or more locations where a seam of the upper garment
intersects the pre-tensioned elastomeric band.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric band comprises at
least one of a woven material, a non-woven material, an extruded
material, and a cast elastomeric material.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the removable liner is comprised
of at least one of nylon, polyester, and spandex.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: f) interconnecting a
lower garment to the removable liner.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the interconnection between the
lower garment and the removable liner is non-permanent.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the lower garment comprises an
inner portion that extends from a bottom edge of a right leg to a
bottom edge of a left leg.
13. A method, comprising: a) providing a pre-tensioned elastomeric
band having opposing distal ends and opposing upper and lower
edges; b) providing an upper garment having a waist edge and an
inner surface; c) attaching the lower edge of the pre-tensioned
elastomeric band to the waist edge of the upper garment, wherein
the upper edge of the pre-tensioned elastomeric band is positioned
adjacent to and tilted away from the inner surface of the upper
garment shell; d) attaching the distal ends to at least one of each
other or the upper garment; e) interconnecting a removable liner to
the upper garment.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the interconnection between the
removable liner and the upper garment is non-permanent.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the upper and lower edges of
the pre-tensioned elastomeric band have differing tensions.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the upper edge tilts away from
the upper garment by a tilt angle of about 5 to about 45
degrees.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the removable liner is
comprised of at least one of nylon, polyester, and spandex.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the removable liner comprises
two fastening loops disposed about a waist region of the removable
liner.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: f) interconnecting
a lower garment having an inner surface to the removable liner,
wherein the lower garment comprises two fastening straps disposed
on the inner surface of the lower garment and about a waist region
of the lower garment, wherein the two fastening straps interconnect
to the two fastening loops such that the lower garment
interconnects with the removable liner.
20. The method, comprising: a) providing a pre-tensioned
elastomeric band having opposing distal ends and having: a first
resilient fabric with a first resiliency, the first resilient
fabric in the cross section being folded over upon itself at a fold
to define a first portion, a second portion that overlaps the first
portion, and a pocket between the first and second portions, the
pocket being closed off at an upper edge and open at a lower edge;
a second resilient fabric with a second resiliency, the second
resilient fabric in the cross section being disposed within the
pocket, the second resilient fabric being operably secured to the
first resilient fabric, said second resiliency greater than said
first resiliency; a first fastening structure that extends in a
transverse direction through the first resilient fabric and the
second resilient fabric to attach the first resilient fabric and
the second resilient fabric together, the first fastening structure
extending in the transverse direction through each of the first
portion of the first resilient fabric, the second resilient fabric,
and the second portion of the first resilient fabric; a second
fastening structure that extends in the transverse direction
through the first resilient fabric and the second resilient fabric
to attach the first resilient fabric and the second resilient
fabric together, the second fastening structure extending in the
transverse direction through the first portion of the first
resilient fabric and the second resilient fabric, and the second
fastening structure terminating in the transverse direction inside
the pocket to stop short of extending through the second portion of
the first resilient fabric; b) providing an upper garment having a
waist edge; c) attaching the lower edge of the pre-tensioned
elastomeric band to the waist edge of the upper garment; d)
attaching the distal ends of the pre-tensioned elastomeric band to
at least one of each other or the upper garment; e) interconnecting
a removable liner to the upper garment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/907,636 filed on May 31, 2013, which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/817,810, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,479,316, filed on Jun. 17, 2010, which claims benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/218,026, filed Jun. 17, 2009.
The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to an upper garment worn
about a person's upper torso. More specifically, the present
invention relates to an upper garment having a pre-tensioned
waistband.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Upper garments, such as jackets or jerseys, have waist and
collar hems and, if the garment has sleeves, a pair of sleeve hems.
Typically, the waist, collar and sleeve hems fit loosely about a
person wearing the upper garment. The loose fitting hems allow for
air to enter about the waist, collar and sleeves and to circulate
between the garment and the wear's body. Such air circulation can
provide comfort to the wearer in temperate or warm weather.
[0004] However, when the garment is worn during inclement weather,
loose fitting hems that allow air to circulate between the garment
and the wearer's body are undesirable. As such, upper garments
designed for inclement weather typically have a fastening device,
such as a drawstring, belt, button, or hook to pull and/or gather
the hem onto itself and about the wearer. The pulling and gathering
of the hem onto itself forms gaps and/or passages between the
gathered hem and wearer. Warm air contained between the upper
garment and wearer can escape through the passages and cold air can
enter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for
making an upper garment by: a) applying and maintaining a strain to
an elastomeric band, the elastomeric band having opposing distal
ends and opposing upper and lower edges; b) attaching the lower
edge of the elastomeric band to an edge of an upper garment while
substantially maintaining the strain on the elastomeric band; c)
attaching the distal ends to at least one of each other or the
upper garment; and d) removing the strain applied to the
elastomeric band to form a pre-tensioned elastomeric band and a
pre-tensioned upper garment edge. In preferred embodiment, the
attaching in one or both of steps b) and c) is by at least one of
stitching, welding, bonding or a combination thereof.
[0006] The upper garment has opposing inner and outer surfaces and
the pre-tensioned elastomeric band is positioned adjacent to the
inner surface. Preferably, the upper garment is one of a jacket or
a jersey.
[0007] The edge of the upper garment is at least one of a waist
edge, a cuff edge and a collar edge. More preferably, the
pre-tensioned upper garment edge is substantially smooth and
substantially free of gatherings and passages. Even more
preferably, the upper and lower edges of the pre-tensioned
elastomeric band have differing tensions.
[0008] In one embodiment, at least some portion of the top edge of
the pre-tensioned elastomeric band is attached to the upper
garment. Preferably, the top edge of the pre-tensioned elastomeric
band is attached to the upper garment substantially about one or
more locations where a seam of the upper garment intersects the
pre-tensioned-elastomeric band. More preferably, when the
pre-tensioned elastomeric band is positioned between the wearer and
the upper garment, the pre-tensioned elastomeric band is
sufficiently pre-tensioned to substantially form a seal between a
wearer of the upper garment and the pre-tensioned band. Even more
preferably, the seal substantially impedes air flow between the
pre-tensioned band and the wearer.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention is an upper
garment having a upper garment shell having opposing inner and
outer surfaces, a waist edge, a collar edge and a pair of wrist
cuff edges; and a first pre-tensioned elastomeric band having
opposing upper and lower first edges and opposing first distal
ends. The first pre-tensioned elastomeric band is positioned
adjacent to the inner surface of the upper garment shell and is
attached to one of the waist edge, collar edge and pair of wrist
cuff edges to form a first pre-tensioned-upper garment. In a
preferred embodiment, the first upper and lower edges of the first
pre-tensioned elastomeric band have differing tensions. In a more
preferred embodiment, at least some portion of the first top edge
is attached to the upper garment shell. The upper garment can be a
jacket or a jersey.
[0010] Preferably, the first pre-tensioned upper garment edge is
the waist edge of the upper garment. More preferably, the
pre-tensioned upper garment waist edge is substantially smooth and
substantially free of gatherings and passages.
[0011] Preferably, the first distal ends are attached to at least
one of each other and the upper garment shell. More preferably, one
or both of the first distal ends and first lower edge are attached
by one or more of stitching, welding, bonding and combinations
thereof.
[0012] In one embodiment, the first top edge is attached to the
upper garment shell substantially about one or more locations where
an upper garment seam intersects the first
pre-tensioned-elastomeric band.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first pre-tensioned
elastomeric band is sufficiently pre-tensioned to substantially
form a seal between a wearer of the upper garment shell and the
first pre-tensioned band when the first pre-tensioned elastomeric
band is positioned between the wearer and the upper garment shell.
In a more preferred embodiment, the seal substantially impedes air
flow between the first pre-tensioned band and the wearer.
[0014] Optionally, the upper garment has a second pre-tensioned
elastomeric band. The second pre-tensioned elastomeric band has
opposing second upper and lower edges and opposing second distal
ends. The second pre-tensioned elastomeric band is attached to one
of the collar edge and pair of wrist cuff edges to from a second
pre-tensioned-upper garment edge. The second pre-tensioned
elastomeric band is positioned adjacent to the inner upper garment
shell. The second distal ends are attached to at least one of each
other and the upper garment shell. Preferably, one or both of the
second distal ends and second lower edge are attached by one or
more of stitching, welding, bonding and combinations thereof.
Preferably, the first pre-tensioned elastomeric band is positioned
adjacent to the waist edge of the upper garment shell.
[0015] In another optional embodiment, the upper garment has a
third pre-tensioned elastomeric band having opposing third upper
and lower edges and opposing third distal ends. Preferably, the
first pre-tensioned elastomeric band is positioned adjacent to the
waist edge of the upper garment shell, the second pre-tensioned
elastomeric band is positioned adjacent to one of the collar edge
and the pair of wrist cuff edges, and the third pre-tensioned
elastomeric band is attached to the other of the collar edge and
pair of wrist cuff edges to from a third pre-tensioned-upper
garment edge. The third pre-tensioned elastomeric band is
positioned adjacent to the inner upper garment shell. The third
distal ends are attached to at least one of each other and the
upper garment shell. Preferably, one or both of the third distal
ends and third lower edge are attached by one or more of stitching,
welding, bonding or combination thereof.
[0016] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a jacket.
The jacket has a jacket shell and a pre-tensioned elastomeric band.
The jacket shell has opposing inner and outer surfaces, a waist
edge, a collar edge and a pair of wrist cuff edges. The
pre-tensioned elastomeric waist band has opposing upper and lower
edges and opposing distal ends. The pre-tensioned elastomeric waist
band is attached to the waist edge to form a substantially smooth
pre-tensioned-jacket waist edge substantially devoid of valleys and
ridges. Furthermore, the pre-tensioned elastomeric waist band is
positioned adjacent to the inner jacket shell. The distal ends of
the pre-tensioned elastomeric waist band are attached to at least
one of each other and the jacket shell. The upper and lower edges
of the pre-tensioned elastomeric waist band have differing
tensions. Moreover, the pre-tensioned elastomeric band is
sufficiently pre-tensioned to substantially form a seal between a
wearer of the jacket and the pre-tensioned band when the
pre-tensioned elastomeric band is positioned between the wearer and
the jacket shell. Preferably, the seal substantially impedes air
flow between the pre-tensioned waist band and the wearer.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the distal ends and lower edge of
the pre-tensioned elastomeric waist band are attached by one or
more of stitching, welding, bonding or a combination thereof. In a
more preferred embodiment, at least some portion of the top edge of
the pre-tensioned elastomeric waist band is attached to the jacket
shell substantially about one or more locations where a jacket seam
intersects the pre-tensioned elastomeric waist band.
[0018] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for
making a garment assembly, comprising: a) applying and maintaining
a strain to an elastomeric band, the elastomeric band having
opposing distal ends and opposing upper and lower edges; b)
attaching the lower edge of the elastomeric band to a waist edge of
an upper garment while substantially maintaining the strain on the
elastomeric band; c) attaching the distal ends to at least one of
each other or the upper garment; d) removing the strain applied to
the elastomeric band to form a pre-tensioned elastomeric band and a
pre-tensioned upper garment edge; e) interconnecting a removable
liner to the upper garment. In an additional embodiment, the method
further comprises attaching by at least one of stitching, welding,
and bonding. In another embodiment, the interconnection between the
removable liner and the upper garment is non-permanent.
[0019] In some embodiments, the upper and lower edges of the
pre-tensioned elastomeric band have differing tensions. In various
embodiments the upper garment has opposing inner and outer surfaces
and the pre-tensioned elastomeric band is positioned adjacent to
the inner surface. In some embodiments, at least some portion of
the top edge of the pre-tensioned elastomeric band is attached to
the upper garment. More preferably, the top edge of the
pre-tensioned elastomeric band is attached to the upper garment
substantially about one or more locations where a seam of the upper
garment intersects the pre-tensioned elastomeric band.
[0020] Various materials may be utilized in the construction of the
garment assembly. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band
comprises at least one of a woven material, a non-woven material,
an extruded material, and a cast elastomeric material. In some
embodiments, the removable liner is comprised of at least one of
nylon, polyester, and spandex. Alternative names for spandex
include elastane, and brand names for spandex include Lycra,
Elaspan, Acepora, Creora, ROICA, Dorlastan, Linel, and ESPA.
[0021] In some embodiments a method for making a garment is
provided, comprising: f) interconnecting a lower garment to the
removable liner. In some embodiments, the interconnection between
the lower garment and the removable liner is non-permanent. In some
embodiments the lower garment comprises an inner portion that
extends from a bottom edge of a right leg to a bottom edge of a
left leg.
[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for
making a garment assembly is provided, comprising: a) providing a
pre-tensioned elastomeric band having opposing distal ends and
opposing upper and lower edges; b) providing an upper garment
having a waist edge and an inner surface; c) attaching the lower
edge of the pre-tensioned elastomeric band to the waist edge of the
upper garment, wherein the upper edge of the pre-tensioned
elastomeric band is positioned adjacent to and tilted away from the
inner surface of the upper garment shell; d) attaching the distal
ends to at least one of each other or the upper garment; e)
interconnecting a removable liner to the upper garment. In an
additional embodiment, the removable liner comprises two fastening
loops disposed about a waist region of the removable liner. The
method for making a garment assembly may optionally include the
step of interconnecting a lower garment having an inner surface to
the removable liner, wherein the lower garment comprises two
fastening straps disposed on the inner surface of the lower garment
and about a waist region of the lower garment, wherein the two
fastening straps interconnect to the two fastening loops such that
the lower garment interconnects with the removable liner. In an
embodiment, the interconnection between the two fastening straps
and the two fastening loops is non-permanent, and the
interconnection between the lower garment and the removable liner
is non-permanent. In another embodiment, the interconnecting step
between the removable liner and the upper garment is
non-permanent.
[0023] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method
for making a garment assembly is provided, comprising: a) providing
a pre-tensioned elastomeric band having opposing distal ends and
having: a first resilient fabric with a first resiliency, the first
resilient fabric in the cross section being folded over upon itself
at a fold to define a first portion, a second portion that overlaps
the first portion, and a pocket between the first and second
portions, the pocket being closed off at an upper edge and open at
a lower edge; a second resilient fabric with a second resiliency,
the second resilient fabric in the cross section being disposed
within the pocket, the second resilient fabric being operably
secured to the first resilient fabric, said second resiliency
greater than said first resiliency; a first fastening structure
that extends in a transverse direction through the first resilient
fabric and the second resilient fabric to attach the first
resilient fabric and the second resilient fabric together, the
first fastening structure extending in the transverse direction
through each of the first portion of the first resilient fabric,
the second resilient fabric, and the second portion of the first
resilient fabric; a second fastening structure that extends in the
transverse direction through the first resilient fabric and the
second resilient fabric to attach the first resilient fabric and
the second resilient fabric together, the second fastening
structure extending in the transverse direction through the first
portion of the first resilient fabric and the second resilient
fabric, and the second fastening structure terminating in the
transverse direction inside the pocket to stop short of extending
through the second portion of the first resilient fabric; b)
providing an upper garment having a waist edge; c) attaching the
lower edge of the pre-tensioned elastomeric band to the waist edge
of the upper garment; d) attaching the distal ends of the
pre-tensioned elastomeric band to at least one of each other or the
upper garment; e) interconnecting a removable liner to the upper
garment.
[0024] In some embodiments, the upper and lower edges of the
pre-tensioned elastomeric band have differing tensions. In various
embodiments, the removable liner is comprised of at least one of
nylon, polyester, and spandex. Alternative names for spandex
include elastane, and brand names for spandex include Lycra,
Elaspan, Acepora, Creora, ROICA, Dorlastan, Linel, and ESPA. Also,
in some embodiments, the method may include a drawstring disposed
about the elastomeric band as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
8,555,419 to Demarest et al., which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0025] These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein.
[0026] As used herein, the term "a" or an entity refers to one or
more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), one or more
and at least one can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to
be noted that the terms "comprising", "including", and "having" can
be used interchangeably.
[0027] As used herein, "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or"
are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and
disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at
least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or
more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or
C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C
together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
[0028] The preceding is a simplified summary of the invention to
provide an understanding of some aspects of the invention. This
summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the
invention and its various embodiments. It is intended neither to
identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate
the scope of the invention but to present selected concepts of the
invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more
detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other
embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in
combination, one or more of the features set forth above or
described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a
part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the
present invention(s). These drawings, together with the
description, explain the principles of the invention(s). The
drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of
how the invention(s) can be made and used and are not to be
construed as limiting the invention(s) to the illustrated and
described below.
[0030] FIG. 1 depicts a plane view of an upper garment according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 depicts a plane view of a hem of the upper garment
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section view of the embodiment of
FIG. 2;
[0033] FIG. 4 depicts a plane view of the elastomeric-band
according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5;
[0034] FIG. 5 depicts a process for making an upper garment
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the upper garment
of FIG. 2 in contact with a wearer;
[0036] FIG. 7A depicts an optional embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 7B depicts a side plane view of FIG. 7A with component
105 omitted for clarity;
[0038] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a lower garment;
[0039] FIG. 9 depicts a front plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 8;
[0040] FIG. 10 depicts a rear view of the lower garment of FIG.
8;
[0041] FIG. 11 depicts a side plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 8;
[0042] FIG. 12 depicts another side view of the lower garment of
FIG. 8;
[0043] FIG. 13 depicts a top plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 8;
[0044] FIG. 14 depicts a bottom plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 8;
[0045] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a lower garment
including a removable liner;
[0046] FIG. 16 depicts a front plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 15;
[0047] FIG. 17 depicts a rear plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 15;
[0048] FIG. 18 depicts a side plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 15;
[0049] FIG. 19 depicts another side plane view of the lower garment
of FIG. 15;
[0050] FIG. 20 depicts a top plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 15;
[0051] FIG. 21 depicts a bottom plane view of the lower garment of
FIG. 15;
[0052] FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of an upper garment
including a removable liner of a lower garment;
[0053] FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of another upper garment
including a removable liner of a lower garment;
[0054] FIG. 24 depicts a cut-away view of the upper garment of FIG.
22 including a lower garment and a removable liner;
[0055] FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of the upper garment of
FIG. 23 including a lower garment and a removable liner; and
[0056] FIG. 26 depicts another cut-away view of the upper garment
of FIG. 22 including a lower garment and a removable liner.
[0057] Further features and advantages will become apparent from
the following, more detailed, description of the various
embodiments of the invention(s), as illustrated by the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] The upper garment 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 7A
comprises a pair of sleeves 106 having sleeve edges 108, a collar
edge 102, a waist edge 104, and opposing exterior 118 and interior
122 surfaces. In a less preferred embodiment, the pair of sleeves
106 is omitted. FIGS. 7A and 7B depict an embodiment where the
upper garment 100 further comprises a tail 171 extending about back
172 of the upper garment 100. The back 172 is positioned about a
wearer posterior side and front 173 about a wearer's anterior side.
The front 173 and back 172 are in an opposing relationship.
[0059] The upper garment 100 can be any garment a person would wear
on their upper torso between and about their shoulders and waist.
The collar edge 102 is positioned about the wearer's neck region,
the sleeves 106 about the wearer's arms and the waist edge 104
about the wearer's waist region. The sleeves 106 have a sleeve
length. The sleeve length can vary. As such, the sleeve edge 108
may be positioned about one of the wearer's bicep, elbow, forearm
or wrist regions. The upper garment 100 can comprise one of a
jacket, a jersey, a shirt, a blouse, a vest, a coat, or a sweater.
In a preferred embodiment the upper garment 100 is one of a jersey
or a jacket. Preferably, the collar 102, waist 104 and sleeve 108
edges are hemmed.
[0060] The upper garment 100 has a pre-tensioned elastomeric band
111 about at least one of the collar 102, waist 104 and sleeve 108
edges. In a preferred embodiment, the upper garment 100 comprises a
pre-tensioned elastomeric band 111 at least about the waist edge
104. When the upper garment 100 has a tail, the waist edge 104
extends about the tail 171.
[0061] The pre-tensioned elastomeric band 111 comprises an
elastomeric band 110 having a residual tension. The elastomeric
band 110 has opposing distal ends 120, opposing upper 114 and lower
116 edges, and an elastomeric band width 115.
[0062] Before describing the upper garment in more detail, a
process 150 (FIG. 5) for making an upper garment having one or more
pre-tensioned elastomeric bands will be described.
[0063] In step 152, a strain is applied to an elastomeric band. The
strain can be applied mechanically by a machine, apparatus or
device or manually by a human. The elastomeric band comprises one
of a woven, non-woven, extruded and/or cast elastomeric
material.
[0064] As used herein, the term "elastomeric material" includes a
material that can be elongated when a strain is applied to elongate
the material to at least about 1.25 times, at least about 2 times,
at least about 3 times, at least about 4 times, at least about 5
times, at least about 6 times, at least about 7 times, at least
about 8 times, at least about 9 times, or at least about 10 times
its pre-strain length in at least one direction and return, when
the strain is removed, to a post-strain length of no more than
about 1.00 times, no more than about 1.005 times, no more than
about 1.01 times, no more than about 1.02 times, no more than about
1.03 times, no more than about 1.04 times, or no more than about
1.05 times its pre-strain length.
[0065] In step 154, the elastomeric band is positioned on an
interior surface of an upper garment substantially about one of a
collar, waist, or one or both of the sleeve edges. The elastomeric
band has opposing upper and lower edges and opposing distal ends.
More specifically, a lower edge of the elastomeric band is
positioned substantially about one of a collar, waist, or one or
both of the sleeve edges. In one embodiment, steps 152 and 154 can
be preformed substantially simultaneously. That is, the strain can
be applied to the elastomeric band substantially during at least
some, if not most or all, of the positioning of the elastomeric
band on the interior surface about one of the collar, waist, or one
or both of the sleeve edges. In another embodiment, step 152 can be
preformed before or after step 154.
[0066] In step 156, while maintaining the applied strain to the
elastomeric band, the elastomeric band is attached to the upper
garment. The strain applied to the elastomeric band during the
attachment of the elastomeric band to the upper garment, is
sufficient to elongate the elastomeric band from about 1.01 to
about 2.0 times its pre-strained length, from about 1.05 to about
1.75 times it pre-strained length, from about 1.05 to about 1.50
its pre-strained length, from about 1.05 to about 1.25 its
pre-strained length, or from about 1.10 to about 1.25 its
pre-strained length.
[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the lower edge of elastomeric
band is attached substantially about one of the collar, waist, or
one of the sleeve edges. The lower edge is attached to the upper
garment by one or more of stitching, welding, bonding, such as,
with an adhesive or a glue, or combinations thereof.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the lower edge is attached to the
upper garment by stitching. In a more preferred embodiment, the
stitching attaching the elastomeric band to the upper garment is
contained within the elastomeric band width comprising one of no
more than about 5% of the elastomeric band width about the lower
edge, of no more than about 10% of the elastomeric band width about
the lower edge, no more than about 15% of the elastomeric band
width about the lower edge, or no more than about 20% of the
elastomeric band width about the lower edge.
[0069] In step 158, the opposing distal ends of the elastomeric
band are attached to one or both of the upper garment or each
other. The distal ends are attached to the upper garment and/or
each other by one or more of stitching, welding, bonding, such as
with an adhesive or a glue, or combinations thereof. Preferably the
distal ends are attached to each other and/or the upper garment by
stitching.
[0070] In one embodiment, step 156 is preformed before or after
step 158. In another embodiment, steps 156 and 158 are preformed
substantially at about the same time.
[0071] In step 160, after attaching the elastomeric band to the
upper garment, the strain applied to the elastomeric band is
removed to form the pre-tensioned elastomeric band and one of a
pre-tensioned collar band, a pre-tensioned waist-band or a
pre-tensioned sleeve-band. While not wanting to be limited by any
theory, the attaching of the lower edge of elastomeric band to the
upper garment while the elastomeric band is under some degree of
strain allows for the upper garment to maintain some degree of the
strain (when the applied strain is removed) thereby forming the
pre-tensioned elastomeric band. The pre-tensioned elastomeric band
comprises upper and lower edges having differing tensions. The
attaching of the lower edge, and not both the upper and lower
edges, to the upper garment while the elastomeric band is under an
applied strain, provides for differing tensions between the upper
and lower edges when the applied strain is removed. The tension
difference between the upper and lower edges depend upon one or
more of: a) the strain applied to the elastomeric band during the
attachment step 156; b) stiffness and/or tension retaining
properties of the upper garment 100.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the strain applied to the
elastomeric band during the attachment step 156 and the stiffness
and/or tension retaining properties of the upper garment can be
sufficiently balanced such that when the strain is removed in step
160, one of a formed pre-tensioned collar-band, pre-tensioned
waist-band or pre-tensioned sleeve band is substantially free of
any gathering of the collar, waist or sleeve edges onto itself.
That is, one or more of the pre-tensioned collar-band,
pre-tensioned waist-band and pre-tensioned sleeve-band are
substantially free and/or devoid of gaps and/or passages between
the respective pre-tensioned bands and a wearer of the upper
garment to form a substantially air-tight seal between the wearer
and the pre-tensioned band.
[0073] While not wanting to be limited by theory, the air-tight
seal between wearer and pre-tensioned band is believed to be
enhanced by eliminating at least most, if not all, of any
attachment of the upper edge of the elastomeric band to the upper
garment. Preferably, at least about 90% of upper portion of the
elastomeric band width is devoid any attachment to the upper
garment, at least about 95% of the upper portion of the elastomeric
band width is devoid of any attachment to the upper garment, at
least about 99.99% of upper portion of the elastomeric band width
is devoid of any attachment to the upper garment, at least about
100% of upper portion of the elastomeric band width is devoid of
any attachment to the upper garment.
[0074] It is further believed that one or both of the differing
tensions of the upper and lower edges of elastomeric band and lack
of attaching the upper edge of the elastomeric band to the upper
garment causes the upper edge to tilt away from the upper garment.
The upper edge tilts away from the upper garment by tilt angle 124
as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. The tilt angle 124 has an angle from
about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, from about 10 degrees to about
40 degrees, from about 10 to about 30 degrees, from about 10 to
about 20 degrees. In another embodiment, the tilt angle 124 has an
angle from about 15 to about 40 degrees or from about 15 to about
30 degrees.
[0075] The process 150 can further comprise optional step 159. In
the optional step 159, one or more locations about the upper edge
of the elastomeric band are attached to the upper garment. The one
or more locations are attached to the upper garment by one or more
of stitching, welding, bonding, such as, with an adhesive or a
glue, or combinations thereof. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 2,
the one or more locations 162 are substantially located about where
the pre-tensioned elastomeric band 111 intersects a seam 164 within
the upper garment. More preferably, the upper edge is attached to
the upper garment by stitching the upper edge to the upper garment
about where the pre-tensioned elastomeric band intersects one of
the seams. More preferably, the number of locations where the upper
edge is attached to the upper garment is one of less than about 13,
less than about 12, less than about 11, less than about 10, less
than about 9, less than about 8, less than about 7, less than about
6, less than about 5, less than about 4, less than about 3, less
than about 2, or less than about 1.
[0076] In one embodiment, the optional step 159 is preformed one of
before or after any one or both of steps 156 and 158. In another
embodiment, optional step 159 is preformed one of before or after
step 160.
[0077] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the upper
garment 100 comprises one or more of a substantially air-tight seal
132 about one or more of the pre-tensioned collar band 103,
pre-tensioned waist band 105 and pre-tensioned sleeve band 109.
While not wanting to be limited by example, FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 depict
the pre-tension band 111 attached to the upper garment 100 by
stitching 112. The one or more air-tight seals 132 substantially
retain any warm air contained between the upper garment 100 and
wearer. Furthermore, the substantially air-tight seal 132
substantially eliminates any cold air from entering and thereby
lowering the temperature of the warm air contained between the
upper garment 100 and the wearer 130.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the air-tight seal 132 formed by
the pre-tensioned elastomeric band 111 is substantially devoid of
any gatherings and/or passages about one or more of the respective
pre-tensioned collar 103, waist 105, and sleeve 109 bands. The lack
of gatherings and/or passages substantially decreases any warm air
contained between the upper garment 100 and wearer from escaping
and any cold air from entering.
[0079] Furthermore, the lack of any gatherings and passages
provides for a more aesthetically pleasing, cleaner, and
crisper-looking upper garment 100. Moreover, the lack of a tight,
rigid fastening system allows for a less constrictive upper garment
100. The less constrictive upper garment 100 is a substantially
more dynamic garment and allows the wearer to participate in
activities in a more dynamic and enjoyable manner.
[0080] A number of variations and modifications of the invention
can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of
the invention without providing others. For example, the upper
garment 100 may comprise a pre-tensioned collar band 103, a
pre-tensioned waistband 105 and a pair of pre-tensioned sleeve
bands 109. In another embodiment, the upper garment 100 comprises a
pre-tensioned collar band 103 a pre-tensioned waistband 105 or a
combination thereof.
[0081] FIGS. 8-14 show various perspectives of one embodiment of a
lower garment 320. The lower garment 320 or a removable liner,
described in detail below, can be any garment a person would wear
on his or her lower torso between about the waist and the feet. In
some embodiments, the lower garment 320 or removable liner has a
waist region, a left leg, and a right leg. The bottom edge of the
left leg and/or right leg may be positioned about a wearer's
thighs, knees, shins, ankles, or feet. In one embodiment, the lower
garment 320 or removable liner may comprise one of slacks, shorts,
compression shorts, cycling tights, cycling pants or shorts,
trousers, leggings, yoga pants, palazzos, chinos, cargo pants or
shorts, corduroys, etc.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 8 this particular embodiment of the lower
garment 320 comprises several features. On the front side of the
lower garment 320, a zipper 324 is disposed on the right leg of the
lower garment 320 and another zipper 324 is disposed on the left
leg of the lower garment 320. The zippers 324 unzip to expose a
mesh material 328. The mesh material 328 allows for better
ventilation of the wearer's legs. Better ventilation allows for
sweat to evaporate and for air to move across the wearer's legs for
better convective cooling. One skilled in the art will appreciate a
variety of ventilation systems in a variety of locations on the
lower garment 320. For example, one ventilation system may increase
the surface area of the lower garment 320 with fins to improve
convective cooling. For cold weather climates, various embodiments
of the present invention may include fewer or no ventilation
features, and rather may include insulating features such as
additional material that has a low rate of heat transfer.
[0083] The lower garment 320 also includes a pocket 332. The pocket
332 comprises a zipper that is disposed on an outer surface of the
lower garment 320. The zipper opens into a volume inside of the
lower garment 320 where the volume is defined by a mesh material.
In various embodiments, the lower garment 320 may also include
traditional pockets such as front pockets, back pockets, and/or fob
pockets.
[0084] One skilled in the art will appreciate other uses for
zippers known in the art. For example, zippers may be used to
non-permanently connect a lower garment 320 with two leg pieces
such that the lower garment 320 is convertible between shorts and
pants. One component of the zipper is disposed on the lower edge of
both the left leg and the right leg of the lower garment 320, and a
corresponding component of the zipper is disposed on the upper edge
of each leg piece such that the lower garment 320 may be zipped to
the two leg pieces to form a garment of increased leg length.
[0085] The outer surface of the lower garment 320 is partially
defined by an inner portion 336 that extends in a continuous strip
from the bottom edge of the right leg, up and around the groin
region, and back down to the bottom edge of the left leg. The inner
portion 336 may be made from any material that improves the
effectiveness of the lower garment 320. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that different activities will require an inner portion
336 with different properties and characteristics to be effective.
For example, the inner portion 336 for a cyclist will balance the
need for some friction to ride securely on top of a bicycle seat
and the need for unimpeded movement of the cyclist's legs during
cycling. In another example, the inner portion 336 for a bull rider
will be optimized for a high degree of grip and control.
[0086] The lower garment 320 in FIG. 8 includes an adjustment
assembly 340 disposed on the waist region along a top edge of the
left leg of the lower garment 320. In one embodiment, the
adjustment assembly 340 comprises a hook-and-loop fastener, more
commonly known as Velcro. The loop side of the fastener is two
parallel rows of loops disposed on the waist region of the lower
garment 320. The hook side of the fastener is a pad having a
surface area of hooks, which is interconnected to an elastic strap.
The pad has a distal edge and a proximate edge. When the elastic
strap is in a relaxed state, the distal edge of the pad overlaps a
small portion of the loops. When the elastic strap is stretched,
the pad can extend past the loops such that only the proximate edge
overlaps a small portion of the loops. The adjustment assembly 340
is adjustable therebetween to accommodate different waist sizes. A
similar adjustment assembly 340 may be disposed on the waist region
along the top edge of the right leg of the lower garment 320. While
the lower garment 320 in FIG. 8 has two adjustment assemblies 340,
it may be advantageous to have a different number of adjustment
assemblies 340 disposed on the waist region or other regions of the
lower garment 320. Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate
other traditional forms of adjustment including, but not limited
to, snaps, laces, string, clips, buttons, belts, and straps may be
used.
[0087] FIGS. 15-21 show various perspectives of another embodiment
of the lower garment 320. As shown in FIG. 15, the lower garment
320 is complimented with a removable liner 220. As described in
further detail below, the lower garment 320 interconnects with the
removable liner 220 to provide the wearer with the advantages of
having a tighter-fitting removable liner 220 and a looser-fitting
lower garment 320.
[0088] Referring to the embodiment in FIG. 22, a garment assembly
200 may comprise an upper garment 100 and the removable liner 220
of a lower garment. The removable liner 220 may comprise an
integrated pad 150, which provides additional cushioning for a
person during activities. For example, the pad 150 may provide
additional cushioning beneath a cyclist. The removable liner 220
may be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited
to, nylon, polyester, and spandex. Alternative names for spandex
include elastane, and brand names for spandex include Lycra,
Elaspan, Acepora, Creora, ROICA, Dorlastan, Linel, and ESPA.
[0089] In this particular embodiment, the upper garment 100
includes a pre-tensioned elastomeric waist band 105 as described
elsewhere herein. However, the removable liner 220 may include a
pre-tensioned elastomeric band about the waist region of the
removable liner 220, a pre-tensioned elastomeric band about either
leg portion of the removable liner 200, or combinations
thereof.
[0090] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 22, the removable liner
220 is interconnected to the upper garment 100. One skilled in the
art will appreciate a variety of ways to interconnect multiple
garments, both permanently and non-permanently. For example, the
removable liner 220 may be interconnected to the upper garment 100
with conventional stitching methods. Other ways to permanently
interconnect multiple garments include, but are not limited to,
gluing, fusing with products such as Wonder-Under, ironing with
products such as Heat'n Bond, etc. When the removable liner 220 is
permanently interconnected to the upper garment 100, the wearer may
enter the garment assembly 200 like one does with a leotard.
[0091] In other embodiments of the present invention, the removable
liner 220 is non-permanently interconnected to the upper garment
100. As described elsewhere herein, buttons, belts, straps,
hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, snap fasteners, loop-and-strap
fasteners, etc. may be used to non-permanently interconnect
multiple garments or portions of garments. Another non-permanent
way to interconnect the removable liner 220 to the upper garment
100 is compression and/or friction. For example, the wearer may
extend the upper garment 100 and pre-tensioned waist band 105 over
the removable liner 220 where the waist band 105 compresses into
the waist region of the removable liner 220 such that the removable
liner 220 is non-permanently interconnected to the upper garment
100.
[0092] Various embodiments of the present invention may enhance the
friction between the removable liner 220 and the upper garment 100
with the inclusion of a feature such as a thin rubber strip, which
may be disposed on the outer surface about the waist region of the
removable liner 220. The waist band 105 of the upper garment 100
may compress into the rubber strip such that the rubber strip
generates additional friction with the material of the waist band
105, and the removable liner 220 is non-permanently interconnected
to the upper garment 100.
[0093] In FIG. 23, an upper garment 100 is interconnected to a
removable liner 220 where the removable liner 220 includes
fastening loops 312. In various embodiments of the present
invention, the removable liner 220 may be interconnected to
additional garments, including lower garments. The fastening loops
312 provide a location where additional garments may
interconnect.
[0094] Further included in FIG. 23 is an upper garment 100 which
comprises sleeves 106 and a collar edge 102 positioned about the
wearer's neck region. In this particular embodiment, the upper
garment 100 comprises a pre-tensioned collar band 103, a
pre-tensioned waist band 105 and pre-tensioned sleeve bands 109. In
further embodiments, the upper garment 100 may comprise any number
of pre-tensioned bands, including no pre-tensioned bands.
[0095] FIG. 24 depicts a cut-away view of another garment assembly
300. In this embodiment, the removable liner 220 is interconnected
to the upper garment 100, which includes a pre-tensioned waist band
105. In this particular embodiment, the removable liner 220
includes fastening straps 310 where additional garments may
interconnect to the removable liner 220. In this particular
embodiment, a lower garment 320 is interconnected to the removable
liner 220 via the fastening straps 310. The fastening straps 310
may loop through fastening loops 312 (shown in FIG. 26) and
interconnect onto another location on the fastening straps 310 such
that the removable liner 220 is interconnected to the lower garment
320. Additionally or alternatively, the fastening straps 310 may
snap directly to the lower garment 320. Beyond fastening straps
310, the removable liner 220 and lower garment 320 may interconnect
to each other via hook and loops such as Velcro or any other
fastening means known in the art.
[0096] The embodiment in FIG. 25 is another garment assembly 400,
which comprises an upper garment 100, a lower garment 320, and a
removable liner (not shown). The upper garment 100 comprises a
pre-tensioned collar band 103, pre-tensioned sleeve bands 109, and
a pre-tensioned waist band 105 disposed between the upper garment
100 and the removable liner. The lower garment 320 is
interconnected to the removable liner as described elsewhere herein
or as known in the art.
[0097] FIG. 26 shows another garment assembly 500, which comprises
an upper garment 100, a lower garment 320, and a removable liner
220. In this particular embodiment, the removable liner 220 is
interconnected to the upper garment 100, which includes a
pre-tensioned waist band 105. The removable liner comprises
fastening loops 312. As mentioned above, fastening loops 312
provide a location on the garment where the additional garment may
detachably interconnect. In this embodiment, the additional garment
is the lower garment 320. Fastening straps 310 are disposed on the
inner surface of the lower garment 320. The fastening straps 310
include common snap fasteners, which are pairs of interlocking
discs. In this embodiment, the fastening straps 310 are looped
through the fastening loops 312, and snap fasteners secure the
interconnection. Other embodiments may have other fastening
mechanisms as described elsewhere herein or as known in the
art.
[0098] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 26 has two fastening loops
312 and two fastening straps 310. Other embodiments may include
fewer or more fastening loops 312 and/or fastening straps 310 to
improve the effectiveness of the present invention for a given use
or activity.
[0099] The present invention, in various embodiments,
configurations, or aspects, includes components, methods,
processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and
described herein, including various embodiments, configurations,
aspects, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in
the art will understand how to make and use the present invention
after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention,
in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes
providing devices and processes in the absence of items not
depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments,
configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such
items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g.,
for improving performance, achieving ease, reducing cost of
implementation or combinations thereof.
[0100] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not
intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed
herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various
features of the invention are grouped together in one or more
embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments,
configurations, or aspects of the invention may be combined in
alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more
features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all
features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration,
or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate preferred embodiment of the invention.
* * * * *