Reusable Adhesive Clothing Articles

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an article of clothing. The article is comprised of an adhesive layer joined to a first fastener segment. The first fastener segment is configured to detachably join to a second fastener segment. The second fastener segment is fixed to a holding layer which in turn is joined to a cup layer.

Description

PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority to provisional application 61/504,201, which has a filing date of Jul. 2, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to clothing article, more specifically to clothing articles secured with an adhesive substance.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditionally, articles of clothing are secured to the wearer by straps or by being formed as a single integral article, with each having its deficiencies. One clothing article, strapless brassieres (“bras”) have been designed for use for women with fashionable clothing with low cut necklines, backless designs, or other clothing where a shoulder strap or back strap may detract from the appearance. Recently, the demand for strapless bras has increased for use in active lifestyles, specifically in exercise, water sports, water recreation, and the like. During use in an active lifestyle, the strapless bra can be exposed to moisture, humidity, turbidity, and erratic motion. Some current structures for strapless design include wings, swivels, custom molded shapes, and adhesives. Those structures fail to meet the recent demand for usage of strapless bras. For example, reliance solely on user supplied adhesives is problematic. Each removal and replacement of the bra with an unsuitable adhesive greatly reduces the adhesive quality and therefore limits the useful life of the bra. Often such bras may only be worn once. In addition, washing those bras causes the loss of the adhesive, making the bras less effective or ineffective for its intended function. Finally, as those adhesives must simultaneously bond to skin and traditional clothing compositions, the range of adhesives is limited. This, in turn, may limit the shapes, fabric composition, fabric volume, and fabric weight of available strapless bras.

Integral articles of clothing can present a problem when robing or disrobing. Clothing articles such as pants or shorts are often formed by joining two similar opposing pieces of fabric to form the integral article. The user must “step into” the pants or clothing to wear them and “step out” to disrobe. This can present a challenge to those with mobility problems or others who seek to readily disrobe.

For the above reasons, it would be advantageous to have a reusable, article of clothing that maintains contact with its wearer for extended periods, during physical activities, or during exposure to humidity.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an article of clothing. The article is comprised of an adhesive layer joined to a first fastener segment. The first fastener segment is configured to detachably join to a second fastener segment. The second fastener segment is fixed to a holding layer which in turn is joined to a cover layer.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts front view of an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of the current invention; and

FIG. 5 depicts another alternate embodiment of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Unless otherwise indicated, as used in this specification, “inner” and related words indicate an orientation towards the breast 06 and “outer” and related words indicate an orientation away from the breast 06.

The present invention is directed to reusable adhesive clothing articles. It is to be understood that various embodiments of this invention can include different articles of clothing. Articles of clothing include, but are not limited to brassieres, underwear, pants, shorts, shirts, and the like.

A first embodiment is directed to a reusable, strapless brassiere (“bra”) which is secured to and covers at least a portion of the breast 06 of the wearer. The illustrated embodiment includes two breasts forms 10. Each breast form 10 includes a plurality of layers. FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a breast form 10. Illustrated are a plurality of layers including an adhesive layer 12, a first fastener segment 18, a second fastener segment 24, a holding layer 30, and a cover 32.

The adhesive layer 12 is the innermost layer of the breast form 10 and bonds a portion of the breast 06 to a first fastener segment 18. In use, the adhesive layer 12 preferably exists in substantially solid form, although it can exist in liquid or gel form. The adhesive layer 12 includes a substance which bonds to both the skin and the first mechanical fastener segment 18. Optionally, the substance is hypoallergenic and water resistant. Representative substances include silicone mixtures, polyurethanes, or medical grade skin adhesives. Dow Corning MD7-4502 formulation, or Dow Corning MD7-4602 formulation.

The adhesive layer 12 is dimensioned to make contact with a portion of the breast 06 and a portion of the first mechanical segment's 18 inner surface 20. As depicted in FIG. 3, the adhesive layer 12 is dimensioned substantially as an inverse pyramid. However, it is to be understood that it may be triangular, quadrilateral, irregular, or any other desirable and suitable shape.

In an alternate configuration, the adhesive layer 12 includes an at least partially solid structure, acting as a substrate, and one or more bonding substances. A first bonding substance is applied to the inner surface 14 of the adhesive layer 12 where the surface of the skin and the inner surface 14 of the adhesive layer 12 make contact. A second bonding substance is applied to the outer surface 16 of the solid structure 16 of the adhesive layer 12. Whereas the first bonding substance is optimized for skin to structure contact and the second bonding substance is optimized for structures to fastener contact, the bonding substances can be different and optimized for their respective purposes. For example, the second bonding substance can include higher strength adhesion or higher water resistant formulations. Thus the second bonding substance can include industrial types of adhesives. One suitable adhesive layer 12 for this alternate configuration includes Pro-Flex Tape Adhesive strip. A second suitable adhesive layer 12 for this alternate configuration includes 3M Tegaderm Foam Adhesive Dressing.

The mechanical fastener of the current embodiment includes those which include a first segment and a second segment that detachably join together, typically a “male” and “female” segment. Such fasteners include, but are not limited to, hook and loop, snaps, buttons, and similar structures. The mechanical fastener can also include those which are a single structure which can be detachably joined to itself in an opposing orientation. Such fasteners include, but are not limited to, clasps, hooks, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, a hook and loop mechanical fastener is employed in the current embodiment.

As mentioned, at least a portion of the outer surface 16 of the adhesive layer 12 is fixed to the inner surface 20 of a first mechanical fastener segment 18. Although, as illustrated, the surface area and geometry of the outer surface 16 of the adhesive layer 12 is substantially similar to the surface area and geometry of the inner surface 20 of the first mechanical fastener segment 20, it is to be understood that the surface area and geometry of each can be different and that placement of the bonding substance or substances need not cover the complete surface areas. The placement of the bonding substance or substances is based on factors such as the adhesion properties, comfort of the wearer, and desired surface area contact regions. For example, the adhesive substance may be selectively applied to the outer perimeter of the contact region of the outer surface 16 of the adhesive layer 12 and the inner surface 20 of the first mechanical fastener segment 18.

The outer surface 22 of the first mechanical fastener segment 18 includes one side of the fastening mechanism, operable to detachably join to the second mechanical fastener segment 24. The illustrated first mechanical fastener segment 18 includes the hooks of the hook and loop fastener.

The second mechanical fastener segment 24 has both an inner surface 26 and outer surface 28. The inner surface 26 includes the second side of the fastening mechanism, facing the first mechanical fastener segment 18 and operable to detachably join to the first mechanical fastener segment 18. The illustrated second mechanical fastener segment 24 includes the loops of the hook and loop fastener. The dimensions and surface area contact regions of the first mechanical fastener segment 18 and the second mechanical fastener segment 24 are based on factors such as the desired adhesion properties and type of mechanical fastener employed.

The outer surface of the second mechanical fastener segment 24 is joined to a holding layer 30, which secures the second mechanical fastener segment 24 to the cup layer 32. The holding layer 30 can include glue, where the outer surface 28 of the second mechanical fastener segment 24 is glued to inner surface of the holding layer 30. Alternatively the two surfaces may be stitched together or joined by other suitable means.

The outer layer of the breast form 10 is the cup layer 32, which is operable to cover the inner layers and at least a portion of the breast 06. The cup layer 32 may be comprised of fabrics, such as cottons, silk, wool, leather, suede, plastics, other natural materials, other synthetics, blends, or other materials used in the art. Optionally, the cover can include additional components such as padding, contouring, wire, ornamentation, or decor. Those components may be fixedly attached to the cover or other layers of the breast form 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, in operation, each of the two breast forms 10 of the strapless bra 08 is preferably presented to its wearer in two pieces 34 36. The first piece 34 includes the joined adhesive layer 12 and first mechanical fastener segment layer 18. The second piece 36 includes the joined second mechanical fastener segment layer 18, the holding layer 30, and the cup layer 32. FIG. 1 depicts two breast forms 10 of the the strapless bra 08 in use on a wearer. The wearer secures the inner surface 14 of the adhesive layer 12 of the first piece 34 to the breast 06. The wearer then secures the outer surface 22 of the first mechanical fastener segment 18 to the inner surface 26 of the second mechanical fastener segment 24. In order to prepare the device for reuse, the adhesive layer may be replenished or a new first piece 34 may be substituted.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exploded view of alternate embodiment directed to a reusable, strapless bra is shown. The illustrated embodiment shows a breast form 10 having a plurality of layers. Illustrated are a plurality of layers including an adhesive layer 12′, a holding layer 30′, and a cover 32′. The adhesive layer 12′ is the innermost layer and substantially the same as that in the prior disclosed embodiment. The adhesive layer 12′ configurations and compositions are similar. The adhesive layer 12′ is joined to the holding layer 30′, which is substantially the same as that in the prior disclosed embodiment. The cup layer 32′ is operable to cover in underlying layers and is substantially the same as that in the prior disclosed embodiment.

As mentioned, it is within the spirit of this invention to incorporate embodiments of different articles of clothing. Other articles of clothing include, but are not limited to, underwear, pants, shorts, shirts, and the like. The preferred configurations employ the multilayer structure to a portion of the desired clothing article. Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the invention as applied to shorts is shown. The embodiment is implemented in the front portion of a pair of shorts. The shorts portion 10′ illustrate a plurality of layers including an adhesive layer 12′, a first fastener segment 18′, a second fastener segment 24′, a holding layer 30′, and a cover 32′. The adhesive layer 12′ is the innermost layer and substantially the same as that in the prior disclosed embodiments. The adhesive layer 12′ configurations and compositions are the similar. A portion of the outer surface 16′ of the adhesive layer 12′ is fixed to the inner surface 20′ of a first mechanical fastener segment 18′. The outer surface 22′ of the first mechanical fastener segment 18′ is configured to detachably join with a second mechanical fastener segment 24′. The outer surface of the second mechanical fastener segment 24′ is joined to a holding layer 30′. Adjacent to the holding layer 30′ is the cover 32′. In this embodiment, the fabric of the shorts portion comprise both holding layer 30′ and the cover 32′. To form a complete pair of shorts and cover the same part of the body 06′ that would normally be covered by a pair of short, the user would engage a first shorts segment 10′ to the front of the body 06′ and a second shorts segment 10′ to the rear of the body 06′.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.

Claims

1. A strapless brassiere comprising:

an adhesive layer, a holding layer, and a cup layer;

said adhesive layer having a inner surface and an outer surface, said adhesive layer composed of an adhesive suitable for simultaneous contact with human skin and a holding layer, said outer surface of said adhesive layer joined to said holding layer;

said holding layer presenting a bonding surface for said adhesive layer, and disposed between said adhesive layer and said cup layer; and

said cup layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of a breast.

2. The strapless brassiere of claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer is solid.

3. The strapless brassiere of claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer is gelatinous.

4. A strapless brassiere comprising:

an adhesive layer, a first fastener segment, a second fastener segment, a holding layer, and a cup layer;

said adhesive layer having a inner surface and an outer surface, said adhesive layer composed of an adhesive suitable for simultaneous contact with human skin and said first fastener segment, said outer surface of said adhesive layer joined to a first fastener segment;

said first segment segment configured to detachably join with said second fastener segment;

said second fastener segment joined to said holding layer;

said holding layer joined to said cup layer; and

said cup layer dimensioned to cover at least a portion of a breast.

5. The strapless brassiere of claim 4, wherein said adhesive layer is solid.

6. The strapless brassiere of claim 4, wherein said adhesive layer is gelatinous.

7. The strapless brassiere of claim 4, wherein said adhesive layer is comprised of a first adhesive selected for optimum bonding with human skin and a second adhesive selected for optimum bonding with a fastener.

8. The strapless brassiere of claim 4, wherein said adhesive layer is comprised of an inner first adhesive layer selected for optimum bonding with human skin and an adjacent second adhesive selected for optimum bonding with a fastener segment.

9. The strapless brassiere of claim 4, wherein said fastener segments are hook and loop fasteners.

10. The strapless brassiere of claim 4, wherein said fastener segments are snap fasteners.

11. An article of clothing comprising:

an adhesive layer, a first fastener segment, a second fastener segment, a holding layer, and a cover layer;

said adhesive layer having a inner surface and an outer surface, said adhesive layer composed of an adhesive suitable for simultaneous contact with human skin and said first fastener segment, said outer surface of said adhesive layer joined to a first fastener segment;

said first segment segment configured to detachably join with said second fastener segment;

said second fastener segment joined to said holding layer;

said holding layer joined to said cover layer; and

said cover layer dimensioned to cover a portion of the body.

12. The article of claim 11 wherein said cover layer is shaped a portion of one of the following: underwear, shorts, pants, or a shirt.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein said adhesive layer is solid.

14. The strapless brassiere of claim 12, wherein said adhesive layer is gelatinous.

15. The strapless brassiere of claim 12, wherein said adhesive layer is comprised of a first adhesive selected for optimum bonding with human skin and a second adhesive selected for optimum bonding with a fastener.

16. The strapless brassiere of claim 12, wherein said adhesive layer is comprised of an inner first adhesive layer selected for optimum bonding with human skin and an adjacent second adhesive selected for optimum bonding with a fastener segment.

17. The strapless brassiere of claim 12, wherein said fastener segments are hook and loop fasteners.

18. The strapless brassiere of claim 4, wherein said fastener segments are snap fasteners.