Garment with Elastomeric Coating

Abstract

A garment comprises a fabric and an elastomeric coating on at least a portion of at least one side of the fabric to provide designed, localized stretch and support in a garment, wherein the elastomeric coating is located where reduced stretch of the garment is desired. Garments having structures to facilitate cooling and heating are also described.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 251,354, filed Oct. 14, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to garments, and more particularly, to garments having controlled stretch and designed thermal properties.[0004]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0005]Garments are often made of a material with a uniform modulus of elasticity. However, some areas of the body require more support than others. Further, some areas of the body require more control and restriction of muscle movement than others. Accordingly, there is a need for a garment with controlled stretch properties. Further, it may be desirable for a garment to aid in cooling or insulating the wearer depending on ambient conditions and the activities of the wearer. Certain garments with various means of thermal management are known in the prior art. However, these garments are often cumber...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In one aspect of the invention, a garment with controlled stretch and support characteristics is provided. In certain embodiments, a garment is described that includes a fabric having a plurality of elastomeric coatings on at least a portion of at least one side of the fabric, wherein the coating is designed to be located in a portion of the garment where reduced stretch is desired. In other embodiments, a coating is placed on a fabric to enhance the support in a particularized area of the garment.

[0011]In another aspect of the invention, a garment is provided that insulates the wearer from ambient conditions. In one embodiment, the garment includes a fabric and an elastomeric coating on at least a portion of the inside of the fabric of the garment, and at least one air pocket being formed by the elastomeric coating. An air pocket may be formed by a combination of fabric and elastomeric coating or coating alone. In one aspect, an air pocket is substantially bounded by the fabric on one side and the elastomeric coating on at least three sides. In certain embodiments, an elastomeric coating is designed to hold at least a portion of the fabric away from the skin of a wearer when the garment is worn.

Problems solved by technology

However, some areas of the body require more support than others.

Further, some areas of the body require more control and restriction of muscle movement than others.

However, these garments are often cumbersome for athletic or even normal movement, are uncomfortable, and are difficult to manufacture.

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