Patent Grant
11896071
The present invention relates to the field of fastening devices for garments, accessories, systems and methods. More particularly, the present invention also relates to waistbands, scrunchies, grips and devices, systems and methods for improving the hold of garments and accessories on a user's body.
Clothing and other human body adornments have existed since before recorded history. As early humans became more nomadic, walking long distances, they lost body hair to prevent overheating, but the lack of body hair posed new, highly variable threats from the environment. At least 50,000 years ago, prehistoric man began sewing animal hides together to cover their bodies, and provide protection suitable for their varying environments. Humans advanced past the simple repurposing of animal hides, and created felt and other textiles, starting perhaps 10,000 years ago. Textiles allowed humans to adapt to a wider variety of environments, using different thicknesses and types of materials. Textiles also have a much wider range in physical appearance than hides. At the same time, accessories and body ornaments were developed, such as necklaces and earrings, for predominantly aesthetic reasons. Humans began to adorn their bodies, and improve their physical appearance using clothing and jewelry, giving birth to fashion.
In modern fashion, a wide variety of body-supporting garments have been developed, including some devices that aid in fastening or otherwise holding garments to the human body. For example, belts, ties and elastic bands have been developed for holding pants, tops, socks and other garments to a user's body, preventing them from slipping off. As another example, to help manage longer head hair, hair clips, hair ties, barrettes, pins, hair and headbands, scarves and other hair accessories have been developed, which gather hair together or hold it in some fashion. Some such hair tie devices, known as “scrunchies,” include an elastic band within a textile, providing a constant active tension. Some such scrunchies may bear an adornment, such as jewelry or a decorative textile.
It should be noted that some of the disclosures set forth as background, such as, but not limited to, the above language under the heading “Background,” do not relate exclusively to prior art and the state of the art in the field(s) of the invention, and should not be construed as an admission with respect thereto.
New garment-fastening techniques are provided. In some embodiments, a new form of adjustable hair tie is provided. In some such embodiments, a new form of scrunchie is provided. In some embodiments, the new form of scrunchie includes widely-variable, user-adjustable tension, elastic cushioning disposed on or about a contact area with a user's hair, and a smooth (e.g., silk) surface. In some embodiments, the contact area surrounds and defines a central hair-gripping void with a user-variable size, and includes a substantially flattened support and profile. In some embodiments, a new form of waistband, wristband, or other clothing-fastening band of material is provided. In some such embodiments, a new form of garment enhancement device, incorporating a unique pattern of alignment- and grip-enhancing sub-elements, is provided on or about such a band, which improves garment positioning, and provides a non-stick hold on a user's body.
Some embodiments of the invention relate to new textiles. In some such embodiments, new fabrics, for use in clothing and other devices, are provided. In some such embodiments, fabrics including cotton are provided. In some embodiments, fabrics including silver are provided. In some embodiments, fabrics including polyester are provided. In some embodiments, fabrics including 37.5 TECHNOLOGY, which are currently available from Cocona, Inc., are provided. In some embodiments, blends of such different fabric materials, and/or other materials, are provided. For example, in some embodiments, a blend including cotton and another material is provided. As another example, in some embodiments, a blend including polyester and another material is provided. In some such embodiments, a blend including cotton and polyester is provided.
In some embodiments, 37.5 technology includes active particles. In some such embodiments, such active particles are made, at least in part, from volcanic sand. In some embodiments, such active particles are made, at least in part, from activated carbon. In some embodiments, such activated carbon is in the form of activated charcoal. In some embodiments, such activated carbon is created from coconut shells. Unique combinations and configurations of such materials, and other materials, are set forth as new fabrics, garments, and other devices, in greater detail below.
These and other aspects and examples of the invention will be made clearer below, in other parts of this application. This Summary, the Abstract, and other parts of the application, are for ease of understanding only, and no part of this application should be read to limit the scope of the invention, whether or not it references matter in any other part.
It should be noted that the figures referenced above are examples only of the wide variety of different embodiments falling within the scope of the invention, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, any particular size(s), shape(s), proportion(s), scale(s), material(s) or number(s) of elements pictured are illustrative and demonstrative, and do not limit the scope of invention, as will be so readily apparent.
The example embodiments of the invention presented herein are directed to new body-holding systems, clothing, accessories, devices, methods and other techniques, which are now described herein. This description and the particular embodiments set forth herein are examples of broader principles of the invention, and do not limit the application and scope of the invention presented herein. In fact, after reading the following description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the following example embodiments in a wide variety of alternative embodiments.
The use of a particular gender, number or order of elements or steps should, similarly, not be considered to limit the scope of the invention, and, with respect to each such element or step, the description should be understood to also set forth, separately and in addition, each other possible gender, number, order and configuration of such element(s) and step(s).
As mentioned above, some embodiments of the invention relate to new textiles. In some such embodiments, new fabrics, for use in clothing and other devices, are provided. In some such embodiments, fabrics including cotton are provided. In some such embodiments, such fabrics include a high proportion of cotton (i.e., are “cotton-rich”). In some such embodiments, such fabrics have a yarn with a cotton composition. In some embodiments, such fabrics are soft to the touch, or softened. In some embodiments, fabrics including pima cotton (e.g., U.S. pima cotton) are provided. In some embodiments, fabrics including an antimicrobial component (e.g., an anti-bacterial component) are provided. For example, in some such embodiments, fabrics including silver are provided. For example, in some embodiments, fabrics including silver compositions (such as XT2, which is currently available from Noble Biomaterials, Inc.) are provided. In some such embodiments, such fabrics including silver compositions include a component in a clear state or format (e.g., silver in a clear state or format). In some embodiments, such components otherwise appear transparent, or substantially transparent. In some embodiments, fabric compositions including an anti-microbial component (such as silver), are used to reduce body odor emanating from a user wearing the fabric. In some such embodiments, such an anti-microbial component is an anti-bacterial component. In some such embodiments, such an anti-microbial component is an anti-fungal component. In some embodiments, fabric compositions including an anti-bacterial component (such as silver), are used to reduce the number of washes necessary to clean clothing, and/or to increase the time between washes of such clothing.
In some embodiments, fabrics in accordance with the present invention (e.g., fabrics incorporating cotton) have a yarn composition of a knit construction. For example, in some such embodiments (e.g., fabrics including cotton and a yarn with a knit construction), such fabrics include a yarn with an interlocking single jersey construction. In some embodiments, some such yarns include one or more elastic fibers. For example, in some embodiments, some such yarns include spandex. In some embodiments, users provide or wear fabrics including any of the yarns set forth in the present application (e.g., yarns including cotton, a knit construction, and spandex) to aid in thermoregulation via the yarn fabric. In some such embodiments, users provide or wear such fabrics to facilitate rest, such as sleeping. In some such embodiments, the yarn fabric is provided and/or worn to improve rest and/or sleep quality by thermoregulation of a user's body.
In some embodiments, a fabric according to the present invention includes a yarn with a cotton composition, a silver composition and a 37.5 technology composition. In some such embodiments, the fabric is cotton-rich. In some embodiments, such a cotton composition includes U.S. pima cotton. In some embodiments, the cotton composition includes a 38 mm kind. In some embodiments, such 37.5 technology is housed in polyester fiber. In some embodiments, any suitable kind of cotton known in the art of creating clothing and textiles may be used. In some embodiments, the 37.5 technology, or another fabric material, includes “active particles,” which absorb radiation. In some such embodiments, such active particles absorb infrared radiation. In some such embodiments, such active particles absorb infrared radiation with a range of wavelengths at least partially overlapping with the radiation emission spectrum of the human body. In some embodiments, such active particles include active particles from volcanic sand. In some embodiments, such active particles include active particles made from coconut shells. In some embodiments, such active particles from volcanic sand may have a plurality of pores. In some embodiments, such particles from coconut shells may have a plurality of pores. In some embodiments, such a pluralities of pores may include micropores. In some embodiments, such micropores may number in the billions. In some such embodiments, such micropores may number in the billions within a particular piece of fabric and/or garment.
In some embodiments, such active particles retain more heat in the absence of moisture (e.g., sweat vapor), and serve to heat a user's body when she or he is not sweating (i.e., likely having a cold body temperature). In some embodiments, such active particles lose heat more rapidly in the presence of moisture (e.g., sweat vapor), and serve to cool a user's body when she or he is sweating (i.e., likely having a warm body temperature.) In some embodiments, such cooling is facilitated by the active particles transporting moisture, or accelerating the transportation of moisture, away from a user's body. In some embodiments, such moisture transportation prevents the pooling of sweat about a user's body, increasing comfort and maintaining thermoregulatory control. In some embodiments, the active particles open up (e.g., widen their pores or other openings) when subjected to infrared radiation, creating a cooling effect.
In some embodiments, the 37.5 technology is of a 1.4 dtex×38 mm staple fiber kind. In some embodiments, such a silver composition is XT2. In some embodiments, such XT2 is in a clear state or format. In some embodiments, such XT2 is of a 40/24 DTY yarn kind. In some such embodiments, such XT2 is of a clear yarn kind. In some embodiments, XT2 is used to inhibit the growth of bacteria on garments. In some embodiments, XT2 is used to inhibit the growth of fungi on garments. In some embodiments, XT2 is used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on garments. In some embodiments, XT2 is used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on garments and reduce garment odor.
In some embodiments, a cotton-rich fabric is a blended cotton-rich fabric, and combines cotton and 37.5 technology in a single fabric through the use of yarn blending using a draw-frame blending. In some embodiments, a cotton-rich fabric combines cotton and 37.5 technology in a single fabric through the use of yarn sequencing using a draw-frame blending. In some embodiments, a cotton-rich fabric combines cotton and 37.5 technology in a single fabric through the use of yarn blending and yarn sequencing using a draw-frame blending. In some embodiments, any of such fabrics is cotton for customs purposes. In some embodiments, any of such fabrics is cotton to enhance comfort. In some embodiments, any of such fabrics is cotton to enhance aesthetics and user adoption. In some embodiments, any of such fabrics is cotton to enhance the feel of a garment and enhance user adoption. In some embodiments, the blended cotton-rich fabric is created by knitting XT2 in parallel with a 60/1 cotton yarn blended with 37.5 technology.
In some embodiments, any of the cotton-rich fabrics set forth in this application is/are used for garments benefiting from the properties of a fabric of their nature. For example, in some embodiments, any of the cotton-rich fabrics set forth in this application is/are used to create the thermoregulation properties thereof, in some embodiments. As another example, any of the cotton-rich fabrics set forth in this application is/are used to create the humidity control properties thereof, in some embodiments. As another example, any of the cotton-rich fabrics set forth in this application is/are used to create the anti-bacterial properties thereof, in some embodiments. As another example, any of the cotton-rich fabrics set forth in this application is/are used to create the anti-odor properties thereof, in some embodiments. As yet another example, any of the cotton-rich fabrics set forth in this application is/are used to create the thermoregulation, humidity control and anti-bacterial properties thereof, in some embodiments. In some embodiments of cotton-rich fabrics as set forth in the present application, the 37.5 technology preferably makes up at least, or about at least, thirty percent (30%) of the fabric. In some such embodiments, that proportion of 37.5 technology enhances thermoregulation. In some embodiments of other fabrics as set forth in the present application, the 37.5 technology preferably makes up at least, or about at least, thirty percent (30%) of the fabric. In some such embodiments, that proportion of 37.5 technology enhances thermoregulation.
In some embodiments, some fabrics in accordance with the present invention provide greater comfort than other fabrics, and may be worn more often during rest and leisure activities. In some such embodiments, some fabrics in accordance with aspects of the present invention are softer to the touch than other fabrics. In some embodiments, some fabrics in accordance with aspects of the present invention yield thermoregulatory effects or perceived thermoregulatory effects. For example, in some such embodiments, such fabrics yield a cooling sensation for a user. In some embodiments, some fabrics in accordance with aspects of the present invention are more resistant to soil and other infections than other fabrics. In some such embodiments, such fabrics may be worn more between washes, with less negative impacts for the user and the environment, than other fabrics.
In some embodiments, fabrics in accordance with the present invention (e.g., fabrics composed of a high proportion of cotton) have a particular composition (such as a yarn composition) yielding any of the advantages set forth above. In some embodiments, fabrics in accordance with the present invention have a particular finish, yielding any of the advantages set forth above.
As discussed above, in some embodiments, cotton-rich fabrics according to the present invention are made draw-frame blending. In some embodiments, draw-frame blending of this nature, when used to create cotton-rich fabrics according to the present invention, achieves, or better achieves, equalizing. In some embodiments, such draw-frame blending of such cotton-rich fabrics, achieves, or better achieves, parallelizing. In some embodiments, such draw-frame blending of such cotton-rich fabrics achieves, or better achieves blending. In some embodiments, such draw-frame blending of such cotton-rich fabrics achieves, or better achieves, dust removal. In some embodiments, the evenness of a sliver used in creating such cotton-rich fabrics is improved. For example, in some embodiments, carded slivers that are fed to a draw frame have degrees of unevenness, and slivers from a comber may contain piecing, and an initial doubling process of compact siro-spinning serves to reduce such unevenness. The draft and doubling have the same value, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, such a value is between about six and eight. In some embodiments, such a value is in feet or inches. In some embodiments, unevenness is further reduced by an auto-leveling process. In some embodiments, fibers are arranged in parallel in a fiber strand. In some such embodiments, a value for strength is obtained as a yarn characteristic, based on such a parallel arrangement. In some embodiments, such a parallel arrangement is achieved with a draw frame. Each drafting leads to straightening of fibers, in some embodiments. In addition to equalizing, the doubling also provides some compensation for raw material variation, by blending, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, results of compact siro-spinning are exploited in the production of blended yarns comprising cotton or synthetic blends. In some such embodiments, at a draw frame, metering of individual components can be carried out by selecting the number of slivers entering the machines.
In some embodiments, waistband 810 and body-holding band 807 include a band of material. For example, in some such embodiments, such a band of material includes an elastic material. In some embodiments, such a band of material is present on part of a waistband, such as waistband 810. In some embodiments, such an elastic material is present on part of a waistband. In other embodiments, a band of material is present on all or substantially all of a waistband, such as waistband 810. Likewise, in some embodiments, such an elastic material is present on all or substantially all of a waistband, such as waistband 810. In some embodiments, such a band and/or waistband includes a fastener (not pictured), such as any of the fasteners set forth in this application, or any other fastener available in the art of textiles and clothing. However, in some embodiments, such a band and/or waistband does not include a fastener, other than a band and/or waistband and grip-enhancing sub-elements. In some embodiments, a user may use a waistband in accordance with aspects of the present invention to hold her or his garment in place, and/or aid in maintaining a suitable alignment or other positioning of her or his garment. For example, in some embodiments, a user may use a waistband in accordance with aspects of the present invention to hold her or his garment on or about her or his waist.
For example, because grip-enhancing sub-elements 805 may line an inward-facing surface (facing away from the viewer, in the perspective of
In various embodiments, pattern 803 may be of any shape, size, plurality or arrangement of particular sub-elements, such as, but not limited to, any of example grip-enhancing sub-elements 805. Also in various embodiments, a gripping pattern or texture may include fewer or more grip enhancing sub-elements than that pictured. However, in some embodiments, certain particular pattern(s) of a plurality of grip-enhancing sub-elements are preferred (as discussed further).
In some embodiments, at least part of waistband 810, and/or at least part of pattern 803, includes a sub-pattern(s) of grip-enhancing sub-elements, such as example sub-pattern of five (5) grip-enhancing sub-elements 823, shown lining at least part of an inward-facing surface of waistband 810. This, and other such patterns of grip-enhancing sub-elements, and various possible placements thereof, will be discussed in greater detail below.
For example, as pictured, such grip-enhancing sub-elements are provided in a form of repeating groups in some embodiments, as pictured along the length of the waistband 810. In other embodiments, any of a wide variety of other possible repeating patterns may be included. In some embodiments, such patterns (e.g., repeating groups of five (5) grip-enhancing sub-elements) are spaced at regular intervals, as pictured. Such spacing, and the number of such repeating patterns, may be selected to uniformly cover a given waistband or other material of a particular length or other size, or by some other ideal spacing and number, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, such repeating patterns are spaced 0.5 inches apart from one another, or at about that spacing. In some embodiments, such repeating patterns may be spaced to include 9 such repeating patterns, evenly distributed across all or a part of a band of material, or the waistband 810. In some embodiments, such repeating patterns may be spaced to include 8 such repeating patterns, evenly distributed across all or a part of a band of material, or the waistband 810 (as pictured in
In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements are exposed, and directly contact a wearer's body, at or about the waistline, when garment 800 is donned. In some such embodiments, the appearance of such grip-enhancing sub-elements may be enhanced. For example, in some such embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements may be slightly or brightly colored, and arranged in aesthetically-pleasing patterns (e.g., a logo). In some embodiments, however, fabric and/or another material(s) of garment 800 at least partially cover at least some of such grip-enhancing sub-elements. In such embodiments, because such fabric and/or another material(s) is/are flexible and compressible, such grip-enhancing sub-elements create unique body-holding and/or garment-positioning patterns on the body-facing surface(s) of such fabric and/or other material(s), especially when donned. However, in some such embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements are not visible, or, at least, not plainly visible, due to such fabric and/or another material(s) covering them. In some embodiments, such covering may be sewn or otherwise adhered in place, preventing access to such grip-enhancing sub-elements unless the garment is opened up.
As mentioned above, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, in some embodiments, a band of material (e.g., an elastic or other band) or other backing material bears a given pattern of grip-enhancing sub-elements. In some such embodiments, such a band may be mounted to a garment. In some such embodiments, such a band may be held and welded, tacked, glued, sewn or otherwise joined to another material of the garment. Such embodiments may be particularly useful in garments including a slippery material, such as silk. For example, in some embodiments, such a band is tacked within a channel formed within another material of such a garment. In some such embodiments, such a band is tacked periodically within a channel formed at the waistband of a garment. As another example, in some embodiments, grip-enhancing sub-elements are held within a channel formed within a material of a garment.
In some embodiments, grip-enhancing sub-elements are integral with or joined directly to a material or fabric forming at least part of the remainder of garment 800. For example, in some embodiments, grip-enhancing sub-elements are integral with at least a part of waistband 810. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements may be fastened and/or otherwise joined to any of such materials or fabrics. However, in some such embodiments, such fastening or otherwise joining is carried out only on fabrics where such fastening and/or joining does not compromise the integrity and/or durability of the fabric. For example, in some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements may be bonded to such materials and/or fabrics. As another example, in some embodiments, such materials or fabrics may be glued to any of such materials and/or fabrics. As another example, in some embodiments, such materials or fabrics may be sewn to any of such materials or fabrics. As another example, in some embodiments, such materials or fabrics may be mounted to any of such materials or fabrics with an adhesive.
Such grip-enhancing sub-elements may be created from a wide variety of suitable materials, in various embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include silicone. In some such embodiments, such a silicone material is, or is treated or conditioned with, a non-stick material. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include a transparent material. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include a translucent material. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include an opaque material. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include silicone gel. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include rubber. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include plastic. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include thermoplastic polyurethane (a.k.a. “TPU”). In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include a material that is resistant to oils. In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include a material that is resistant to another substance likely to be contacted (e.g., sweat, cosmetics and other clothing materials). In some embodiments, such grip-enhancing sub-elements include an adhesive gel.
Similarly, in various embodiments, any band of material or other backer on which grip-enhancing sub-elements are mounted, joined, or are integral with, may be created from a wide variety of suitable materials. For example, in some embodiments, such a backer includes elastic. In some such embodiments, such a backer is in the form of an elastic band(s). As another example, in some embodiments, such a backer includes silicone. In some such embodiments, such a silicone material is, or is treated or conditioned with, a non-stick material. In some embodiments, such a backer includes an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, such a backer includes a transparent material. In some embodiments, such a backer includes a translucent material. In some embodiments, such a backer includes an opaque material. In some embodiments, such a backer includes silicone gel. In some embodiments, such a backer includes rubber. In some embodiments, such a backer includes plastic. In some embodiments, such a backer includes thermoplastic polyurethane (a.k.a. “TPU”). In some embodiments, such a backer includes a material that is resistant to oils. In some embodiments, such a backer includes a material that is resistant to another substance likely to be contacted (e.g., sweat, cosmetics and other clothing materials). In some embodiments, such a backer includes an adhesive gel.
In some embodiments, a user may provide or wear garment 800 to experience less repositioning, moving, twisting, bunching, folding, and slipping of garments on or about the body. In some such embodiments, a user may provide or wear garment 800 for relaxation or leisure activities. In some such embodiments, a user may provide or wear garment 800 to enhance sleep.
Although the example of a garment with a waistband including grip-enhancing sub-elements has been provided in
As discussed above, example pattern 901 can be conceptualized as a series of uniformly-spaced, repeating sub-pattern elements—namely, several generally X-shaped sub-patterns, such as the example shown as 905. Among other aspects, this particular pattern 901, and sub-pattern 905, aids in positioning, holding and retaining the mounted position of a waistband in which it is mounted (among other things) by gathering and holding skin centrally, under pressure. As also discussed above, particular patterns and sub-pattern elements aid in the dynamic positioning, meaning that the movement of the grip-enhancing sub-elements against a user's skin and body result in superior alignment and positioning of a garment on which they are mounted, in some embodiments.
Such spacing, and the number of such repeating patterns, may be selected to uniformly cover a given waistband or other material size, or by some other ideal spacing and number, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, such repeating patterns may be spaced 0.5 inches apart from one another, or at about that spacing. In some embodiments, such repeating patterns may be spaced to include 8 such repeating patterns, evenly distributed across a body-holding band. As with the spacing between such patterns, the spacing between the individual grip-enhancing sub-elements within such patterns may be of any number of uniform or other (e.g., randomized) spacing, in addition to the example spacing as pictured, between them.
As discussed above, and as with other patterns of grip-enhancing sub-elements on or about an example body-holding band set forth in the present application, example pattern 901 of grip-enhancing sub-elements on or about an example body-holding band 903 may be disposed on or within any number of possible body-contacting pieces of material. For example, in some embodiments, such as that pictured in
Also in contrast with some other patterns set forth in this application, at least some of the series of repeating sub-pattern elements 1007 are partially included within body-holding band 1003, as shown by example omitted segment 1009 of sub-pattern element 1011.
It should be noted that embodiments of patterns discussed in reference to
Unlike the example shorts 800 in
As with example garment 1401, it should be understood that the grip-enhancing sub-elements are disposed on, or facing, the interior-facing side of, waistband 1507, allowing them to apply pressure to a wearer's body after donning garment 1501, as discussed in greater detail in other parts of this application.
As with example garment 1401 and example garment 1501, it should be understood that the grip-enhancing sub-elements are disposed on, or facing, the interior-facing side of, waistband 1607, allowing them to apply pressure to a wearer's body after donning garment 1601, as discussed in greater detail in other parts of this application.
As discussed above, such a body holding band 1603 may be placed in any number of garment locations, on a wide variety of garments, to aid in positioning and holding garments in place on a user's body. For example, in some embodiments, the same band 1603 may be moved to another location, such as the location shown for band 1503, by opening up the channel 1605 of garment 1601, at the discretion of a user.
As with some other patterns of grip-enhancing sub-elements set forth in the present application, grip-enhancing sub-elements 1705 have a decreasing density, in accordance with a gradient, in some directions.
Also pictured is a different pattern 1711 of grip-enhancing sub-elements, located on leg-gripping bands 1713. The decreasing density of grip-enhancing sub-elements in pattern 1711 on leg-gripping bands 1713, in this instance, progresses upwards, to confer similar benefits as other patterns of grip-enhancing sub-elements set forth in this application, but as against an upward force (e.g., elastic pulling upward from the remainder of tight briefs 1700).
Before discussing such aspects further, it should be noted that a wide variety of materials will be suitable for the present invention, including, but not limited to, the following: In some embodiments, fabric 1802 may include silk. In some such embodiments, fabric 1802 includes a washable silk. In some such embodiments, fabric 1302 includes silk charmeuse (e.g., 100% silk charmeuse). In some such embodiments, fabric 1802 includes silk Georgette. In some such embodiments, fabric 1802 includes silk Crepe de Chine (CDC). In some such embodiments, fabric 1802 includes silk Chiffon. In some embodiments, fabric 1802 includes another type of smooth, soft material. In some embodiments, fabric 1802 includes a textured material. In some embodiments, fabric 1802 includes a material similar to silk. In some embodiments, fabric 1802 includes satin. In some such embodiments, fabric 1802 includes cotton. In some embodiments, fabric 1802 includes polyester. In some such embodiments, fabric 1802 includes modal. In some embodiments, fabric 1802 includes velvet. In some embodiments, fabric 1802 includes Linen. In some embodiments, fabric 1802 includes natural sweater knit yarns. For example, some such knit yarns include Alpaca. As another example, some such knit yarns include wool. As another example, some such knit yarns include cashmere. As another example, some such knit yarns include Yak. As another example, some such knit yarns include silk.
In some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 includes an elastic material (e.g., a soft elastic). In some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 includes a non-elastic material. In some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 includes only non-elastic materials. In some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 includes only elastic materials. Where elastic materials are used, in some embodiments, those materials may vary in shape. For example, in some embodiments, a flat elastic material is used. As another example, in some embodiments, a round and/or tubular elastic may be used. Also where elastic materials are used for such a band or cord, in some embodiments, those materials may vary in texture. For example, in some embodiments, a smooth texture may be used. As another example, in some embodiments, a grosgrain texture may be used. As another example, in some embodiments, a braided texture may be used. As another example, in some embodiments, a knitted texture may be used. As another example, in some embodiments, a woven texture may be used. Also where elastic materials are used for such a band or cord, in some embodiments, those materials may vary in content. For example, in some embodiments, such materials may include cotton. As another example, in some embodiments, such materials may include polyester. As another example, in some embodiments, such materials may include rubber. In some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 is adjustable. For example, in some such embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 is adjustable in length. As another example, in some such embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 is adjustable in tightness. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 is adjustable in size. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 is adjustable in holding force. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 is adjustable in any combination of any or all of length, tightness, size and/or holding force. In some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 is adjustable by pulling on either (or, preferably, both) of two exposed portions 1801, which are part of, or connected with, the generally circular band or cord (not fully pictured), generally surrounded by a fabric 1802. In some embodiments, fewer or more than two of such exposed portions 1801 may be included. For example, in some embodiments one such exposed portion is included. In some embodiments, three or more such exposed portions are included. In some embodiments, the band or cord within hair tie 1800 may be held within a stitched, circumferential channel (not pictured) of fabric 1802. In some such embodiments, such a stitched channel is one-half (½) inch in width.
In any event, regardless of the exact combination of constituent materials and adjustability, according to some method aspects of the present invention, a user may control the placement of her or his hair using hair tie 1800, in accordance with any or all of the following steps, in any suitable order, number, or other complete or partial combination thereof:
First, a user may ensure that hair tie 1800 is in an open state, meaning that the generally circular band or cord (not fully pictured), generally surrounded by a fabric 1802 is adjusted to a maximum size and/or length, and/or a minimum tightness and/or holding force, as discussed above. As a result, the central void 1805 of hair tie 1800 is in a generally enlarged state, best for accommodating hair being threaded through it. For example, hair tie 1800 is shown in such an open state in
In some embodiments, the size of the materials used in hair tie 1800, and/or the circumference of it, and its central hair-gripping void 1805 may be provided in a size appropriate for holding and controlling different thicknesses and/or volumes of hair, of particular users and uses. For example, in some embodiments, a user with finer hair may be provided with such a hair tie with a smaller size of materials, and/or a smaller central hair-gripping void. As another example, in some embodiments, a user with thicker hair (e.g., thicker individual hair shafts, and/or a higher hair count) may be provided with such a hair tie with a larger size of materials, and a larger central hair-gripping void.
In some embodiments, central void 2005 has a flattened circumference, due to formation techniques encouraging the formation of flat surfaces on the inward-facing outer area 2009 of surrounding fabric 2002. For example, in some embodiments, the looped band or cord is held within a channel (e.g., a sewn channel) matching the size and shape of the band or cord (meaning that it is slightly larger, but a similar shape, and able to hold it in a fixed rotational position—e.g., if a flat band or cord is used). In such embodiments where a looped band or cord with a flattened length are used, this also encourages the formation of flat surfaces on the inward-facing outer area 2009. In addition, in some embodiments, pre-determined folds or pleats, such as the examples pictured as example folds 2011, may be included, also encouraging the formation of flat surfaces on the inward-facing outer area 2009. When combined with a soft, smooth surrounding fabric 2002, with limited chemical reactivity, such as silk, a user's hair is kept smooth and kink-free, during sleep, while holding and controlling it.
In some embodiments, the exposed portions 1801 may be wrapped around the fabric 1802, or otherwise locked into an outwardly pulled position (e.g., as in a cinch). For example, in some embodiments, exposed portions 1801 may have a thickness causing them to serve as a “stopper,” and hold in place against cinching passages 1807, after being so outwardly pulled. In some embodiments, an exterior texture also aids in such holding in place, providing friction against cinching passages 1807. For example, in some embodiments, grip-enhancing sub-elements, such as any of the grip-enhancing sub-elements discussed above, may line the outer surface of exposed portions 1801, as such an exterior texture. In some embodiments, the exposed portions 1801 may be tucked under, or otherwise stowed, in or under fabric 1802, or in a hiding place or structure within or about fabric 1802. In some embodiments, exposed portions 1801 may be wrapped and/or tied together—e.g., for aesthetic reasons.
Although the example of a generally toroid shape for hair ties 1800, 1900, 2000 and 2100 have been provided, it should be understood that a wide variety of alternative shapes and sizes of such hair ties, or any component thereof (e.g., fabric 1802) may also, or alternatively, be used, in various embodiments of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, at least one side of the hair tie fabric may form a pouch, for receiving, holding and hiding the end or bob of a user's hair, while retaining a cinching function of the hair tie, described above.
As mentioned above, a wide variety of alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art(s) relevant to the invention. For example, any aspect of the invention set forth above may be combined with any other aspect, in different numbers, combinations, orders and configurations, in various innumerable embodiments. Any such embodiments, among others, fall within the scope of the invention, and the recitation of any particular embodiments is for illustrative purposes, and does not limit the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/748,267, filed Oct. 19, 2018, titled “Garments and Accessories and Their Fabric and Design,” the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20020071939 | Tomiyasu | Jun 2002 | A1 |
| 20100132093 | Ogawa | Jun 2010 | A1 |
| 20160157529 | Hoeven | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| 20170013888 | Webb | Jan 2017 | A1 |
| 20190350269 | DeSimone | Nov 2019 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200178628 A1 | Jun 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62748267 | Oct 2018 | US |
