Articles of Clothing
An article of clothing, or a part thereof or an accessory therefor, comprises a fabric formed at least partly from fibres having a diameter of up to 1 μm.
This invention relates to articles of clothing, or parts thereof. The invention is concerned with articles of clothing which require a gripping functionality. This functionality may be exercised against the skin of the wearer, for instance, in connection with intimate apparel, socks and hosiery and sports inner and outerwear. Alternatively, the gripping functionality may be exercised against a surface external to the wearer, for instance, the inside of a shoe, in the case of a sock, or a vehicle steering wheel in the case of a glove.
The present invention has use in, for example, knitted or woven narrow elastic bands, knitted or woven strip cut broad fabric bands and knitted or woven strategically placed structure zones within fabric constructions.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTIONCurrently, a gripping function is provided in the intimate apparel sector by the localised application of a bead of silicon to effect the required increase in friction.
This technique is not satisfactory for the following reasons:
- 1. discomfort is caused to the wearer; the material is not able to breathe and therefore causes sweating and irritation in wearers if worn for any length of time;
- 2. the use of rounded beads of silicon material can lead to localised pressure marks on the skin, since the silicon itself adds modulus to the gripper band;
- 3. the silicon beads can also cause skin sensitisation in susceptible individuals.
The present invention provides an article of clothing, or part thereof, or an accessory therefor, comprising a fabric formed at least partly from fibres having a diameter of up to 1 μm.
Reference will be made hereinbelow to nanofibres but it should be understood that, as used herein, this term covers any fibre having a diameter of up to 1 μm.
The use of materials incorporating nanofibres to provide the required grip confers the following advantages over existing silicon applications:
- 1. the fibres present a flat friction surface to the wearer, eliminating or minimising pressure marks. Modulus is not significantly increased when gripping fibres are used. Hence the elastomeric pressure is independent of nanofibre coverage and density;
- 2. the fibres transport moisture away from the skin so that the nanofibre material is breathable and quick drying, thereby eliminating sweating and enhancing the comfort of the wearer.
- 3. the fibres are hypoallergenic, heavy metal free and antistatic.
The nanofibres used in the present invention may be made from any suitable material. One possible material which can be used is a polyester. The polyester may be a chemically recycled polyester.
A particular application of the present invention is in connection with nanofibre gripper bands which may be applied by, for instance, the following means:
- 1. narrow knitted or woven elastic or non-elastic bands with functional nanofibres orientated in such a way as to bear against the skin of the wearer due to the appropriate positioning of the bands onto strategic locations on the garment. They may be applied to the garment by, for instance, stitching or bonding;
- 2. strip cut broad fabrics containing nanofibres in whole or part and of knitted or woven construction. Such fabrics may be applied either by stitching or bonding the bands into strategic locations on a garment;
- 3. nanofibre yarns knitted or woven as an integral part of a fabric construction so as to present a localised “zone” of functional gripping nanofibres against the skin. Such fabric constructions may be, for instance, stitched, bonded or otherwise formed into the garment.
For example, the nanofibres may be present as a plush back finding elastic providing a loopy surface face similar to that of a towel.
The present invention is applicable to clothing for both men and women and to both inner and outerwear, including sports clothing.
The accompanying drawings are as follows:
The present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
Each of the bands 3, 5, 7 comprises nanofibres which present their nanofibre surface to the skin of the wearer. In this way they unobtrusively grip the body and hold the garment in place without causing sweating or discomfort.
Referring to now to
The garment shown in
Referring to
In a similar way, the present invention could be applied to shorter knee-high type hosiery.
Referring to
The provision of nanofibre bands in these various positions will enable the garment to stay in place when the detachable straps are removed. When the straps are in use, they will not slip off the shoulder. Similarly the bands of the legs will prevent the garment from riding up with the pull of the Bodyshaper.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Triathlon suits are illustrated in
In a trial wearer process, nanofibres in the range 600-800 nm, typically 700 nm, were found to be effective in generating a functional friction surface effect equivalent to a conventional silicone beaded product when the fibres were incorporated in the plush back of woven narrow binding and strap elastic constructions.
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. An article of clothing or a part thereof or an accessory therefor, comprising a fabric formed at least partly from fibres having a diameter of up to 1 μm, wherein said fibres are positioned so that they will, in use, make contact with the skin of the wearer.
13. An article of clothing according to claim 12, wherein said fibre diameter is from 500 to 1000 nm.
14. An article of clothing according to claim 13, wherein said fibre diameter is from 600-800 nm.
15. An article of clothing according to claim 14, wherein said fibre diameter is about 700 nm.
16. An article of clothing according to claim 12, wherein said fibres are located in a band attached to the main body of the clothing by stitching or bonding.
17. An article of clothing according to claim 12, wherein said fibres are incorporated in the body or main part of the body of the article.
18. An article of clothing according to claim 12 in the form of a pair of knickers, a bra, hosiery, a bodyshaper, a sock or a glove.
19. An article of clothing according to claim 12, wherein said fibres are on the outside of the article of clothing and provide a non-slip surface.
20. An article according to claim 12, wherein said fibres are polyester fibres.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 1, 2009
Publication Date: Jan 27, 2011
Applicant: Quantum Clothing Group Limited (Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire)
Inventors: Clare Elizabeth Ashmore (Bartongate, Barton-Under-Needwood), Colin Anthony Sutcliffe (Oxspring, Barnsley)
Application Number: 12/863,580
International Classification: A41D 19/00 (20060101); A41B 9/00 (20060101); A41C 3/00 (20060101); A41C 1/00 (20060101); A43B 17/00 (20060101); A41D 27/00 (20060101);