Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ARTICLE COMPRISING A NATURAL FABRIC AND A PATTERNED WICKING BARRIER
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article such as a tee shirt. More
particularly, the tee
shirt may be constructed in such a way as to provide durability, measurable
moisture
management, and wearer comfort.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the state of the art, various tee shirts sacrifice comfort or fit in
an attempt to improve
moisture management. Alternatively or additionally, conventional tee shirts
may use synthetic
materials and yarns in construction. However, improvements are needed.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure relates to articles of clothing such as tee
shirts.
[0004] Articles, such as tee shirts, and method of making the same are
disclosed. An article may
comprise a main body formed from a pre-shrunk natural fabric; and a wicking
barrier printed on
a first surface of the fabric in a pattern that defines adjacent printed and
unprinted portions such
that moisture adjacent the first surface of the fabric is cause to move to the
unprinted portions
and is absorbed through the fabric.
[0005] There has thus been outlined, certain embodiments of the present
disclosure in order that
the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order
that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,
additional embodiments
of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject
matter of the
claims appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the invention,
reference is now made to
the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like
numerals. These
drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention and intended only
to be illustrative.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a chart of comparative data of conventional articles
comprising examples A-K.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a chart of comparative data of conventional articles
comprising examples A-K.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] An article of clothing such as a tee shirt is described.
Materials
[0010] An article in accordance with the present disclosure may be formed from
natural fibers.
The article may be formed from a material comprising cotton (e.g., long fiber
cotton, Supima
cotton, etc.). Reference to long fiber cotton may comprise extra-long staple
cotton and/or may
comprise cotton having an average fiber length of greater than 1 inch, greater
than 1.1 inches,
greater than 1.2 inches, greater than 1.3 inches, greater than 1.4 inches,
greater than 1.5 inches,
greater than 1.6 inches, greater than 1.7 inches, greater than 1.8 inches,
greater than 1.9 inches, or
greater than 2 inches. The article may be formed from a material consisting
essentially of cotton
(e.g., long fiber cotton, Supima cotton, etc.). The article may be formed from
a material consisting
of cotton (e.g., long fiber cotton, Supima cotton, etc.).
[0011] Materials for forming articles in accordance with the present
disclosure may be processed
using various spinning techniques. Fibers may be spun using a conventional
spinning technique.
Fibers may be spun using ring or open-end spinning. Alternatively, fibers may
be spun using an
air entanglement (e.g., air jet) processes such as spinning. Such air
entanglement may cause short
fibers to fall out leaving longer fibers in the yarn.
[0012] In an aspect, when yarn is knitted into a fabric, a pre-shrink process
may include
compacting the fabric to effectively increase the g/cm^2 of the pre-compacted-
fabric.
[0013] The fabric may be processed in a wet tumbling and/or dry tumbling
processes. The
fabric/garment may be pre-shrunk such that a shrinkage rate at the garment
level is below 2% or
below 1%.
[0014] The fibers' yarn and resultant fabric of the present disclosure may
provide increased fabric
strength, low fabric torque effect, and/or higher resistance to shrinkage and
pilling.
Wicking
[0015] Fabric in accordance with the present disclosure may be printed with
wicking patterns
(for example, which may comprise Wicking WindowsTM technology by Cotton
Incorporated). As
an example, a wicking barrier may be printed on the skin-facing side of the
fabric. The printed
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barrier may define a pattern of non-absorbent barrier portions disposed
adjacent unprinted
absorbent fabric portions. As the wearer begins to sweat, the printed areas
remain dry against the
skin while small absorbent "windows" pull moisture to the outside of the
fabric where it can
evaporate and dry quickly. The print pattern may be a simple coverage effect
or can incorporate
a stylized design, which adds a greater level of versatility to the functional
performance. As an
example, a waffle pattern may be used such that the interior diamonds are
printed, while the
interposed lattice are unprinted. As such, moisture is forced to the lattice
and is pulled to the
fabric for faster expansion and evaporation. Other patterns may be used.
Construction
[0016] An article such as a tee shirt may be constructed in accordance with
the present
disclosure. Such construction may comprise a side seam overlock. The
construction may
comprise a bound seam interior seam allowance at shoulder. The construction
may comprise a
double bound collar. The construction may comprise minimized exterior
topstitching at structural
seams (e.g., to avoid abrasion). Conventional closing is under-arm, but
articles in accordance
with the present disclosure may comprise a construction that closes the arm
hole last. Other
construction methods may be used.
[0017] Performance of example articles (tee shirts) in accordance with the
present disclosure
was compared to conventional articles. Performance of conventional articles
labeled examples
A-K are shown in FIGS. 1-2. By comparison, example articles of the present
disclosure were
produced and tested, demonstrating improved performance over the conventional
articles of
FIGS. 1-2. As an illustrative example, several articles were produced in
accordance with the
present disclosure and exhibited the following example characteristics:
[0018] Example 1: 100% cotton; fabric weight 225 g/m2 ¨
Dimensional Change After Laundering - AATCC 135 - 2018; Machine wash at 80 F
normal cycle, tide ultra powder detergent, followed by tumble dry delicate
cycle:
Length: -1.5%; Width: -0.9%.
Water Vapor Transmission - ASTM E96/E96M - 15 Procedure B Result: 2893.30
g.day/m2
Liquid Moisture Management Properties of Textile Fabrics - AATCC 195 ¨ 2017:
One-way transport capability (R): 243.6879; grade 4.
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[0019] Example 2: 100% cotton; fabric weight 225 g/m2¨
Dimensional Change After Laundering - AATCC 135 - 2018; Machine wash at 80 F
normal cycle, tide ultra powder detergent, followed by tumble dry delicate
cycle:
Length: -1.9%; Width: -0.7%.
Water Vapor Transmission - ASTM E96/E96M - 15 Procedure B Result: 2714.3
g.day/m2
Liquid Moisture Management Properties of Textile Fabrics - AATCC 195 ¨ 2017:
One-way transport capability (R): 256.3935; grade 4.
[0020] Example 3: 100% cotton; fabric weight 225 g/m2¨
Dimensional Change After Laundering - AATCC 135 - 2018; Machine wash at 80 F
normal cycle, tide ultra powder detergent, followed by tumble dry delicate
cycle:
Length: -2.0%; Width: -0.0%.
Pilling Resistance: Random Tumble, After Three Wash - ASTM D3512/D3512M ¨ 16
After 3 Washes: After 30 minutes Average: 4.5
Water Vapor Transmission - ASTM E96/E96M - 15 Procedure B Result: 2712.25
g/m2/24hrs
Liquid Moisture Management Properties of Textile Fabrics - AATCC 195 ¨ 2017:
One-way transport capability (R): 297.2794; grade 4.
[0021] The above examples 1-3 are non-limiting and presented for illustration
only. As shown,
the present disclosure may produce articles exhibiting improved durability
over conventional
articles. For example, an article may comprise a main body formed from a pre-
shrunk natural
fabric; and a wicking barrier printed on a first surface of the fabric in a
pattern that defines
adjacent printed and unprinted portions such that moisture adjacent the first
surface of the fabric
is cause to move to the unprinted portions and is absorbed through the fabric.
As a further
example, forming an article in accordance with the present disclosure may
comprise a
combination of fiber length (e.g., long staple cotton) and spinning technique
(e.g., air
entanglement).
[0022] An article may comprise a main body formed from a pre-shrunk natural
fabric; and a
wicking barrier printed on a first surface of the fabric in a pattern that
defines adjacent printed
and unprinted portions such that moisture adjacent the first surface of the
fabric is cause to move
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to the unprinted portions and is absorbed through the fabric. Such an article
may exhibit one or
more of the following characteristics:
- one-way transport index >200 when tested using Moisture Management Test
(MMT)
method AATCC TM 195; and/or
- <10 seconds drop absorbency speed when tested using Drop Absorbency
method
AATCC TM 79.
[0023] The present disclosure may produce article exhibiting improved
durability over
conventional articles. For example, an article may comprise a main body formed
from a pre-
shrunk natural fabric; and a wicking barrier printed on a first surface of the
fabric in a pattern
that defines adjacent printed and unprinted portions such that moisture
adjacent the first surface
of the fabric is cause to move to the unprinted portions and is absorbed
through the fabric. As a
further example, forming an article in accordance with the present disclosure
may comprise a
combination of fiber length (e.g., long staple cotton) and spinning technique
(e.g., air
entanglement). Articles in accordance with the present disclosure may show
improved
characteristics such as:
- minimum Grade 3.5 after 10 home laundry when tested using Appearance
After Wash
AATCC TM 143; and/or
- <1% width shrinkage after 3 home laundry when tested using Dimensional
Change
AATCC TM 135, <2% length shrinkage; and/or
- minimum Grade 3.5 after 100 cycles when tested using Pilling Resistance
ASTM D4970.
[0024] The present disclosure comprises at least the following aspects:
[0025] Aspect 1: An article comprising: a main body formed from a pre-shrunk
natural fabric;
and a wicking barrier printed on a first surface of the fabric in a pattern
that defines adjacent
printed and unprinted portions such that moisture adjacent the first surface
of the fabric is cause
to move to the unprinted portions and is absorbed through the fabric.
[0026] Aspect 2: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric comprises
cotton.
[0027] Aspect 3: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of
cotton.
[0028] Aspect 4: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of long-
fiber cotton.
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[0029] Aspect 5: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of cotton
having average fiber length of greater than 1.0 inches.
[0030] Aspect 6: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of cotton
having average fiber length of greater than 1.1 inches.
[0031] Aspect 7: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of cotton
having average fiber length of greater than 1.2 inches.
[0032] Aspect 8: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of cotton
having average fiber length of greater than 1.3 inches.
[0033] Aspect 9: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of cotton
having average fiber length of greater than 1.4 inches.
[0034] Aspect 10: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.5 inches.
[0035] Aspect 11: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.6 inches.
[0036] Aspect 12: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.7 inches.
[0037] Aspect 13: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.8 inches.
[0038] Aspect 14: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.9 inches.
[0039] Aspect 15: The article of aspect 1, wherein the natural fabric consists
essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 2.0 inches.
[0040] Aspect 16: The article of any one of aspects 1-15, wherein the natural
fabric exhibits a
shrinkage rate of less than 2%.
[0041] Aspect 17: The article of any one of aspects 1-15, wherein the natural
fabric exhibits a
shrinkage rate of less than 1%.
[0042] Aspect 18: The article of any one of aspects 1-17, wherein the wicking
barrier pattern
comprises a waffle pattern.
[0043] Aspect 19: A method for making the article of any one of aspects 1-18.
[0044] Aspect 20: A tee shirt comprising: a main body formed from a pre-shrunk
natural fabric
having an interior surface configured to abut a body of a wearer; and a
wicking barrier printed on
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the interior surface of the fabric in a pattern that defines adjacent printed
and unprinted portions
such that moisture adjacent the interior surface of the fabric is cause to
move to the unprinted
portions and is absorbed through the fabric.
[0045] Aspect 21: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
comprises cotton.
[0046] Aspect 22: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton.
[0047] Aspect 23: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
long-fiber cotton.
[0048] Aspect 24: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.0 inches.
[0049] Aspect 25: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.1 inches.
[0050] Aspect 26: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.2 inches.
[0051] Aspect 27: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.3 inches.
[0052] Aspect 28: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.4 inches.
[0053] Aspect 29: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.5 inches.
[0054] Aspect 30: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.6 inches.
[0055] Aspect 31: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.7 inches.
[0056] Aspect 32: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.8 inches.
[0057] Aspect 33: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 1.9 inches.
[0058] Aspect 34: The tee shirt of aspect 20, wherein the natural fabric
consists essentially of
cotton having average fiber length of greater than 2.0 inches.
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[0059] Aspect 35: The tee shirt of any one of aspects 20-34, wherein the
natural fabric exhibits
a shrinkage rate of less than 2%.
[0060] Aspect 36: The tee shirt of any one of aspects 20-34, wherein the
natural fabric exhibits
a shrinkage rate of less than 1%.
[0061] Aspect 37: The tee shirt of any one of aspects 20-36, wherein the
wicking barrier pattern
comprises a waffle pattern.
[0062] Aspect 38: A method for making the tee shirt of any one of aspects 20-
37.
[0063] Aspect 39: An article comprising: a main body formed from a pre-shrunk
natural fabric;
and a wicking barrier printed on a first surface of the fabric in a pattern
that defines adjacent
printed and unprinted portions such that moisture adjacent the first surface
of the fabric is cause
to move to the unprinted portions and is absorbed through the fabric, wherein
the article exhibits
one or more of (or each of): a one-way transport index of greater than 200
when tested using
Moisture Management Test (MMT) method AATCC TM 195, less than 10 seconds drop
absorbency speed when tested using Drop Absorbency method AATCC TM 79, a
minimum
Grade 3.5 after 10 home laundry when tested using Appearance After Wash AATCC
TM 143, or
a minimum Grade 3.5 after 100 cycles when tested using Pilling Resistance ASTM
D4970.
[0064] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the
following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments or
embodiments in addition
to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as
the abstract, are for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0065] Reference in this application to "one embodiment," "an embodiment,"
"one or more
embodiments," "aspects," or the like means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic
described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the
disclosure. The appearances of, for example, the phrases "an embodiment" in
various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,
nor are separate or
alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover,
various features
are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by the other.
Similarly,
various requirements are described which may be requirements for some
embodiments but not
by other embodiments.
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[0066] The following exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present
disclosure will
be thorough and fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous
specific details are
set forth such as examples of specific components, devices and schematic
configurations to
provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure. However,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details
need not be employed, that
the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that
neither should be
construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0067] While the system and method have been described in terms of what are
presently
considered to be specific embodiments, the disclosure need not be limited to
the disclosed
embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar
arrangements included
within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be
accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar
structures.
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