Garment or bandage and method for producing garments or bandages

Abstract

A garment has at least one fabric layer to which a spring element is connected. The spring element is designed in such a way that a spring force can be developed in each of two mutually perpendicular directions in the plane of the fabric layer.

Description

[0001] Garment or bandage and method for manufacturing garments or bandages

[0002] The invention relates to a garment or bandage and to a method for manufacturing garments or bandages.

[0003] From EP 3 172 977 B1, a method for manufacturing garments or bandages is known in which a fabric flag is provided with a composite of elastomer and reinforcing material. The composite is created by applying the reinforcing material in a liquid or soft, deformable state to an elastomer layer, which then hardens after application. The elastomer layer and the reinforcing material are each applied via a nozzle.

[0004] EP 2 822 520 Bl also describes a method for manufacturing bandages in which an elastomer, in its uncured state, is applied layer by layer to an elastic fabric backing. After curing, the elastomer forms an elastic, three-dimensional molded part bonded to the fabric backing. A rod-shaped metal spring element, capable of withstanding bending, is embedded in the elastomer molded part.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a garment or bandage with a high level of wearing comfort.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims specify expedient further developments.

[0007] The garment according to the invention is in particular an undergarment such as a bra, although outer garments such as T-shirts or leggings are also possible. In a preferred embodiment, the garment is a close-fitting garment.

[0008] The invention also relates to a bandage, for example a knee bandage or an elbow bandage.

[0009] The garment or bandage is provided with at least one fabric panel onto which or into which a spring element is inserted. The fabric panel itself possesses a minimum degree of elasticity, effective in both directions within its plane. Furthermore, the fabric panel can also be elastic perpendicular to its plane.

[0010] It is generally sufficient for the garment or bandage to have exactly one fabric layer. Alternatively, it is also possible for the garment or bandage to have two or more fabric layers that lie on top of each other. The spring element is connected to the fabric layer and can exert spring forces in the plane of the fabric layer. The spring element is designed such that a spring force can be developed or generated by the spring element in two mutually perpendicular directions within the plane of the fabric layer. This makes it possible to generate a spring force in two different directions, which are spanned in the plane of the fabric layer, using only one spring element, thus achieving the advantage of a compact design.Furthermore, compared to prior art designs, this system generates not just one spring force, but two different, mutually perpendicular directions with a single spring element. This significantly improves wearing comfort, as it ensures that the garment or bandage lies evenly against the wearer's body in the plane of the fabric, resulting in a uniform force distribution. Stress or force peaks in the garment or bandage, which could be perceived as unpleasant, are thus avoided.

[0011] The spring element generates tensile and / or compressive forces and / or bending forces in two different directions in the plane of the fabric. The spring element can have different spring stiffnesses in each of these two directions in the plane of the fabric, although equal spring stiffnesses are also possible in principle. Different spring stiffnesses allow for adaptation to the geometry and requirements of the garment or bandage, as well as to body geometry. Additionally, the spring element can also be used to generate bending stress.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, one or more spring element sections, which comprise the spring element, lie in the plane of the fabric. The spring element sections can, for example, be rod-shaped, and both curved and straight versions of the spring element sections are possible. The spring element sections, or optionally just a single spring element section, advantageously form a planar spring element extending in two directions in the straight or curved plane of the fabric. This planar extension of the spring element, in which the individual spring element sections are, for example, oriented at an angle to each other, allows for the simple generation of spring force in different directions of the fabric plane.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a rod-shaped spring element section forms a circumferentially closed spring frame, or several rod-shaped spring element sections are assembled to form a circumferentially closed spring frame. The circumferential spring frame can have various geometries and, in particular, be adapted to the geometry and the functionality to be performed in the garment or bandage. For example, it is possible to form a strap-shaped spring element in the form of a circumferential spring frame for the wearer of a bra or top, which is composed of two approximately parallel, spaced-apart individual curved spring element sections that are joined together at their respective ends.Due to its frame-shaped design, the spring element is particularly able to apply spring forces in two different directions, both of which lie in the plane of the material flag.

[0014] Within the surrounding spring frame, additional spring element sections can be arranged within the spring element, which are connected to at least one improved spring element section. This at least one additional spring element section within the surrounding spring frame increases the stiffness of the spring element, so that higher forces can be transmitted via the spring element with less deformability.

[0015] It is advantageous for the spring element to be composed of several interconnected spring element sections, which are formed in one piece. Directly adjacent spring element sections extend in different directions. All spring element sections are made of the same material and can advantageously be manufactured in a single operation.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the spring element, with all its sections, lies in one plane and that only the thickness of the spring element sections determines the overall thickness of the spring element. This design ensures that the spring element is flat and that its plane lies in the plane of the fabric flag or slightly parallel to and offset from the plane of the fabric flag.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, elastomer is applied to the fabric flag, the elastomer at least partially covering the spring element. It can be advantageous for the spring element to be completely covered by the elastomer, in particular fully enclosed by it. During the manufacture of the garment or bandage, the elastomer is applied to the fabric flag in a still-flowing, uncured state. Subsequently, the spring element is applied to the elastomer, preferably while the elastomer is also still uncured. Alternatively, it can also be advantageous to wait for the elastomer to cure first and only then apply the spring element to the elastomer, optionally followed by the application of a further layer of elastomer to cover the spring element.

[0018] It is possible to embed the spring element in the elastomer, similar to a reinforcing material, and in particular to completely cover it with elastomer to ensure a comfortable feel. Due to its high inherent elasticity, the surrounding elastomer does not impair the spring properties of the spring element, or only to a negligible extent. Accordingly, the spring element can exert its desired spring action in the plane of the fabric.

[0019] The elastomer is applied to the fabric surface, for example, in the form of an elastomer sheet. This sheet can be located at specific positions on the garment or bandage, such as along the edges of a garment or along the underwire of a bra. Alternatively, instead of applying the elastomer in a sheet, a flat, continuous layer can also be used. In this case as well, the spring element can be placed on top of or embedded in the elastomer.

[0020] The spring element is preferably made of plastic or carbon fiber. Alternatively, a metal version of the spring element is also possible.

[0021] The spring element can also be integrated into a connecting section between two parts of the garment. For example, in one version of the garment as a bra, the spring element can be integrated into the connecting section between the two bra cups.

[0022] The spring element positioned between two garment sections can be designed as a circumferential, closed spring frame and have three spring element sections which, in the unloaded initial state, form approximately a "U", with the open side of the U being closed by another spring element section which, on its own, is also designed as an open "U", or approximately as an open "U", or optionally as an open "0", but is formed as a single unit with the other spring element sections. This allows for a high degree of flexibility in the transverse direction.

[0023] The spring element section enclosed by the lateral spring element sections, forming a "U" or an open "O", exhibits high elasticity in the transverse direction and can therefore stretch relatively much in the transverse direction. In contrast, the spring element section forming the base of the outer "U" gives the spring element high stability in the transverse direction.

[0024] The inventive method, which is designed for the production of a previously described garment or bandage, is characterized in that the spring element is printed directly or indirectly onto the fabric using a 3D printing process. In the case of direct printing, the material of the spring element is applied directly to the fabric. In the case of indirect printing, the spring element is advantageously printed in an elastomer that is previously applied to the fabric. A plastic or carbon material can be used for the spring element to be printed. The elastomer is applied, for example, using screen printing, although other application techniques are also possible, such as high-pressure printing, gravure printing, roller printing (gravure printing process in which gravitational rollers apply the elastomer to the fabric), spray printing, application via nozzles, or the like.

[0025] Further advantages and practical designs can be found in the additional requirements, the figure description, and the drawings. These show:

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a bra whose supports consist of a composite of elastomer applied to a fabric flag and a reinforcing material in the form of a spring element, with another spring element integrated between the cups of the bra. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the combination of elastomer and spring element at various stages of manufacture.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the combination of elastomer and spring element.

[0028] Fig. 4 a bow-shaped spring element ,

[0029] Fig. 5 a spring element in the form of a circumferential spring frame ,

[0030] Fig. 6 shows a spring element in the form of a circumferential spring frame in one embodiment.

[0031] In the figures, identical components are labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0032] In Fig. 1, a bra is schematically depicted as garment 1, which has one or more fabric flaps.

[0033] 2 and is bordered in the edge area by an elastomer layer 4. The fabric flag 2 or the fabric flags have, for example, a rectangular basic format before cutting.

[0034] 3, within which the elastomer is applied in the sheet-like layers 4 in such a way that the edge contour of the bra to be manufactured is formed. The elastomer layer 4 has a width of, for example, 2 mm to 20 mm. After the elastomer has dried, the bra is cut by cutting within the sheet-like elastomer layer 4 that forms the edge contour. The straps 5 are also formed from an elastomer layer 4 that forms the edge contour, as are the underwires 8 located in the underbust area, which support the breasts. However, in the area of ​​the underwires 8, and optionally also the straps 5, a spring element 6 is incorporated into the elastomer, which is shown in detail in Fig. 4 and gives the underwires 8 elastic-spring properties in the plane of the fabric sheet 2 from which the underwires 8 are substantially made.The spring element 6 allows higher forces to be transmitted in the stirrups 8 than would be possible without it. The spring element 6 is designed such that, firstly, spring forces in the form of tensile and compressive forces can be transmitted along the length of the stirrups 8. Secondly, transverse forces can also be transmitted via the spring element 6; these forces are directed transversely to the longitudinal extent of the stirrups 8 but lie within the plane of the stirrups 8, which, in the illustration according to Fig. 1, coincides with the plane of the sheet or drawing. The transverse forces of the spring element 6 enable, for example, a resilient expansion and contraction of the stirrups 8 and, if applicable, of two beams 5 that are joined to form a common beam, as shown in Fig. 1 in the upper region of the beams 5.

[0035] In the connecting area that joins the two cups of the bra 1, there is another spring element 7, which is shown in detail in Fig. 5. Like the spring element 6, the spring element 7 is designed such that spring forces can develop in the fabric flag 2 in two mutually perpendicular directions, with the mutually perpendicular force directions spanning in the plane of the fabric flag 2. Thus, spring forces can be transmitted via the spring element 7 both transversely, i.e., between the two cups, and perpendicular to this and lying in the plane. The interaction of tensile forces in two mutually perpendicular directions in the plane of the fabric flag 2 significantly improves wearing comfort. It allows for adaptation to both individual body proportions and dynamic movements, for example, during sports.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows three different steps in the manufacture of the brackets 8 and, optionally, the support 5 from the combination of elastomer layer 4 and spring element 6. As can be seen in the left image of Fig. 2, a first elastomer layer 4 is applied to the fabric flag 2 in a first step. For this purpose, the elastomer is advantageously heated so that it is deformable, in particular, brushable.

[0037] In a second step, shown in the middle image of Fig. 2, the spring element 6 is then applied to the first elastomer layer 4a as a plastic or carbon component using a printing process. The application can optionally also be carried out using a spray gun or a heated nozzle, in which case the material of the spring element 6, preferably made of plastic or carbon, has a relatively high temperature of, for example, at least 180 °C to ensure that the reinforcing material is in a liquid or at least soft, deformable state. The spring element 6 advantageously has a planar extent, in that all spring element sections comprising the spring element 6 lie in a plane that is parallel to the plane of the material flag 2. In a third, subsequent step, shown in the right image of Fig. 2, the spring element 6 is applied to the first elastomer layer 4a.As shown in Figure 2, a second, upper elastomer layer 4b is applied to the lower elastomer layer 4a, completely encasing the spring element 6. The application of the second elastomer layer 4b preferably takes place after the spring element 6 has cured.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows the top view of the bracket 8 and optionally the support 5 with the spring element 6 embedded within the elastomer, which has a distance to the lateral edges - seen transversely to the longitudinal extent of the reinforcing material 6 - each.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the spring element 6, which is integrated into the bracket 8 and optionally into the support 5. The spring element 6 is arc-shaped or bracket-shaped, allowing for optimal integration into the arc-shaped bracket 8. The spring element 6 is flat, but spatially curved, with the transverse extent of the spring element 6 projected into the plane of the image in Figure 4. The spring element 6 is curved along its entire length, with the two lateral spring element sections 6a and 6b running approximately parallel to each other over most of their length.

[0040] Within the lateral spring element sections 6a, 6b, each of which is rod-shaped and joined and connected at its two opposite ends to form a circumferential frame, there is another spring element section 6c, which is serpentine and touches and is connected to the inner surface of each outer spring element section 6a, 6b. This results in a strong spring action both along the length of the spring element 6 and in the transverse direction. The spring stiffness is relatively high in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the arc-shaped spring element 6, whereas the spring stiffness in the bending direction—both when bending in the arc and when bending transversely to the longitudinal extent—is lower.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the additional spring element 7, which is arranged between the two cups of the bra 1 (Figure 1). The spring element 7 is also designed as a circumferential, closed spring frame and is composed of several individual spring element sections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, each of which is approximately straight and rod-shaped. All spring element sections 7a to 7d are connected. The three spring element sections 7a, 7b, and 7c form an approximate "U", with the remaining four individual spring element sections 7d closing the open end of the U in the form of a "W". In this embodiment of the spring element 7, which is planar, a spring force can be exerted in two directions of the plane in which the spring element 7 is located.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a spring element 7 for positioning between the two cups of the bra 1 (Figure 1) in a variant embodiment, which has the same basic structure as in Figure 5 and is also designed as a circumferential, closed spring frame, but has a modified side. The spring element 7 has three spring element sections 7a, 7b, 7c which, in the unloaded initial state, form approximately a "U", with the open side of the U being closed by another spring element section 7d, which on its own is also designed as an open "U" or approximately as an open "U", but is formed integrally with the other spring element sections. This allows a high degree of flexibility in the transverse direction, whereas in the vertical direction – in each case with respect to the plane of the image – the spring element is stiffer. The spring element 7 according to Figure 6 is also shown in Figure 6. 6 can be positioned between the two cups of the bra 1 ( Fig. 1).1) be arranged. The spring element section 7d lies between the lateral spring element sections 7b and 7c and is connected to the lateral spring element sections 7b and 7c. The spring element section 7d lies above the lower spring element section 7a and thus within the surrounding, U-shaped spring element sections 7a, 7b, and 7c. It may be advantageous for the spring element section 7d to have a bulbous shape and to form an open O or approximately an open O in its basic cross-section. The surrounding, U-shaped spring element sections 7a, 7b, and 7c are each individually straight or only slightly curved.

[0043] The spring element 7 designed in this way has the advantage that, on the one hand, the lower spring element section 7a provides stability in the transverse direction. On the other hand, the spring element section 7d, designed as an open "U" or approximately as an open "U" and enclosed by the lateral spring element sections 7b and 7c, allows for high elasticity in the transverse direction and can thus stretch considerably in this direction. In this way, the cups of the bra 1 can move elastically apart from each other and then closer together again in the transverse direction, which allows for a good and comfortable adjustment to different breast sizes.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Article of clothing or bandage, comprising at least one layer of fabric (2) to which a spring element (6, 7) is connected, characterized in that the spring element (6, 7) is designed in such a way that a spring force can be developed by the spring element (6, 7) in two mutually perpendicular directions in the plane of the layer of fabric (2).

2. Garment or bandage according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more spring element sections of the spring element (6, 7) lie in the plane of the fabric layer (2).

3. Garment or bandage according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring element (6, 7) has at least one rod-shaped spring element section which forms a circumferential spring frame or is combined with at least one further rod-shaped spring element section to form a circumferential spring frame.

4. Garment or bandage according to claim 3, characterized in that additional spring element sections are arranged within the circumferential spring frame in the spring element (6, 7), which are connected to at least one outer spring element section.

5. Garment or bandage according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one rod-shaped spring element section is straight.

6. Garment or bandage according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that at least one rod-shaped spring element section is curved.

7. Garment or bandage according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring element (6, 7) is composed of several interconnected spring element sections which are formed in one piece.

8. Garment or bandage according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that elastomer is applied to the fabric layer (2), wherein the elastomer at least partially covers the spring element (6, 7).

9. Garment or bandage according to claim 8, characterized in that the elastomer is applied to the fabric layer (2) in the form of an elastomer sheet.

10. Article of clothing or bandage according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spring element (6, 7) is made of plastic or carbon.

11. Garment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by being designed as an undergarment, in particular as a bra or as a sports top.

12. Garment or bandage according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the spring element (6, 7) is integrated into a bracket (8) of the garment.

13. Garment or bandage according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the spring element (6, 7) is integrated into a connecting section between two garment parts of the garment (1).

14. Garment or bandage according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the spring element (7) arranged between two garment parts of the garment (1) is designed as a circumferential, closed spring frame and has three spring element sections (7a, b, c) which form approximately a “U”, wherein the open U-side is closed by a further spring element section (7d), which is also designed as an open “U” and is formed integrally with the further spring element sections (7b, c).

15. Method for manufacturing a garment (1) or a bandage according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the spring element (6, 7) is printed directly or indirectly onto the fabric layer (2) using a 3D printing process.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the spring element (6, 7) is printed in an elastomer using a 3D printing process.

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