3D embossed film

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-layer composite garment material comprising at least one fabric layer and a functionalized adhesive sheet layer. The present invention also relates to a functionalized adhesive sheet or film comprising 3D adhesive structures imprinted on the sheet or film. The sheet or film can be used to bond multiple garment layers while maintaining or enhancing the properties of each garment layer.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 036,852, filed June 9, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 108,552, filed November 2, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology invention field

[0003] This invention relates to a multilayer composite garment material comprising at least one fabric layer and a functionalized adhesive sheet layer. The invention also relates to a functionalized adhesive sheet or film comprising a 3D adhesive structure embossed on the sheet or film. This sheet or film can be used to bond multiple garment layers while maintaining the properties of each garment layer.

[0004] Description of related fields

[0005] The precursors to modern sportswear appeared in New York before World War II. Clare Potter and Claire McCardell were among the first American designers to gain recognition in the 1930s for their innovative clothing designs, described as demonstrating "originality in problem-solving and application to a practical lifestyle." Using practical fabrics such as denim, cotton, and knitwear, they designed garments that were easy to wear and comfortable. McCardell, in particular, is considered one of America's greatest sportswear designers. Her simple, practical clothing suited the relaxed American style of dress, neither formal nor casual, which took shape in the 1930s and 40s. McCardell famously declared, "I belong to a nation of mass production, where every one of us, all of us, should have the right to good fashion." Martin argues that sportswear designers of the 1930s and 40s freed American fashion from the imitation of Parisian haute couture.

[0006] One of the hallmarks of sports or athletic apparel is the flexibility it offers to the user. In particular, individuals can use different forms of clothing for both leisure and strenuous activities. Depending on the needs of the sport, clothing can be long-sleeved and flexible. Sportswear needs to be made of flexible fabrics.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 8,652,286 discloses a stretchable appliqué comprising a stretchable substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; an adhesive layer adjacent to the first surface of the stretchable substrate; a carrier layer adjacent to the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is located between the stretchable substrate and the non-stretchable carrier layer, and the carrier layer has a lower stretchability than the stretchable substrate; and at least one marking on the second surface of the stretchable substrate. The adhesive layer and the substrate, bonded together, retain their respective stretch properties; therefore, the adhesive layer is not incorporated into different layers of the fabric.

[0008] Existing fabrics used in sportswear or general clothing are stretchable, but their structural integrity is often compromised because the adhesive tapes currently used to bond the fabrics lose their structural integrity and function. This loss of structural integrity and function reduces the elasticity of the fabric and garment. For example, garments with elastic fabrics (including top and bottom garments) will stretch when worn by a healthy person or when the body expands for other reasons. Given that currently available elastic sheets / tapes applied to the interface of two elastic fabrics cannot return to their original position after being stretched, there is a need for an adhesive sheet or membrane that helps maintain the structural integrity of the fabric in which the adhesive sheet or membrane is incorporated. Invention Overview

[0010] To meet the ongoing demand for better stretchable fabrics and bonded sheets, this invention provides a multilayer composite garment material comprising at least one fabric layer and a functionalized bonded sheet layer. The invention also relates to a functionalized bonded sheet or film comprising a 3D bonded structure embossed on the sheet or film. This sheet or film can be used to bond multiple garment layers while maintaining or enhancing the properties of each fabric layer according to the designed garment function. Detailed Implementation

[0011] This invention provides an embossed 3D adhesive structure that allows a thin adhesive film to retain its primary function after being bonded to a substrate. The embossed 3D adhesive structure is imprinted onto an elastic adhesive film, helping to maintain the structural integrity and function of a thin elastic strip / film applied to the interface of two layers of elastic fabric in any garment.

[0012] This 3D-structured embossed adhesive tape / film promotes optimal adhesion between the fabric and the porous substrate to which it is applied by permeating and depositing approximately one-third of the 3D adhesive structure onto each side of the substrate. This leaves the final one-third of the embossed 3D structure between the fabric substrate and the film, thus preserving the stretchability and resilience of the seamless garment.

[0013] The thin adhesive film of this invention is applied in fashion textiles, seamless garments, and elastic bands for clothing and textiles by forming heat-sealed (non-stitched), breathable, compressive garments, sportswear, embossed thermoplastic elastomers, and textiles. It will be used as a heat-sealing tape in close-fitting garments, compression garments, swimwear, sportswear, footwear, outerwear, or special-function textiles (such as tents, chemical protective suits, firefighter uniforms, and military uniforms). Examples of close-fitting garments include waistbands, leg bands, and bra straps. The heat-sealing film product of this invention is superior to latex, silicone, and natural rubber elastic products, which cannot be formed or bonded in downstream processes used in the apparel industry. Furthermore, the product of this invention avoids allergic reactions associated with the use of latex or silicone materials. Other advantages include replacing seams in various types of clothing and footwear.

[0014] Other advantages of using 3D structure imprinted adhesive films are:

[0015] 1. It eliminates the need for a multi-layer structure that uses a core layer as an elastic band and an outer layer as an adhesive substrate;

[0016] 2. When used repeatedly, it can prevent / reduce the "bagging" effect on elastic fabrics and provide high durability.

[0017] 3.3D embossing geometry helps to alter the function of fabrics, where the direction and degree of tensile force can be controlled.

[0018] 4. It allows the use of very thin embossing films, thus enabling low-elasticity designs for the layering of underwear or sportswear fabrics.

[0019] This invention provides adhesive tapes / films with various 3D or custom geometries embossed and / or perforated structures, which can be used as hot-melt tapes. The elastic adhesive film of this invention provides optimal adhesion and function by allowing one-third of the adhesive to penetrate and deposit on each side of the substrate material. The remaining one-third of the adhesive is retained between the two fabrics to provide the required stretch and resilience.

[0020] This invention helps eliminate the need and cost of repeatedly using multiple layers of alternative thin strips. Due to its flexible design, it also provides greater strength in the axial or transverse direction by offering a stiffening effect. The proposed design prevents fabric "bulging," allowing garments with strips to maintain their original shape over longer periods of use.

[0021] In its broadest aspect, the present invention provides an adhesive sheet comprising a surface embossed with a 3D adhesive structure. A preferred embodiment provides a sheet comprising an adhesive layer, and the sheet is functionalized, and the 3D adhesive structure is capable of bonding to a substrate selected from non-stretchable or stretchable fabrics. Another preferred embodiment provides a sheet wherein both surfaces of the sheet are embossed with a 3D adhesive structure.

[0022] Another preferred embodiment provides a sheet in which an adhesive 3D structure is bonded to a porous substrate, and further wherein at least 20% of the 3D adhesive structure is bonded to the porous substrate. Another preferred embodiment provides a sheet in which the 3D adhesive structure is bonded, with approximately 25% to approximately 33% of the adhesive structure penetrating into the porous substrate, and approximately 33% to approximately 50% of the 3D adhesive structure deposited between the sheet and the substrate.

[0023] In another embodiment, a sheet is provided, wherein the sheet is stretchable and is bonded to a porous substrate selected from fabrics, dry-fit fabrics, elastic fabrics, breathable fabrics, or combinations thereof. Another preferred embodiment provides a sheet wherein each substrate is elastic and can be stretched and recover / retract from stretching.

[0024] Another preferred embodiment provides a substrate selected from stretchable or breathable fabrics (e.g., quick-drying, Poly-Dri, Lycra, spandex, cotton, wool, etc.). The fabric is selected from fibers based on polyester, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyamides, woven acrylic, microfibers made of polyester or rayon, styrene block copolymers, block copolymers of polyester-polyurethane and rayon, polypropylene, flexible PVC, and natural fibers (such as cotton, wool, or bamboo).

[0025] Another preferred embodiment provides a functionalized adhesive sheet comprising a 3D-imprinted surface of a film, wherein the monolayer composition is formed of one or more of a thermoplastic elastomer and 3D-imprinted adhesive layers on one or both sides of the film. Another preferred embodiment provides a functionalized adhesive sheet wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from styrene block copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyester-polyurethane or polyurea, polyamides and polyesters, or mixtures thereof.

[0026] Another preferred embodiment provides a functionalized adhesive sheet wherein the adhesive layer comprises a functionalized olefin homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, and styrene block copolymer, polyurethane, polyamide adhesive, or mixture thereof. Another preferred embodiment provides a functionalized adhesive sheet wherein the functionalized homopolymer or copolymer or terpolymer is selected from homopolymers or copolymers of maleic anhydride or glycidyl acrylate or amine grafted with ethylene, propylene, or butane. In another preferred embodiment, the adhesive layer is selected from styrene block copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyester-polyurethane or polyurea, polyamides, and polyesters.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention provides a multilayer composite garment material comprising at least one fabric layer and a functionalized adhesive sheet layer. A preferred embodiment of this aspect provides a multilayer composite garment material wherein the fabric layer is stretchable, and wherein the functionalized re-reinforced adhesive sheet layer is stretchable.

[0028] Another preferred embodiment provides a multilayer composite garment material in which the fabric layer is made of natural materials, synthetic materials, or a combination thereof, and wherein a functionalized, reinforced adhesive sheet layer has a 3D adhesive structure embossed on its surface. Another preferred embodiment provides a multilayer composite garment material in which the 3D adhesive structure of the adhesive sheet layer is bonded to the fabric layer by penetrating into it.

[0029] Another preferred embodiment provides a multilayer composite garment material in which a 3D adhesive structure is bonded to a fabric layer, wherein about 25% to about 33% of the adhesive structure penetrates into the fabric layer, and wherein about 33% to about 50% of the 3D adhesive structure is deposited between the adhesive sheet and the fabric layer.

[0030] Another preferred embodiment provides a multilayer clothing material, wherein the clothing material is stretchable and breathable. Another preferred embodiment provides a multilayer clothing material, wherein the multilayer composite garment comprises a quick-drying, elastic, or breathable fabric layer, and an intermediate layer comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomer layers, a 3D-embossed adhesive layer, and a fabric.

[0031] Another preferred embodiment provides a multilayer clothing material in which the quick-drying, elastic or breathable fabric is selected from polyester, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide, microfibers made of acrylic fibers, polyester or rayon, styrene block copolymers, block copolymers of polyester-polyurethane and rayon, polypropylene, flexible PVC, and natural fiber (such as cotton, wool or bamboo) fibers.

[0032] This invention, with its embossed 3D adhesive structure, provides an adhesive film / sheet that is thinner than previously used adhesive films. The elastic loss due to hysteresis in the elastic film provided by this invention is zero or near zero. The film with the embossed raised 3D adhesive structure provided by this invention also provides sufficient adhesive material to bond fabrics together while maintaining a continuous elastic network (base film thickness) between the fabrics.

[0033] The adhesive sheet / film / tape with 3D embossed geometry provided by this invention eliminates the need for a multi-layer structure with a core layer as the elastic band and an outer layer as the adhesive substrate. The magnitude of the force applied to the elastic sheet can be controlled from low to high, regardless of the film's thickness. This further reduces the bulging effect on elastic fabrics caused by repeated stretching during use and provides high durability. The function of the adhesive film (elastic force and orientation) can be controlled by the thickness of the mesh and the 3D embossed geometry used; that is, the force stretched along the vertical axis can be varied by design elements along the axial or vertical axis.

[0034] The present invention also provides the use of a thin thermoplastic sheet, strip or tape with raised 3D embossing, which is melted and bonded to the surface of an elastic fabric while the base web of the tape or sheet remains intact, to apply the small elastic recovery force provided by the thin web to very light or thin garment applications.

[0035] definition

[0036] The terminology used to describe the invention in this specification has the general meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, in addition to the following discussion.

[0037] As used herein, the term "sheet" is intended to represent a sheet or film that typically has a thermoplastic bonding function and can be used to bond two different substrates together. The sheet in this invention can be embossed into a 3D structure capable of bonding to a substrate. The sheet is typically elastic, thus it can be stretched in different directions and is able to recover from stretching.

[0038] The term "quick-dry fabric" refers to a high-performance microfiber polyester fabric that wicks sweat away from the body to the fabric surface where it evaporates. This allows athletes to stay dry and comfortable. Quick-dry fabrics are used in a variety of products, including shirts, socks, pants, shorts, sweatshirts, sleeves, hats, gloves, and more. Quick-fit body mapping fabric is characterized by its strategically placed ventilation zones, allowing air to flow where it is most needed and cooling the body.

[0039] The term "breathable fabric" refers to fabric materials that allow air to flow through, thus helping to cool the body.

[0040] Attached Figure

[0041] The accompanying drawings discussed below represent exemplary embodiments of the adhesive sheet with a 3D structure provided by the present invention. The drawings illustrate various 3D structures that can be imprinted onto the adhesive sheet. It should be understood that various 3D structures and sizes, as well as different combinations of 3D structures, can be imprinted onto the adhesive sheet to achieve the functions of the present invention. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0042] Figure 1 : Figure 1 The description describes an adhesive sheet with an embossed 3D structure, wherein the structure is a centrally recessed circular shape. The 3D structures are arranged close to each other, spaced approximately 1 to 4 mm apart, protruding above the surface of the adhesive sheet, and possessing adhesive properties to allow it to adhere to other surfaces. The smaller circular recesses also include perforations for ventilation.

[0043] Figure 2 : Figure 2 The description describes an adhesive sheet with an imprinted 3D structure, wherein the structure is heart-shaped and arranged on the adhesive sheet such that each 3D structure is spaced approximately 1 to approximately 4 mm apart. The 3D structure protrudes above the surface of the adhesive sheet and has adhesive properties that allow it to adhere to other surfaces.

[0044] Figure 3 : Figure 3 The description describes an adhesive sheet with an embossed 3D structure, wherein the structure is hexagonal. The 3D structures are arranged close to each other, with a distance of approximately 0.9 mm between them to form a uniform pattern, protruding above the surface of the adhesive sheet, and having adhesive properties to allow it to adhere to other surfaces.

[0045] Figure 4 : Figure 4 The image describes an adhesive sheet with an imprinted 3D structure, wherein the structure is hexagonal. The 3D structure arrangement in the image is... Figure 3 The difference lies in the arrangement of the 3D structures: they are arranged close to each other, with the hexagonal structures interconnected to form a honeycomb design. These structures protrude above the surface of the adhesive sheet and have adhesive properties, allowing them to bond to other surfaces.

[0046] Figure 5 : Figure 5 The image shows an extrusion die assembly used to manufacture the 3D embossing film of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 : Figure 6The image depicts a 3D embossed film made from a single layer of thermoplastic elastomer with a thickness greater than 0.003".

[0048] Figure 7 : Figure 7 The diagram depicts a multilayer lamination cross-section of a multilayer structure, which includes a surface layer of fabric, an intermediate layer (which contains a 3D embossed adhesive film and a base fabric).

[0049] Example :

[0050] The adhesive sheet of the present invention comprises an adhesive layer and a surface imprinted with a 3D structure. This 3D structure has adhesive properties. The following examples illustrate adhesive sheets imprinted with different 3D structures. It should be understood that various 3D structures and sizes, as well as different combinations of 3D structures, can be imprinted on the adhesive sheet to achieve the functions of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that the specifications of the film itself can be adjusted to apply different elastic forces.

[0051] process

[0052] The embossing film of the present invention can be used as follows: Figure 5 The invention is produced using an extrusion film method that employs embossed patterns on rollers with different geometries / designs. The invention may comprise single-layer or multi-layer solutions made from thermoplastic elastomer binders, elastic or rigid, such as styrene block copolymers, polyurethane block copolymers, ionomerized thermoplastic elastomers, polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, polyether polyester thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers.

[0053] As described below, the membrane of the present invention can be manufactured in the form of a single layer or multiple layers laminated together.

[0054] A. Single-layer 3D embossing film

[0055] The membrane can be bonded, joined, or attached to fabric using sewing methods or by heat lamination. The monolayer is made of thermoplastic elastomers, such as styrene-block polymers, polyurethane block polymers, ionomers, polyamides, polyether polyesters, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers.

[0056] B. Multilayer laminate

[0057] Multilayer laminates may comprise two or more layers (one fabric layer and one adhesive layer) of fabric / adhesive, and can be manufactured using extrusion of the adhesive film and post-lamination methods that bond the adhesive film to the fabric. Post-lamination on the fabric can employ tape lamination, ultrasonic welding, radio frequency welding, heated flat pressing, or continuous bonding. A core layer with a thickness greater than 0.003" and featuring a 3D embossed pattern is made of thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-block polymers, polyurethane block polymers, ionomers, polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, polyether polyester thermoplastic elastomers, and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers.

[0058] Adhesive sheets with embossed 3D structures were fabricated using the methods discussed below.

[0059] Using a commercial casting extrusion method, a styrene block copolymer and its mixtures are cast and extruded to target specifications in an extrusion die. The extruded polymer roll is pressed into a pre-compression gap between rubber and metal cold rolling rolls. The embossed pattern on the metal cold rolling rolls is an intaglio image of the desired 3D embossed geometry, obtained by chemically etching the surface of the rolls. Symmetrical patterns, such as circular or honeycomb patterns, transferred to the film or sheet surface generate directional forces in the elastic sheet, resulting in maximum tensile strength in the machine direction and lower tensile strength perpendicular to the machine direction. Elliptical, grid, or linear asymmetrical patterns with their axes perpendicular to the machine direction are created to generate more uniform or balanced forces in both directions. Therefore, the directionality of force, tension, and recovery can be controlled at any angle relative to the machine direction to meet the requirements of fabrics used in clothing or other applications. Similarly, the magnitude of the force, whether very low or high elastic force, can be controlled by the thickness of the "grid" or film substrate. For this purpose, the gap between the surface of the rubber rolls and the top of the embossed pattern on the metal embossing rolls must be set to the desired offset distance. This determines the thickness of the geometric embossed pattern that protrudes from the continuous roll. The height of the embossed pattern from the roll surface is determined by the depth of the embossed pattern; however, the thickness of the roll is controlled by this gap offset. The maximum thickness of the produced film or sheet is a combination of the roll thickness and the embossed protrusion height.

[0060] The unique aspect of this structure is that the roll thickness and the height of the geometric embossing protrusions are controlled separately. Thinner rolls apply lower tensile forces, while thicker rolls apply higher tensile forces, essentially independent of the "discontinuous" embossing pattern. Therefore, the total force and its direction can be designed into a single layer of the elastic adhesive film or strip product, or using a multi-layered lamination structure. This allows for complete control over the amount and direction of compression and recovery forces. For example, clothing designers can utilize 3D embossing and specifications to control the force and direction of one section of garment, applying a slight compressive force to the waist while another section can generate strong lifting support to support another part of the wearer's body structure. Opportunities for creating innovative garments on sheets become apparent for shapewear, underwear, bras, yoga pants, medical support, and sportswear. The ability to perforate the roll substrate between the geometric embossing protrusions adds additional design features in terms of breathability and comfort to the film and fabric laminates produced by this invention.

[0061] After the molten polymer is extruded through the gap between the rollers, it cools, solidifies, and shrinks onto the embossed pattern. The solidified polymer film or sheet is then carried by the metal embossing rollers and transferred to the metal cooling rollers for further cooling and processing. The film or sheet with the embossed pattern is then carried by idle rollers to the take-off roller area, where the film edges are cut, or the entire width of the film is cut into narrower rolls or strips. This processing step is typically completed in a conversion step after the production of the full-width "master roll." After the take-off rollers and slitting area, the film or sheet is rolled into a smaller diameter roll of a predetermined length or a larger master roll. Full-width, multiple-width, or narrow strip rolls are slit and wound from the master roll to create rolls for downstream processing, such as lamination (i.e., lamination with elastic and rigid fabrics on one or both sides), followed by die-cutting, laser cutting, or seam lamination, to manufacture the final garment or textile product.

[0062] Similarly, this 3D embossed elastomer can also be embossed on both sides by etching a negative embossing pattern onto the surface of a rubber roller. For thicker roll structures, the top roller can also be made similar to the metal embossing roller in the first case. Embossing protrusions on both sides of the extruded roll allow control of the directional forces mentioned above, while simultaneously bonding the fabric to both sides of the film or sheet. The embossing protrusions are sized to achieve additional height to allow the geometry to control the directional forces, because during hot pressing or tape lamination, a portion of the total embossing height is lost as the styrene block copolymer and its mixtures melt under heat and pressure and wet and permeate the fabric or porous substrate at the film-to-fabric / substrate interface. The molten material both mechanically entrains openings in the fabric structure or porous substrate and, in some cases, bonds to the fabric or substrate, thus forming a meaningful mechanically laminated structure. Other elastomers can be selected based on their elastic resilience and adhesive affinity to the potential fabric or substrate. Thus, mixtures of elastomers are formulated and tailored according to their end use to meet the tensile / compressive forces and adhesion requirements to the substrate in downstream lamination processes.

[0063] Furthermore, thermoplastic elastomer rolls can be extruded front-to-back or simultaneously as two-, three-, or multi-layer elastomer laminates and imprinted in the molten state using the aforementioned casting extrusion method. This allows for further adjustment of the adhesion properties, melting point, and modulus of elasticity of the inner and outer layers to meet specific requirements for difficult-to-bond or low-temperature laminations, where the fabric or substrate may be prone to shrinkage, sintering, or burning during processing. Low-heat activated elastomer melts can be extruded front-to-back or simultaneously with a thermally stable core elastomer to provide imprinted elastomers with low-temperature bonding, whereas single-layer elastomers require excessively high processing temperatures to bond to unstable fabrics.

Claims

1. An adhesive sheet comprising a surface embossed with 3D adhesive structures, wherein the 3D adhesive structures are capable of bonding to a porous substrate; wherein at least 20% of the 3D adhesive structures are capable of bonding to the substrate; wherein the bonding of the 3D adhesive structures occurs with 25% to 33% of the adhesive structures penetrating into the porous substrate; and wherein 33% to 50% of the 3D adhesive structures are deposited between the sheet and the substrate.

2. The adhesive sheet of claim 1, wherein the adhesive sheet comprises an adhesive layer and the sheet is functionalized, wherein the substrate is a stretchable fabric, a non-stretchable fabric, or a combination thereof.

3. The adhesive sheet of claim 2 comprising two surfaces, wherein both surfaces of the sheet are embossed with 3D adhesive structures.

4. The adhesive sheet of claim 3, wherein the sheet has stretchable functionality.

5. The adhesive sheet of claim 4, wherein the sheet is bonded to a porous substrate selected from the group consisting of a flash-dry fabric, an elastic fabric, a breathable fabric, or a combination thereof.

6. The adhesive sheet of claim 5, wherein each of the substrate and the sheet has elasticity to stretch and recover / contract from stretching.

7. The adhesive sheet of claim 6, wherein the flash-dry, elastic, or breathable fabric is selected from the group consisting of polyester, thermoplastic polyurethane and polyamide, styrenic block copolymer, polypropylene, flexible PVC, natural fiber.

8. A multi-layer composite garment material comprising at least one fabric layer and a functionalized adhesive sheet layer, wherein the functionalized adhesive sheet layer surface is embossed with 3D adhesive structures, wherein each 3D adhesive structure is spaced apart from each other by 1 to 4 mm; wherein the 3D adhesive structures of the adhesive sheet layer bond with the fabric layer by penetrating into the fabric layer; wherein the 3D adhesive structures bond with the fabric layer with 25% to 33% of the adhesive structures penetrating into the fabric layer; and wherein 33% to 50% of the 3D adhesive structures are deposited between the adhesive sheet and the fabric layer.

9. The multi-layer composite garment material of claim 8, wherein the fabric layer is stretchable.

10. The multi-layer composite garment material of claim 8, wherein the functionalized adhesive sheet layer is stretchable.

11. The multi-layer composite garment material of claim 10, wherein the fabric layer is made of natural materials, synthetic materials, or a combination thereof.

12. The multi-layer composite garment material of claim 11, wherein the garment material is stretchable and breathable.

13. The multi-layer composite garment material of claim 12, wherein the fabric layer is a flash-dry, elastic, or breathable fabric layer.

14. The multi-layer composite garment material of claim 13, wherein the flash-dry, elastic, or breathable fabric is selected from the group consisting of polyester, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide, styrenic block copolymer, polypropylene, flexible PVC, natural fiber.

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