ELASTIC BAND CONSTRUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an elastic band, more particularly, formed of hydrophilic yarns and hydrophobic yarns in combination with elastomeric yarns.

BACKGROUND

Waistbands for skirts, trousers, underwear, headbands, shorts, trousers, long johns, tights, and underbands for bras, and the like are known in a wide variety of types and constructions. In many conventional waistbands having opposite sides, a skin-facing side and an opposed outside, the materials used to form each of the skin-facing and/or outside surfaces both have hydrophilic and/or moisture wicking properties. This configuration results in the absorbed or wicked moisture and/or perspiration in or on the skin-facing surface to remain in contact with the skin, which is generally undesirable and/or uncomfortable and possibly contributory to causing skin aliments, such as rashes or other microbial maladies.

SUMMARY

It is, accordingly, an object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. More particularly it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved elastic band which is not possessed of these disadvantages.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the present disclosure are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The present disclosure itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific examples when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

As used herein, the term “elastic band” is inclusive of waistbands, for skirts, trousers, bras, underwear, headbands, caps (skull caps), hats, shorts, trousers, long johns, tights, underbands for bras, and articles of clothing having an elastic section configured to hold or secure the textile in place on a wearer of the textile. For providing an exemplary description, the terms and phrases “waistbands, underbands bras, skirts, trousers, underwear, headbands, caps (skull caps), hats, shorts, trousers, long johns, tights and articles of clothing having an elastic section configured to hold or secure the textile in place on a wearer of the textile” are used in the present disclosure interchangeably and inclusively with “elastic band.”

In one example, an elastic band for an article of clothing is provided. The waistband comprises an elongated strip-shaped outer layer of woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric having two transversely spaced longitudinally extending margins and an outer and an inner side, the outer layer being hydrophilic, an elongated strip-shaped inner layer of a different woven, longitudinally stretchable fabric the inner layer being hydrophobic, the inner layer extending along the inner side of the outer layer and being united with the inner layer at least along one of the longitudinally extending margins, the interlayer having an exposed inner side facing away from the inner side of the outer layer. In one example, a logo is woven into the fabric of the outer layer.

In one example, alone or in combination with one or more of the previous examples, the outer and inner layers are interwoven at at least a portion of their interface. In one example, alone or in combination with one or more of the previous examples, the inner layer being composed at least in part of metal-, metal oxide-, and/or metal salt-containing yarn.

In another example, a double-layer waistband is provided. The double-layer waistband comprising, when in an un-folded configuration comprises a hydrophobic section having a plurality of first apertures, a hydrophilic section having a plurality of second apertures, and an transition section between the hydrophobic section and the hydrophilic section, wherein the hydrophobic section, the hydrophilic section, and the transition section lie in a continuous plane.

In another example, a double-layer waistband is provided. The double-layer waistband comprising a hydrophobic section having a plurality of first apertures, the hydrophobic section having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a hydrophilic section having a plurality of second apertures, the hydrophilic section having a third surface and an opposite fourth surface, and wherein the first surface and third surface are juxtaposed.

In one example, alone or in combination with one or more of the previous examples, and the hydrophilic section comprises polyester, acrylic, nylon, cotton, wool or blended yarns thereof in combination with elastomeric yarn. In one example, alone or in combination with one or more of the previous examples, the hydrophobic section comprises metal-, metal oxide-, or metal salt-containing yarn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary waistband construct disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sports bra comprising the exemplary waistband construct disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 3 is a section view of a portion of an exemplary waistband construct as disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of a portion of the exemplary waistband construct of FIG. 3, as disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 5 a front perspective view of an exemplary article of clothing incorporating a double layer waistband construct disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of section 6 from FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sports bra incorporating the exemplary double layer waistband construct similar to FIG. 6, disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 8A is a top plan view a portion of the inside surfaces of the exemplary double layer waistband construct similar to FIG. 6, disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of a portion of the outside surfaces of the exemplary double layer waistband construct similar to FIG. 6, disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 8C depicts a side perspective view of a portion of an article for forming the exemplary double layer waistband construct, disclosed and described herein;

FIG. 9A depicts a portion of a skin facing surface of an exemplary double layer waistband construct incorporated in an article of clothing; and

FIG. 9B depicts a portion of an outside facing surface of an exemplary double layer waistband construct incorporated in an article of clothing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used throughout this application, the term “hydrophilic yarns” and its grammatical equivalents mean yarns having an affinity for moisture and/or water or readily absorbing or wicking water, or liquid compositions of biological origin comprised mostly of water, e.g., perspiration. The hydrophilic properties of the yarn may be intrinsic to the materials used to form the yarn, the shape/surface area or size/denier per filament, or the hydrophilic properties may be imparted to the yarn by treating the yarn with one or more hydrophilic compositions.

As used throughout this application, the term “hydrophobic yarns” and its grammatical equivalents mean yarns having an essentially no affinity for moisture and/or water, repel moisture and/or water, or that essentially resist absorbing water, or liquid compositions of biological origin comprised mostly of water, e.g., perspiration. The hydrophobic properties of the yarn may be intrinsic to the materials used to form the yarn, the shape/surface area or size/denier per filament, or the hydrophobic properties may be imparted to the yarn by treating the yarn with one or more hydrophobic compositions.

Discussing now the drawings in detail, and with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, presently disclosed waistband constructs 34, 35 incorporated in articles of clothing, e.g. waistband for shorts 10 and underband for sports bra 20, respectively, (hereinafter “waistband” and “elastic band” are used interchangeably). It will be seen that the waistband is composed of an outer surface layer 14 and an inside skin facing surface layer 16. Optional indicia, such as a brand name or “logo” 75 is integral with one or both of the outer surface layer 14 and inside skin facing surface layers 16. Reverse image 75′ of logo 75 appears on inside surface layer 16.

With reference to FIG. 3, waistband 20 comprises a layer of woven fabric having opposite sides 50 and 52 between two transversely spaced longitudinally extending edges. Both the layers 14 and the layer 16 are of woven mesh fabric, and the layer 16 is unitary with the layer 14 along a longitudinally extending interface layer 70 (or “middle layer”) thereof. In one example, the surfaces of the two layers are juxtaposed over their entire surface areas via interface layer 70.

One side of the layer 14 is juxtaposed with layer 16. In the illustrated example, the layers 14, 16 (and middle layer) are formed by weaving ends of yarns and which are offset with reference to one another so that, in one example, longitudinally extending ribs and free areas intermediate them are obtained. These yarns are directly woven into the material of the layer 14 during the joint manufacture of the layers 14 and 16, as is well known to those skilled in the art. In one example, side 50 is configured for presenting to, being adjacent to, or being directly adjacent to the skin wearer, with side 52 being opposed thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the waistband is composed of an outer surface layer 14 and an inside skin facing surface layer 16. Optional logo 75 is integral with one or both of the outer surface layer 14 and inside skin facing surface layer 16. In one example, a basic woven waistband construct without any logo, text, or symbols integral with the outer surface suitable is provided suitable for inexpensive underwear or stretch-to-fit caps. Unfortunately, in such constructs, layers 14 and 16 are made up of hydrophilic yarns, or yarns of different hydrophilicity, interwoven with elastomeric yarn, such as spandex. When the wearer perspires this construct will become wet and remain wet or moist on the skin facing surface because of the hydrophilic yarns being directly next to the skin, which is undesirable. In one example, the present disclosure excludes an elastic band construct comprising layers 14 and 16 that are made up of predominantly hydrophilic yarns, or yarns of predominantly different hydrophilicity, interwoven with elastomeric yarn.

In one example, a technical solution to the aforementioned technical problem of the preceding paragraph is provided as shown for example in FIG. 3. The construct of FIG. 3 is without a logo, text or symbols however comprises hydrophobic layer 16 configured for presenting to, being adjacent to, or being directly adjacent to the skin of a wearer. In one example, hydrophobic layer 16 comprises polypropylene in combination with elastomeric yarns such as spandex or polyurethanes. In another example, hydrophobic layer 16 comprises polypropylene containing metal, metal oxide, or salt. In another example, hydrophobic layer 16 comprises polypropylene containing zinc, zinc oxide, copper, copper oxide, or a copper salt. Copper oxide and copper sites include compounds having copper cations Cu+, Cu++, Cu+++, and mixtures thereof. In another example, hydrophobic layer 16 comprises polypropylene containing silver, silver oxide, or a silver salt. Silver oxide and silver salts include compounds having silver cations Ag+, Ag++, Ag+++, and mixtures thereof.

In one example, outer surface layer 14 comprises hydrophilic yarns integral with hydrophobic layer 16. Exemplary hydrophilic yarns include polyesters, nylons, polyester blends, nylon blends, acrylics, cotton, and wool. Other examples of hydrophilic yarns include yarns treated with hydrophilic coatings. In the waistband construct comprising hydrophobic layer 16 integral with hydrophilic layer 14, perspiration and/or moisture will move from the wearer through the hydrophobic layer 16 to the hydrophilic outer layer 14.

In contrast to the construct where hydrophilic yarns are used, the above construct (hydrophobic layer 16 adjacent the skin of the wearer/hydrophilic layer adjacent 14 more distal from skin of wearer than hydrophobic layer 16) provides for moisture and/or perspiration to be repelled by the hydrophobic layer 16 and contained in the non-skin facing surface layer 14 comprising hydrophilic yarns rendering the surface in contact with the wearer to be relatively dry, and more comfortable.

With reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary waistband construct is provided with a logo, text, or symbol indicated, by way of example, as logo 75 (or other design or symbol) as shown in FIG. 4, logo 75 being integrally woven with at least one side of the outer layer 14 and skin facing layer 16. In this example, the logo is provided by switching color contrasting yarns of layers 14, 16 during the weaving process in a controlled manner to provide a visual representation of the logo. In this construct, a small portion, e.g., equal to a surface area of the sum of all of the logos created, of the hydrophilic yarns from layer 16 are presented to the skin surface of the wearer, which may hold moisture and/or perspiration next to the skin.

In another example, the middle layer 70 can be essentially hydrophobic yarn (a second layer of layer 14). In this construct, the yarns switch places and logo 75 appears on front side as the front side color contrasting yarns of hydrophilic layer 14 are reversed into middle layer 70, but these contrasting yarns are substantially absent on the skin facing side of hydrophobic layer 16.

The materials of the layers 14 and 16 include elastomeric yarns in an amount suitable for providing stretch and recovery along a radius of the waistband, if the waistband is viewed as a ring. In one example, yarns and/or fibers of the layers 14 and/or 16 in themselves have a particular stretch capability. Thus, customarily used elastic fibers of any suitable type, for example, a filament elastic fiber, elastane, LYCRA®, creora®, polyurethane fibers, or the like, can be utilized. In one example, texturized filaments or yarn are utilized for layer 14, 16, or 70.

With reference to FIG. 5, enlarged view of section 6 of FIG. 5 (FIG. 6), and FIG. 7, an additional exemplary band construct is provided, shown incorporated in articles of clothing, e.g. a waistband 135 of shorts 10, and an underband 134 for sports bra 20.

The constructs 134, 135 are manufactured and configured to be folded longitudinally and optionally affixed in part to form a double-layer waistband construct having moisture management and/or air circulation functionality, among other things that improve the comfort of the wearer. Each layer of the double-layer trim construct includes a plurality of openings 126 that facilitate the moisture management and/or air circulation functionality of the band. A channel may be formed in one of the layers that may be used to hold a drawstring by which, for example, an elastic band construction that can be tightened or loosened.

In FIG. 8A, 8B, opposing surfaces 134′,134″ of exemplary elastic band 134 is shown, each opposing surface presented in a flat, unfolded condition, that is, before the sections 102 and 103 thereof are superimposed or juxtaposed upon one another. In one example, section 102 comprises subsections 105, 110, and 115. In one example, one or more subsections of section 102 is constructed of predominantly hydrophobic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. In one example, all subsections of section 102 comprise predominantly hydrophobic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. Subsections 105, 110, and 115 are generally arranged in parallel with each other, thus, forming parallel sections that traverse longitudinally around the elastic band with their individual longitudinal axes generally parallel to the stretching direction of the elastic band. Subsections 105, 110 and 115 independently have opposing surfaces 106, 106′, 109, 109′, 116 and 116′, respectively.

In one example, section 103 comprises subsections 120, 125, and 130. In one example, one or more subsections of section 103 is constructed of predominantly hydrophilic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. In one example, all subsections of section 103 comprise predominantly hydrophilic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. Subsections 120, 125, and 130 are generally arranged in parallel with each other, thus, forming parallel sections that traverse longitudinally around the elastic band with their individual longitudinal axes generally parallel to the stretching direction of the elastic band. Subsections 120, 125, and 130 independently have opposing surfaces 121, 121′, 127, 127′, 131 and 131′, respectively.

In one example, subsection 110 comprises a plurality apertures having an average first size and subsection 125 comprises a plurality of apertures having an average second size. The first size and second size of the apertures of the respective subsections 110 and 125, respectively can be the same or different.

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, section 102 of the construct 135 an apertured section 110 interposed between a first section 105 and a second section 115. First section 105 is integrally connected to and formed from apertured section 110. Section 103 comprises an apertured section 125 interposed between a third section 120 and a fourth section 130. Fourth section 130 is integrally connected to and formed from apertured section 125. Thus, surfaces 106′, 109′ and 116′ of subsections 105, 110 and 115, respectively, present skin facing inner surface 16. Surfaces 121′, 127′, and 131′, respectively, of subsections 120, 125, and 130 present outer surface 14.

Section 115 transitions to section 120 through midline 113 that extends longitudinally between section 115 and section 120. As shown, a portion of section 115 extends past midline 113 such that when elastic band 134 is in a folded configuration a portion of section 115 is presented on opposing surfaces of the waistband. In one example, apertured section 110 transitions from hydrophobic yarns to hydrophilic apertured section 120 in at least a portion of section 115. The transition can be abrupt or gradual. In one example, hydrophobic inside section 102 transitions to hydrophilic section 103, with some of the hydrophobic material of section 102 being present in section 103 in proximity to midline 113, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B. In one example, the transition from hydrophobic apertured section 110 transitions to hydrophilic apertured section 120 in at least a portion of section 115 distal from midline 113 such that a portion of section 115 (hydrophobic yarn) is presented on opposing surfaces of the waistband, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B.

In one example, section 102 of the construct 134 comprises hydrophobic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. In one example, section 103 of the construct 134 comprises hydrophilic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn. In another example, section 102 comprises hydrophobic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn and section 103 comprises hydrophilic yarn in combination with elastomeric yarn.

In one example, hydrophobic yarn of section 102 comprises yarns of polypropylene in combination with elastomeric yarn. In an exemplary aspect, section 102 is formed using approximately 50-90%, polypropylene yarn and the remainder % spandex yarn although other ratios are contemplated herein. In another example, hydrophobic yarn of section 102 comprises yarns of polypropylene containing zinc, silver, copper, or their oxides and/or salts in combination with elastomeric yarn. Copper oxide and copper sites include compounds having copper cations Cu+, Cu++, Cu+++, and mixtures thereof. In another example, hydrophobic yarn of section 102 comprises polypropylene containing zinc, zinc oxide, silver, silver oxide, or a silver salt in combination with elastomeric yarn. Silver oxide and silver salts include compounds having silver cations Ag+, Ag++, Ag+++, and mixtures thereof.

In one example, hydrophilic yarn of one or more sections 120, 125, and 130 comprises yarns polyester, nylon, acrylic, viscose, cotton, wool, or blended yarn thereof in combination with spandex yarns although other types of elastic yarns are contemplated. In an exemplary aspect, the section 103 is formed using approximately 50-90% polyester, nylon, acrylic, viscose, cotton, wool, or blended yarn and the remainder % spandex yarn although other ratios are contemplated herein.

Use of spandex, elastane, etc., yarns in one or more sections 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130 imparts elastic functionality (e.g., two-way stretch and/or four-way stretch) and shape retention/memory to the construct 134 while maintaining structural integrity of the construct 134, for example, to hold or secure the textile in place about the body. Use of these yarn combinations and in the recited ratio may improve moisture management from one or more hydrophilic sections 120, 125, and 130 and/or improve moisture transport from one or more hydrophobic layer/sections 105, 110, and 115 (from inside section 102 to outside section 103) of presently disclosed band, thereby increasing wearer comfort.

Further, the construct 134 and/or the materials used to form the construct 134 may be treated and/or coated for mildew resistance, stain resistance, and fade resistance. As shown, sections 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130 all lie in essentially the same two-dimensional plane in the unfolded configuration.

In one example, first section 105 and a second section 115 of section 102 are devoid of apertures. In another example, first section 120 and a second section 130 of section 103 are devoid of apertures. In yet another example, first section 105 and a second section 115 of section 102 and first section 120 and a second section 130 of section 103 are devoid of apertures.

The construct 134 may be formed by a weaving process that utilizes a plurality of filaments, fibers, and/or yarns to integrally form the apertured sections and the first, second, third, and fourth sections 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130 respectively.

With reference now to FIGS. 8C, 9A, and 9B, construct 134 is shown in folded configuration. Construct 134a of FIG. 9A represents the skin facing surface, while construct 134b of FIG. 9B represents the outside of the waistband (non-skin facing) surface. Construct 134a of FIG. 9A presents hydrophobic apertured section 110 interposed between subsection 105 and subsection 115. In one example, apertured section 110, first section 105, and second section 115 (also referred to as apertured section 110, first section 105, and second section 115) of construct 134a comprise hydrophobic polypropylene with metal-, metal oxide-, metal salt-containing in combination with elastomeric yarn.

Construct 134b of FIG. 9B presents hydrophilic apertured subsection 125 interposed between subsection 120 and second subsection 130. In one example, apertured subsection 125, section 120, and section 130 of construct 134b comprise hydrophilic polyester, acrylic, nylon, viscose, cotton, wool and blended yarns thereof in combination with elastomeric yarn. Construct 134b of FIG. 9B presents a portion of hydrophobic subsection 115 on its outside surface to further improve the moisture management functionality of the present construct, as the interface between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections are not located at the upper edge of the waistband, and therefore avoid or eliminate collection and holding or wicking of moisture and/or perspiration that otherwise causes discomfort.

In one aspect, apertured section 125 ultimately forms the exterior layer 14 and apertured section 110 forms the interior layer 16 of the waistband construct in the folded configuration. By having the skin-contacting interior layer 16 comprised of a hydrophobic material, moisture is repelled away from the wearer's skin and into the hydrophilic material of exterior layer 14. The surface area created by the apertures (either the apertures 111 or the apertures 126) of one or both apertured sections 110 and 125 helps to disperse moisture and/or perspiration. In one example, upon transport to the exterior layer, the apertures 126 help to disperse the moisture as well as heat along the entirety of the external-facing layer 14. Further, the apertures in the interior layer 16 (skin-facing) facilitate increased air circulation which may also assist in the evaporation of the moisture during use.

In one example, sections 105 and 130 extends in the folded configuration, so that a marginal zone is provided for sewing to a garment, e.g., shorts or sports bra as indicated at 136. In one example, a marginal zone is not used and the sections 105 and 130 be coextensive in their folded configuration.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this disclosure is adapted to attain the objects set forth together with other advantages related to the structure. It is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

ELASTIC BAND CONSTRUCT

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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