A washable and quick-drying pad for use with clothing

Abstract

The pad may include a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface may have a spherical curvature, and the spherical curvature may be complementary to the blade portion. The pad may include a plurality of synthetic fibers disposed between the first surface and the second surface, and each of the plurality of synthetic fibers may contact the first surface and the second surface. The pad may include a pad transmittance configured to correlate with the amount of the plurality of synthetic fibers and the length of the plurality of synthetic fibers, and the pad transmittance may be adapted to allow passage of liquid and prevent retention of liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of clothing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to clothing configured to minimally absorb fluids and rapidly expel fluids, and components thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, conventional pads have been worn in clothing such as standard bras, sports bras, and bikinis. Such conventional pads may be removable and may be formed of a foamed fabric.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Due to the material composition of conventional pads, while the pads are placed inside the clothing, the clothing cannot be washed without damaging the clothing or the pads. Furthermore, considering the absorbency of conventional pads, water may be retained within the pads, which can cause discomfort and hygiene problems. In particular, when conventional pads retain the wearer's sweat, both persistent odors and generally unhygienic conditions can occur.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional pads can be removable pads adapted to be inserted into small holes inside bras or swimsuits. The process of placing conventional pads into small holes is difficult. After placing conventional pads inside the clothing, it is difficult to maintain the proper orientation and shape, and frequent adjustments may be required. In fact, once removed, it becomes substantially more difficult to return conventional pads back into the clothing. Additionally, since conventional pads must be removed during washing, they cannot be sewn in a preferred position.

[0005] Clothes containing conventional pads can take up to 24 hours to dry. This is inconvenient in bras and particularly uncomfortable in swimsuits (e.g., when worn after swimming). Such removable pads also tend to come out of position during use and washing. Many clothing items are often not washable because they contain conventional pads. Such conventional pads are often made of foams that retain water and deform during washing. As an example, a woman can often quickly dry the main body of her swimsuit after emerging from the water (e.g., in the sun), but cups with conventional pads retain water, causing problems with the swimsuit. In such an example, the wet pads can stain the clothing worn over the swimsuit.

[0006] The clothes of the present invention and its improved pads overcome the aforementioned problems and provide clothes having pads configured to withstand washing and quickly drain water.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to pads for use with the bra portion of a garment, the pads having a first surface and a second surface with a spherical curvature, the spherical curvature being complementary to the bra portion, the first surface and the second surface, and a plurality of synthetic fibers disposed between the first surface and the second surface, each contacting the first surface and the second surface, and a pad permeability configured to correlate with the amount and length of the plurality of synthetic fibers, the pad permeability being adapted to allow the passage of liquid and prevent the retention of liquid.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to pads configured such that the pads are permanently fixed to the bra portion. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to pads configured such that the pads are removably housed within the bra portion.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to pads in which each of the plurality of synthetic fibers has a length in the range of 1 to 10 mm. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to pads in which a plurality of synthetic fibers are composed of 100% polyester.

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to pads in which a plurality of synthetic fibers are composed of a plurality of synthetic materials. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to pads in which a plurality of synthetic fibers are composed of nylon and polyester.

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for manufacturing a pad for use with a bra portion of a garment, the method comprising placing a flat portion of a spacer fabric within a mold, the spacer fabric including a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of synthetic fibers; pushing the spacer fabric into a receiving portion of the mold via a pre-formed tool; applying heat to the spacer fabric via a molding machine and the mold; and forming the first surface and the second surface of the spacer fabric into a desired shape.

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method in which the first surface and the second surface have a spherical curvature. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method in which the spherical curvature is complementary to the bra portion. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method in which a plurality of synthetic fibers are disposed between the first surface and the second surface and each of the plurality of synthetic fibers contacts the first surface and the second surface.

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method including a pad transmittance configured to correlate with the amount and length of a plurality of synthetic fibers, the pad transmittance being adapted to allow passage of a liquid and prevent retention of the liquid.

[0014] Additional aspects related to the present disclosure are, in part, described in the following detailed description, in part, will be apparent from the detailed description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. It should be understood that both the foregoing and the following detailed descriptions are merely illustrative and explanatory and do not limit the claimed disclosure or its application in any way.

[0015] The incorporated drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description, explain and illustrate the essence of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like functional elements are designated by like numerals. The foregoing accompanying drawings show, by way of illustration and not limitation, certain aspects and embodiments that are consistent with the essence of the present disclosure. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes and / or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0018] The description in this specification is not intended as an extensive overview, and thus it should be noted that concepts can be simplified for clarity and conciseness. As used herein, a "set" generally can refer to one or more of the items to which it pertains. Accordingly, an item with the phrase "set" or "one or more" appended can be construed as one or more of that item.

[0019] All documents referred to in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Any process described in this application may be performed in any order and any step within the process may be omitted. A process may be combined with other processes or steps of other processes.

[0020] Throughout this specification, where possible, similar structures are identified by like reference numerals. In some figures, components such as additional electrical connections or fasteners are omitted for clarity of the drawing. Unless otherwise specified, the term "or" means "any or both" such that "A or B" includes only A, only B, and both A and B together.

[0021] Although the device and system are described with respect to various embodiments, it should be understood that such disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Various changes and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to be construed as encompassing all changes and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0022] The present disclosure may include clothing and / or its pad 100 configured to rapidly release fluid after being exposed to a fluid such as water. Similarly, the pad 100 may be adapted not to absorb water or other fluids. The pad 100 of the present disclosure may be shaped to fit various clothing types so that it is not necessary to remove the pad during laundering. Further, in one embodiment, since the pad 100 does not require removal, the pad 100 may be fixed in place within the clothing so that the pad 100 remains in a preferred orientation. The clothing may include a bra as described herein. However, any suitable clothing such as a jacket, pants, shirt, etc. may be utilized.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pad 100 may be composed of a spacer fabric 102 (e.g., a 3D air spacer mesh fabric). The spacer fabric 102 may be a three-dimensional material (e.g., a fabric) including a plurality of synthetic fibers 104. Such a fabric 102 may be composed of 100% polyester.

[0024] In one embodiment, the spacer fabric 102 may include a plurality of materials. For example, the spacer fabric 102 may be composed of alternate synthetic fibers, i.e., nylon or spandex, or a combination thereof. The central material, which is also bonded by the first surface 106 and the second surface 108, may also consist of 100% polyester, or a combination of materials. In one embodiment, the first and second surfaces 106 / 108 may have different material compositions. For example, the first surface 106 may be composed of alternate synthetic fibers, i.e., nylon or spandex, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the synthetic fibers 104 may traverse the thickness of the spacer fabric 102 while maintaining a substantially uniform distance between the first surface 106 and the second surface 108 of the spacer fabric 102, for example. However, in some embodiments, the thickness of the pad 100 may be non-uniform. As a non-limiting example, the pad 100 configured to be used in a "push-up" bra may have a greater thickness at the bottom of the pad 100 in order to create a lifting effect.

[0025] As a function of the plurality of synthetic fibers 104, the spacer fabric 102 may facilitate air circulation through the garment and / or the pad 100. This effect may also promote the prevention of fluid absorption and rapid drying times. Further, the pad 100 may have elasticity and / or supportiveness. In one embodiment, the pad 100 is less likely to pill by including synthetic fibers 104 between the first surface 106 and the second surface 108.

[0026] The first and second surfaces 106 / 108 may include different textures and / or properties. In one embodiment, the first and second surfaces 106 / 108 may differ by knitting method (i.e., the upper surface may be mesh and the lower surface may be warp knitting). The open mesh surface may be more suitable for moisture permeability (i.e., may not retain water). However, the bottom surface may be more suitable for maintaining the desired shape and can contribute to the structure of the pad 100. In some embodiments, the first and / or second surfaces 106 / 108 may include any suitable material, texture, and / or property.

[0027] The first surface 106 may define one or more open spaces 110. The one or more open spaces 110 may be disposed throughout the spacer fabric 102 as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the one or more open spaces 110 are configured to increase the flow of air and liquid through the spacer fabric 102, thereby increasing the breathability and moisture permeability of the spacer fabric 102. The one or more open spaces 110 may form hexagons as shown in FIG. 1. However, the one or more open spaces 110 may form any suitable shape such as pentagons, circles, squares, or other suitable shapes, or combinations thereof.

[0028] In one embodiment, the seam 202 may be circumferentially disposed around the outer periphery of the pad 200. However, the pad 300 may also be formed without a seam 202 as shown in FIG. 3, and the first surface 106, the second surface 108, and the plurality of synthetic fibers 104 are continuous or otherwise connected. For example, the bra pad 300 may include an edge configured to be substantially flat without a seam 202. Thus, such a seam-free configuration 300 can provide an aesthetic quality that the contour of the bra pad 200 is not visible through the clothing.

[0029] The forming ability, liquid release ability, and / or shape and position retention ability of the spacer fabric 102 correlate with various properties of the material. For example, an increase in the amount of the plurality of synthetic fibers 104 can reduce the ability of the material to discharge liquid.

[0030] Furthermore, an increase in the length of the plurality of synthetic fibers 104 (in effect, an increase in the thickness of the material) can make the mesh fabric stronger and stiffer, and thus can reduce the possibility of the mesh fabric deforming. As a non-limiting example, the plurality of synthetic fibers 104 may include lengths from 1 to 10 mm. In one embodiment, the spacer fabric 102 may include the amount, density, and length of the synthetic fibers 104 configured to maximize formability while minimizing liquid retention and promoting a permanent preferred shape.

[0031] In one embodiment, the garment may include one or more pads 200 / 300, and the one or more pads 200 / 300 are sized to fit at specific locations of the garment. For example, each of the one or more pads 200 / 300 may be sized to fit within the cup of a bra. Thus, the one or more pads 200 / 300 may include a left pad and a right pad. The left pad and the right pad are geometrically mirrored such that each fits the left cup and the right cup, respectively.

[0032] The one or more pads 200 / 300 may include a generally spherical shape that can adequately support the breast. For example, the one or more pads 200 / 300 may include a spherical curvature and a mounting surface that is generally oval, oblong, and / or triangular, enabling support of the front and / or bottom of the breast without compromising the aesthetic quality of the garment.

[0033] Thus, the one or more pads 200 / 300 may be obtained from a larger portion of the material, and the larger portion of the material is cut and formed into a preferred geometric shape. The forming process may initially include placing the flat portion 400 of the spacer fabric 102 into a mold as shown in FIG. 4. The spacer fabric 102 may be selected with an appropriate amount of synthetic fibers 104 and thickness to exhibit the desired shape and size. The mold may be sized and configured to correspond to the preferred geometry of one or more pads 200 / 300. In practice, the mold may be utilized to conform the spacer fabric 102 to the pads 200 / 300 of the desired spherical depth and shape. In one embodiment, the forming process may utilize a forming machine, which includes automated and controllable heat and pressure settings. Thus, by adjusting the settings of such a machine in relation to the characteristics of the spacer fabric 102, the integrity of the fabric can still be maintained while forming the fabric. The forming machine may include preformed tools, rams, and / or other components sized to push the spacer fabric 102 into the receiving portion of the mold. The limit of the permeability of the material may be correlated with the ability of the material to retain the desired shape after forming.

[0034] In one embodiment, the forming process may be adjusted according to the melting points of the first surface 106, the second surface 108, and / or the synthetic fibers 104 that make up the spacer fabric 102. Thus, in some embodiments, the spacer fabric 102 may have a low melting point, and the forming process is modified to reduce the possibility of melting and deformation due to excessive application of heat. In one embodiment, the plurality of synthetic fibers 104 have a melting point higher than that of the first and / or second surfaces 106 / 108, and the first and second surfaces 106 / 108 include a fabric adapted to provide form and / or shape. Alternatively, when using a thicker fabric, the plurality of synthetic fibers 104 may require a lower melting point in order to be formed such that excessive heat is not applied to the first and / or second surfaces 106 / 108.

[0035] To facilitate sufficient geometric deformation of the material, heat may be applied to the mold, the preforming tool, and / or the fabric. The amount of heat delivered may be configured to deform the shape of the entire section of the material without compromising the integrity of the synthetic fibers 104 within the material. For example, heat may be applied in an appropriate amount over a specific period of time to prevent melting of the internal synthetic fibers 104, the first surface 106, and / or the second surface 108. In one embodiment, the heat does not exceed a temperature of 480°F (248.9°C).

[0036] An exemplary method for manufacturing the pads 200 / 300 using the steps described above. This non-limiting example includes, in step 502, placing the flat portion 400 of the spacer fabric 102 within the mold and then, in step 504, pressing the spacer fabric 102 into the receiving portion of the mold via a pre-formed tool. As described above, next, in step 506, the spacer fabric 102 may be heated to a temperature configured to bond the first and second surfaces 106 / 108 of the spacer fabric 102 to the plurality of synthetic fibers 104. Then, in step 508, the first and second surfaces 106 / 108 can be formed to form the desired configuration of the spacer fabric 102.

[0037] There are several additional methods that can be utilized to best form the material and / or apply heat to such material. For example, an additional material layer, such as a thin bonding material, may be applied outside of the main portion of the pad 100. In one embodiment, a second layer of the spacer fabric 102 may be utilized. Thus, the additional layer may be somewhat deformable or meltable, while the original layers within the material can remain unaffected.

[0038] Alternatively, the spacer fabric 102 may have higher heat resistance. For example, the heat resistance of the material may be increased by improving the composition of the synthetic fiber, the first surface 106, and / or the second surface 108. In a further embodiment, the thickness and / or length of the synthetic fiber 104 may be adjusted to have higher heat resistance. For example, a thicker material may be more resistant to incident heat. In one embodiment, the material may be sufficiently permeable and prepared to "let air through", and when the aforementioned material is formed into a desired geometry, a binder may be applied. Thus, the rapid bonding coating can produce a thin layer that promotes the continuation of the form of the pads 200 / 300 without adding weight or impairing the permeability of the pads 200 / 300. Further, the binder may have quick-drying properties and thus does not limit the quick-drying effect of the spacer fabric 102.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the spacer fabric 102 may be knitted such that the fabric results in a spherical shape. For example, in contrast to creating a flat fabric portion, the fabric may be manufactured with a predetermined curvature. Thus, such pre-formed curved material may be cut to a preferred dimension and inserted into clothing.

[0040] Also, in a further embodiment, one or more of the pads 200 / 300 may be manufactured using additive manufacturing (e.g., by a "3D printer"). In such an embodiment, one or more of the pads 200 / 300 may be formed to a desired size and thus do not require shaping of the material. In one embodiment, the material may be manufactured by additive manufacturing with a thermally activated foaming agent. For example, the material may be shaped with a photosensitive resin, and such shaped resin expands at a predetermined rate when exposed to a specific heat. Thus, the pads 200 / 300 after shaping and heating may be composed of the resulting closed-cell foam.

[0041] In another embodiment, one or more of the pads 200 / 300 may each be formed by a combination of a plurality of fabric portions. For example, a sheet of spacer fabric 102 may be cut into four triangular portions. In such an example, each of the four triangular portions may be sewn together to form a pad having a spherical curvature. Thus, one or more pads 200 / 300 formed by a plurality of fabric portions may include a desired spherical curvature without the need for the application of heat or other forming procedures (e.g., to provide breast support). In one embodiment, the seam 202 may be disposed on the inner surface of the pad 200 / 300 such that the seam is not visible to a third party. Further, the seam 202 may be shallow or otherwise unobtrusive so as not to cause discomfort to the wearer.

[0042] One or more of the pads 200 / 300 may be configured for use as a fixed pad (e.g., incorporated into garments such as bras and swimsuits), or as a removable pad (e.g., of bras and swimsuits configured to allow insertion and removal of the pad). In practice, by utilizing a removable pad, it becomes possible to replace a conventional removable pad with an improved removable pad 200 / 300. This allows the wearer to leave the improved pad 200 / 300 indefinitely within the garment during wearing, use, and laundering.

[0043] The pads 200 / 300 and garments described herein can facilitate a better experience for all wearers of such bras and swimsuits. One or more pads 200 / 300 can enable laundering of garments that would otherwise require pad separation, as described herein. In one embodiment, one or more pads 200 / 300 promote a suitable hygienic state through the quick-drying property of the pads 200 / 300. Thus, one or more improved pads 200 / 300 and garments can be machine washable. Conventional pads can take up to 24 hours to fully dry, whereas the improved pads 200 / 300 described herein can be dried within 1 - 2 hours.

[0044] One or more pads 200 / 300 may be configured for use with various types of garments, including but not limited to bras, sports bras, swimsuits, dresses, tennis dresses, workout dresses, shirts (e.g., T-shirts and tank tops), corrective undergarments, and nightgowns. By way of non-limiting example, one or more pads 200 / 300 may be utilized in conjunction with any garment having an integrated or "built-in" bra. One or more pads 200 / 300 may be sewn, attached, or otherwise disposed in the garment during manufacture, for example, if the pads 200 / 300 are configured to be fixed or non-removable. In many cases, with conventional bras, the pads 200 / 300 may be small enough to be removable. However, the improved pads 200 / 300 as described herein can be appropriately sized to provide adequate support without sacrificing removability, because in such embodiments, the improved pads 200 / 300 can remain within the garment indefinitely.

[0045] Alternatively, the garment may be configured to removably receive the improved pads 200 / 300. In such an embodiment, the garment may include one or more small holes that allow access to an inner pocket of the bra cup. The pads 200 / 300 are sized with respect to the one or more small holes and may be flexible and have sufficient plasticity such that after passing through the one or more small holes, the pads 200 / 300 return to their shape, allowing the user to place the pads 200 / 300 within the cup. Thus, conventional pads may be removed from a conventional bra and replaced with the improved pads 200 / 300 described herein.

[0046] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the "bra portion" may refer to any portion of a garment configured to support or receive one or more breasts. In further embodiments, the pads 200 / 300 disclosed herein may be utilized in any type of garment and any portion of the aforementioned garment. Thus, the improved pads 200 / 300 described herein are not limited to use in any particular garment or portion thereof.

[0047] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts described and illustrated herein can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0048] The invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments outlined above, but many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention described above are illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pad for use with the bra portion of a garment, comprising: a first surface and a second surface having a spherical curvature, the spherical curvature being complementary to the bra portion; a plurality of synthetic fibers disposed between the first surface and the second surface and each contacting the first surface and the second surface; a pad permeability configured to correlate with the amount and length of the plurality of synthetic fibers, the pad permeability allowing passage of liquid and being adapted to prevent retention of the liquid.

2. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the pad is configured to be permanently fixed to the bra portion.

3. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the pad is configured to be removably received within the bra portion.

4. The pad according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of synthetic fibers has a length in the range of 1 to 10 mm.

5. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers are composed of 100% polyester.

6. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers are composed of a plurality of synthetic materials.

7. The pad according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers are composed of nylon and polyester.

8. A method for manufacturing a pad for use with the bra portion of a garment, comprising: placing a flat portion of a spacer fabric within a mold, the spacer fabric including a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of synthetic fibers; pushing the spacer fabric through a preformed tool into a receiving portion of the mold; applying heat to the spacer fabric via a molding machine and the mold; forming the first surface and the second surface of the spacer fabric into a desired shape.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first surface and the second surface have a spherical curvature.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the spherical curvature is complementary to the bra portion.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers are disposed between the first surface and the second surface and each contact the first surface and the second surface.

12. The pad includes a pad permeability configured to correlate with the amount of the plurality of synthetic fibers and the length of the plurality of synthetic fibers, the pad permeability being adapted to allow passage of a liquid and prevent retention of the liquid, the method of claim 8.

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