HK1255322B - Garment with integral wipe zones - Google Patents

Description

Garment with integral wiping area

Summary of The Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Aspects herein are defined by the claims.

On a high level, aspects herein relate to garments that include an integral wiping area. The integral wiping area in the garment can include a plurality of integral raised structures extending outwardly from a surface of the garment. The integral raised structure provides a surface that has a higher friction than other garment surfaces that are substantially flat. In other words, the integral raised structure provides more surface area to the otherwise generally planar surface of the garment to effectively wipe moisture from the skin of the athlete as the skin rubs against or otherwise moves through the integral raised structure. According to aspects herein, a "substantially planar" surface may be defined as a surface having features or structures with a height that is 20% or less of the height of the overall raised structure, where the height is measured perpendicularly from the plane of the fabric surface.

Garments according to aspects herein may be made from warp/weft knitted or woven hydrophobic fabrics. When woven, the fabrics according to aspects herein may exhibit high durability characteristics and resist snagging. In addition, the fabric can maintain its shape when woven, is less prone to shrinkage and/or stretching, and is able to withstand multiple wash cycles without deformation. According to aspects herein, other properties of the fabric may be altered by introducing yarns having different properties when knitted or woven, such as elastic yarns, to make the woven or knitted fabric more elastic. In addition, the fabric used may be inherently hydrophobic due to, for example, the formation of the fabric from polyester fibers. Alternatively, the fabric used may be a natural or synthetic fabric made hydrophobic by applying a hydrophobic coating, such as a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, to one or both surfaces of the fabric.

A hydrophobic fabric for use according to aspects herein includes one or more integrally woven or knitted design zones (engineered zones), each zone having its own properties. For example, the first region of the hydrophobic fabric may have a substantially planar first surface and an opposing planar second surface. The seamlessly adjacent second region can have a substantially planar first surface and a textured opposing second surface. The first and second regions of the hydrophobic fabric according to aspects herein are woven or knitted continuously or integrally with each other using the same set of fibers/yarns.

According to other aspects herein, the hydrophobic fabric may comprise a denier differential, wherein the first surface of the first zone comprises fibers/yarns having a first filament Denier (DPF), the second surface of the first zone comprises fibers/yarns having a second DPF, the first surface of the second zone comprises fibers/yarns having a third DPF, and the second surface of the second zone comprises fibers/yarns having a fourth DPF. The second DPF may be larger than the first DPF and the third DPF may be larger than the fourth DPF. The DPF can assist in the transport of moisture from a first location to a second location on the hydrophobic fabric by capillary action, moving moisture from yarns with larger DPFs to yarns with lower DPFs.

The textured second surface of the second region in the hydrophobic textile according to aspects herein comprises a plurality of integral raised structures. These integral raised structures may have a height measurable along a first plane perpendicular to a second plane comprising the first surface or the second surface of the hydrophobic fabric. The integral raised structures may be configured to transfer fluid away from a moist or wet surface, such as the skin of a wearer, when the integral raised structures are in contact with the moist or wet surface. When a frictional force is applied in a direction parallel to the second plane, or in other words by a wiping action in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, the fluid transfer is greatly increased.

Garments made from hydrophobic fabrics according to aspects herein may include, for example, shorts, pants, skirts, dresses, sweaters, T-shirts, jackets, coats, vests, gloves, sweaters, jumpsuits, and the like, or any other type of garment suitable for wearing on the body of a wearer. The hydrophobic fabric may be woven or knitted according to specifications of the characteristics of the particular garment being manufactured so as to strategically weave or knit the first and second regions at desired locations corresponding to the final garment configuration. For example, the specification may be specific to whether the garment is to be worn on the upper body, the lower body, or the like.

In one aspect, an exemplary final garment construction may include a lower body garment. For example, the lower body garment may include a pair of shorts, such as basketball shorts. For example, basketball players, due to their constant high cadence, tend to sweat from the palms of their hands. Wet or damp hands would be undesirable when participating in a game because they would make the player's palm slippery and unable to grip the ball well (particularly when the ball is passed to them), which would likely reduce the player's performance. Typically, athletes will attempt to dry their hands by wiping their palms of their hands over their shorts or sweaters. However, the pants or jerseys of athletes often do not remove sweat or sweat very effectively from the palms of athletes, because these garments typically have a smooth and slippery surface. In addition, after one or two wiping motions, and as physical activity increases over time, these garments may themselves become saturated with sweat or other fluids, making them ineffective for removing sweat from the athlete's palm. Basketball pants are just one example of the final garment construction contemplated herein. Other exemplary garment configurations include garments such as tennis players, soccer players, softball or baseball players, and the like.

A lower body garment comprising a hydrophobic fabric may, for example, comprise a back panel and a front panel. In an exemplary aspect, the back panel can include two integrally woven or knitted design regions and the front panel can include one woven or knitted design region. As described above, a first region in the rear panel may include a first surface and a second surface that are substantially planar, and in a second region, one of the surfaces may be textured with a plurality of integrally woven/knitted structures extending or protruding outward from the plane of the surface. In an exemplary aspect, the integrally knitted structure may be located on an outward facing surface of the lower body garment. A second region in the lower body garment may be strategically placed on the back panel such that the second region is configured to cover the lower back and side torso regions of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the lower body garment. The size and shape of the second region may vary based on utility (e.g., optimal performance) as well as aesthetics.

Aspects herein relate to a hydrophobic fabric comprising: a first region and a second region seamlessly adjacent to the first region, the first region comprising a first outer face and a first inner face, the first outer face and the first inner face being hydrophobic and having a substantially planar surface, the second region comprising a second outer face, the second outer face being hydrophobic and having a plurality of integral raised structures extending outwardly from the second outer face.

In one embodiment, the first region and the second region are integrally woven or integrally knitted together as a single fabric layer.

In one embodiment, the first outer face is comprised of a first yarn having a first Denier Per Filament (DPF) and the first inner face is comprised of a second yarn having a second DPF.

In one embodiment, the plurality of integral raised structures on the second outer face are comprised of a third yarn having a third DPF.

In one embodiment, the plurality of integral projection structures extending from the second outer face are configured to transfer fluid away from the skin of the wearer through microchannels within the plurality of integral projection structures when in contact with the skin of the wearer.

Other aspects herein also relate to a lower body garment, comprising: a front panel of a first hydrophobic textile comprising a first outer face and a first inner face, the first outer face and the first inner face being substantially planar; and a rear panel comprising a second inner face and a second outer face, the second hydrophobic fabric further comprising: (1) a first region wherein the second outer face and the second inner face of the second hydrophobic textile are substantially flat; and (2) a second region seamlessly adjacent to the first region, wherein the second outer face of the second hydrophobic textile comprises a plurality of integral raised structures extending outwardly therefrom.

In one embodiment, the second region of the second hydrophobic fabric of the back panel is adapted to cover a lower back torso region of a wearer when the lower body garment is worn.

In one embodiment, the lower body garment includes a pocket adjacent an upper portion of a lateral seam line connecting the front and back panels, wherein the second region is configured to extend to an opening of the pocket.

In one embodiment, the second region is configured to extend up to a waistband of the lower body garment.

In one embodiment, the first and second regions of the second hydrophobic fabric are integrally woven.

In one embodiment, the first and second regions of the second hydrophobic fabric are integrally knitted.

In one embodiment, in the first region: the second outer face is comprised of first yarns having a first Denier Per Filament (DPF) and the second inner face is comprised of second yarns having a second DPF.

In one embodiment, in the second region: the integral raised structures extending outwardly from the second outer face are comprised of a third yarn having a third DPF.

Other aspects herein also relate to a garment comprising: a first sheet of a first hydrophobic fabric comprising a first face and a second face, the first face and the second face being hydrophobic and substantially planar; and a second sheet of a second hydrophobic textile comprising a third face and a fourth face, the second hydrophobic textile further comprising: (1) a first region wherein the third face and the fourth face are substantially planar; and (2) a second region seamlessly adjacent to the first region, wherein the third face comprises a plurality of integral raised structures extending outwardly therefrom.

In one embodiment, the garment is a lower body garment, wherein the first panel serves as a front panel and the second panel serves as a back panel.

In one embodiment, the integral raised structures extending outwardly from the third face of the second zone are comprised of first yarns having a first Denier Per Filament (DPF) and the substantially flat third face of the first zone is comprised of second yarns having a second DPF.

In one embodiment, the garment is an upper body garment, wherein the first panel serves as a back panel and the second panel serves as a front panel.

In one embodiment, said third face of said second region of said front panel is exposed to the outside environment, and wherein said second region is located on a bottom portion of said front panel.

In one embodiment, the third side of the second region of the front panel is an interior side that is adjacent to the wearer's body when the upper body garment is worn, wherein the second region is located on a top portion of the front panel.

In one embodiment, the second region is configured to serve as a wiping region when the garment is worn by a wearer, wherein the plurality of integral raised structures extending from the third face are configured to transfer fluid away from the wearer's skin when in contact with the wearer's skin.

Brief Description of Drawings

Aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a fabric article including an integral wiping area in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 2A-2D depict different perspective views of an exemplary lower body garment including a hydrophobic fabric, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 3A depicts a cross-sectional view of a garment according to fig. 2C along line 3A-3A, according to aspects herein;

FIG. 3B depicts a close-up view of FIG. 3A, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 3C depicts an enlarged view of area 3C in fig. 2C, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict different exemplary wipe region configurations in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 5 depicts an upper body garment in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 6A and 6B depict different views of different upper body garments in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 7 depicts an example method for manufacturing an example garment, according to aspects herein; and

fig. 8 depicts an exemplary method for manufacturing a garment according to aspects herein.

Detailed description of the invention

The subject matter of aspects provided herein is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms "step" and/or "block" may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

Aspects herein provide fabrics and garments comprising integrally knitted or woven wiping areas. Additionally, aspects herein provide for making a garment having integrally knitted or woven wiping areas. In one exemplary aspect, the fabrics described herein may be formed from yarns/fibers that are inherently hydrophobic. Exemplary yarns/fibers may include, for example, polyester. In another exemplary aspect, the fabric may be treated with one or more treatments to impart hydrophobic properties to the fabric. One such exemplary treatment may include Durable Water Repellency (DWR). One or both surfaces of the fabric may be hydrophobic. Hydrophobic properties of hydrophobic fabrics refer to the physical properties of the fabric that repel water or moisture away from their hydrophobic surface and/or the individual yarns/fibers.

According to aspects herein, "integrally knitted or woven" refers to forming two or more continuously or continuously knitted or woven fabric constructions and/or structures without having to stitch, adhere, glue, or otherwise join together two or more knitted or woven fabrics having different constructions and/or structures. In this way, the continuously knitted or woven constructions and/or structures are seamlessly adjacent to one another. Two or more consecutively knitted or woven fabric constructions and/or structures are designed to provide at least two different properties to the resulting fabric within the same knitted or woven fabric piece. In other words, fabric constructions and/or structures designed to provide at least two different properties to a fabric within the same knitted or woven fabric piece are knitted or woven side-by-side and comprise a single fabric layer. In other words, different properties are achieved within the same fabric without having to stack different fabrics having different properties on top of each other or adjacent to each other.

As used throughout this disclosure, the term "region" is used to refer to each individual knitted or woven fabric construction within the same knitted or woven fabric piece. Also, as used throughout this disclosure, the term "wiping area" refers to an "area" having a designed "integrally knitted or woven" raised structure that is capable of effectively wiping moisture from a wet surface.

Turning now to fig. 1, fig. 1 depicts a close-up view of a piece of hydrophobic fabric 100 in accordance with aspects herein. As depicted, the hydrophobic web 100 includes a first region 110 and a second region 120, wherein the second region 120 forms an integral wiping region. The hydrophobic fabric 100 according to aspects herein may be knitted or woven, having a configuration that is functional in the final product. For example, the fabric according to aspects herein may be a woven jacquard fabric, such as a design pattern woven jacquard fabric. For example, the hydrophobic fabric 100 may be specifically woven/knitted in a configuration that may be used for the construction of the lower body garment (as shown in fig. 2A-2D). In another example, the hydrophobic fabric 100 may be woven/knitted in a configuration that may be used in the construction of an upper body garment (as shown in fig. 5 and 6A-6B). In other words, the hydrophobic textile 100 may be knitted or woven, wherein the wiping area (e.g., the second area 120) is shaped and sized for the particular garment or other product to be manufactured, placing the wiping area at a predetermined location on the hydrophobic textile 100 corresponding to the final location of the wiping area on the finally constructed garment or other product. Alternatively, the pre-woven/knitted hydrophobic fabric 100 may be cut into suitable product pieces, placing the first and second regions 110, 120 in desired locations in the constructed product.

According to aspects herein, one or both surfaces of the woven/knitted hydrophobic fabric 100 may be hydrophobic and may include at least two distinct regions 110 and 120, as shown in fig. 1. For example, first region 110 may include a first hydrophobic inner face 135 and a first hydrophobic outer face 130, where both first hydrophobic inner face 135 and first hydrophobic outer face 130 have planar surfaces and are substantially planar with respect to each other. Second region 120 may include a second hydrophobic inner face 145 and a second hydrophobic outer face 140, where second hydrophobic inner face 145 also has a planar surface. On the other hand, the second hydrophobic outer face 140 includes a plurality of integral raised structures 150 extending outwardly from the second hydrophobic outer face 140. In exemplary aspects, the global raised structure 150 may also include micro-channels 170 to improve and accelerate the transport of moisture through the global raised structure 150. In the second region 120, the integral raised structure 150 may include interconnected ridges 155 having valleys 160 located between the interconnected ridges 155. Second hydrophobic inner face 145 of second region 120, while substantially planar, may have a shadow structure 175 corresponding to interconnected ridges 155 and valleys 180 corresponding to valleys 160. According to aspects herein, the second region 120 is configured to serve as an integral wiping region for the web.

As described above, hydrophobic fabrics according to aspects herein may comprise inherently hydrophobic yarns/fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon), or natural yarns/fibers (e.g., cotton, hemp, silk) treated with a hydrophobic coating. Alternatively, a fabric according to aspects herein may be constructed using a combination of natural and synthetic yarns, and the formed fabric may be treated with a hydrophobic coating on one or both surfaces of the fabric. Additionally, the fabric may be stretch woven or knitted, or in other words, the fabric may be formed with more elasticity by interweaving or interlacing elastic yarns/fibers (e.g., spandex). For example, the hydrophobic fabric may comprise at least 2% elastic yarns/fibers. In aspects herein, the fabric may comprise between 2% and 25% elastic yarns/fibers. For example, the fabric may comprise up to 40% elastic fibers and up to 60% synthetic or natural fibers, or a combination of both; the fabric may comprise up to 30% elastic fibers and up to 70% synthetic or natural fibers, or a combination of both; the fabric may comprise up to 20% elastic fibers and up to 80% synthetic or natural fibers, or a combination of both; or the fabric may comprise up to 10% elastic fibers and up to 90% synthetic or natural fibers, or a combination of both. Alternatively, the fabric may comprise between 2% and 25% elastane fibres and between 98% and 75% hydrophobic yarns/fibres or the like (e.g. other inherently hydrophobic fibres or natural fibres treated with a hydrophobic coating), between 5% and 15% elastane fibres and between 95% and 85% hydrophobic yarns/fibres or the like. For example, a fabric according to aspects herein may include 10% spandex or other spandex and 90% polyester or nylon, or a combination of polyester and nylon.

As described above, the hydrophobic textile 100 according to aspects herein includes at least two distinct integrally woven/knitted and seamlessly adjacent regions 110 and 120, the adjacent regions being configured differently from one another. The hydrophobic fabric 100 may be integrally woven/knitted with at least two adjacent regions 110 and 120 of different configurations by changing stitches at locations where the integral raised structures 150 are present. Additionally or alternatively, the yarns/fibers may be altered or additional yarns/fibers may be introduced at the locations where the integral raised structures 150 are presented during weaving or knitting of the hydrophobic fabric 100. In yet a different example, the integral raised structures 150 may be provided by an embroidery process, such as by embroidering the integral raised structures 150 in a suitable pattern with a suitable yarn/fiber. The yarns/fibers forming the integral raised structures may have a DPF that is greater than the remainder of the DPF of the yarns/fibers forming the remainder of the fabric surface on which the integral raised structures 150 are disposed. Alternatively, the yarns/fibers forming the integral projection structure 150 may have a DPF equal to or greater than the DPF of yarns/fibers forming the first substantially flat hydrophobic inner face 135 and the opposing first substantially flat hydrophobic outer face 130 (excluding the integral projection structure 150).

Fig. 2A-2D depict different perspective views of an exemplary lower body garment 20 including a hydrophobic fabric 100, in accordance with aspects herein. As shown in the front view 200 of the lower body garment 20 depicted in fig. 2A, the lower body garment 20 includes a front panel 231 and a rear panel 233 (fig. 2B and 2C), the front panel 231 and the rear panel 233 being joined by two outboard seams forming a left seam line 222 and an opposing right seam line (not shown). The front panel 231 comprises a first hydrophobic fabric having a first outer face and a first inner face that are substantially flat, such as the first region 110 of the hydrophobic fabric 100 shown in fig. 1 above. The lower body garment 20 in fig. 2A includes an optional waistband 202. The waistband 202 has a thickness 210 measured from a waistband top edge 214 to a waistband bottom edge 216. In fig. 2A, the lower body garment 20 is shown as a pair of shorts having an overall length 212 measured from a waistband bottom edge 216 to a lower body garment bottom edge 218. Although the lower body garment 20 shown in fig. 2A-2D is depicted as shorts of one and knee length, it is contemplated herein that the lower body garment 20 may be in the form of shorts, trousers, jeans (three-quater pans), tights, miniskirts, and skirts of knee length, longuette, shorts of different lengths, and the like, without departing from aspects herein. In an exemplary aspect, the lower body garment 20 includes optional pockets 206A and 206B, the pockets 206A and 206B having pocket openings 208A and 208B, respectively, the pocket openings 208A and 208B being adjacent an upper portion of the left seam line 222 and the opposing right seam line.

The lower body garment 20 shown in fig. 2A to 2D includes at least one front panel 231 and at least one rear panel 233. As shown in fig. 2B, the front panel 231 and the back panel 233 can be sewn or otherwise joined together at a left seam line 222 and a corresponding right seam line on the opposite side (not shown) to form the lower body garment 20. In an exemplary aspect, the left seam line 222 may extend from the waistband bottom edge 216 to the lower body garment 20 bottom edge 218. In some aspects, the left seam line 222 extends a distance 221 from the waistband bottom edge 216 to a stitch point 223, the stitch point 223 being located above the lower body garment 20 bottom edge 218 at least 1/10 of the distance measured from the waistband bottom edge 216 to the lower body garment 20 bottom edge 218. Shorter seam lines may allow for increased freedom of movement for the legs of the wearer of the exemplary lower body garment 20 shown in fig. 2A-2D when the lower body garment 20 is worn.

The lower body garment backsheet 233 further includes wipe regions 204A and 204B which will correspond to the second region 120 in the woven/knitted hydrophobic textile 100 of fig. 1, wherein the second region 120 includes a plurality of integral raised structures 150 on the second hydrophobic outer face 140 of the knitted/knitted hydrophobic textile 100. The wipe regions 204A and 204B may extend from predetermined areas of the lower body garment 20 to a left seam line 222 and a corresponding right seam line that may also be aligned with the pocket openings 208A and 208B. The wiping regions 204A and 204B can be configured to cover at least a portion of the lower back torso region of the wearer when the lower body garment 20 is in a worn configuration as shown in fig. 2D. For example, the predetermined area may extend from a hypothetical vertical midline (not shown) that bisects the rear panel into equal right and left halves to a left seam line 222 (as shown in the side view 230 of the lower body garment 20 shown in fig. 2B) and a corresponding right seam line (not shown). The wiping areas 204A and 204B can have a shape and size that is suitable for their intended purpose while also being aesthetically appealing.

In an exemplary aspect, the wiping areas 204A and 204B may be present only in the rear panel 233 of the lower body garment 20, and may occupy at least 5% of the total area of the rear panel 233 of the lower body garment 20 shown in fig. 2A-2D. In further exemplary aspects, the wipe regions 204A and 204B may occupy at least 10% of the rear panel 233 of the lower body garment 20 shown in fig. 2A-2D. In other examples, the front panel 231 of the lower body garment 20 may also include an overall wiping area (not shown) that occupies at least 5% of the total area of the front panel 231 of the lower body garment 20.

Although the lower body garment 20 in fig. 2A-2D is depicted as including a front panel 231 and a back panel 233, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the number of panels required to construct the lower body garment 20 may vary depending on the type of construction method used and the style of lower body garment constructed. For example, the lower body garment 20 may be a single piece of circular knit (when the fabric is knitted without a seam line), or flat knit or woven as a single piece to have a single seam line. Alternatively, the lower body garment 20 may be constructed from three, four, five, etc. pieces, having three, four, five, etc. seam lines. This concept, while described in the context of a lower body garment, is also applicable to any type of garment or object being constructed.

With particular regard to fig. 2C, the wipe regions 204A and 204B may include a single wipe region 204AB that is configured to extend across the backsheet 233 in a region adapted to cover the lower back torso region of the wearer when the lower body garment 20 is worn, as shown in the rear view 240. In an exemplary aspect, the wiping area 204AB can be wider nearer the pocket openings 208A and 208B and taper toward the vertical midline of the backsheet 233, as shown in the rear view 240 of fig. 2C. For example, the upper edges 224A and 224B of the wiping areas 204A and 204B, or the upper edge 224AB of the wiping area 204AB, may abut the waistband bottom edge 216, or may be located a uniform distance 220 away from the waistband bottom edge 216, such that the upper edges 224A and 224B, or the upper edge 224AB, are parallel to the waistband bottom edge 216. While the lower edges 226A and 226B of the wipe regions 204A and 204B, or the lower edge 226AB of the wipe region 204AB, may taper from the left seam line 222 at an angle 10, the angle 10 being measured with reference to a vertical plane P relative to the lower body garment 20 (as shown in fig. 2B). Alternatively, the wiping area 224AB may comprise a uniform width throughout (not shown).

The integrally woven/knitted wiping area according to aspects herein will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 3A to 3C. Fig. 3A depicts a portion of a cross-section of the rear panel 233 depicted in fig. 2C of the lower body garment 20 along cut line 3A-3A, and is generally represented by numeral 300. As seen in fig. 3A, the wiping area 224AB includes a first (inner) surface 302 and a second (outer) surface 304. The first surface 302 may be substantially planar when compared to the second surface 304. The second surface 304 includes a plurality of integral raised structures 308 extending outwardly from the second surface 304. The integral raised structures 308 may be arranged in any suitable pattern to provide a desired moisture removal effect while at the same time providing a desired visual effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the overall wiping area can include an array of interconnected ridges 155 and valleys 160. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 4A-4B, different configurations 410 and 420 of the wiping area may be possible. For example, the unitary raised structure may include an array of two or more separate different shapes, such as 412 and 414 as shown in FIG. 4A, or 422 and 424 as shown in FIG. 4B, between valleys 416 and 426, respectively. These are merely exemplary configurations and are illustrative and not restrictive. Other configurations may include, for example, a pattern of team logos, brand logos, or any other shape deemed suitable according to aspects herein.

Referring back to fig. 3A and 3B together, the hydrophobic fabric may include a thickness 314 in a first region 320, which is measured as the distance between the first surface 302 to the second surface 304. The integral raised structure 308 may have a predetermined height 306 measured from the second surface 304 to an apex 316 of the integral raised structure 308. Thus, the total thickness 312 in the second region 330 may be obtained by the thickness 314 of the hydrophobic fabric in the first region 320 plus the predetermined height 306 of the overall raised structure 308. As seen in fig. 3A, the integral raised structure 308 may include an apex 316 forming a ridge 309, with a valley 310 at the base of the ridge 309 or integral raised structure 308.

As described above with reference to fig. 1, both the first surface 302 and the second surface 304 of the fabric, e.g., the lower body garment 20, may be hydrophobic. Thus, the lower body garment 20 according to aspects herein will have a tendency to remain dry by repelling moisture and letting any water-based liquids, such as water and sweat, slide off the surface of the garment. For example, fig. 3B depicts a close-up view of fig. 3A, wherein moisture transport from first (inner) surface 322 of first zone 320 (corresponding to first surface 302 in fig. 3A) to second (outer) surface 324 of first zone 320 (corresponding to second surface 304 in fig. 3A) of fabric 300 can be achieved by providing fabric 300 with a denier differential, in accordance with aspects herein. For example, to facilitate moisture transport away from the wearer's skin when the garment is worn, the yarns/fibers provided to first surface 322 at first region 320 may have a larger DPF than the yarns/fibers provided to second surface 324. When the garment is worn, the larger DPF of the first surface 322 will cause water to separate absorption by the wearer's skin toward the second surface 324 by capillary action as the yarns/fibers of the first surface 322 contact the wearer's skin. Subsequently, moisture that collects on the second surface 324 with the smaller DPF can slide off the fabric by natural drag of gravity.

On the other hand, in the second region 330 provided with the integral raised structures 318, the DPF of the yarns/fibers forming the integral raised structures 318 may be larger than the DPF of the opposite surface 322 of the fabric 300. The integral raised structures 318 may be formed from hydrophobic yarns/fibers. Thus, when the integral raised structures 318 are used to wipe moisture from a wet or wet surface (e.g., the wearer's skin), the moisture will travel from the integral raised structures 318 toward the second surface 324 into the valleys 319 formed between the integral raised structures 318. The second surface 324 includes yarns/fibers of a DPF that are smaller than the yarns/fibers forming the integral raised structures 318 and the DPF forming the surface 322 of the fabric 300 (as shown). Thus, when moisture collects in the valleys 319, the moisture will have a tendency to slide off the entire second surface 324 of the fabric 300 without being absorbed by the fabric 300.

Moisture tends to be absorbed into the yarns/fibers with the larger DPF and is transported away to the surface with the smaller DPF by capillary action. Thus, moisture will flow in one direction 350 in the first region 320 and in the opposite direction 360 in the second region 330, and as such, moisture that collects on the second surface 324 and valleys 319 will be readily eliminated by "dripping" as it is pulled by gravity.

Further, fig. 3C depicts a close-up of area 370, designated as 3C in fig. 2C, of wiping area 204 AB. As shown, the wiping region 204AB includes an array or pattern of integral raised structures 374 having valleys 372 formed between the array of integral raised structures 374. In addition, the integral raised structures 374 can include micro-channels 376 to further help accelerate moisture transport away from the wet/moist surface (e.g., the user's skin) when the wiping area 204AB is used to wipe moisture from the wet/moist surface. For example, the micro-channels 376 create a pathway for moisture that first collects at the apex 316 to effectively travel toward the valley 310 where the moisture may be allowed to accumulate to a sufficient amount to be easily pulled by gravity, causing the moisture to slide off of the outer surface 304/324 shown in fig. 3A and 3B.

Fig. 2D depicts the lower body garment 20 depicted in fig. 2A-2C in a wear configuration 250. As can be seen in the wear configuration 250, the wiping area 204AB is configured to cover the lower back torso of the wearer, which wiping area 204AB is readily accessible by the athlete (wearer) for quickly and easily wiping his/her palm in a generally downward or sideways motion when desired. In particular, in sports such as basketball, baseball or tennis where hands participate in large amounts, discomfort with sweaty or wet hands can be readily alleviated by providing wiping areas on the garment itself. Thus, the performance of the player can also be easily improved by reducing the slippery nature of a sweaty or wet hand, by allowing the player to better control the ball, bat, or racquet depending on the sport being played or the location.

Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary upper body garment 500 constructed from a hydrophobic fabric, in accordance with aspects herein. By way of background, when a person exerts his own physical exertion, she will likely sweat from her head. As physical activity continues and/or becomes more vigorous, sweat from her head will likely increase and begin to drip onto her forehead, into her face, including into her eyes. This causes great discomfort. Often, a person participating in an activity requiring physical strength will carry a towel with them. However, having to carry a towel nearby is often cumbersome, and once the towel becomes saturated, the towel will become ineffective for its intended purpose. If the towel is unavailable, the person will impulsively pick up the bottom front portion of her upper body suit and wipe the sweat off her face with the bottom front portion.

With this action in mind, the garment 500 may be an upper body garment having at least a front panel 505 and a rear panel 507, the front panel 505 having a first region 510 and a seamlessly adjacent second region 520 on a surface opposite (exposed to the external environment) the skin contacting surface of the garment 500. The second region 520 is located at a bottom portion of the front panel 505, near a bottom edge of the garment 500, and includes integrally woven or knitted raised structures 522 similar to those described above with reference to the lower body garment 20 depicted in fig. 2A-2D. The second region 520 may extend from the first edge 530 to the second edge 540. The size and shape of second region 520 may vary depending on the functionality and aesthetics desired for a particular garment 500. Although garment 500 in fig. 5 is depicted as a short-sleeved round-neck T-shirt, it is contemplated herein that lower body garment 500 may be in the form of a V-neck sleeveless T-shirt, a long-sleeved V-neck or round-neck T-shirt, a short-sleeved or long-sleeved top, a short-sleeved or long-sleeved sweater, a thin, medium, or thick jacket, a camisole, a jersey camisole, or the like, without departing from aspects herein.

Fig. 6A and 6B depict different exemplary upper body garments 600 in the form of sweaters according to aspects herein. Another impulsive motion to wipe moisture from a person's face as sweat or another aqueous solution drips into his/her face is to take the front panel 660 of the upper body garment 600 onto his/her head and wipe his/her head against the interior (skin-contacting) surface of the front panel 660. As such, the upper body garment 600 according to aspects herein includes a first region 610 and a seamlessly adjacent second region 620, wherein the second region 620 is located at an upper interior portion 624 (skin-contacting surface when worn) of the front panel 660 of the upper body garment 600, as shown in fig. 6A and 6B, wherein the overall raised structures 622 are shown in phantom in fig. 6A to indicate that they are interior and may not be actually visible on an exterior surface. In various aspects, the back panel 650 of the upper body garment 600 may also include integral raised structures 622, for example at the shoulders and/or upper back interior portions (not shown), for providing a wiping function as the upper body garment 600 naturally shifts on the body of the wearer when the wearer is performing physical activities (e.g., in a basketball game).

The second region 620 including the integral raised structure 622 may extend from a first edge 630 to a second edge 640. The size and shape of the second region 620 may be configured according to the desired functionality and aesthetics of the particular upper body garment 600. Because the integral raised structure 622 is located on the interior of the upper body garment 600, the aesthetic appeal may play a smaller role than when the integral raised structure 622 is located on the exterior of the upper body garment (as in the upper body garment 500 in fig. 5).

Fig. 7 depicts an exemplary method 700 for manufacturing a lower body garment, such as the exemplary lower body garment 20 shown in fig. 2A-2D. For example, the lower body garment 20 shown in fig. 2A-2D may be manufactured by forming a waistband for the lower body garment 20 at block 710. The waistband may be made fully elastic or rigid, or alternatively, the waistband may be made from a combination of elastic and non-elastic materials. In an exemplary aspect, step 710 may include an optional step. Next, at block 720, a first hydrophobic moisture management fabric may be woven or knitted, the first hydrophobic moisture management fabric including a first region and a second region, the first hydrophobic moisture management fabric having a selectable denier difference between a first face thereof and a second face thereof. Then, as depicted at block 730, a back panel for the lower body garment 20 may be formed from the first hydrophobic moisture management fabric. A second hydrophobic moisture management fabric having an optional denier difference between its first face and its second face may then be woven or knitted, as depicted at block 740, from which a front panel of the lower body garment 20 may be formed at block 750. Once the front and rear panels of the lower body garment 20 are formed, the front and rear panels may be secured to one another, as depicted at block 760. Finally, the waistband formed in block 710 may also be secured to the secured front and back panels of the lower body garment 20 to complete the construction of the lower body garment 20. It should be understood that the method presented in fig. 7 is merely exemplary and not limiting. As described, the various steps described may or may not follow the order of the events.

Fig. 8 depicts an exemplary method 800 for manufacturing a garment according to aspects herein. First, one or more pieces of a garment including a first region and a second region, such as first region 110 and second region 120 shown in fig. 1, may be knitted/woven at block 810, wherein the first region includes a substantially planar configuration, and wherein the second region includes an integral raised structure. One or more of the sheets knitted/woven at block 810 may be knitted/woven from an inherently hydrophobic material, or alternatively, the sheets may be treated with a hydrophobic coating material after the sheets have been knitted/woven. Then, as described at block 820, one or more pieces of the garment can be knitted or woven, the one or more pieces including a configuration equivalent to only the first region (the substantially flat configuration). Finally, as depicted at block 830, the one or more panels knitted or woven at block 810 may be secured to the one or more panels knitted or woven at block 820 according to the particular configuration of the desired garment construction to form the garment.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the aspects described herein are well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is covered by and within the scope of the claims.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (15)

1. A woven single layer hydrophobic fabric for forming a garment, comprising: a first hydrophobic surface and a second hydrophobic surface, the woven single layer hydrophobic fabric comprising a first region seamlessly adjacent to a second region, wherein the first region and the second region are integrally woven together in a side-by-side relationship, wherein the first hydrophobic surface and the second hydrophobic surface in the first region are substantially planar, and wherein the first hydrophobic surface in the second region comprises a plurality of integral raised structures extending outwardly from the first hydrophobic surface and is an exterior of the garment exposed to an external environment.

2. The woven single layer hydrophobic fabric of claim 1, wherein said first hydrophobic surface in said first zone is comprised of first yarns having a first denier per filament DPF, and said second hydrophobic surface in said first zone is comprised of second yarns having a second DPF.

3. The woven single layer hydrophobic fabric of claim 2, wherein said plurality of integral raised structures on said first hydrophobic surface in said second region are comprised of a third yarn having a third DPF.

4. The woven single layer hydrophobic fabric of claim 1, wherein said plurality of integral raised structures extending from said first hydrophobic surface in said second region are configured to transfer fluid away from the skin of the wearer through microchannels within said plurality of integral raised structures when in contact with the skin of the wearer.

5. A lower body garment, comprising:

a front panel of a first hydrophobic textile comprising a first outer face and a first inner face, the first outer face and the first inner face being substantially planar; and

a backsheet of a second woven single layer hydrophobic textile, the second woven single layer hydrophobic textile comprising: a first hydrophobic surface and a second hydrophobic surface, the second woven single layer hydrophobic textile comprising a first region seamlessly adjacent to a second region, wherein the first and second regions are integrally woven together in a side-by-side relationship, wherein the first and second hydrophobic surfaces in the first region are substantially planar, and wherein the first hydrophobic surface in the second region comprises a plurality of integral raised structures extending outwardly from the first hydrophobic surface and is an exterior of the lower body garment exposed to an external environment.

6. The lower body garment of claim 5, wherein the second region of the second knitted single layer hydrophobic fabric of the back panel is adapted to cover a lower back torso region of a wearer when the lower body garment is worn.

7. The lower body garment of claim 6, wherein the lower body garment includes a pocket adjacent an upper portion of an outside seam line connecting the front panel and the back panel, wherein the second region is configured to extend to an opening of the pocket.

8. The lower body garment of claim 5, wherein the second region is configured to extend up to a waistband of the lower body garment.

9. The lower body garment of claim 5, wherein, in the first region: the first hydrophobic surface is comprised of first yarns having a first denier per filament DPF and the second hydrophobic surface is comprised of second yarns having a second DPF.

10. The lower body garment of claim 5, wherein, in the second region: the integral raised structures extending outwardly from the first hydrophobic surface are comprised of a third yarn having a third DPF.

11. A garment, comprising:

a first sheet of a first hydrophobic fabric comprising a first face and a second face, the first face and the second face being hydrophobic and substantially planar; and

a second piece of a second woven single layer hydrophobic textile comprising a first hydrophobic surface and a second hydrophobic surface, the second woven single layer hydrophobic textile comprising a first region seamlessly adjacent to a second region, wherein the first and second regions are integrally woven together in a side-by-side relationship, wherein the first and second hydrophobic surfaces in the first region are substantially planar, and wherein the first hydrophobic surface in the second region comprises a plurality of integrally raised structures extending outwardly from the first hydrophobic surface and is an exterior of the garment exposed to an external environment.

12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the integral raised structures extending outwardly from the first hydrophobic surface in the second region are comprised of first yarns having a first denier per filament DPF, and the substantially flat first hydrophobic surface in the first region is comprised of second yarns having a second DPF.

13. The garment of claim 11, wherein the garment is an upper body garment with the first panel as a back panel and the second panel as a front panel.

14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the second region is located on a bottom portion of the front panel.

15. The garment of claim 11, wherein the second region is configured to serve as a wiping region when the garment is worn by a wearer, wherein the plurality of integral raised structures extending from the first hydrophobic surface in the second region are configured to transfer fluid away from the wearer's skin when in contact with the wearer's skin.