WO2017181065A1 - Moisture, odor and shape controlling undergarments - Google Patents

Abstract

An undergarment adapted for control of moisture and odor and, optionally, shape control. The areas of the undergarment which provided moisture and odor control are permanently attached to the main body and are shaped to conform the portion of the wearer's body they overlie.

Description

MOISTURE, ODOR AND SHAPE CONTROLLING

UNDERGARMENTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application

No. 62/323,390 filed on April 15, 2016, entitled "MOISTURE, ODOR AND SHAPE CONTROLLING UNDERGARMENTS" the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Fi el d of Inventi on

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of undergarments, and more specifically undergarments adapted to control moisture, odor, and shape.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003] Sweating under pressure, stress, or while exercising is common among almost all people. While sweating is a natural occurrence, body odor and sweat stains can be both embarrassing and inconvenient.

[0004] Sweat stains can potentially ruin articles of clothing, especially lighter colored garments. Some sweat stains not only leave a permanent stain, but a permeant smell as well. Deodorant can be applied to reduce odor, but it does not reduce perspiration. Antiperspirant can lead to reduced sweat in the area in which it is applied, it may cause increased sweat in other areas. Furthermore, many people do not like the feel of antiperspirant or wish to avoid using it do to health concerns.

[0005] Some people will wear an undershirt or undergarment to help absorb sweat before it reaches their nicer clothes. However, I connection with profuse sweating, a typical undershirt or undergarment will not be able to fully absorb or mitigate sweat, and the sweat will eventually reach the wearer's clothing.

[0006] Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an undergarment designed to control sweat and odor. What might be further desired is an undergarment provided with a laminate material in high sweat areas, wherein the laminate mitigates or absorbs odor and perspiration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A garment is provided with one or more odor and moisture controlling liners for contact with areas of likely perspiration on a body. In particular, the invention provides undergarments to control and manage underarm moisture and odor as a result of perspiration. Optionally, body shaping via smoothing and structural support may be provided. Such garments will be suitable for both female and male users.

[0008] Specifically, embodiments of a main body conforming to the shape of a wearer, and at least one piece of laminate material, permanently attached along its entire edge to the main body. The material is provided for wicking, absorbing, or mitigating moisture. The material is further impregnated with an odor-controlling substance, and is conformed to the portion of the wearer's body it will overlie.

[0009] The undergarment further comprises areas of integrated shape-controlling material, which may be woven into the main body.

[0010] The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the moisture, odor and shape controlling undergarments, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the moisture, odor and shape controlling undergarments, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a detail view of the moisture and odor controlling laminate of the moisture, odor, and shape controlling undergarments, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a detail view of the moisture and odor controlling material of the moisture, odor, and shape controlling undergarments, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the moisture, odor and shape controlling undergarments, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a detail view of the seams of the moisture, odor, and shape controlling undergarments, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 7 is a detail view of the cut moisture and odor controlling material of the moisture, odor, and shape controlling undergarments, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-7, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0020] In reference to FIGS. 1-2, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein an article of clothing 1 is provided with a moisture and odor control liner 5. In the preferred embodiment, the article of clothing 1 is a shirt-like garment. The shirt-like garment is preferably a nylon and polyester blend, although cotton, silk, spandex, and other suitable textiles may be used.

[0021] In another embodiment, the shirt-like garment is provided with sweat absorbing liners 5 in at least each of the armpit regions of the garment. In another embodiment, an additional moisture and odor control liner 10 is provided beneath the breast area, and an additional moisture and odor control liner 15 is provided on the back of the shirtlike garment (see FIG. 2). In another embodiment, additional control liner may be provided along the bottom rear of the garment corresponding to the small of the wearer's back, around the collar of the garment, and/ or along its front hem.

[0022] In another embodiment, the article of clothing may be underpants or leggings

(not shown). In the embodiment, odor control liner may be provided in areas were perspiration is likely to occur, typically around the waist, above the buttocks, and between the thighs.

[0023] In reference to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the odor and moisture management materials are utilized as a multiple layer lamination in the armpit of an article of a shirt-like garment. In the embodiment, a wicking layer 20, antimicrobial layer 22, and moisture barrier 24 are laminated to create a composite laminated textile 25, wherein the wicking layer 20 contacts the users skin and the moisture barrier 24 is provided on the outside of the garment. In an embodiment, the wicking layer 20 comprised of polyester, the antimicrobial 22 is comprised of carbon, and the moisture barrier 24 is comprised of polyester. However, other material types may comprise the composite laminated textile to achieve the desired effects. Other natural and synthetic materials consisting of, but not limited to, carbon fiber impregnated textiles, silver fiber-based textile, bamboo fiber-based textile, wool, and wool blend textiles may also or alternatively be used in areas where moisture and odor control management are prescribed. In another embodiment, the moisture and odor management materials may be utilized as a single layer.

[0024] Sweat may contact the wicking layer directly or be collected along a non- absorbent layer and transported to the wicking layer. The wicking layer may pass the moisture along to an absorbent layer. Any or all of the layers may include elements for odor control. For example, carbon impregnated textiles inhibit bacteria growth and therefore excel at mitigating odor.

[0025] The moisture and odor control elements should be ergonomically shaped, wherein they follow the wearer's body movements and have a high level of comfort. In reference to FIG. 4, embodiments of the odor and moisture control layers are shown having various geometric shapes. Geometric shapes such as an ellipsoid 41, florette 42, butterfly 43, diamond 44, and polygon 45, are shown in FIG. 4, but other geometric shapes may be used as deemed appropriate.

[0026] In another embodiment, the odor and moisture control material is laser cut to reduce fraying of the woven material (FIG. 7). Furthermore, the moisture and odor control material is preferable adhered to the article of clothing using thermally welded seams to reduce buildup of material (FIG. 6).

[0027] In another embodiment, the article of clothing may also be adapted to be a shapewear garment. In reference to FIG. 5, wherein the article of clothing is a shirt-like garment provided with shape-control elements 50 for tummy control. The shape-control elements are elastic panels, compression fabric, and other similar shapewear features. The shape-control elements 50 are preferably thermally welded to the garment, but may also be stitched or 3D woven. In an embodiment where the article of clothing is underpants or leggings, the shape-control element may be provided under the buttocks, around the thighs, or in other parts where shape-control is prescribed.

[0028] The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. An undergarment adapted for control of moisture and odor comprising:

a. a main body conforming to the shape of a wearer; and,

b. at least one piece of laminate material permanently attached along its entire edge to the main body, the material being functional for wicking, absorption, or dispersion of moisture, the material further being impregnated with an odor-controlling substance;

wherein the laminate material is shaped to conform the portion of the wearer's body it overlies.

2. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising areas of integrated shape- controlling material.

3. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the laminate material comprises at least one layer of carbon fiber.

4. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the odor-controlling substance is carbon.

5. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the laminate material is attached to the main body by thermal stitching

6. The undergarment of claim 2, wherein the shape-controlling material is woven into the main body.

7. An undergarment adapted for control of moisture and odor comprising:

a. a main body having a shirt-like shape, two armpit regions, and conforming to the shape of a wearer; and,

b. at least two pieces of laminate material, each piece of laminate comprised of at least one layer of carbon fiber,

wherein the at least two pieces of laminate material are attached in at least the armpit regions of the main body to mitigate moisture.

8. The undergarment of claim 7, further comprising areas of integrated shape- controlling material.

9. The undergarment of claim 7, further comprising a piece of laminate material attached to a back portion of the main body. The undergarment of claim 7, further comprising a piece of laminate material attached to a beneath the breast region of the main bod

The undergarment of claim 7, wherein the laminate material is attached to the main body by thermal stitching

The undergarment of claim 8, wherein the shape-controlling material is woven into the main body.