GARMENT HAVING MOISTURE ABSORBING REGIONS

Abstract

Provided is a garment including a first clothing material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a second clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said first clothing material portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/525,585 filed Aug. 19, 2011, and entitled “GARMENT HAVING MOISTURE ABSORBING REGIONS” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/560,675 filed Nov. 16, 2011, and entitled “GARMENT HAVING MOISTURE ABSORBING REGIONS.” The entireties of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

People of all ages and genders participate in sports for recreation, exercise, training, and as a profession. Athletic exertion causes participants to sweat while engaging in physical activity. In many instances, participants need to stop their activity to wipe sweat of their hands and body to sustain their level of performance, to maintain a proper grip on their equipment, and to prevent sweat from dipping into their eyes. To lessen this disruptive situation, many athletes wear a sweat band on their arms or carry a towel with them to their place of competition. These devices are used to wipe sweat off the athlete's body parts and equipment so the sweat will not interfere with or impede their athletic performance.

In many sports, for example, soccer, basketball, football, tennis, baseball, volleyball, etc., it is not customary for an athlete to carry a towel with him or her. At the same time, an athlete participating in competitive sports is unable to halt the game to run to the sidelines to wipe the sweat off his or her hands and other body parts whenever he/she feels the need to do so. Additionally, many athletes do not wear sweat bands because they can be uncomfortable and can interfere with performance. For instance, many basketball players choose not to wear wrist sweat bands because they can interfere with the release of the ball when shooting. Additionally, individuals participating in sport for the purpose of recreation, training, or exercise may also be inconvenienced by dripping sweat and excess moisture, and for various reasons may prefer not to carry a towel or wear a sweat band. These participants may choose not to rely on these conventional methods to diminish moisture because they are bulky, uncomfortable, and can interfere with the flow of training or a game. For example, it may not be efficient for a runner to carry a towel while running and a sweat band can feel uncomfortable and hot while not providing adequate moisture absorption.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter nor delineate the scope of the subject innovation. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Disclosed is a garment that may be used by individuals of any age or interest who may not be involved in any particular sport, but who desire to participate in any type of physical activity which results in perspiration, or any type of activity or work in which the wearer of the garment would be exposed to liquids of any nature. The garment may be comprised of a single layer of at least one type of material, or multiple layers of at least one type of material.

A garment which is capable of both wicking perspiration off a wearer's body by using a clothing material of non-absorbent material and absorbing perspiration from a wearer by using a different clothing material of absorbent material that is interwoven into and physically inseparable from the non-absorbent material is provided.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the unilayer garment may be comprised of a first clothing material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a second clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said first clothing material portion and on an exterior of the unilayer garment.

According to other illustrative embodiments, the multilayer garment may be comprised of a first clothing material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a second clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic material capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said first clothing material portion and on an exterior of the multilayer garment.

According to certain embodiments, the unilayer garment may be comprised of a thermal compression material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said thermal compression material portion.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the multilayer garment may be comprised of a thermal compression material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said thermal compression material portion.

According to other illustrative embodiments, the garment may be comprised of a thermal compression material, and a clothing material of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic material capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is detachably secured to said thermal compression material.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic material of the garment may be comprised of lightweight cloth of a type commonly used in athletic jerseys, lightweight stretch fabric material, fabric, nylon, cotton, cotton terry cloth, stretch terry cloth, knitted cotton yarn, flannel, spandex, polyester microfiber, lycra, lycra/spandex hybrid, wicking polyester, open weave, closed weave, mesh, soft textured microfiber yarn with full strength spandex, or any blend of like material.

In other illustrative embodiments, the relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic material of the garment may be comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chamois leather, or any blend of like material.

According to other embodiments, the shape of the absorbent or non-absorbent materials may be provided in a suitable shape and size. For example, and without limitation, the shape of these materials may comprise square, rectangular, polygonal, octagonal, semicircular, or circular shapes.

In another embodiment, the garment may further comprise a tackified, non-slip, or sticky surface (e.g., latex-based) to enhance the wearer's ability to firmly carry an item (e.g., basketball, football, rugby ball, or any type of athletic, recreation or work-related equipment) with minimal slippage. It is to be appreciated that the tackified, non-slip, or sticky surface can be within the absorbent material (e.g., incorporated into the absorbent material, on exterior of absorbent material, and the like), within the non-absorbent material, a separate material, or a combination thereof.

In another illustrative embodiment, the garment comprises a compression dry fit sports shirt incorporating drying panels with which athletes can wipe off perspiration from their bodies without having to carry a towel or wear a sweat band. The unique combination of a compression design, advanced moisture wicking properties, and sweat absorbing panels strategically integrated into the garment provides for unprecedented comfort and functionality in athletic wear.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the garment may include panels constructed of various materials, and can feature various designs, illustrations, shapes, sizes, and colors. For example, a sweat absorbing panel can be made in the image of a hand on which an athlete can wipe the sweat off his/her hand.

In other embodiments, the garment may comprise a sport shirt, shorts, pants, tops, jackets, hats, arm sleeves, leg sleeves, sweat bands or any other piece of apparel. In certain embodiments, the garment may comprise medical braces such as a knee brace or elbow brace.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

Provided are drawing figures of various illustrative attire and multiple locations at which the moisture or sweat absorbing panels or regions of material may be placed. While in a sports shirt or jersey the panels may be placed under the armpits (axilla), along the neckline, along the bottom of the jersey, or running up the sides (flanks) of the shirt, other variations include panels or regions of moisture or sweat absorbing material located on arm sleeves and on other sports attire such as shorts, skirts, jackets, or hats. The drawings are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limited to garments in any manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the garment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the garment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the garment.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a panel utilized with the garment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the garment.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an illustrative embodiment of the garment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject innovation relates at least in part to a unilayer garment including a first clothing material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a second clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said first clothing material portion. In one embodiment, the second clothing material allows absorption of liquids received from contact thereof. For instance, a sweaty hand can be wiped or rubbed onto the second clothing material (e.g., exterior of the first clothing material) in order to dry the hand. Also provided is a multilayer garment including a first clothing material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a second clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic material capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said first clothing material portion. In one embodiment, the second clothing material is attached to an exterior of the first clothing material in order to allow absorption of liquids received from contact with the second clothing material.

Additionally provided is a unilayer garment including a thermal compression material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said thermal compression material portion. Also provided is a multilayer garment including a thermal compression material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body, and a clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said thermal compression material portion. Further provided is a garment including a thermal compression material, and a clothing material of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic material capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is detachably secured to said thermal compression material.

The claimed subject matter is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subject innovation.

Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments. These and further aspects and features will be apparent with reference to the following description and attached drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments of the subject innovation have been disclosed in detail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of the subject innovation may be employed, but it is understood that the subject innovation is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the subject innovation includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the scope of the claims appended hereto. The accompanying illustrations are examples of the subject disclosure, but the innovation can appear in various embodiments depending on varying sleeve lengths and personal customizations that are not illustrated here.

Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a garment 10 having a region of the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12, which is disposed about the flanks of the garment that is capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer. The absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12 is shown interwoven into and physically inseparable from a different relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance material 14 comprising the other portions of the shirt, which are capable of wicking perspiration off the wearer's body. The garment 10 may include a plurality of regions that comprise moisture or perspiration absorbing elements to facilitate drying or wiping perspiration from the wearer.

The garment 10 may also comprise a thermal or compression fit moisture-wicking sports shirt (also referred to as thermal garment 10) that features drying panels as intrinsic elements of the garment, and which are used for drying hands and other body parts during sports or other exerting activities. A thermal garment 10 is a tight fitting, often known as a compression shirt, and has a raw or composition rubber sleeve portion, which can be applied to either or both shoulder parts of the garment 10 and/or to either or both elbow parts of the garment 10, with said rubber portion being covered in fabric and being attached to the garment 10 and replacing that original portion of said garment. The thermal garment 10 with a composition sleeve portion is designed to avoid injury due to extreme recreation or work conditions, or improper muscle tension incurred by athletes, by ensuring heat and compression to the upper body joints, muscles and connective tissues. The thermal garment 10 also uses heat from the thermal portion of the garment 10 to help in healing the area covered by way of thermotherapy (the use of heat on muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments which increases blood flow to expedite the healing process).

The garment 10 may be used by people of both genders, all ages, skill levels, and activities. In certain embodiments, the garment 10 can include a panel of absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12 rather than the absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material being interwoven into the garment 10. The garment 10 can include at least one panel (not shown) of moisture absorbing material 12 for wicking away perspiration, wherein the at least one panel is on an exterior of non-absorbing regions 14. It is to be appreciated that the panels are described also in detail with FIG. 3. Panels may be sewed into various locations on the garment such as the neckline, the sides of the shirt, the bottom of the shirt, on the shoulders, and along the sleeves. The means for securing the moisture absorbing elements to the non-absorbent regions of the garment may include, for example, sewing, stitching, adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or the like. The means for detachably securing the moisture absorbing elements 12 to the non-absorbent regions 14 of the garment 10 may include, for example, buckles, buttons, snaps, clips, fasteners, VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners, slide fasteners, zippers, and the like. The means for securing the moisture absorbing elements 12 to the non-absorbent regions 14 of the garment are done in such manner so as not to impede the mobility or motion of the athlete or wearer.

It is to be appreciated that while many sports require sports attire, even for those sports that do not, many athletes who participate in those sports choose to wear sports attire, such as compression fit garments, because these garments are designed specifically for comfort and optimum performance during physical activity. In the past, sports shirts were created that offered sweat absorbing capabilities, however, these shirts were heavy and bulky, and thereby could potentially interfere with performance. In recent years, technology has advanced and there currently exist innovative designs and moisture wicking properties to diminish moisture and perspiration to keep the athlete's body dry. Sports attire, such as compression shirts featuring moisture wicking capabilities, are currently highly popular and have become a standard in many sports and among many athletes for training, competition, recreational activity, and daily wear. People of all ages and skill levels are purchasing sports attire to enhance their comfort during training, competition, and during every day activities. Examples of sports where these types of compression fit garments are typically seen include basketball, tennis, soccer, hockey, baseball, running, lacrosse, football, etc. Although athletes are used as the primary example of people who may benefit from this garment, it should be known that this technology could be used for all people of all ages engaging in sport, recreational or daily activities, as well as for those working in all industries including, but not limited to, the army, the medical and mechanical fields.

FIG. 2 depicts a long-sleeve garment 20 having a region of the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 22, which is disposed about the neckline (for wiping one's face) and wrist of the garment, that is capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer. The absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 22 is shown interwoven into and physically inseparable from the different relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance material 24 comprising the other portions of the shirt, which are capable of wicking perspiration off the wearer's body.

The garment 20 combines modern, sleek, lightweight compression fit shirts with moisture wicking and sweat absorbing panels (e.g., absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 22) strategically and intrinsically sewed into the shirt to enable the wearer and athletes to keep their bodies, hands, and other body parts dry during physical activity. The garment 20 eliminates the need for wearers and athletes to dry their hands on external towels, wear cumbersome sweat bands, or bulky shirts.

FIG. 3 depicts a panel 31 of the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material on a garment 30, which is disposed about the sleeve of the garment 30, that is capable of absorbing perspiration received from a wearer from the act of wiping or touching a sweaty body part on the absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material. For instance, a wearer can wipe his/her hands on the absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material (e.g., panel 31).

FIG. 3 illustrates a garment 30 that further includes a perspective view 32 of the panel 31 on said garment 30. It is to be appreciated that the garment 30 can be any suitable garment such as, but not limited to, a shirt, shorts, pants, long sleeved shirt, a three-quarter length shirt, a tank top, a muscle shirt, a sleeveless shirt, athletic shorts, athletic skirts, among others. Moreover, a cross-section view 32 of the panel 31 is illustrated in FIG. 3A showing the various layers and coatings associated with a panel. It is to be appreciated that this cross-sectional view is of the panel 31 cut in half illustrating the various layers and coatings that can exist. It is to be appreciated that the panel 31 can include any suitable number of panels. Moreover, it is to be appreciated that this cross-section view 32 of the panel 31 is solely for illustrative purposes and not to be limiting on the subject innovation. For instance, the panel 31 can include a coating 33 that encases the panel 31. The panel 31 can further include a first upper layer 34 (e.g., also referred to as an outer layer furthest from the body of the wearer) that can be an absorbent or hydrophilic material that collects perspiration from a wearer (e.g., from wiping a body part onto the panel 31, etc.). The panel 31 can further include a second bottom layer 35 (e.g., also referred to as an inner layer closes to the body of the wearer) that absorbs any excess body sweat that may have penetrated to the location from the garment to a location of the panel. As discussed above, the panel 31 can include a barrier layer (not shown) that can ensure separation between the first upper layer 34 and the second bottom layer 35. The separation (e.g., the barrier layer) can ensure the sweat from a wearer does not saturate or get absorbed by the first upper layer 34. The panel 31 can further include odoriferous properties in at least one layer (not shown) that eliminate or reduce body odor or odor from the absorbed sweat in the panel 31.

To ensure that the panels (e.g., a panel 31 of absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12) do not become saturated or overly wet from body moisture (e.g., to ensure effective drying for the wearer), various techniques can be employed. For instance, the panels 31 can be used to dry perspiration from other body parts (hands, forehead, etc.) yet such panels 31 will need to stay dry, include drying properties to quickly evaporate perspiration, etc. For instance, an ultra-absorbent panel 31 can be implemented (e.g., made out of ultra-absorbent microfiber for the first upper layer 34) which can be sewed or placed on top of a mesh layer (e.g., second bottom layer 35). The body, therefore, only comes in contact with the mesh and not with the ultra-absorbing panels. The mesh layer (e.g., second bottom layer 35) absorbs the sweat from the body while the ultra-absorbing layer (e.g., first upper layer 34) of the panels 31 absorb the moisture from the hands/forehead/etc. It is to be appreciated that a variety of other materials (other than mesh) and methods (such as barriers) can be used to prevent the body moisture from reaching the ultra-absorbent layer of the panel(s) 31. For example, the panels 31 can be constructed out of fabric that has a moisture barrier backing (e.g., between the first upper layer 34 and the second bottom layer 35) to prevent the moisture from the body from reaching or penetrating the panel 31 (e.g., perspiration reaching the panel 31 from the inside to the outside-from the body to the garment 30 rather than from the body part being placed onto the panel 31). Other techniques can include barriers that allow sweat and body moisture to dissipate or evaporate without soaking the fabric of the panels 31.

In another example, the panels 31 stay dry by employment of a double layer of an ultra-absorbent material for panel construction (See, for example, FIG. 3A). The inner layer (e.g., second bottom layer 35) of the panel 31 that is closer to the body can absorb any excess body sweat that may have penetrated the mesh or other material, while the outer top layer (e.g., first upper layer 34) will stay dry and ready to absorb the sweat from a body part that is capable of making contact with such area on the garment 30 (e.g., the hands, forehead, a portion of the face, among others). In still another example, a single layer of one of the available materials that is highly efficient at absorbing moisture when constructing the panels 31 can be utilized. By doing so, even if the sweat penetrates the panel 31, because of the extreme moisture absorbing and other high technology (hi-tech) properties of the material, the panel 31 can still efficiently absorb or wick the hand/forehead/face/etc. moisture without getting heavy and without having to wring it out.

Additionally, the construction of the panels 31 can include an under layer (e.g., second bottom layer 35) that contains moisture wicking properties can be used to wick the body moisture away from the panels 31, leaving the panels 31 ready to absorb moisture from the hands, face, etc. upon contact via wiping, toweling, and the like. The panels 31 can be constructed of a variety of materials and fibers such as synthetic, natural, a hybrid of both, fleece, cotton, yarn, nylons, or polyesters, etc. which are woven, knitted, blended, etc. together and can range in their density, weight, thickness, and function.

While the panels 31 can be sewed onto the garment using traditional or hi-tech “sew free” techniques, another embodiment of the subject disclosure includes having ultra-absorbent or moisture management panels that can be removed from and replaced onto the garment 30 whenever the wearer chooses to do so. The wearer can therefore choose where to place the panel on the garment (e.g., on the sleeve, the torso area, the shoulder, a stomach area, etc.) so that depending on his/her preferences and the sport or activity being engaged in, the panels will be in the optimal location to absorb the sweat from a body part (e.g., hands, forehead, face, or other body parts). The interchangeable panels 31 can be removed or replaced to meet the wearer's style preferences, to meet the needs of a specific sport or activity being engaged in, to help the wearer conveniently wipe sweat from the body part of choice, for laundering purposes, if the panels need to be replaced due to wear, or for various other reasons. The removable panels 31 can be adhered to the garment 10 in a variety of fashions and using a range of methods and technologies such as by VELCRO®, adhesive materials, snaps, sticky material, or other technologies that enable fabrics to be bonded or attached to each other. The panels 31, whether sewed or adhered using other techniques, can vary in shape, size, thickness, weight, design, color, scent, absorption capability (e.g., amount of liquid absorption, and the like), number of layers within the panels, etc. The panels 31 can further include odoriferous properties for the at least one panel. Thus, the panel(s) can be provided in a number of scents, fragrances, smells, colognes, among others. For instance, a user may prefer one scent over another for his or her preference for the panel. In another example, the panel can include composition related to deodorant in order to eliminate or reduce odor.

The panels 31 can be sewed or placed on to any type of garment or accessory to meet the personal preferences of the wearer as well as to meet the needs of persons engaging in a variety of sports and activities. The panels 31 can be placed on or in such garments including, but not limited to, sleeveless shirts, short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, vests, shorts, work out pants, “sleeves”, hats, gloves, bags, form-fitting attire, etc. The panels 31 can be placed on both the outer and inner parts of the garments or accessories, such as along the inner neckline, on the sides of the garment, the flank area (e.g., flank can be an area on the side of a torso where arms lie if put straight down and/or an area on a lower back corresponding to a kidney location on a person), the torso area, the sides of the shorts, the shoulder area, etc.

Furthermore, the panels 31 can be coated, finished or sealed using a range of coatings, finishes, sealants, etc. (herein referred to as the coating 33) to increase the panels' durability, wicking capabilities, moisture management capabilities, ability to stand up to a range of vigorous activities, and to strengthen the panels against tearing, ripping or raveling, and protect against wrinkles, stains, soiling, odors, color fading, fraying, mold, mildew, fungus growth, and the growth of odor causing bacteria. The coatings 33 can contain properties that help maintain or increase the panels 31 appearance over time as well as enhance comfort, safety and performance by controlling softness, ultraviolet (UV) protection, color fastness, compressibility, texture, static build up, moisture absorption, moisture wicking properties, flammability, breathability, and light reflection (e.g., panels can also be used as reflectors for wearers' who are outdoors, etc.).

The coatings 33 can also contain anti-microbial properties to help manage hygiene issues and can contain properties to increase the panels' 31 ability to resist and withstands a range of environmental conditions such as rain, sleet, snow, cold weather, moisture, among others. Technologies can be used to shorten the drying time, neutralize odors, reduce abrasion, control friction and resistance, control static cling, increase surface evaporation time, control absorption of body oil, and control stain retention and repellency. Additionally, coatings 33 can be made from any suitable hi-tech materials as well as eco-friendly technologies and can be applied topically as well as be inherently incorporated into the fabric.

In another embodiment, the panel 31 can include a color changing property that indicates a level of perspiration absorbed. For instance, a color coded system can be implemented that, upon color changes, allows a user to easily identify an amount of perspiration is absorbed and/or whether a panel 31 is to be replaced, changed, or discarded due to being at capacity. It is to be appreciated that the panel 31 can include a chemical composition that, when combined with a particular amount of perspiration, a color can result. Moreover, the color changing property can be incorporated into a design or style of the garment 30. For instance, the design on the garment 30 and/or the panel 31 can be complimented or decorated by the colors available with the color changing property. By way of example and not limitation, the panels 31 can be part of a design, wherein the panels 31 can be an eyes of a tiger. Based on the color changing property, the eyes of the tiger can change based on the level of perspiration within the panels 31. If the scale were green for empty and red for full capacity, the tiger's eyes could change from green to red (and any other colors in between).

FIG. 4 depicts a garment 40 that includes a region of the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12, which is disposed about the front of said garment 40 in the shape of a design that constitutes an outline of a hand. The shape of the design that constitutes an outline of a hand is solely for exemplary purposes and is not to be limiting on the scope of the subject innovation. The region of the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12 can be any suitable size, shape, or design. For example, the shape or design of the material 12 can be based upon the activity for which the garment 40 is targeted (e.g., basketball, baseball, soccer, football, tennis, bowling, and the like). Furthermore, the location of the material 12 can be on any suitable location of the garment 40. For instance, the material 12 can be located on a front side of the garment 40 (as depicted), on a back side of the garment 40, on a sleeve of the garment 40, on a neckline of the garment 40, on a side of the garment 40, and/or a combination thereof. Additionally, although the garment 40 is illustrated with a majority of the garment 40 being comprised of the relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance material 14, any percent of combination between the material 12 and the material 14 can be employed. Additionally, it is to be appreciated and understood that even though one region of material 12 is illustrated on the garment 40, any suitable number of regions of material 12 can be included on the garment 40.

The absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12 in the shape of a hand is shown interwoven into and physically inseparable from the different relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance material 14 comprising the other portions of the garment 40, which are capable of wicking perspiration off the wearer's body. It is to be appreciated that the garment 40 can be a multilayer garment that includes the relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance material 14 with the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12 on an exterior thereof. In other words, the garment 40 can include the material 12 on an exterior of the material 14, wherein the material 12 can be attached to the material 14 by, for instance, hook and loop fastener, buttons, adhesive, stitching, sewing, thread, zipper, heat-activated adhesive, among others.

FIG. 5 depicts pair of shorts 50 that include a region of the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12, which is disposed about the rear of a pair of shorts 50 in the shape of a plurality of designs that constitute outlines of a pair of hands. The absorbent or hydrophilic clothing materials 12 in the shape of a pair of hands are shown interwoven into and physically inseparable from the different relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance material 14 comprising the other portions of the shorts 50, which are capable of wicking perspiration off the wearer's body. It is to be appreciated that there can be any suitable number of regions 12, any suitable shape or design for the regions of material 12, and the region of material 12 can be located on any area on the shorts 50 (e.g., front, back, side, right short leg, left short leg, among others). For instance, the location of the material 12 and/or an amount of the material 12 can be based upon the sport (e.g., football, basketball, soccer, rugby, golf, tennis, baseball, racquetball, volleyball, bowling, racecar driving, horseracing, hockey, boxing, martial arts, softball, among others). In another example, the location of the material 12 can be based upon a hand dominance (e.g., right-handed, left-handed, ambidextrous). Thus, a right-handed wearer may prefer the material 12 to be on a rear of the shorts 50 but on a right side (same side of dominate hand) of the shorts 50. In a shirt example, the right-handed wearer may prefer the material 12 to be on a chest location on the left side (opposite side of dominate hand) of the shirt.

FIG. 6 depicts a garment 60 that includes a plurality of regions 22 of the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material (e.g., panels 31), which are disposed about the flanks of the garment 60, that are capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer. The absorbent or hydrophilic clothing materials 22 are shown interwoven into and physically inseparable from the different relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance material 24 comprising the other portions of the garment 60, which are capable of wicking perspiration off the wearer's body while also affording the ability to absorb liquid from direct and purposeful contact with the material 22. It is to be appreciated that the garment 40 can be a multilayer garment that includes the relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance material 14 with the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 12 on an exterior thereof. It is to be appreciated that the absorbent or hydrophilic clothing material 22 can include logos, designs, shapes, letters, colors, among others for decoration. For instance, depicted is a plurality of basketball designs affixed to the relatively absorbent or hydrophilic clothing materials 22 located on a lower portion of the garment 60.

The panel 31 or regions of material 22 can utilize various technologies. For instance, the region of material 22 can be constructed from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material which are less bulky and absorb moisture more quickly than do conventional material(s). The subject disclosure provides modern compression sports attire with technologies used for sweat absorbing to create a compression fit garment that has panels intrinsically sewed into the garment. In another example, the compression fit garment can have panels sewed onto the exterior of a first material of the garment (e.g., multilayer garment). In another example, the compression fit garment can be a unilayer garment with the region of material 22 and the region of material 24 being inseparable and interwoven with one another. As such, the garment 60 enables the user to optimally perform and enjoy the comforts of modern sports attire without having to wear a sweat band or carry a towel around to wipe off sweat during activity. The garment 60 may be used for any and every sport, for daily wear, as well as for a complete team uniform. If worn as a complete uniform, the subject innovation could replace a traditional sports uniform because it has the added benefit of absorbent material 22 built in to the uniform along with material 24 so that athletes can optimally perform in comfort without the need to wear sweat bands, bulky shirts, or carry a towel.

The subject innovation can include a unilayer garment, wherein said unilayer garment includes a first clothing material portion of a non-absorbent and hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body. The unilayer garment can further include a second clothing material portion comprised of an absorbent substance and a hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer's body that is attached to said first clothing material portion. The unilayer garment can include the second clothing material portion that is attached to an exterior of the first clothing material portion. The unilayer garment can include said first and second clothing material portions being attached by at least one of a sewing, a stitching, an adhesive, or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The unilayer garment can include the first clothing material portion being interwoven into said second clothing material portion. The unilayer garment can further include the first clothing material comprising a synthetic material.

The subject innovation can further provide the first clothing material to comprise a non-synthetic or naturally-occurring material. Additionally, the second clothing material can include a synthetic material. The second clothing material can further include a non-synthetic or naturally-occurring material. Moreover, the first clothing material can be comprised of at least one of lightweight cloth, lightweight stretch fabric material, fabric, nylon, cotton, cotton terry cloth, stretch terry cloth, knitted cotton yarn, flannel, spandex, polyester microfiber, lycra, lycra/spandex hybrid, wicking polyester, open weave, closed weave, mesh, or soft textured microfiber yarn with full strength spandex. Additionally, the stretch terry cloth can comprise of a composition of 60% cotton, 20% polyester and 20% lycra. Furthermore, the second clothing material can be comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chamois leather, or any blend of like material.

The second clothing material can constitute a single region of the garment provided by the subject innovation. The single region can be disposed about at least one of a single neckline portion of said garment, a single sleeve portion of said garment, a single flank portion of said garment, a single leg portion of said garment, or a single buttock portion of said garment. The second clothing material can constitute a plurality of regions of said garment. The plurality of regions can be disposed about at least one of a neckline portion of said garment, a sleeves of said garment, a flanks of said garment, a legs of said garment, or a buttocks of said garment.

The subject innovation includes a garment in which the second material can be a shape such as, but not limited to, a rectangular shaped, a square shaped, a circular shaped, an oval shaped, or an octagonal shaped. The garment can further include the second clothing material is a design, wherein the design is at least one of a logo, slogan, phrase, emblem, symbol, at least one letter, at least one number, a sports teams logo, school logo, university logo, or corporate logo. The design can further be a hand or a pair of hands.

The garment can further include a tackified, non-slip, or sticky surface to enhance the wearer's ability to firmly carry an item with minimal slippage. The sticky surface can include a latex-blended material. As discussed, the garment can be, but is not limited to, a shirt, a tank top, pants, shorts, a sleeveless shirt, a muscle shirt, a tank top, a three-quarter sleeve shirt, among others. The garment can also be made of different sizes. In one example, the garment can be sized to have a snug fit. In another example, the garment can be sized to have a loose fit.

In one embodiment, a multilayer garment is provided. The multilayer garment can include layers that include a first clothing material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body and a second clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic material capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said first clothing material portion. The first and second clothing material portions can be attached by means of sewing, stitching, adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, buttons, fasteners, slide fasteners, pressure-sensitive adhesives, VELCRO®, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or other suitable attaching means. The first clothing material portion can be interwoven into said second clothing material portion. Additionally or in the alternative, the second clothing material portion can be interwoven into the first clothing material portion.

In another embodiment, a unilayer garment is provided that includes a layer. The layer can include a thermal compression material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body and a clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said thermal compression material portion. The thermal compression and clothing material portions can be attached by means of sewing, stitching, adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or other suitable attaching means. The thermal compression material portions can be interwoven into said clothing material portion. In the alternative, the clothing material portion can be interwoven into the thermal compression material portions.

The thermal compression material can be comprised of one or more from the group of elastane, neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), spandex, and urethane. The thermal compression material can be a dry fit shirt, dry fit shorts, or dry fit pants.

In another embodiment, a multilayer garment can include two or more layers. The garment can include a thermal compression material portion of a relatively non-absorbent or hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body and a clothing material portion of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is attached to said thermal compression material portion. The thermal compression and clothing material portions can be attached by means of sewing, stitching, adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or other suitable attaching means. The thermal compression material portions can be interwoven into said clothing material portion. Alternatively, the clothing material portion can be interwoven into the thermal compression material portion. By way of example and not limitation, the thermal compression material can be comprised of one or more from the group of elastane, neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), spandex, and urethane. For instance, the thermal compression material is a dry fit shirt, dry fit shorts, or dry fit pants.

In another embodiment, a garment is provided. The garment can include a thermal compression material and a clothing material of a relatively absorbent or hydrophilic material capable of absorbing perspiration from a wearer that is detachably secured to said thermal compression material. The clothing material can be detachably secured by means of buttons, fasteners, slide fasteners, pressure-sensitive adhesives, VELCRO®, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or other suitable detachable securing means. By way of example, the thermal compression material can be a dry fit shirt, dry fit shorts, or dry fit pants.

In another embodiment, a multilayer garment is provided. The multilayer garment can include a first clothing material portion of a non-absorbent and hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body. The multilayer garment can further include a second clothing material portion comprised of an absorbent substance and a hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from the wearer, wherein the second clothing material portion is attached to said first clothing material portion. The multilayer garment can further include the second clothing material is attached to an exterior of the first clothing material.

In another embodiment, a shirt is provided. The shirt can include a thermal compression layer that is non-absorbent and hydrophobic substance that wicks perspiration from a wearer's body, wherein the perspiration is wicked from the skin through the thermal compression layer for evaporation. The shirt can further include a panel layer affixed to an exterior of the thermal compression layer, wherein the panel layer is an absorbent and hydrophilic substance that absorbs perspiration. The shirt can further include the panel layer is affixed to the exterior of the thermal compression layer at a location corresponding to where a body part can be wiped thereon, wherein the body part is a hand, a forehead, or a portion of a face. The panel can further include a first upper layer that is an ultra-absorbent microfiber and a second bottom layer is a mesh layer. The panel can further include a barrier layer between the first upper layer and the second bottom layer, wherein the barrier layer prevents perspiration from the wearer's body corresponding with the bottom layer to communicate with perspiration absorbed in the first upper layer. The panel can further include a coating that encases the first upper layer and the second bottom layer in which the coating includes an anti-microbial property to manage the perspiration.

It will be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein is/are merely exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as described hereinabove. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined to provide the desired result.

What has been described above includes examples of the subject innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the subject innovation are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Specific embodiments of an innovation are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the innovation may have other applications in other environments. In fact, many embodiments and implementations are possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the subject innovation to the specific embodiments described above. In addition, any recitation of “means for” is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element and a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation “means for”, are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if the claim otherwise includes the word “means”.

The aforementioned systems have been described with respect to interaction between several components. It can be appreciated that such systems and components can include those components or specified sub-components, some of the specified components or sub-components, and/or additional components, and according to various permutations and combinations of the foregoing. Sub-components can also be implemented as components communicatively coupled to other components rather than included within parent components (hierarchical). Additionally, it should be noted that one or more components may be combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality or divided into several separate sub-components, and any one or more middle layers, such as a management layer, may be provided to communicatively couple to such sub-components in order to provide integrated functionality. Any components described herein may also interact with one or more other components not specifically described herein but generally known by those of skill in the art.

Although the subject innovation has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (e.g., components, assemblies, devices, compositions, garments, materials, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the innovation. In addition, while a particular feature of the innovation may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Although certain embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that equivalents and modifications falling within the scope of the appended claims will occur to others who are skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification.

In addition, while a particular feature of the subject innovation may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” variants thereof, and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

Claims

1. A unilayer garment, wherein said unilayer garment comprises:

a first clothing material portion of a non-absorbent and hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body;

a second clothing material portion comprised of an absorbent substance and a hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from the wearer, the second clothing material portion is attached to said first clothing material portion; and

the second clothing material is interwoven into the first clothing material and physically inseparable from the first clothing material.

2. The unilayer garment to claim 1, wherein said first and second clothing material portions are attached by at least one of a sewing, a stitching, an adhesive, or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

3. The unilayer garment of claim 1, wherein said first clothing material comprises a synthetic material or a non-synthetic or naturally-occurring material.

4. The unilayer garment of claim 1, wherein said second clothing material comprises a synthetic material or a non-synthetic or naturally-occurring material.

5. The unilayer garment of claim 1, wherein said first clothing material is comprised of at least one of lightweight cloth, lightweight stretch fabric material, fabric, nylon, cotton, cotton terry cloth, stretch terry cloth, knitted cotton yarn, flannel, spandex, polyester microfiber, lycra, lycra/spandex hybrid, wicking polyester, open weave, closed weave, mesh, or soft textured microfiber yarn with full strength spandex.

6. The unilayer garment of claim 5, wherein said stretch terry cloth is comprised of a composition of 60% cotton, 20% polyester and 20% lycra.

7. The unilayer garment of claim 1, wherein said second clothing material is comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chamois leather, or a blend of PVA and chamois leather.

8. The unilayer garment of claim 1, wherein said second clothing material constitutes a single region of said garment and said single region is disposed about at least one of a single neckline portion of said garment, a single sleeve portion of said garment, a single flank portion of said garment, a single leg portion of said garment, or a single buttock portion of said garment.

9. The unilayer garment of claim 1, wherein said second clothing material is at least one of rectangular shaped, square shaped, circular shaped, oval shaped, or octagonal shaped.

10. The unilayer garment of claim 1, wherein said second clothing material comprises a design.

11. The unilayer garment of claim 10, wherein said design is a sports teams logo, school logo, university logo, or corporate logo.

12. The unilayer garment of claim 10, wherein said design is an outline of a hand or pair of hands.

13. The unilayer garment of claim 1, the second clothing material portion includes a color changing property that indicates a level of perspiration absorbed based on a chemical reaction between the perspiration and the second clothing material portion.

14. The unilayer garment of claim 1, further comprising a tackified, non-slip, or sticky surface to enhance the wearer's ability to firmly carry an item with minimal slippage.

15. The unilayer garment of claim 14, wherein said tackified, non-slip, or sticky surface comprises a latex-blended material.

16. The unilayer garment of claim 1, wherein said garment is at least one of a shirt, a tank top, shorts, pants, or a three-quarter sleeve shirt.

17. A multilayer garment, wherein said multilayer garment comprises:

a first clothing material portion of a non-absorbent and hydrophobic substance capable of wicking perspiration off a wearer's body;

a second clothing material portion comprised of an absorbent substance and a hydrophilic substance capable of absorbing perspiration from the wearer, the second clothing material portion is attached to said first clothing material portion; and

the second clothing material is attached to an exterior of the first clothing material.

18. The multilayer garment of claim 17, wherein said first and second clothing material portions are attached by means of sewing, stitching, adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, buttons, fasteners, slide fasteners, heat-sensitive adhesives, VELCRO®, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or zippers.

19. The multilayer garment of claim 17, the second clothing material portion further comprises:

a first upper layer that is an ultra-absorbent microfiber;

a second bottom layer is a mesh layer;

a barrier layer between the first upper layer and the second bottom layer, the barrier layer prevents perspiration from the wearer's body corresponding with the bottom layer to communicate with perspiration absorbed in the first upper layer; and

a coating that encases the first upper layer and the second bottom layer, the coating includes an anti-microbial property to manage the perspiration.

20. A shirt, comprising:

a thermal compression layer that is non-absorbent and hydrophobic substance that wicks perspiration from a wearer's body, the perspiration is wicked from the skin through the thermal compression layer for evaporation;

a panel layer affixed to an exterior of the thermal compression layer, the panel layer is an absorbent and hydrophilic substance that absorbs perspiration;

the panel layer is affixed to the exterior of the thermal compression layer at a location corresponding to where a body part can be wiped thereon, wherein the body part is a hand, a forehead, or a portion of a face;

the panel layer further comprising: a first upper layer that is an ultra-absorbent microfiber; a second bottom layer is a mesh layer; a barrier layer between the first upper layer and the second bottom layer, the barrier layer prevents perspiration from the wearer's body corresponding with the bottom layer to communicate with perspiration absorbed in the first upper layer; and a coating that encases the first upper layer and the second bottom layer, the coating includes an anti-microbial property to manage the perspiration.