Apparel – Nether garments – Bifurcated
Reexamination Certificate
1997-04-08
2001-02-27
Hale, Gloria M. (Department: 3741)
Apparel
Nether garments
Bifurcated
C002S228000, C002S400000, C604S358000, C156S073100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192521
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to a process for manufacturing garments, and more particularly to a cost effective, high speed method for manufacturing shorts or trousers.
Typically, the construction of trousers or shorts employs a multi-step process using multiple pieces of fabric, such as cloth or woven materials. The pieces of fabric are cut from a larger bolt of fabric into specified shapes. The pieces are sewn together, forming a finished garment. This process is labor and time intensive.
In the area of disposable garments, such as children bibs, coveralls, or examinations gowns, a more continuous process is used. Material, such as paper or plastic, is unwound from a roll. Strategically placed cuts are made in the material, forming head, arms, or legs openings. However, these disposable garments have several limitations, both in the design and durability necessary for active wear garments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus, there is a need to provide an improved process for manufacturing garments, including washable and disposable garments. There is also a need to provide comfortable and inexpensive active or swim wear garments.
In addition, the garments need to be easy to put on and durable during wear. In response to this need, an improved cost effective, high speed process for manufacturing shorts and trousers has been discovered.
One embodiment of the present invention is a continuous process for the manufacture of shorts or trousers to be worn about the lower body comprising an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, defining a waist opening and two leg openings. The present invention combines at least one web of fabric in a single continuous process to create shorts or trousers. Seaming can be accomplished by use of ultrasonics, heat sealing, adhesives, tape, or sewing, each offering a unique modification to the process.
The present invention relates to a continuous process for the manufacture of a shorts garment comprising:
a. providing four single layer webs of fabric including two side edges on each web of fabric;
b. aligning two of the four webs together in a side by side orientation;
c. bonding one side edge of each of the two webs in the side by side orientation together, defining at least a portion of an inseam and a first composite web;
d. aligning the remaining two of the four webs together in a side by side orientation;
e. bonding one side edge of each of the two webs in the side by side orientation together, defining at least another portion of the inseam and a second composite web;
f. aligning the first and second composite webs together in the face to face orientation, defining a arrangement having two layers of fabric and two top side edges and two bottom side edges;
g. intermittently bonding the composite webs wherein the bonding is accomplished in an alternating orientation near the center of the webs, defining center seams having a specific shape and an interior portion of fabric;
h. removing the interior portion of fabric, defining a cavity having a front to back contour to accommodate a human body;
i. folding one pair of the side edges together;
j. bonding the pair of side edges, defining at least one side seam and a tubular leg structure;
k. folding the other pair of side edges together;
l. bonding the other pair of side edges, defining at least another side seam and another tubular leg structure; and,
m. cutting the single web of fabric, defining discrete garmentsized pieces of fabric wherein each piece of fabric includes at least two side seams, an inseam, two tubular leg structures, and a waist opening.
Numerous features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate desired embodiments of the invention. Such embodiments do not represent the full scope of the invention. Reference should, therefore, be made to the claims herein for interpreting the full scope of the invention.
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Patent Cooperation Treaty Search Report from the International Search Authority, International Application No. PCT/US 98/06784 dated Jul. 2, 1998.
Alberts Joseph Richard
Drezdzon II Edward Anthony
Fries Donald Merlin
Konetzke Richard Mark
Kvitek Thomas Theodore
Charlier Patricia A.
Hale Gloria M.
Kimberly--Clark Worldwide, Inc.
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