GARMENT PAD SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A garment pad system comprising at least one pad with a plurality of securing mechanisms located at various points on the pad. A securing mechanism may take a number of forms including an adhesive, fastener, bonding agent, or other mechanism. If a heat sensitive bonding agent is used, a form of heat may be applied to the securing mechanism as it is pressed against the garment such that the mechanism secures to the garment thereby semi-permanently securing the pad to the garment. Once the semi-permanent pad has been secured to the garment, portions of fabric near the pad and spanning the areas between the securing mechanisms is allowed to move, flex, and breath resulting in a more natural and comfortable usage versus conventional pads.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many clothing items such as sports bras, formal dresses, bathing suits, among other garments, contain removable pads in the bosom of the garment. These removable pads are sometimes referred to as bra pads despite not being used exclusively in bras. The removable pads may be replaced if soiled, if a user desires to wear the garment without the pads, or if the user desires to substitute the bra pad with a different type of pad. Generally, users may choose to use the bra pads for extra lift, definition, shape, coverage, or comfort in the breast area of a user.

While pads that are removable have some benefits, there are drawbacks as well. Individuals who wear garments with removable padding often struggle with the pads dislodging or slipping out of the garment entirely. Removable pads that come installed in clothing items or packaged with clothing items, may become dislodged during normal wear, as well as when the garment is washed or dried. Once displaced, the removable pads can be difficult to reposition in the garment. In short, problems with conventional removable pads include, but are not limited to, the pads becoming deformed, the pads falling out and getting lost, the pads drying incorrectly with a crease, or the pads slipping out of a garment entirely during use.

Attempts to overcome these problems have fallen short. One invention that attempted to overcome the problems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,910 to Paige Fortner. The Fortner patent discloses a garment pad kit for coupling a garment pad to a garment, wherein the garment pad utilizes a singular piece of bonding material to couple the pad to the garment. The patent suggests using a singular piece of bonding material that is circular in shape with a plurality of relief cuts to allow the generally planar bonding material to become dome shaped to match the curvature of the pad.

One problem with the Fortner invention is that it utilizes a single piece of bonding material that substantially covers the bonded side of the pad. This type of configuration results in a majority, if not all, of one side of the pad being bonded to a garment. This reduces the flexibility and breathability of the garment fabric in the area of the pad. More specifically, by bonding an entire pad surface to a garment, the fabric being bonded to is no longer allowed to freely move and wick moisture because it has become one with the pad. Accordingly, use of the Fortner system solves one problem (pads detaching from garments) while causing several more (fully bonded fabric in the chest area of user that cannot stretch, move, wick moisture, or allow airflow to the wearer's body). This results in more perspiration by the wearer, less comfort to the wearer, and less elasticity and softness of the garment fabric, which in turn causes a less comfortable fit.

Thus, it can be seen that there is a need in the art for a garment pad that can be secured to a garment in a way that maximizes the garment's flexibility and breathability and is more comfortable for a wearer. The present invention addresses this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a pad securable to a garment, such as a bra, swimsuit, shirt, dress, or other garment, in a semi-permanent manner. The term semi-permanent means that the pad is fixed in place by bonding or adhesive, and can be treated as a permanent part of the garment, but the pad can also be separated from the garment by pulling the pad and/or reapplying heat to any temperature sensitive bonds. The invention may include heat sensitive bonding agents, adhesives, water resistance, antimicrobial technology, durability for washing and drying the garment, and flexibility for comfort and convenience.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes at least one pad with a plurality of securing mechanisms located at various points on the pad. Once the pad has been located as desired on the garment, the securing mechanisms may be activated to secure the pad to the garment. A securing mechanism may take a number of forms including an adhesive, fastener, bonding agent, or other mechanism. If a heat sensitive bonding agent is used, a form of heat (e.g., an iron) may be applied to the securing mechanism as it is pressed against the garment such that the mechanism secures to the garment thereby semi-permanently securing the pad to the garment. Once the semi-permanent pad has been secured to the garment, portions of fabric near the pad and spanning the areas between the securing mechanisms is allowed to move, flex, and breath resulting in a more natural and comfortable use by the wearer than conventional pads.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a garment pad system for use with a garment, wherein the system includes a garment pad and a plurality of securing mechanisms (i.e., more than one) attached to the garment pad. The garment may include a pocket for holding the garment pad. Each of the securing mechanisms may be adapted to engage the garment to secure the pad to the garment. There may be three securing mechanisms, and each mechanism may comprise a piece of heat activated adhesive. The three securing mechanisms may be located proximate a periphery of the garment pad. The securing mechanisms may take any number of forms including a heart shape. The garment pad may have a dome-shaped pliable core with convex and concave surfaces. The surfaces may be at least partially covered by a smooth material. The securing mechanisms may be attached to the smooth material on the concave surface of the core or the convex surface of the core (or in some instances both). The securing mechanisms may be located proximate the periphery of the core. At least two of the securing mechanisms may be generally equidistant (i.e., the same distance) from a center point of the garment pad or core.

By locating the plurality of securing mechanisms at remote positions on the pad, the garment fabric is allowed to stretch and breathe in the areas between the securing mechanisms. This is a significant improvement over prior products that include only one centrally located attachment point, which adheres to a large portion of the fabric, disallowing it to stretch and adjust to the user's body. Modern day sports bras typically contain elastane, polyamide, or polyester fibers to provide desirable properties such as multiway stretchability for support and resistance to abrasion, and moisture wicking characteristics for comfort purposes. By providing smaller, non-centrally located points of contact between the garment and the pad, the present invention enables the garment material to maintain the desirable elasticity and moisture wicking properties it is designed for. Certain garments, such as sports bras, require that the fabric to remain elastic to properly support the breasts during rigorous activities. The present invention allows this to happen, while conventional adhesive pads do not. The plurality of securing mechanisms placed around the periphery of the pad also mitigate the wrinkling of the edges of the pad, which is a problem caused with a single central adhesive of other products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment pad system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing the interior surface of a garment and a pad being placed in a pocket on the garment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the garment pad system of FIG. 1 showing the front exterior surface of the garment with pads placed in the garment.

FIG. 3 is a right-side perspective view of the garment pad shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the garment pad of FIG. 3 showing an axis A-A bisecting the pad.

FIG. 4A is a back view of an alternate embodiment of a garment pad showing an axis A-A bisecting the pad.

FIG. 5 is a right-side perspective view of a garment pad with securing mechanisms on the convex side of the pad.

FIG. 6 is a back view of an alternative embodiment of a garment pad system, wherein the garment pad of FIG. 5 is secured to a garment.

FIG. 7 is a right-side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a garment pad showing a pushup member on the concave side of the pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Thus, any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Certain terminology used in the following description is for convenience in reference only and is not limiting. For example, the words “vertically”, “horizontally”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “upper”, “lower” all refer to the installed position of the item to which the reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being designated and parts thereof. The terminology used herein may include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of a similar import. It is further understood that terminology such as the aforementioned directional phrases may be used to describe exemplary embodiments of the invention as shown in the figures herein. This is for convenience only as it is understood that the exemplary embodiments described may also be used horizontally, at an angle, or in an inverted position. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Looking first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a garment pad system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted by the numeral 13. Garment pad system 13 generally comprises a garment pad 1 having a plurality of securing mechanisms 2 and a garment 5. Garment pad 1 may be secured to garment 5 using securing mechanisms 2. As discussed in more detail below, securing mechanisms 2 may take a number of forms including adhesives and fasteners. Also, pad 1 may be adapted to be removably securable to garment 5 or semi-permanent.

As shown in FIG. 3, garment pad 1 may be constructed of a pliable foam core 3. Core 3 can be made from any number of materials depending on the application, however it is foreseen that a non-toxic, high-density, polyurethane foam would work for most applications. The thickness of core 3 will also depend on the application, however a thickness in the range of 0.01-1.25 centimeters is suitable for most applications. Core 3 can be covered by a finishing material 4 on its inside and outside surfaces to provide comfort and durability. Finishing material 4 may be a smooth fabric and it may contain polyester or other suitable material. Finishing material 4 may be any number of colors such as, but not limited to, black, nude, and white.

Garment pad 1 may be manufactured by feeding core 3 and finishing material 4 through a pad molding machine to achieve the desired dome-like shape of pad 1. While pad 1 is generally dome shaped, the exact shape will depend on the application. For example, the shape will depend on the type of garment, the aesthetics desired, support desired, and the body type of the wearer. It is foreseen that pad 1 may be shaped differently for different breast sizes. Also, the dimensions of pad 1 may depend on the garment being worn. For example, a pad 1 that is sized and shaped to engage with a sports bra may be different that a pad 1 that sized and shaped for a swimsuit. Different garments may have different size and shape constraints for pad 1 depending on the stitching and design of the garment. Once the pad has been created, it may have an inner concave surface 7 and an outer convex surface 6. Concave surface 7 is referred to as inner because it is the surface that is inward toward the wearer's body. Convex surface 6 is referred to as outer because it is the surface that faces outward away from the wearer's body. The surfaces 6 and 7 may be generally smooth and uniform such that they have no visible seams, breaks, ridges, or textures. Surfaces 6 and 7 may be at least partially covered with finishing material 4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, garment pad 1 may have multiple securing mechanisms 2 that can be used to secure pad 1 to garment 5. Securing mechanisms may take a number of forms such as adhesives, cement, fasteners and the like. They may also take various sizes and shapes include heart-shaped. In an exemplary embodiment, securing mechanisms 2 may be pieces of heat activated adhesives (also referred to as heat sensitive adhesives) such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) hot melt adhesive. A heat sensitive adhesive can be melted and cooled to facilitate bonding of two surfaces. Securing mechanisms 2 may include a TPU hot melt double-sided adhesive film. If a hot melt adhesive is used, it may have a relatively low melting temperature so that it can be activated by common household items such as an iron, hair straightener, blow dryer, oven, or steamer. Securing mechanisms 2 may be white, clear, or translucent in color. They may also have low moisture absorption properties thereby allowing them to be washed or worn in water without failure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, the securing mechanisms 2 may be arranged to maximize the adhesion of garment pad 1 to garment 5, while also allowing the fabric from garment 5 to stretch and breathe in the areas between the securing mechanisms 2. This allows garment 5 to stretch and adjust to the user's body. The arrangement of securing mechanisms 2 is generally such that the mechanisms are located proximate the edge of garment pad 1, and the spaced configuration of the securing mechanisms 2 allows the garment 5 to maintain the elasticity and moisture wicking properties it is designed for. Oftentimes, fabric is carefully selected for garment construction by considering garment use, support required, and taking into account tensile strength and stretchability of the fabric. One example of a garment with strategically chosen fabric may be a sports bra. Knitted fabric may be selected for the construction of sports bras due to intermeshing weaves of material which may contain spandex, allowing for large extensibility and a high recovery rate. Undesirable kinetic forces may be exerted onto the breast tissue from movement of the body during rigorous exercise. These undesirable forces can be reduced when the knitted fabric of the garment is allowed to expand and contract to stabilize the breast tissue. Additionally, material for sports bra construction may have moisture wicking properties to aid in comfort of the user. Through strategic placement of the securing mechanisms 2 on the pad 1, the present invention allows the material of garment 5 to expand and contract in the space between securing mechanisms 2 (which are the points of connection between garment 5 and pad 1). By spacing securing mechanisms 2, and allowing the garment 5 material therebetween to flex, multidirectional stress and strain can be absorbed by the garment 5 making it less likely that pad 1 will be detached by such forces being delivered to securing mechanisms 2. Also, the fabric between securing mechanisms 2 is allowed to accomplish its moisture wicking capabilities.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-5, securing mechanisms 2 may be located on garment pad 1 on the concave surface 7, convex surface 6, or both. The exact locations of securing mechanisms 2 may vary depending on the application, however in one embodiment, the securing mechanisms can be spaced generally equidistant from one another and located proximate a periphery of garment pad 1. Further, pad 1 may include two securing mechanisms located on opposite sides of pad 1 such that their locations are mirror images of one another. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, a vertical axis A-A of pad 1 may bisect a center point 15 of pad 1, and a first securing mechanism may be located to the right of the axis proximate a first corner of pad 1, while a second securing mechanism may be located to the left of the axis proximate a second corner of pad 1. In one embodiment, center point 15 may be located at the center of mass of garment pad 1. The first and second securing mechanisms may be equidistant from the axis and center point 15. Additionally, there may be a third securing mechanism located along the axis and proximate a top of pad 1. The sizes and shapes of securing mechanisms 2 may vary, however in one embodiment, heart shaped pieces of hot melt adhesive film may be used.

Garment pad 1 may be used with various garments 5 such as, and not limited to, sports bras, tank tops, swimsuits, dresses, and other garments with embodiments of breast support or encompassment. Referring to FIG. 1, pad 1 is shown in use with a garment 5 having a pad pocket 10 adapted to receive a pad. Pocket 10 may be formed between an outer layer 8 of garment 5 and an inner layer 9 of garment 5 that touches the body. There may be an inlet 11 located along inner layer 9 that allows access to pocket 10, whereby garment pad 1 may be inserted and/or removed into pocket 10 through inlet 11. Pad 1 may be inserted into pocket 10 such that adhesives 2 on pad 1 contact inner layer 9 of the garment when inside the pocket 10. In such a situation, adhesives 2 would likely be on concave surface 7 of pad 1, and concave surface 7 would be adjacent inner layer 9. Once in pocket 10, pad 1 may be adhered to garment 5 activate securing mechanisms 2. If hot melt adhesives are used for securing mechanisms 2, heat may be applied to inner layer 9 of the garment to raise the temperature of securing mechanisms 2 to their melting temperature. Once the securing mechanisms 2 are sufficiently heated, force may be applied to inner layer 9 thereby forcing the layer's fabric into the melted securing mechanisms 2. Heat can then be removed and the securing mechanisms 2 and fabric allowed to cool. Upon cooling, securing mechanisms 2 may become bonded to the inner layer 9 thereby bonding pad 1 to garment 5. At this point, the garment pad 1 may be semi-permanently secured to garment 5 and the installation process is complete. Garment 5 may be worn, washed, and dried without having to remove the garment pad 1.

Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of the invention is depicted wherein garment pad 1 may be used with a garment 5 that lacks a pocket 10. This may entail using a pad 1 with securing mechanisms 2 positioned on the convex surface 6. Garment pad 1 may adhere to the inner lining 12 of garment 5, wherein the inner lining 12 is the surface of the garment 5 that faces inward toward a wearer (and may actually contact a wearer). If hot melt adhesives are used for securing mechanisms 2, heat may be applied to concave surface 7 of pad 1 such that the heat transfers through pad 1 to the adhesives 2 on convex surface 6. Alternatively, heat may be applied to the outside layer of the garment 5 such that the heat transmits through the garment 5 and melts the securing mechanisms 2 when they are in contact with the garment. As previously described, once the securing mechanisms 2 are sufficiently heated, pad 1 and the garment 5 may be forced together so that the melted securing mechanisms 2 are in contact with the garment 5. Heat can then be removed and the securing mechanisms 2 and fabric allowed to cool. Upon cooling, securing mechanisms 2 may become bonded to the garment 5 thereby bonding pad 1 to the garment 5. At this point, the garment pad 1 may be semi-permanently secured to the garment 5 and the installation process is complete.

Referring to FIG. 7, garment pad 1 may also take the form of a push-up pad wherein the pad may have additional material 14 on the concave surface 7 of pad 1 such that it may provide additional lift to a user of the present invention. The push-up pad may vary in thickness and shape to provide various options of support and lift. The push-up pad may be manufactured by a similar process as described for other embodiments of the invention. However, the thickness of core 3 for the push-up pad may be between 1-6 centimeters thick. This shape of the push-up pad may be created by unevenly displacing the material of the core 3 such that there is a greater concentration of material near the bottom of the pad 1 creating a push-up cushion 14 on concave surface 7. The push-up cushion 14 may be located along the bottom or other portion of the pad, in various shapes or sizes, to aid in providing additional lift. As shown in FIG. 6, the securing mechanisms 2 may be located on convex surface 6 of the pad. It is also foreseen that securing mechanisms 2 could be located on concave surface 7 of pad 1. Depending on whether the securing mechanisms are located on surface 6 or surface 7, the push-up pad may be installed as described above. If hot melt adhesives are used for securing mechanisms 2, heat may be applied to either the concave surface 7 of the pad or the surfaces of the garment 5, depending on whether the securing mechanisms are located on surface 6 or surface 7.

It should be understood that while certain forms and embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, the present invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown, and that the various features described may be combined in ways other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms “substantially”, “generally”, “approximately”, or any other qualifying term as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation which could permissibly vary without resulting in a change to the basic function to which it is related. The foregoing description is merely illustrative and not intended to limit any of the ensuing claims to any particular narrow interpretation of form and details.

Claims

1. A garment pad system for use with a garment, said garment pad system comprising: a garment pad having a dome shape with a convex surface and a concave surface; anda plurality of securing mechanisms attached to said garment pad, each of said securing mechanisms adapted to engage said garment such that said garment pad is secured to said garment.

2. The garment pad system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of securing mechanisms is at least three securing mechanisms.

3. The garment pad system of claim 2, wherein each of said three securing mechanisms comprises a piece of heat activated adhesive.

4. The garment pad system of claim 3, wherein said three securing mechanisms are located on said concave surface of said garment pad.

5. The garment pad system of claim 3, wherein said three securing mechanisms are located on said convex surface of said garment pad.

6. The garment pad system of claim 4, wherein each of said three securing mechanisms is located proximate a periphery of said garment pad.

7. The garment pad system of claim 6, wherein at least two of said three securing mechanisms are generally equidistant from a center point of said garment pad.

8. The garment pad system of claim 7, wherein said garment pad is adapted to be located in a pocket on the garment.

9. A garment pad securable to a garment, said garment pad comprising: a pliable core, said core having a dome shape with a convex surface and a concave surface, said convex surface and said concave surfaces each being at least partially covered by a smooth material; anda plurality of securing mechanisms attached to said smooth material on said concave surface of said core, each of said plurality of securing mechanisms adapted to engage the garment.

10. The garment pad of claim 9, wherein said plurality of securing mechanisms is at least three securing mechanisms.

11. The garment pad of claim 10, wherein each of said three securing mechanisms comprises a piece of heat activated adhesive.

12. The garment pad of claim 11, wherein each of said three securing mechanisms is located proximate a periphery of said core.

13. The garment pad of claim 12, wherein at least two of said three securing mechanisms are generally equidistant from a center point of said core.

14. The garment pad of claim 13, wherein at least one of said three securing mechanisms is shaped like a heart.

15. A garment pad system for use with a garment, said garment pad system comprising: a garment pad having a pliable core, said core having a dome shape with a convex surface and a concave surface, said convex surface and said concave surfaces each being at least partially covered by a smooth material; anda plurality of securing mechanisms attached to said garment pad, each of said securing mechanisms adapted to engage the garment such that said garment pad is secured to the garment.

16. The garment pad system of claim 15, wherein said plurality of securing mechanisms is at least three securing mechanisms.

17. The garment pad system of claim 16, wherein each of said three securing mechanisms comprises a piece of heat activated adhesive.

18. The garment pad system of claim 17, wherein each of said three securing mechanisms is located proximate a periphery of said garment pad.

19. The garment pad system of claim 18, wherein each of said three securing mechanisms is attached to said smooth material on said concave surface of said core.

20. The garment pad system of claim 18, wherein each of said three securing mechanisms is attached to said smooth material on said convex surface of said core.