Inverse Water Resistant Garment

Abstract

This is a new take on water resistant materials and garment assembly. This invention will prevent liquid from permeating from the inside to the outside of a garment. The main use for this invention is for a garment to be worn over existing wet garments and skin. The beauty of this invention is that since the internal barrier prevents liquid transfer through it, the outer layer of the garment can be composed of water absorbent material, if so desired, and remain dry.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a fabric assembly of a garment preventing liquids from penetrating towards the outside of the garment via the inside. Therefore, this invention inhibits the new garment assembly from absorbing unwanted liquids.

Regarding water sports and related activities, often a participant will exit the water with one or more wet articles of clothing, such as boardshorts, bathing suits, wetsuits, or other wet garments, and without taking off such garment(s) will put on a dry garment over the top. This new article of clothing often is neither waterproof nor water resistant, such as with cotton, polyester, and other hydrophilic fabrics. The new dry garment will then absorb water when it contacts the original wet garment. Once wet, liquid can propagate throughout the garment, causing discomfort. Some materials do a better job than others to mitigate this absorption but currently there is nothing designed specifically for this issue.

Weatherproof garments typically are comprised of hydrophobic materials such as; Gortex™, nylon, and polyurethane which prevent external liquids from reaching internal to the respective garment, however the prevention of internally residing liquids reaching an outer layer has yet to be addressed in apparel.

Similarly, when entering a vehicle with a wet bottom garment such as shorts, skirts, or pants, the top garment as well as the seat will become wet from sitting. A towel or waterproof cover is typically used to help prevent liquid absorption, but currently a wearable garment is not an option. With this invention, a garment could be designed for this use.

A current product that does in fact prevent moisture from exiting the internal layer of a garment is a sauna suit, however these are strictly meant to keep moisture and heat internal to the suit. That is not a consideration here. The goal with this invention is to not simply trap liquids from exiting the internal medium, but to keep the outer layer of the dry garment dry.

Another product that may be mistaken for utilizing similar technology is a diaper. However, the goal of a diaper is to absorb the liquid and then keep it from reaching the outside. In a diaper, the inside is a hydrophilic fabric and the outside is waterproof, therefore keeping the liquids inside. While the end goal is similar, our invention specifically prevents any part of the garment from absorbing liquids. Diapers, on the other hand, specifically absorb those same liquids.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The current invention will be able to address and improve the shortcomings listed above. By preventing liquid from reaching the outer layer of the garment, water cannot penetrate the inner layer and permeate throughout the garment. There are a plurality of options for this inner layer, some of which include hydrophobic waterproof and water resistant fabrics, additives, or coatings. Other possible inner layers might include physical interferences, fast drying fabrics, or gutter systems.

One possible result of this invention is that the inner layer remains dry by utilizing hydrophobic characteristics to avoid liquid absorption. Once the wet medium is removed the new garment will remain dry throughout, both on the inner and outer layers. Fast drying or wicking characteristics of the inner layer may also accomplish this same result.

One embodiment of this invention could be in a classic hooded sweatshirt or other top garment to prevent water in wet boardshorts from being absorbed by the hydrophilic material of a sweatshirt. This would allow the wearer to add a warm comfortable garment once out of the water without concern for the fabric of the outer layer becoming wet.

Another embodiment could be utilized for a female top garment. The inner layer would be able to prevent water transfer from a wet one or two-piece bathing suit to the new dry garment. This could be accomplished with either one large inner layer zone covering the chest down or two separate zones.

Another embodiment could also be utilized for a full wetsuit. The inner layer would fully encompass the inside of the garment, therefore inhibiting liquid from all locations along the inside to absorb into the outer layer.

Bottom garments such as shorts or pants could use this invention to cover up a wet bottom garment, such as boardshorts. This invention is useful when a change in top garment is not an option or a dry outer layer of a bottom garment is necessary.

A bottom garment such as pants could use this invention to cover up wet socks. In this embodiment, the inner layer would be located on the lower portion of the pants.

The assembly may contain a wicking material that substitutes for a hydrophobic inner layer. This wicking material may not completely prevent, but should help mitigate the spread of the liquid from the initial wet medium and onto the new dry garment. One embodiment that would benefit from this invention would be a thin upper garment like a t-shirt.

The inner layer can be adhered as desired by at least one of but not limited to adhesive, sewing, stamping, and ultrasonic weld. It may also be removable, employing the use of buttons, zippers, magnets, snaps, reusable adhesives, Velcro® or similar type fastener or material.

Upon further understanding of the current invention it shall be clear that a plurality of unique and independent embodiments are possible. The specific examples shown in the ensuing drawings are to further clarify the utility and in no way are meant to limit the scope of this invention. The invention can prove useful in many industries for many reasons and therefore the following should be understood as illustrative and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a front view of a garment assembly with a section cut away.

• • 100 hooded sweatshirt, garment
  • 102a outer layer
  • 102b inside of outer layer
  • 106 inner layer, hydrophobic material

FIG. 1b is a front view of the garment assembly flipped inside out.

FIG. 2 is a front view of another garment assembly.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic, highly enlarged perspective view of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Focusing now on the drawings, these figures will help illustrate the utility of this invention. A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b as a hooded sweatshirt 100. Looking at FIG. 1a we can see a front view of the garment system with a section cut away. The outer layer 102a and 102b can be any one material or plurality of materials desired, which in the case of a hoodie would likely be cotton or polyester. The cut away reveals the inside of the hooded sweatshirt 100. The inside of the outer layer 102b can be seen in FIG. 1a, however this is strictly illustrative and should be understood henceforth as the outer layer 102. Therefore, the inside of this embodiment is comprised of the outer layer 102 and the inner layer 106. This inner layer 106 runs from the bottom hem of the garment and up approximately one third of the way to the shoulders.

FIG. 1b shows the same hooded sweatshirt 100 but it is flipped inside out. This view shows inner layer 106 as it spans the entire circumference of the garment and vertically up from the hem approximately one third of the way to the top of the shoulders. The inside of the outer layer 102 is revealed on the rest of the garment. Other embodiments of this invention are possible as the specific location of the inner layer 106 is unique to each embodiment. This hooded sweatshirt 100 is meant to show one possible example while clarifying the construction and utility of the invention.

Looking at FIG. 2 we can see the front view of another preferred embodiment, a second hooded sweatshirt 200. The hem of the hoodie in this illustration is the inner layer 106 which has wrapped around to the outside of the hoodie from the inside. The inside of the hoodie remains the same as the hooded sweatshirt 100 in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b with a different method of terminating the inner layer 106. The inner layer 106 wraps around the hem of the sweatshirt and is revealed on the exterior of the second hooded sweatshirt 200. This wrap around functions as an extra barrier to prevent the wet medium 300 from contacting the outer layer.

This inner layer 106 can span either the entirety of the inside of the garment, one section, or a plurality of portions. It is not limited to the bottom portion of the garment as the inner layer 106 location will be specific to the utility and design of the garment embodiment.

Another preferred embodiment is that of a sweatshirt or other female top garment compatible with a female one piece bathing suit, it will be similar to the hooded sweatshirt 100 in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b however the inner layer 106 would span from the hem all the way up to the shoulders. The inner layer 106 of this garment would fully encompass the torso area.

Similarly, another embodiment would be a sweatshirt or other female top garment compatible with female two piece bathing suit, which would have the inner layer 106 span from the hem of the garment up to the shoulders. The unique characteristic of this embodiment is that in the middle of the torso the inner layer 106 would have a gap. Instead, the outer layer 102 would be revealed on the inside of the hooded sweatshirt 100.

In other embodiments of this invention, the outer layer 102 can consist of multiple unique layers. For one preferred embodiment with multiple layers, the outer layer 102 would consist of a polyester liner with a water resistant material on the outside. This layering could be utilized as a windproof and water resistant jacket, that also requires the internal water resistant properties to protect from an internal wet medium 300. The inner layer 106 in this embodiment covers a portion the polyester layer on the inside of the outer layer 102.

In other embodiments, the hooded sweatshirt 100 may be substituted for various other garments including but not limited to button up flannel, zippered hooded sweatshirt, crew neck sweatshirt, sweater, t-shirt, jacket, fleece, and other top garments. The inner layer 106 and outer layer 102 assembly and function would remain the same as listed previously in all embodiments.

Yet another embodiment, the invention could be for a lower body garment, such as pants. The inner layer 106 would span the upper portion of the inside of the garment, anywhere from the top and down to the bottom hem of the pants. The inner layer 106 would cover the outer layer 102 just like in the top garment embodiments listed previously. Shorts, skirts, capris and other lower body garments could also utilize this invention.

Another embodiment would be for pants. However, in this embodiment the inner layer 106 would be contained to the lower portion of the pant. This can be anywhere from the lower hem and up to the crotch area. As an example, this embodiment could be used to prevent a wet medium 300 of a pair of socks from penetrating to outer layer 102. This outer layer 102 fabric can be many materials including but not limited to denim, cotton, and polyester.

Another embodiment of the invention is for garment consisting of thin material for the outer layer 102. This thin material would be that of a t-shirt or similar. In this embodiment to maintain a similar feel to the garment, the inner layer 106 could be a technical wicking fabric. The technical wicking fabric would help prevent the wet medium 300 from penetrating to the outer layer 102. A hydrophobic material could also be used for the inner layer if greater water resistance is desired.

Looking further into the details of the layering we can take our attention to FIG. 3, which is is a diagrammatic, highly enlarged perspective view of the system. This drawing FIG. 3 shows a simplified version of the interaction which serves as a method to further clarify the specific characteristics of the assembly and invention in general. The wet medium 300 contacts the inner layer 106 and attempts to transfer liquid 308 to the inner layer 106, which as stated in the summary can be one of many possible embodiments of the feature. The liquid 308 consists of at least one part water, precipitation, and various other fluids that may be present in the wet medium 300. This inner layer 106 provides a barrier against the liquid 308 by at least one of its intrinsic features including hydrophobicity, physical interference, and various other chemical, physical, or technological properties. The outer layer 102 is protected from the liquid 308 via this inner layer 106. The assembly 312 shows the outer and inner layer in relation to each other. The outside environment 310 is shown to clarify the location of the outer layer 102 with respect to the wet medium 300 and the inner layer 106.

Claims

1. A top garment comprising of: An assembly whereas an inner layer or sections of an inner layer prevent water from reaching the outer layer

2. The garment according to claim 1 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of a waterproof fabric, including but not limited at least one part rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone elastomers, fluoropolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and wax.

3. The garment according to claim 1 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of water resistant fabric, including but not limited to at least one part fleece, canvas, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, or other water resistant materials.

4. The garment according to claim 1 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of a physical barrier, consisting of a plurality of physical projections, mesh, brush, hook-and-loop, or expandable material.

5. The garment according to claim 1 whereas the inner layer is permanently or semi permanently attached to the outer layer via adhesive, sewing, stamping, ultrasonic weld, or other bonding mechanisms.

6. The garment according to claim 1 whereas the inner layer is removable, via adhesive, magnet, Velcro, hook-and-loop, snaps, zipper or other bonding mechanisms.

7. The garment according to claim 1 whereas the outer layer is comprised of one or a plurality of individual fabrics and fabric assemblies

8. A bottom garment comprising of: An assembly whereas an inner layer or sections of an inner layer prevent water from reaching the outer layer

9. The garment according to claim 8 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of a waterproof fabric, including but not limited at least one part rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone elastomers, fluoropolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and wax.

10. The garment according to claim 8 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of water resistant fabric, including but not limited to at least one part fleece, canvas, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, or other water resistant materials.

11. The garment according to claim 8 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of a physical barrier, consisting of a plurality of physical projections, mesh, brush, hook-and-loop, or expandable material.

12. The garment according to claim 8 whereas the inner layer is permanently or semi permanently attached to the outer layer via adhesive, sewing, stamping, ultrasonic weld, or other bonding mechanisms.

13. The garment according to claim 8 whereas the inner layer is removable, via adhesive, magnet, Velcro, hook-and-loop, snaps, zipper or other bonding mechanisms.

14. The garment according to claim 8 whereas the outer layer is comprised of one or a plurality of individual fabrics and fabric assemblies

15. A fabric assembly comprising of: An assembly whereas an inner layer or sections of an inner layer prevent water from reaching the outer layer

16. The garment according to claim 15 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of a waterproof fabric, including but not limited at least one part rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone elastomers, fluoropolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and wax.

17. The garment according to claim 15 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of water resistant fabric, including but not limited to at least one part fleece, canvas, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, or other water resistant materials.

18. The garment according to claim 15 whereas some or all parts of the inner layer is comprised of a physical barrier, consisting of a plurality of physical projections, mesh, brush, hook-and-loop, or expandable material.

19. The garment according to claim 15 whereas the inner layer is permanently or semi permanently attached to the outer layer via adhesive, sewing, stamping, ultrasonic weld, or other bonding mechanisms.

20. The garment according to claim 15 whereas the inner layer is removable, via adhesive, magnet, Velcro, hook-and-loop, snaps, zipper or other bonding mechanisms.

21. The garment according to claim 15 whereas the outer layer is comprised of one or a plurality of individual fabrics and fabric assemblies