Garment with a folded section

Abstract

A garment and a method for producing a garment. The garment includes a body portion and a folded section over the body portion, the section is an integral part of the body portion and has a section edge. The body portion and the section are sewn together along the section edge to create flexibility of the garment and to save producing time and use fewer producing machines.

Description

[0001] GARMENT WITH A FOLDED SECTION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to garments and in particular to garments with a folded section.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Garments may be produced, among other techniques, in textile manufacturing technique of cut-and-sew technology, when a garment piece or shape is cut out of a fabric and it is sewn through the garment assembly.

[0006] The seams can be unpleasant to the wearer. Another known technique to produce garments is the seamless technology, also known as circular knitting, as it is achieved through the use of a circular knitting machine, which creates garments and other textiles without the use of seams. US Patent No. 6,178,781 is a good example of the technique.

[0007] Some garments, especially underwear, brassiere and shapewear, can cause discomfort and irritation to the wearer, due to pressure and friction in some areas between the edge of the garment and the body of the wearer. It might scratch the skin and leave marks in critical and sensitive parts of the body, for example in the area of the front leg, crotch, armpit, neck, and under the arm. The problem occurs more often, but not only, among women of large sizes or certain types of underwear and brassiere.

[0008] Some seamless tubular garments are provided with a seamless band, such as US Patent No. 6,886,367, which discloses a shaped band defined in the body portion of the garment, such that a seamless interface is formed between the body portion and the shaped band, in order to improve the appearance and comfort of the garment. Nevertheless, the band is made separately before being attached to the body portion of the garment, therefore there are still more seams needed to attach the band to the garment.

[0009] US Patent No. 7,941,871 discloses a garment having a stretchable section provided for improved comfort and wearability. The other panels or fabric portions of the garment may be constructed of a relatively less stretchable or even a relatively inelastic material, and the stretchable portion is positioned in certain areas. Here as well, the stretchable section is originally separate from the body portion of the garment.

[0010] Another weak point of sewing a separate piece to the body portion of the garment is that this method is more time consuming, money consuming and there is a need to include more machines to sew it. Therefore, it is also less environment-friendly method, using more resources. Furthermore, each piece requires a great amount of accuracy to be sewn in the exact required location on the garment, which results in more preparation, leading again to more time, money consuming and an additional machine to prepare the additional piece to be sewn.

[0011] US Patent Application No. 20070251636 discloses a seamless elastic trim having a cut edge, an elastic band, and a finished section of a fabric material folded over upon itself to form a substantially flat hollow structure for enclosing the elastic band. An adhesive layer is disposed on one side of the elastic band, and the elastic band is attached to a surface of the hollow structure by thermal or ultrasonic bonding, or by any suitable bonding material or technique. It is another example of using more resources. It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment with a folded section that significantly reduces or overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a garment with a folded section that will make the garment to be much more flexible, due to more flexibility around the area of the seam. The folded section replaces a seam section, and therefore makes that section much more flexible, and more comfortable and without any irritation, when it comes into contact with the skin of the wearer.

[0012] Furthermore, the prior art includes fabric being folded only on straight lines, from one end to another end of the fabric. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a garment with a folded section which can be folded on an arched line, i.e. a concave line.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a garment with a folded section replacing a section of a seam, as it is an integral part of the fabric, therefore it is a contribution to the environment with reduced waste, and in addition, it shortens the production time and reduces the use of resources. Furthermore, it reduces wear and tear of the used material, therefore prolongs the product’s life.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a garment having: a body portion having an edge extending along the body portion; the body portion having at least one section, the section having a section edge, the section edge is an integral part of the edge of the body portion; wherein the at least one section is folded over upon the body portion.

[0016] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the body portion includes the majority of the garment.

[0017] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section is folded upon an inner surface of the body portion. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section is folded upon an outer surface of the body portion.

[0018] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section is attached to the body portion by seams.

[0019] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section is attached to the body portion by heat seal.

[0020] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section is attached to the body portion by textile adhesives.

[0021] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section is attached to the body portion with lace.

[0022] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section is attached to the body portion by rubber finish.

[0023] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the garment is an underwear.

[0024] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the garment is a brassiere.

[0025] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the body portion is produced by seamless technology.

[0026] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the body portion is produced by cut and sew technology.

[0027] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section has a curved shape.

[0028] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section has a triangle shape.

[0029] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one section has an amorphic shape.

[0030] There is also provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention a method for producing a garment with a folded section, the method having the steps of:

[0031] (i) providing a fabric having a body portion, prepared to be made in a shape of a desired garment; the body portion having an edge and at least one section; the section having a section edge, the section edge is an integral part of the edge of the body portion;

[0032] (ii) folding the at least one section of the body portion from the section edge upon the body portion of the garment; and

[0033] (iii) fixing the at least one section of the body portion to the body portion of the garment in at least one point.

[0034] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the method further has step (iv): attaching the section edge of the at least one section to the body portion.

[0035] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the method further has step (v): sewing together the body portion and the section edge of the at least one section to produce the garment in the desired shape.

[0036] There is also provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention a method for producing a garment the method having the steps of:

[0037] (i) providing a fabric having a body portion, prepared to be made in a shape of a desired garment; the body portion having an edge and at least one section; the section having a section edge, the section edge is an integral part of the edge of the body portion;

[0038] (ii) sewing the body portion above the at least one section instead of along the section edge to produce the garment in the desired shape.

[0039] The present invention has the preferred advantages as to an improved garment, which improves the experience of the wearer. Furthermore, the wide fabric layer spreads the weight of the accessory evenly over the leg, for example, reduces pressure and prevents pain and discomfort over time. The folded layer enables a more precise fit, by expanding according to the wearer's need without the accessory pressing and leaving marks on the body, therefore providing the wearer comfort throughout the day. Since the folded layer creates a double layer, it prevents friction and skin irritation, especially in the critical areas of the body: area of the crotch, under the arm, the armpit and the neck. The reduced pressure extends the life of the product by reducing wear and tear, which also contributes to the environment. The ability of the garment to adjust itself as needed, to the wearer and the location on the body of the wearer, allows use in different situations and events, and gives an additional flexibility and a dynamic adjustment to the wearer.

[0040] Further or additional preferred advantages of the present invention are obvious from the general discussion above as well as the detailed discussion of the invention as provided below. In particular, the present invention provides an improved garment, which offers maximum comfort and support and also helps to protect the environment.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Fig. 1 is a front view of a garment with a curved shaped section before folding it according to the present invention, produced by seamless technology, when the garment is underwear;

[0044] Fig. 2 is a front view of alternative figure of the garment shown in Fig. 1 with a triangle shaped section before folding it;

[0045] Fig. 3 is a front view of alternative figure of the garment shown in Fig. 2 before folding it, produced by cut and sew technology;

[0046] Fig. 4 is a front view of the garment shown in Fig. 1 folded inward;

[0047] Fig. 5 is a front view of the garment shown in Fig. 1 folded outward;

[0048] Fig. 6 is a front view of alternative figure of the garment shown in Fig. 2 with a triangle shaped section before folding it with sewn lace;

[0049] Fig. 7 is a front view of alternative figure of the garment shown in Fig. 3 folded and sewn;

[0050] Fig. 8 is a rear view of the garment shown in Fig. 7;

[0051] Fig. 9 is a front view of a garment with a triangle shaped section before folding it according to the present invention, when the garment is a brassiere produced by cut and sew technology; Fig. 10 is a front view of the garment shown in Fig. 9 with a curved shaped section and an additional alternative section before folding it;

[0052] Fig. 11 is a front view of the garment shown in Fig. 9 with an amorphic shaped section before folding it, produced by seamless technology;

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0054] Attention is drawn to Figs. 1 and 2, showing a garment 10 in accordance with the present invention. The garment 10 in this description may represent an underwear 12, as seen for example in Fig. 1, a brassiere 14, as seen for example in Fig. 9, a shapewear or any other garment. The garment 10 has a body portion 16, which is the majority part of the garment 10. The body portion 16 may be produced by seamless technology, as seen for example in Fig. 1, or by cut and sew technology, as seen for example in Fig. 3. Fig. 2 shows the lines 18 to cut using the seamless technology or the cut and sew technology. The body portion 16 has two sides 20 and an edge 22 extending along the body portion 16.

[0055] The body portion 16 has two sections 24, 26 to be folded over upon the body portion 16, and each section 24, 26 has a section edge 28, 30 accordingly which is an integral part of the edge 22 of the body portion 16. The sections 24, 26 may be folded over upon an inner surface 32 of the body portion 16, as shown in Fig. 4, or folded over upon an outer surface 34 of the body portion 16, as shown in Fig. 5. When folded, a new section edge 36, 38 is created, a non-sewn section edge, as there is no need to sew this section edge because it is closed and folded, and therefore it creates more flexibility, stretchability and comfort to the wearer.

[0056] The sections 24, 26 may be attached to the body portion 16 by different techniques and materials, such as seams, textile adhesives, lace, rubber finish, heat seal or any other technique or material to attach it together. Fig. 6 shows lace 40 attached to the entire body portion 16, as another garment figure.

[0057] The partiality of the sections 24, 26 of the entire body portion 16 may vary. The sections 24, 26 may extend until the sides 20 of the body portion 16, while in the other figures the two sections 24, 26 extend to a smaller portion of the body portion 16. Folding the two sections 24, 26 can be made on a straight line or a concave line, as seen in the figures.

[0058] Figs. 7 and 8 show the final product of the garment 10, folded and sewn, in a front and rear view. The two sections 24, 26 are folded and sewn, showing the comfort and flexibility to the underwear, which results in the addition of a stretchable section around the leg opening, where it can get irritated without the two sections 24, 26. Also here, the two section edges 36, 38 are not sewn.

[0059] Attention is now drawn to Figs. 9 to 11, showing the garment 10 as the brassiere 14. The two sections 24, 26 here are located at the top part 42 of the brassiere 10, to fit under the arms / armpits of the wearer, the most irritate space for the wearer of a brassiere. There might even be a third section 44, such as in Fig. 10, to support the breast area 46 of the wearer.

[0060] The sections 24, 26 may have different figures, such as a curved shape 48, as seen for example in Fig. 1 or 10, a triangle shape 50 as seen for example in Fig. 3 or 9, an amorphic shape 52 as seen for example in Fig. 11, or any other shape for aesthetic or functional reasons.

[0061] The invention also includes a method for producing a garment 10 with a folded section 24, 26, as the method reduces remaining waste coming out of the producing machine and thus also contributes to sustainability and the environment. Furthermore, the method saves the need of one additional machine, as it includes less steps for producing the garment 10, as the method includes the following steps:

[0062] (i) providing a fabric having a body portion 16, prepared to be made in a shape of the desired garment 10; the body portion 16 has an edge 22 and at least one section 24, 26; the at least one section 24, 26 has a section edge 28, 30 accordingly which is an integral part of the edge 22 of the body portion 16;

[0063] (ii) folding the at least one section 24, 26 of the body portion 16 from the section edge 28, 30 upon the body portion 16 of the garment 10;

[0064] (iii) fixing the at least one section 24, 26 of the body portion 16 to the body portion 16 of the garment 10 in at least one point 54, 56; and (iv) attaching the section edge 28, 30 of the at least one section 24, 26 to the body portion 16; and

[0065] (v) sewing together the body portion 16 and the section edge 28, 30 of the at least one section 24, 26 to produce the garment 10 in the desired shape. It will be appreciated that the present invention not only provides a particularly comfortable and stretchable garment, but at the same time saving producing time and costs.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A garment (10) comprising : a body portion (16) comprising an edge (22) extending along the body portion (16); the body portion (16) comprising at least one section (24, 26), the section (24, 26) comprising a section edge (28, 30), the section edge (28, 30) is an integral part of the edge (22) of the body portion (16); wherein the at least one section (24, 26) is folded over upon the body portion (16).

2. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein body portion (16) comprises the majority of the garment (10).

3. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) is folded upon an inner surface (32) of the body portion (16).

4. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) is folded upon an outer surface (34) of the body portion (16).

5. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) is attached to the body portion (16) by seams.

6. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) is attached to the body portion (16) by heat seal.

7. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) is attached to the body portion (16) by textile adhesives.

8. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) is attached to the body portion (16) by lace (40).

9. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) is attached to the body portion (16) by rubber finish.

10. The garment (10) according to claim 1 is an underwear (12).

11. The garment (10) according to claim 1 is a brassiere (14).

12. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the body portion (16) is produced by seamless technology.

13. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the body portion (16) is produced by cut and sew technology.

14. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) has a curved shape (48).

15. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) has a triangle shape (50).

16. The garment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one section (24, 26) has an amorphic shape (52).

17. A method for producing a garment (10) with a folded section (24, 26), the method comprising the steps of:(i) providing a fabric comprising a body portion (16), prepared to be made in a shape of a desired garment (10); the body portion (16) comprises an edge (22) and at least one section (24, 26); the section (24, 26) comprises a section edge (28, 30), the section edge (28, 30) is an integral part of the edge (22) of the body portion (16);(ii) folding the at least one section (24, 26) of the body portion (16) from the section edge (28, 30) upon the body portion (16) of the garment (10); and(iii) fixing the at least one section (24, 26) of the body portion (16) to the body portion (16) of the garment (10) in at least one point (54, 56).

18. The method for producing a garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the method further comprises step (iv): attaching the section edge (28, 30) of the at least one section (24, 26) to the body portion (16).

19. The method for producing a garment (10) according to claim 18, wherein the method further comprises step (v): sewing together the body portion (16) and the section edge (28, 30) of the at least one section (24, 26) to produce the garment (10) in the desired shape.

20. A method for producing a garment (10), the method comprising the steps of:(i) providing a fabric comprising a body portion (16), prepared to be made in a shape of a desired garment (10); the body portion (16) comprises an edge and at least one section (24, 26); the section (24, 26) comprising a section edge (28, 30), the section edge (28, 30) is an integral part of the edge (22) of the body portion (16);(ii) sewing the body portion (16) above the at least one section (24, 26) instead of along the section edge (28, 30) to produce the garment (10) in the desired shape.

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