Patent Application
20220095723
The following disclosure relates generally to a new and useful improvement in formal wear apparel. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric used to manufacture special occasion dresses, including wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. The anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may also be used to manufacture other formal wear garments for men including tuxedo pieces and suits.
Throughout history, women and men have worn formal wear or formal attire to special occasions such as weddings and other formal events. Formal wear for women may include wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and other formal evening dresses, while formal wear for men may include tuxedo pieces and suits. Formal wear, particularly wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses, is commonly manufactured using fabrics such as satin, charmeuse, chiffon, organza, tulle, lace and combinations thereof. These fabrics work alone or in combination to provide the unique designs implemented in such dresses as well as the contour desired by the wearer.
Satin is the most common fabric used to manufacture such formal dresses because satin material is durable and versatile. Satin is not a fiber used to make a fabric. Instead, satin is a finish on a fiber consisting of pure silk, all polyester or blend thereof. Such polyester and silk fabrics are thick, heavy fabrics. Thus, it is well known within the formal wear industry that traditional formal wear being manufactured with such thick, heavy fabrics leads the wearer to perspire causing the wearer to become quite uncomfortable during a special event. Formal wear, such as a wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos, having anti-wicking, anti-scent, and anti-microbial properties is needed.
An anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric is disclosed. Such anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may be used to manufacture special occasion dresses, including wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. The anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may also be used to manufacture other formal wear garments for men including tuxedo pieces and suits. In one embodiment, the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may comprise polyester. In another embodiment, the fabric may comprise a blend of nylon and spandex. It is foreseeable that the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may comprise any fiber or combinations of fibers as desired by one of skill in the art.
In one embodiment, the fabric may comprise 100% polyester. The fabric construction with yarn type and yarn size is FDP75d/72f×FDP90d/96f, which is a woven construction. FDP represents full dull polyester. 75d represents 75 denier which is the size of the yarn in the warp/vertical; 72f represents 72 filaments which are combined to make the total yarn size. 90 denier represents the yarn size in the weft/fill. 96f represents 96 filaments which are combined to make the total yarn size. This is a microfiber yarn, which makes the overall fabric softener.
In another embodiment, the fabric may comprise 85% nylon and 15% spandex. The construction of the nylon/spandex blend is FDN70d/72f+40d Spandex. This is a knit construction. FDN represents full dull nylon. 70d/72f represents 70 denier yarn size by 72 filaments that are combined to make up the total yarn size. 40d Spandex represents the size of the spandex core of the yarn. Nylon fibers cover the spandex core to create the yarn used in this product.
In one embodiment, the fabric is treated with an anti-wicking finish. The anti-wicking finish or wicking Finish (WF) absorbs moisture away from the body and disperses the moisture throughout the surface of the fabric. This creates more comfort for the wearer as moisture does not saturate the fabric in one spot and stick to the body. When moisture is spread out, it does not feel as wet which enhances comfort.
In another embodiment, the fabric may also be treated with a scent control. The scent control is applied in a chemical bath. The scent control treatment is put in a bath and the fabric roll is run through the bath, absorbing the treatment. It is then run through a dryer which sets the treatment into the fabric.
In still a further embodiment, the fabric may be treated with an anti-microbial control. The anti-microbial control and inhibits the growth of bacteria that can collect on the fabric. Bacteria can grow from the perspiration that is collected on the fabric and can smell (think old, unwashed towel). This treatment prevents the smell that occurs with bacteria growth.
The moisture-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may be used to manufacture formal wear, referred to herein as composite garments. In one embodiment, the composite garment comprises an outer layer of fabric attached to an inner liner of fabric. In one example embodiment, the inner liner of fabric is comprised of the moisture-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric. In one embodiment, the inner liner of fabric may include a bodice support which effectively supports and enhances the bust while supporting, smoothing and elongating the bodice of the dress.
The present invention also discloses a method to manufacture a composite garment, such as a wedding dress, bridesmaid dress or other formal dress. This method involves the steps of (1) obtaining an outer layer of fabric having a top edge, a fastenable opening, and a seam allowance; (2) obtaining an inner liner of fabric comprising a top edge and a bottom edge, a fastenable opening coexistent with the fastenable opening of the dress, wherein the inner liner of fabric comprises moisture-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric, wherein the inner liner comprises a bodice support having a plurality of stays which extend from substantially the top edge of the bodice support to the bottom edge of the bodice support and which are placed in close proximity to each other, and a seam allowance, wherein a slip is attached to the bottom edge of the bodice support; (3) altering the seam allowance in the outer layer of fabric to accommodate the wearer of the dress; (4) altering the seam allowance of the inner liner of fabric to accommodate the wearer of the liner; and (5) attaching the top edge of the outer layer of fabric to the top edge of the inner liner of fabric.
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrating specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As used by Applicants in this application hereto:
(1) “attached to” refers to the joining of two pieces of material by sewing approximately one-fourth inch to five-eighths inch from the edge;
(2) “bodice” refers to the upper region of a woman's dress;
(3) “bodice support” refers to a woman's close-fitting supporting undergarment that is fastenable and which extends from above or beneath the bust to the waist or below the waist;
(4) “bottom edge” refers to the bottom surface line of the bodice support;
(5) “close proximity” refers to being near in space and relationship;
(6) “dart” refers to a stitched tapering fold in a garment;
(7) “dress” refers to a one-piece garment, which contains lining, for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs usually consisting of a bodice and skirt;
(8) “interfacing” refers to fabric sewn between the facing and the outside of a garment for stiffening and shaping retention;
(9) “interlining” refers to a lining sewn between the ordinary lining and the outside fabric;
(10) “liner” refers to the combination of a bodice support and slip, which is attachable to a dress;
(11) “lining” refers to a material that is used to line the inner surface of a dress;
(12) “obtaining a dress” refers to manufacturing the dress oneself or coming into possession of a dress manufactured by another;
(13) “obtaining a liner” refers to manufacturing the liner oneself or coming into possession of the liner manufactured by another;
(14) “slip” refers to an underskirt which is usually a little shorter than outer clothing and often made with a ruffled, pleated, or lace edge;
(15) “stay” refers to a thin firm strip interlaced throughout the materials of a bodice support to provide support to the midriff, abdomen and bust;
(16) “top edge” refers to the top surface line of the dress or the bodice support;
(17) “top stitch” refers to making a line of stitching on the outside of the composite garment close to the seam;
(18) “underwire” refers to circular or semicircular wire support stitched around or under the bust cups;
(19) “zero centimeters” refers to stays placed side by side each other.
An anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric is disclosed. Such fabric may be used to manufacture special occasion dresses, including wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. The fabric may also be used to manufacture other formal wear garments for men including tuxedo pieces and suits. It is foreseeable that the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may be used to manufacture any particular piece of formal wear as desired by one of skill in the art. In particular, the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may be used to manufacture medical scrub and gowns.
In one embodiment, the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may comprise polyester. In another embodiment, the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may comprise a blend of nylon and spandex. It is foreseeable that the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may comprise any fiber or combinations of fibers as desired by one of skill in the art. In one example embodiment, the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may be dyed to match any desired color.
In one example embodiment, the fabric may comprise 100% polyester. The fabric construction with yarn type and yarn size is FDP75d/72f×FDP90d/96f, which is a woven construction. FDP represents full dull polyester. 75d represents 75 denier which is the size of the yarn in the warp/vertical; 72f represents 72 filaments which are combined to make the total yarn size. 90 denier represents the yarn size in the weft/fill. 96f represents 96 filaments which are combined to make the total yarn size. This is a microfiber yarn, which makes the overall fabric softener. Varying size denier fibers may be used as desired by one of skill in the art.
In another embodiment, the fabric may comprise 85% nylon and 15% spandex. The construction of the nylon/spandex blend is FDN70d/72f+40d Spandex. This is a knit construction. FDN represents full dull nylon. 70d/72f represents 70 denier yarn size by 72 filaments that are combined to make up the total yarn size. 40d Spandex represents the size of the spandex core of the yarn. Nylon fibers cover the spandex core to create the yarn used in this product. Varying size denier fibers may be used for construction as desired by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, such fabric construction displays anti-snag properties.
In other embodiments, the fabric may comprise any blend of nylon, spandex, and polyester. Embodiments may include nylon and spandex blends comprising 95% nylon, or 90% nylon, or 80% nylon, or 75% nylon, or 70% nylon, or 65% nylon, or 60% nylon, or 55% nylon, or 50% nylon, or 45% nylon, or 40% nylon, or 35% nylon, or 30% nylon, or 25% nylon, or 20% nylon, or 15% nylon, or 10% nylon, or 5% nylon. In some embodiments, the fabric may comprise 100% nylon. In some embodiments, the fabric may comprise 100% spandex.
In one embodiment, the fabric is treated with an anti-wicking or moisture-wicking finish. The anti-wicking finish or wicking Finish (WF) absorbs moisture away from the body and disperses the moisture throughout the surface of the fabric. This creates more comfort for the wearer as moisture does not saturate the fabric in one spot and stick to the body. When moisture is spread out, it does not feel as wet which enhances comfort.
In another example embodiment, the fabric may also be treated with a scent-control treatment. The scent-control treatment is applied to the fabric fibers and such treatment encapsulates the fibers and absorbs any odor particles which make contact with the fibers of the fabric. The scent-control treatment prevents the fibers from absorbing the odor particles. When the fabric is cleaned or laundered, the scent-control treatment allows the odor particles to be released from the fabric. Any other scent-control treatment may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. The scent control is applied in a chemical bath. The scent control treatment is put in a bath and the fabric roll is run through the bath, absorbing the treatment. It is then run through a dryer which sets the treatment into the fabric.
In still a further example embodiment, the fabric may be treated with an anti-microbial control treatment. The anti-microbial control treatment prevents bacteria and other microbial growth, which may lead to odors as well as bacterial infections. In one embodiment, the anti-microbial control treatment may comprise all natural ingredients. In one embodiment, the anti-microbial control treatment may comprise zinc and may be free of heavy metals such as silver. Other anti-microbial control treatment compositions may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. The anti-microbial control and inhibits the growth of bacteria that can collect on the fabric. Bacteria can grow from the perspiration that is collected on the fabric and can smell (think old, unwashed towel). This treatment prevents the smell that occurs with bacteria growth.
In another example embodiment, the anti-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may be treated with ultra-violet protection.
The moisture-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric may be used to manufacture formal wear, referred to herein as composite garments. In one embodiment, the composite garment comprises an outer layer of fabric attached to an inner liner of fabric. In one example embodiment, the inner liner of fabric is comprised of a moisture-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric. In one embodiment, the inner liner of fabric may include a bodice support which effectively supports and enhances the bust while supporting, smoothing and elongating the bodice of the dress.
The present invention also discloses a method to manufacture a composite garment, such as a wedding dress, bridesmaid dress or other formal dress. This method involves the steps of (1) obtaining an outer layer of fabric having a top edge, a fastenable opening, and a seam allowance; (2) obtaining an inner liner of fabric comprising a top edge and a bottom edge, a fastenable opening coexistent with the fastenable opening of the dress, wherein the inner liner comprises moisture-wicking, scent-controlled, anti-microbial fabric, wherein the inner liner may comprise a bodice support having a plurality of stays which extend from substantially the top edge of the bodice support to the bottom edge of the bodice support and which are placed in close proximity to each other, and a seam allowance, wherein a slip may be attached to the bottom edge of the bodice support; (3) altering the seam allowance in the outer layer of fabric to accommodate the wearer of the dress; (4) altering the seam allowance of the inner liner of fabric to accommodate the wearer of the liner; and (5) attaching the top edge of the outer layer of fabric to the top edge of the inner liner of fabric.
Referring now to the
Referring again to
Referring now to
Stays 14 are placed within close proximity to each other. The placement of stays 14 is dependent on the style and size of the outer layer 2. The larger the size of outer layer 2, the greater the number of stays 14 used in bodice support 8. The less material used in the style of the bodice support 8 (such as if the bodice support 8 were backless), the greater the number of stays 14 used to provide support to the wearer. Stays 14 are placed within zero centimeters from each other, or side by side, to three and one-half centimeters from each other, but stays 14 may be placed up to approximately seven and one-half centimeters apart as desired by one skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, two stays 14 are placed vertically side by side in the center front of the bodice support 8 to support bust cups 24. The number of stays 14 and the placement of stays 14 in bodice support 8 vary as the size and style of outer layer 2 vary to provide support to the wearer. In one embodiment, outer layer 2 is backless and therefore, bodice support 8 has more stays 14 in the front of bodice support 8 and stays 14 are spatially placed as needed to provide support to the wearer. Stays 14 are placed within bodice support 8. Stays 14 are spatially placed throughout bodice support 8 to support and enhance the midriff, abdomen, and bust of the wearer. Bodice support 8 has at least eight stays 14, but more stays 14 may be used as desired by one skilled in the art. For example, bodice support 8 is made to accommodate a ladies dress size fourteen and has eighteen stays 14 within bodice support 8.
Referring again to
Referring now to
Referring again to
Top edge 20 of bodice support 8 is attached to the top edge 4 of outer layer of fabric 2. Bodice support 8 is approximately one-half inch smaller than the bodice of outer layer 2. Top edge 4 of outer layer 2 and top edge 20 of bodice support 8 have no seam allowance for alteration. In a preferred embodiment, a top stitch is sewn to top edges 4 and 20 to ensure the placement of outer layer 2. Outer layer of fabric 2 has a seam allowance that may be altered to accommodate the wearer of outer layer 2. The seam allowance is located on each side and center back of the bodice of outer layer 2. The seam allowance in outer layer 2 is approximately three to five inches. Inner liner 6 has a seam allowance that may be altered to accommodate the wearer. The seam allowance in inner liner 6 is approximately three to four inches and is located on the side and center back of bodice support 8. In a preferred embodiment, the seam allowance in inner liner 6 corresponds to any alteration made to the seam allowance in outer layer of fabric 2. At least one stay 14 is placed on the reverse side of each side seam allowance in bodice support 8 (not shown).
Referring now to
Referring now to
The present invention derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/085,498, filed Sep. 30, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63085498 | Sep 2020 | US |
