Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
  • A41D27/12—Shields or protectors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
  • A41D27/08—Trimmings; Ornaments
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D1/00—Garments
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41H—APPLIANCES OR METHODS FOR MAKING CLOTHES, e.g. FOR DRESS-MAKING OR FOR TAILORING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A41H27/00—Mending garments by adhesives or adhesive patches
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D2400/00—Functions or special features of garments
  • A41D2400/38—Shaping the contour of the body or adjusting the figure

Definitions

• Clothing, safety attire and other articles that are worn are susceptible to wear and tear from regular use. Further, different clothing materials wear faster or more easily than others, and certain areas of clothing are more prone to wear. For example, clothing worn about a wearer's knees, elbows, buttocks, crotch, wrists (cuffs), and shoulders often wear out, fail, rip, or otherwise deteriorate faster than other areas along the article of clothing. Moreover, clothing worn during the course of performing physical labor, participating in a sporting or outdoor activity, repeated work repeated work related activities, and/or the like, oftentimes wear faster in the above referenced or other areas where clothing is in regular contact with a surface.
• the present invention discloses a protective or supportive device for a clothing article, such as a coating or heat transfer label, that reduces the degradation of the clothing article in those areas that are typically prone to excessive wear.
• the present invention also discloses a method of applying the protective or supportive device to an article of clothing, as well as to other articles that would benefit from anti-abrasion or excessive wear reduction characteristics.
• the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein in one aspect thereof, comprises a protective or supportive device, substance, or coating, such as a heat transfer label or other polymeric material, for providing support to enhance the durability of those portions of an article of clothing that are prone to wear or premature degradation, without detracting from the aesthetical appearance of the article.
• the present invention also discloses a method of applying the protective or supportive device to the article of clothing, or any other article that may benefit from increased support, anti-abrasion, or excessive wear reduction characteristics.
• a method and system for creating one or more articles of clothing with enhanced durability and/or support is provided.
• the protective or supportive device can be applied to portions of an article of clothing to provide increased support, anti-abrasion, or enhanced wear capabilities along those specific portions of the article that are the most prone to wear and tear.
• the protective or supportive device could be provided in areas such as the knee areas of pants or elbow areas of shirts.
• the protective or supportive device applied to these areas can provide properties to the article of clothing that reduce or prevent wear and tear, for example, by forming a protective or supportive barrier outside of the fabric of the clothing or infusing the same into the clothing fabric.
• the clothing with the protective or supportive device may have enhanced durability and a longer useful life, both of which are desirable.
• the protective or supportive device comprises a bonding or barrier component.
• the barrier component may be bondable to a substrate or fabric, such as an article of clothing, to enhance the durability of the substrate where bonded to the barrier component. More specifically, the barrier component may either bond to the surface of the substrate, or it may integrate or infuse into the substrate to form a supportive or protective barrier.
• the protective or supportive device may comprise both a bonding or barrier component and a transfer component.
• the bonding component is bondable to a substrate, such as clothing fabric, to enhance the durability of the substrate and reduce or slow its degradation when subjected to repeated wear and tear and/or abrasive materials.
• the transfer component may be removably attached to the barrier component to protect the same until the barrier component is ready to be attached or infused into the substrate or fabric.
• a method of applying the protective or supportive device of the present invention to a substrate is disclosed. More specifically, and by way of example, the backing of the transfer component may be removed from the protective or supportive device to expose the bonding or barrier component. The barrier component may then be positioned adjacent to the area of the substrate, such as the fabric of an article of clothing, where reinforcement, support, and/or enhanced durability is desired. Finally, heat and/or pressure may then be applied to the barrier component to attach or integrate the barrier component with the substrate, such as the fabric or an article of clothing. More specifically, the barrier component may attach itself to the exterior of the fabric, or infuse itself into said fabric to create a bond therewith.
• a protective or supportive device provides an article of clothing with one or more contour areas to accentuate aspects of a figure or to add additional shape and support for a wearer. For example, when the protective or supportive device is applied to the rear or buttocks portion of pants, the protective or supportive device may provide support, such as increased lift or shaping, to the wearer's buttocks.
• the protective or supportive device can provide increased support to certain portions of an article of clothing to help alleviate physical or other handicaps from which a wearer may suffer.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a plurality of protective or supportive devices attached to an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants, in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a plurality of protective or supportive devices attached to a second article of clothing, namely, a shirt, in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• FIG. 3 illustrates placement of a plurality of protective or supportive devices shown on an exemplary diagram of a sew pattern for an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants.
• FIG. 4 illustrates placement of a plurality of protective or supportive devices shown on an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants, on an exemplary set of front leg and back leg portions thereof.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a plurality of protective or supportive devices attached to an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a back view of a plurality of protective or supportive devices attached to an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants.
• FIG. 7 illustrates placement of a plurality of protective or supportive devices according to an alternate embodiment shown on an exemplary diagram of a sew pattern for an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants.
• FIG. 8 illustrates placement of a plurality of protective or supportive devices shown on an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants, on an exemplary set of front leg and back leg portions thereof.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a plurality of protective or supportive devices attached to an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a back view of a plurality of protective or supportive devices attached to an article of clothing, namely, a pair of pants.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a protective device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a protective device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• FIG. 14 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of the method of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• the present invention discloses a protective device for enhancing or improving the durability of, or providing additional support to, a substrate, such as an article of clothing with areas thereof that are prone to premature degradation from excessive wear.
• a protective or supportive devices for use with articles of clothing and methods for forming articles of clothing with protective or supportive devices may be shown and described. While the present specification relates to articles or clothing, the present specification is not limited to such. Stated differently, the protective or supportive devices of the present invention and their related methods may be used with any substrate where material fatigue or increased wear is likely. Further, the articles of clothing may include one or more protective or supportive devices, such as a heat transfer, that are applied to desired areas of the clothing, and which can provide enhanced durability and life to the article of clothing.
• the protective or supportive devices of the present invention may act as a reinforcing element, a barrier, or an anti-abrasion agent that covers the applied areas, or may be infused into the fabric of the clothing to decrease wear and otherwise extend the useful life of high wear portions of the fabric without detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the article.
• the protective or supportive devices can be utilized on a variety of substrates or materials, including fabrics, for a variety of articles, such as clothing, as well as other fabric items which incur excessive wear.
• the protective or supportive devices described herein could be utilized on canvas bags, backpacks, computer cases, garment bags, suitcases, shoes, gloves, personal protective equipment, apparel accessories, and the like.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a plurality of protective devices 102 attached to an article 100 in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• Article 100 can be an article of clothing as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a pair of pants.
• any other article, type of garment or accessory such as canvas bags, backpacks, computer cases, garment bags, suitcase, shirts, blouses, socks, underwear, outerwear, shoes, gloves, personal protective equipment, apparel accessories, and the like.
• the pair of pants 100 depicted in FIG. 1 may be any type of pants, for example, denim jeans, cargo pants, business slacks, personal protective equipment, dress slacks, shorts, capris, leggings, etc.
• the pants 100 may be formed and shaped in traditional or known manners.
• One or more protective or supportive devices 102, 104 may be applied to an exterior or interior portion of article 100 depending on user preference or need.
• FIG. 1 depicts a plurality of protective or supportive devices 102 applied on the exterior portion 103 of pants 100.
• a plurality of protective or supportive devices 104 may be applied on the interior or sides portion of pants 100 in particular areas. More specifically, a plurality of protective or supportive devices 102, 104 may be applied to certain areas or zones of the garment, such as, but not limited to, pants 100 known for incurring high amounts of wear or that are prone to premature failure or degradation.
• the plurality of protective or supportive devices 102, 104 can be applied to the knee areas, the thigh/crotch areas, and the cuff areas of pants 100.
• the plurality of protective or supportive devices 102 are shown on exterior portion 103 of the pants 100, it may be appreciated that protective or supportive devices 102 may also be applied on the interior portions 105 of pants 100 as well or in the alternative.
• heat transfer 104 is shown on the interior of rear or buttocks portion of pants 100.
• the protective or supportive devices 102, 104 When one or more protective or supportive devices 102, 104 are applied to an article, including an article of clothing or other fabric article, the protective or supportive devices 102, 104 may form a barrier on the surface of the fabric on which it is placed (e.g., exterior or interior surface). This barrier may act similarly to a traditional sewn-on patch, but may also be more integrally formed with the fabric and provide enhanced durability, improved appearance, and generally reduce wear.
• knee areas of pants 100 are commonly known to wear out due to the general walking motion of wearers, kneeling on the ground or other various surfaces when performing activities, or otherwise rubbing or bumping against exterior objects.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the plurality of protective or supportive devices 202 attached to a second article of clothing 202, namely, a shirt, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, one or more protective devices 202 of the present invention may be applied to a surface (e.g., exterior surface or interior surface) of shirt 200. For example, FIG. 2 depicts a plurality of protective or supportive devices 202 applied on the exterior portion 203 of shirt 200. The plurality of protective of supportive devices 202 may be applied to those areas of the shirt 200 known for incurring high amounts of wear or that are prone to premature failure.
• the plurality of protective or supportive devices 202 can be applied to the elbow areas, arm pit areas (not shown), collar areas (not shown), and/or upper chest areas of the shirt 200.
• the plurality of protective or supportive devices 202 are only shown on the exterior portion 203 of the shirt 200 in FIG. 2, it may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the protective devices 202 may also be deployed on the interior portion 204 of shirt 200, either alone or in combination with those applied to the exterior surfaces 203.
• protective or supportive devices may be applied to articles in the marketplace for purposes other than protection of the fabric, or for purposes in addition to protection of the fabric, such as may be desired.
• one or more protective or supportive devices are added to an article, such as an article of clothing, in order to strategically shape or contour the fabric.
• one or more protective or supportive devices may be used to stiffen the article. By providing increased stiffness to an article, a protective or supportive device can prevent the article from being extended or deformed into a particular shape. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more protective or supportive devices may ensure that the article, such as an article of clothing, has a particular shape, aesthetic, or visual effect when worn. [0038] In other embodiments, one or more protective or supportive devices may also, or alternatively, be used in a prosthetic manner. For example, a protective or supportive device may assist the user or wearer of an article with any physical disability or handicap by providing increased stiffness to an article, such as an article of clothing which may aid in the user in utilizing or putting on the article.
• one or more protective or supportive devices may be applied in one or more areas of an article, such as an article of clothing.
• a pair of pants such as blue jeans or any other such pair of pants, may have one or more protective or supportive devices applied thereto in certain areas in order to ensure that the pants are provided and/or worn in a particular shape (for example, so that the pants provide support, contouring, or lift when worn).
• one or more protective or supportive devices may be applied to the inside of the pair of pants on an inward-facing side of the fabric.
• this may provide shape or support to the pair of pants when worn without making the protective or supportive devices clearly visible from the outside of the pants while providing a shape having the desired aesthetic effect.
• one or more protective or supportive devices may be applied to the outside of an article, such as an article of clothing.
• one or more protective or supportive devices may be applied to a pair of pants on an outward-facing side of the fabric to provide the pair of pants a different aesthetic effect.
• one or more protective or supportive devices having a certain color may be provided on the outside of the pair of pants in order to highlight a particular area of the pair of pants where the one or more protective or supportive devices are applied in order to draw attention to those particular areas.
• one or more protective or supportive devices may be applied to the outside of an article, such as an article of clothing, to provide protection to the fabric as well as support.
• one or more protective or supportive devices may be applied to the outside of a pair of jeans in order to achieve a creased, heavily-starched "cowboy" look, and in order to simultaneously protect the fabric from dirt, wear, and the like.
• one or more protective or supportive devices may be applied to any other articles of clothing other than pants, such as shirts, fabric jackets, or any other articles of clothing or any other fabric such as may be desired.
• protective or supportive devices may have any degree of breathability or any degree of flexibility.
• a protective or supportive device may be highly breathable and flexible.
• a protective or supportive device may be stretchable up to a percent elongation of up to 15%.
• a protective or supportive device may be stiffer and less breathable and flexible.
• a protective or supportive device may be breathable but stuff.
• protective or supportive devices may be thinned or thickened as necessary before or during application, or applied over layers that had already been applied.
• additional protective or supportive devices may be added into an area that has already been provided with a contour or a particular shape in order to improve aspects of the formed shape, such as the resolution of the shape or other aspects such as may be desired.
• a first protective or supportive device could be more abrasion resistant and a protective or supportive device that may appear next to the skin could be a softer, more comfortable layer.
• a protective or supportive device may be provided with one or more additional features, such as additional padding for comfort or otherwise and/or wicking to wick moisture away from the body.
• a plurality of the protective or supportive devices may be in a staggered layout upon its application or integration into an article. This staggered layout may be utilized when increased abrasion resistance is desired in a specific area(s) while also providing properties associated with a single protective or supportive device on another area(s) of the article. Furthermore, the protective or supportive devices in the staggered layout may be comprised of protective or supportive devices having varying properties. Looking now at exemplary FIGS. 3-6, an exemplary embodiment of a pair of pants, for example jeans, having one or more protective or supportive devices applied thereto is shown. In some embodiments, a shaping heat transfer is applied to a pair of pants between the waistline and the crotch line. In such embodiments, the protective or supportive device may serve to provide contouring or other desirable shape to the wearer's hip region when worn, which may produce a more flattering or otherwise desirable aesthetic effect for the wearer.
• FIG. 3 shows an exemplary diagram of a pants sew pattern 300, which shows an exemplary placement of a protective or supportive device, such as a support or contouring heat transfer.
• a heat transfer 306 may be applied to a back side 302 of a pair of pants and additionally, or alternatively, a heat transfer 308 may be applied to a front side 304 of a pair of pants, in each case in the hip region.
• each of a back side 302 and a front side 304 may be provided along with other fabric elements that may be used to assemble a pair of pants (such as jeans) from a pants sew pattern 300, such as, for example, a waistband 310 configured to extend around the waist of the wearer when the pants are worn and which may be coupled, by sewing or otherwise, to the portion of the pants to which the heat transfer 306, 308 has been applied.
• a pair of pants such as jeans
• a pants sew pattern 300 such as, for example, a waistband 310 configured to extend around the waist of the wearer when the pants are worn and which may be coupled, by sewing or otherwise, to the portion of the pants to which the heat transfer 306, 308 has been applied.
• a yoke piece 324 which may be applied to the top of the back piece 302 between the top of the back piece 302 and the waistband 310; a fly piece 314, which may be applied to the front piece 304; patch pocket pieces 312, 316, which may be used in order to form a patch pocket on the back side 302 of the pants; and side pocket pieces 318, 320, which may, together with a key pocket piece 322, be used to form a side pocket on the front side 304 of the pants.
• Other configurations may also be possible, and certain components may be optional or varied as desired.
• a key pocket piece 322 may not be provided or may be provided only on one pattern.
• contouring may be accomplished by the use of darts, if desired, as well as, or alternatively, by a shaping heat transfer.
• the yoke piece 324 may be provided in a substantially different shape in order to provide a different shape of yoke.
• a pair of pants may be created with an inverted arc yoke in order to create the illusion of a fuller rear portion of the pants when worn.
• a pair of pants may be created with a straight or horizontal yoke in order to make the waist appear wider when worn.
• a pair of pants may be created with a "v-shaped,” “sweet heart,” or “wide” yoke having a generally angled shape in order to provide a particular visual effect, or may otherwise be customized as may be desired.
• FIG. 4 shows an exemplary diagram of an exemplary set of front leg 304 and back leg 302 portions of a pair of pants treated with a support or contouring heat transfer 306, 308.
• each pants sew pattern 300 such as may be shown in FIG. 3 may be used as the basis to create one front leg 304 portion and one back leg 302 portion, which may be combined with other components described herein in order to, for example, provide a rear patch pocket 330 on the back leg 302 portions and in order to provide a front pocket 332 on the front leg 304 portions.
• the front leg 304 and back leg 302 portions of the pants may be treated with a heat applied transfer 306, 308 over a portion of back leg 302 and front leg 304, respectively, spanning from a waistline 326 of the pants to a crotch line 328 of the pants, substantially encompassing the hipline of the pants.
• the pants may be treated with a heat transfer that is applied over a different portion, such as, for example, between the waistline 326 and the hipline, between the hipline and the crotch line 328, between any of the aforementioned lines and the knee line, or between any position or set of positions and any other position or set of positions, such as may be desired.
• FIG. 5 shows an exemplary diagram of an exemplary pair of pants treated with a support or contouring heat transfer 308, in this case shown from the front.
• the heat transfer part 308 of the front part of the pants 304 may be provided just under the waistband 310 of the pants and extend approximately to the crotch line of the pants.
• the heat transfer part 308 may have any shape in the top portion, the bottom portion, or any other portion.
• the lower part of the heat transfer part 308 may be provided with a downward-sloping diagonal shape that has a highest portion near the crotch region of the pants and a lowest portion near the out seams of the pants.
• Other shapes may also be provided, as desired.
• the lower portion of the heat transfer region 308 may have a horizontal flat edge, a curved edge, or any other shape such as may be desired.
• FIG. 6 shows an exemplary diagram of an exemplary pair of pants treated with a support or contouring heat transfer 306, in this case shown from the rear.
• the heat transfer region 306 of the back portion 302 of the pants may be provided just under a yoke portion 324 of the pants and extend to an inseam region of the pants.
• the heat transfer region 306 may have any shape, such as may be desired.
• the lower part of the heat transfer part 306 may be provided with a curved shape having a highest portion near the out seam region of the pants and a lowest portion near the inseam region of the pants.
• Other variations, such as flat or angled edges or any other edge designs, may be understood as may be desired.
• FIGS. 7-10 an exemplary embodiment of a pair of pants, for example jeans, having a shaping heat transfer applied thereto approximately between the crotch line and the knee line is shown.
• Such an exemplary embodiment of a pair of pants may serve to provide contouring or other desirable shape to the wearer's thigh region when worn, producing a more flattering or otherwise desirable aesthetic effect for the wearer.
• FIG. 7 an exemplary diagram of a pants sew pattern 400, which shows an exemplary placement of a support or contouring heat transfer 406, 408 is shown.
• a heat transfer 406 may be applied to a back side 402 of a pair of pants and additionally, or alternatively, a heat transfer 408 may be applied to a front side 404 of a pair of pants, in each case in the thigh region.
• each of a back side 402 and a front side 404 may be provided along with other fabric elements that may be used to assemble a pair of pants (such as jeans) from a pants sew pattern 400, such as, for example, a waistband 410 configured to extend around the waist of the wearer when the pants are worn and which may be coupled, by sewing or otherwise, to the portion of the pants to which the heat transfer 406, 408 has been applied.
• a pair of pants such as jeans
• a waistband 410 configured to extend around the waist of the wearer when the pants are worn and which may be coupled, by sewing or otherwise, to the portion of the pants to which the heat transfer 406, 408 has been applied.
• a yoke piece 424 which may be applied to the top of the back piece 402 between the top of the back piece 402 and the waistband 410; a fly piece 414, which may be applied to the front piece 404; patch pocket pieces 412, 416, which may be used in order to form a patch pocket on the back side 402 of the pants; and side pocket pieces 418, 420, which may, together with a key pocket piece 422, be used to form a side pocket on the front 404 side of the pants.
• a yoke piece 424 which may be applied to the top of the back piece 402 between the top of the back piece 402 and the waistband 410
• a fly piece 414 which may be applied to the front piece 404
• patch pocket pieces 412, 416 which may be used in order to form a patch pocket on the back side 402 of the pants
• side pocket pieces 418, 420 which may, together with a key pocket piece 422, be used to form a side pocket on the front 404 side of the pants
• FIG. 8 shows an exemplary diagram of an exemplary set of front leg 404 and back leg 402 portions of a pair of pants treated with a support or contouring heat transfer 408, 406, respectively.
• each pants sew pattern 400 such as may be shown in FIG. 7 may be used as the basis to create one front portion 404 and one back portion 402, which may be combined with the other components in order to, for example, provide a rear patch pocket 430 on the back portions 402 and in order to provide a front pocket 432 on the front portions 404.
• the front 404 and back 402 portions of the pants may be treated with a heat transfer 408, 406 over a portion of the front portion 404 and/or back portion 402, respectively.
• heat transfer 406, 408 spans over a certain portion of the pants, such as from a crotch line 426 of the pants to a knee line 428 of the pants.
• the pants may be treated with a heat transfer that is applied over a different portion, such as may be desired.
• FIG. 9 shows an exemplary diagram of an exemplary pair of pants treated with a support or contouring heat transfer, in this case shown from the front.
• the heat transfer part 408 of the front part of the pants 404 may be provided, in a minor variation from FIG. 8, from the hipline of the pants to approximately the knee line of the pants.
• the heat transfer part 408 may have any shape in the top portion, the bottom portion, or any other portion.
• the lower part of the heat transfer part 408 may be provided with an upward-sloping diagonal shape that has a highest portion near the out seams of the pants and that has a lowest region near the inseams of the pants.
• Other shapes may also be provided, as desired.
• the lower portion of the heat transfer region 408 may have a horizontal flat edge, a curved edge, or any other shape such as may be desired.
• FIG. 10 shows an exemplary diagram of an exemplary pair of pants treated with a support or contouring heat transfer 406, in this case shown from the rear.
• the heat transfer region 406 of the back portion 402 of the pants may be provided just under a yoke portion 424 of the pants and extend to an inseam region of the pants.
• the heat transfer region 406 may have any shape, such as may be desired.
• the lower part of the heat transfer part 406 may be provided with a shape approximately matching that of the front portion of the pants as provided in exemplary FIG. 9.
• Other variations, such as flat or angled edges or any other edge designs, may be understood as may be desired.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a protective or supportive device 1100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• Protective or supportive device 1100 may be the same as protective or supportive devices depicted in the previous Figures, and is preferably comprised of at least one barrier component 1102 bondable to at least a portion of a substrate, such as articles of clothing 100, 200 for enhancing their durability.
• the barrier component 1102 may be comprised of a polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or polyvinylchloride, though other materials are also contemplated.
• the barrier component 1102 may be bonded to the substrate via any adhesive known in the art and may be laminated.
• the barrier component 1102 may be activated using heat, pressure, or both, but may further comprise an adhesive 1104, such as a polyamide, phenoxy or polyester adhesive, positioned thereon that enables barrier component 1102 to bond to the surface of the substrate or that integrates with the substrate to form a barrier that can resist or reduce wear to the article 100, 200 and potentially other items, such as liquids.
• Adhesive 1104 is also typically activated using heat, pressure, or both.
• the support device 1100 is comprised of multiple layers such that at least one of the layers may comprise at least one RFID (radio frequency identification) device.
• the support device 1100 is not limited to any particular shape or size, and may be laser or die cut into any particular shape known in the art.
• the protective or supportive device 1100 may comprise a transfer device, such as heat transfer device or a cold transfer device.
• heat transfers utilized in exemplary embodiments described herein may be hot paper transfers that are applied to a textile or fabric with heat and/or pressure.
• a transfer device can be cold transfers.
• the present invention contemplates transfer devices are marketed under the AGILITY ® and PRECISIONTM brands from Avery Dennison Retail Information Service, LLC.
• the protective device 1100 may be such that it does not utilize any form of special coated paper, adhesive glue, or powders in the application process.
• the barrier component 1102 may comprise an ink 1105 throughout the barrier component 1102 or otherwise in desired areas.
• the ink 1105 Upon application of heat and/or pressure to the protective or supportive device 1100, the ink 1105 melts. The melting of the ink 1105 causes it to bond with the underlying fabric and, in some exemplary embodiments, to form a patch-like area of high durability and/or increased support, such as shown in FIGS. 1- 10. Alternatively, the ink 1105 may melt in such a manner so as to be infused into the fabric of article 100, 200. Such ink or inks may melt and be infused into the fabrics without bleeding into surrounding fabrics.
• the barrier component 1102 may be transparent or translucent when applied to the substrate of articles 100, 200. Alternatively, the barrier component 1102 may be visible as desired, such as imbedded with a decorative design or other useful indicia, such as branding, garment care instructions, or artwork.
• Protective or supportive device 1100 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art for providing ample coverage for articles 100, 200 needing protection from wear or additional support without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
• One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of protective or supportive device 1100 as shown in FIG. 11, and protective devices shown in the previous Figures, are for illustrative purposes only and many other shapes and sizes of protective or supportive device 1100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure.
• shape and dimensions of protective or supportive device 1100 i.e., length and width
• protective or supportive device 1100 may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective or supportive device 1200 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
• Protective or supportive device 1200 may be the same as protective devices depicted in FIGS. 1-10, and is preferably comprised of a barrier or bonding component 1202 bondable to at least a portion of a substrate, such as articles of clothing 100, 200 for enhancing their durability.
• the barrier component 1202 is typically comprised of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or polyvinylchloride, though other materials are also contemplated. Further, barrier component 1202 is typically activated using heat, pressure, or both, but may further comprise an adhesive 1203 positioned thereon that enables barrier component 1202 to bond to the surface of the substrate or that integrates with the substrate to form a barrier that can resist wear and potentially other items, such as liquids.
• Adhesive 1203 may include a polyamide, phenoxy or polyester adhesive, or any other suitable adhesive known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the present invention.
• the adhesive 1203 may be positioned on barrier component 1202 to enable barrier component 1202 to bond to the surface of the substrate, or integrate with the substrate to form a barrier that can resist or reduce wear to the article 100, 200, and potentially other items, such as liquids.
• Adhesive 1203 is also typically activated using heat, pressure, or both.
• Protective or supportive device 1200 further comprises a transfer component 1204 that is removably detachable from barrier component 1202.
• the transfer component 1204 may comprise a removable backing, such as a transfer paper, a pealable film, or the like, and protects barrier component 1202 and adhesive 1203, if present, prior to its application to article 100, 200.
• transfer component 1204 may protect barrier component 1202 from becoming dirty or from premature activation, both of which could damage protective or supportive device 1200 and render the same unusable.
• the protective or supportive device 1200 may comprise a heat transfer device, such as a hot paper transfer that is applied to a textile or fabric with heat and/or pressure.
• the protective or supportive device 1200 may be such that it does not utilize any form of special coated paper, adhesive glue, or powders in the application process.
• the barrier component 1202 may comprise an ink 1205 throughout the barrier component 1202 or otherwise in desired areas.
• Ink 1205 may be comprised of one or more conventional heat transfer label inks, such as polyester inks, polyester/vinyl inks, polyamide inks and/or acrylic inks.
• the ink 1205 melts.
• the melting of the ink 1205 causes it to bond with the underlying fabric, in some exemplary embodiments, to form a patch-like area of high durability, such as shown in FIGS. 1-10.
• the ink 1205 may melt in such a manner so as to be infused into the fabric of article 100, 200.
• Such inks 1205 may melt and be infused into the fabrics without bleeding into surrounding fabrics.
• Additional transfer techniques are also contemplated by the present invention.
• heat is applied to the barrier component 1202 and the transfer component 1204 is removed before the heat dissipates.
• the barrier component 1202 may form a liquid resistant barrier where applied.
• the protective or supportive device 1200 may be bonded to article 100, 200 using a cold method transfer process.
• heat may be initially applied, but the transfer component 1204 is not removed until the protective or supportive device 1200 has cooled.
• the barrier component 1202 may be transparent or translucent when applied to the substrate of article 100, 200. Alternatively, the barrier component 1202 may be visible as desired, such as imbedded with a decorative design or other useful indicia, such as branding, garment care instructions, or artwork.
• Protective or supportive device 1200 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art for providing ample coverage for articles 100, 200 needing protection from wear without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
• One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of protective or supportive device 1200 as shown in FIG. 12, and protective or supportive devices shown in the previous Figures, are for illustrative purposes only and many other shapes and sizes of protective or supportive device 1200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure.
• shape and dimensions of protective or supportive device 1200 i.e., length and width
• protective or supportive device 1200 may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use.
• a protective or supportive device 1300 may be in the form of a heat transfer label comprised of a paper sheet or web 1302, a wax release layer 1304 affixed to the paper sheet 1302, and a barrier component 1306 comprised of an ink design layer printed on the wax release layer 1304.
• the label-carrying web 1302 is subjected to heat, and the protective device 1300 is pressed onto article 100, 200 with the barrier component 1306 making direct contact with the article 100, 200.
• the wax release layer 1304 begins to melt. This enables the paper sheet 1302 to be released from the barrier component 1306, with a portion of the wax release layer 1304 being transferred with the barrier component 1306 onto the article 100, 200 and with a portion of the wax release layer 1304 remaining with the paper sheet 1302. After transfer of the barrier component 1306 to the article 100, 200, the paper sheet 1302 is immediately removed, leaving the barrier component 1306 with the design firmly affixed to the article 100, 200 and the wax transferred therewith exposed to the environment.
• the wax release layer 1304 is thus intended to serve two purposes: (1) to provide release of the barrier component 1306 from the paper web 1302 upon application of heat to the paper web 1302 and (2) to form a further protective layer over the transferred barrier component 1306.
• the ink for the protective or supportive device may be color matched to the underlying fabric that receives the protective or supportive device, for example blue ink on the protective or supportive device that matches the blue denim of a pair of jeans.
• the protective or supportive device may be coupled to or infused into the fabric in such a manner as to be substantially transparent or otherwise unseen on regular visual inspection.
• the protective or supportive devices may use ink or inks of a certain color that contrast with the color of the underlying fabrics so as to create visual distinctions between the heat transfer and fabric, designate spots of enhanced durability, provide designs, or for any other desired reason.
• the ink may also be a plastisol, such as a suspension of PVC or other non-water soluble polymer particles in a liquid plasticizer that is capable of flowing like a liquid when heated.
• plastisol such as a suspension of PVC or other non-water soluble polymer particles in a liquid plasticizer that is capable of flowing like a liquid when heated.
• Stabilizer additives may also be added to resist degradation from light, chemical, or mechanical stress.
• acrysol water-based inks may be employed when the application benefits from the ink integrating directly into the substrate to form an integrated barrier.
• FIG. 14 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of a method 1400 of applying the protective or supportive device of the present invention to a substrate.
• a protective or supportive device can be provided with a barrier component and a removable transfer component.
• the transfer component is removed from the protective or supportive device to expose the barrier component, as shown in block 1402.
• the barrier component is then positioned over the desired portion of the substrate, as shown in block 1404.
• heat and/or pressure can be applied to the barrier component to bond it to, or infuse it in, the substrate.
• the barrier component is bonded to, or infused in, the fabric of an article of clothing.
• the barrier component may bond to the exterior of the fabric, or infuse itself into said fabric to create a bond therewith.
• the protective or supportive devices disclosed herein whether infused into the fabric or coupled to the surface of the applied-to fabric, will then create an anti-abrasion area where the protective or supportive devices are employed that are high strength and decrease wear and tear, such as ripping or the formation of holes, for clothing with superior longevity than that of the fabric alone. Further, depending on the particular application, the protective or supportive devices can provide varying levels of liquid resistance. Additionally, the formation of the protective or supportive devices described herein may not negatively impact the flexibility, comfort, wash-ability, appearance, and general utility of the clothing articles (or any other articles) to which they are applied.
• the protective or supportive devices may be applied in a cost-effective manner that does not significantly increase the cost of the articles, such as clothing articles, onto which the protective or supportive devices are applied. Additionally, in other exemplary embodiments, the protective or supportive devices may be applied to articles, such as articles of clothing, after their manufacture, for example on an individual basis.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
• Details Of Garments (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=65529839

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

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• 2019
  • 2019-02-12 CN CN201980025232.3A patent/CN111954473A/zh active Pending
  • 2019-02-12 WO PCT/US2019/017644 patent/WO2019157499A1/en unknown
  • 2019-02-12 BR BR112020016438-0A patent/BR112020016438A2/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2019-02-12 US US16/273,717 patent/US20190246720A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2019-02-12 EP EP19707585.6A patent/EP3752021A1/en not_active Withdrawn

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