Weighted Lining For Garment, Costume Or Other Object

Abstract

A weighted lining comprises at least one weighting layer comprising a weighting material and at least one backing layer coupled to the weighting layer. The weighted lining is configured in a drapeable sheet. In some implementations, the weighted lining further comprises recessed areas formed in one surface and configured to cause the lining to drape in a predetermined way. In some implementations, the weighting layer is cut to remove weighting material and define the recessed areas. The weighted lining can be used with a garment, a full-size or scale costume, a furnishing or any other object, among other applications.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/475,783, filed Mar. 23, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Working with lightweight materials that need to occupy specific positions or move in specific ways to convey a desired visual appearance or look can be challenging. Such materials, which include fabrics and other lightweight materials, are typically selected at least in part because of their natural tendency to drape or flow in an aesthetically pleasing way.

[0003] But it is still difficult to control and/or to accentuate the drape of a decorative fabric as desired. For example, some garments would benefit from an easier approach to assisting the fabric in draping around or hanging from the wearer. These challenges also exist when attempting to configure small-scale garments or other costume elements, including those used in animation techniques involving repeated shots taken following very minor changes (e.g., in stop motion animation and other similar techniques). In the same way, controlling lightweight materials used in furnishings such as drapes, curtains and furniture pieces would also be advantageous. Linings are sometimes positioned inside of an outer decorative material, but conventional linings are not designed to achieve the desired visual effects to a sufficient degree or in a controllable way.

SUMMARY

[0004] Described below are implementations of a weighted lining that address some of the drawbacks of present approaches to controlling the behavior of lightweight materials in garments, costumes, furnishings and other objects.

[0005] According to one implementation, a weighted lining comprises at least one weighting layer comprising a weighting material, and at least one backing layer coupled to the weighting layer, wherein the weighted lining is configured in a drapeable sheet.

[0006] The backing layer can be comprised of a low-stretch fabric. The backing layer can be adhered to the weighting layer.

[0007] The weighting layer can comprise at least one weighting material having sufficient density. The weighting material can comprise a tungsten powder. The weighting material can comprise a, granular material.

[0008] The weighting layer can comprise tungsten powder and adhesive built up in multiple layers.

[0009] The weighted lining can include recessed areas defined in one surface of the weighted lining and configured to cause it to drape in a predetermined way as viewed from a decorative side. The recessed areas in the weighted lining can comprise cuts made through at least a portion of the weighting layer.

[0010] According to another implementation, a costume element can comprise a decorative outer layer, and a concealed weighted lining attached to an inner surface of the decorative layer and configured to cause the decorative outer layer to drape in a predetermined shape. The inner weighted lining can have a greater density per square area than the decorative outer layer.

[0011] According to one method implementation, a method of forming a weighted lining, comprises building up a weighting layer by combining granular weighting material and adhesive until a predetermined desired thickness is reached, attaching a backing layer to the weighting layer to form the weighted lining, and manipulating the weighted lining to have a desired drape.

[0012] Building up the weighting layer can comprise sequentially forming multiple layers of granular weighting material and adhesive. Each of the layers can be allowed to dry before a subsequent layer is added to a previous layer. Building up a weighting layer can be carried out on a non-stick surface.

[0013] Additionally, the method can include applying a cover layer to at least one side of the weighting layer to preserve an adhesive quality of the adhesive layer.

[0014] The method can include forming relieved areas in the weighted lining to cause the weighted lining to drape as desired while in use. Forming the relieved areas can comprise cutting the backing layer and at least a portion of the weighting layer. Forming the relieved areas can comprise cutting the weighted lining with a laser cutter.

[0015] Attaching the backing layer to the weighting layer can comprise adhering the backing layer and the weighting layer together.

[0016] The method can comprise attaching the weighted lining to an interior side of an outer fabric.

[0017] These and other features are described below in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one implementation of the weighted lining.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the weighted lining of FIG. 1 showing the weighting layer and the backing layer assembled together.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a magnified section view in elevation of the weighted lining of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a representative garment or costume with which the weighted lining can be used.

[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a section of the garment or costume and weighted lining of FIG. 4.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a section view similar to FIG. 5, except showing another implementation in which the weighted lining is directly attached to the garment or costume.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another implementation of the weighted lining showing the weighted layer modified to have channels or other features in a selected configuration as shown.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another implementation of the weighted lining modified to have channels or other features as in FIG. 7 and directly attached to the garment, costume or another object.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the weighted lining showing an intermediate stage in which the weighting layer is covered with a protective layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Described below are implementations of a weighted lining, such as for positioning interiorly of a decorative fabric to cause the decorative fabric to drape and/or flow in a desired manner. The decorative fabric (or other similar material intended to have the desired drape and/or flow) can be part of a garment, a, costume, a furnishing (drape, curtain, cover, etc.) or other type of decoration, or any other suitable object. In some implementations, the resulting drape and/or flow imparts an impression of weight or physicality.

[0028] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one implementation of a weighted lining 100 having a weighting layer 110 supported by a backing layer 120. The weighting layer 110 and the backing layer 120 are coupled together into a multi-layer construction, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, that remains flexible, i.e., drapeable, such as by adhering the weighting layer 110 and the backing layer 120 together. A suitable adhesive is conventional fabric glue, although other adhesives could also be used. Additional details about the fabrication and assembly of the weighted lining are described below.

[0029] The weighting layer 110 is preferably formed of a fine granular material that is typically deposited and/or shaped into a thin layer(s) of approximately uniform thickness. FIG. 3 is a highly magnified section view, in elevation, of a portion of the weighting layer 110 and showing, schematically, the particles that comprise it. In some implementations, the weighting layer is only 1-2 mm in thickness. In other implementations, depending upon the scale of the object, the degree of effect from the weighted lining that is desired and possibly other factors, thicker weighting layers can be used.

[0030] In some implementations, the fine granular material comprises a tungsten powder, which may or may not be mixed with other solids. Tungsten powder is suitable for many applications because it is sufficiently dense and comparatively safe for users (in contrast, e.g., to lead). Because tungsten powder is a relatively dense substance, it has been found that even a, thin layer can add considerable weight and effect to a, piece of fabric. Tungsten powder with an average particle size of 8-40 microns has an apparent density of approximately 130-165 g/in.sup.3, and a tap density of approximately 10.0-12.0 g/cm.sup.3 (source: High Density Tungsten Powder from Buffalo Tungsten Inc.) In addition to tungsten powder, other potentially suitable materials, depending upon the application and the desired effect, include nickel, iron and steel granular materials.

[0031] The backing layer 120 supports the weighting layer 110 and maintains its integrity. The backing layer 120 can be formed of any material that is sufficiently flexible and compatible with the weighting layer 110. In some implementations, a low-stretch silk fabric is used as the backing layer 120 because it can be adhered to the weighting layer 110 easily, is readily available and can be worked (e.g., to receive cuts made with a laser cutter as described below) without introducing complications to the fabrication process.

[0032] The weighted lining 100 has the form of a drapeable sheet. FIG. 4 is a representative application for the weighted lining, namely a garment, costume or other object 200 that is desired to have improved drape, flow or other similar effect through the use of the weighted lining. The drape, flow or other similar effect may be achieved at any area, such as at representative areas F in FIG. 4. These areas may include folds, pleats, bloused areas, sleeves, hemlines or other lower areas, extremities and other such areas benefiting from improved drape and/or similar effects. As shown, the garment has a decorative outer layer 150 and, as shown in the cutaway portion, a weighted lining 100 positioned interiorly of the decorative fabric layer 150.

[0033] The weighted lining 100 may be coextensive with the decorative fabric layer 150 over the entire garment or large areas thereof, or the weighted lining may be provided only in select smaller areas.

[0034] The weighted lining 100 may be separate from the decorative fabric layer 150, such as is shown in FIG. 5. The illustrated spacing between the decorative fabric layer 150 and the weighted lining 100 positioned interiorly is selected for drawing convenience only, as the decorative fabric layer 150 and the weighted lining 100 are in contact with other in at least some areas while in use. In some implementations, edges or other areas of the decorative fabric layer 150 and the weighted lining 100 may be affixed together, such as by stitching, adhesive or other method, to align the two components with each other or otherwise keep the components together.

[0035] Alternatively, the weighted lining 100 can be assembled with the decorative fabric layer 150 into a one-piece construction as shown in FIG. 6. In this implementation, the weighted lining 100 and decorative layer 150 components can be affixed together using any suitable approach, such as stitching, adhesive or other method.

[0036] In some implementations, the drape, flow or other effect provided by the weighted lining 100 can be accentuated as desired by modifying it, such as by shaping the weighting layer 110. For example, the weighting layer 110 can be made be made to have increased thickness or reduced thickness in selected areas to provide a desired attribute to the weighted lining 100 and, in turn, any decorative layer 150 displayed or worn over the weighted lining 100.

[0037] In an alternative implementation of the weighted lining 100' as shown in FIG. 7, material has been removed from the weighting layer in selected areas. The backing layer 120 has been maintained (although the backing layer could also be modified in some circumstances). Specifically, in the implementation of FIG. 7, material has been removed along a major line 140 and along a number of minor lines 142 that are connected to the major line 140. The resulting web-like pattern causes the weighted lining 100' to drape as desired, thereby taking on a desired shape. As a result, when the weighted lining 100' is positioned inside the decorative fabric layer 150, the decorative layer 150 develops a desired appearance in areas outwardly adjacent the web-like pattern. For example, one or more of the representative areas F could be achieved or accentuated using the weighted lining 100' having a web-like pattern instead of the weighted lining 110. The illustrated web-like pattern is representative, and other modifications of the weighting layer can be used instead of or in addition to such patterns.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 7, except showing the decorative layer 150, which is not modified, in overlying relation to the weighted lining 100' of FIG. 7. Thus, although the effects of the weighted lining 100' modifications would be visible in how the garment, costume or other object drapes or flows, when it is positioned for display or use (not shown in FIG. 8), the modifications to the surface of the weighted lining 100' would generally not be visible.

[0039] According to a representative method, the weighted lining 100, 100' can be fabricated according to the following process. The weighting material, e.g., tungsten powder, is spread out over a suitable work surface, such as silicone sheeting, in a relatively thin layer. Silicone sheeting or another similar material is helpful because the powder tends not to adhere to it.

[0040] Adhesive is then applied over the layer. In some implementations, conventional fabric adhesive (e.g., Pros-Aide) is applied to the upper surface of the layer with a brush. The adhesive is allowed to dry (a hair dryer or similar device may be used to reduce the required drying time). Subsequent layers are added in the same way until the resulting material has a desired thickness. For convenience, this description pertains to weighted material provided in a uniform thickness, but other configurations are possible.

[0041] As stated, the weighted material may have a final thickness as thin as 1-2 mm, or 3-4 mm, or a, greater thickness. If desired, the upper surface of the weighted material 110 can be temporarily covered, e.g., using parchment paper 170 or other similar covering as shown in FIG. 9, while awaiting further steps.

[0042] After the weighting layer 110 is completed, the backing layer 120 is affixed to the weighting layer. In the example above, the backing layer 120 is positioned over the upper surface of the weighting layer 110 while it is in place on the work surface, and the backing layer 120 is pressed into contact with the weighting layer 110 to adhere the layers together. Additional adhesive can be applied as necessary to ensure that the layers are adequately bonded. In some implementations, a low-stretch silk or similar material is used for the backing layer 120. The assembled weighting layer 110 and backing layer 120 are ready for use in applications for the weighted lining 100. If desired, the assembled layers can be configured into the weighted lining 100' by modifying the weighting layer 110. In some implementations, a desired pattern of lines (cuts, channels or other recesses) is formed in the weighting layer, such as by using a conventional laser cutter capable of receiving sheets of material. The laser cutter is controlled to cut the predetermined pattern as the material moves through the cutter. The pattern can be formed to one or more depths as desired. In some implementations, such as is shown for the weighted lining 100' in FIG. 7, the pattern segments or lines 140, 142 are formed through the entire thickness of the weighting layer 110 and without cutting the backing layer 120.

[0043] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the disclosed principles may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting in scope. Rather, the scope of protection is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims

1. A weighted lining, comprising: at least one weighting layer comprising a weighting material; and at least one backing layer coupled to the weighting layer, wherein the weighted lining is configured in a drapeable sheet.

2. The weighted lining of claim 1, wherein the backing layer comprises a low-stretch fabric.

3. The weighted lining of claim 1, wherein the backing layer is adhered to the weighting layer.

4. The weighted lining of claim 1, wherein the weighting layer comprises at least one weighting material having sufficient density.

5. The weighted lining of claim 1, wherein the weighting material comprises a tungsten powder.

6. The weighted lining of claim 4, wherein the weighting material comprises a granular material.

7. The weighted lining of claim 4, wherein the weighting layer comprises tungsten powder and adhesive built up in multiple layers.

8. The weighted lining of claim 1, further comprising recessed areas formed in one surface of the weighted lining and configured to cause the lining to drape in a predetermined way.

9. The weighted lining of claim 8, wherein the recessed areas in the weighted lining comprise cuts made through at least a portion of the weighting layer.

10. A costume element, comprising: a decorative outer layer; a concealed weighted lining attached to an inner surface of the decorative layer and configured to cause the decorative outer layer to drape in a predetermined shape, wherein the inner weighted lining has a greater density per square area than the decorative outer layer.

11. A method of forming a weighted lining, comprising: building up a weighting layer by combining granular weighting material and adhesive until a predetermined desired thickness is reached; attaching a backing layer to the weighting layer to form the weighted lining; manipulating the weighted lining to have a desired drape.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the act of building up a weighting layer comprises sequentially forming multiple layers of granular weighting material and adhesive.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the layers is allowed to dry before a subsequent layer is added to a previous layer.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the act of building up a weighting layer is carried out on a non-stick surface.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying a cover layer to at least one side of the weighting layer to preserve an adhesive quality of the adhesive layer.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming relieved areas in the weighted lining to cause the weighted lining to drape as desired while in use.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the relieved areas comprises cutting the backing layer and at least a portion of the weighting layer.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the relieved areas comprises cutting the weighted lining with a laser cutter.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein building up the weighting layer comprises forming multiple layers of granular weighting material and adhesive until the weighting layer is approximately 1.0 mm or less in thickness.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the weighting material is a tungsten powder having an average particle size of approximately 0.4 to 9.0 microns.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching the backing layer to the weighting layer comprises adhering the backing layer and the weighting layer together.

22. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaching the weighted lining to an interior side of an outer fabric.