US20070022929A1

US20070022929A1 - High-breathability lace-type elastic webbing

Info

Publication number: US20070022929A1
Application number: US11/189,770
Authority: US
Inventors: Tai-Kuang Wang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-27
Filing date: 2005-07-27
Publication date: 2007-02-01

Abstract

A high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing consisting of a plurality of elastic webbing sections and connecting threads sewn between the elastic webbing sections. The elastic webbing sections can be of equal width or of mutually different widths. Stitch sections of the non-elastic connecting threads sewn between each pair of the elastic webbing sections are completely exposed on the surface of the elastic webbing sections, thereby adding an aesthetic appeal to the outward appearance of the elastic webbing similar to serrated edging of lace.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a structural design of a new lace-type elastic webbing that has high-breathability and aesthetic appeal, and more particularly to an elastic webbing that not only has elastic stretchability, moreover, attractiveness of the elastic webbing renders an aesthetic touch to a lace-like covering.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
So-called conventional band-type elastic webbings are fabricated using mutual interlacing of threads, and a specified number of elastic threads are included during the thread interlacing process to form the banding elastic webbings, which are combined to fabricate headbands or caps. A female can use the elastic webbing to bind her hair when taking part in intense sports, thereby preventing the hair from becoming disorderly from swaying of the head. Moreover, the elastic webbing can be stitched to a sweatband area of a cap, thereby providing functionality to absorb sweat from the forehead of the wearer.
However, because the elastic material used in fabricating the conventional elastic webbing is rubber-based that lacks breathability, thus, breathable elastic webbings are now known, such as that disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,808. The primary design element of U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,808 is in the structure of the elastic webbing band, which incorporates additional layers of elastic stitching between two elastic webbing sections, which results in expanding the stretch area of the elastic webbing band when the elastic webbing band is stretched, thereby providing the elastic webbing band with relatively better breathability. However, because the stitching thread used in U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,808 has elasticity, thus, the threads are concealed within the material of the elastic webbings (narrow space between arbitrary upper and lower layers) during the stitching process, and visual effect of the elastic webbing band gives the impression of three juxtaposed strips of elastic webbings. Furthermore, in normal situations, the elastic webbing band is transversally stretched and expanded along the length of the elastic webbing sections, which results in relatively poor breathability because the layers of elastic stitching are sewn close to perimeter edges of upper and lower elastic webbing sections,
Hence, when the aforementioned elastic is stitched to a headwear, such as a headband or a cap, the user will feel stuffy and uncomfortable after wearing the headwear for a period of time. Accordingly, the elastic webbing band is incapable of truly complying with exacting requirements for breathability, and, visually, is unable to achieve a fine and smooth textural effect. Moreover. This prior art elastic webbing band has relatively poor aesthetic appeal.
Hence, motive behind the present invention is to improve on the design of such elastic webbings so that the elastic webbing still provides breathability when stretched, and is applicable for use in headbands or hats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a new elastic webbing structure, which apart from achieving elastic stretchability, moreover, the elastic webbing retains effectiveness of high-breathability, and when incorporated in a headband, cap or hat, the wearer feels more comfortable with the elastic webbing in contact with his skin.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide the elastic webbing with functionality to be able to present the appearance of being covered with a lace-type band, thereby adding a refined touch to the elastic webbing, and integrates an elegant aesthetic effect when incorporated in headwear or clothing.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the elastic webbing with pattern variability in diversified woven designs using the same material and high-breathability design concept.
In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing of the present invention comprises a plurality of elastic webbing sections and connecting threads sewn between the elastic webbing sections. To enhance the aesthetic effect of the elastic webbing, a plurality of strips of elastic webbing sections having equal width are woven together to form an integral body or a plurality of strips of elastic webbing sections having different widths are woven together to form an integral body. Stitch sections of the non-elastic connecting threads sewn between each pair of the elastic webbing sections are completely exposed on the surface of the elastic webbing sections, thereby adding an aesthetic appeal to the outward appearance of the elastic webbing similar to serrated edging of lace or a reticular pattern, which increases refinement in elastic webbing products.
To enable a further understanding of said objectives and the technological methods of the invention herein, brief description of the drawings is provided below followed by detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an elastic webbing according to the present invention.
FIG. 1A shows an enlarged partial schematic view depicting the structure of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of another embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a front view of yet another embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment incorporated in a cap according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of another embodiment incorporated in a cap according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of an embodiment incorporated in a tennis cap according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment incorporated in a different styled cap according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, which show an elastic webbing 10 of the present invention fabricated from a plurality of elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13), which enable the elastic webbing 10 to achieve transversal stretchability, and non-elastic connecting threads 20 are stitched between the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13). The aforementioned elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) are of equal width and of a similar design concept, as depicted in FIG. 1. However, the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) can have different widths and be arranged under the same disposition as depicted in FIG. 1, thereby furnishing the elastic webbing 10 with additional varied aesthetic effects.
The connecting threads 20 are fabricated from non-elastic thread, and preferred choice of material for the connecting threads 20 is nylon or polyester. A left and right alternating joining stitch is adopted to stitch the connecting threads 20. Spacing between needle points 21, closeness and number of layers or length of exposed stitch sections 22 depend on application needs and are not limited to specific values.
The nylon thread, polyester thread or thread of other various materials having analogous properties are sewn so as to expose the stitch sections 22 on the surface of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13), thus, the stitch sections 22 are not inseparably close-fitting to the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13). Air gaps of certain extent are provided between the stitch sections 22 and surface of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13), thereby furnishing the elastic webbing 10 with superior breathability when in a state prior to stretching, which is different from a conventional elastic webbing or an elastic webbing stitched using elastic thread that only achieve breathability when in a stretched state. When each of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) are stitched together to form an integral body, the stitch sections 22 of the connecting threads 20 are completely exposed on the surface of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13), thereby adding an aesthetic effect similar to the appearance of lace, and ultimately achieving an elastic webbing having new functionality. Moreover, if the connecting threads 20 were fabricated from elastic material, then they would be sunk into the plane of the main body of the elastic webbing sections (11. 12, 13) when stitched thereinto, and thus not provide breathability.
Referring to FIG. 2, which shows an embodiment of the elastic webbing 10 comprising four strips of elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13, 14) of equal width and thickness. The connecting threads 20 do not have elastic properties, and are stitched between each pair of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13). Stitch separation adopted can have a relatively wide distance of X, and each of the distances X can be the same. Another row of stitches can have stitches separated at a narrower distance of Y. Hence, distance Y can be different from distance X. In addition, using the same design concept, the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) of mutually different widths can be structurally arranged as depicted in FIG. 3, wherein width of the elastic webbing section 11 is m, and width of the elastic webbing section 12 is n, thereby furnishing the elastic webbing 10 with additional varied aesthetic effects after fabrication from the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13).
Furthermore, thickness, width or closeness of each of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) used in fabricating the elastic webbing 10 are not limited to certain values. Moreover, nylon or polyester material can be Weaved into a variety of patterns or logos on the surface of the elastic webbing 10 using embroidery techniques to form a woven pattern effect.
Referring to FIG. 4, the structural characteristics of the elastic webbing 10 of the present invention make it applicable for use on a cap 30, wherein the elastic webbing 10 is stitched to an inner circumference of the cap 30, and functions as a sweatband. Furthermore, the elastic webbing 10 provides functionality to automatically adjust cap size whenever necessary.
Referring to FIG. 5, which shows another use of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the elastic webbing 10 is stitched to an inner circumference of a cap 31. A rear end of the cap 31 has a section cut out, and a different fabric 14, the original elastic webbing material or a fastener is stitched to the cut-out section. The elastic webbing 10 is similarly provided with sweat absorption functionality of a sweatband.
Referring to FIG. 6, which shows the embodiment of the present invention incorporated in a tennis cap 33, wherein the elastic webbing 10 is fabricated from a plurality of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) stitched together with the connecting threads 20. The stitch sections 22 of the connecting threads 20 are completely exposed on the surfaces of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13), thereby forming a pattern on the cap 33 product that adds aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the elastic webbing 10 provides superior breathability when wearing on the body. A rear section of the cap 33 is complemented with an elastic webbing 15 of different texture and pattern design, thereby furnishing the cap 33 with greater elegance and uniqueness.
Referring to FIG. 7, which shows an exterior view of the embodiment of the present invention incorporated in another style of hat 34, wherein the elastic webbing 10 is stitched between a main body 35 of the cap 34 and a brim 36 of the hat 34, thereby enabling a semblance of the elastic webbing 10 to present a lace-type style rendering different gradations of the elastic webbing sections (11, 12, 13) and high breathable connecting threads 20, thereby achieving effectiveness of breathability and non-stuffiness when wearing the hat 34, and providing a stylish hat that is out of the ordinary.
The present invention not only improves upon the shortcomings in poor breathability of prior art elastic webbings, but also adds a decorative effect when incorporated in a headband, hat or clothing, thereby greatly increasing practicability. Moreover, the elastic webbing of the present invention is applicable for use in various types of hat and headband products, and thus of practical value.
It is of course to be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and that a wide variety of modifications thereto may be effected by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing, comprising a plurality of elastic webbing sections and connecting threads sewn between the elastic webbing sections, and characterized in that:

the elastic webbing sections are of equal or unequal widths, and are sewn together using the connecting threads having non-elastic properties; when the non-elastic stretchability connecting threads are used to sew together the elastic webbing sections, stitch sections of the stitched connecting threads are completely exposed on the surface of the elastic webbing sections, thereby providing high-breathability functionality and adding an aesthetic lace-type effect.

2. The high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing according to claim 1, wherein the connecting threads are nylon threads.

3. The high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing according to claim 1, wherein the connecting threads are polyester threads.

4. The high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing according to claim 1, wherein when the connecting threads are used to sew together each of the elastic webbing sections to form an integral body, stitch separation adopted is of relatively wide distance X, and each of the distances X are the same.

5. The high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing according to claim 4, wherein when the connecting threads are used to sew together each of the elastic webbing sections to form an integral body, stitch separation adopted is of relatively narrow distance Y, and each of the distances Y are different from the distances X.

6. The high-breathability lace-type elastic webbing according to claim 1, wherein thickness, width or closeness of each layer of the elastic webbing sections are not limited to specific values, moreover, nylon or polyester material can be weaved into a variety of patterns or logos on the surface of the elastic webbing using embroidery techniques to form a woven silk effect.