Adhesive seam and method and apparatus for its manufacture

Abstract

A garment seam is formed between two fabric panels by abutting the edges of at least two panels and placing a strip of material carrying adhesive on the abutted edges to form the seam. The fabric panels have opposing major surfaces, the edges of the fabric panels being minor surfaces. The strip of material is applied on at least one major surface of the abutted fabric panels, but is optionally applied to both major surfaces of the abutted fabric panels. The strip of material is preferably thinner than the fabric panels. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a thermosetting adhesive that is applied on the strip of material in liquid form. A seam manufactured according to the present invention is less detectable through clothing than conventional multi-ply seams. Also the adhesive seam enables the manufacturer to tailor the garment to provide support or shape in a particular area (i.e. the area of the seam) in addition to providing the desirable smooth appearance. For example, when used in a brassiere (bra) cup, the seam allows the garment to be designed to provide optimal comfort, shape and support to the wearer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 717,679, filed on Sep. 16, 2005, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to seams for garments and their manufacture. More particularly, the seams of the present provide greater comfort to the wearer and are less bulky than conventional seams, which are formed from multiple plys (e.g., layers) of material. The seams of the present invention find particular advantage in foundation garments (i.e. garments worn under other garments) especially those over which shear or clingy outer garments are worn and through which bulky seams are clearly (and undesirably) visible. [0003] In a typical garment, a sewn seam is formed between two fabric panels. Seams are sewn or otherwise formed in a variety of different ways, depending upon the material, the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0025] Such adhesives are cured by subjecting them to cool, moist air. Thus, the curing section for an apparatus in which a thermosetting resin is used to assemble the seam will introduce cool, moist air proximate to the assembled seam in order to at least partially cure the adhesive. It is advantageous if the assembled seam is placed on a surface with a contour that somewhat mimics that of the finished seam. Placing the seam on such a surface will prevent the fabric panels from bunching, pulling, etc., which could place the partially cured seam under undue stress. Such stress could

Problems solved by technology

Also, in foundation garments that provide shaping and/or support the ridge can cause discomfort, chafing etc., especially where support and/or shaping are provided.

The bra is a complicated garment from a manufacturing perspective because it is a garment with cups that define a vaulted three dimensional shape.

However, the sewn seam has fallen from favor from use in foundation garments and shape wear for purely aesthetic reasons.

Specifically, the visibly detectable seam ridge is extremely undesirable from a fashion point of view.

While these solutions do address the problem of a highly visible seam, they are deficient from a support/shaping perspective.

This single panel construction offers virtually no support and cannot be u

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