CN110636765A

CN110636765A - Garment with wiping area

Info

Publication number: CN110636765A
Application number: CN201880032805.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安德鲁·戈斯; 马伊拉·奥查德
Original assignee: Nike Innovation LP
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA; Nike Innovation LP
Priority date: 2017-05-30
Filing date: 2018-05-23
Publication date: 2019-12-31
Also published as: EP3977879A1; WO2018222450A1; EP3629788B1; EP3629788A1; US20180343932A1; EP3977879B1

Abstract

A garment (100, 200, 400, 806, 904) is provided having one or more wiping area structures (1002, 1104, 120, 202, 302, 330, 336, 404, 406, 608, 614) located at predetermined locations on an outward-facing surface of the garment (100, 200, 400, 806, 904) configured to transfer moisture and/or particulate matter from the wearer's skin upon contact therewith. The wiping zone structure (1002, 1104, 120, 202, 302, 330, 336, 404, 406, 608, 614) may be comprised of a repeating pattern of surface treatments (122, 702, 802, 906) that have been deposited at predetermined locations. Also provided herein are methods of making garments (100, 200, 400, 806, 904) having wiping area structures (1002, 1104, 120, 202, 302, 330, 336, 404, 406, 608, 614).

Description

Garment with wiping area

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to garments having a wipe zone structure (wipe zone structures) that provides a mechanism (mechanism) for transferring moisture and/or particulate matter from a wearer's hand as, for example, the wearer's hand pulls on the wipe zone structure.

Background

It is often desirable to wipe off moisture and/or particulate matter that may accumulate during athletic activities with one's own clothing. However, garments worn during athletic activities are not often designed to effectively remove moisture and/or particulate matter from one's hand during an athletic activity.

Brief Description of Drawings

Examples of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

fig. 1 depicts a front view of an exemplary lower body garment including a wipe region structure, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 2 depicts a side view of an exemplary lower body garment including a wipe region structure, according to aspects herein;

fig. 3 depicts a rear view of an exemplary lower body garment including a wipe region structure, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 4 depicts a front view of an exemplary upper body garment including a wiping region structure, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 5 depicts an exemplary wipe region structure configuration of the wipe region structure depicted in the lower body garment of fig. 1, in accordance with aspects hereof;

fig. 6 depicts an exemplary wipe region structure configuration of the wipe region structure depicted in the lower body garment of fig. 2, in accordance with aspects hereof;

fig. 7 depicts an alternative exemplary wiping area structure configuration in accordance with aspects hereof;

fig. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary wiping area structure, in accordance with aspects hereof;

9A-9C depict various exemplary geometries of wiping zone structures according to aspects herein;

fig. 10 depicts an athlete using an example wipe zone structure located on a posterior face of an example lower body garment to mechanically remove moisture and/or particulate matter from the individual's hand, according to aspects herein;

fig. 11 depicts an athlete using an example wipe zone structure located on an anterior face of an example lower body garment to mechanically remove moisture and/or particulate matter from an individual's hand, according to aspects herein; and

fig. 12 depicts a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for making an exemplary garment having a wiping zone structure according to aspects herein.

Detailed description of the invention

The subject matter of aspects provided herein is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the disclosed and claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms "step" and/or "block" may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

During exercise, athletes often need or wish to wipe off moisture and/or other particulate matter. For example, a basketball player may accumulate particulate matter, such as dust from the basketball and floor surfaces on their hands, in addition to accumulating moisture from physical activity. In such cases, the accumulation of moisture and/or particulate matter may prevent an individual from maintaining a proper hand grip on the appliance (the apparatus) or may enter the athlete's eyes, interfering with them during activity. This not only interferes with the individual, but can potentially lead to a risk of injury, depending on the type of activity in which the individual is engaged. To address this problem, often, people participating in physical activity carry a towel to wipe away moisture and/or particulate matter. However, having to carry a towel around is often cumbersome and once the towel becomes saturated, the towel does not effectively serve its intended purpose. Thus, the most convenient means of wiping away moisture and/or particulate matter is often the individual's own clothing.

However, traditionally worn garments for athletic activities are not necessarily configured to facilitate wiping off large amounts of moisture and/or particulate matter. For example, garments made of hydrophilic materials retain or absorb moisture, which causes the garment itself, like a towel, to eventually become saturated with moisture or other fluids, making the garment ineffective at wiping away moisture and/or particulate matter. Other garments used for athletic activities are made of materials with low absorbent capacity, which may limit the amount of moisture and/or particulate matter that can be wiped off. Accordingly, aspects herein contemplate applying a surface treatment to a garment at one or more predetermined locations to provide a strategically placed wiping zone structure that is readily accessible to a wearer for wiping away moisture and/or particulate matter. The wiping zone structure is configured with 1) a raised surface formed by applying a surface treatment in a repeating pattern at predetermined locations, and 2) the ability to facilitate the mechanical removal of moisture and/or particulate matter accumulated on the skin surface of the wearer onto the wiping zone structure.

At a high level, aspects herein relate to garments that include a wiping area structure. The wipe region structure in the garment may include a plurality of raised structures including a surface treatment applied in a repeating pattern and extending out of the plane of the surface of the garment. The wiping area structure may provide a surface that has a higher coefficient of friction than, for example, other areas of the garment that do not have the wiping area structure. In addition, the wiping zone structure provides more surface area to an otherwise substantially flat surface of the garment to effectively wipe moisture and/or particulate matter from the individual's skin as the skin rubs against or otherwise moves over the wiping zone structure.

According to aspects herein, a "substantially flat" surface may be defined as a surface having features or structures with a height that is 20% or less of the height of the wiping area structure, where the height is measured perpendicularly from the plane of the fabric surface. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "zone" is used to refer to a distinct area (discrete areas) within a garment. Also, as used throughout this disclosure, the term "wiping zone structure" refers to a "zone" having a surface treatment applied in a repeating pattern that creates a raised structure capable of wiping away moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin surface of an individual. Further, as used throughout this disclosure, the term "first zone" is used to refer to a unique area within the garment where there is no wiping zone structure, while the term "second zone" is used to refer to a unique area within the garment where there is a wiping zone structure. Finally, as used throughout this disclosure, the term "moisture" is used to refer to moisture, water, sweat, or other liquids that may accumulate on an individual's body in either an agglomerated or a diffused form and during athletic activities.

The wipe region configurations described herein are created by applying a surface treatment to the outer surface of an article of clothing. The wiping area structure may have raised surfaces of different heights, widths and shapes that allow for mechanical removal of moisture and/or particulate matter from, for example, an athlete's hand. For example, a soccer player may accumulate moisture and/or particulate matter on their hands from a soccer ball, or accumulate moisture and/or particulate matter on their hands during a game as a result of falling on the ground, and may use a wiping area structure found on an article of clothing to wipe his or her hands over the raised surfaces of the wiping area structure to mechanically remove the moisture and/or particulate matter. As will be explained further below, the location of the wipe region structure is selected based on the location at which an athlete or wearer typically contacts their hands during an athletic activity. They are therefore designed to be an effective and convenient way for an individual to remove moisture and/or particulate matter from their hands.

The wiping area structures can be used with a variety of garments, including upper body garments and lower body garments, and can be strategically located in areas that are naturally used by the wearer for wiping moisture and/or particulate matter. In one aspect, an exemplary final garment construction may include a lower body garment. For example, the lower body garment may include a pair of shorts, such as basketball shorts. Basketball players, for example, due to their constant high cadence, tend to sweat from the palms of their hands and accumulate moisture on their hands. It is undesirable to wet or damp the hands while playing the game, as this can potentially reduce the performance of the player by making the player's palms slippery and unable to grip the ball well (e.g., as the ball is passed to them). Typically, athletes will attempt to dry their hands by wiping their palms of their hands over their shorts or sweaters. However, often, an athlete's shorts or sweaters are not very effective at removing perspiration or moisture from the athlete's palm, because these garments typically have a smooth and slippery surface. Furthermore, after one or two wiping motions, and as physical exertion increases over time, these garments may themselves become saturated with perspiration or other liquids, making them ineffective for use in removing perspiration from the athlete's palm.

In addition, the hands of basketball players may frequently contact the ball and the floor, which may result in particulate matter accumulating on the player's hands. This accumulation of particulate matter can result in difficulty in maintaining a strong grip on the basketball and reduce the accuracy or success of the player in the game. Shorts or sweaters may not be able to effectively remove such particulate matter because they typically include a substantially flat surface without a raised surface to create friction to remove particulate matter or moisture. Basketball pants are just one example of a final garment configuration contemplated herein. Other exemplary garment configurations include, for example, garments for tennis players, soccer players, softball or baseball players, and the like.

In some aspects, the wipe region configuration is located on a pair of shorts and may be positioned on an outward facing surface of the front panel of the first and second leg portions of the shorts or may be positioned on an outward facing surface of the back panel of the torso portion of the shorts and/or on an outward facing surface of the back panel of the first and second leg portions of the shorts. In other aspects, the wiping area structure may be located on upper body apparel, such as a t-shirt or jersey. The wiping area structure may be a portion of an outward facing surface of the bottom portion proximate the front and sides of the sleeves of the upper body garment. These locations take advantage of the wearer's propensity to remove moisture and/or particulate matter by sliding their forearms over their face and neck areas. Likewise, the wipe region structure may be located on an outward facing surface of a bottom portion of the garment (e.g., near a bottom hem) near a front torso portion of the upper garment. This position takes advantage of the wearer's tendency to lift the bottom of their shirt and pull the shirt across the wearer's face and neck.

Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure include a garment including a first region on an outward-facing surface of the garment and a second region adjacent the first region. The first and second zones may comprise the same textile material. The second zone further comprises an elastomeric polymer deposited (disposed) in a repeating arrangement or pattern at one or more predetermined locations and allowing the formation of a wiping zone structure. For example, in a lower body garment such as a pair of athletic shorts, the elastic polymer may be deposited onto the front face of the lower body garment on the outward facing surfaces of the first and second leg portions of the shorts as well as on the torso portion (as shown in fig. 1). In an exemplary aspect, the raised structures may be formed by applying at least one layer of an elastic polymer to at least a portion of the garment in a repeating arrangement. In one exemplary aspect, the repeating arrangement includes a plurality of separate and distinct elastic polymer strands, each elastic polymer strand being separated from an adjacent elastic polymer strand by an intervening space (intervening space). Because the raised structures formed from the deposited elastomeric polymer help to further increase the surface area and/or help to increase the coefficient of friction of the wiping area structure as compared to other portions of the garment, the raised structures can increase the ability of the wiping area structure to transfer moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin of the wearer, and the raised structures can be arranged in any pattern to provide the desired removal effect while also being aesthetically appealing.

The elastomeric polymer deposited in a repeating arrangement may further comprise multiple layers, wherein a first layer has a width greater than a second layer of elastomeric polymer, and so on, and may be deposited on the garment by, for example, a multi-layer screen printing process. Each layer may be partially activated or cured (the terms "activated" and "cured" may be used interchangeably herein) before a new layer is added. The elastomeric polymer may be deposited on the article of apparel using, for example, screen printing (using, for example, a conventional screen or a high density screen), two-dimensional (2-D) printing, 3-D printing, manual application, or the like. Further, each elastic polymer strand applied may have a predetermined height of between 4-6 millimeters, allowing moisture and/or particulate matter to be readily transferred from the skin surface of the wearer to the wiping area structure when the skin surface of the wearer is in contact with the elastic polymer. The wearer can easily bend down or extend their arm down to the wiping area structure located in the second zone and rub the skin surface of their hand over the wiping area structure to allow moisture and/or particulate matter to transfer from the skin surface of the wearer to the wiping area structure. In addition, the location of the wiping area structure and the raised texture of the elastic polymer allow the wearer to remove moisture and/or particulate matter while maintaining motion. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "elastomeric polymer" may be defined as a polymer that is chemically bonded to achieve a final slightly crosslinked structure. Examples of elastomers that may be used include, but are not limited to, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, and silicone.

In another aspect, a lower torso garment includes a torso portion, a first leg portion extending from the torso portion, and a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the torso portion adapted to cover at least a lower torso region of a wearer when the lower torso garment is worn by the wearer. The torso portion, the first leg portion, and the second leg portion may define at least a waist opening, a first leg opening, and a second leg opening. Further, the lower body garment includes at least one wiping area structure including a repeating pattern of printed foam ink (foam ink) deposited at one or more predetermined locations on the lower body garment. The deposition of the foam ink in a repeating linear pattern similarly produces a raised surface that helps to transfer moisture and/or particulate matter from the wearer's skin surface to the wiping area structure upon contact with the wearer's skin. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "linear pattern" may be defined as the continuous application of the resilient polymer and/or the foam ink in the form of substantially straight lines having a minimum length of at least 5 cm. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the continuous application of the resilient polymer and/or foam ink may occur in any non-linear pattern (e.g., curvilinear) that is suitable for its intended purpose, while also being aesthetically appealing.

As used throughout this disclosure, the term "foam ink" or "printing foam ink" may be defined as a raised surface formed by incorporating a foaming additive into one or more ink formulations (water-based, silicon-based, polyurethane-based, rubber-based, acrylic-based, plastisol inks, etc.). The foaming additive/ink formulation may be applied or adhered to the article of apparel using, for example, screen printing (using, for example, a conventional screen or a high density screen), two-dimensional (2-D) printing, 3-D printing, manual application, or the like. When exposed to an activating agent such as heat, light, radio frequency waves, ultrasound, water, chemicals, etc., the foaming additive expands to form cells or microspheres in the base ink. The result is that the ink formulation "rises" or extends away from the surface plane of the article of apparel in all directions (e.g., in the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction) by a predetermined amount, which may depend on the particular foaming additive/ink formulation used and/or may depend on variables related to the activation process, such as time, temperature, strength, and the like.

Furthermore, it is contemplated herein that the term "foam ink" or "printing foam ink" may include a single layer foaming additive/ink formulation or a multi-layer foaming additive/ink formulation (2-layer, 3-layer, etc.). Each layer may be partially cured before adding a new layer. In exemplary aspects, the partial activation can help to at least partially cure the ink (e.g., cause the ink to assume a gel-like consistency) and initiate expansion of the foaming additive. The partial curing step may include exposing the ink/foam additive formulation to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. Different temperatures and/or different time periods may be used for each layer, or the same temperature and time period may be used for each layer. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope herein. Once all layers are applied, a final curing step may be performed to fully cure the ink and complete activation of the foaming additive. The final curing step may be performed at a different temperature and time period (e.g., a higher temperature and longer time period) than the partial curing step. In an exemplary aspect, the partial curing step and the final curing step may be accomplished using modes such as infrared light, ultrasonic waves, radio frequency waves, chemicals, water, ultraviolet light, and the like. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope herein.

Each layer may be applied in a different pattern or the same pattern as the previous layer. In addition, each layer will occupy less surface area than the previous layer, so that the top layer occupies the least surface area compared to the other layers. The formation of a multi-layer surface treatment comprising a foamed ink can produce a wiping area structure having a height of between 2.0-2.5 millimeters, which allows for efficient transfer of moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin surface of the wearer to the wiping area structure.

It is contemplated herein that each layer of foamed ink may comprise the same foaming additive/ink formulation, or different foaming additive/ink formulations may be used for one or more layers. It is also contemplated herein that one or more layers may not contain a foaming additive. For example, it is contemplated herein that each layer may have the same thickness, or one or more layers may have different thicknesses. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope herein.

Continuing, in exemplary aspects, the ink formulation of the top layer of applied foamed ink may be selected to have a soft touch because this layer will be in contact with the wearer's skin when the wearer uses the wiping area structure to wipe away moisture and/or particulate matter. For example, silicon-based ink formulations may be selected because these formulations generally have a soft touch and exhibit a degree of elasticity that allows them to stretch without breaking or breaking. Those ink formulations which are considered hypoallergenic may also be selected to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation. In addition, different finishes may be applied to the top layer to further increase the soft feel and/or comfort when the wearer's skin contacts the wipe region structure containing the foamed ink.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure include a method of making a lower body garment including a wipe region structure. The method may include providing a lower body garment including a torso portion, a first leg portion extending from the torso portion, a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the torso portion defining at least a waist opening, the first leg portion and the second leg portion defining a first leg opening and a second leg opening, respectively. Next, at least one layer of surface treatment is applied in a repeating pattern to at least a portion of the outwardly facing surfaces of the front, side or back faces of the first and second leg portions to form a wiping area structure. The surface treatment applied may be an elastomeric polymer or a foam ink or some combination thereof. In addition, the surface treatment applied to the lower body garment to create the wiping area structure can be applied by a process that creates at least one raised surface for wiping away moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin surface of the wearer. In some aspects, after the surface treatment is applied to form a wipe region structure on the lower body garment, the surface treatment may also undergo a curing process. The curing process may be completed after each layer of surface treatment is applied or after all of the layer of surface treatment is applied.

Turning now to the drawings, fig. 1 depicts a front view of an exemplary lower body garment 100 including wipe region structures 120 and 134, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The exemplary garment in fig. 1 is a lower body garment 100, the lower body garment 100 including a torso portion 102, a first leg portion 104, a second leg portion 106, a waist opening 108, a first leg opening 110, a second leg opening 112, and a waistband 126. When the lower body garment 100 is worn, the first leg portion 104 can be adapted to cover at least a portion of the right leg of the wearer, while the second leg portion 106 can be adapted to cover at least a portion of the left leg of the wearer. In addition, the lower body garment 100 includes an outward facing surface 114 and an inward facing surface (not shown) opposite the outward facing surface 114. The outwardly facing surface 114 includes at least a first region 118 and a second region 119, the second region 119 including wiping region structures 120 and 134 adjacent the first region 118. Further, in an exemplary aspect, each line 146, 148, 150, 152, and 154 of surface treatment deposited onto the lower body garment 100 to form the wipe region structures 120 and 134 is separated by intervening spaces 156, 158, 160, and 162 where no surface treatment is deposited. The lower body garment 100 also includes a front panel 128, a back panel 130, and two side panels 132 and 132' positioned laterally on the lower body garment 100. Further, it is contemplated herein that an imaginary vertical midline reference plane 116 may be used to divide the lower body garment 100 into approximately equal halves.

The lower body garment 100 may include at least a front panel and a back panel joined together at one or more seam lines, or the lower body garment 100 may be a seamless structure formed, for example, by a flat-stitch knitting process, a weft knitting process, or a knitting process. Alternatively, an aspect of the lower body garment 100 that includes panels may be constructed of three, four, five, etc. numbers of panels having three, four, five, etc. numbers of seam lines. Although the lower body garment 100 shown in fig. 1 is depicted as a pair of knee-long shorts, it is contemplated herein that the lower body garment 100 may be in the form of: shorter shorts, trousers, three-quarters pants, kapri pants, mini-skirts, long skirts with flush knees, longuette, skirts of different lengths, etc. Further, in various aspects, the lower body garment 100 can include an optional pocket, wherein the pocket opening is adjacent to an upper portion of the side faces 132 and 132', although it is contemplated herein that the pocket can be located in other portions of the lower body garment 100. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the aspects herein.

Focusing on the lower body garment 100 in fig. 1, the lower body garment 100 includes wiping region structures 120 and 134 strategically positioned for wiping moisture and/or other particulate matter from the wearer's skin upon contact therewith. The wipe region structures 120 and 134 are located in the second region 119 on the front face 128 of the torso portion 102, adjacent the first region 118, and adjacent at least a portion of both the first leg portion 104 and the second leg portion 106 on the outward facing surface 114. As depicted in fig. 1, the wipe region structures 120 and 134 are formed by depositing a surface treatment on the front face 128 of the lower body garment 100 in a repeating arrangement or pattern 124 at one or more predetermined locations on either side of the vertical midline reference plane 116, wherein the wipe region structures 120 and 134 may be substantially mirror images of each other relative to the vertical midline reference plane 116. The wiping area structures 120 and 134 formed in this manner provide a mechanism for efficient transfer of moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin surface of the wearer to the wiping area structures 120 and 134 upon contact with the wearer's skin. However, it is contemplated that the application of the wiping area structures 120 and 134 can also vary relative to the vertical midline reference plane 116 such that the first leg portion 104 has a different repeating pattern 124 than the second leg portion 106. Further, the wipe region structures 120 and 134 on the outward facing surfaces 114 of the torso portion 102, first leg portion 104, and second leg portion 106 may be located individually on the front face 128, the side faces 132 and 132', the back face 130 of the lower body garment 100, or any combination or variation thereof.

With this orientation, the wiping zone structures 120 and 134, respectively, are easily accessible to the wearer for rapid wiping of his/her palm by a generally downward or lateral motion to wipe away moisture and/or particulate matter. Being able to quickly remove moisture and/or particulate matter from the hands can be particularly useful in frequently used hand sports such as basketball, baseball or tennis, because the player can better control the ball, bat or racquet (depending on the sport or location being played) by reducing the smoothness of sweating or wet hands. The shape, angle, height, width, and overall size of the wipe region structures 120 and 134, as well as their positioning on the lower body garment 100, are configured to assist the wearer in easily removing moisture and/or particulate matter while wearing the lower body garment 100. It is also contemplated that the wiping area structures 120 and 134 can have alternative locations that will also provide an easy to take way of quickly removing moisture and/or particulate matter from the hands of the wearer. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the scope herein.

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of an example lower body garment 200, in accordance with aspects herein. In fig. 2, the exemplary lower body garment 200 is again depicted as shorts. The wiping area structure 202 is applied in a repeating pattern 212 in diagonal (diagonals) on the first leg portion 216. As depicted, the wipe region structure 202 extends at least along the side faces 210 of the torso portion 214 of the garment 200. However, it is contemplated that the wiping zone structure 202 can extend in a diagonal fashion in varying configurations and include any and all aspects contemplated herein. Further, the wipe region structure 202 may extend from a front, outward-facing surface 208 of the lower body garment 200 to side faces 210 of the lower body garment 200. In some aspects, the lower body garment 200 may additionally include a pocket, wherein the wipe region structure 202 may be configured to extend to an opening of the pocket. Further, while fig. 2 illustrates the side faces 210 of the example lower body garment 200 and depicts one set of wipe region structures 202, it is contemplated that the second leg portion of the garment 200 may contain a second set of wipe region structures (not depicted) that mirror the wipe region structures 202.

Fig. 3 depicts a rear view of an exemplary lower body garment 300. The wipe region structures 302 and 304 may include a single wipe region structure 306, the single wipe region structure 306 being configured to extend across a back side 308 of the lower body garment 300 as shown at an area adapted to cover a lower back torso area of a wearer when the lower body garment 300 is worn. In exemplary aspects, the upper edges of the wiping zone structures 302, 304, and 306 can be near the waistband 312 at the bottom edge 314, or can be a uniform distance 316 from the waistband bottom edge 314, such that the upper edges of the wiping zone structures 302, 304, and 306 are parallel to the waistband bottom edge 314. The wiping area structures 302, 304, and 306 may comprise a uniform width as shown in fig. 3 as a whole, or the width of each wiping area structure may vary. Further, the wiping area structure may or may not comprise a uniform length. In fig. 3, the wipe region structures 330, 332, and 334 have the same length and extend across the width of the back side 308 of the lower body garment 300, while the wipe region structures 336 and 338 extend across only a portion of the back side 308 of the lower body garment 300. In other aspects, however, the wipe region configurations may all have the same uniform length as shown in FIG. 1. While fig. 3 depicts the wipe region structures 302, 304, and 306 on the posterior side 308 of the lower body garment 300, it is contemplated that, in various aspects, the wipe region structures 302, 304, and 306 may extend to the lateral and anterior sides of the lower body garment 300. For example, in addition to the wipe region configuration depicted on the posterior side 308 of the lower body garment 300 in fig. 3, the lower body garment 300 may further include a wipe region structure configured as depicted in fig. 1 on the anterior side of the lower body garment 300. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated herein.

In fig. 3, wipe region structures 302, 304, and 306 comprising a surface treatment have been deposited in a repeating pattern 320 on the back side 308 of the lower body garment 300. As shown in fig. 3, the repeating pattern 320 located in the second region 322 is positioned on both sides of the imaginary vertical midline reference plane 310. The wiping zone structures 302, 304, and 306 are depicted as being located on an upper portion 326 (including the upper portion 326 and the leg portion 324/326) of an outward-facing surface 328 of the lower body garment 300, terminating in an area proximate the waist band 312 (i.e., in the range of 2cm to 20cm from the waist band 312). The wiping zone structures 302, 304, and 306 include lines of surface treatment 330, 332, 334, 336, and 338 separated from each adjacent line of surface treatment by intervening spaces 340, 342, 344, and 348. As depicted, no surface treatment is applied at intervening spaces 340, 342, 344, and 348. Again, in an exemplary aspect, the first region 324 may remain free of any wiping region structure. It is contemplated that a wearer may reach behind their torso while active and mechanically remove moisture and/or particulate matter from their hands by mechanically wiping their hands over wiping area structures 302, 304, and 306 such that moisture and/or particulate matter is transferred from the skin surface of the wearer to wiping area structures 302, 304, and 306.

Although fig. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary lower body garment having a wiping area configuration, it is contemplated that the upper body garment may include a similar wiping area for wiping away moisture and/or particulate matter. As discussed with reference to fig. 4, aspects of the present disclosure include upper body garments having one or more wiping region structures.

As previously mentioned, during athletic activities, an individual often finds it necessary and desirable to remove moisture and/or particulate matter, particularly from his or her face. By way of background, when a person exercises their body, they are likely to sweat from their head. As physical exertion continues and/or becomes more intense, perspiration from the head may increase and begin to drip from the forehead onto the face, including into the eyes. In addition, individuals may come into contact with different surfaces during physical activity, and their skin surfaces may accumulate different particulate matter in addition to moisture. This may cause discomfort. Often, people participating in activities that require physical strength will carry a towel with them. However, having to carry a towel around is often cumbersome and once the towel is saturated, the towel may not be able to serve its intended purpose. If a towel is not available, the person may lift the forearm portions of the sleeves of his or her upper body garment and move their arms up towards the person's face and use the forearm portions of the sleeves to wipe away moisture and/or particulate matter from his or her face.

With this motion in mind, fig. 4 depicts an exemplary upper body garment 400 having at least a right forearm portion 410 and a left forearm portion 412. Although garment 400 in fig. 4 is depicted as a long-sleeved round-neck shirt (long-sleeved shirt), it is contemplated herein that upper body garment 400 may be in the form of: a long-sleeved V-neck t-shirt, a short-sleeved round-neck t-shirt, a short-sleeved V-neck t-shirt, a short-sleeved or long-sleeved cap shirt, a short-sleeved or long-sleeved sports shirt (sweater), a thin jacket, a middle jacket or a thick jacket, and the like. The upper body garment 400 includes a first region 402, where the wiping region structure is not disposed in the first region 402. In an exemplary aspect, as shown, the first region 402 may comprise a majority of the upper body garment 400. The upper body garment 400 may have a wiping area structure 404 on the right forearm 410 and a wiping area structure 406 on the left forearm 412. The wipe region structures 404 and 406 include a repeating pattern 440 of surface treatment that has been deposited on the outwardly facing surface 414 of the front face 416 of the upper body garment 400. When the upper body garment 400 is worn, the wipe region structures 404 and 406 may extend over at least lateral portions 418 and 420 of the right and left front arms 410 and 412, respectively, of the wearer. With the natural tendency to wipe moisture and/or particulate matter from the forehead using the arms, the wipe zone structures 404 and 406 may be used to remove moisture and/or particulate matter from the forehead of the wearer, respectively. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the wiping zone structures 404 and 406 may continue to the lateral side of the forearm portion 410/412 of the upper body garment 400.

It is contemplated that the wearer may lift right forearm 410, left forearm 412, or both, and mechanically wipe away moisture and/or particulate matter that collects on various parts of their body, including but not limited to their hands, face, neck, and head areas. The raised surfaces of the wiping area structures 404 and 406 on the right and left forearms 410 and 412, including the surface treatment, allow moisture and/or particulate matter to transfer from the skin surface of the wearer to the wiping area. Although the wiping area structures 404 and 406 on the upper body garment 400 are depicted as a repeating linear pattern 440, any variation of a repeating pattern (e.g., circular, triangular, square, organic, etc.) is contemplated as within the scope herein. Additionally, the size and shape of the wiping area structures 404 and 406 can vary depending on the functional and aesthetic appeal desired for a particular garment. Further, while each arm portion in the exemplary upper body garment 400 includes a wiping area structure 404/406, it is contemplated that in some aspects only one arm portion (e.g., right forearm portion 410) may include a wiping area structure 404. Again, the multiple separate and distinct lines, such as lines 424, 426, and 428, that make up the repeating pattern 440 forming the wiping area structures 404 and 406 are separated from each other by intervening spaces 430, 432, and 434. Positioning the wiping zone structures 404 and 406 on the outward facing surfaces 414 of the right and left forearms 410 and 412 takes advantage of the wearer's natural tendency to bring their forearms toward their face or head to wipe moisture and/or particulate matter from the wearer's head or face.

Fig. 5-7 depict close-up views of exemplary surface treatment pattern configurations according to aspects herein. Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary wipe region configuration depicted in the exemplary lower body garment 100 of fig. 1. A horizontally oriented pattern 124 of surface treatment has been deposited to form the wiping area structures 120 and 134 of fig. 1. In this close-up view, the plurality of separate and distinct lines 146, 148, and 150 comprise a repeating horizontal pattern 124 of wiping area structures 120 and 134. Each line 146, 148, and 150 is separated from adjacent lines by intervening spaces 156 and 158.

Fig. 6 depicts an alternative exemplary wipe region structure configuration for the wipe region structure 202 depicted in the exemplary lower body garment 200 of fig. 2. In this regard, a plurality of lines 220, 222, and 224 have been deposited so as to have a twill orientation relative to, for example, the bottom edge of the garment 200. Intervening spaces 226 and 228 are also shown without a wiping area structure.

Fig. 7 further illustrates yet another alternative arrangement of a wiping area structure 614 in accordance with aspects herein. The wipe region structure 614 includes an interaction pattern 606. In this aspect, the interaction pattern 606 includes a collection of wiping area structures 608 and 610 arranged in rows, each adjacent row partially overlapping the others. In addition, each line 608 and 610 including the wiping area structure 614 remains separated by an intervening space 612. In fig. 5-7, different configurations of the pattern of wiping area structures can be designed based on the desired garment type or activity. Further, in each aspect, the wiping area structure is designed to provide for convenient mechanical removal of moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin of the wearer to the wiping area structure.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary line 144 of the wiping area structure 120 of FIG. 5 at cut line 8-8. The surface treatment 122 applied to create the wiping area structure 120 can be applied by a multi-layer screen printing process to create at least one raised surface 162 for wiping moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin surface of the wearer. Although described as being applied by a multi-layer screen printing process, it is contemplated herein that the wiping area structure 120 can be produced by a single layer application process. In addition, each line 144 including the surface treatment 122 applied to the garment 100 (which results in the wiping area structure 120) can have a predetermined height 164. Each line may have a predetermined height 164 of between 4.0-6.0 millimeters, 3.5-7.5 millimeters, or 4.0-6.0 millimeters. The height 164 is such that it allows the wiping area structure to function without causing an annoying, unappealing appearance or discomfort to the wearer. Further, each line 144 may have a predetermined width of between 0.5-3.0 millimeters, 1.0-2.5 millimeters, or 1.5-3.5 millimeters. The height and width of each applied line of surface treatment used to form the wiping area structure may vary depending on the type of surface treatment used and the article of apparel.

Depending on the garment, the wiping area structure can have a shape and size that is both suitable for its intended purpose and at the same time aesthetically appealing. Returning to fig. 1 and 2, for example, the wipe region configurations 120, 134, and 202 of garments 100 and 200 each include a linear rectangular repeating shape. However, it is contemplated that the wiping area structure may take on different shapes. Similarly, it is contemplated that additional configurations may be used while still being easily accessible, for example, by a wearer's hand.

Fig. 9A depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary wiping area structure 700. In fig. 9A, a wiping area structure 700 is comprised of several repeated lines of surface treatment 702, the lines of surface treatment 702 having been deposited in multiple layers 704, 706, and 708 to form the wiping area structure 700 for wiping moisture and/or particulate matter from a skin surface of a wearer. Fig. 9A depicts a configuration of a wiping area structure 700 in which the edges of the wiping area structure 700 are squared, forming an angle of approximately 90 degrees at the edge 710. The squared-off edge 710 of the wiping area structure 700 can be configured such that when an individual moves their hand across the wiping area structure 700, the edge 710 is able to smoothly mechanically remove moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin surface of the wearer without irritating the skin or causing any discomfort to the individual.

Fig. 9B depicts a cross-sectional view of another geometry of an exemplary wiping area structure, where the wiping area structure 800 can include multiple layers of surface treatments 802, 808, and 810 that have been applied to a garment 806 by, for example, the screen printing process of fig. 9A. However, the edges of the wiping area structure 800 have been rounded to produce smoothly rounded edges 804.

Fig. 9C depicts yet another cross-sectional view of another geometry of the wiping area structure 900. In fig. 9C, the wiping area structure 900 includes surface treatment layers 906, 908, and 910 that have been applied to a garment 904 to form vertices 902. As noted above, the line of surface treatment applied to form the wiping area structure can vary in height, width, and geometry based on the type of garment desired. Different geometries may provide different advantages to individuals using the wipe region configuration based on the type of activity in which the individual may be engaged. For example, a person playing basketball or beach volleyball may find that more particulate matter accumulates on their hands than a person playing tennis. Thus, a wiping zone structure that includes a surface treatment pattern whose edges are triangular or squared off as shown in fig. 9A and 9C may be more advantageous for basketball or beach volleyball players so that they may quickly and efficiently wipe more moisture and/or particulate matter from their skin surfaces than the smooth rounded edges shown in fig. 9B.

Fig. 10 depicts the use of a wipe region configuration located on the back side 1010 of an exemplary lower body garment 1004. In fig. 10, an athlete 1000 may be seen using wiping zone structures 1002, 1006, and 1008 on a rear face 1010 on an outward-facing surface of an exemplary lower body garment 1004. In this regard, the athlete 1000 mechanically wipes his hand 1012 over the wiping zone structures 1002, 1006, and 1008 to remove moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin surface.

Fig. 11 depicts the use of a wipe region configuration on the front face 1108 of an exemplary lower body garment 1100. In this regard, the wipe region structures 1104 and 1106 are located on a front face 1108 of the lower body garment 1100. The athlete 1110 can be seen mechanically wiping his hand 1102 over the wipe zone structures 1104 and 1106 to remove moisture and/or particulate matter. The wiping area structures 1002, 1006, 1008, 1104, and 1106 depicted in fig. 10-11 illustrate the use of the wiping area structures during athletic activities. By forming such a wiping area structure on an exemplary garment, athletes do not have to stop their activities or carry additional items, such as towels, to remove moisture and/or particulate matter from their skin surfaces. This saves time and facilitates use by the athlete during the game. In these examples, the wipe region structures 1002, 1006, 1008, 1104, and 1106 are depicted on a back side 1010 of the example lower body garment 1004 and a front side 1108 of the example lower body garment 1100. However, it is contemplated that in other aspects there may be a wiping area configuration located on the side of the lower body garment or in some combination of the front, side, and rear faces. Any and all aspects, as well as any variations in the location of the wiping area structure, are contemplated within the scope herein.

Finally, fig. 12 depicts an exemplary method 1200 for making a wipe region structure on a lower body garment, such as the exemplary wipe region structures 120 and 134 of the lower body garment 100 shown in fig. 1. For example, the wipe region structures 120 and 134 may be made by providing a lower body garment (at block 1202). The lower body garment may include a torso portion, a first leg portion extending from the torso portion, a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the torso portion defining at least a waist opening, and the first and second leg portions defining first and second leg openings.

Next, at block 1204, at least one layer of surface treatment is applied to at least a portion of the lower body garment in a repeating pattern. The at least one layer of surface treatment may be applied to a portion of the front face of the torso portion, a portion of the front face of the first leg portion, a portion of the front face of the second leg portion, a portion of the back face of the torso portion, a portion of the back face of the first leg portion, a portion of the back face of the second leg portion, or any combination thereof. At block 1206, at least one layer of surface treatment is applied to the locations to form one or more wiping area structures on the lower body garment for mechanically removing moisture and/or particulate matter from the skin surface of the wearer.

In exemplary aspects, the wipe region structure may be formed on only the front face of the lower body garment, only the back face of the lower body garment, only the side faces of the lower body garment, or in some combination of both the front and back faces of the lower body garment. As noted above, the surface treatment applied to form the wiping area structure may include an elastomeric polymer, a foam ink, or some combination thereof. Any and all aspects, as well as any variations in the composition of the surface treatment, are contemplated to be within the scope herein. Further, the surface treatment may be applied by a single or multiple layer application process in order to create at least one wiping area structure. Finally, in an exemplary aspect, block 1204 may include an optional step of curing each layer of surface treatment after it is applied to the lower body garment.

Aspects of the present invention have been described for illustrative, but not limiting, purposes. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from the scope of the invention. Alternative means of accomplishing the foregoing improvements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be performed in the particular order described.

Claims

1. A lower body garment, comprising: a torso portion, a first leg portion extending from the torso portion, and a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, wherein the torso portion defines at least a waist opening, and further wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion define a first leg opening and a second leg opening, respectively; an inwardly facing surface; and an outwardly facing surface opposite the inwardly facing surface, wherein: an imaginary vertical midline reference plane divides the lower body garment into substantially equal halves, the outward-facing surface comprising at least a first pattern of an elastic polymer deposited on the outward-facing surface on a first side of the imaginary vertical midline reference plane and a second pattern of an elastic polymer deposited on the outward-facing surface on a second side of the imaginary vertical midline reference plane, wherein the first side is opposite the second side relative to the imaginary midline reference plane.

2. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the lower body garment includes at least an anterior side, a posterior side, and two lateral sides positioned laterally on the lower body garment.

3. The lower body garment of claim 2, wherein the elastic polymer is deposited on the lower body garment in a location corresponding to at least the two side faces of the lower body garment.

4. The lower body garment of claim 2, wherein the elastic polymer is deposited on the lower body garment in a location corresponding to the rear face of the lower body garment.

5. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the deposited elastic polymer includes at least a first layer of silicone polymer and a second layer of silicone polymer deposited on the first layer of silicone polymer, wherein the first layer of silicone polymer has a width greater than a width of the second layer of silicone polymer.

6. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the elastic polymer has a height of between 4 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

7. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern comprise a plurality of separate and distinct elastic polymer strands, each elastic polymer strand being separated from an adjacent elastic polymer strand by an intervening space.

8. The lower body garment of claim 7, wherein the elastic polymer is not deposited in the intervening space.

9. A lower body garment, comprising: a torso portion adapted to cover at least a lower torso region of a wearer when the wearer is wearing the lower body garment; a first leg portion extending from the torso portion; a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the torso portion defining at least a waist opening, the first and second leg portions defining first and second leg openings, respectively; and at least one wiping area comprising a repeating linear pattern of foamed ink deposited at one or more predetermined locations on the lower body garment.

10. The lower body garment of claim 9, wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion each include at least a front and a back, and wherein the wiping region extends over a portion of the front of the first leg portion and a portion of the front of the second leg portion.

11. The lower body garment of claim 10, wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion comprise pockets adjacent to lateral seam lines joining the anterior face and the posterior face, the at least one wipe region configured to extend to openings of the pockets.

12. The lower body garment of claim 10, wherein the at least one wiping region further extends over a portion of the rear of the second leg portion and the first leg portion.

13. The lower body garment of claim 9, wherein the at least one wipe region extends to an area proximate the waist opening of the lower body garment.

14. The lower body garment of claim 9, wherein the foamed ink has a height of between 2 millimeters and 2.5 millimeters.

15. The lower body garment of claim 9, wherein the linear pattern includes a plurality of separate and distinct lines of foamed ink, each line of foamed ink separated from an adjacent line of foamed ink by an intervening space.

16. The lower body garment of claim 9, wherein one or more additional portions of the lower body garment do not have a foam ink deposited thereon.

17. A method of making a wipe region on a lower body garment, the method comprising: providing the lower body garment, the lower body garment including a torso portion, a first leg portion extending from the torso portion, a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the torso portion defining at least a waist opening, the first and second leg portions defining first and second leg openings, respectively; and applying at least one layer of surface treatment in a repeating pattern to at least one of a portion of the front of the first leg portion, a portion of the front of the second leg portion, a portion of the back of the first leg portion, and a portion of the back of the second leg portion to form one or more wiping regions.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the surface treatment comprises an elastomeric polymer.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the surface treatment comprises a foam ink.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the surface treatment is applied by a multi-layer screen printing process.