Patent Application
20250107577
Examples of this disclosure relate to garments having a combination of moisture wicking and moisture concealing properties.
Conventional upper-torso support garments for women, including bras worn during pregnancy and nursing, may lack features that help to wick moisture, such as sweat and/or milk from nursing mothers, away from the wearer's skin surface. Moreover, these support garments may also lack features that help to conceal or hide the moisture when viewing an outer-facing surface of the support garment. With respect to support garments worn by nursing mothers, conventional methods of absorbing and concealing leaked milk often rely on nursing pads that must be placed and positioned by the wearer and discarded after use. These nursing pads may often become displaced during wear requiring readjustment by the nursing mother. This may be especially true when the nursing mother is engaging in athletic activities.
Examples of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The present disclosure is related to a moisture wicking and moisture concealing textile, as well as garments that includes the moisture wicking and moisture concealing textile. In examples, the textile includes a hydrophilic layer, which is oriented towards the wearer, and a hydrophobic layer that is oriented away from the wearer. At least some examples of the present disclosure relate to an upper-torso support garment (e.g., bra) that includes the moisture wicking and moisture concealing textile, and other garments are also contemplated. In some examples, the support garment can include a maternity bra, such as a bra that can be worn pre-partum and post-partum, and in some instances, the support garment can include a nursing bra. Based on the moisture wicking and moisture concealing textile, the upper-torso support garment can include moisture wicking and concealing properties (e.g., to wick and conceal perspiration, milk, etc.) while also including properties for supporting breast tissue (e.g., during athletic activities, every-day wear and use, etc.).
Conventional support garments for women, including bras worn during pregnancy and nursing, may lack features that help to wick moisture, such as sweat and/or milk from nursing mothers, away from the wearer's skin surface. Moreover, these support garments may also lack features that help to conceal or hide the moisture when viewing an outer-facing surface of the support garment. With respect to support garments worn by nursing mothers, conventional approaches of absorbing and concealing leaked milk often rely on nursing pads that must be placed and positioned by the wearer and discarded after use. These nursing pads may often become displaced during wear requiring readjustment by the nursing mother. This may be especially true when the nursing mother is engaging in athletic activities.
In at least some examples of the present disclosure, moisture wicking and moisture concealing properties can be based at least in part on the selective use and placement of a textile, which can include a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. In some examples, the textile can be lightweight, low-profile, breathable, and/or have stretch and recovery properties making it suitable for use in upper-torso support garments or other garments. When incorporated into an upper-torso support garment, the moisture wicking properties of the textile aid in the removal of perspiration and/or milk from the wearer's skin surface, which can improve wearer comfort and hygiene, and the moisture concealing properties of the textile help reduce the likelihood of the moisture (e.g., perspiration, milk, etc.) showing on an outer-facing surface of the support garment, which promotes modesty and a clean aesthetic.
In examples, a textile (e.g., also referred to as “first textile” in this disclosure) of the present disclosure includes a hydrophobic layer and a hydrophilic layer. The hydrophilic layer can be positioned on the inner face of the first textile (e.g., facing towards the wearer's skin), and the hydrophobic layer can be positioned on the outer face of the first textile (e.g., facing away from the wearer's skin).
In at least some examples, the textile can include a spacer textile (e.g., knit spacer, woven spacer, etc.) with the hydrophobic layer comprising one side of the spacer textile, the hydrophilic layer on the opposing side of the spacer textile, and tie yarns or connecting yarns extending between (and connecting) the hydrophilic layer and the hydrophobic layer. In some examples, the textile can include a tubular-jacquard knit textile having one side that is hydrophobic and an opposing side that is hydrophilic. The tubular-jacquard knit textile can, in some instances, include one or more yarns that pass back and forth between the hydrophilic layer and the hydrophobic layer (e.g., as tuck stitches or otherwise).
In examples, the hydrophobic layer can include one or more yarns that are hydrophobic, and the hydrophilic layer can include one or more yarns that are hydrophilic. As indicated above, these yarns can be combined in various ways to form the textile, such as by knitting, weaving, non-woven techniques (e.g., spun bond, melt blown, mechanically entangled fiber webs, etc.).
In some instances, the hydrophobic yarns can include inherent hydrophobic properties. For example, the hydrophobic yarns can include natural fibers that are naturally hydrophobic or synthetic yarns that are hydrophobic (e.g., based on the composition of the synthetic yarn). In some examples, the hydrophobic yarns can include a hydrophobic finish, such as a DWR finish, and/or can be impregnated with a hydrophobic component. The hydrophobic yarns can be treated prior to be integrated into the first knit layer, can be treated after being integrated into the first knit layer, or any combination thereof.
In some instances, the hydrophilic yarns can include inherent hydrophilic properties. For example, the hydrophilic yarns can include natural fibers that are naturally hydrophilic or synthetic yarns that are hydrophilic. In some examples, the hydrophilic yarns can include a hydrophilic finish, such as a wicking finish, and/or can be impregnated with a hydrophilic component. The hydrophilic yarns can be treated prior to be integrated into the second knit layer, can be treated after being integrated into the second knit layer, or any combination thereof.
In examples, the textile (e.g., spacer textile, tubular-jacquard knit textile, composite nonwoven, etc.) can include a yarn or fiber that passes back and forth between the first layer and the second layer. In at least some examples, the yarn that passes back and forth can include an elastic yarn (or have elastic properties), such as a bare elastic yarn. In examples where the textile is a spacer textile, the yarn that passes back and forth between layers can include a tie yarn. In examples, where the textile is a tubular-jacquard knit textile, the yarn that passes back and forth can include a tuck stitches crossing over back and forth, or other type of stitch passing back and forth between the front side and the back side.
A yarn passing back and forth between the layers of the textile can operate in various manners to impart functionality and properties to the textile. For example, such yarns help to separate or space apart the first knit layer and the second knit layer which, when combined with the knit construction of the first knit layer and the second knit layer, can create a more open structure promoting breathability and permeability. Separating or spacing apart the first knit layer and the second knit layer through the use of yarns can also reduce the likelihood of contamination of finishes between the layers and helps to isolate a particular finish (e.g., wicking or DWR) to one surface of the textile. This is opposed to, for example a single-knit construction, where, because of the side-by-side positioning of the yarns and the interlooping nature of the knit construction, different finishes applied to the textile have an increased chance of interacting with each other which negates the particular properties of the finish.
The use of bare (i.e., not covered) elastic yarns as the tie yarns as opposed to, for example, other types of yarns such as cotton, nylon, monofilaments, and the like, can help to isolate the finishes to their respective surfaces. This is because, in general, bare elastic yarns are not good transporters of moisture and, by extension, of finishes. For example, with respect to spandex, spandex has a relatively low moisture regain (approximately 1.3%) compared to other fibers/filaments such as cotton (approximately 7%) and nylon (approximately 4.5%) which makes it less likely to absorb a particular finish and transport the finish between the knit layers. As well, spandex fibers/filaments generally have smooth outer surfaces, which present less channels or surface area for transporting finishes between the two knit layers by way of capillary action. The stretch and recovery properties of elastic yarns help to tension the first and second knit layers toward each other to create a low-profile aesthetic suitable for athletic wear. Moreover, the stretch and recovery properties of the elastic yarns may help to provide support to a wearer's breasts.
When an upper-torso support garment incorporating the first textile is worn, moisture (e.g., perspiration and/or milk) produced by the wearer is taken up by the second knit layer due to, for example, the hydrophilic properties (e.g., associated with the natural properties, added properties, moisture wicking finish, etc.) associated with the yarns forming the second knit layer. In some examples, the moisture can spread throughout the second knit layer due to capillary action. In addition, where the textile includes an open structure (e.g., based at least partially on the second layer being spaced apart from the first layer by a yarn extending therebetween) the moisture can evaporate.
In at least some examples, moisture transfer from the second layer to the first layer is minimized, such as where the yarn extending between the layers is a bare elastic yarn. In addition, any moisture that is transferred to the first knit layer is repelled based on the hydrophobic properties (e.g., DWR treatment) associated with yarns of the first knit layer. As such, the moisture does not show through on an outer-facing surface of the support garment. As such, the first textile described herein achieves the dual purpose of moisture wicking to remove moisture from the wearer's skin and promote wearer comfort and concealment of any moisture taken up by the textile.
In at least some examples, the textile is heat set, pressure set, or molded (e.g., by the application of heat, pressure, etc.). That is, the yarns included in the hydrophobic layer and the yarns included in the hydrophilic layer can be treated with heat and/or pressure. In some examples, textile can (based on the treatment with heat and/or pressure) include a domal-shaped portion, which can form a breast cup or other portion of a garment. In some examples, the textile can (based on the treatment with heat and/or pressure) be molded into other three-dimensional (3D) shapes, which can form various portions of a garment.
In at least some examples, stretch properties of the yarns that are treated with heat and/or pressure are reduced or diminished, as compared with a similar yarn (e.g., same yarn) that is not treated with heat and/or pressure. As such, textiles that have been treated with heat and/or pressure can tend to stretch less when incorporated into a garment that is being worn. This lower stretch capacity (e.g., higher modulus of elasticity or lower elongation) when the textile is worn can be based on stitches that are included in the textile not opening up to as large of an extent (e.g., when the wearer's underlying body is moving and/or the textile provides a tighter or more compressive fit), as compared to stitches knit from yarns that are not treated. In some instances, the lower stretch capacity is based on the yarns being at least partially fused with one another. In at least some examples, this dampened stretch can contribute to improved moisture concealing properties, based on the stitches retaining a smaller stitch size (e.g., based on the stitches not opening up to as large of an extent), which can restrict moisture leakage through the stitches.
Aspects herein contemplate applying the DWR and wicking finishes to the yarns prior to forming the first textile. For example, each of the DWR finish and the wicking finish may be applied to respective yarns after a yarn dyeing step and before knitting the yarns to form the first textile. In one example, the yarns may be processed in a water bath containing the appropriate finish such that the finish is uniformly applied to all surfaces of the yarn (known herein as an “exhaustion process”). Applying the finish after dyeing the yarns, particularly with respect to the DWR finish, has been found to create a more durable finish when compared to applying the DWR finish prior to dyeing the yarn. In some examples, the application method described above creates a textile having a durable, long-lasting finish able to withstand repeated washings (e.g., up to at least 100 washes).
In some examples, the DWR and wicking finishes can be applied prior to dyeing.
In some examples, the DWR and/or wicking finishes can be applied to an already knitted textile by way of a padding process generally deposits the finish on to the surface of the yarn exposed to the pad.
In at least one example, the present disclosure includes an upper-torso support garment (e.g., first upper-torso support garment or first support garment) having a front portion that includes a first breast covering area and a second breast covering area. Each of the first and second breast covering areas is formed, at least in part, from a textile having the hydrophilic layer on the inner side and the hydrophobic layer on the outer side). In addition, the textile can be molded to form a respective first breast cup and a second breast cup.
In some examples, the molded breast cups can comprise a pad or liner for a bra. The pad or liner can be built-in or removable. In some examples, the molded breast cups can provide a degree of encapsulation and support of the wearer's breasts while avoiding excessive compression of the wearer's breasts. This may be important with nursing mothers where too much compression may potentially cause blockage of the breast ducts that express milk. In this aspect, the hydrophilic layer of the first textile is positioned adjacent a wearer's skin surface including being positioned adjacent the wearer's nipples from which milk may be expressed or leaked. As described, the hydrophilic properties (e.g., wicking finish) of hydrophilic layer helps to capture milk and/or perspiration produced by the wearer and to at least partially remove the moisture from the wearer's skin surface thus promoting wearer comfort. The hydrophobic layer of the first textile is positioned external to the second knit layer. As described, the hydrophobic properties (e.g., DWR finish) of the hydrophobic layer helps to conceal any perspiration and/or milk produced by the wearer, which provides modesty and a clean aesthetic.
As indicated above, molding the textile (e.g., using a three-dimensional mold along with heat and pressure) can contribute to moisture wicking and concealing properties of the textile, as compared to using the textile in an unmolded state to form the first and second breast covering areas. For example, if an unmolded first textile is stretched around the wearer's breasts, knit loops forming the first and second layers may be pulled apart as compared to when the first textile is not stretched (e.g., when the first textile is in a resting, non-tensioned state). As such, moisture produced by the wearer may migrate through spaces or holes created by the pulled-apart loops instead of coming into contact with the hydrophilic yarns (e.g., with the wicking finish) and the hydrophobic yarns (e.g., with the DWR finish) forming the second layer and the first layer, respectively. However, the heat and pressure that are applied to the first textile during the molding process may help to fix or heat-set in place the yarns used to form the first and second layers and, as such, help to prevent the knit loops from further pulling apart when the support garment is positioned on the wearer's body. In some examples, heat setting can operate to limit stretch properties of an individual yarn. In some examples, heat setting can operate to fuse one or more yarns, which can also lock the yarn(s) down and limit stretch. In this aspect, moisture produced by the wearer may more likely come into contact with hydrophilic yarns (e.g., with the wicking finish) and the hydrophobic yarns (e.g., with the DWR finish), thus facilitating the moisture wicking and moisture concealing properties of the first textile.
As an additional functional benefit, the heat and pressure used to mold the first textile help to heat-set elastic yarns (e.g., tie yarns) extending between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers, such that the elastic yarns are maintained in at least a partially stretched state. In this aspect, the elastic yarns may not have a high degree of residual stretch which helps to reduce the compression imparted to the wearer's breasts by the first textile. As described, in some aspects, this may lessen the likelihood of compressing the wearer's milk ducts and thereby potentially reduce the possibility of the milk ducts becoming blocked.
In example aspects, the textile may optionally be layered with one or more additional textiles to form the front portion of the first support garment. For example, the front portion may further include a second molded textile that is positioned external to the first textile. The front portion may further include a third unmolded textile that is positioned external to the second molded textile such that the second molded textile is maintained between the first textile and the third textile. In examples, the third textile may have stretch and recovery properties and provides a mild degree of compression to help support the wearer's breasts.
The first support garment may also include an optional M-shaped layer that is positioned internal to the first textile, where the M-shaped layer includes a right leg portion, a center leg portion, a left leg portion, and an upper portion that connects the right leg portion, the center leg portion, and the left leg portion. When the support garment is worn by a wearer, the shape configuration of the M-shaped layer at least partially surrounds the medial, lateral, and upper sides of the wearer's breast while leaving a portion of the wearer's breast including the nipple area uncovered. In examples, the M-shaped layer is permanently affixed to shoulder straps of the support garment while the first, second, and third textiles layers are releasably affixed to the shoulder straps using releasable clips. Thus, when the wearer wishes to nurse or use a breast pump, the wearer can access her breasts by releasing the releasable clips and folding down the first, second, and third textile layers (e.g., folding down the breast covering areas).
In an alternative example, aspects herein are directed to an upper-torso support garment (e.g., second upper-torso support garment or second support garment) that is configured to be low-profile and lightweight. The support garment includes a front portion where the front portion includes first and second molded foam pads that form respective first and second breast covering areas. In examples, the first and second foam pads may comprise an open cell foam capable of absorbing some moisture in the form of perspiration and/or milk. In some examples, the first textile is not included in the first and second pads. The support garment further includes a W-shaped frame structure that is secured to a perimeter edge of the foam pads. In some examples, at least a portion of the W-shaped frame structure includes the first textile, and the hydrophilic layer of the first textile is again positioned adjacent a skin surface of a wearer. The W-shaped frame structure includes a right leg portion, a center leg portion, a left leg portion, and a lower portion that connects the right, center, and left leg portions.
In examples, any overflow of moisture not retained by the foam pads may be captured by the portions of the W-shaped frame structure including the first textile, which wicks the moisture away from the skin surface and conceals the moisture for a cleaner aesthetic. The positioning of the W-shaped frame structure at a lower part of the front portion of the support garment takes advantage of the natural forces of gravity which cause moisture produced by the wearer to travel downward when the wearer is standing. The open structure of the first textile contributes to the overall breathability of the support garment. For example, forming the front portion of the second support garment from just the foam pads may contribute to the support garment being less breathable and “hotter” for the wearer to wear.
The second support garment may also include a right sling and a left sling that are positioned internal to the foam pads and the first textile. The right sling is configured to be positioned adjacent the lateral side of the wearer's right breast and extends from a first shoulder strap to, for example, an underband of the second support garment, and the left strap or sling is configured to be positioned adjacent the lateral side of the wearer's left breast and extends from a second shoulder strap to the underband. In examples, the slings are permanently affixed to the respective shoulder straps of the support garment while the front portion comprising the foam pads and the first textile is releasably affixed to the shoulder straps using releasable clips. Thus, when the wearer wishes to nurse or use a breast pump, the wearer can access her breasts by releasing one or both of the releasable clips and folding down the front portion.
The term “upper-torso support garment” or “support garment” when used herein refers to an upper-body garment primarily configured to provide support to a wearer's breasts. As such, the support garment may be in the form of a bra, including a nursing bra and/or athletic bra, a tank top, an athletic top, a swimsuit top, and the like. When the garment is in the form of a support garment or bra, the term “breast covering area” means the portion of the support garment configured to cover a wearer's breast. As such, the breast covering area generally extends (e.g., from within about 0.1 mm to about 5 cm) from a top part (e.g., near the wearer's clavicle) to a lower part (e.g., the wearer's inframammary fold) of each of the wearer's breasts and from a medial edge (e.g., near the wearer's sternum) to a lateral edge (e.g., near the wearer's axilla) of each of the wearer's breasts. The term “front” or “front portion” means configured to cover an upper front torso area of a wearer including the breast area, and the term “back” or “back portion” means configured to cover an upper back torso area of a wearer. The term “apex region” when referring to the support garment generally means the area where a shoulder strap extends from or is joined to the breast covering area or other portions of the support garment. The term “underband” when used in relation to, for instance, a bra refers to the portion of the bra that forms a lower margin of at least the front portion of the bra. The underband is configured to encircle the upper torso area of a wearer and may include a separate pattern piece or may include an integral extension of the front portion.
The terms “upper” and “lower” as used herein are relative terms such that, for example, an “upper” portion of the support garment is located closer to a neck and head area of a wearer compared to a “lower” portion of the support garment, which is located closer to waist area of the wearer. The terms “external” and “internal” as used herein are relative terms such that a layer that is external is positioned external to one or more internal layers, and a layer that is internal is positioned internal to one or more external layers. The term “innermost-facing surface” when used with respect to the support garment means a layer that is positioned closest to a body surface of a wearer compared to other layers of the support garment. The term “outermost-facing surface” when used with respect to the support garment means a layer that is positioned closest to the external environment with respect to other layers of the support garment. Positional terms such as “medial” and “lateral” are used in the customary anatomical sense.
The term “knit spacer textile” used when describing the first textile is meant to encompass both warp knit and weft knit spacer textiles as is known in the art of textiles. Knit spacer textiles are generally formed by utilizing at least one tie yarn to interknit first and second layers of the textile. More specifically, each of the first layer and the second layer may be knit separately, and the tie yarn(s) is used to connect the first layer and the second layer. For instance, the tie yarns may have “loop” portions that extend into each of the first layer and the second layer where the loop portions are interlooped with yarns in the first layer and the second layer to connect the two layers. In example aspects, the tie yarns are oriented generally orthogonal to the surface planes of the first and second layers and act to space apart the first and second layers. The result is that a space is formed between the first and second layers that may be used to retain or store perspiration, milk, and/or other forms of moisture.
The term “tubular-jacquard knit textile” describes a textile having knit stitches forming a front knit panel and knit stitches forming a back knit panel. One or more yarns may be interlooped, and pass back and forth between, the front knit panel and the back knit panel. A tubular-jacquard knit textile can be knit using a flat-bed knitting machine having a front needle bed and a back needle bed, such as a commercially available V-bed knitting machine.
Because each of the first knit layer and the second knit layer are knit separately, each of the first knit layer and the second knit layer may be knit with different yarn types and/or different knit constructions although the same yarn types and same knit constructions may be used in each of the first knit layer and the second knit layer. Within a given knit layer, a particular yarn may extend throughout at least a portion of that knit layer. To differentiate a knit spacer textile or a tubular-jacquard knit from a double-jersey textile, in a double-jersey textile, there is a transfer of a yarn from the face layer to the back layer and vice versa. In a knit spacer textile or tubular-jacquard knit, there is not necessarily a transfer of yarns from the first knit layer to the second knit layer. Stated differently, yarns forming the first knit layer are separate and distinct from yarns forming the second knit layer, and the first and second knit layers are only connected by way of the tie yarns or tuck stitches.
The term “polyester” when describing, for example, a yarn means a yarn having filaments and/or fibers formed from terephthalate polymers and includes, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly 1,4 cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate (PCDT), polybutylene terephthalate (PCT) and polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). The term “recycled polyester” includes shredded PET fibers derived from shredded articles, scrap, deadstock, and the like and re-extruded PET fibers (fibers that are re-extruded using recycled PET chips).
The term “elastic” as used herein when describing yarns means the ability of a strained or stretched yarn (e.g., stretched up to about 400% of its original length) to substantially recover its original length (e.g., within about 10% or more of its original length) within about 60 seconds or less after removing the stress. A non-elastic yarn may exhibit a degree of mechanical stretch but does not substantially recover its original length (e.g., within about 10% or more of its original length) within 60 seconds after removing the stress. Examples of elastic yarn types include, for instance, spandex (also known as elastane), rubber, TPU polymer yarns, LYCRA®, and the like. The term “bare elastic yarn” as used herein means an elastic yarn that is not covered or wrapped with another yarn such as a polyester yarn.
The term DWR finish as used herein is meant to encompass any chemical that, when applied or incorporated into a textile, facilitates the textile resisting wetting. Example DWR finishes include fluorocarbons, wax emulsions, metallic soaps, surface-active agents, and the like. The term wicking finish as used herein is meant to encompass any chemical that increases the moisture absorbency of a textile and its drying time. In example aspects, the wicking finish acts to change or alter the molecular structure on a fiber or yarn surface so that moisture is broken up into smaller particles that wick more readily. Example wicking finishes include Visa®, Zelcon®, Hydrolon®, Capilene®, and the like.
The term “domal-shaped cup” describes a textile that includes a first face and second face on an opposite side of the textile as the first face and that, when not exposed to an external force (e.g., when the textile is at rest, not worn, not stretched onto a body, etc.), is concave on the first face and convex on the second face. Stated differently, the textile can include a panel of material that curves or is rounded in the z-direction. A domal-shaped cup is not necessarily hemispherical, but it can be hemispherical. In some examples, the contour of the concave first face can correspond to an anatomical region of a wearer.
Unless otherwise noted, all measurements provided herein are measured at standard ambient temperature and pressure (25 degrees Celsius or 298.15 K and 1 bar) with the support garment in a resting (un-stretched) state.
The term “about” means +/−10% of a value.
In some examples, the first and second layers 110 and 112, respectively, are knit layers, and the yarns 114 connect the layers 110 and 112, such as where the textile 100 is a knit spacer textile or a knit tubular jacquard.
In some examples, the first and second layers 110 and 112, respectively, are woven layers, and the yarns 114 connect the layers 110 and 112, such as where the textile 100 is a woven spacer textile.
In examples, the yarn 114 may include an elastic yarn. The yarn 114 can, in some instances, include a bare elastic yarn such as, for example, a bare spandex yarn. For example, the yarn 114 may include a single filament of spandex or elastane. As stated, use of a bare spandex yarn minimizes the transfer of moisture between the first layer 110 and the second layer 112 due at least to the low moisture regain of spandex and its smooth surface. Moreover, use of an elastic yarn helps to tension the first layer 110 and the second layer 112 toward each other to minimize the thickness of the first textile 100. This creates a low-profile aesthetic and also imparts some stretch and recovery properties making the first textile 100 suitable for use in support garments designed for athletic wear. In some examples, the yarn 114 can include a covered elastic yarn.
Although only one yarn 114 is depicted, it is contemplated herein that more than one yarn 114 may be used to interconnect the first layer 110 and the second layer 112. The portions of the yarn 114 indicated by reference numerals 113 and 115 and shown in dashed lines to indicate they are generally hidden from view represents those areas of the yarn 114 that are interlooped or otherwise connected to or entangled with the yarns forming the first layer 110 and the second layer 112 respectively. As used throughout this disclosure, the term “loop” or “loop portion” when referring to yarns 114 refers to the portion of the yarn that extends into the first layer 110 and the second layer 112 and is interlooped or interwoven or entangled with yarns in the first layer 110 and the second layer 112.
The depiction of the first textile 100 shown in
Portions of the interlooped knit stitches forming the first layer 110 are depicted on the first surface 210. When incorporated into a support garment such as the first and second support garments described herein, the first surface 210 would form an outer-facing surface of the support garment. The yarns 114 and the second layer 112 are further depicted in
Portions of the interlooped knit stitches forming the second layer 112 are depicted on the second surface 310. When incorporated into a support garment such as the first and second support garments described herein, the second surface 310 is positioned adjacent a skin surface of a wearer and forms an inner-facing surface, and in some aspects, an innermost-facing surface of the support garment. The yarns 114 and the first layer 110 are further depicted in
In some examples, transport of the moisture 412 to the first layer 110 is minimized through use of the bare elastic tie yarns 114. Any moisture 412 that is transported to the first layer 110 is generally repelled as indicated by arrows 416 based at least in part on the hydrophobic properties associated with the first layer 100 (e.g., DWR finish that coats the yarns that form the first knit layer 110). This action minimizes the appearance of the moisture 412 on the first surface 210 of the first textile 100. Thus, the first textile 100 serves the dual purpose of wicking moisture or liquid away from a wearer's skin where it can then evaporate while minimizing the appearance of the moisture on the first surface 210 of the first textile 100 thus preserving modesty and providing a clean aesthetic.
The front portion 510 includes a first breast covering area 526 generally demarcated by a dashed line where the first breast covering area 526 is configured to substantially cover a right breast of a wearer including a nipple area of the wearer. The front portion 510 also includes a second breast covering area 528 generally demarcated by a dashed line where the second breast covering area 528 is configured to substantially cover a left breast of a wearer including a nipple area of the wearer. A center area 530 of the front portion 510 is shown in dashed line where the center area 530 is generally located between the first breast covering area 526 and the second breast covering area 528 and overlies a sternum area of a wearer when the first support garment 500 is worn.
As further depicted in
The back portion 610 of the first support garment 500 depicted in
With respect to the first textile 100, in example aspects, the first textile 100 may form at least part of an innermost-facing surface of the front portion 510. More particularly, the second layer 112 (e.g., hydrophilic layer) of the first textile 100 may form at least part of an innermost-facing surface of the front portion 510. The first layer 110 (e.g., hydrophobic layer) of the first textile 100 is positioned external to the second layer 112.
In examples, the first textile 100 is molded to form a first molded breast cup 714 and a second molded breast cup 716. As described, molded breast cups such as the first molded breast cup 714 and the second molded breast cup 716 may provide a degree of encapsulation of the wearer's breasts, which helps to decrease the amount of medial-to-lateral sway of the breasts as well as to decrease the amount of up-and-down movement of the wearer's breasts. Because the yarns 114 of the first textile 100 are heat set in at least a partially stretched state, the amount of compression of the wearer's breasts provided by the first textile 100 is reduced which facilitates donning and doffing the first support garment 500, and which may also facilitate wearer comfort.
In at least some examples, the first textile 100 includes an entirety of the inner panel depicted in
In at least some examples, the first textile 100 can form a molded pad. The molded pad formed of the first textile 100 can, in some instances, be built-in. In some examples, the molded pad formed of the first textile can be removable.
In at least some examples, the first textile 100 can be coupled to (e.g., laminated with) a foam layer, or one or more other layers (e.g., moisture-control membrane), which can also be molded. For example, the foam layer can form an inner-most layer oriented towards the wearer's skin, and the hydrophilic layer of the first textile 100 can be affixed to the outer-facing surface of the foam layer. Alternatively, the first textile 100 can form an inner-most layer with the hydrophilic layer oriented towards the wearer's skin, and the foam layer can be affixed to the hydrophobic layer of the first textile 100. In at least some examples, a composite including a combination of a foam layer and the first textile 100 can be built-in to an upper-torso support garment (e.g., as a built-in liner). In some examples, a composite including a combination of a foam layer and the first textile 100 can be removably insertable into a front portion of an upper-torso support garment (e.g., as a removable pad).
The optional second molded textile 710 may be formed from a mesh material that may have some stretch and recovery properties. The mesh material of the second molded textile 710 may enhance breathability and permeability of the front portion 510 which improves wearer comfort. The second molded textile 710 may be molded to form a third molded breast cup 718 and a fourth molded breast cup 720. When the first support garment 500 is assembled, the third molded breast cup 718 may be aligned (e.g., axially aligned) with the first molded breast cup 714 of the first textile 100, and the fourth molded breast cup 720 may be aligned (e.g., axially aligned) with the second molded breast cup 716 of the first textile 100. The third molded breast cup 718 and the fourth molded breast cup 720 may provide an additional amount of encapsulation of the wearer's breasts which may be important during athletic activities.
In example aspects, the second molded textile 710 may be secured to the first textile 100 using bonding, stitching, lamination, and the like. In examples, a substantial entirety of the surface of the second molded textile 710 may be secured to the surface (e.g., the surface 210) of the first textile 100 to form a cohesive structure such that there is not a space or potential space between the two layers. In other examples, the optional second molded textile 710 may be selectively secured to the first textile 100 such that there is a space or potential space between the second molded textile 710 and the first textile 100 in the non-secured areas. In some examples, the second molded textile 710 can be referred to as a panel.
The optional third textile 712 may be unmolded in example aspects and may include stretch and recovery properties. In some examples, the third textile 712 can be referred to as a panel. In examples, the stretch and recovery properties of the third textile 712 may provide a moderate amount of compression of the wearer's breasts, which, again, may help to limit movement of the wearer's breasts during athletic activities. In examples, the third textile 712 may be selectively attached to one or more of the second molded textile 710 and the first textile 100 using stitching, bonding, and the like. In this aspect, there may be space or potential space between the third textile 712 and the second molded textile 710 in the non-attached areas. Other aspects herein contemplate that a substantial entirety of the surface of the third textile 712 is secured to the surface of the second molded textile 710 to form a cohesive structure such that there is not a space or potential space between the two layers. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.
The M-shaped layer 810 includes a right leg portion 812, a center leg portion 814, a left leg portion 816, and an upper portion 818. In examples, the right leg portion 812 and the left leg portion 816 are configured to be positioned adjacent a lateral side of a wearer's respective right breast and left breast. A lower end of each of the right leg portion 812 and the left leg portion 816 may be affixed to the underband 524 (e.g., affixed to the upper edge 805 of the underband 524). The center leg portion 814 is configured to be positioned between the wearer's breasts in the center area 530 of the first support garment 500. A lower end of the center leg portion 814 may be affixed to the underband 524 (e.g., affixed to the upper edge 805 of the underband 524). The upper portion 818 connects the right leg portion 812, the center leg portion 814, and the left leg portion 816 and is generally positioned adjacent an upper side of the wearer's breasts. In examples, the right leg portion 812, the center leg portion 814, the left leg portion 816, and the upper portion 818 may comprise a single or unitary textile panel. In examples, the M-shaped layer 810 is not affixed and/or is selectively affixed to the first textile 100 such that a space or potential space is present between the M-shaped layer 810 and the first textile 100. Based on the shape configuration of the M-shaped layer 810, a right opening 820 and a left opening 822 are formed which expose a central area of the wearer's breasts including the nipple area.
Examples of this disclosure contemplate a second example support garment that incorporates the moisture wicking and moisture concealing properties of the first textile. In this aspect, the second support garment may be configured to be lightweight with minimal layers while still providing support to a wearer's breasts (e.g., during every-day wear and usage, athletic activities, etc.) and allowing the wearer to nurse her baby and/or to position a breast pump when pumping milk.
The front portion 1110 includes a first breast covering area 1126 generally demarcated by a dashed line where the first breast covering area 1126 is configured to substantially cover a right breast of a wearer including a nipple area of the wearer. The front portion 1110 also includes a second breast covering area 1128 generally demarcated by a dashed line where the second breast covering area 1128 is configured to substantially cover a left breast of a wearer including a nipple area of the wearer. A center area 1130 of the front portion 1110 is shown in dashed line where the center area 1130 is generally located between the first breast covering area 1126 and the second breast covering area 1128 and overlies a sternum area of a wearer when the second support garment 1100 is worn. In examples, the front portion 1110 includes an outer textile 1105 that forms an outer-facing surface of the second support garment 1100 and, in example aspects, forms an outermost-facing surface of the second support garment 1100.
As further depicted in
The back portion 1210 of the second support garment 1100 depicted in
In examples, the first foam pad 1310 and the second foam pad 1312 each includes a terminal edge 1311 and 1313, respectively. In addition, the terminal edges 1311 and 1313 can be affixed to one or more other textiles to collectively form the front portion 1110.
In example aspects, the first foam pad 1310 and the second foam pad 1312 may comprise an open cell foam that facilitates movement of air and/or moisture vapor through the thickness of the respective first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312. Moreover, use of an open cell foam facilitates the first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312 in absorbing moisture in the form of, for example, perspiration and/or milk. In examples, each of the first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312 may be molded to form a three-dimensional shape in the form of breast cups for each of a wearer's right and left breasts. Aspects herein contemplate that instead of using two individual foam pads, a single, unitary foam pad may be used that extends continuously between, for example, the first armhole edge 1112 and the second armhole edge 1114.
With continued respect to
In examples, at least a portion of the W-shaped frame structure 1314 comprises the first textile 100. For example, a lower band of the frame structure 1314 that is below the cups 1126 and 1128 (e.g., between the cups and the band 1122, can include the first textile 100. In at least some examples, the frame structure 1314 is entirely constructed from the first textile 100. In examples, the first textile 100 may comprise a weight from about 130 gsm to about 270 gsm, and in some examples the basis weight is about 135 gsm, which contributes to the lightweight features of the second support garment 1100. The first textile 100 is positioned such that the second knit layer 112 forms an inner-facing surface, including an innermost-facing surface, of the W-shaped frame structure 1314 and is positioned adjacent a skin surface of a wearer when the second support garment 1100 is worn, and the first knit layer 110 is positioned external to the second knit layer 112.
The W-shaped frame structure 1314 may comprise a unitary or single panel that extends continuously from the first front lateral edge 1116 to the second front lateral edge 1118. In examples, the W-shaped frame structure 1314 at least partially surrounds a medial side, a lower side, and a lateral side of each of the first foam pad 1310 and the second foam pad 1312. The W-shaped frame structure 1314 includes a right leg portion 1316, a center leg portion 1318, a left leg portion 1320, and a lower portion 1322 that connects the right leg portion 1316, the center leg portion 1318, and the left leg portion 1320. In examples, the right leg portion 1316 forms the first front lateral edge 1116 and is positioned on a lateral side of a wearer's right breast when the second support garment 1100 is worn. The left leg portion 1320 forms the second front lateral edge 1118 and is positioned on a lateral side of a wearer's left breast when the second support garment 1100 is worn. The center leg portion 1318 is located in the center area 1130 of the front portion 1110 and is positioned at a medial side of each of a wearer's right and left breasts when the second support garment 1100 is worn. In aspects, an upper edge of the center leg portion 1318 may form a remaining portion of the neckline edge 1120 of the second support garment 1100. The lower portion 1322 is positioned generally under each of the wearer's right breast and left breast when the second support garment 1100 is worn.
The positioning of the W-shaped frame structure 1314 with respect to the first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312 contributes to the functionality of the second support garment 1100. For instance, use of the first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312 may contribute to the lightweight features of the second support garment 1100. However, forming the front portion 1110 entirely from foam may cause the second support garment 1100 to be less breathable and hotter for the wearer to wear compared to forming the front portion 1110 from one or more additional textiles such as the first textile 100 in the form of the W-shaped frame structure 1314. Because the first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312 are formed from an open cell foam, the foam pads 1310 and 1312 are able to absorb some moisture in the form of perspiration and/or milk. Any moisture not captured and retained by the first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312 may be captured by the W-shaped frame structure 1314 formed from the first textile 100. For example, when the wearer is standing upright, moisture that is not retained and/or captured by the first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312 may move in a generally downward direction due to gravity where it is captured by the first textile 100 of the W-shaped frame structure 1314. The wicking finish on the second knit layer 112 of the first textile 100 helps to capture the moisture, and the DWR finish on the outer-facing first knit layer 110 helps to conceal moisture that is captured by the first textile 100.
In examples, the right sling 1410 and the left sling 1412 are not affixed to the W-shaped frame structure 1314, the first foam pad 1310, and the second foam pad 1312 such that a space or potential space is present between the right and left slings 1410 and 1412 and the first and second foam pads 1310 and 1312 as well as the W-shaped frame structure 1314. Based on the positioning of the right sling 1410 and the left sling 1412, the central area of the wearer's breasts including the nipple area are not covered by the right and left slings 1410 and 1412.
The method 1600 may further include positioning an outer textile, such as the outer textile 1105, external to the first and second foam pads and the W-shaped frame structure. In examples, the outer textile may include stretch and recovery properties to provide a degree of compression to the wearer's breasts.
Aspects herein contemplate additional example support garments that include the first textile described herein. For example, a support garment may have a configuration similar to the first support garment 500 but, in example aspects, the first textile may be unmolded. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.
Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.
Clause 1. An upper-torso support garment comprising: a front portion comprising a breast covering area, which comprises a domal-shaped cup having an inner-facing side and an outer-facing side; and the domal-shaped cup comprising a textile, which comprises: a hydrophilic layer oriented towards the inner-facing side; and a hydrophobic layer oriented towards the outer-facing side.
Clause 2. The upper-torso support garment of clause 1, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a first textile layer and the hydrophobic layer comprises a second textile layer.
Clause 3. The upper-torso support garment of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the first textile layer comprises a first knit layer and the second textile layer comprises a second knit layer.
Clause 4. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the textile further comprises a yarn that extends back and forth between the first knit layer and the second knit layer.
Clause 5. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the yarn comprises a hydrophobic yarn.
Clause 6. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the yarn comprises an elastic yarn.
Clause 7. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the elastic yarn comprises a bare elastic yarn.
Clause 8. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the textile comprises a spacer mesh.
Clause 9. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the textile comprises a knit spacer mesh.
Clause 10. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the textile comprises a knit tubular jacquard textile.
Clause 11. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a hydrophilic yarn.
Clause 12. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the hydrophilic yarn is treated with a wicking component prior to being incorporated into the hydrophilic layer.
Clause 13. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a wicking finish.
Clause 14. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the hydrophobic layer comprises a hydrophobic yarn.
Clause 15. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the hydrophobic yarn is treated with durable water repellent (DWR) prior to being incorporated into the hydrophobic layer.
Clause 16. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the hydrophobic layer comprises a DWR finish.
Clause 17. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises an inner-most face of the domal-shaped cup.
Clause 18. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the textile is heat-set.
Clause 19. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 18, further comprising a second textile positioned directly adjacent to the hydrophobic layer, the second textile comprising a mesh textile that has been molded.
Clause 20. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 19, wherein: the front portion comprises an outermost panel; the second textile being positioned between the outermost panel and the hydrophobic layer; and the outermost panel comprising an unmolded portion of the front portion.
Clause 21. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 20, wherein the front portion further comprises an M-shaped layer positioned interior to the hydrophilic layer.
Clause 22. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the hydrophobic layer and the hydrophilic layer comprises recycled polyester
Clause 23. A textile comprising: a first face comprising a hydrophobic layer, which comprises first heat-set yarns; a second face comprising a hydrophilic layer, which comprises second heat-set yarns.
Clause 24. The textile of clause 23, wherein the first heat-set yarns comprise durable water repellent (DWR).
Clause 25. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 24, wherein the first heat-set yarns are treated with DWR prior to being formed into the hydrophobic layer.
Clause 26. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 25, wherein the first heat-set yarns are treated with DWR after being dyed.
Clause 27. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 26, wherein the hydrophobic layer comprises a first knit layer.
Clause 28. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 27, wherein the second heat-set yarns comprise a wicking component.
Clause 29. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 28, wherein the second heat-set yarns are treated with the wicking component prior to being formed into the hydrophilic layer.
Clause 30. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 29, wherein the second heat-set yarns are treated with the wicking component after being dyed.
Clause 31. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 30, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a second knit layer.
Clause 32. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 31, further comprising a third heat-set yarn that connects the hydrophobic layer to the hydrophilic layer.
Clause 33. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 32, wherein the third heat-set yarn is an elastic yarn.
Clause 34. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 33, wherein the elastic yarn is a bare elastic yarn.
Clause 35. The textile of any of clauses 23 to 34, wherein the textile comprises a knit spacer mesh or wherein at least one of the first heat-set yarns and the second heat-set yarns comprise recycled polyester.
Clause 36. A garment comprising the textile of any of clauses 23 to 35.
Clause 37. The garment of clause 36, wherein the garment comprises an upper-torso support garment.
Clause 38. The garment of any of clauses 36 to 37, further comprising a domal-shaped cup that has an inner-facing side and an outer-facing side, and that comprises the textile, wherein the hydrophilic layer, as compared to the hydrophobic layer, is oriented towards the inner-facing side.
Clause 39. The garment of any of clauses 36 to 38, wherein the garment comprises a lower-torso garment.
Clause 40. The garment of any of clauses 36 to 39, wherein the lower-torso garment comprises a pelvic region that comprises the textile.
Clause 41. The garment of any of clauses 36 to 40, wherein the pelvic region comprises a crotch area, and the textile comprises at least a portion of the crotch area.
Clause 42. The garment of any of clauses 36 to 41, wherein the crotch area comprises an inner-facing side configured to face towards a wearer, and wherein the hydrophilic layer, as compared to the hydrophobic layer, is oriented towards the inner-facing side.
Clause 43. The garment of any of clauses 36 to 42, wherein the textile maintains a three-dimensionally molded configuration when the garment is not worn.
Clause 44. A method of manufacturing a garment, the method comprising: applying one or more of heat and pressure to a first textile comprising a hydrophobic layer and a hydrophilic layer, wherein applying the one or more of heat and pressure to the first textile forms a first molded breast cup and a second molded breast cup; and incorporating the first molded breast cup and the second molded breast cup into a front portion of the garment such that the hydrophilic layer forms an inner-facing surface of the front portion.
Clause 45. The method of clause 44, further comprising treating yarns of the hydrophobic layer with DWR prior to integrating the yarns into the hydrophobic layer.
Clause 46. The method of clause 44 or 45, further comprising treating yarns of the hydrophilic layer with wicking finish prior to integrating the yarns into the hydrophilic layer
Clause 47. An upper-torso support garment comprising: a front portion comprising: an inner-facing side and an outer-facing side; a first breast covering area and a second breast covering area, the first breast covering area and the second breast covering area comprising a terminal peripheral edge; and a textile that is coupled to the first breast covering area and the second breast covering area and that extends at least partially beyond the terminal peripheral edge, the textile comprising a hydrophilic layer oriented towards the inner-facing side and a hydrophobic layer oriented towards the outer-facing side.
Clause 48. The upper-torso support garment of clause 47, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a first textile layer and the hydrophobic layer comprises a second textile layer.
Clause 49. The upper-torso support garment of clause 47 or 48, wherein the first textile layer comprises a first knit layer and the second textile layer comprises a second knit layer.
Clause 50. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 49, wherein the textile further comprises a yarn that extends back and forth between the first knit layer and the second knit layer.
Clause 51. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 50, wherein the yarn comprises a hydrophobic yarn.
Clause 52. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 51, wherein the yarn comprises an elastic yarn.
Clause 53. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 52, wherein the elastic yarn comprises a bare elastic yarn.
Clause 54. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 53, wherein the textile comprises a spacer mesh.
Clause 55. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 54, wherein the textile comprises a knit spacer mesh.
Clause 56. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 55, wherein the textile comprises a knit tubular jacquard textile.
Clause 57. The upper-torso support garment any of clauses 47 to 56, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a hydrophilic yarn.
Clause 58. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 57, wherein the hydrophilic yarn is treated with a wicking component prior to being incorporated into the hydrophilic layer.
Clause 59. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 58, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a wicking finish.
Clause 60. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 59, wherein the hydrophobic layer comprises a hydrophobic yarn.
Clause 61. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 60, wherein the hydrophobic yarn is treated with durable water repellant (DWR) prior to being incorporated into the hydrophobic layer.
Clause 62. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 61, wherein the hydrophobic layer comprises a DWR finish.
Clause 63. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 62, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises an inner-most face of the front portion.
Clause 64. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 63, wherein at least one of the hydrophobic layer and the hydrophilic layer comprises recycled polyester.
Clause 65. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 64, wherein the textile comprises at least a portion of a W-shaped frame structure extending around the first breast covering area and the second breast covering area, the W-shaped frame structure comprising a right leg portion, a center leg portion, a left leg portion, and a lower portion that connects the right leg portion, the center leg portion, and the left leg portion.
Clause 66. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 65 further comprising an outer textile positioned external to the first breast covering area and the second breast covering area, positioned external to the textile.
Clause 67. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 66, wherein the textile is positioned between the first breast covering area and the second breast covering area.
Clause 68. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 47 to 67, wherein the first breast covering area and the second breast covering area comprise a first foam pad and a second foam pad.
Clause 69. An upper-torso support garment comprising: a front portion comprising a breast covering area, which comprises a three-dimensional (3D) cup having an inner-facing side and an outer-facing side, wherein the 3D cup comprises a textile having a first part and a second part, the first part being heat-set and the second part not being heat-set such that the first part of the textile has reduced stretch compared to the second part of the textile, and wherein the textile comprises a hydrophilic layer oriented towards the inner-facing side and a hydrophobic layer oriented towards the outer-facing side.
Clause 70. The upper-torso support garment of clause 69, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a first textile layer and the hydrophobic layer comprises a second textile layer, wherein the first textile layer comprises a first knit layer and the second textile layer comprises a second knit layer, and wherein the textile further comprises a yarn that extends back and forth between the first knit layer and the second knit layer.
Clause 71. The upper-torso support garment of clause 69 or 70, wherein the yarn has a lower moisture transfer characteristic compared to the fibers of the hydrophilic layer.
Clause 72. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 69 to 71, wherein the 3D cup is domal-shaped to form a breast cup.
Clause 73. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 69 to 72, wherein the garment is a bra.
Clause 74. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 69 to 73, wherein the bra further comprises a textile, the textile comprising: a hydrophilic layer oriented towards the inner-facing side; and a hydrophobic layer oriented towards the outer-facing side.
Clause 75. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 69 to 74, wherein the textile covers only a portion of the front portion of the bra.
Clause 76. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 69 to 75, wherein the front portion of the bra comprises apertures that are uncovered by the textile, the apertures permitting access through the textile when the front portion is unfolded.
Clause 77. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 69 to 76, wherein the textile comprises an M-shaped layer positioned interior to the front portion of the bra.
Clause 78. An upper-torso support garment comprising: a front portion comprising: an inner-facing side and an outer-facing side; a first front lateral edge opposite a second front lateral edge, a lower edge extending between the first front lateral edge and the second front lateral edge; a first breast covering area and a second breast covering area positioned between the first front lateral edge and the second front lateral edge and above the lower edge; and a textile that is coupled to the inner-facing side, the textile extending along the first front lateral edge, the lower edge, and the second front lateral edge.
Clause 79. The upper-torso support garment of clause 78, wherein the first portion further comprises a center area positioned between the first breast covering area and the second breast covering area, wherein the textile extends from the lower edge to the center area.
Clause 80. The upper-torso support garment of clauses 78 or 79, wherein the textile comprises a lower portion that is positioned proximate to the lower edge, a first leg portion extending from the lower portion and along the first front lateral edge, a second leg portion extending from the lower portion and along the second front lateral edge, and a center leg extending from the lower portion to the center area.
Clause 81. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 78 to 80, wherein the first leg portion is positioned between the first front lateral edge and the first breast covering area, the second leg portion is positioned between the second front lateral edge and the second breast covering area, and the center leg is positioned between the first breast covering area and the second breast covering area.
Clause 82. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 78 to 81, wherein the textile has a W-shape.
Clause 83. The upper-torso support garment of any of clauses 78 to 82, wherein the front portion further comprises a front leg portion, the front leg portion being coupled to the textile along the lower edge.
This application having entitled “Garments with Moisture Wicking and Moisture Concealing Properties” claims the benefit of priority of U.S. App. No. 63/541,186, filed Sep. 28, 2023, and entitled “Garments with Moisture Wicking and Moisture Concealing Properties.” The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63541186 | Sep 2023 | US |
