TECHNICAL FIELD

[ 0001 ] This invention relates to a protective insert for dance, active and swimwear, in general. More particularly, this invention relates to reusable protective dance, active and swimwear, and to a method of manufacturing reusable dance, active and swimwear including such a protective insert.

BACKGROUND ART

[ 0002 ] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. No acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application is intended.

[ 0003 ] Women and men occasionally experience failure with their dance, active and swimwear due to leakage of bodily fluids or secretions past, or through, such garments. The Applicant is aware of conventional reusable dance, active and swimwear, which offers very little, to no, protection against moisture egress in the form of bodily fluids or secretions. Because regular dance, active and swimwear of which the Applicant is aware does not offer significant protection from leakage, it often results in embarrassing situations, or it means that users do not participate in swimming, dancing and exercise for fear of leakage.

[ 0004 ] Many women experience light bladder leaks (experienced by 30% of women with one child or more, and often a result of urge incontinence in young toilet training children) , menstrual overflow (experienced by 50% of women during menstruation due to tampon or mooncup failure) , heavier discharge (experienced regularly by many women) and breastmilk leakage (experienced by most breastfeeding mothers) , and are hence forced to use disposable hygiene products with their active, dance and swimwear, or not participate at all. This is both uncomfortable and may reduce the likelihood that such persons may partake in dancing, exercise, swimming or aquatic activities.

[0005] It is an objective of this invention to address some of the issues of existing active, dance and swimwear products and to create garments that look, fit and feel like regular active wear, dance leotards and swimwear but offers increased protection against inadvertent leakage when compared to conventional garments of which the Applicant is aware.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The skilled addressee will appreciate that reference herein to a ^λ garment' includes reference to any form of dance, active and/or swimwear and any article of clothing useable for dancing, exercise and/or swimming or related physical activities.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a protective insert operatively attachable to an inner, body-facing layer of a garment, the protective insert comprising: a first, operatively inner layer comprising a moisture- wicking, odour resistant, fluid absorbent fibre with or without a waterproof laminate-film; and

a second, operatively outer layer comprising a breathable, odour resistant, water repellent fibre to further prevent fluid passage through the garment;

wherein the operatively inner layer faces the body of a user while the operatively outer layer faces away from the body of a user, in use. [0008] The fibre used in the first, operatively inner layer may be a natural fibre, derived from natural fibre, or may be a synthetic fibre like polyester or nylon, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibres.

[0009] The first, operatively inner layer fibre may be configured to be hydrophilic or contain a hydrophilic compound.

[0010] The fibre may be chosen to allow for the spreading and drying of 5-10ml of moisture or bodily secretions in a rapid fashion (e.g. less than 5-10 minutes for drying each ml of moisture or bodily secretions per 10 cm x 10 cm section of fabric) .

[0011] The first, operatively inner layer fibre may be in the form of a synthetic fibre, typically in the form of polyester and typically in the form of a woven or knitted mesh fabric. The inner layer may contain bamboo or charcoal and may have an antimicrobial treatment like Silpure® applied and odour absorbing treatment like Zeomic® applied.

[0012] The first, operatively inner layer fibre may be in the form of a bamboo charcoal-containing fibre, typically contained in the form of a woven or knitted mesh fabric. The fabric may include bamboo charcoal-containing fibre and may include at least one synthetic fibre, typically in the form of polyester, associated with the bamboo charcoal, thereby forming a bamboo charcoal polyester fabric.

[0013] The fabric may be a mesh, generally in the form of a knitted fabric.

[0014] The fabric may be moisture-wicking or pre-treated to enhance the moisture-absorbing or moisture-wicking capabilities thereof . [0015] The fabric may be selected to possess natural antimicrobial properties, like charcoal, and/or may also be treated with an antimicrobial and/or odour absorbing composition.

[0016] The antimicrobial composition may be an antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal compound, or a combination of such compounds .

[0017] The antimicrobial composition may be in the form of silver ions or derivatives thereof. The antimicrobial composition may be complexed with other antimicrobial compositions or carriers. The antimicrobial composition may be commercially available antimicrobial compositions available under the trade name Silpure® or Ultrafresh®.

[0018] The odour absorbing composition may be in the form of Zeomic® and/or Sciessent® product range like Lava®, Agion® or Active® or other treatments that are renowned for ammonia and body odour absorption.

[0019] The first, operatively inner layer may be associated with a clear breathable waterproof laminate-film on the outer side for additional waterproof effect.

[0020] The first, operatively inner layer fibre may be included in a weight in a range of 100 gsm to 300 gsm, preferably between 150 gsm and 250 gsm, most preferably 200 gsm.

[0021] The first, operatively inner layer may have a thickness of between 0.5mm and 2.5mm, preferably between 0.8mm and 2mm, most preferably less than 1 mm. [0022] The operatively outer (i.e. swim, dance or active wear- facing) layer may comprise a fibre derived from a synthetic material, such as nylon or polymer such as polyamide elastane.

[0023] The operatively outer layer may be treated with a water- repelling substance. The water repelling substance may include perflourooctanesulfonamide or a hydrocarbon polymer. The water repelling substance may be a commercially available substance such as, for example, 3M Scotchgard® or Aquapel® by Nano-Tex®. The water-repelling treatment may be provided on each face of the fabric of the outer layer, i.e. back and front.

[0024] The operatively outer fabric may have a thickness of between 0.1mm and 2mm, preferably between 0.2mm and 1mm, most preferably no more than 2.0mm.

[0025] The operatively outer fabric may have a weight in a range of 100 gsm to 300 gsm, preferably between 250 and 300 gsm, most preferably 270 gsm.

[0026] The total thickness of the protective insert may be between 2mm and 10mm, preferably having a maximum thickness of no more than 5mm, most preferably having a maximum thickness of no more than 3mm.

[0027] The protective insert may be used within, fused to, associated with, or attached to a swimwear garment, typically swimwear tops and swimwear bottoms, to active-wear, typically gym tights or running shorts and dancewear, typically leggings or leotard. Similarly, the protective insert may be used within, fused to, associated with, or attached to only a bra section of a swimwear garment e.g. if required for breastfeeding mothers to prevent breastmilk leaks. [0028] The garment may be in the form of a bikini, one piece, rashie, sports bra, maternity swimwear, maternity sports bra, leotard, gym tights, running shorts and the like.

[0029] The protective insert may be fixed or attached to the active, dance or swimwear garment in, proximal to, substantially covering, or extending over, at least part of a bodily discharge zone, such as, for example, in the groin area of gym tights, swimwear bottoms or leotard.

[0030] The protective insert outer operatively layer may form the outside layer of the garment.

[0031] The article of clothing may be an active, dance or swimwear garment. As such, the invention extends to an article of swimwear having associated therewith the protective insert of the invention .

[0032] As such, the invention extends to an article of active wear having associated therewith the protective insert of the invention .

[0033] As such, the invention extends to an article of dance wear having associated therewith the protective insert of the invention .

[0034] The invention further extends to a method of manufacturing a protective active-wear, dancewear or swimwear, the method including the steps of: providing a first, operatively inner layer as described hereinbefore; bringing into close contact with the first, operatively inner layer, an operatively outer fabric of a breathable, water repellent material for preventing leaking, as described hereinbefore. [0035] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an active, dance or swimwear garment having one or more moisture-absorbing zones, the method including the steps of:

providing a protective insert of the invention; and

attaching the protective insert to an area of a garment such that the positioning of the protective insert corresponds to a moisture leakage producing area of a wearer's body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of an inner groin area of a protective swimwear or dance leotard in accordance with one aspect of the invention, showing the two layers of an insert in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

Figure 2A is a front view of a swimwear bikini bottom in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

Figure 2B is a rear view of swimwear bikini bottom in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

Figure 3A is a rear view of swimwear full piece or dance leotard in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

Figure 3B is a front view of a swimwear full piece or dance leotard in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

Figure 4A is a front view of a swimwear maternity top, in accordance with one aspect of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0037] With reference now to the accompanying drawings, the invention provides for a quick drying, antibacterial, odour absorbing, breathable and protective insert 10 comprising a first, operatively (in use) inner layer 12, and an operatively (in use) outer layer 14, shown in the context of an article of active, dance or swimwear 18, best shown as a lower section of a bikini as represented in Figure 2A.

[0038] However, the skilled addressee will appreciate that the insert 10 can be used with a wide variety of garments, depending on requirements. As such, the insert 10 may be used with active wear, dancewear, swimwear and/or any other types of garments where such protective insert may find an application.

[0039] The protective insert 10 is a slim (3mm in thickness or less), wicking, moisture spreading, quick drying, antibacterial, breathable, comfortable water repellent insert, which can prevent leakages of up to 5 - 10 ml in a single insult. The swimwear 18

(including insert 10) is machine washable, obviating the need for hand washing, while being durable and capable of lasting as long as regular swimwear. [0040] The protective insert 10 and resultant swimwear 18 provide a comfortable and sustainable way to stay dry and fresh from light bladder leaks, menstrual overflow/spotting, discharge, and breastmilk leaks without the need for disposable liners, allowing women (and men susceptible to bladder leakage) to participate in swimming, dancing and exercise without fear.

[0041] The inner (first) layer 12 comprises a slim synthetic material, commercially available under the brand name "Coolmax" or "Coolmesh", which comprises polyester wicking fibres. Coolmax fibres are not round, but are slightly oblong in cross-section with grooves running lengthwise along the threads. They are manufactured in either a tetrachannel or hexachannel style. The series of closely spaced channels creates capillary action that wicks moisture through the core and out to a wider area on the surface of the fabric which increases evaporation.

[0042] The Applicant has found much experimentation that a polyester wicking fibre like Coolmax or Coolmesh fabric has rapid moisture wicking (hydrophilic) and fast drying capabilities. Applicant has also found that that the polyester wicking fabric is highly absorbent, given that the fabric allows the moisture to rapidly spread over the entire surface, the fabric typically being capable of absorbing and retaining up to 10 ml for every 10 cm x 10 cm area of the fabric of the inner layer 12. The absorption is further improved with a water laminate film on the bottom of the fabric .

[0043] The polyester fabric forming part of the inner layer 12, is in the form of a mesh fabric. Applicant has found the mesh structure aids rapid drying, as the structure allows air to flow through the fabric and insert 10, thereby assisting in the drying process . [0044] Applicant has also found that the polyester fabric either combined with bamboo-charcoal fibres or impregnated or coated with odour absorbing compositions or treatment acts to absorb and eliminate unwanted odour caused by ammonia and body odour .

[0045] The polyester fabric, in certain embodiments, may be further impregnated or coated with antimicrobial treatments, usually silver ion-based products, like Silpure® or UltraFresh®, or other commercially available antimicrobial compounds or compositions, or mixtures thereof, to further enhance the antimicrobial and/or odour eliminating capabilities of the polyester fabric.

[0046] The polyester fabric, in certain embodiments, can also be fused to a waterproof laminate-film to support the absorbency and to give additional leak-proof capacity.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the operatively outer fabric 14 comprises a nylon or polyester fabric generally having a thickness of 1 mm or less, commercially available, in this embodiment, as polyamide elastane. The fabric has a water repellent hydrocarbon polymer treatment, typically Aquapel® by Nano Tex®, on the front and back surfaces making it moisture repellent, thereby acting as a further barrier against leaks and, increasing the drying time by double in comparison to regular untreated active, dance or swimwear fabric after full submersion in water. However, this layer does allow for air penetration, which assists with drying the inner layer and ameliorating microbial growth .

[0048] The first, inner, layer is sewn and/or fused onto the outer fabric as shown in Figure 1. [0049] Turning now to Figures 2A and 2B, there is shown a pair of bikini bottoms that include a body 22, cut-outs for legs 24, and a general crotch area 26. The protective first layer of the insert 10 of the invention is sewn or fused to the outer fabric of the general crotch area 26 and extends sufficiently to cover crotch areas prone to accidental fluid leakage that may be experienced by a wearer.

[0050] Turning now to Figure 3, there is provided a full-piece swimwear or dance leotard garment 28. The garment includes a body 30, cut-outs 32 for wearer's legs, cut-outs 34 for a wearer's arms

(not shown) and a cut-out 36 for a wearer's neck. The protective first layer is sewn or fused to the outer fabric of the general crotch area 38 and extends sufficiently to cover crotch areas prone to accidental fluid leakage that may be experienced by a wearer.

[0051] Turning now to Figure 4, there is provided a swimwear maternity top 40 for lactating women. The swimwear maternity top 40 includes a body 42, generally comprising two cups 44, and connecting straps 46. The protective first layer 12 of the insert 10 is sewn or fused to the inside of each cup 44 (and may in certain embodiments replace the cups 44 themselves in their entirety) and extends sufficiently to cover all areas prone to accidental fluid leakage experienced by a wearer.

[0052] The skilled addressee will appreciate that the insert 10 is applicable to any type of garment or article of clothing, depending on user requirements. As such, the insert of the present invention extends to any suitable garment, including all dance, active and swimwear, such as leggings, upper body garments, etc.

[0053] The Applicant is of the opinion that they have developed a protective insert and a line of active, dance and swimwear that can be worn during a woman' s menstrual cycle or for pelvic floor support that protects against light bladder leakage or period flow (up to 10 ml) . To this end, several experiments were conducted over a period of 4 months, as described below.

EXPERIMENT 1

[0054] A polyamide elastane with 3M Scotchgard-treated fabric was soaked in pool water for 30 minutes and then washed by hand with a dab of laundry detergent and then dried. After drying, 10 ml of liquid was poured onto the garment to test that the fabric is still waterproof for longer than 15 minutes

Water repellent durability

Under 30 washes - Fail

Over 50 washes - Pass

Drying Speed

Slow = 2 hrs or more

Moderate = l-2hrs

High = 30 minutes-lhr

Very High = Less than 30 minutes

Day 10 ml water Drying Speed

1 Passed 2 tests Very high

2 Passed 2 tests Very high

3 Passed 1 test Very high

4 Passed 2 tests Very high

5 Passed 1 test Very high

6 Passed 3 tests Very high

7 Passed 2 tests Very high

8 Passed 3 tests High

9 Passed 1 test High

10 Passed 2 tests High 11 Passed 2 tests High

12 Passed 2 tests High

13 Passed 1 test, High

Failed 2 tests

14 Failed 1 test High

15 Failed 2 tests High

16 Failed 2 tests High

EXPERIMENT 2

[0055] A polyamide elastic Aquapel by Nano-Tex fabric was soaked in pool water for 30 minutes and then washed by hand with a dab of laundry detergent and then dried. After drying, 10 ml of liquid is poured onto the garment to test that the fabric is still waterproof for longer than 15 minutes.

Water repellent durability

Under 30 washes - Fail

Over 50 washes - Pass

Drying Speed

Slow = 2 hrs or more

Moderate = 1-2 hrs

High = 30 minutes-lhr

Very High = Less than 30 minutes

Day 10 ml water Drying Speed

1 Passed 3 tests Very high

2 Passed 3 tests Very high

3 Passed 3 test Very high

4 Passed 2 tests Very high 5 Passed 1 test Very high

6 Passed 2 tests Very high

7 Passed 2 tests Very high

8 Passed 3 tests Very high

9 Passed 3 test Very high

10 Passed 3 tests Very high

11 Passed 3 tests Very high

12 Passed 4 tests Very high

13 Passed 4 tests Very high

14 Passed 2 tests Very high

15 Passed 1 test Very high

16 Passed 3 test Very high

17 Passed 4 test Very high

18 Passed 1 test Very high

19 Passed 1 test Very high

20 Passed 3 test Very high

21 Passed 3 test Very high

EXPERIMENT 3

[0056] From the above experiments it was found that a synthetic nylon or polyester fabric, treated with commercially available water repellent under the trade name Aquapel produced by Nano-Tex, was superior. This fabric was combined with a number of moisture- wicking fabrics to determine a fabric that offers superior moisture wicking properties (so that it feels dry following leakage), can hold the most fluid, and is most quick drying and dry to the skin.

- Wicking polyester mesh

- Moisture wicking nylon spandex

- Carbon-Polyester spandex Speed of Dryness level Absorption Speed of wicking drying when worn in sun

Wicking Is Could hold 7ml 20ml 28 minutes polyester and still feel

mesh semi-dry to

touch

Wicking Is Could hold 7ml 15ml 25 minutes polyester and still feel

mesh semi-dry to

touch

Wicking Is Could hold 5ml 20ml 29 minutes polyester and still feel

mesh semi-dry to

touch

Moisture 3s Could hold 5ml 26 minutes wicking 2.5ml and

nylon still feel

spandex semi-dry to

Moisture 2s Could hold 7ml 22 minutes wicking 2.5ml and

nylon still feel

spandex semi-dry to

Moisture 3-4s Could hold 10ml 25 minutes wicking 3.5ml and

nylon still feel

spandex semi-dry to

Carbon- Is Saturation Low, water 15 minutes Polyester pools

spandex

Carbon- Is Saturation Low, water 17 minutes Polyester pools spandex

Carbon- 2s Saturation Low, water 20 minutes Polyester pools and

spandex leaked off the

edge

EXPERIMENT 4

[0057] A synthetic Aquapel fabric was made into swimwear with a gusset layer of wicking polyester mesh fabric without waterproof laminate. The garment was soaked in pool water for 30 minutes and then washed by hand with a dab of laundry detergent and then dried. After drying, 10 ml of liquid was poured onto the garment to test that the fabric can hold the liquid without leaking through the bottom and to test how long the garment takes to dry. 50 tests were performed to ensure durability of garment.

Water repellent to hold 10ml

Fail

Pass

Drying Speed

Slow = 2hrs or more

Moderate = l-2hrs

High = 30 minutes-lhr

Very High = Less than 30 minutes

Day 10 ml water Drying Speed

1 Passed 3 tests Very high, very

high, Very high

2 Passed 3 tests Very high, very

high, Very high 3 Passed 3 test Very high, very high, Very High

4 Passed 2 tests Very high, very high

5 Passed 1 test Very high

6 Passed 2 tests Very high, Very

High

7 Passed 2 tests Very high, very high

8 Passed 3 tests Very high, Very

High, Very high

9 Passed 3 test Very high, VH,

VH

10 Passed 3 tests Very high, VH,

VH

11 Passed 3 tests Very high, very

High, Very high

12 Passed 4 tests Very high, very high, very high

13 Passed 4 tests Very high, very high, very high

14 Passed 2 tests Very high, very high

15 Passed 1 test Very high

16 Passed 3 test Very high, Very high, Very high

17 Passed 4 test Very high, Very high, Very high, Very high

18 Passed 1 test Very high

19 Passed 1 test Very high

20 Passed 3 test Very high, Very high, Very high 21 Passed 3 test Very high, Very

high, Very high

EXPERIMENT 5

[0058] Because Nano-Tex is only water repellent when not fully submerged in water to further leak proof a swimwear garment when it was wet it was decided a layer of waterproof laminate was required. A synthetic Aquapel fabric was made into swimwear with a gusset layer of wicking polyester mesh fabric with waterproof laminate. The garment was soaked in pool water for 30 minutes and then 10 ml of liquid was poured onto the garment to test that the fabric can hold the liquid without leaking through the bottom. 50 tests were performed to ensure durability of garment.

Water repellent to hold 10ml

Fail

Pass

Drying Speed

Slow = 2hrs or more

Moderate = l-2hrs

High = 30 minutes-lhr

Very High = Less than 30 minutes

Day 10 ml water Drying Speed

1 Passed 1 tests Very high

2 Passed 1 tests Very high

3 Passed 1 tests Very high

4 Passed 2 tests Very high, very

high

5 Passed 1 test Very high

6 Passed 1 test Very high 7 Passed 1 test Very high

8 Passed 5 tests Very High x 5

9 Passed 1 test Very high

10 Passed 1 test Very high

11 Passed 3 tests Very high, very

High, Very high

12 Passed 5 tests Very high, very high, very high, Very High

13 Passed 5 tests Very high, very high, very high, Very High

14 Passed 2 tests Very high, very high

15 Passed 2 tests Very high, very high

16 Passed 1 test Very high

17 Passed 1 test Very high

18 Passed 1 test Very high

19 Passed 1 test Very high

20 Passed 1 test Very high

21 Passed 1 test Very high

22 Passed 1 test Very high

23 Passed 1 test Very high

23 Passed 4 test Very high, very high, very high, very high

23 Passed 2 test Very high, very high

23 Passed 4 test Very high, very high, very high, very high [0059] The Applicant is of the opinion that they have invented an environmentally friendly, reusable, launderableo, moisture and odour controlling, fashionable, comfortable active, dance or swimwear which is unobtrusive and discreet yet can absorb and prevent up to 10 ml of bodily fluids leaking through in the crotch or upper body area and which prevents penetration of moisture to the exterior of the garment. Advantageously, the combination of layers in accordance with the protective active, dance or swimwear results in a garment that is even quicker drying than regular active, dance and swimwear thus could be worn by any person seeking more comfort and more dryness in their active, dance and swimwear.

[0060] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0061] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having, " "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0062] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language

(e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0063] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0064] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed .