Garment parts and garments having garment parts

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a garment component (100) for a user in a garment (200). The garment component (100) comprises a liquid-impermeable base layer (110), a liquid-impermeable peripheral layer (120) disposed along a periphery of the liquid-impermeable base layer (110), and a space (130) defined by the liquid-impermeable base layer (110) and the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer (120). When a garment (200) comprising the garment component (100) is worn by a user, the garment (200) forms a sealed engagement between the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer (120) and the user's skin such that the liquid-impermeable base layer (110) and the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer (120) prevent bodily fluids from entering and leaving the space (130), and the space (130) collects the user's bodily fluids.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims the benefit of Singapore Patent Application No. 10202102649Y, filed March 16, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates generally to garment components for use in garments. More particularly, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of garment components for use in garments and garments comprising garment components. [Background technology]

[0003] Background technology Clothing such as swimsuits are designed for use in aquatic environments such as pools. However, individuals who suffer from menstrual irregularities or urinary incontinence may be hesitant to swim because of the risk of accidentally leaking bodily fluids, such as menstrual fluid and urine, into the pool, which can cause embarrassment and create an unhygienic situation in the pool.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a garment having garment components to overcome or mitigate at least the aforementioned problems or shortcomings. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] overview According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a garment component for use in a garment. The garment component comprises a liquid impermeable base layer, a liquid impermeable peripheral layer disposed along the periphery of the liquid impermeable base layer, and a space defined by the liquid impermeable base layer and the liquid impermeable peripheral layer. When a garment comprising the garment component is worn by a user, the garment forms a sealing engagement between the liquid impermeable peripheral layer and the user's skin, and the liquid impermeable base layer and the liquid impermeable peripheral layer prevent the outflow and inflow of liquid into the space, and the space absorbs the user's body fluids.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a garment comprising a fabric substrate and a garment component. The garment component comprises a liquid-impermeable base layer, a liquid-impermeable peripheral layer disposed along a periphery of the liquid-impermeable base layer, and a space defined by the liquid-impermeable base portion and the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer. When the garment is worn by a user, the garment forms a sealed engagement between the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer and the user's skin, the liquid-impermeable base layer and the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer prevent liquid from flowing into and out of the space, and the space absorbs bodily fluids from the user.

[0007] Thus, disclosed herein are garment components for use in garments according to the present disclosure, and garments comprising garment components. Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, by way of non-limiting examples only, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Figure 1A]FIG. 1A is a diagram of a garment comprising garment parts. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is another view of a garment comprising garment components. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram of a garment part. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the garment piece taken along section line AA of FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is another view of a garment component that prevents liquid inflow and outflow. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another view of a garment component comprising a compressible substrate of a garment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a further view of a garment comprising a garment component and a compressible substrate. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a further view of a garment comprising a garment component and a compressible substrate. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a further view of a garment comprising a garment component and a compressible substrate. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a further view of a garment comprising a garment component and a compressible substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Detailed Description For the purposes of brevity and clarity, the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be directed to a garment part for use in a garment, and a garment comprising the garment part, according to the drawings. Although aspects of the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments provided herein, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the embodiments described herein that are included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without the specific details and / or with multiple details resulting from the combination of aspects of a particular embodiment. In many instances, well-known systems, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the depiction or discussion of a given element, or the use of a particular element number in a particular figure, or reference thereto in corresponding descriptive material, can encompass the same, equivalent, or similar element, element number, identified in another figure or descriptive material associated therewith.

[0011] References to "one embodiment / example," "another embodiment / example," "some embodiments / examples," "some other embodiments / examples," etc., mean that the embodiment / example so described includes a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but not all embodiments / examples necessarily include that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment / example" or "in another embodiment / example" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / example.

[0012] The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and the like do not exclude the presence of features / elements / steps (or processes) other than those listed in the embodiments. The reference of certain features / elements / steps in mutually different embodiments does not indicate that combinations of these features / elements / steps cannot be used in a given embodiment. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more (or "one or more" or "one or more"). The use of " / " in the figures or associated text is understood to mean "and / or" unless otherwise indicated. Recitation of particular numerical values ​​or ranges of values ​​herein is understood to include or be a recitation of approximate numerical values ​​or ranges of values.

[0013] In a representative or exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a garment component 100 used in a garment 200, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The garment 200 includes a fabric substrate 210 and a garment component 100 attached to or integrally formed with the fabric substrate 210. The garment 200 may be a swimsuit or sports undergarment having at least one area worn over a portion of a user's body where bodily fluids may be discharged. For example, the garment 200 is a swimsuit, undergarment, or nursing garment worn over the lower body of a male or female user. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show an inner back panel of the garment 200. The garment 200 includes a gusset area 220 worn over the crotch area of ​​a user's body where bodily fluids, such as urine, menstrual fluid, and vaginal secretions, may be discharged. The garment component 100 is disposed in the gusset area 220 to absorb these bodily fluids. Alternatively, garment 200 may be swimwear, such as a bikini top, worn on the upper body of a female user. Still alternatively, garment 200 may be a diaper, such as a swim diaper, worn by babies and toddlers.

[0014] 2A and 2B, the garment component 100 comprises a liquid-impermeable base layer 110, a liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 disposed along the periphery of the liquid-impermeable base layer 110, and a space 130 defined by the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 and the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120. When a garment 200 including the garment component 100 is worn by a user, the garment 200 forms a sealed engagement between the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 and the user's skin 300 such that the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 and the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 prevent liquid from entering and leaving the space 130 and the space 130 collects bodily fluids from the user.

[0015] More specifically, when a user wears the garment 200 including the garment component 100, the close-fitting garment 200 presses the garment component 100 against the user's body, forming a sealed engagement between the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 and the user's skin 300. This sealed engagement isolates the space 130 from the remainder of the garment 200 and traps bodily fluids excreted by the user within the space 130.

[0016] Furthermore, if the user is swimming while wearing the garment 200, water pressure from the pool or aquatic environment may press the garment component 100 further against the user's body. This may strengthen the sealing engagement between the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 and the user's skin 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the sealing engagement prevents bodily fluids from leaking from the space 130 into the aquatic environment, avoiding an unhygienic situation, i.e., preventing liquid spillage. In addition, the sealing engagement prevents water from the aquatic environment from entering the space 130, i.e., preventing the inflow of liquids that may cause discomfort to the user, especially in the more sensitive crotch area. Thus, the garment component 100 advantageously prevents liquid interaction between the interior space 130 and the external aquatic environment.

[0017] In some embodiments, the garment component 100 further comprises a functional layer 140 disposed within the space 130 and attached to the liquid impermeable base layer 110, the functional layer 140 configured to aid in the collection of bodily fluids within the space 130. The functional layer 140 may occupy the space 130 partially or completely.

[0018] In one embodiment, the functional layer 140 is removably attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 via a fastener, such as a touch fastener. In one embodiment, the functional layer 140 is permanently attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 or is integrally formed therewith. For example, the functional layer 140 is bonded to the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 via a suitable bonding means, such as adhesive or ultrasonic bonding (or ultrasonic bonding). The adhesive tape may be a double-sided adhesive tape, and said tape may be single layer or multi-layer. The liquid adhesive may be a hot melt adhesive, liquid resin, or a combination thereof (for example, the adhesive may be a hot melt adhesive / liquid resin bond by nozzle extrusion, or liquid resin bond by screen printing / template printing).

[0019] The functional layer 140 may include at least one liquid-absorbing element for absorbing bodily fluids. The liquid-absorbing element may have any liquid-absorbing / absorbent material known in the art (e.g., cotton, cotton blends, foams, synthetic materials, absorbent polymer foams, nanotechnology-based or nanotechnology-manufactured materials, or any other hygroscopic material). Other materials suitable for the liquid-absorbing element include polypropylene or any cellulose-based fabrics and blends thereof, including cotton, bamboo, and the like. The fabric material used for the liquid-absorbing element may be knitted, woven, or nonwoven.

[0020] In one embodiment, the liquid absorbent element is made from an 80:20 blend of polyester:nylon fabric and microfiber double terry knit. In one embodiment, the liquid absorbent element is made from 100% polyester double terry fabric. This material is approximately 90% air, which allows for higher absorption as moisture fills the voids in the polyester terry fabric without the polyester fibers expanding significantly. This does not result in a significantly thicker functional layer 140. In one embodiment, the liquid absorbent element is made from a blend of fibers comprising two or more of superabsorbent polymers (SAP), hydrogels and polyester, or at least a portion of the liquid absorbent element may be treated with SAP and / or hydrogels. Using these materials may reduce the thickness and weight of the functional layer 140 and increase the liquid absorption capacity.

[0021] The functional layer 140 may have at least one wicking element (or wicking element or moisture-wicking element) for wicking bodily fluids from a user. The wicking element may acquire and / or distribute liquid or moisture from the user's body to the space 130. For example, the wicking element distributes bodily fluids so that the bodily fluids are evenly distributed along the plane of the space 130. In some embodiments, the functional layer 140 includes a liquid-absorbing element and a wicking element. When the garment 200 is worn by a user, the wicking element faces the user's body and functions to transport bodily fluids generated by the user's body away from the user to the underlying liquid-absorbing element. In other words, the wicking element transports liquids from a surface that is in direct contact with the user to an interior surface that is in contact with the liquid-absorbing element. By wicking bodily fluids from the user's body, an improved dry feel is provided to the surface of the wicking element that is in contact with the user's skin 300. This maintains a dry microclimate so that the user can feel fresh without having a damp feeling between the functional layer 140 and the user's body.

[0022] The wicking element may be made of fibers or yarns made of fibers, said fibers and yarns being selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyacrylonitriles, natural cellulose, regenerated cellulose, regenerated cellulose derivatives (i.e., cellulose acetate and cellulose triacetate), natural proteins and regenerated proteins. The wicking element may be manufactured using techniques such as, for example, knitting (warp knit, such as raschel tricot, weft knit, such as circular or flat), weaving, nonwoven processes (blow spinning, staple nonwoven, spunlaid, airlaid, needle punch, thermal bonding, hydroentanglement, chemical bonding, etc.), electrospinning, force spinning. In addition, the wicking element may also have one or more coatings, treatments encapsulation or entrapment that enhance liquid and moisture management functions, such as, for example, wicking speed, wicking capacity, spreading and distribution rate, unidirectional liquid transport, etc.

[0023] The material of the wicking element may be naturally wicking and / or may be treated to be wicking. For example, the wicking material may be a 100% polyester fabric having a French terry knit with a denier difference across the two sides of the wicking element to help move liquid from the skin-facing side of the wicking element to the inner surface in contact with the liquid-absorbing element. Other suitable wicking materials include blends of polyester, polypropylene, and cotton. An advantage associated with using a wicking element having a French terry knit triangular ridge structure facing the user's skin 300 is that the surface of the wicking element in contact with the skin 300 is reduced, thereby reducing any wet sensation against the skin 300.

[0024] In one embodiment, the wicking element is made from a material that is 51% cotton, and the interior and / or exterior surfaces of the wicking element are treated with a hydrophilic composition or material (e.g., polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydrophilic silicone, or hydrophilic polyurethane) and / or a hydrophobic composition or material (e.g., silicone, polyfluoroalkyl acrylate, polyacrylate, polyurethane, or wax) to create a net hydrophilic gradient across the wicking element. In other words, the surface that directly contacts the user's skin 300 may be less hydrophilic (i.e., more hydrophobic), while the interior surface may be more hydrophilic. For example, the exterior surface of the wicking element that directly contacts the user's skin 300 may be treated with a hydrophobic material, and / or the opposite interior surface may be treated with a hydrophilic material. This creates a combination of a "push" force created by the hydrophobicity of the outer surface, which is in direct contact with the user's skin 300, and a "pull" force created by the hydrophilicity of the inner surface, which may wick moisture or liquid away from the user through the wicking element. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic compositions may be applied to the wicking element using any conventional method known to those of skill in the art.

[0025] Additionally, a capillary force differential on either side can be created by the woven structure of the wicking element, where one side of the wicking element has smaller pore sizes compared to the other side of the wicking element. Ideally, this combination of pores creates a funnel-like structure in the cross section of the wicking element, where the capillary pressure differential pulls liquid from the larger pore size side to the smaller pore size side.

[0026] The rate of wicking through the wicking element can be controlled to be faster or slower. This rate can be set at the maximum absorption rate of the wicking element to ensure that all or a significant percentage of the liquid is absorbed by the liquid-absorbing element and does not leak beyond the confines of the space 130. The wicking rate can be controlled by the density, thickness, or composition of the wicking element and / or by the amount and type of hydrophobic and / or hydrophilic material applied to the wicking element. In another embodiment, the wicking rate can be set so that the surface of the wicking element in direct contact with the user feels dry or nearly dry to the user, while other surfaces feel wet.

[0027] The functional layer 140 may have at least one liquid absorbing element and / or at least one wicking element. Additionally, the functional layer 140 may include multiple liquid absorbing elements and / or multiple wicking elements to improve the liquid absorbing capacity of the space 130.

[0028] The functional layer 140 may optionally include one or more of an antimicrobial agent, an odor inhibitor, and an antifouling agent. For example, the antimicrobial agent may have one or more substances selected from the group consisting of silver-containing materials, titanium dioxide, quaternary silanes, hydrogen peroxide, triclosan, and zinc pyrithione. The functional layer 140 may optionally include an agent or substance that inhibits odor. For example, the odor inhibitor may have one or more substances selected from the group consisting of nanoparticles with acid neutralizing pockets, high surface area mineral compositions, high surface area ceramic compositions, and high surface area clay compositions.

[0029] The liquid-impermeable base layer 110 prevents communication of liquids through the space 130 to an external aquatic environment, and prevents communication of liquids through the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 from an external aquatic environment to the space 130. The liquid-impermeable base layer 110 is leak-proof and may have any known fully or partially liquid-blocking material. Preferably, the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 is breathable, not allowing liquids to pass through, but allowing gases (including air and water vapor) to pass through. For example, the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 may include a polymer film, such as one or more layers of a thermoplastic or thermosetting film, the thermoplastic or thermosetting film being selected from one or more of the group consisting of polyurethane, polyester, polyolefin, and silicone. Specific examples of liquid-impermeable materials include layers made of liquid-impermeable polymers or thermoplastic polyurethane films.

[0030] In one embodiment, the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 is a liquid-proof membrane. In one embodiment, the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 is a lightweight tightly knitted / woven fabric coated with SAP / hydrogel or a lightweight tightly knitted / woven fabric made using textile / SAP hybrid fibers. When used in a garment 200 including a garment part 100, the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 can provide the advantage of being completely breathable in dry form while providing an effective barrier material when exposed to liquid. Furthermore, these materials can also allow the garment part 100 to dry faster than using liquid-impermeable polymers such as thermoplastic polyurethane films.

[0031] The garment 200 comprises a fabric substrate 210 and garment components 100, such as a gusset portion 220, for absorbing bodily fluids from a user. The fabric substrate 210 may have one or more layers. For example, if the fabric substrate 210 includes two layers, there is an inner fabric layer that contacts the user's body in whole or in part, and an outer fabric layer that does not contact the user's body. The outer fabric layer may be one or more of a variety of colors, patterns, or designs (e.g., black, white, pink, etc.) to provide options for the user, although for a fabric substrate 210 that includes a single layer, a dark color is preferred. If the fabric substrate 210 includes two or more layers, the inner fabric layer may be a dark color (e.g., black or dark gray) that helps provide stain protection, so that stains thereon are not visible or are less visible or conspicuous to the user. If the fabric substrate 210 includes two or more layers, all, some, or none of the inner layer may be visible when the garment 200 is worn.

[0032] The fabric substrate 210 can be made of any material suitable for garments, particularly swimwear. Preferably, the fabric substrate 210 is made of a material that supports the garment 200 in a tight fit against the body of the user, such that the garment component 100 can be pressed firmly against the body of the user to form a sealed engagement between the liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 and the skin 300 of the user.

[0033] If the fabric substrate 210 has a single fabric layer, the material may be made of cotton, a cotton blend, a synthetic material, a stretch blend (e.g., spandex), or any other material (e.g., natural or man-made woven fabric). If the fabric substrate 210 has two or more layers, the inner layer may be made of a thin woven material and the outer fabric layer may be made of a thicker woven material as described above. The inner fabric layer may be cut to the complete shape of the fabric substrate 210 or may be cut to less than the complete shape of the fabric substrate 210. For example, if the garment 200 is a pair of swim bottoms, the inner fabric layer may be cut to the complete shape of the fabric substrate 210. The inner fabric layer may be cut to cover only the gusset portion.

[0034] 2B, the garment component 100 further comprises an attachment layer 150 attached to the liquid impermeable base layer 110 on the opposite side of the space 130, the attachment layer 150 being an attachment layer for releasably attaching the garment component 100 to the garment 200. For example, the attachment layer 150 comprises a fastener such as a touch fastener for releasably attaching to an inner surface of the fabric substrate 210.

[0035] In one embodiment shown in Figure 3, the liquid impermeable base layer 110 is permanently attached to or integrally formed with the fabric substrate 210. For example, the liquid impermeable base layer 110 is bonded to the inner surface of the fabric substrate 210 via a suitable bonding means, such as adhesives and ultrasonic bonding as described above. The fabric substrate 210, or at least a portion thereof, may be waterproof. For example, a waterproof region of the fabric substrate 210 may be located in or around a gusset portion 220, such as the expanded gusset portion 230.

[0036] The liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 is disposed along the periphery of the liquid impermeable base layer 110. In one embodiment, the liquid impermeable base layer 110 and the liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 are integrally formed. In one embodiment, the liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 is formed separately from the liquid impermeable base layer 110 and attached to the liquid impermeable base layer 110. For example, the liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 is removably attached to the liquid impermeable base layer 110 via a fastener such as a touch fastener. In one embodiment, the liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 is permanently attached to the liquid impermeable base layer 110 via a suitable bonding means such as an adhesive or ultrasonic bonding as described above.

[0037] In some embodiments, the garment component 100 may be disposed in a gusset portion 220 of the garment 200, and the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 may be aligned with an opening in the garment 200, such as a pair of leg openings that define the gusset portion 220. Optionally, the garment 200 may include a second liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 240 that cooperates with the garment component 100 to prevent the inflow and outflow of liquid into and out of the space 130. The second liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 240 may be disposed near the end of the expanded gusset portion 230, or near the waist opening of the garment 200. The second liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 240 provides an additional sealing engagement that prevents the communication of liquid into and out of the space 130. For example, the second liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 240 may include one or more lines of a liquid-impermeable material (such as silicone) that extend partially (as shown in FIG. 1A) or entirely (as shown in FIG. 1B) across the waist opening.

[0038] Additionally, the waist and leg openings of garment 200 may include a support lining (or support backing) 250 to improve the grip of garment 200 against the user's body. Support lining 250 may be made from nano yarns such as ultra-fine polyester, which increases its surface area and abrasion resistance.

[0039] The liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 may include one or more continuous lines surrounding the space 130. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 includes a single line around the space 130. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 has two or more lines around the space 130, and the two or more lines may be parallel or concentric with each other. Each line may have a thickness ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably ranging from 4 mm to 6 mm. The liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 may be made of any solid or semi-solid material having liquid-impermeable and hydrophobic properties. Furthermore, the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 may be made of elastomeric materials such as silicone and rubber (synthetic or natural) to aid in forming a sealing engagement with the user's skin 300 when the garment 200 presses the garment part 100 against the user's skin 300.

[0040] Since the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 will be in contact with the skin 300 of the user, the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 should be made of a material with anti-slip properties so that the garment part 100, which may be at risk of leakage, does not slip off the gusset portion where there may be a risk of leakage of body fluids from the garment part 100. Preferably, the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 has anti-slip properties in both dry and wet conditions, since the garment 200 may be worn for swimming. For example, the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 has a frictional resistance with respect to human skin that is greater, for example at least 40% greater, than polyester or silicone. For example, the frictional resistance of the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 on the skin is at least 40%, preferably 40% to 50%, greater than the frictional resistance of polyester on the skin in both dry and wet conditions. More preferably, the frictional resistance of the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 on the skin is about 67% and 63% greater than the frictional resistance of polyester on the skin in dry and wet conditions, respectively.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the above-mentioned features of the liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 are equally applicable to the second liquid impermeable peripheral layer 240 .

[0042] In some embodiments, as further shown in FIG. 4, the garment part 100 includes a compressible layer 160 attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer 110 on the opposite side of the space 130. The compressible layer 160 helps the garment part 100 to conform to the shape of the user. The compressible layer 160 can be made of any compressible material with low compression modulus and high compression recovery. For example, the compressible layer 160 can be made of compressible polyurethane foam, compressible fabric material, or compressible gel material, but should not be limited thereto.

[0043] When the garment 200 including the fabric substrate 210 and the garment component 100 is worn, the compressible layer 160 is disposed between the fabric substrate 210 and the liquid impermeable base layer 110 of the garment component 100, and the compressible layer 160 compresses to conform to the shape of the user's body. For example, the compressible layer 160 is disposed in the expansion gusset portion 230 so that the garment component 100 can conform to the contours of the crotch area. When the compressible layer 160 is compressed, the compressible layer 160 exerts an inward force toward the user's body, which in turn causes the garment component 100 to conform to the shape of the user's body, specifically the body region such as the crotch area where the garment component 100 is disposed. Additionally, the inward force from the compressible layer 160 enhances the sealing engagement between the liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 and the user's skin 300. The compressible layer 160 is advantageous in areas of the user's body where the fabric substrate 210 does not make full or firm contact, resulting in a poor sealing engagement that may result in leakage of bodily fluids or ingress of fluids from the external aquatic environment, etc. The compressible layer 160 allows for a strong sealing engagement to be formed between the garment component 100 and the user's skin 300 regardless of the body area, which may include not only the crotch area but also other contoured areas such as the lower waist area. For example, when the garment 200 is worn, the expansion gusset portion 230 is positioned near the lower waist area, which has a contoured, curved surface, and the compressible layer 160 helps to form a strong sealing engagement at these body areas.

[0044] In one embodiment, shown in Figure 4, the garment part 100 includes an attachment layer 150 for removably attaching the garment part 100 to a fabric substrate 210 of the garment 200. The attachment layer 150 attaches the liquid impermeable base layer 110 and the compressible layer 160 to the fabric substrate 210. In one embodiment, the compressible layer 160 is removably attached to the liquid impermeable base layer 110. In one embodiment, the liquid impermeable base layer 110 is permanently attached to or integrally formed with the compressible layer 160, such as by suitable adhesive means as described above.

[0045] As described in various embodiments herein, the garment component 100 can collect bodily fluids from a user in the space 130. The sealing engagement between the liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 and the user's skin 300 prevents leakage of bodily fluids from the space 130. It also prevents the ingress of water from an external environment, such as a swimming pool, when a user wears the garment 200 for swimming.

[0046] Various examples of garments 200 are shown in Figures 5A-5D. In Figure 5A, the garment 200 includes a fabric substrate 210 and a second liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 240 that extends partially across the waist opening. The garment part 100 at the gusset portion 220 includes the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 in a single line and the compressible layer 160 at the extended gusset portion 230. In Figure 5B, the garment 200 includes a fabric substrate 210 and a second liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 240 that extends partially across the waist opening. The garment part 100 at the gusset portion 220 includes the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 120 in a double line and the compressible layer 160 at the extended gusset portion 230. In Figure 5C, the garment 200 includes a fabric substrate 210 and a second liquid-impermeable peripheral layer 240 that extends across the entire waist opening. The garment component 100 in the gusset portion 220 includes a liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 in a single line and a compressible layer 160 in the expanded gusset portion 230. In Fig. 5D, the garment 200 includes a fabric substrate 210 and a second liquid impermeable peripheral layer 240 that extends across the waist opening. The garment component 100 in the gusset portion 220 includes a liquid impermeable peripheral layer 120 in a double line and a compressible layer 160 in the expanded gusset portion 230.

[0047] The garment 200, as well as the garment components 100 if removable, should be made washable and reusable to help flush away trapped bodily fluids and also reduce environmental impact. For example, the garment components 100 and / or garment 200 can withstand multiple washer and dryer cycles (e.g., at least 30) without changing the overall appearance, the integrity of the various layers, and the liquid management parameters as described herein. The material selection and unique construction ensure that the garment components 100 and / or garment 200 are washable without compromising one or more of the moisture management, antimicrobial, and anti-odor functions, and also ensure that the garment components 100 do not leak during the life (or useful life) of the garment 200. For example, the various materials of the garment components 100 must remain chemically, thermally, and mechanically stable through the specified wash and dry cycles and throughout the intended life of the garment components 100 / 200. Additionally, the materials must be thermally stable up to 190°C, and at least up to 95°C. The adhesive or ultrasonic bond may have thermal stability up to 190°C or 95°C, allowing the garment component 100 to be used in a garment 200 that can be washed and dried multiple times. Unless otherwise specified, the term "thermal stability" as used herein is intended to define no change in the physical state of the component in question after exposure to a specified temperature for a period of time consistent with a machine drying cycle.

[0048] In the above detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure relating to garment parts for use in garments and garments comprising garment parts are described with reference to the drawings provided. The description of various embodiments herein is not intended to call out or limit only a particular or specific expression of the present disclosure, but is merely intended to describe non-limiting examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure helps to address at least one of the mentioned problems and issues associated with the prior art. Although only some embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments in light of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In view of the above, the scope of the present disclosure and the claims are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A garment part for use in a garment, The clothing parts include: A liquid impermeable base layer; a liquid-impermeable peripheral layer disposed along a peripheral edge of the liquid-impermeable base layer; a space defined by said liquid-impermeable base layer and said liquid-impermeable peripheral layer; Equipped with the liquid impermeable peripheral layer is disposed about the space; when the garment comprising the garment parts is worn by a user, the garment forms a sealing engagement between the liquid impermeable peripheral layer and the skin of the user such that the liquid impermeable base layer and the liquid impermeable peripheral layer prevent the inflow and outflow of liquid into and from the space and the space collects bodily fluids of the user; A garment component, wherein the liquid impermeable peripheral layer is made of an elastomeric material compressible against the user's skin to form the sealing engagement.

2. The garment component of claim 1 , further comprising a functional layer disposed within the space and optionally removably attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer, the functional layer configured to facilitate collection of the bodily fluids within the space.

3. The garment component according to claim 2 , wherein the functional layer comprises at least one liquid-absorbing element for absorbing the body fluid.

4. A garment part according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the functional layer comprises at least one wicking element for wicking the body fluid from the user.

5. A clothing part as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an attachment layer attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer opposite the space, such that the attachment layer and the space are on opposite sides of the liquid-impermeable base layer, the attachment layer being for removably attaching the clothing part to the garment.

6. The garment part according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid impermeable base layer comprises a polymer film.

7. A garment part according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastomeric material of the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer is silicone.

8. A garment part according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid impermeable peripheral layer has a greater friction resistance to human skin than polyester.

9. A garment part according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the liquid-impermeable peripheral layer is removably attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer.

10. A clothing part as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a compressible layer attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer opposite the space such that the compressible layer and the space are on opposite sides of the liquid-impermeable base layer, the compressible layer being for adapting the clothing part to the shape of the user's body, and optionally the compressible layer being removably attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer.

11. A garment comprising a fabric base material and a garment part, The clothing parts include: A liquid impermeable base layer; a liquid-impermeable peripheral layer disposed along a peripheral edge of the liquid-impermeable base layer; a space defined by said liquid-impermeable base layer and said liquid-impermeable peripheral layer; Including, the liquid impermeable peripheral layer is disposed around the space; when the garment is worn by a user, the garment forms a sealing engagement between the liquid impermeable peripheral layer and the skin of the user such that the liquid impermeable base layer and the liquid impermeable peripheral layer prevent the inflow and outflow of liquid into and from the space and the space collects bodily fluids of the user; The garment, wherein the liquid impermeable peripheral layer is made of an elastomeric material compressible against the skin of the user to form the sealing engagement.

12. The garment of claim 11 , wherein the liquid impermeable peripheral layer is removably attached to the liquid impermeable base layer.

13. A garment as described in claim 11 or 12, wherein the garment part further includes a compressible layer attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer on the side opposite the space, such that the compressible layer and the space are on the opposite side of the liquid-impermeable base layer, and the compressible layer is positioned between the fabric substrate and the liquid-impermeable base layer to conform the garment part to the shape of the user's body.

14. The garment of claim 13 , wherein the compressible layer is removably attached to the liquid impermeable base layer.

15. The garment according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the garment part is disposed in a gusset portion of the garment.

16. 16. The garment of any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a second liquid impermeable peripheral layer cooperating with said garment part to prevent the inflow and outflow of liquid into and from said space.

17. 17. The garment of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the garment part further comprises a functional layer disposed within the space and optionally removably attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer, the functional layer being configured to facilitate collection of bodily fluids within the space.

18. The garment of claim 17 , wherein the functional layer includes at least one liquid-absorbing element for absorbing the bodily fluids.

19. 19. The garment of claim 17 or 18, wherein the functional layer comprises at least one wicking element for wicking the bodily fluid from the user.

20. A garment as described in any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the garment part further comprises an attachment layer attached to the liquid-impermeable base layer on the opposite side of the space, such that the attachment layer and the space are on opposite sides of the liquid-impermeable base layer, the attachment layer being for removably attaching the garment part to the garment.

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