Patent Application
20250089821
The present disclosure is directed to a lightweight and low-maintenance clothing apparatus. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a lightweight and low-maintenance clothing apparatus with improved lining and padding.
Modern day formal wear, namely suits, can trace its origins back to 19th century England. Traditionally, suits, and more specifically suit jackets and blazers, have been worn during various formal occasions including weddings and work. However, since the 19th century, suit jackets and blazers have become a mainstay in modern attire, and now, are worn in a variety of less formal settings. Notwithstanding the evolution of circumstances in which suit jackets and blazers are worn, the actual constitution of said jackets have not undergone a similar transformation.
Conventionally, the exterior of suit jackets and blazers (collectively the “jackets”) have been constructed from textiles including cashmere, cotton, linen, silk, synthetic fibers, velvet, and/or wool. Further, the interior, or lining, of jackets has traditionally been comprised of cotton, polyester, rayon, and/or silk. Disposed between the exterior and lining of the jackets is a material referred to as the “canvas.” Well-made jackets traditionally utilize hair from an animal, namely camels, horses, and/or sheep, to construct the canvas. However, other jackets utilize a process known as “fusing,” wherein the lining, or fusible, is glued to an interior surface of the jacket. Regardless of whether the jacket utilizes canvas or fusible, the purpose of both is to provide structure and stability to the jacket. Moreover, jackets typically utilize some form of padding comprised of a combination of at least two of cotton, felt, and foam.
Traditional materials used to construct the canvas and the padding of a jacket have a few commonalities, namely, they are all very absorbent. The laborious maintenance requirements of jackets comprised of traditional canvas and padding materials can be attributed to the absorbent tendencies of said materials. If jackets constructed from traditional materials are thrown into a washing machine, the canvas and the padding fill with water, and take exorbitant amounts of time to dry, which is why suits require dry-cleaning. Aside from the increased maintenance requirements, jackets made from traditional materials are bulky and lack breathability. Meaning, said jackets are impracticable for warmer environments where the bulk and absence of airflow through the jacket, increases the user's body temperature, which may lead to an increase in perspiration.
As such, there is a need to provide a jacket made of textiles capable of reducing maintenance, while improving breathability, comfort, and maneuverability. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a jacket capable of being machine washed and dried. Yet further, it would be desirable to provide a jacket utilizing lightweight and breathable textiles, ultimately leading to more pleasant wearing experiences for users during summer months and in warmer climates,
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, the apparatus material comprising: a first layer; an interior layer having a three-dimensional structure formed from a plurality of synthetic fibers, wherein the three-dimensional structure one or more open spaces, wherein the one or more open spaces permit the flow of air and liquid through the apparatus material; and a second layer, wherein the first layer is connected to second layer by the three-dimensional structure of the interior layer.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein any of the first, second, or insulation layers are constructed of at least one textile.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the at least one textile is a synthetic material, selected from a group consisting of at least one of polyester, nylon, spandex, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), and/or aramid fibers.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the first layer is formed by a first weaving process. While the term weaving is used throughout, it may refer to various methods for forming the material. For example, knitting and crocheting, among other methods may be utilized in forming the fabric.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the second layer is formed by a second weaving process.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the interior layer is formed by a third weaving process.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers are constructed from a plurality of synthetic material.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers are constructed from nylon and polyester.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein each of the plurality of synthetic fibers has a length in a range of 1-10 mm.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the apparatus material comprises moisture wicking capabilities as a function of the one or more open spaces.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the apparatus material is a breathable material.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus material, wherein the apparatus material forms a chest piece for a jacket.
Aspects of the present disclosure related to a jacket, a lining; a canvas; and a chest piece formed from an apparatus material, the apparatus material comprising: a first layer; an interior layer having a three-dimensional structure formed from a plurality of synthetic fibers, wherein the three-dimensional structure one or more open spaces, wherein the one or more open spaces permit the flow of air and liquid through the apparatus material; and a second layer, wherein the first layer is connected to second layer by the three-dimensional structure of the interior layer.
Aspects of the present disclosure related to a jacket, wherein the jacket is washable.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a jacket, wherein the apparatus material is a breathable material.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a jacket, wherein the apparatus material comprises moisture wicking capabilities as a function of the one or more open spaces.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers of the interior layer are disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and wherein each of the plurality of synthetic fibers contact the first and second layers.
The incorporated drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification exemplify the aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain and illustrate principles of this disclosure.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawing(s), in which identical functional elements are designated with like numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawings show by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific aspects, and implementations consistent with principles of this disclosure. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that structural changes and/or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be construed in a limited sense.
It is noted that description herein is not intended as an extensive overview, and as such, concepts may be simplified in the interests of clarity and brevity.
All documents mentioned in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Any process described in this application may be performed in any order and may omit any of the steps in the process. Processes may also be combined with other processes or steps of other processes.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a lightweight and low-maintenance apparatus (“apparatus”). The apparatus may be comprised of at least one clothing article such as a blazer, a sport coat, a suit jacket, a shirt, a pair of trousers, a pair of shorts, a vest, or any other suitable clothing apparatus as may be known by those of skill in the art. In an embodiment, the apparatus is a combination of two or more of the aforementioned clothing articles.
Referring to
In another embodiment, the apparatus material 100 may be disposed between an exterior and the interior of the article. As a nonlimiting example, the apparatus material 100 may be used as the lining of a blazer, sport coat, or suit jacket. In a further nonlimiting example, the apparatus material 100 may be disposed on particular components of a clothing article such as a front portion and/or a shoulder portion of a blazer, sport coat, or suit jacket. Such apparatus material 100 may be used as an alternative to traditional padding. In an embodiment, the apparatus material 100 is transparent. In another embodiment, the apparatus material 100 is translucent or opaque.
The present disclosure may include an apparel and/or padding thereof configured to expel fluids, such as water, quickly after exposure to said fluid. Similarly, the padding may be adapted to not absorb water or other fluids. The padding of the present disclosure may be molded to fit within various apparel types, such that the apparel is able to be laundered without damaging the padding. Further, in an embodiment, the padding may be fixed in position within the host apparel, such that the padding remains in a preferred orientation. In the interest of brevity, reference is made herein to padding, however apparel or other similar terms may be used interchangeably.
In some embodiments, the apparatus material 100 may be integrated into clothing articles that share similar characteristics. For example, the apparatus material 100 may be integrated into clothing articles that are washable and/or breathable. Materials such as wool, which is known to be difficult to wash, may be disadvantageous to combine with the apparatus material 100, as it may limit the functionality of the apparatus material 100 in the clothing articles. Breathable materials such as cotton, and washable materials, such as polyester, may be advantageously utilized in the clothing articles with the apparatus material 100 in order to capitalize on the functionality of the apparatus material 100.
The apparatus material 100 may include a first layer 110, a second layer 130, and/or an interior layer 120. The first layer 110, the second layer 130, and/or the interior layer 120 may be formed by unique weaving processes. In an embodiment, the first layer 110 is formed by a first weaving process and the second layer 130 is formed by a second weaving process. While the term weaving is used throughout, any method for forming the layers is contemplated. For example, knitting may be interchangeable with weaving and reference to weaving is not limited to only traditional weaving processes.
The first layer 110 and/or the second layer 130 may be situated upon a first surface of the interior layer 120. Alternatively, the first layer 110 and/or the second layer 130 may be situated upon a second surface of the interior layer 120. In an embodiment, the first layer 110 is situated upon the first surface of the interior layer 120 and the second layer 130 is situated upon the second surface of the interior layer 120, or vice versa, wherein the interior layer 120 is disposed between the first layer 110 and the second layer 130. As a nonlimiting example, at least one of the first surface of the interior layer 120 and the second surface of the interior layer 120 are disposed between the interior of the article and the first layer 110 and/or the second layer 130. For example, the first layer 110 may be situated upon an internal facing/lining and the second layer 130 may be situated upon a canvas and/or lining of a blazer, sport coat, or suit jacket.
The interior layer 120 may include a three-dimensional structure as exemplified in
The three-dimensional structure of the interior layer 120 may contribute to the characteristics of the apparatus material 100. In some embodiments, the structure/stiffness of the apparatus material 100 may be increased by increasing any of the density of the three-dimensional structures, the thickness and/or rigidity of the plurality of synthetic fibers, and the number of synthetic fibers in the interior layer 120. Likewise decreasing any of the density of the three-dimensional structures, the thickness and/or rigidity of the plurality of synthetic fibers, and the number of synthetic fibers in the interior layer 120 may decrease the structure/stiffness of the apparatus material 100. It is contemplated that different clothing articles may require different the apparatus material 100 to have various characteristics, such as structure/stiffness, and the apparatus material 100 may be configured to accommodate the desired characteristics.
The first and second layers 110, 130 may include different textures and/or properties. In an embodiment, the first and second layers 110, 130 may differ by their weaving processes. For example, the first layer 110 may be mesh while the second layer 120 may be warp knit. The difference in the weaving processes is contemplated to provide different characteristics to the first and second layers 110, 130. For example, the open mesh surface of the first layer 110 may be better suited for wicking (i.e., not retaining water) than traditional fabrics. However, the second layer 130 may be better suited for holding a desired shape and may contribute to the apparatus material's structure. In some embodiments, the first and/or second layers 110, 130 may include any suitable materials, textures, and/or properties. Of course, in some embodiments, the first and second layers 110, 130 may be formed of the same weaving process and exhibit the same and/or similar properties. For example, the first and second layers 110, 130 may both be warp knit to provide a stiffer apparatus material to hold the desired shape of the padding.
The first layer may define one or more open spaces 310. The one or more open spaces 310 may be disposed throughout the apparatus material 100 as exemplified in
The first layer 110, the second layer 130, and/or the interior layer 120 may be constructed from at least one textile. It is contemplated that the at least one textile may provide characteristics, such as moisture wicking, to the apparatus material 100. Said at least one textile may be comprised of a synthetic material, wherein the synthetic material may include at least one of polyester, nylon, spandex, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), and/or aramid fibers. For example, the three-dimensional structure of the interior layer 120 may comprise a plurality of synthetic fibers, such as 100% polyester fibers. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional structure of the interior layer 120 may comprise a plurality of yarn, for example, synthetic yarn. However, the at least one textile may be comprised of any suitable synthetic material alternative.
In an embodiment, the at least one textile may be comprised of a natural material, wherein said natural material may include at least one of cashmere, cotton, hemp, leather, linen, silk, and/or wool. However, the at least one textile material may be comprised of any suitable natural material alternative.
Additionally, the at least one textile may be comprised of a blended material. In an embodiment, the blended material may be comprised of a combination of more than one natural materials. In a further embodiment, the blended material may be comprised of a combination of more than one synthetic materials. In yet a further embodiment, the blended material may be comprised of a combination of one or more natural materials and synthetic materials.
In an embodiment, the apparatus material 100 may comprise a plurality of materials. For example, the apparatus material 100 may be composed of alternate synthetic fibers, i.e., nylon or spandex, of combinations thereof. The interior layer 120, bound by a first layer 110 and a second layer 130, may also be composed of 100% polyester, or a combination of materials. In one embodiment, the first and second layers 110, 130 may differ in material makeup. For example, the first layer 110 may be composed of alternate synthetic fibers, i.e., nylon or spandex, of combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the plurality of synthetic fibers may traverse the thickness of the apparatus material 100, for example, maintaining a substantially uniform distance between the first and second layers 110, 130 of the apparatus material 100. However, in some embodiments, the thickness of the apparatus material 100 may be non-uniform.
The apparatus material 100 may decrease maintenance requirements of the article. In an embodiment, the apparatus material 100 facilitates a reduction in an amount of moisture able to be retained in the clothing article, wherein said reduction in moisture retention allows for the article to be machine washed and/or dried. Moreover, the reduction of moisture retention may increase a drying speed and/or rate of evaporation of the clothing item when compared to articles of clothing that do not utilize the apparatus material 100. In a further embodiment, the plurality of open spaces 310 disposed throughout the interior layer 120 may increase ventilation of the clothing item, which in turn, may increase the efficiency of heat transfer between the user and the outside environment. In a further embodiment, the plurality of open spaces 310 and/or apparatus material 100 allow for air to circulate freely throughout the clothing item. Said circulation of air may improve breathability and/or moisture wicking capabilities of the clothing item. In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus material 100 may reduce a need to press or dry-clean the clothing item. For example, the apparatus material 100 may be utilized in underwear, swimwear, or athletic shorts. It is contemplated that the moisture wicking capabilities may reduce chafing caused by traditional fabrics.
The apparatus material 100 may increase a durability of the clothing item. In an embodiment, the apparatus material 100 may allow for repeated stretching of said material 100. In another embodiment, the decrease in maintenance requirements may increase the durability of the clothing item by decreasing a need to routinely apply heat to the clothing item. In an alternate embodiment, the increase in durability may ensure a structure of the clothing item is retained.
The apparatus material 100 may improve upon the clothing item's maneuverability. In an embodiment, the improved maneuverability of the clothing item may improve the comfortability of said item by providing a more relaxed fit. In an alternate embodiment, the comfortability of the clothing item may be improved by reducing the stiffness of said item when compared to articles of clothing that are not comprised of the apparatus material 100. Moreover, the comfortability of the clothing item may be improved by a cushioning effect of the apparatus material 100. Said cushioning effect may result from the three-dimensional structure of the interior layer 120.
The apparatus material 100 may have a level of elasticity, wherein said elasticity may allow for the clothing item to stretch. Moreover, the apparatus material 100 may provide structure to the clothing item, wherein the structure is the retention of a shape and/or a fit of the clothing item. In an embodiment, the shape and/or the fit of the clothing item may conform to the user's body more effectively than articles of clothing not comprised from the apparatus material 100. Said conformity to the user's body may provide a sleeker and/or more tailored appearance of the user while wearing the clothing item. For example, the apparatus material 100 may reduce the bulkiness of the clothing item when compared to articles of clothing not comprised from the apparatus material 100.
In an embodiment, a seam may be disposed around the perimeter of the apparatus material 100. However, the apparatus material 100 may also be formed without a seam, wherein the first layer 110, the second layer 130, and the interior layer 120 are continuous or otherwise connected.
The ability of the apparatus material 100 to be molded, expel liquid, and/or retain shape and positioning is a function of various characteristics of the apparatus material 100. For example, an increase of the quantity of the plurality of synthetic fibers may decrease the apparatus material 100's ability to expel liquid.
Further, an increase in the length of the plurality of synthetic fibers (in effect, an increase in the thickness of the material) may render the apparatus material 100 as more substantial and rigid, thus decreasing likelihood of deformation. As a non-limiting example, the synthetic fibers may include a length of 1-10 mm. In an embodiment, the apparatus material 100 may include a quantity, density, and length of synthetic fibers configured to maximize moldability and promote an enduring preferred shape, while minimizing liquid retention.
In an embodiment, the apparel may include one or more pieces, wherein the one or more pieces are sized to fit within a specific apparel location. For example, the one or more pieces may be sized to fit within the shoulder of a suit. Accordingly, the one or more pieces may be shaped to fit within the shoulder of the suit. For example, the piece may be a chest piece, a shoulder pad, or other portion of the suit that provides structure to the suit, and a portion of the piece may have a curvature where the piece meets the shoulder to accommodate the shoulder shape and may taper downwards as the piece extends towards the neck. Of course, the exact shape of the one or more pieces may be any shape suitable to create a suit chest piece/shoulder pad. Further, it is contemplated that the one or more pieces may include a left piece and a right piece, wherein the left and right pieces are geometrically mirrored such that the left and right pieces fit the left and right shoulders, respectively.
As shown in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In some embodiments, the pad 404 may extend downwards towards the chest to provide additional structure to the clothing item 400. However, in other embodiments, the pad 404 may be sized and shaped in accordance with traditional chest pieces.
However, in some embodiments, the canvas 402 and/or lining 406 may be omitted. For example, in some instances the pad 404 may provide sufficient structure to the clothing item 400, such that the use of the canvas 402 and/or lining 406 may be omitted without compromising the structure of the clothing item 400. For example, in instances where the pad 404 extends downwards towards the chest, the canvas 402 may be omitted.
In some embodiments, the one or more pieces may be derived from a larger portion of material, wherein the larger portion of the apparatus material 100 is cut and molded to the preferred geometry.
The molding process may first comprise placing a flat section of the apparatus material 100 into a mold. The apparatus material 100 may be selected with an appropriate quantity of synthetic fibers and thickness as will manifest in a desired shape and size. The mold may be sized and configured reciprocal to the preferred geometry of the one or more pieces. In effect, the mold may be utilized to adapt the apparatus material 100 into pieces of desired shapes. In an embodiment, the molding process may utilize a molding machine, wherein the molding machine includes automation and controllable heat and pressure settings. Thus, the settings of such a machine may be adjusted in conjunction with the characteristics of the apparatus material 100 to maintain the integrity of the fabric while still molding it into shape. The molding machine may include a preformed tool, ram, and/or other component sized to press the apparatus material 100 into the receiving portion of the mold.
In an embodiment, the molding process may be tailored to the melting point of the first layer 110, the second layer 130, and/or the interior layer 120 substantiating the apparatus material 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the apparatus material 100 may have a low melting point, wherein the molding process is modified as to decrease likelihood of melting and deformation from over-application of heat. In an embodiment, the interior layer 120 has a higher melting point than the first and/or second layers 110, 130, where the first and second layers 110, 130 include fabrics adapted to provide form and/or shape. Alternatively, in utilizing a thicker fabric, the synthetic fibers may require a lower melting point to mold such that there is not an over application of heat to the first and/or second layers 110, 130.
Heat may be applied to the mold, preformed tool, and/or the fabric to promote sufficient geometric modification of the material. The quantity of heat delivered may be configured to modify the shape of the overall section of material without jeopardizing the integrity of the interior surface 120's synthetic fibers. For example, heat may be applied over the course of a specified duration and at an appropriate quantity as to prevent melting of the interior surface 120, first layer 110, and/or second layer 130. In an embodiment, the heat does not exceed a temperature of 480° F.
An exemplary method for manufacturing the pieces using the steps described above. This non-limiting example includes placing the flat section of the apparatus material 100 into a mold at step 502, then pressing the apparatus material 100, via a preformed tool, into a receiving portion of the mold at step 504. As described above, the apparatus material 100 may then be heated to a temperature configured to bond the first and second layers 110, 130 of the apparatus material 100 to the plurality synthetic fibers of the interior layer 120 at step 506. At step 508, the first and second layers 110, 130 may then be formed to create a desired form of the apparatus material 100.
In a further embodiment, the apparatus material 100 may be woven such that the resulting fabric is already in the desired shape. For example, as opposed to creating a flat fabric section, the fabric may be manufactured with a predetermined curvature and depth. Accordingly, such preformed material may be cut to the preferred dimensions and inserted into the host garment. For example, the apparatus material 100 may be formed as a shoulder pad or chest piece for a suit of a particular size and integrated into a suit.
In yet a further embodiment, the one or more pieces may be manufactured utilizing additive printing (for example, via a “3D Printer”). In such an embodiment, the one or more pieces may be printed to the desired size, thus not requiring molding of the material. In one embodiment, the material may be manufactured via additive printing in conjunction with heat-activated foaming agents. For example, the material may be printed via photopolymer resin, wherein such a printed resin expands by a predetermined factor once exposed to a particular heat. Therefore, the piece, after printing and heating, may be composed of the resulting closed cell foam.
In one embodiment, one or more pieces may be cut from a sheet/bolt of the apparatus material 100. The one or more pieces may be cut according to their intended purpose, such as for a chest piece or shoulder pad in a suit jacket, and the desired size of the piece. Further, the one or more pieces may be cut as a left and right piece configured to be placed on either side of a clothing article. Once the one or more pieces have been cut, the one or more pieces may be sewn into the clothing article. For example, a left chest piece may be sewn into the chest and shoulder of the suit jacket and a right chest piece may be sewn into the chest and shoulder of the suit jacket.
Finally, other implementations of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.
Various elements, which are described herein in the context of one or more embodiments, may be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. Further, the processes described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described. For example, the processes described herein are not limited to the specific processing order described herein and, rather, process blocks may be re-ordered, combined, removed, or performed in parallel or in serial, as necessary, to achieve the results set forth herein.
It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts that have been described and illustrated herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims.
All references, patents and patent applications and publications that are cited or referred to in this application are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. Finally, other implementations of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/539,991 for LIGHTWEIGHT AND LOW-MAINTENANCE CLOTHING APPARATUS, filed Sep. 18, 2023, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63538991 | Sep 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18889245 | Sep 2024 | US |
| Child | 18918630 | US |
