UPAMAL AMITHA (LK)
KUDAGAMA AVANTHI (LK)
MATTEUCCI GIANFRANCO (SG)
| EP1942755A1 | 2008-07-16 | |||
| US20060211317A1 | 2006-09-21 | |||
| US20070141940A1 | 2007-06-21 | |||
| US20150038052A1 | 2015-02-05 |
| Claims 1. A supportive garment article comprising: a plurality of composite components arranged in an interconnecting pattern, each composite component comprising a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion and a first elastomeric portion between the first and second fabric portions, wherein at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components is arranged to be disposed on a body part of a user wearing the supportive garment article for supporting the body part. 2. The supportive garment article according to claim 1 , wherein the composite component further comprises a second elastomeric portion and a flock layer, such that the second elastomeric portion is sandwiched between the second fabric portion and the flock layer. 3. The supportive garment article according to claim 2, wherein the flock layer is disposed on the second elastomeric portion by electrostatic flocking. 4. The supportive garment article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the flock layer comprises fibres made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon, wool, silk and spandex. 5. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elastomeric portion comprises one or more elastomeric layers. 6. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elastomeric portion comprises one or more of silicone, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyolefin, polyester, polyamide and spandex. 7. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second fabric portions comprise one or more fabric layers. 8. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second fabric portions are made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton and spandex, polyurethane, viscose, rayon, wool and silk. 9. The supportive garment article according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the flock layer and the second fabric portion are bonded to the second elastomeric portion by heating. 10. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composite components are arranged and attached together to form an interconnecting pattern by sewing and/or bonding. 11. A garment comprising the supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supportive garment article forms part or whole of the garment. 12. The garment according to claim 11 , wherein the supportive garment article is incorporated into the garment by: attaching the supportive garment article to an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the garment; and/or embedding the supportive garment article within the garment. 13. The garment according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the garment is for wearing over an existing garment on the body part. 14. The garment according to claim 13, wherein the existing garment is a brassiere, panty, a butt enhancer, a knee guard, a pair of pants, sleepwear, loungewear, sportswear, or a garment that provides muscular support. 15. The garment according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the garment is a bralette, a knee guard, sleepwear, loungewear, sportswear, a pair of pants or a garment that provides muscular support. 16. A method for producing a supportive garment article, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of composite components, each composite component comprising a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion and a first elastomeric portion between the first and second fabric portions; and (b) attaching the composite components such that the composite components are arranged in an interconnecting pattern to thereby form the supportive garment article, wherein at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components is arranged to be disposed on a body part of a user wearing the supportive garment article for supporting the body part. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the composite component further comprises a second elastomeric portion and a flock layer, such that the second elastomeric portion is sandwiched between the second fabric portion and the flock layer. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the flock layer is disposed on the elastomeric portion by electrostatic flocking. 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the flock layer comprises fibres made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon, wool, silk and spandex. 20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first elastomeric portion comprises one or more elastomeric layers. 21 . The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the elastomeric portion comprises one or more of silicone, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyolefin, polyester, polyamide and spandex. 22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21 , wherein the first and/or second fabric portions comprise one or more fabric layers. 23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the first fabric portion is made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton and spandex, polyurethane, viscose, rayon, wool and silk. 24. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, further comprising bonding the flock layer and the second fabric portion to the second elastomeric portion by heating under a pre-determined set of physical conditions. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the pre-determined set of physical conditions comprises: (i) a temperature from 70 to 200 °C; (ii) a pressure of 1 to 5 bar; and (iii) a bonding duration from 20 to 300 seconds. 26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the composite components are arranged and attached together to form an interconnecting pattern by sewing and/or bonding. 27. The method according to one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the supportive garment article forms part or whole of a garment. 28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the supportive garment article is incorporated into the garment by: attaching the supportive garment article to an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the garment; and/or embedding the supportive garment article within the garment. 29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the garment is for wearing over an existing garment on the body part. 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the existing garment is a brassiere, panty, a butt enhancer, a knee guard, a pair of pants, sleepwear, loungewear, sportswear or a garment that provides muscular support. 31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the garment is a bralette, a knee guard, sleepwear, loungewear, sportswear, a pair of pants or a garment that provide muscular support. |
Field of Invention
This invention relates to a supportive garment article, and a method of forming said supportive garment article. The supportive garment article is suitable for use with an existing garment, such as an add-on to the existing garment.
Background
The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge
Supportive garments are garments that are typically worn over the whole or parts of a body to provide support and comfort to the relevant parts of the body. Such supportive garments may be used for specific needs as required by the users. For example, garments like brassieres and compression tights may be used to improve the physical performance and/or appearance of the user, while garments like knee guards and orthopaedic supports may be used for improving medical conditions. Other examples of supportive garments include sleepwear, loungewear, sportswear and pants.
While supportive garments may provide the necessary support, there may be times when the support provided by such garments is insufficient to the user. For example, brassieres, which are worn by most women on a daily basis, are able to provide the necessary comfort, support and modesty to women. Flowever, when working out or during sports activities, there is often a need for more support to the body part(s) in question. This is usually overcome by changing to other garments (e.g. sports brassieres) or wearing additional garments to achieve greater support. Very often, such sporting garments only provide overall support to the body part(s) and the amount of support at specific areas cannot be customised according to the level of activity and the individual’s needs. Furthermore, such garments are usually thick and have wide, extended panels or paddings, which may be cumbersome to wear and may not be comfortable to the user.
Given the above, there is a need to develop new supportive garments that address one or more of the problems mentioned above. Summary of Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a supportive garment article comprising: a plurality of composite components arranged in an interconnecting pattern, each composite component comprising a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion and a first elastomeric portion between the first and second fabric portions, wherein at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components is arranged to be disposed on a body part of a user wearing the supportive garment article for supporting the body part.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for producing a supportive garment article, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a plurality of composite components, each composite component comprising a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion and a first elastomeric portion between the first and second fabric portions; and
(b) attaching the composite components such that the composite components are arranged in an interconnecting pattern to thereby form the supportive garment article, wherein at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components is arranged to be disposed on a body part of a user wearing the supportive garment article for supporting the body part.
Further aspects and embodiments of the invention are provided by the following numbered clauses.
1. A supportive garment article comprising: a plurality of composite components arranged in an interconnecting pattern, each composite component comprising a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion and a first elastomeric portion between the first and second fabric portions, wherein at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components is arranged to be disposed on a body part of a user wearing the supportive garment article for supporting the body part.
2. The supportive garment article according to Clause 1 , wherein the composite component further comprises a second elastomeric portion and a flock layer, such that the second elastomeric portion is sandwiched between the second fabric portion and the flock layer.
3. The supportive garment article according to Clause 2, wherein the flock layer is disposed on the second elastomeric portion by electrostatic flocking.
4. The supportive garment article according to Clause 2 or 3, wherein the flock layer comprises fibres made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon, wool, silk and spandex.
5. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first elastomeric portion comprises one or more elastomeric layers.
6. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first elastomeric portion comprises one or more of silicone, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyolefin, polyester, polyamide and spandex.
7. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first and/or second fabric portions comprise one or more fabric layers.
8. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first and/or second fabric portions are made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton and spandex, polyurethane, viscose, rayon, wool and silk.
9. The supportive garment article according to any one of Clauses 2 to 8, wherein the flock layer and the second fabric portion are bonded to the second elastomeric portion by heating.
10. The supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the composite components are arranged and attached together to form an interconnecting pattern by sewing and/or bonding.
11. A garment comprising the supportive garment article according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the supportive garment article forms part or whole of the garment. 12. The garment according to Clause 11 , wherein the supportive garment article is incorporated into the garment by: attaching the supportive garment article to an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the garment; and/or embedding the supportive garment article within the garment.
13. The garment according to Clause 11 or 12, wherein the garment is for wearing over an existing garment on the body part.
14. The garment according to Clause 13, wherein the existing garment is sleepwear, loungewear, sportswear or, more particularly, a brassiere, panty, a butt enhancer, a knee guard, a garment that provides muscular support, or a pair of pants.
15. The garment according to any one of Clauses 11 to 14, wherein the garment is sleepwear, loungewear, sportswear or, more particularly, a bralette, knee guard or a garment that provides muscular support.
16. A method for producing a supportive garment article, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a plurality of composite components, each composite component comprising a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion and a first elastomeric portion between the first and second fabric portions; and
(b) attaching the composite components such that the composite components are arranged in an interconnecting pattern to thereby form the supportive garment article, wherein at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components is arranged to be disposed on a body part of a user wearing the supportive garment article for supporting the body part.
17. The method according to Clause 16, wherein the composite component further comprises a second elastomeric portion and a flock layer, such that the second elastomeric portion is sandwiched between the second fabric portion and the flock layer.
18. The method according to Clause 17, wherein the flock layer is disposed on the elastomeric portion by electrostatic flocking. 19. The method according to Clause 17 or 18, wherein the flock layer comprises fibres made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon, wool, silk and spandex.
20. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 19, wherein the first elastomeric portion comprises one or more elastomeric layers.
21. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 20, wherein the elastomeric portion comprises one or more of silicone, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyolefin, polyester, polyamide and spandex.
22. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 21 , wherein the first and/or second fabric portions comprise one or more fabric layers.
23. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 22, wherein the first fabric portion is made of one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton and spandex, polyurethane, viscose, rayon, wool and silk.
24. The method according to any one of Clauses 17 to 23, further comprising bonding the flock layer and the second fabric portion to the second elastomeric portion by heating under a pre-determined set of physical conditions.
25. The method according to Clause 24, wherein the pre-determined set of physical conditions comprises:
(i) a temperature from 70 to 200 °C (e.g. from 120 to 200 °C);
(ii) a pressure of 1 to 5 bar; and
(iii) a bonding duration from 20 to 300 seconds.
26. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 25, wherein the composite components are arranged and attached together to form an interconnecting pattern by sewing and/or bonding.
27. The method according to one of Clauses 16 to 26, wherein the supportive garment article forms part or whole of a garment.
28. The method according to Clause 27, wherein the supportive garment article is incorporated into the garment by: attaching the supportive garment article to an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the garment; and/or embedding the supportive garment article within the garment.
29. The method according to Clause 27 or 28, wherein the garment is for wearing over an existing garment on the body part.
30. The method according to Clause 29, wherein the existing garment is sleepwear, loungewear, sportswear or, more particularly, a garment that provides muscular support, a brassiere, panty, a butt enhancer, a knee guard or a pair of pants.
31. The method according to any one of Clauses 27 to 30, wherein the garment is sleepwear, loungewear or sportswear, or, more particularly, a bralette, a knee guard or a garment that provide muscular support.
Brief Description of Drawings
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 depicts the (A) front portion and (B) rear portion of a bralette, which is an example of a supportive garment article of the current invention.
Figure 2 depicts the (A) front portion and (B) rear portion of another bralette, which is an example of a supportive garment article of the current invention
Figures 3A to 3H depict a flowchart showing the steps for fabricating the supportive garment article of the current invention.
Figure 4 depicts a cross section of a composite component of a bralette of Figure 2A along line b-b’.
Description
The present invention provides a supportive garment article 100 that is particularly suited for providing customised support to a body part of the user only when required. The supportive garment article 100 is highly versatile and effective, and therefore can be easily customised to provide sufficient support to various parts of the body in accordance to the level of activity and individual’s needs. Unlike conventional supportive garments which provide an overall support to a body part, the supportive garment article 100 of the current invention is able to provide support only to the selected or required body part(s), instead of providing overall support such as providing support to substantially all over the other parts of the body which may not be necessary. In addition, the supportive garment article 100 also provides better breathability due at least to its arrangement of composite components 200, which therefore provides better wearing comfort, and at the same time, adequate support to the user.
The supportive garment article 100 is suitable for use with an existing garment, such as an add-on to the existing garment by wearing the supportive garment article 100 over (or under) the existing garment. The supportive garment article 100 of the current invention can form part or whole of a garment (such as by attaching onto or embedding within the garment), which may be worn over existing garments conveniently to provide additional support, where necessary. As such, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a supportive garment (100) article comprising: a plurality of composite components (200) arranged in an interconnecting pattern, each composite component (200) comprising a first fabric portion (210), a second fabric portion (212) and a first elastomeric portion (220) between the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212), wherein at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components (200) is arranged to be disposed on a body part of a user wearing the supportive garment article (100) for supporting the body part.
In addition, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is a method for producing a supportive garment article (100), the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a plurality of composite components (200), each composite component (200) comprising a first fabric portion (210), a second fabric portion (212) and a first elastomeric portion (220) between the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212); and
(b) attaching the composite components (200) such that the composite components (200) are arranged in an interconnecting pattern to thereby form the supportive garment article (100), wherein at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components (200) is arranged to be disposed on a body part of a user wearing the supportive garment article (100) for supporting the body part. In embodiments herein, the word “comprising” may be interpreted as requiring the features mentioned, but not limiting the presence of other features. Alternatively, the word “comprising” may also relate to the situation where only the components/features listed are intended to be present (e.g. the word “comprising” may be replaced by the phrases “consists of” or “consists essentially of”). It is explicitly contemplated that both the broader and narrower interpretations can be applied to all aspects and embodiments of the present invention. In other words, the word “comprising” and synonyms thereof may be replaced by the phrase “consisting of” or the phrase “consists essentially of” or synonyms thereof and vice versa.
In some embodiments, the composite component 200 may further comprise a second elastomeric portion 222 and a flock layer 230 disposed on the second elastomeric portion 222. In other words, the second elastomeric portion 222 is disposed and sandwiched between the second fabric portion 212 and the flock layer 230, such that the second elastomeric portion 222 bonds the flock layer 230 to the second fabric portion 212. The flock layer 230 may comprise fibres made from one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon, wool, silk and spandex.
The flock layer 230 may be disposed on the second elastomeric portion 222 by electrostatic flocking, which involves the use of an electric charge to orientate and align the flock fibres perpendicularly (or at any other angle) to the elastomeric portion. As will be appreciated, any suitable methods to dispose the flock layer 230 on the elastomeric portion 222 may be used. In one example, silicone elastomer (in its liquid state) may be applied on the second fabric portion 212, followed by the application of a layer of flock (i.e. short fibre particles) on the wet silicone layer. Thereafter, the flock layer 230 may be permanently fixed to the silicone layer by heating the as-prepared composite component 200 in a heated chamber or oven to cure the silicone elastomer. The flock layer 230 typically provides a dense pile finish to the outside of the composite component 200, which can improve the aesthetic appeals of the composite component 200, which in turn make the supportive garment 100 more aesthetically attractive too. In addition, the flock layer 230 may provide a softer texture or better hand-feel, which improves the wearing comfort to the user.
The term "fabric" when used herein includes woven fabrics, knit fabrics, non-woven fabrics, multilayer fabrics, and the like. Any suitable types of fabric materials may be used to form the fabric portions. Suitable fabrics include synthetic and natural fabrics. For example, the fabric portions 210 and 212 may comprise one or more fabric layers. The fabric layer may be made from one or more of nylon, polyester, cotton, spandex, polyurethane, viscose, rayon, wool and silk, or a combination thereof, but may not be limited to such materials. As will be appreciated, the fabric layer may not necessary be made of the same fabric material. Furthermore, the fabric layers may be made of a single fabric material or a blend of different fabric materials (i.e. composite fabric). Alternatively, the fabric layers may be composites or laminates of different materials, such as fabric-foam laminates comprising fabric and foam materials.
In some embodiments, the first fabric portion 210 and the second fabric portion 212 provide the desired texture (hand-feel) and durability to the composite component 200. Therefore, the properties of the fabric affect the properties of the composite component 200, and hence the functionality of the supportive garment article 100. For example, to achieve a supportive garment article 100 with a good stretch and recovery property, a fabric having a similar property may be selected. In some embodiments, the second fabric portion 212 may be sandwiched between the first and second elastomeric portions, and the flock layer 230 may be disposed on the second elastomeric portion 222. The first fabric portion 210 may provide the desired texture and durability to the composite component 200, while the flock layer 230 may provide the aesthetic appeal of the composite component 200.
The term “elastomeric” when used herein refers to material that is elastic, and are made of elastomer or polymer that displays rubber-like elasticity. The elastomeric portion as described herein may refer to a first elastomeric portion 220 and/or a second elastomeric portion 222. The first and second elastomeric portions may be made of one or more elastomeric materials or elastomers, such as silicone, polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyolefin, or other similar types of plastic materials, that can enhance the properties and performance of a fabric. It is appreciated that any other suitable types of elastomeric material may be used instead to achieve the desired properties. Examples of such elastomeric materials include thermoplastic elastomers, such as polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, polyurethane and spandex. As will be appreciated, the second elastomeric portion 222 may be made of different elastomeric materials as the first elastomeric portion 220. Importantly, the elastomeric material should be suitable for bonding to the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212), or the flock layer 230 to the second fabric portion 212 together. In addition, the elastomeric material has to be able to withstand the high heat and pressure, so that it can be used in heat pressing process. Some other excellent properties of such elastomeric portion include excellent self-bonding ability, high breathability, good modulus, excellent stretch and recovery and mould-resistant properties. However, the elastomeric portion alone does not have the durability or the “hand feel” expected by the wearer. In embodiments of this invention, the first elastomeric portion 220 is disposed in between the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212), such that the first elastomeric portion 220 bonds the fabric portions together. In a further embodiment, the second elastomer portion may be disposed in between the second fabric portion 212 and the flock layer 230, such that the second elastomeric portion 222 bonds the second fabric portion 212 and the flock layer 230 together. The elastomeric portion may comprise one or more elastomeric layers. Additional elastomeric layers may be added in between the first and second fabric portions, or in between the second fabric portion and flock layer to provide more support, if necessary.
The bonding of the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212) to the first elastomeric portion (220), or the second fabric portion 212 and the flock layer 230 to the second elastomeric portion 222 may be achieved by partial melting of the respective elastomeric portion, which allows the structure of the elastomeric portion to adhere to the fibres of the respective fabric portions. This may be achieved by heating in an oven, heat pressing, or by any other suitable methods. Upon cooling, the partially-melted first elastomeric portion 220 solidifies and/or cures, therefore forming bonds between the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212), while the second elastomeric portion 222 forms bonds with the second fabric portion 212 and the flock layer 230 accordingly. On the other hand, a liquid-based elastomeric portion may be used such that the heating process cures or fixes the liquid elastomeric portion upon heating. The bonds formed between the fabric portions and the elastomeric portion impart the desired properties of the elastomeric portion (i.e. stretch and recovery, high breathability etc.) to the composite component 200, and hence to the supportive garment article 100. Alternatively, the fabric portions may bond to the elastomeric portion by self-bonding at room temperature (i.e. with no heating).
Suitable composite components 200, such as components in elongated form like strips or bands, are attached together to form the supportive garment article 100. Specifically, the composite components 200 are arranged such that they are in an interconnecting pattern. The individual composite components 200 may be attached together by sewing and/or bonding, or any other suitable methods, to form the supportive garment article 100. As will be appreciated, the supportive garment article 100 may form parts or whole of a garment. For example, the supportive garment article 100 may be an add-on, attachment or component of a garment. In some embodiments, the supportive garment article 100 may be attached to an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the garment. In other embodiments, the supportive garment article 100 may be embedded within the garment (i.e. between the fabric layers of the garment). Typically, such garment may be constructed by arranging the composite straps and components 200 together. An advantage of such garment is that it may be constructed (i.e. by arranging the composite straps and components 200) in a way such that it does not fully cover the body parts, and only the necessary support is provided as determined by the arrangement of the various parts. Some examples of such garment include a bralette, knee guard and garments for providing muscular support. Further examples include a sleepwear (such as a nightdress), loungewear and sportswear (such as a sports brasserie) and a pair of pants. An example of a bralette of the current invention is as shown in Figures 1A and 1 B. The design of the bralette has been analysed thoroughly by scientific methods and is specially designed and customised to reduce breast movements. As such, the current invention would ensure better movement control of the breasts, thereby reducing unnecessary movements. As will be appreciated, a bralette made according to the current invention may also assist to reduce the bounce of the breasts of a wearer. Through customised product design, the current invention can also be altered to separate the breasts so as to minimise “uniboob” effect on the user. In addition, the current invention can also provide enhanced posture control to the user, thereby providing comfort and enhancing the physical appearance of the user at the same time.
The garment described above may be worn over a body part directly such that the supportive garment article 100 is in direct contact with the body part. As will be appreciated, such garment may also be worn over an existing garment on the body part to provide additional support to the body part. Such existing garments include a brassiere, a panty, a butt enhancer, a knee guard, a pair of pants, or any other garment. Such other garments include, but are not limited to sleepwear, loungewear and sportswear. As such, a supportive garment article 100 like a bralette may be worn over an existing brassiere to provide additional support to the chest or breasts area. In another example, a knee guard can be worn over a pair of pants to support the knee. As will be appreciated, a garment according to the current invention may be a garment that provides muscular support.
In particular embodiments that may be mentioned herein, the garment may be a garment that provides muscular support, a brassiere, a panty, a butt enhancer, a knee guard, or a pair of pants. In more particular embodiments that may be mentioned herein, the garment may be a garment that provides muscular support, a bralette, or a knee guard.
As described herein, the term “interconnecting pattern” means that the composite components 200, such as strips or bands, are interconnected to one another, such as forming a network-like or web-like arrangement. In this interconnecting pattern, there are holes or gaps between adjacent composite components 200 that expose parts of the body part (if the supportive garment article 100 is worn over the body part) or underlying garment (if the supportive garment article 100 is worn over the underlying garment which is in turn worn over the body part). When the supportive garment article 100 is in use, it is appreciated that at least a portion, or possibly only a portion, of the interconnecting pattern of composite components 200 is arranged to be disposed on a body part of the user wearing the supportive garment article 100. Possibly, only a section of the interconnecting pattern (i.e. not the whole interconnecting pattern) is disposed on the body part. In other words, at least a section of the interconnecting pattern may be in direct contact with the body parts (or underlying garment). The section of the interconnecting pattern that is disposed on the body part allows some areas of the body part (or underlying garment) to be exposed due to the presence of the holes or gaps in said section of the interconnecting pattern. Such holes in said section of the interconnecting pattern provide enhanced breathability to the body part. While the composite components 200 may be interconnected to one another, they may be arranged to intersect or overlay one another to form an intersecting pattern.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a supportive garment article 100 in the form of a bralette. The bralette is formed from two portions: a front portion 100a as shown in Figure 1A and a rear portion 100b as shown in Figure 1 B. When the bralette 100 is worn by a wearer, the front portion 100a is arranged to extend across the wearer’s chest, while the rear portion 100b is arranged to extend across the wearer’s back.
The front portion 100a has at least one composite component 200. Each composite component 200 is in an elongated form and includes a first fabric portion 210, a second fabric portion 212 and a first elastomeric portion 220 disposed between the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212). The first fabric portion 210 may be arranged to form an internal surface of the bralette (that is, the surface contacting the wearer or the underlying garment worn by the wearer). The rear portion 100b also has at least one composite component 200.
The composite components 200 are arranged in an interconnecting pattern such that there are holes or gaps 240 in between adjacent composite components 200. The bralette also has portions which perform the function of shoulder straps and bra band of conventional bralettes/brasserie. These portions may also be formed by composite components 200.
When the bralette is worn on its own or over (or under) an existing brasserie, at least a section of the interconnecting pattern of composite components 200 is disposed on or around one of the breasts of the wearer for supporting the breast. Specifically, the front portion 100a has a pair of sections A (only one is identified in Figure 1A for clarity). Each section A is arranged to be disposed on or around one of the breasts of the wearer for supporting the breast. This arrangement allows the breasts of the wearer to be separated, minimising the “uniboob” effect. This also reduces unnecessary movements of the breasts (such as bounce) when the wearer is engaged in an activity (e.g. a sporting activity). Notably, the support is achieved without needing to entirely cover the breasts, unlike conventional sporting garments such as a sports brassiere.
It will be appreciated that any number of composite components 200 may be provided in each of the front portion 100a and rear portion 100b, provided that the composite components are arranged in an interconnecting pattern in the bralette or supportive garment article 100. The individual composite components 200 may be attached together by sewing and/or bonding, or any other suitable methods, to form the portions of the bralette.
In an alternative embodiment, there is a bralette formed from a front portion 102a as shown in Figure 2A and a rear portion 102b as shown in Figure 2B. This bralette is identical to the bralette shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, except that the composite components 200 further comprise a second elastomeric portion 222 and a flock layer 230 disposed on the second elastomeric portion 222 such that the second elastomeric portion 222 is sandwiched between the second fabric portion 212 and the flock layer 230. The flock layer 230 may form an external surface of the bralette. The flock layer 230 may be disposed on the entire external surface of the bralette as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Alternatively, the flock layer 230 may be disposed on selected portions of the bralette where required. These portions may provide comfort when the bralette is worn.
As shown in Figure 4 (which is a cross-section of the composite component 200 taken along line b-b of Figure 2A), each composite component 200 includes a first fabric portion 210, a second fabric portion 212 and a first elastomeric portion 220 disposed between the first fabric portion 210 and second fabric portion 212. Each composite component 200 may also further include a second elastomeric portion 222 and a flock layer 230 disposed on the second elastomeric portion 222, where the second elastomeric portion 222 is sandwiched between the second fabric portion 212 and the flock layer 230.
In embodiments of this invention, a method of producing a supportive garment article 100 of the invention is described with reference to the multi-step process 50 in Figures 3A to 3H. The multi-stage process 50 includes a step of preparing the design and pattern of the supportive garment article 100 using a computer software or program, such as a Computer- Aided Design (CAD) software. Specifically, the overall design of the supportive garment article 100 is created using the CAD software (Figure 3A), followed by designs of the various parts of the supportive garment article 100 based on the overall design (Figure 3B). Each part of the supportive garment article 100 includes at least one composite component 200. Multiple composite components 200 may be present in a part and such components 200 may be interconnecting one another.
In the next step, a printing board 64 and a clamping screen 62 are prepared by incorporating the designs of the parts of the supportive garment article 100 and by adding trimming lines for subsequent trimming or cutting of each part.
The parts of the supportive garment article 100 are formed using the printing board 64 and clamping screen 62 (Figure 3C). Each part of the supportive garment article 100 has at least one composite component 200 that includes a first fabric portion 210, a second fabric portion 212 and a first elastomeric portion 220. The appropriate elastomeric material for the elastomeric portion 220 is first chosen depending on the requirement of the supportive garment article 100. Such elastomeric material is preferably suited for bonding the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212) to the first elastomeric portion (220), and optionally for bonding the second fabric portion 212 and a flock layer 230 to the second elastomeric portion 222. Further, the elastomeric material should also provide the necessary modulus and recovery, or any other properties, to the product. An example of the elastomeric material is silicone.
A single-stage or multi-stage printing method may be used for forming the parts of the supportive garment article 100 using the assembly of the printing board 64 and clamping screen 62 (Figure 3D). Such printing method may be carried out using a printing carousel (e.g. a screen printing machine), or more assemblies can be attached to the screen printing carousel to increase throughput and forming multiple supportive garment articles 100 more quickly. Although the printing method is described herein, there may be other methods for forming parts of the supportive garment 100, wherein such methods may include one or more of the following applications: extrusion, glue spraying, glue bonding, manual applications, and the like.
The printing method first includes placing the first fabric portion on the printing board 64 to act as a substrate. The method further includes placing the elastomeric material on the clamping screen 62 printing the elastomeric material over the substrate to form the first elastomeric portion 220 over the first fabric portion 210. Depending on the requirement of the composite components 200, a second elastomeric material may be placed or printed over the first elastomeric material, such that the first elastomeric portion 220 is formed as a composite of elastomeric materials. Additional elastomeric materials may be placed or printed successively in a similar manner. The elastomeric layer(s) form the elastomeric portion and may be applied using any other suitable methods like spraying, layering, heat transfer or using a hot glue gun, and may not be limited to the printing method.
The printing method further includes placing a second fabric portion 212 on top of the first elastomeric portion 220, such that the first elastomeric portion 220 is sandwiched between the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212). Optionally, an adhesive layer is added between the first elastomeric portion 220 and fabric portions to facilitate bonding between them. The adhesive layer may not be required if self-bonding between the fabric and elastomeric portions can occur at high temperature, or at room temperature. The resulting composite 200 of the elastomeric portion and fabric portions are removed from the printing board 64 and trimming lines are then applied to provide a guiding peripheral for cutting/trimming the excess fabric portions, such that the resulting trimmed composite 200 follows the periphery of the elastomeric portion. Depending on the fabric and elastomeric materials, the composite 200 may be subject to a bonding process, such as by heating as described further below.
In some embodiments, after disposing the second fabric portion 212 over the first elastomeric portion 220 and the first fabric portion 210, the composite 200 is removed from the printing board 64 and the excess fabric portion is trimmed according to the periphery of the elastomeric portion. Optionally, the method may further include forming a second elastomeric portion 222 over the second fabric portion 212 and then applying a flock layer 230 on the second elastomeric portion 222, such as by electrostatic flocking (Figure 3E). Typically, in electrostatic flocking, charged flock fibres are applied onto the second elastomeric portion 222, such that one end of the flock fibres are attached to the second elastomeric portion 222. The charged flock fibres are aligned perpendicularly (or at any other angle) to the second elastomeric portion 222 under an electrostatic field to give a dense pile finish to the composite component 200. As will be appreciated, any suitable methods to form the flock layer 230 on the second elastomeric portion 222 may be used. The layer composite comprising the first and second fabric portions (210 and 212) with the first elastomeric portion 220 sandwiched in between (prior to bonding described below), or optionally with the flock layer 230 and the second elastomeric portion 222 (prior to bonding described below) is denoted as “layer composite 200”.
Optionally, the method may further include a step of bonding various portions of the layer composite 200 (first and second fabric portions (210 and 212), first and second elastomeric portions (220 and 222) and flock layer 230) by heat pressing under a pre-determined set of physical conditions (Figure 3F). A suitable pre-determined set of physical conditions may be applied to the layer composite 200. The physical conditions suitable for bonding may be, but is not limited to a pressure from 1 to 5 bars, a temperature from 70to 200 °C (such as from 120 to 200 °C) and a bonding time from 20 to 300 seconds. The bonding time refers to the duration when the layer composite 200 is under the suitable pressure and temperature conditions. One or more of the pressure, temperature, and time conditions may be controlled by the heat press machine. As will be appreciated, these physical conditions may be adjusted accordingly to the type of fabrics, elastomeric and flock materials used.
In addition, the skilled person would appreciate that under suitable circumstances, the heat pressing process may be replaced by any other bonding processes which apply external heat and pressure for the curing to occur (i.e. heating in an oven). Depending on the type of materials used, the bonding process may not require an adhesive if self-bonding between the fabric and elastomeric portions can occur at high temperature, or at room temperature).
The bonded layer composite 200 are cut and/or trimmed based on the trimming lines to provide parts of the supportive garment article 100 (Figure 3G). The parts may be cut and/or trimmed by laser cutting and/or die cutting.
In some embodiments, the parts of the supportive garment article 100 are cut from a composite structure, such as by laser cutting and/or die cutting. The composite structure comprises the elastomeric portion and the fabric portion that are pre-bonded together.
The individual parts are attached together to form the supportive garment article 100 (Figure 3H). The parts may be attached together to first form the front and back portions of the supportive garment article 100 separately. The front and back portions may then be attached together to form the supportive garment article 100. It is appreciated that any suitable methods may be used to attach the composite components 200 together. A suitable method may be, but is not limited to sewing. As a result of said attaching, the composite components 200 of the parts of the supportive garment article 100 are attached such that the composite components 200 are arranged in an interconnecting pattern. In the foregoing detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure in relation to a supportive garment article and a method for producing a supportive garment article are described with reference to the provided figures. The description of the various embodiments herein is not intended to call out or be limited only to specific or particular representations of the present disclosure, but merely to illustrate non-limiting examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure serves to address at least one of the mentioned problems and issues associated with the prior art. Although only some embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that a variety of changes and/or modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure as well as the scope of the following claims is not limited to embodiments described herein.