ENGINEERED BAND

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of garments, and more specifically, embodiments described herein relate to manufactures, devices, systems and methods for improved apparel band systems.

INTRODUCTION

Apparel may be configured to be worn snug to the wearer's body. This form fit can help keep the garment in place during movement or can provide anchor points for further support functions of the garment. However, such apparel may require a tight fit around regions of the wearer with a high degree of soft tissue.

Bands in apparel (such as underbands and waist bands) tend to roll up (or down) on soft tissue. This problem can be particularly exacerbated in regions of the wearer's body with a high degree of soft tissue or where the garment fits more tightly to the wearer's body. This roll up can be uncomfortable for the wearer, interfere with apparel placement, and break up the wearer's silhouette.

Improvement in the field of garments and band systems is desirable.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein involve apparel band systems for improved comfort and fit, particularly for people with soft tissue deposits proximate the location of the band system. The band system may include a cushioning layer that extends substantially along the circumference of a garment. The band system may function within the apparel constructions as an element such as an underband, waistband, cuff, strap for affixing a bag to the body, or the like.

According to an aspect, there is provided a band system for a body covering garment for a wearer. The band system is designed to encircle a portion of a wearer's body. The band system includes an outer fabric layer, an inner fabric layer, and an engineered shaped cushioning layer. The engineered shaped cushioning layer is situated between the outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer throughout a portion of the band system. The engineered shaped cushioning layer is shaped to fit within and partially fill a concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue. The outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer are at least partially connected to form the band system.

In some embodiments, the engineered shaped cushioning layer is formed to mimic a band that has rolled up on the wearer's body.

In some embodiments, the band system includes one or more additional engineered shaped cushioning layers.

In some embodiments, the engineered shaped cushioning layer is proximal an edge of the garment and at least one of the one or more additional engineered shaped cushioning layers is disposed distal the edge.

In some embodiments, the engineered shaped cushioning layer is shaped to fit within and partially fill a concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue based on a series of sizing intentions.

In some embodiments, the band system includes an opening and closing feature or a tensioning feature. The opening and closing feature or the tensioning feature is configured to control the circumference of the band system.

In some embodiments, the opening and closing feature or the tensioning feature includes one or more of a fastener, a hooks and loop system, a buckle, a zipper, a frog fastener, a button, a lace, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the band system includes an elastic component that allows the band system to be stretched over the body and situated in the appropriate location on the wearer's body.

In some embodiments, the band system is a bra underband. In some embodiments, the band system is further connected to one or more of a cup, a strap, and/or a wing.

In some embodiments, the band system is the waistband of a garment configured to cover a lower portion of a wearer.

In some embodiments, the garment is one or more of leggings, pants, trousers, a onesie, a bodysuit, and/or a waistband.

In some embodiments, the band system is the waistband of a garment configured to cover an upper portion of a wearer.

In some embodiments, the garment is one or more of a tank top, a shirt, a sweater, a hoodie, and a jacket.

In some embodiments, the band system includes a stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer differ in at least one of moisture wicking, moisture absorption, thickness, texture, surface treatment, waterproofing, leak proofing, stretch, and stretch qualities such as stretch direction/stretch direction ratios.

In some embodiments, the band system includes one or more additional fabric layers.

In some embodiments, the band system includes an opening to access the engineered shaped cushioning layer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding.

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein in the figures:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of a garment worn by a wearer without the band system described herein.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of a garment worn by a wearer with the band system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A-3C are different views of a garment with the band system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative band system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a plurality of different cushioning layers, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a simplified band system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system with a second cushioning layer, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system with a stabilizer, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system with a third fabric layer in the garment, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system with an additional cushioning layer and a stabilizer, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an alternative garment with the band system, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Bands in apparel (such as underbands and waist bands) tend to roll up (or down) on soft tissue. Described herein are band systems that can provide a pre-rolled (engineered shaped cushioning layer) construction to fill in where the band would tend to roll up. The band system can alleviate the risk of the garment roll up which causing irritation and issues with garment placement.

Embodiments described herein involve apparel band systems for improved comfort and fit, particularly for people with soft tissue deposits proximate the location of the band system. The band system may include a cushioning layer that extends substantially along the circumference of a garment. The band system may function within the apparel constructions as an element such as an underband, waistband, cuff, strap for affixing a bag to the body, or the like. In some embodiments, the band is an underband within a bra for a plus size person.

As used herein, “soft tissue” comprises adipose (fat) tissue, connective tissue, and fibrous tissue. The band systems described herein may be particularly applicable to portions of the wearer's body where all or a portion of the soft tissue is squishy, and for example, yields or moves when light to moderate pressure is applied. Some embodiments are particularly applicable when portions of the soft tissue form folds and/or concave portions when the wearer's body is in one or more position and/or when light to moderate pressure is applied by the apparel when worn on the wearer's body in one or more position.

Described herein is a band system that includes a cushioning layer that extends substantially along the circumference of the garment. The cushion can be encapsulated by fabric to create a soft and rounded hem that can sit on the wearer's body. Some embodiments of the band system can be configured for the underband of a bra and sit in the middle crease on the torso of the wearer allowing for secure anchoring on the wearer's body while maintaining the garment's stability, function, and increased comfort for the wearer.

Advantages of the band system described herein can include increased comfort, more accurate band placement, smoother silhouette, reduction in hot spots, better apparel placement/staying in place during athletic and everyday on-the-move activity. The band may be “pre-rolled” to fill the location on the body where it would naturally tend to roll and thus may not unintentionally roll as is the case in other band designs.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system 102, according to some embodiments.

The band system 102 may be configured to encircle a portion of a wearer's body. For example, the band system 102 may be configured to encircle the torso (e.g., a waistband, bra underband, etc.) or other region (e.g., a wristband, cuff, etc.). The band system 102 may include an outer fabric layer 104, an inner fabric layer 106, and an engineered shaped cushioning layer (i.e., the cushioning layer or the rolled layer) 108. The cushioning layer 108 may form a band that generally encircles the garment (and thus the wearer when worn) and may have a cross-section shape (e.g., a teardrop as illustrated in FIG. 1). The cushioning layer 108 can be situated between the outer fabric layer 104 and inner fabric layer 106 throughout a portion of the band system 102. The cushioning layer 108 can be shaped to fit within and partially fill a concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue.

The outer fabric layer 104 and inner fabric layer 106 are at least partially connected to form the band system 102. In the figure, the outer fabric layer 104 extends along the underside of the cushioning layer 108 into the inner fabric layer 106. The outer fabric layer 104 is further layered with the second fabric layer 110. The inner fabric layer 106 is bonded to the second fabric layer 110 at bonding 114. The bonding 114 may be a bonding film or other adhesive or connective mechanism (e.g., seam). The second fabric layer 110 is bonded to the outer fabric layer 104 at bonding 112. The bonding 112 may be a dot matrix glue, a bonding film, spray glue, or other adhesive or other connective mechanism (e.g., seam). The outer fabric layer 104 and the second fabric layer 110 may split above the cushioning layer, allowing the outer fabric layer 104 to extend along the outside of the cushioning layer 108, and the second fabric layer 110 to extend along behind the cushioning layer 108 and bond to inner fabric layer 106. The outer fabric layer 104 and the inner fabric 106 may, in part, define the channel through which the cushioning layer 108 extends.

In some embodiments, outer fabric layer 104 and inner fabric layer 106 are partially connected along their edges or by overlapping the outer fabric layer 104 and inner fabric layer 106, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer 108 is disposed within a channel formed by a portion of the inner fabric layer 106, by a portion of the outer fabric layer 104, or by a combination of portions of the inner fabric layer 106 and outer fabric layer 104. In some embodiments, further layers (e.g., second fabric layer 110) may also in part define the channel. In some embodiments, the inner fabric layer 106 and outer fabric layer 104 are fully or partially connected and the connection is formed by one or more of a seam, adhesive, or bonding method.

In some embodiments, the cushioning layer 108 may be wider toward the end at a band edge (e.g., towards the hem) and narrower at the other end. Such embodiments may provide for better fit/smoothness, and not create hot spots or skin irritation. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer 108 may have different cross-sectional shapes (as best seen in FIG. 5 below).

The cushioning layer 108 can be designed to work in the context of an overall garment design, structure, and/or configuration. The cushioning layer 108 can have an engineered shaped specifically based on the anticipated soft tissue volume/behaviour so that the band system 102 rolls into the body rather than up (or down). The shape of the cushioning layer 108 may be different for different size intentions within the same overall apparel constructions based on observed variability of soft tissue placement/behaviour/movement at different size intentions. The band system 102 may contain the cushioning layer 108 with specific placement of cushioning to fit within soft tissues and configured to align with the wearer's soft tissue to create a smooth “rolled up” on the body position. The cushioning layer 108 can completely or partially fill a concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue.

In some embodiments the cushioning layer 108 may vary around the length/circumference of band system or portions thereof depending on the position/anticipated soft tissue on the body portion. Variability of the cushioning later 108 can be in the depth, length, shape, material characteristics, and/or locations of rolled portions of the engineered shaped cushioning layer 108. In some embodiments, the engineered shaped cushioning layer 108 may be more or less consistent around the length/circumference of the band.

The cushioning layer 108 can be shaped to fit within and partially fill a concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue based on a series of sizing intentions and patterns related to such sizing intentions/physical sizing, scans, physique and/or body composition analysis or the like related to the potential wearer and/or potential wearer in combination with an apparel construction applying light to moderate pressure to the wearer's body to determine probabilities of one or more concave portions and the dimensions, locations, and characteristics of such concave portions and or folds.

In some embodiments, the cushioning layer 108 may comprise shape memory polymer (SMP) foam. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer 108 may comprise a different filling or cushioning material. Other potential materials include a non-woven structure, a fibre fill, a fabric layer, an air bag, a glue layer (particularly gummier/flexible glue that may be more comfortable), all viable types of foam, and combinations thereof. Material characteristics of the cushioning material may include compression, density, and other properties that may affect the preferred shape of the cushioning layer 108. For example, it may be preferable to provide a greater depth of cushioning portion when the cushioning material has a greater propensity to compress and a lesser depth when the cushioning material has a lesser propensity to compress. Combinations of density and compression characteristics in different portions of the cushioning layer 108 are also possible.

The band system 102 may have a closure or opening feature or a feature otherwise used to adjust the tension of the band system 102. Such features may include one or more of a hook and loop system, a buckle, a zipper, a frog fastener, a button, a lace, etc. and/or may have an elastic element that may allow the band system 102 to be stretched over the body and situated in the appropriate location on the wearer's body, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 may include a partially closed top and/or bottom. For example, the wearer may be able to access the cushioning layer 108 within the garment.

According to an aspect, there is provided a band system 102 for a body covering garment 100 for a wearer. The band system 102 is designed to encircle a portion of a wearer's body. The band system 102 includes an outer fabric layer 104, an inner fabric layer 106, and an engineered shaped cushioning layer 108. The engineered shaped cushioning layer 108 is situated between the outer fabric layer 104 and inner fabric layer 106 throughout a portion of the band system 102. The engineered shaped cushioning layer 108 is shaped to fit within and partially fill a concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue. The outer fabric layer 104 and inner fabric layer 106 are at least partially connected to form the band system 102. In some embodiments, the outer fabric layer 104 may be continuous with the inner fabric layer 106 (e.g., see below the cushioning layer 108 of FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the outer fabric layer 104 may be connected indirectly to the inner fabric layer 106 (e.g., through bonding 114, second fabric layer 110, and bonding 112 as shown above the cushioning layer 108 of FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the engineered shaped cushioning layer 108 is formed to mimic a band that has rolled up on the wearer's body.

In some embodiments, the engineered shaped cushioning layer 108 is shaped to fit within and partially fill a concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue based on a series of sizing intentions.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 includes an opening and closing feature or a tensioning feature. The opening and closing feature or the tensioning feature is configured to control the circumference of the band system.

In some embodiments, the opening and closing feature or the tensioning feature includes one or more of a fastener, a hooks and loop system, a buckle, a zipper, a frog fastener, a button, a lace, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 includes an elastic component that allows the band system 102 to be stretched over the body and situated in the appropriate location on the wearer's body.

In some embodiments, the inner fabric layer 106 and the outer fabric layer 104 differ in at least one of moisture wicking, moisture absorption, thickness, texture, surface treatment, waterproofing, leak proofing, stretch, and stretch qualities such as stretch direction/stretch direction ratios.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 includes one or more additional fabric layers 110.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 includes an opening to access the engineered shaped cushioning layer 108.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of a garment 99 worn by a wearer 10 without the band system described herein.

The garment 99 encircles a portion of the wearer 10. At its tightest point 202, the garment 99 digs into the soft tissue of the wearer. This applies tension 204 to the hem of the garment 99 which may cause the hem to roll up into the point 202. This can cause the garment 99 to fit uncomfortably or interfere with the positioning of the garment 99. The tightest point may result from tension in the garment and/or the natural creases in the wearer's soft tissue.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of a garment 100 worn by a wearer 10 with the band system 102, according to some embodiments.

The garment 100 includes the band system 102 described herein. The band system 102 is able to occupy a portion of the concave portion defined by the soft tissue at point 206. The size and shape of the band system 102 (and the cushioning layer 108 in particular) can help occupy the space in the soft tissue. In so doing, the garment 100 provides a more comfortable fit, a smoother silhouette, better positioning, etc. Using the band system 102, the underband tension 208 can be directed into the user 10 in a manner that does not tend to roll the hem and may provide more comfortable support to the wearer 10 during use.

FIG. 3A is a front view of a garment 100 with the band system 102, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a garment 100 with the band system 102, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3C is a rear view of a garment 100 with the band system 102, according to some embodiments.

The garment 100 can include a bra. In such embodiments, the garment may further include an extended hook system, encapsulating wings, straps, cups, and other bra features.

Other garments 100 are possible such as leggings, pants, trousers, a onesie, a bodysuit, a waistband, a tank top, a shirt, a sweater, a hoodie, and a jacket. The band system 102 can generally encircle a wearer. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A-3C, the band system 102 generally encircles the bottom portion of the garment 100 (except at the back of the garment where the garment's closure mechanism is provided) to encircle the wearer's torso.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 may fully or partially encircle the wearer's body as part of a backpack or certain types of bag may have a band/strap that only partially encircles the wearer's body.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 is a bra underband. In some embodiments, the band system 102 is further connected to one or more of a cup, a strap, and a wing.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative band system 102, according to some embodiments.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cushioning layer 108 includes a more squarish design. The base of the cushioning layer 108 is wider than the top of the cushioning layer 108. The base may occupy more space in the wearer's soft tissue towards the hem of the garment. The squarish design may also be more straightforward to manufacture or to position within the garment.

The cushion 108 may be bonded within a channel formed by the inner fabric layer 106 and the second fabric layer 110 with bonding 112. In such embodiments, the second fabric layer 110 may be considered a second fabric layer in a two-layer outer fabric layer 104. The location of second fabric layer 110 in relation to the cushioning layer 108 and the outer fabric layer 104 where the second fabric layer 110 and outer fabric 104 connection is not located immediately on a curve defined by cushioning layer 108 may provide advantages in manufacturing feasibility and cost and/or aesthetics.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a plurality of different cushioning layers 500, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 532, and 534, according to some embodiments.

The cross section of the cushioning layer 108 may take a variety of different shapes. Some non-limiting examples of these shapes are shown as cushioning layers 500-534. The size and shape of the cushioning layer 108 may be based in part on the intended position on the wearer and on an amount of soft tissue expected to be present at that location. For example, the convex surface of cushioning layer 502 may serve to displace more soft tissue than the concave surface of cushioning layer 504 and thus may be more suitable as a band system 102 configured for a region of a wearer with more soft tissue (e.g., a fleshier part of the wearer or a wearer with more soft tissue). The size and shape of the cushioning layer 108 may also be selected based on ease of manufacturing to reduce costs. For example, cushioning layers 522, 524, and 526 may displace similar amounts of soft tissue however the sharper edges of cushioning layer 526 may be more straightforward to manufacture. As such, the selection between cushioning layers 522, 524, and 526 may be based on manufacturing requirements. Some cushioning layers 502, 504, 508, 510, 512, 514, 518, 528, and 530 may be tapered and/or flared to provide more gentle soft tissue displacement. These cushioning layers may also be tapered to account for the volume of soft tissue expected in that area.

Efficacy of different designs (including, but not limited to cross sections 500-534) may vary for anticipated volume/behavior of soft tissue, other body structures/bones proximate where the band system 102 will sit, whether the band system 102 is disposed at the top of the piece of apparel (e.g., leggings), or at the base (e.g., a bra), what motions the band system 102 supports or is expected to endure, etc. The shape of the cushioning layer 108 may also, in part, dictate the narrowest (and thus tightest) portion of the garment. As such the shape of the cushioning layer 108 can be selected to direct the tensile forces into the wearer and away from a rolling direction. In some embodiments, a wider to narrower shape of cushioning layer 108 may provide advantages for positioning on the body, creating appropriate cushioning shape for soft tissue deposits, and/or facilitating a smoother transition to the rest of the garment which is flatter on the wearer's body.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a simplified band system 102, according to some embodiments.

In addition to the plurality of alternative cushioning layer designs 500-534 that can be implemented within the band system 102, there are additional variations for the band system 102. These differences can be beneficial for different implementations of the band system 102, such as band systems 102 for different garments or support regions, band systems 102 for activewear, casual wear, or support garments, or other differences.

As can be seen, the outer fabric layer 104 extends around the bottom of the cushioning layer 108 to meet the inner fabric layer 106 at end 113. The inner fabric layer 106 and outer fabric layer 104 are bonded together at bonding 112 above the cushion 108. Such constructions may be suitable for some manufacturing processes. The outer fabric layer 104 and the inner fabric layer 106 may also be bonded or otherwise affixed at end 113. The construction may offer a more straightforward design with which to manufacture the garment or one which uses less material.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system 102 with a second cushioning layer 108a, according to some embodiments.

The second engineered shaped cushioning layer 108a may be disposed above the cushioning layer 108. The second cushioning layer 108a may work to displace soft tissue of the wearer at a location distal the hem or edge of the garment. Such a second cushioning layer 108a may be useful to displace soft tissue away from the hem of the garment to assist the cushioning layer 108 is being positioned properly and providing support to the wearer. In some embodiments, the second cushioning layer 108a may be positioned to occupy the concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue further away from the hem (for example, if there is a portion of the wearer's body that tends to form a crease distal the hem).

In some embodiments, the band system 102 includes one or more additional engineered shaped cushioning layers 108a.

In some embodiments, the engineered shaped cushioning layer 108 is proximal an edge of the garment 100 and at least one of the one or more additional engineered shaped cushioning layers 108a is disposed distal the edge.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system 102 with a stabilizer 116, according to some embodiments.

The stabilizer 116 may be disposed between the outer fabric layer 104 and the second fabric layer 110. The stabilizer 116 may be bonded or otherwise affixed to the garment with bonding 112. The stabilizer 116 may generally operate to stabilize the cushioning layer 108 and further work to prevent rolling. The stabilizer 116 can be made of a material that adds a stretch differential to reduce stretch in a region and/or adds structural stability to the construction. The stabilizer 116 may reinforce the garment. The stabilizer 116 may provide a further portion of the garment above the cushioning layer 108 with which the tension arising from the cushioning layer 108 may be distributed along. This may result in a smoother silhouette for the wearer or a more comfortable fit. The stabilizer 116 may be fabricated by any number of techniques. In some embodiments, the stabilizer 116 may comprise stabilizer interfacing fabric (woven, knit, or nonwoven), power mesh, spacer fabric, nonwoven materials (such as staple, meltblown, spunbond, spunlace), a layer of material with lesser stretch characteristics than another layer of material within the construction, a layer of material with greater rigidity and/or density, combinations, or the like. In some preferred embodiments, the stabilizer 116 may be meltblown.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 includes a stabilizer 116.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system 102 with a third fabric layer 118 in the garment, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the garment may comprise multiple fabric layers. For example, the outer fabric layer 104, the second fabric layer 110, and the third fabric layer 118 may form a three layered garment. The outer fabric layer 104 and the second fabric layer 110 may be bonded together at bonding 112. The second fabric layer 110 and the third fabric layer 118 may be bonded together at bonding 120. The three fabric layers can provide the garment with beneficial properties. The different layers may be fabricated from different materials with different properties or may be fabricated from the same materials. Different materials may be selected to provide specific technical advantages. For example, the layers may provide insulation, stretchability, support, stability, moisture wicking, breathability, absorbency, thickness, texture, surface treatment, waterproofing, leak proofing, stretch and stretch qualities such as stretch direction/stretch direction ratios or still further properties. As illustrated, the inner fabric layer 106 may be bonded to the third fabric layer 120 (as opposed to the second fabric layer 110) with bonding 114. In embodiments, the cushioning layer 108 may be fully free-floating, partially bonded, or fully bonded to one or more fabric layers 104, 106, 110, and 118. Bonding techniques may include adhesives, spray glue, the cushion itself forming a heat bond to the fabric.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 includes one or more additional fabric layers 110 and 118.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a band system 102 with an additional cushioning layer 122 and a stabilizer 116, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the garment may comprise three layers (made of the outer fabric layer 104, the second fabric layer 110, and the third fabric layer 118). The garment may further include a stabilizer 116 disposed between the second fabric layer 110 and the third fabric layer 118 to provide reinforcement and stability to the garment. The garment may further include an additional cushioning layer 122 between the stabilizer 116 and the second fabric layer 110. The additional cushioning layer 122 may be configured to occupy space from the concave portion defined by the wearer's soft tissue. The additional cushioning layer 122 may aid in smoothing the silhouette and increasing the wearer's comfort. Additional cushioning layer 122 may smooth the wearer's silhouette, increase wearer comfort, reduce hot spots, improve aesthetics, and in some embodiments depending on the characteristics of the material of cushioning layer 122 (for example, with a shape memory foam SMF cushioning layer 122) may help to dampen the fabric stretch profile. As illustrated, the inner fabric layer 106 may be bonded to the third fabric layer 120 (as opposed to the second fabric layer 110) with bonding 114. In embodiments, the cushioning layer 108 may be fully free-floating, partially bonded, or fully bonded to one or more fabric layers 104, 106, 110, and 118. Bonding techniques may include adhesives, spray glue, the cushion itself forming a heat bond to the fabric.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an alternative garment 100 with the band system 102, according to some embodiments.

As described above, the band system 102 can be used in garments 100 that include torso covering garments (e.g., the bra illustrated in FIG. 3A-3C) and lower body covering garments (e.g., the tights of FIG. 11). The band system 102 described herein can generally be applied to any garment or accessory that encircles a portion of the wearer 10. The band system 102 may be particularly useful when the garment encircles the user in a close fit manner and/or when it will encircle a region of the wearer's body with soft tissue.

The band system 102 may function as a bra underband (see FIG. 3A-3C), crop top underband, waistband of upper body covering apparel, waistband of lower body covering apparel (see FIG. 11), waistband of a one piece body covering apparel such as a onesie, a bodysuit, and a romper, an arm cuff, a wrist cuff, a leg/thigh cuff, an ankle cuff, an upper band of strapless apparel, an accessory strap/or portion such as a backpack strap, a crossbody strap, a bag strap, a purse strap, a belt bag portion or strap, or elsewhere where apparel construction lends itself to having a band affixing the apparel/accessory to the wearer's body proximate soft tissue on wearer's body. In some embodiments, the garment may include leggings, pants, trousers, a onesie, a bodysuit, a waistband, a tank top, a shirt, a sweater, a hoodie, and a jacket, socks, a crop top, leg warmers, a fitted long glove, a belt, a belt bag, straps, etc.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 is the waistband of a garment 100 configured to cover a lower portion of a wearer (see FIG. 11). In some embodiments, the garment 100 is one or more of leggings, pants, trousers, a onesie, a bodysuit, and a waistband.

In some embodiments, the band system 102 is the waistband of a garment 100 configured to cover an upper portion of a wearer (see FIG. 3A-3C). In some embodiments, the garment 100 is one or more of a tank top, a shirt, a sweater, a hoodie, and a jacket.

The band system 102 may be applicable to garments with built in bra-like support systems such as swimwear, technical shirts, tennis dresses, tank tops and shirts, dresses, and jumpsuits, with built in breast support structures, etc.

Embodiments described herein are applicable to garments, accessories and apparel in general. Such systems are especially applicable to bra bands, leg openings, waistbands, and crop top bands, but may be applicable to other snug fitting bands which are a portion of a piece of apparel and are worn on a body location with soft tissue deposits.

Depending on apparel construction, the band system 102 may have more than one potential position in relationship to the wearer's body. For example, a first position with a more snug fit on the body when the apparel is fastened more firmly to the body (e.g., a zipped up jacket), a second position, less snuggly fitting when the fastening applies intermediate tension/compression to the wearer's body (e.g., a partially zipped up jacked), and a third position when the apparel is not fastened to the wearer's soft tissue when the apparel is loosened/unfastened (e.g., a fully unzipped jacket). Depending on the apparel construction, the band system 102 may be applied to the wearer's body in multiple positions based on tensioning, fastening, and loosening, elements in the band system 102 and/or elsewhere in the apparel construction (for example, variable tensioning/fastening of the apparel within the band system 102, proximate the band system 102, or a combination of both proximate and within may effect the band system 102 placement). In some embodiments, the cushioning layer 108 within the band system 102 can be designed to accommodate multiple apparel positions on the wearer's body.

Band/cuff techniques may be used in combination with other garment structure techniques for appropriate positioning of the apparel on the wearer's body. Such techniques include encapsulating wings, proportional/wide strap design, padded strap design (e.g., for a bra). Such techniques may include seams, gussets, and shaping elements (e.g., in lower body coverings). Such techniques may include shoulder straps/sleeves (e.g., in upper body coverings). Such techniques may include openings, closures, and fasteners. In other embodiments, the foregoing in combination with panel shape, panel compression, fabric characteristics of the inner fabric layer 106 and outer fabric layer 104, any additional fabric layers in the construction (including stretch, stretch direction, compression) and the like. Cushioning layers 106 may be structurally designed to fit within indentions and concavity within the soft tissue of the wearer.

Applicant notes that the described embodiments and examples are illustrative and non-limiting. Practical implementation of the features may incorporate a combination of some or all of the aspects, and features described herein should not be taken as indications of future or existing product plans. Applicant partakes in both foundational and applied research, and in some cases, the features described are developed on an exploratory basis.

The term “connected” or “coupled to” may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).

The term “soft tissue” may include adipose (fat) tissue, connective tissue, and fibrous tissue and generally refers to portions of the wearer's body where all or a portion of the wearer's tissue is squishy, and for example, yields or moves when light to moderate pressure is applied.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.