Permanently Embedded Protective Covering for Articles of Clothing

Abstract

The present invention involves an article of clothing having a permanently embedded protective covering in the article of clothing over at least one predetermined portion of the clothing that can be worn by infants, children and adults. The protective covering is made from a thermoplastic material that is applied to and thermally bonds or co-mingles with only the outermost fabric fibers of the clothing creating a permanently embedded, liquid impermeable, non-porous protective covering, including an increased height edge, which covering retains the same flexibility as the underlying fabric of the clothing article. The protective covering can be positioned across the top front portion of the clothing article and extend downward to a lower portion of the front of the clothing article creating an easy to clean particle and dirt resistant covering for the clothing article.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA[0001]The present application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 045,470 that remains pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 454,887 filed on Aug. 8, 2014 that remains pending, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 365,315 filed on Feb. 3, 2012 that was abandoned, which application was a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 386,947 filed on Apr. 24, 2009 that was abandoned, which application was a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 811,410 filed on Jun. 5, 2007 that was abandoned.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a method of manufacturing an article of clothing, and more particularly to superficially embedding a protective covering made of a thermoplastic material into the article of clothing or garment to be worn by either children or adults. The permanently embedded thermoplastic protectiv...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]The permanently embedded non-porous protective covering preferably covers the top portion of the garment and extends downward to the mid torso. However, the protective covering can be placed across or extended over a lower portion of the garment, if the lower portion of the garment is prone to attracting particles and dirt. The permanently embedded protective covering surrounds the underlying fiber layers of the fabric so that it becomes one with the fabric and attains the same flexibility as the fabric of the garment, thereby making it a solid portion that cannot be broken easily, while maintaining a liquid impermeability against seepage of most liquids through the protective covering. Also the protective covering maintains an increased height or thickness of a predetermined width along its outer edge so that any splashed liquid materials are retarded from flowing onto the unprotected garment.

[0020]Yet another embodiment is envisioned to be a permanently embedded protective covering on an adult sized shirt, gown or coat for use in a hospital, nursing home, restaurant, or other institution or facility where clothing would be getting fluids or foods on them and need to be easily wiped away or cleaned. A permanently embedded non-porous protective covering in accordance with the present invention, that resists the inward passage of liquids through the garment, would be particularly useful and convenient as it is easy to clean, non-toxic and flame retardant.

Problems solved by technology

However, the protective covering can be placed across or extended over a lower portion of the garment, if the lower portion of the garment is prone to attracting particles and dirt.

Images