GARMENT LINER

Abstract

The present invention provides a garment liner for protecting clothing comprising an elongated strip of absorbent material having a face surface, a back surface, a pair of opposed longitudinal edges and a pair of opposed tapered ends. The garment liner includes an adhesive disposed on the back surface for securing the liner to a garment. A backing strip is removably secured to the adhesive to preserve the adhesive until the user is prepared to secure the liner to the garment. The garment liner further includes at least one of the tapered ends having a plurality of perforations which can be torn to remove segments of the liner so that the garment liner can be custom-sized to fit any variety of collar sizes which are commercially available.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/150,888, which was filed on Feb. 9, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, including the specification and drawings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to a garment liner for protecting clothing. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a garment liner which is removably adhered to clothing and which absorbs dirt and perspiration. Even more particularly, the present invention pertains to a custom-sizeable garment liner which is removably adhered to clothing and which absorbs dirt and perspiration.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Garment liners for protecting clothing are well-known in the art. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,022,514 to Kaiser discloses a disposable protector for a shirt collar to be attached to the inside of a neck band and which comprises a band of thin plastic sheet material having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side and a removable sheet of backing material secured to the adhesive. The plastic sheet includes a fibrous material which resembles the material of the shirt collar.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,200,413 to Vaughan discloses a collar stiffening strip formed from water repelling material to be secured to the inner collar of a shirt. The strip includes a plurality of shallow cutouts to permit curvature of the strip longitudinally in one direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,494 to Hicks discloses an elongated base strip of flexible material adapted to be adhesive but removably secured to the neck band of a garment. The strip includes a reversely folded portion which straddles the upper edge of the strip having an adhesive for attachment to a garment. The strip also includes two collar-engaging hooks for further securement to the shirt.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,119 to Kaiser discloses a disposable protector for a garment collar formed from a thin plastic sheet of water impervious material glued to a first side of a nonwoven material and a pressure sensitive adhesive surface on the second side of the sheet. A removable paper strip is attached to the pressure sensitive material which can be removed and the protector attached to a garment collar band.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,668 to Bogan et al. discloses a liner for a hat, cap, or similar headgear comprising a layer of moisture absorbent material which is backed by a layer of moisture impervious material. An adhesive layer is provided for releasably securing the liner to the sweatband of the hat, cap, or similar headgear.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,030 to Anderson et al. discloses a collar shield including an outer cloth section having the perimeter area of an inwardly facing side coated with the heat activated adhesive layer, an inner section of nonwoven fabric that is coated on a collar facing side with a layer of a whitening agent, and a central barrier strip formed from a flexible moisture impermeable material positioned between the outer cloth section and the intersection of nonwoven fabric in a manner such that the layer of whitening agent is oriented away from the barrier strip.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,166 to Thomas, III et al. discloses a collar guard system which includes a first layer of water impervious material having an adhesive on one side for attaching the layer to the collar of the shirt. A second layer of nonwoven moisture absorbent material is attached to the first layer for absorbing moisture from the user's neck. A tapered spacer member is attached to the second layer so as to slightly space the second layer from the user's skin. The first layer, second layer, and spacer member can be disposed within a washable fabric protective cover so as to form a core. A slot is provided on the cover through which the core can be inserted and removed.

As understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, the prior art generally discloses garment liners made from varying materials which are adhered to the collar of the shirt for absorbing dirt and perspiration. Although the garment liners disclosed by the above-referenced patents have varying features and functions, they are each for use with a particular size of collar. However, dress shirts and other articles of clothing having a collar are sized specifically to fit the user. For instance, neck sizes for dress shirts are most commonly available in ½ inch increments.

Therefore, all of the garment liners disclosed by the prior art require manufacturers and retailers to produce and stock a wide variety of sizes in order to accommodate the consumer. As understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, providing a variety of different sizes adds manufacturing and design expense for the manufacturer, and the additional display space required for stocking adds additional expense to the retailer as well.

In addition, it is believed that none of the garment liners disclosed by the prior art provide a material which is comfortable and have edges which do not chafe or scratch the user.

For these reasons, it is understood that none of the garment liners in the prior art have achieved commercial success. Thus, there remains a need for a garment liner which is very comfortable to wear and which is custom-sizeable to fit a variety of collar neck sizes, thereby reducing expense and making the garment liner more readily available to the consumer.

The present invention, as is detailed hereinbelow, seeks to resolve these issues by providing a custom-sizeable garment liner which is removably adhered to clothing and which absorbs dirt and perspiration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment hereof, the present invention provides a garment liner for protecting clothing comprising:

• (a) an elongated strip of absorbent material having a face surface, a back surface, a pair of opposed longitudinal edges, and a pair of opposed tapered ends;
• (b) an adhesive disposed on the back surface;
• (c) a backing strip removably secured to the adhesive; and
• (d) at least one of the tapered ends comprising a plurality of perforated segments.

In a second aspect hereof, the present invention also is directed to an elongated protective liner having an adhesive backing configured to be removably adhered to a garment, the protective liner comprising a plurality of perforated segments at a first end of the liner for allowing a user to remove tabs to customize the length of the liner to match the collar size of a user's shirt.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. In the drawing, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing the face surface of the garment liner hereof;

FIG. 2 is a view of the first embodiment showing the back surface of the garment liner hereof; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the garment liner showing the backing strip partially removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

At the outset it is to be noted that although the present invention is described hereinbelow as a garment liner for protecting the collar of a dress shirt, it is to be understood that the present invention has applicable use with a variety of garments and can be adhered to garments at various locations. For example, the present invention is suitable for use as a hat liner or can be adhered to garments at any other location that typically becomes soiled due to dirt or perspiration.

In accordance with the present invention and as shown generally in FIGS. 1-3, there is provided a garment liner 10 for protecting clothing comprising: (a) an elongated strip 12 of absorbent material having a face surface 14, a back surface 16, a pair of opposed longitudinal edges 18,18′, and a pair of opposed tapered ends 20,20′; (b) an adhesive 22 disposed on the back surface 16; (c) a backing strip 24 removably secured to the adhesive 22; and (d) at least one of the tapered ends 20,20′ comprising a plurality of perforated segments 26a,26b,26c,26d,etc.

With more particularity, the strip 12 is thin and elongated and comprises an absorbent material. The strip 12 has a pair of elongated opposed longitudinal edges 18,18′ extending the length thereof. Although the opposed edges 18,18′ are substantially straight and parallel to each other, they preferably form a slightly arcuate path so as to allow the garment liner 10 to closely match the collar of a shirt. The opposed longitudinal edges 18,18′ taper towards each other at the ends 20,20′ to form a pair of opposed tapered ends 20,20′.

The strip 12 is formed from any absorbent non-sensitizing material which is well-known in the art, such as a cloth (e.g., cotton, wool, etc.) or a nonwoven fabric. Preferably, the strip 12 is formed from a low density polyethylene nonwoven fabric which is porous, air and moisture permeable, absorbent, soft, non-sensitizing to the skin, aesthetically pleasing to the touch, and being easy to die cut. For example, a single coated nonwoven tape sold by Avery Dennison® under the model number MED 5721P is preferable. The strip 12 is thin and can have a thickness of about 11 mils.

In addition, the garment liner 10 can have a width of about 1.5 inches for a men's model, and about 1.25 inches for a women's model. The garment liner 10 can also have a length of about 18 inches to accommodate neck sizes from 16 inches to 18 inches, as described in further detail below.

The adhesive 22 is disposed on the back surface 16 of the strip 12 for removably securing the liner 10 to the collar of the shirt. The adhesive 22 should be tacky enough to secure the liner 10 to the collar of a shirt, yet allow the liner 10 to be easily removed without leaving any adhesive 22 on the collar. Although any suitable adhesive well-known to one having ordinary skill in the art can be used, the adhesive 22 is preferably a non-sensitizing acrylic co-polymer pressure-sensitive adhesive which provides a standardized tackiness level of approximately 1.0 lbs. force/in. against a stainless steel surface.

Furthermore, a backing strip 24 is removably secured to the adhesive 22 to preserve the adhesive 22 until the user is ready to secure the liner 10 to a garment. The backing strip 24 can comprise any suitable releasable material which is well-known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the backing strip 24 comprises a craft release paper having a release coating, such as silicone. The backing strip 24 can optionally be slit across the width of the liner 10 to aid in securing the liner 10 to the garment. When provided, the slit 28 is preferably located near a medial portion 30 along the longitudinal length of the liner 10.

As described above, the garment liner 10 comprises a pair of opposed tapered ends 20,20′. According to the present invention, at least one of the tapered ends 20,20′ comprises a plurality of segments 26a-d separated by perforations 32a,32b,32c,32d,etc. which allows the user to easily tear off any number of desired segments 26a-d to customize the length of the liner 10 to fit the user's particular collar size. In accordance with commercially available dress shirt neck sizes, the perforations 32a-d preferably are substantially parallel to each other and spaced about ½ inch apart. In addition, the perforations 32a-d are preferably oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the liner 10. In this regard, the present invention provides a garment liner which can be customized to fit a wide range of collar sizes.

The segments 26a-d are perforated by any suitable means which are well-known in the art, for instance by roll-piercing, die-cutting, or the like.

It is to be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that both of the opposed tapered ends 20,20′ can comprise a plurality of perforated segments 26a-d, thereby increasing the potential number of collar neck sizes to which the garment liner 10 can be custom-sized.

A stabilizer strip 34 can optionally be adhered to the backing strip 24 and positioned across the plurality of perforated segments 26a-d. The stabilizer strip 34 comprises a thin elongated strip having an adhesive on one side to secure the stabilizer strip 34 to the backing strip 24. The stabilizer strip 34 extends across the plurality of perforated segments 26a-d to add rigidity to the tapered end 20 to ensure that the perforations 32a-d do not inadvertently rip.

In use, the shirt is laid down with the collar rolled out making it substantially flat. The user then lays the liner 10 atop the collar and determines which, if any, of the segments 26a-d should be removed so that the liner 10 can perfectly fit the length of the collar. Once the desired perforation 32a-d has been ripped, the liner 10 is laid back atop the collar and the backing strip 24 is progressively removed and pressure is applied against the liner 10 to activate the adhesive 22 to secure the liner 10 to the garment.

Because the liner 10 is formed from a comfortable, non-abrasive and non-chafing material, it can be comfortably worn all day long without any irritation to the user. Throughout the day, the garment liner 10 absorbs any dirt or perspiration which ordinarily would soil or possibly sustain the garment. The garment liner 10 is disposable and thus can be discarded at the end of the day.

It is understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the garment liner 10 can comprise any suitable color to match the user's shirt.

It is further understood that the garment liner 10 can form any suitable shape dependent upon the specific type of collar, such as that worn by a priest. The garment liner 10 can also comprise any other wide range of shapes so that the garment liner 10 can be adhered to any other suitable area of the garment which would benefit from being protected from dirt or the user's perspiration.

As appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the present invention has particular utility for uniforms (e.g., work clothing), for rental clothing (e.g., tuxedos), or the like. Oftentimes, these garments can only be used for a limited duration until they become either stained or damaged beyond repair. Therefore, the present invention may have particular value to those seeking to extend the life of such garments.

Furthermore, as described above the perforations 32a-d allow the user to custom size the garment liner 10 to their particular collar size, thus allowing a manufacturer to make a limited number of sizes, such as one men's size and one women's size, and requiring a retailer to stock and display only a single one-size-fits-all garment liner rather than a full variety of liners to match all of the commercially available collar sizes.

The present invention also provides for materials which are particularly comfortable for the user to wear, thereby overcoming another deficiency leading to the commercial failure for garment liners in the prior art. More specifically, when a low density polyethylene nonwoven fabric is used, it provides a very comfortable garment liner which is often softer and more comfortable than even the user's shirt alone.

As is apparent from the preceding, the present invention provides a custom-sizeable garment liner which is removably adhered to clothing and which absorbs dirt and perspiration.

Claims

1. A garment liner for protecting clothing comprising:

(a) an elongated strip of absorbent material having a face surface, a back surface, a pair of opposed longitudinal edges, and a pair of opposed tapered ends;

(b) an adhesive disposed on the back surface;

(c) a backing strip removably secured to the adhesive; and

(d) at least one of the tapered ends comprising a plurality of perforated segments.

2. The garment liner of claim 1 wherein the perforations between the segments are substantially parallel to each other and spaced about ½ inch apart.

3. The garment liner of claim 2 wherein the material comprises a nonwoven fabric.

4. The garment liner of claim 3 wherein the material is a low density polyethylene nonwoven fabric.

5. The garment liner of claim 4 wherein the adhesive is an acrylic.

6. The garment liner of claim 4 wherein the perforations between the segments are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the liner.

7. The garment liner of claim 6 comprising a stabilizer strip adhered to the backing strip and positioned across the plurality of perforated segments.

8. The garment liner of claim 7 wherein the backing strip is slit across the width of the liner proximal to a medial portion of the liner.

9. The garment liner of claim 2 wherein the perforations between the segments are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the liner.

10. The garment liner of claim 3 wherein the perforations between the segments are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the liner.

11. The garment liner of claim 1 wherein the material comprises a nonwoven fabric.

12. The garment liner of claim 11 wherein the material is a low density polyethylene nonwoven fabric.

13. The garment liner of claim 12 wherein the adhesive is an acrylic.

14. The garment liner of claim 12 wherein the perforations between the segments are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the liner.

15. The garment liner of claim 12 comprising a stabilizer strip adhered to the backing strip and positioned across the plurality of perforated segments.

16. The garment liner of claim 12 wherein the backing strip is slit across the width of the liner proximal to a medial portion of the liner.

17. The garment liner of claim 1 wherein the material is a low density polyethylene nonwoven fabric.

18. The garment liner of claim 17 wherein the adhesive is an acrylic.

19. The garment liner of claim 17 wherein the perforations between the segments are substantially parallel to each other and spaced about ½ inch apart.

20. An elongated protective liner having an adhesive backing configured to be removably adhered to a garment, the protective liner comprising a plurality of perforated segments at a first end of the liner for allowing a user to remove segments to customize the length of the liner to match the collar size of a user's shirt.