US20230210205A1

US20230210205A1 - Athletic garment with perspiration absorption towel

Info

Publication number: US20230210205A1
Application number: US17/803,849
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Ricks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-30
Filing date: 2022-12-27
Publication date: 2023-07-06

Abstract

A jersey for management of perspiration having a perspiration absorption towel. The perspiration absorption towel is removably or permanently affixed along the front interior of the collar of the jersey. The perspiration absorption towel has a collar-region width less than the collar width by an amount which optimizes access to and removability of the perspiration absorption towel. The perspiration absorption towel has a length which relative to the collar-region width which balances usefulness and ease of return to the non-use position of the perspiration absorption towel. Alternatively, the perspiration absorption towel is removably or permanently affixed along the front exterior of the collar of the jersey at its top end and near the bottom hem of the jersey at its bottom end. The perspiration absorption towel has either side indents or a bottom indent to facilitate grasping of the bottom of the perspiration absorption towel for the purpose of detaching its bottom end from the jersey.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/107,948 entitled “Athletic garment with perspiration absorption towel” filed Nov. 30, 2020, which claims priority to non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/644,617 entitled “Athletic attire with integrated perspiration absorbing material” filed Jul. 7, 2017 by the present inventor, which in turn claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/440,996 filed Dec. 30, 2016 by the present inventor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to garments and apparel, more particularly sports/athletic garments and apparel, and still more particularly sports/athletic garments and apparel with perspiration control components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the present specification, the terms “garments” and “apparel” are used synonymously and interchangeably. Similarly, the terms “sports” and “athletic” are used synonymously and the terms “shirt” and “jersey” are used synonymously and interchangeably in the present specification. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the present invention may be used for perspiration-inducing recreational activities of any sort. Furthermore, it is to be understood that “towel” is meant to refer to any sort of moisture absorbing cloth or material.
Because of the high performance requirements of athletes, sports/athletic apparel must be designed for optimum functionality. This is particularly true for professional athletes who operate at the very limits of human capability where fractions of a second and/or fractions of an inch may mean the difference between success and failure, i.e., winning and losing. Factors which must be considered in the design of athletic garments and apparel include freedom of movement, ventilation, weight, heat retention, perspiration repellence or perspiration retention, durability, etc. Often these factors having competing needs or requirements and a balance must be found in their optimization.
A challenge athletes in many sports face is the management of perspiration during play or in intermissions. This is particularly an issue with perspiration on the brow and forehead which might drip into the eyes and obscure vision, thereby putting the player at a momentary disadvantage or possibly even producing a safety hazard. Traditionally, perspiration control has been managed by athletes excusing themselves from play to make use of a towel/cloth. However, this requires interruption of play—or if done without interruption of play, distracts the player from play. One sport where perspiration management is particularly an issue is basketball, where play is very active and continues uninterrupted for extended periods of time. In basketball, players will commonly use portions of their jersey to wipe perspiration from the vicinity of their eyes in the moments after points are scored or while jogging down-court.
Typical jerseys are made of polyester, which is a non-absorbent material and somewhat abrasive, and repeated wiping may cause irritation to the skin around the eyes. It should also be noted that perspiration management can be a safety issue, such as in basketball where moisture on the playing surface may cause players to slip. One situation which is particularly problematic is at the free throw line in basketball, where players are required to stand for longer periods of time while shooting free throws, and so perspiration tends to drip from their body and face and accumulate on the playing surface there, presenting a particular slipping hazard at that location. But sports jerseys such as basketball jerseys are generally made of materials, such as 100% polyester fabric, having limited absorption capabilities.
The absorption of typical jerseys is further reduced by the use of thin fabrics for their construction. Various attempts have been made to provide means of perspiration control via implements attached to articles of clothing, and previously filed patents exist that describe such implements. However, these patents do not provide an adequate solution that combines the necessary and desirable features of accessibility, ease of use, effectiveness, unobtrusiveness and concealability. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,901 describes an athletic shirt wherein one or more pieces of absorbent material are permanently stitched or sewn into the inside of the garment, but the permanent nature of the installations requires the wearer to lift the entire garment above the face and makes reaching the head, neck, and arms impractical and revealing of the chest and other parts of the body, which would in many cases be undesirable, especially for female wearers.
Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,236 describes an article of lower body wear such as a skirt or shorts with a detachable sheet of absorbing material in the form of a towel. However, the placement of this towel on the lower part of the body requires that the sheet be completely detached in order to be used for the head, neck, face and arms, and then replaced, which can be impractical, requires the wearer to stop and focus on detaching the towel and replacing it when done, and poses a risk of the towel dropping to the ground and becoming soiled and/or posing a slipping or tripping hazard.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,236 describes a towel-like appendage secured to the outside of an upper body garment at the back side whose placement presents a significant encumbrance to easily accessing the appendage for the wearer unless the appendage is of sufficient width to span the majority of the wearer's back, thereby requiring the appendage to be bulky and heavy. Placing the appendage on the back. also makes the appendage counterproductive to ameliorating perspiration since the wearer's back is now covered by an extra layer of material which promotes heat retention.
Other patents describe athletic garments outfitted with non-removable strips or patches of hydrophilic material which serve to wick away moisture from the wearer's skin, such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,769,716 and 8,360,816. However, such garments are of limited utility since the moisture wicking material must be integrated into the garment and be predominantly skin-tight to be effective and thus do not allow the wearer to use the garment to remove perspiration from areas such as the face and neck.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,774 describes a bib intended to keep moisture away from a person's skin (column 1, line 3; see also column 1, lines 30-32), but it is not designed for use as a towel for wiping away perspiration. This reference teaches that “the bib may be inserted between the person's torso and their shirt front or their shirt back” (column 2, lines 58-59). With regards to the shape shown in FIG. 1 , the neck straps (30) allow the bib to be secured by tying the straps together (column 3, line 51) or the straps could have Velcro on them (column 3, line 53). The top portions of the bibs (32) and (40) are to be folded over onto the outside of the shirt. As discussed in the paragraph beginning at column 4, line 17, in one embodiment the material (65) of FIG. 5 has a central base material (62), an absorbing layer (66) on one side of the base material (62), and a repellant outer material (68) on the other side of the base material (62). As discussed in the paragraph beginning at column 4, line 3, in another embodiment the material of FIG. 4 has a base material (62) which is absorbent and sponge-like and “disposed on either side of the base material 62 is an absorbing outer layer.” It is argued that this will function such that “any moisture or other materials absorbed are contained within the base material 62 until such [tie] that the absorbing outer layer is completely dry.” However, it should be noted that this layering of materials has the disadvantage that it would become drenched with body perspiration when in the vicinity of the torso.
The present invention addresses these challenges by providing a towel designed for perspiration absorption which is attached to a sports garment in such a way as to be easily accessible, easy to use, effective, easily replaceable after use for subsequent use, concealability, and unobtrusiveness.
The present invention is also directed to apparel for non-high performance athletes, such as apparel for people who exercise to lose weight or maintain a level of fitness, or people who engage in non-professional recreational sports. While convenience and functionality need not be optimized for such users to the extent of fractions of a second, subtleties in convenience and functionality are still important so as not present hurdles to adoption and use since recreational sports players are still extremely sensitive to subtleties in performance and take their competitions very seriously.
It should also be noted that both in the case of use by high-performance athletes and by regular people, it is advantageous to provide a modular system of interchangeable components, particularly when those components allow customized color combinations to be assembled.
With regards to attachment mechanisms, it is noted that magnetic attachment mechanisms are commonly used for attachment of rigid or relatively inflexible components, such as purses, briefcases, phone cases, etc. The magnets used for those attachment mechanisms are usually a few small discs. It should also be noted door screenings consisting of two sheets of hanging screening material which removably attach along a vertical line at the center of the door using flexible strips of magnetic material are commercially available. The weight of the sheets of screening and the slight rigidity of the screening helps keep the sheets relatively aligned. However, such flexible strips of magnetic material have bulk and some rigidity and are not suitable for use with sheets of material which do not hang and need to be flexible, such clothes fabrics. It should also be noted that the highest strength magnets currently available are neodymium-alloy magnets, which are rigid and brittle, and cannot be made into flexible strips.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a towel for management or alleviation of the accumulation of perspiration.
More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a towel affixed to a sports garment for use in alleviation of the accumulation of perspiration.
Still more particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a towel for management of the accumulation of perspiration where such means is affixed to a shirt or jersey.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a towel affixed to a sports garment for management of the accumulation of perspiration which can be quickly and easily accessed and utilized.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a towel for management of the accumulation of perspiration which may be easily attached to a variety of jerseys, or any jersey such as a jersey manufactured by a third party which was not designed to have a perspiration absorption towel attached to it.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a towel affixed to a sports garment for management of the accumulation of perspiration which can be readily returned to a non-use position, whether that is inside or outside of the apparel.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a towel affixable to a sports jersey for management of the accumulation of perspiration which is semi-permanently attached to the jersey along its top border and removably attachable to the jersey along its bottom border.
More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a towel affixable to a sports garment for management of the accumulation of perspiration which is can be readily be reattached to the jersey after use.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a perspiration absorption towel affixed to a sports garment where the perspiration absorption towel optimally wicks and/or absorbs, including strategic placement of non-absorbing or water-repellant or non-wicking regions.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a perspiration absorption towel affixed to a sports garment where the perspiration absorption towel has a shape and a size such that it is easily removeable from the garment, easily and effectively used to remove perspiration from critical areas, and easily returned to the interior of the garment.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for detachable attachment of two sheets of fabric each bearing magnets.
More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for magnetic detachable attachment of edges of sheets of fabric where a first sheet of fabric has a first distribution of magnetics and a second sheet of fabric has a second distribution of magnets, and wherein the first distribution of magnets more readily attaches to the second distribution of magnets than to portions of itself.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for magnetic detachable attachment of edges of sheets of fabric where a first sheet of fabric has a length of a first distribution of magnetics and a second sheet of fabric has a second distribution of magnets of roughly the same length, and wherein the attachment is most secure when the outer edges of the two distributions of magnets coincide.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a plurality of mechanisms for magnetic detachable attachment of edges of sheets of fabric wherein a first mechanism provides a semi-permanent attachment and a second mechanism provides a temporary and/or readily-detachable attachment.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a removably attachable attachment mechanism with reduced bulk.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a removably attachable attachment mechanism which allows for rapid attachment and detachment.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a removably attachable attachment mechanism which provides guidance/facilitation of alignment of mating parts.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic attachment mechanism for sheets of flexible material.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic attachment mechanism for sheets of flexible material which allows for imperfect alignment.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic attachment mechanism for sheets of flexible material which utilizes high-strength magnets (such as neodymium-alloy magnets) but alters the “feel” generally associated with high-strength magnetic attachment mechanisms.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A perspiration management jersey for use in athletics having a jersey portion adapted to be worn as a shirt on a player, and a perspiration absorption towel, a top border of the perspiration towel being attached on the inside of the jersey at the level of the collar, where the perspiration absorption towel has a width in the collar region which is less than the width of the collar. Alternatively, the present invention is a perspiration management jersey for use in athletics having a jersey portion adapted to be worn as a shirt on a player, and a perspiration absorption towel attached at the collar, the perspiration absorption towel having two layers, a moisture absorption layer and a water-proof layer. When the perspiration absorption towel is hanging inside the jersey and worn by the player, the water-proof layer is located between the player and the moisture absorption layer to prevent perspiration on the player's chest from being absorbed by the moisture absorption layer. But when the perspiration absorption towel is pulled out of the jersey and upwards, the moisture absorption layer is located between the player and the water-proof layer so that the player can use the perspiration absorption towel to absorb moisture on the player's brow.
A perspiration management jersey for use during physical exertion having a jersey portion adapted to be worn as a shirt on a player, and a perspiration absorption towel, a top border of the perspiration towel being attached on the outside of the jersey at the level of the collar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an athletic shirt with an affixed perspiration absorption towel according to the present invention, where the perspiration absorption towel is in a non-use position inside the shirt and therefore not visible.

FIG. 2A shows an x-ray front view of an athletic shirt with a perspiration absorption towel having a plan design according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where the perspiration absorption towel in its non-use position is visible as a dashed contour.

FIG. 2B shows an x-ray front view of an athletic shirt with a perspiration absorption towel having a plan design according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where the perspiration absorption towel in its non-use position is visible as a dashed contour.

FIG. 2C shows an x-ray front view of an athletic shirt with a perspiration absorption towel having a plan design according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where the perspiration absorption towel in its non-use position is visible as a dashed contour.

FIG. 3A shows a warped-scale cross-sectional side view of a top portion of the shirt and perspiration absorption towel with the towel inside the shirt and against the chest of the player.

FIG. 3B shows a warped-scale cross-sectional side view of the top portion of the shirt and perspiration absorption towel with the towel of FIG. 3A outside the shirt and in the vicinity of the face of the player.

FIG. 4 shows an athlete wearing the athletic shirt of the present invention and utilizing the perspiration absorption towel to remove perspiration from the brow and forehead.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up x-ray view of a hand reaching into the shirt to grasp the perspiration absorption towel.

FIG. 6A shows a front view of an athletic shirt with a front-mounted perspiration absorption towel with side indents according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the perspiration absorption towel is in a non-use position outside the shirt where it is semi-permanently attached at its top border and removably attached at its bottom border.

FIG. 6B shows a close-up partial-x-ray view of the front-mounted perspiration absorption towel of FIG. 6A where a user is reaching into the left side indent with their left hand and the right side indent with their right hand to grasp the perspiration absorption towel in order to detach the bottom attachment mechanism.

FIG. 6C shows the user using the front-mounted perspiration absorption towel of FIG. 6A with both hands to wipe away perspiration.

FIG. 7A shows a front view of an athletic shirt with a front-mounted perspiration absorption towel with a bottom indent according to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the perspiration absorption towel is in a non-use position outside the shirt where it is semi-permanently attached at its top border and removably attached at its bottom border.

FIG. 7B shows a close-up partial-x-ray view of a user reaching into the bottom indent of the front-mounted perspiration absorption towel of FIG. 6A to grasp the perspiration absorption towel in order to detach the bottom attachment mechanism.

FIG. 7C shows the user using the front-mounted perspiration absorption towel of FIG. 6A with one hand to wipe away perspiration.

FIG. 8A shows an arrangement of magnets integrated into the top region of a jersey and a perspiration absorption towel to provide means for temporary or semi-permanent attachment.

FIG. 8B shows a close-up view of a magnet with dimensions notated.

FIGS. 8C through 8F show stitching used to securely secure strong magnets to flexible sheets of material

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of an arrangement of magnets integrated into the top region of the jersey and perspiration absorption towel to provide means for semi-permanent attachment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of layered fabric surrounding a pair of magnets to control the force vs. distance behavior near contact.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A front view of an athletic jersey (100) with affixed perspiration absorption towel according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 . The towel is in a non-use position inside the jersey (100) and is therefore not visible. According to the lexicography of the present specification, “inside” surfaces of the jersey (100) are surfaces that contact the body of the player when the jersey (100) is worn, or would contact the body of the player when the jersey (100) is worn if the perspiration absorption towel was not present. And conversely, “outside” surfaces of the jersey (100) are surfaces, ignoring the possible presence of a perspiration absorption towel, that do not contact the body of the player when the jersey (100) is worn. X-ray views of the jersey (100) of FIG. 1 are shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C for the three preferred embodiments. The perspiration absorption towels (150 a), (150 b) and (150 c) are shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, respectively, in dashed lines because they are obscured by the jersey (100). (Perspiration absorption towels (150 a), (150 b), and (150 c) will be referred to generically with the reference numeral (150).) The jersey (100) has a collar line (102), sleeves (105) and a bottom hem (110). In the x-ray views of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the perspiration absorption towel (150) is visible through the fabric of the jersey (100) for the purpose of illustration of the shape and position of the perspiration absorption towels (150 a) and (150 b) when not in use. The perspiration absorption towel (150) is affixed to the jersey (100) across an attachment region (170). In the attachment region (170) there is a secure bonding on the inside of the jersey (100) between the top border (169) of the perspiration absorption towel (150) and inside of the front collar (102). A bonding is considered “secure” according to the present invention if the attachment provided by the bonding will generally be maintained during the use for which the jersey (100) and perspiration absorption towel (150) are designed for. For instance, if the jersey (100) is a basketball jersey, then the bonding must be of sufficient strength for the attachment to weather the jostling and agitation commonly produced by an athlete playing basketball. According to one preferred embodiment the perspiration absorption towel (150) is a microfiber cooling towel, such as those manufactured by Mission, LLC.
According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment mechanism is a removable attachment means, as might be provided by a hook-and-loop attachment, such as Velcro® brand fastener manufactured by Velcro of the United Kingdom. This provides the advantage of allowing the towel (150) to be separated from the jersey (100) and washed separately. This also provides the advantage that during a break in play, a towel (150) which is saturated with perspiration can be swapped for a fresh towel that has not yet absorbed perspiration. However, a possible disadvantage of using a hook-and-loop attachment means, such as Velcro®, is that this adds some bulk to the collar region (102) of the shirt (100).
An alternate removable attachment is a magnetic attachment, preferably using neodymium magnets or the like, which will reduce bulk relative to a hook-and-loop type attachment. Another alternate removable attachment is a buttons-type or snaps-type attachment. A buttons-type attachment will reduce bulk relative to a hook-and-loop type attachment, but creating the attachment or undoing it cannot be achieved as quickly.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the perspiration absorption towel (150) is sewn in the interior of the collar region (102) at the front of the jersey (100). The sewn attachment is non-removeable, but the advantage of this sewn attachment is that it minimizes bulk in the collar region (170).
As shown in the x-ray view of FIG. 2A, according to a first embodiment of the present invention the perspiration absorption towel (150) has straight, parallel sides (151) and has a width W_Tand a length L_T. It should be noted that the width W_Tof the perspiration absorption towel (150) is less than the width W_Cof the collar (102) of the jersey (100), i.e., W_T<W_C. Preferably W_T<W_C−2*W_xwhere W_xis an inset width from each side which is preferably between 3 cm and 7 cm, more preferably between 3.5 cm and 6.5 cm, and still more preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm. (According to a first preferred method, widths W_Tand W_Care measured when the jersey (100) is flattened and viewed in plan view. According to a second preferred method, widths W_Tand W_Care measured when the jersey (100) is worn and viewed from straight ahead. And according to the lexicography of the present specification, the left and right edges of the perspiration absorption towel (150) are considered the “side” edges.) Having the width W_Tof the perspiration absorption towel (150) less than the width W_Cof the collar (102), particularly by the amounts within the preferred ranges, is advantageous because, as shown in the close-up x-ray view of FIG. 5 , this facilitates grasping of the perspiration absorption towel (150). In FIG. 5 the portion of the pointer finger (501) which would be obscured by the jersey (100) is shown in dashed lines, and the portion of the perspiration absorption towel (150) which would be obscured by the jersey (100) and the pointer finger (501) is shown in dashed lines. The player may for instance reach with his or her right arm across the chest and hook the left side of the perspiration absorption towel (150) with the pointer finger (501) and remove it from the interior of the jersey (100). Alternatively, another digit of the hand may be used. For instance, the thumb of the right hand may be used to hook the right side of the perspiration absorption towel (150) and remove it from the interior of the jersey (100).
As shown in the x-ray view of FIG. 2B, according to a second embodiment of the present invention the perspiration absorption towel (150) is flared. The perspiration absorption towel (150) has a narrower top region (151) having a top width W_T1and a wider bottom region (152) having a bottom width W_T2. According to the lexicography of the present specification, the left and right edges of the perspiration absorption towel (150) are considered the “side” edges. The perspiration absorption towel (150) has a length L_T. It should be noted that the top width W_T1of the perspiration absorption towel (150) is less than the width We of the collar (102) of the jersey (100), i.e., W_T1<W_C. Preferably W_T1<W_C−2*W_xwhere W_xis an inset width from each side which is preferably between 3 cm and 7 cm, more preferably between 3.5 cm and 6.5 cm, and still more preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm. Having the top width W_T1of the perspiration absorption towel (150) less than the width We of the collar (102), particularly by the amounts within the preferred ranges, is advantageous because this facilitates grasping of the perspiration absorption towel (150), as shown in the close-up x-ray view of FIG. 5 and discussed above.
As shown in the x-ray view of FIG. 2C, according to a third embodiment of the present invention the perspiration absorption towel (150 c) has an inset notch (180) on each side a short distance below the attachment region (170). The perspiration absorption towel (150) has a narrower top region (151) having a top width W_T1and a wider bottom region (152) having a bottom width W_T2. According to the lexicography of the present specification, the left and right edges of the perspiration absorption towel (150) are considered the “side” edges. The perspiration absorption towel (150 c) has a length L_T. It should be noted that the top width W_T1of the perspiration absorption towel (150 c) is less than the width We of the collar (102) of the jersey (100), i.e., W_T1<W_C. Preferably W_T1<W_C−2*W_X1where W_X1is an inset width from each side which is preferably between 3 cm and 7 cm, more preferably between 3.5 cm and 6.5 cm, and still more preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm. Having the top width W_T1of the perspiration absorption towel (150 c) less than the width We of the collar (102), particularly by the amounts within the preferred ranges, is advantageous because this facilitates grasping of the perspiration absorption towel (150 c), as shown in the close-up x-ray view of FIG. 5 and discussed above. Grasping of the perspiration absorption towel (150 c) is further facilitated by an inset notch (180) on each side of depth W_X2of roughly 2.5 cm. The inset notches (180) begin at a length L_Xof roughly 2 cm, and no more than 6 cm, below the level of the bottom (103) of the collar (102). Furthermore, preferably W_T2<1.75*W_C, more preferably W_T2<1.5*W_C, still more preferably W_T2<1.25*W_C, and even more preferably W_T2<1.0*W_C, where W_T2is the width of the perspiration absorption towel (150 c) in the bottom region or at its widest point. Having the bottom width W_T2of the perspiration absorption towel (150 c) less than the above-specified multiples of the width We of the collar (102) is advantageous because this facilitates removal and replacement of the perspiration absorption towel (150 c) from the jersey. The inset notches (180) preferably have a width of between 1.0 cm and 5 cm, and more preferably between 1.5 cm and 4 cm, to allow a finger to be easily inserted into an inset notch (180). Furthermore, the material between the two inset notches (180) must be of sufficient strength to handle stresses produced in that region when the perspiration absorption towel (150 c) is removed from the jersey.
FIG. 4 shows an athlete (400) wearing the athletic jersey (100) of the present invention and utilizing the perspiration absorption towel (150) to remove perspiration from the brow and forehead (21). In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C the length of the perspiration absorption towel (150) from the bottom (103) of the collar (102) to the bottom (155) of the perspiration absorption towel (150) is a towel length L_T. According to the present invention, the towel length L_Tis preferably between 2.5 and 3.5 times the collar width W_C, and more preferably the towel length L_Tis between 2.75 and 3.25 times the collar width W_C. These preferred ranges of the ratio of the towel length L_Tto the collar width W_Cgenerate the best balance of (i) providing sufficient material in the perspiration absorption towel (150) to absorb considerable perspiration, (ii) providing sufficient length of the perspiration absorption towel (150) to allow the perspiration absorption towel (150) to be used to reach critical areas in the vicinity of the eyes such as the brow (21), and (iii) being short enough so as to allow the perspiration absorption towel (150) to be easily returned to the interior of the jersey (100).
FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional side view of the top portion of the jersey (100) with the perspiration absorption towel (150) according to the present invention hanging from the attachment region (170) on the inside of the jersey (100). As can be seen from FIG. 3A, the towel (150) has two layers (158) and (159). The layer (158) adjacent the jersey (100) is an absorption layer, and the layer (159) to the inside of the absorption layer (158) and adjacent the chest (10) of the player is a water-proof layer, i.e., a moisture impermeable layer. Having the water-proof layer (159) adjacent the chest (10) prevents perspiration from the player's chest from being absorbed into the absorption layer (158) when the towel (150) is in its non-use position inside the jersey (100). This extends the period of time the perspiration absorption towel (150) can be used. For instance, this keeps the absorption layer (158) dry until it is first needed for use.
FIG. 3B shows a warped-scale cross-sectional side view of the top portion of the jersey (100) and perspiration absorption towel (150) with the perspiration absorption towel (150) outside the jersey (100) and in the vicinity of the face of the player. The scale in FIG. 3B is warped in that the thickness of the jersey (100) and the towel (150) (as well as the layers (158) and (159) within the perspiration absorption towel (150)) is exaggerated for clarity of depiction. As can be seen from FIG. 3B, when the perspiration absorption towel (150) is pulled out of the jersey (100) the absorptive layer (158) is adjacent the face (20) of the player so the absorptive layer (158) can be used to absorb perspiration from the vicinity of the eyes, such as the brow (21), of the player.
Although the perspiration absorption towel (150) of the present invention, and particularly the absorption layer (158), are described as being absorptive, it should be noted that the perspiration absorption towel (150) may also include a wicking layer or wicking materials. For instance, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the absorption layer (158) may be located between a wicking layer (not shown) and the water-proof layer (159). Or alternatively, the perspiration absorption towel (150) may not include a water-proof layer (159). It should be understood that what is important is that the perspiration absorption towel (150), whether made of a wicking material or an absorbent material, has hydrophillic properties which allows it to remove perspiration from the wearer.
It should be noted that neither the parent application to the present application nor any of the references cited in the parent application teach the disclosed relationships between the width of the collar (102) and dimensions of the towel (150). This is because these ranges are the result of not routine experimentation, but rather of insight and many hours of use and refinement by applicant.
A front view of an athletic jersey (600) with affixed perspiration absorption towel (650) according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6A. According to the lexicography of the present specification, the left and right edges (655) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) are considered the “side” edges. This is an embodiment where the perspiration absorption towel (650) is front mounted and has inset notches (680) on the side edges. In FIG. 6A the perspiration absorption towel (650) is in a non-use/storage position outside the jersey (600). The jersey (600) has a collar line (602), sleeves (605) and a bottom hem (610). A top region (651) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) is effectively non-removably affixed to the jersey (600) near or at the collar line (602) with a first collar-region attachment mechanism (671), and a bottom region (652) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) is removably/temporarily affixed to the jersey (600) near the bottom hem (610) using a bottom attachment mechanism (672). An attachment is considered effectively non-removable according to the present invention if the attachment will generally be maintained during the use for which the jersey (600) and perspiration absorption towel (650) are designed for. For instance, if the jersey (600) is a basketball jersey, then the attachment must be of sufficient strength for the attachment to weather the jostling and agitation commonly produced by an athlete playing basketball. According to the present invention, an effectively non-removable attachment requires preferably between 44 and 88 Newtons of force to dislodge, more preferably between 50 and 70 Newtons of force to dislodge, and still more preferably between 55 and 65 Newtons of force to dislodge. According to the present invention, a removable attachment requires preferably between 11 and 44 Newtons of force to dislodge, more preferably between 16 and 33 Newtons of force to dislodge, and still more preferably between 20 and 26 Newtons of force to dislodge.
The attachment (671) at the top region (652) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) to the jersey (600) may be to the outside of the jersey (600). Or the perspiration absorption towel (650) may fold into the inside (not visible) of the jersey (600) and the attachment of the top region (651) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) may be to an attachment mechanism on the inside of the jersey (600). Or, as discussed below, the perspiration absorption towel (650) may fold into the inside (not visible) of the jersey (600) and the attachment of the top region (651) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) may be a magnetic attachment through the jersey (600) to an attachment mechanism on the perspiration absorption towel (650).
According to one preferred embodiment the perspiration absorption towel (650) is a microfiber cooling towel, such as those manufactured by Mission, LLC. The perspiration absorption towel (650) has a length L_Tfrom its top edge (661) to its bottom edge (662) which is preferably greater than 30 cm and 60 cm, more preferably greater than 40 cm and less than 50 cm, and still more preferably roughly 45 cm. The perspiration absorption towel (650) has sides (655) which flare such that the perspiration absorption towel (650) has a top width W_T1and a bottom width W_T2, where W_T1<W_T2. The top width W_T1of the perspiration absorption towel (650) is less than the width We of the collar (102) of the jersey (100), i.e., W_T1<W_C. According to the present invention α*W_C<W_T1<β*W_C, where preferably β is less than or equal to 1.0 and a is greater than or equal to 0.25, more preferably β is less than or equal to 0.75 and a is greater than or equal to 0.33, and more preferably β is less than or equal to 0.66 and α is greater than or equal to 0.33. Most preferably W_T1is roughly equal to half the value of W_C. Furthermore, preferably 0.8*W_C<W_T2<1.75*W_C, more preferably 0.9*W_CW_T2<1.5*W_C, more preferably 1.0*W_C<W_T2<1.3*W_C, and still more preferably 1.1*W_C<W_T2<1.2*W_C. (According to a first preferred method, widths W_T1, W_T2, and W_Care measured when the jersey (600) is flattened and viewed in plan view. According to a second preferred method, widths W_T1, W_T2, and We are measured when the jersey (600) is worn and viewed from straight ahead.) Having the top width W_T1of the perspiration absorption towel (650) being less than the width We of the collar (602), particularly by the amounts within the above-specified preferred ranges, provides the advantages of (i) reducing bulk in a region of the perspiration absorption towel (650) where it would generally not be used to absorb perspiration, and (ii) allowing a straight top edge of the perspiration absorption towel (650) to be more readily and attractively attached to the curved contour of the collar (602). Having the top width W_T1of the perspiration absorption towel (650) being greater than the above-specified minimum bounds provides the advantages of preventing the handling of the perspiration absorption towel (650) or dangling of the perspiration absorption towel (650) when its bottom region (652) is not attached to the jersey (600) from resulting in 180° twists about the longitudinal axis (699) of the perspiration absorption towel (650). It is generally advisable to position the attachment mechanisms (671) and (672) to provide a flush fit of the perspiration absorption towel (650) to the jersey (600) since otherwise the perspiration absorption towel (650) might catch air when there is a wind or the user is biking or running, which would be distracting.
The perspiration absorption towel (650) has an inset notch (680) on each side a short distance L_Xabove the bottom attachment (672) to facilitate grasping of the perspiration absorption towel (650). Each inset notch (680) has a depth W_Xof preferably between 1 cm and 5 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 4 cm, still more preferably between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm, and even more preferably about 3 cm. Each inset notch (680) is located at a height L_Xabove the bottom edge (662) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) where height L_Xis preferably between 2 cm and 10 cm, more preferably between 3 cm and 8 cm, still more preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm, and even more preferably about 5 cm. The inset notches (680) preferably have a width of between 1.0 cm and 5 cm, and more preferably between 1.5 cm and 4 cm, to allow a finger to be easily inserted into an inset notch (680). Furthermore, the material between the two inset notches (680) must be of sufficient strength to handle stresses produced in that region when the perspiration absorption towel (650 c) is detached from the jersey (600). As shown in FIG. 6B, the inset notches (680) are useful in facilitating grasping, particularly when the fit of the perspiration absorption towel (650) to the jersey (600) is such that the perspiration absorption towel (650) is substantially flush with the jersey (600). Without side inset notches (680) one might fumble to some extent when trying to dislodge the bottom attachment mechanism (672). As shown in FIG. 6B, the user may insert the pointer finger (6901) of the left hand (6911) into their lefthand side indent (6801) and the pointer finger (690 r) of the right hand (691 r) into their righthand side inset notch (680 r). This is done in order to grasp the left side of the perspiration absorption towel (650) with the thumb (6921) and pointer finger (6901) of the left hand (6911) near their lefthand side inset notch (6801) and the right side of the perspiration absorption towel (650) with the thumb (692 r) and pointer finger (690 r) of the right hand (691 r) near their righthand side inset notch (680 r). Then, the attachment of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) to the jersey (600) at the bottom attachment mechanism (672) can be undone and, as shown in FIG. 6C, the perspiration absorption towel (650) can be raised to the face (695) of the user using this two hand grip to wipe sweat away. (It should be noted that although this is the method of grasping depicted, other methods of grasping are also possible. For instance, the user may insert the thumb (6921) of the left hand (6911) into their lefthand side inset notch (6801) and the thumb (692 r) of the right hand (691 r) into their righthand side inset notch (680 r), and grasp the left side of the perspiration absorption towel (650) with the thumb (6921) and pointer finger (6901) of the left hand (6911) near their lefthand side inset notch (6801) and grasp the right side of the perspiration absorption towel (650) with the thumb (692 r) and pointer finger (690 r) of the right hand (691 r) near their righthand side inset notch (680 r).) Use of a two-handed grip can be more efficient in wiping away sweat than a one-handed grip because of the additional area of contact between the perspiration absorption towel (650) and the face that can be produced. A two-handed grip may therefore be preferable in conjunction with forms of exertion where both hands are generally free, such as jogging or in between working of various exercise machines at a gym. (It should also be noted that the perspiration absorption towel (650) can be detached from the jersey (600) using only one hand, or the inset notch (680) need not be utilized in detaching the perspiration absorption towel (650) from the jersey (600).)
A front view of an athletic jersey (600) with affixed perspiration absorption towel (650′) according to another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7A. According to the lexicography of the present specification, the left and right edges (655′) of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) are considered the “side” edges. This is an embodiment where the perspiration absorption towel (650′) is also front mounted, but in contrast with the embodiment (650) of FIG. 6A, in this embodiment there is a single indent (680′) on the bottom edge (662′). In FIG. 7A the perspiration absorption towel (650′) is in a non-use/storage position outside the jersey (600). The jersey (600) has a collar line (602), sleeves (605) and a bottom hem (610). A top region (651′) of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) is permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the jersey (600) near or at the collar line (602) with a first attachment mechanism (671′), and a bottom region (652′) of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) is removably/temporarily affixed to the jersey (600) near the bottom hem (610) using a second attachment mechanism (672′). An attachment is considered permanent or semi-permanent according to the present invention if the attachment will generally be maintained during the use for which the jersey (600′) and perspiration absorption towel (650′) are designed for. The attachment of the top region (652′) of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) to the jersey (600) may be to the outside of the jersey (600). Or the perspiration absorption towel (650′) may fold into the inside (not visible) of the jersey (600) and the attachment of the top region (651′) of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) may be to an attachment mechanism on the inside of the jersey (600). Or, as discussed below, the perspiration absorption towel (650′) may fold into the inside (not visible) of the jersey (600) and the attachment of the top region (651′) of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) may be a magnetic attachment through the jersey (600) to an attachment mechanism on the perspiration absorption towel (650′).
As was the case also with the perspiration absorption towel (650) of FIG. 6A, according to a preferred embodiment the perspiration absorption towel (650′) of FIG. 7A is a microfiber cooling towel, such as those manufactured by Mission, LLC. The perspiration absorption towel (650′) has a length L_T′ from its top edge (661′) to its bottom edge (662′) which is preferably greater than 30 cm and 60 cm, more preferably greater than 40 cm and less than 50 cm, and still more preferably roughly 45 cm. The perspiration absorption towel (650′) has sides (655′) which flare such that the perspiration absorption towel (650′) has a top width W_T1′ and a bottom width W_T2′, where W_T1′<W_T2′. The top width W_T1′ of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) is less than the width We of the collar (102) of the jersey (100), i.e., W_T1′<W_C. According to the present invention α′*W_C<W_T1′<β′*W_C, where preferably β′ is less than 1.0 and α′ is greater than 0.25, more preferably β′ is less than 0.75 and a′ is greater than 0.33, and more preferably β′ is less than 0.66 and α′ is greater than 0.33. Most preferably W_T1′ is roughly equal to half the value of W_C. (According to a first preferred method, widths W_T1′, W_T2′, and We are measured when the jersey (600) is flattened and viewed in plan view. According to a second preferred method, widths W_T1′, W_T2, and We are measured when the jersey (600) is worn and viewed from straight ahead.) Having the top width W_T1′ of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) being less than the width We of the collar (602), particularly by the amounts within the above-specified preferred ranges, provides the advantages of (i) reducing bulk in a region of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) where it would generally not be used to absorb perspiration, and (ii) allowing a straight top edge (661′) of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) to be more readily and attractively attached to the curved contour of the collar (602). Having the top width W_T1′ of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) being greater than the above-specified minimum bounds provides the advantages of preventing the handling of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) or dangling of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) when its bottom region (652′) is not attached to the jersey (600) from resulting in 180° twists about the longitudinal axis (699′) of the perspiration absorption towel (650′). It is generally advisable to position the attachment mechanisms (671′) and (672′) to provide a flush fit of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) to the jersey (600) since otherwise the perspiration absorption towel (650′) might catch air when there is a wind or the user is biking, jogging or running, which would be distracting.
The perspiration absorption towel (650′) has an inset notch (681) at the center of the bottom edge (662′). The bottom inset notch (681) has a depth W_X′ of preferably between 1 cm and 5 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 4 cm, still more preferably between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm, and even more preferably about 3 cm. The inset notch (681) preferably has a width of between 1.0 cm and 5 cm, and more preferably between 1.5 cm and 4 cm, to allow a finger to be easily inserted into an inset notch (681). As shown in FIG. 7B, the bottom inset notch (681) is useful in facilitating grasping, particularly when the fit of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) to the jersey (600) is such that the perspiration absorption towel (650′) is substantially flush with the jersey (600). Without a bottom inset notch (681) one might fumble to some extent when trying to dislodge the bottom attachment mechanism (672′). As shown in FIG. 7B, the user may insert a pointer finger (690) into the bottom inset notch (681) in order to grasp the bottom of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) with the thumb (692) and pointer finger (690). Although this operation is depicted using the right hand, of course the left might be used instead. Then, the attachment of the perspiration absorption towel (650′) to the jersey (600) at the bottom attachment mechanism (672′) can be undone and, as shown in FIG. 7C, the perspiration absorption towel (650′) can be raised to the face of the user using a single-handed grip to wipe sweat away. A single-handed grip may be preferable in conjunction with forms of exertion where one hand is already occupied, such as in tennis. (It should also be noted that the inset notch (681) need not be utilized to implement detachment of the attachment mechanism (672′).)
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second attachment mechanisms might be provided by a hook-and-loop attachment, such as Velcro® brand fastener manufactured by Velcro of the United Kingdom. This provides the advantage of allowing the perspiration absorption towel (650) to be separated from the jersey (600) and washed separately. This also provides the advantage that during a break in play, exercise or other form of exertion, a perspiration absorption towel (650) which is saturated with perspiration can be swapped for a fresh perspiration absorption towel (650) that has not yet absorbed perspiration. However, a possible disadvantage of using a hook-and-loop attachment means, such as Velcro®, is that this adds some bulk to the collar region (102) of the shirt (100).
An alternate form of attachment is a buttons-type or snaps-type attachment which will reduce bulk relative to a hook-and-loop type attachment. A buttons-type attachment or snaps-type attachment may reduce bulk relative to a hook-and-loop type attachment, but creating the attachment or undoing it cannot be achieved as quickly.
Alternatively, the attachment mechanism may be magnetic. Magnetic attachments according to the present invention provide a number of advantages, including reduced bulk, rapid attachment and detachment, and guidance/facilitation of alignment of mating parts. Preferably, the magnets are high strength neodymium magnets or the like. Neodymium magnets are made of an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron, Nd₂Fe₁₄B, which has a tetragonal crystalline structure. The neodymium alloy is typically coated with one or more anti-oxidizing layers to prevent the alloy from oxidizing. According to the present invention, the anti-oxidizing coating is nickel with a thickness of 5 to 7 micrometers. (Gold or silver with a thickness of 1 to 2 micrometers may also be utilized.) Neodymium magnets come in a variety of grades, the most common grades being termed N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, and N52, with higher numbers reflecting greater magnetic strength. A typical N35 grade neodymium magnet will have a residual flux density of 11.7×10³Gauss to 12.1×10³Gauss, and a typical N52 grade neodymium magnet will have a residual flux density of 14.5×10³Gauss to 14.8×10³Gauss. Although an N42 grade neodymium magnet with a residual flux density of 13×10³Gauss will be utilized in the calculations of the present specification, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any particular grade of neodymium magnets or even to high-strength neodymium magnets.
In a first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the magnetic attachment mechanism (800) consists of a first row of evenly spaced magnets (810.1), (810.2), (810.3), etc. in a first sheet of flexible material (812), such as the clothing fabric of the jersey (600), and a second row of evenly-spaced magnets (820.1), (820.2), (820.3) in a second sheet of flexible material (822), such as the clothing fabric of a perspiration absorption towel (650). The magnets (810.1), (810.2), (810.3), etc. in the first sheet (812) will be referred to collectively or generically with reference numeral “810”. Similarly, the magnets (820.1), (820.2), (820.3), etc. in the second sheet (822) will be referred to collectively or generically with reference numeral “820”.
As shown in the close-up view of FIG. 8B, each magnet (810)/(820) is a bar magnet which is elongated and substantially flat. Each magnet (810)/(820) has a thickness T_M, a width W, and a length L, where L>W>>T_M. The poles of each magnet (810)/(820) are at the longitudinally distal ends thereof and are marked with the letters N for north and S for south. As can be seen in FIG. 8A, the magnets (810) and the magnets (820) have longitudinal axes aligned and have alternating polar orientations so there are repulsive forces between adjacent pairs of magnets (810) and (820). For instance, on sheet (810) the leftmost magnet (810.1) has its north pole at its left end and its south pole at its right end, the magnet (810.2) second from the left has its north pole at its right end and its south pole at its left end, the magnet (810.2) third from the left has its south pole at its right end and its north pole at its left end, etc. Similarly, on sheet (820) the leftmost magnet (820.1) has its south pole at its left end and its north pole at its right end, the magnet (820.2) second from the left has its south pole at its right end and its north pole at its left end, the magnet (820.2) third from the left has its north pole at its right end and its south pole at its left end, etc. This will insure that when a sheet (812) or (822) is disturbed or ruffled slightly, adjacent magnets will not be drawn together to produce folds in the clothing.
It should be noted that according to the lexicography of the present specification and claims, the terms “right” and “left” are meant to refer to opposite ends of the axes upon with the rows of magnets (810) and (820) are mounted and the longitudinal axes of the magnets (810) and (820). Similarly, the terms “above” and “below” are meant to refer to the directions in the plane of the sheets (812) and (822) and transverse to the directions left and right. It is to be understood that this lexicography is utilized for ease of discussion and should not be considered to be limiting in the sense that the same principals apply regardless of any rotation of the frame of reference with respect to the aforementioned directions.
The magnets (810) and (820) are attached to the first and second sheets (812) and (822) by being sandwiched between the first and second sheets (812) and (822) and securing layers (814) and (824) (not shown in FIG. 8A), respectively. FIGS. 8C through 8F provides close-up x-ray views of the process of stitching of the securing layer (814)/(824) on sheet (812)/(822) where the magnet (810)/(820) is visible through the securing layer (814)/(824). Because of the strength of neodymium magnets, it is important that the magnets (810)/(820) be securely attached to the sheets (812)/(822) so the securing is relatively invulnerable to failure. Furthermore, because of the distance dependence of the force of attraction between magnets, the combined thickness of the securing layers (814)/(824) plays an important role in the functionality, as is discussed in detail below. According to a preferred embodiment, the securing layers (814)/(824) are made of a strong fabric, such as silk or polyethylene. As can be seen in FIG. 8C, a first stitching (851) comes from the left over the top of the magnet (810)/(820), passes around the right side and under the magnet (810)/(820), and then as shown in FIG. 8D, passes around the left side and over the top of the magnet (810)/(820) and continues rightwards. Then, as can be shown in FIG. 8E, a second stitching (852) comes from the left under the bottom of the magnet (810)/(820), and then as shown in FIG. 8D passes around the right side and over the magnet (810)/(820), passes around the left side and under the bottom of the magnet (810)/(820) and continues rightwards. Therefore, the perimeter of each magnet (810)/(820) is secured with two or three lines of stitching.
FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of an arrangement of magnets (910)/(920) integrated into the top region of the jersey (912) and perspiration absorption towel (922) to provide means for semi-permanent attachment (900). The magnetic attachment mechanism (800) consists of a first row of magnets (910.1), (910.2), (910.3), (910.4), (910.5), and (910.6) in a first sheet of flexible material (912), such as the clothing fabric of the jersey (600), and a second row of magnets (920.1), (920.2), (920.3), (920.4), (920.5), and (920.6) in a second sheet of flexible material (922), such as the clothing fabric of a perspiration absorption towel (650). The magnets ((910.1), (910.2), (910.3), (910.4), (910.5), and (910.6) in the first sheet (912) are referred to collectively or generically with reference numeral “910”. Similarly, the magnets (920.1), (920.2), (920.3), (920.4), (920.5), and (920.6) in the second sheet (822) are referred to collectively or generically with reference numeral “920”. The poles of the magnets aren't notated in FIG. 9 , but they are of alternating orientation as was the case in FIG. 8 . The central pairs of magnets (910.3)/(910.4) and (920.3)/(920.4) are separated by a distance X, while the pairs of magnets to each side of the central pairs of magnets (910.3)/(910.4) and (920.3)/(920.4), i.e., pairs (910.2)/(910.3), (910.4)(910.5), (920.2)/(920.3), and (920.4)/(920.5), are separated by a distance τX. And the outer pairs of magnets (910.1)/(910.2), (910.5)/(910.6), (920.2)/(920.3), and (920.4)/(920.5) are separated by a distance τ²X. And generally, the pair of magnets (910) which are located n^thfrom the central pair of magnets are separated from their nearest neighbors to the center by τⁿX. Hence, the pair of magnets surrounding the central pair of magnets are separated from each other by X+2τX, and the pair of magnets surrounding that pair are separated by X+2τX+2τ²X. In general, the nth pair of magnets around the central pair are separated from each other by X+2×_i=1 ⁿτⁿ. According to the present invention, the multiplier z has a value between 1.2 and 2, more preferably between 1.4 and 1.8, and still more preferably between 1.55 and 1.65. Most preferably, the multiplier τ has a value of roughly 1.618, the Golden Ratio. The advantage of this arrangement is that it forces the alignment of the magnets (910) of the jersey (600) with the magnets of the perspiration absorption towel (650). For example the central magnets (910.3) and (910.4) of the jersey (600) are only separated by a distance X, so when the perspiration absorption towel (650) is held taught the central magnets (910.3) and (910.4) of the jersey (600) cannot mate with the left-side pair of magnets (920.1) and (920.2), or the next pair of magnets rightwards (920.2) and (920.3), or the right-side pair of magnets (920.5) and (920.6), or the next pair of magnets leftwards (920.4) and (920.5).
In general, the calculation of forces between magnets is computationally difficult since it is dependent on the shape of the magnets as well as their relative orientations and the distance between them. Therefore, magnetic force calculations typically involve simplifications and approximations. For instance, the magnetic charge model is one of the methods which can be used to estimate forces between magnets. According to the magnetic charge model, poles of magnets are considered to be covered with (monopole) magnetic charges and the force between a pair of magnets is calculated as electrostatic forces would be, i.e., as a double integral over volume of magnetic charges which have Coulomb-like 1/x²forces of attraction and repulsion. This model works well in predicting forces between magnets of simple shapes where good estimates of how the distribution of the monopole magnetic charges can be made. For two identical cylindrical, axially-aligned magnets of length L and radius R, for a separation distance x which is large compared to the length L and radius R the magnetic charge model can be utilized to calculation the magnetic force F between the magnets as
$\begin{matrix} F = [\frac{π B^{2} R^{2} (L^{2} + R^{2})}{μ_{0} L^{2}}] [\frac{1}{x^{2}} + \frac{1}{{(x + 2 L)}^{2}} - \frac{2}{{(x + L)}^{2}}] & (1.1) \end{matrix}$
where B is the magnetic flux density in Tesla near the poles of the magnets, and μ₀is the permeability of space which is 47π×10⁻⁷Tesla-meter/Amperes. It should be noted that the dependence of the force F of attraction or repulsion on separation distance x has different characteristics for small distances and larger distance. In the limit of large separation distance x, the attraction between magnets diminishes quickly with distance as 1/x⁴. However, as x gets small relative to L, the 1/x²term in the righthand bracket dominates. And in the limit of x->0, the magnetic charge model fails and the force F between two magnetized surfaces is given by
$\begin{matrix} F = \frac{B^{2} π R^{2}}{2 μ_{0}} . & (1.2) \end{matrix}$
Hence, the dependence of force F on separation distance x has a near-field behavior when x is small which is different than the far-field behavior when x is large. This change in behavior of force F versus distance x means that a magnetic attachment will have a different “feel” if the fabric separating the two magnets is thin relative to the length L versus if it is thick relative to the length L.
FIG. 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of two magnets (1010) and (1020) which are encased in multiple layers of fabric (1020) and (1040) according to the present invention to affect the dependence of force F on separation distance x (where it should be noted that stitchings to attach the layers of fabric (1020) and (1040) together, such as those shown in FIGS. 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F, are not depicted). As can be seen in FIG. 10 , the magnets (1010) and (1030) have poles facing outwards and have a length L and a radius R. The lefthand magnet (1030) is encased in fabric (1040) with one layer of fabric (1041) to the outside (i.e., left side) and two layers of fabric (1042) and (1043) to the inside (i.e., right side). The righthand magnet (1010) is encased in fabric (1020) with one layer of fabric (1021) to the outside (i.e., right side) and three layers of fabric (1022), (1023) and (1024) to the inside (i.e., left side). As a result, five layers of fabric (1042), (1043), (1022), (1023) and (1024) separate the two magnetics (1020) and (1040) when they are brought into “contact” by a contact separation distance x_min. When in the configuration shown in FIG. 10 where the magnets (1020) and (1040) are as close together as possible, according to the lexicography of the present specification the magnets (1020) and (1040) are said to be “attached” or “in attachment.” (It should be noted that the thickness of the layers of fabric relative to the (1041), (1042), (1043), (1021), (1022), (1023) and (1024) relative to the length L of the magnets (1010) and (1030) shown in FIG. 10 is for illustrative purposes and in practice the thickness of the layers of fabric (1041), (1042), (1043), (1021), (1022), (1023) and (1024) relative to the thickness L of the magnets (1010) and (1030) may, for instance, be thinner than what is depicted. Furthermore, more or fewer layers of fabric may be used to separate the magnets (1010) and (1030)). According to the present invention, the layers of fabric (1041), (1042), (1043), (1021), (1022), (1023) and (1024) are utilized to alter the feel of the attachment of magnets. As noted above, as the separation distance x gets small relative to the thickness of the magnets L, the 1/x²term in the righthand bracket of equation (1.1) dominates. This produces the standard feel of attachment of magnets. However, according to the present invention, by interposing layers of fabric (1022), (1023), (1024), (1042) and (1043) creating a minimum separation distance x_minwhich is on the order of the thickness L of the magnets (1010) and (1030), the feel of the attachment is altered to a more rapidly decaying fall-off with distance, i.e., the force F between the magnets begins to transition to a fall-off of as 1/x⁴. Hence, according to the present invention a “dampened” attachment is created between magnets of thickness L by interposing fabrics or other interposing materials which have a thickness x_minbetween L/3 and 8*L, more particularly between L/2 and 5*L, even more particularly between L and 3*L, and still more particularly between 1.5*L and 2.5*L.
It should also be noted that although the present invention has been discussed in terms of mating pairs of magnets, the present invention may be implemented with magnets being mated with any materials that are attracted to magnets such as ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. According to the lexicography of the present invention such a material will be referred to a magnetically-attracted material. It should also be noted that although the present invention is been discussed in terms of attachment mechanisms for use with fabrics or textiles, the magnetic attachment methods of the present invention may be applied to other materials by incorporating a first group of magnets at first locations on a first mating part and incorporating a second group of magnets or magnetically-attracted material at second locations on a second mating part such that the first locations and second locations substantially abut when the first mating part and second mating part are brought into contact.
According to the present specification, a “semi-permanent attachment” is utilized when the frequency of anticipated detachments and attachments is expected to be considerably less than the frequency of anticipated detachments and attachments of a “temporary attachment mechanism.” An attachment mechanism is considered to be temporary if the attachment is less secure and/or less resistant to inadvertent detachment and/or more readily detachable than a semi-permanent attachment. According to the present invention for a temporary attachment, the total attachment force F should not be so large that detachment is not easily implementable. According to the present invention, for a “temporary attachment” the required detachment force F_tempis between 11 and 44 Newtons, more preferably F_tempis between than 16 and 33 Newtons, and still more preferably F_tempis between 20 and 26 Newtons. According to the present invention, for a “semi-permanent attachment” the required detachment force F_s-permis larger than the required detachment force F_tempfor a temporary attachment, but not so large that detachment is overly difficult or time-consuming or requires inordinate effort. According to the present invention for a semi-permanent attachment the required detachment force F_s-permis between 44 and 88 Newtons, more preferably F_s-permis between than 50 and 70 Newtons, and still more preferably F_s-permis between 55 and 65 Newtons.
Although a magnetic attachment system is discussed at this point with regards to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, it is to be understood that a magnetic attachment system could be used with other embodiments described herein. A typical perspiration absorption towel (650) will have a mass M of about 55 grams plus or minus 15 grams. The top edge (651) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) is attached to the jersey (600) utilizing a semi-permanent attachment since it is intended that the top edge (651) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) should generally stay attached to the jersey (600) during use. Therefore, the force of attachment at the top edge (651) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) should be (M g+F_s-perm) where g is acceleration due to gravity. The attachment (672) at the bottom (662) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) on the other hand does not need to support the weight of the perspiration absorption towel (650) and so only needs to produce a detachment force in the range acceptable for F_temp, where
F _temp <g+F _s-perm). (1.3)
Inequality (1.4) may be achieved by (i) using magnets in the top attachment having the same strength as the magnets in the bottom attachment but having less magnets in the bottom attachment than the top attachment, or (ii) using the same number of magnets in the bottom attachment than the top attachment, but where the magnets in the bottom attachment have less strength than the magnets in the top attachment. Furthermore, the attachment (672) of the bottom (662) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) to the jersey (600) is a “dampened” attachment created by interposing fabrics or other materials which produce a separation distance x_minwhen the magnets are in contact of between L/2 and 8 L, more particularly between L and 5 L, more particularly between 1.5 L and 3 L, and still more particularly between 2 L and 2.5 L. This provides the advantage that the bottom (662) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) may be more readily detached from the jersey (600), i.e., the dampened attachment is suitable for the desired temporary attachment of the bottom (662) of the perspiration absorption towel (650) to the jersey (600) since detachment of a number of magnetic attachments must be implemented in quick succession.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it should be understood that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Many other variations are possible. For example: the perspiration absorption towel may be longer than the length depicted, such as extending to the bottom hem of the jersey; the shirt/jersey may or may not have sleeves; the perspiration absorption towel may have a shape other than what is described; the perspiration absorption towel may have be of only a single layer; perspiration absorption towel may have more than two layers; the perspiration absorption towel may not be attached to the shirt at the collar; the present invention may be applied to football jerseys where shoulder pads would make access to the perspiration absorption towel easier; the present invention may be adapted for use with a sports bra; the present invention may be adapted for use with a unitard; a portion of the perspiration absorption towel may be made of a material which can provide cooling; a portion of the perspiration absorption towel may be located to the outside of the garment; the colors of the perspiration absorption towel may match the colors of the jersey; the bottom of the perspiration absorption towel may extend to nearer the bottom hem of the jersey; the invention may be used in non-sports, non-athletic, or non-recreational settings; the invention may be applied to a garment such as a tank top, polo-style button collared shirt, tube top or halter top shirt, military uniform, and so on; the perspiration absorption towel may have a length allowing it to absorb moisture on the top of the head, back of the head, shoulders and/or arms; the perspiration absorption towel may be on the exterior of an interior garment; the perspiration absorption towel may include a string or strip of material on one or both sides which extends from the top of the perspiration absorption towel to the bottom to facilitate removal of the entirety of the perspiration absorption towel, and particularly the bottom of the perspiration absorption towel, from the jersey; etc.
Furthermore, the description of the physical principles underlying the operation and performance of the present invention are also presented for purposes of illustration and description, and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. It should be understood that these descriptions include many approximations, simplifications and assumptions to present the basic concepts in a mathematically tractable form, and many effects which influence the operation and performance are neglected for ease of presentation. For instance: magnetic forces are only approximated by magnetic charge calculations or large separation-distance approximations of the force equation, and may differ from the values specified; other spacings between the magnets may be used; magnets of other strengths may be used; the separation between magnets may be different than described; etc.
Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated or the physical analyses motivating the illustrated embodiments, but rather by the appended Claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A perspiration management jersey for use in athletics, comprising:

a jersey portion adapted to be worn as a shirt on a player and having a collar, said collar having a side-to-side collar width, and

a perspiration absorption towel attached at said collar to an inside surface of said jersey portion, said perspiration absorption towel having a towel collar-region width in a region near said collar, said towel collar-region width being a maximum width of said perspiration absorption towel in said region near said collar and said towel collar-region width being less than said collar width.

2. The perspiration management jersey of claim 1 wherein said towel collar-region width is less than said collar width by twice an inset width where said inset width is between 3 cm and 7 cm.

3. The perspiration management jersey of claim 1 wherein said towel collar-region width is less than said collar width by twice an inset width where said inset width is between 3.5 cm and 6.5 cm.

4. The perspiration management jersey of claim 1 wherein said towel collar-region width is less than said collar width by twice an inset width where said inset width is between 4 cm and 6 cm.

5. The perspiration management jersey of claim 1 wherein said perspiration absorption towel has unattached side edges from a top point in said towel collar-region to a bottom point, a length of said unattached side edges being between 2.5 and 3.5 times said towel collar-region width.

6. The perspiration management jersey of claim 1 wherein said perspiration absorption towel has unattached side edges from a top point in said towel collar-region to a bottom point, a length of said unattached side edges being between 2.75 and 3.25 times said towel collar-region width.

7. The perspiration management jersey of claim 1 wherein said perspiration absorption towel has an inset notch on each side in said region near said collar to facilitate removal of said perspiration absorption towel by hooking a finger of said player in said inset notch, a width from a first inside point of a first one of said inset notches to a second inside point of a second one of said inset notches being less than said towel collar-region width, said inset notch having a width between 1.5 cm and 4 cm.

8. The perspiration management jersey of claim 7 wherein each of said inset notches in said region near said collar has a depth of roughly 2.5 cm and is located 2 cm below a bottom of said collar.

9. The perspiration management jersey of claim 1 wherein α*W_C<W_T1<β*W_C, where α=0.25, β=1.0, and W_T2<1.5*W_C.

10. The perspiration management jersey of claim 9 where α=0.33, β=0.75, and W_T2<1.25*W_C.

11. The perspiration management jersey of claim 9 where α=0.33, β=0.66, and W_T2<W_C.

12. A perspiration management jersey for use in athletics, comprising:

a jersey portion adapted to be worn as a shirt on a player and having a collar, said collar having a side-to-side collar width W_C, and

a perspiration absorption towel attached at said collar of said jersey portion with an effectively non-removable collar-region attachment, said perspiration absorption towel being attached at a bottom edge with a removable attachment near a waist region of said jersey portion to an outside surface of said jersey portion, said perspiration absorption towel having a towel collar-region width W_T1at said effectively non-removable collar-region attachment, said towel collar-region width W_T1being less than said collar width W_C, and having a bottom-region width W_T2.

13. The perspiration management jersey of claim 12 wherein said effectively non-removable collar-region attachment requires between 44 and 88 Newtons of force to dislodge said perspiration absorption towel from said jersey portion, and said removable attachment requires between 11 and 44 Newtons of force to dislodge said perspiration absorption towel from said jersey portion.

14. The perspiration management jersey of claim 12 wherein said effectively non-removable collar-region attachment requires between 50 and 70 Newtons of force to dislodge said perspiration absorption towel from said jersey portion, and said removable attachment requires between 16 and 33 Newtons of force to dislodge said perspiration absorption towel from said jersey portion.

15. The perspiration management jersey of claim 12 wherein said effectively non-removable collar-region attachment requires between 55 and 65 Newtons of force to dislodge said perspiration absorption towel from said jersey portion, and said removable attachment requires between 20 and 26 Newtons of force to dislodge said perspiration absorption towel from said jersey portion.

16. The perspiration management jersey of claim 12 wherein α*W_C<W_T1<β*W_C, where α=0.25, β=1.0, and 0.9*W_C<W_T2<1.5*W_C.

17. The perspiration management jersey of claim 12 where α=0.33, β=0.75, and 0.9*W_C<W_T2<1.3*W_C.

18. The perspiration management jersey of claim 12 where α=0.33, β=0.66, and 1.1*W_C<W_T2<1.2*W_C.

19. The perspiration management jersey of claim 12 wherein said perspiration absorption towel has an inset notch on each side near said waist region to facilitate removal of said perspiration absorption towel by hooking a finger of said player in one of said inset notches, each of said inset notches having a depth W_Xfrom a side edge of said perspiration absorption towel of between 1 cm and 5 cm, and each of said inset notches having a width of between 1.5 cm and 4 cm.

20. The perspiration management jersey of claim 19 wherein said depth W_Xis between 2 cm and 4 cm.

21. The perspiration management jersey of claim 19 wherein said depth W_Xis between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm.

22. The perspiration management jersey of claim 12 wherein said perspiration absorption towel has an inset notch on said bottom edge of said perspiration absorption towel to facilitate removal of said perspiration absorption towel by hooking a finger of said player in said inset notch, said inset notch having a depth W_Xfrom a side edge of said perspiration absorption towel of between 1 cm and 5 cm, and each of said inset notches having a width of between 1.5 cm and 4 cm.

23. The perspiration management jersey of claim 22 wherein said depth W_Xis between 2 cm and 4 cm.

24. The perspiration management jersey of claim 22 wherein said depth W_Xis between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm.

25. A magnetic attachment mechanism for textiles comprising:

a first textile;

a first row of elongated first magnets mounted with first longitudinal axes aligned on said first textile with north poles of said first row of magnets being alternately oriented left and right so as to produce repulsive forces between neighboring first magnets, said first magnets being evenly spaced by a separation distance, said first magnets having a first length along said first longitudinal axes, said first magnets have a first width in a first plane of said first textile, and said first magnets having a first thickness transverse to said plane of said first textile, said first length being greater than said first width, said first width being greater than said first thickness;

a second textile; and

a second row of elongated second magnets mounted with second longitudinal axes aligned on said second textile with north poles of said second row of magnets being alternately oriented left and right so as to produce repulsive forces between neighboring second magnets, said second magnets being evenly spaced by said separation distance, said second magnets having said first length along said second longitudinal axes, said second magnets have said first width in a second plane of said second textile, and said second magnets having said first thickness transverse to said second plane of said second textile.

26. A magnetic attachment mechanism comprising:

a first textile;

a first row of first magnets mounted on said first textile, said first magnets are mounted to said first textile by first stitching and second stitching of a sandwiching of said first magnets between said first textile and a first securing layer, said first stitching coming from the left over the top of a first of said first magnets, passing around the right side and then under said first of said first magnets, and then passing around the left side and again over the top of said first of said first magnets and continuing rightwards, and said second stitching coming from the left under the bottom of said first of said first magnets, passing around the right side and over said first of said first magnets, and then passing around the left side and under the bottom of said first of said first magnets and continuing rightwards.

27. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 26 wherein said second magnets are mounted to said second textile by third stitching and fourth stitching of a sandwiching of said second magnets between said second textile and a second securing layer, said third stitching coming from the left over the top of a first of said second magnets, passing around the right side and then under said first of said second magnets, and then passing around the left side and again over the top of said first of said second magnets and continuing rightwards, and said fourth stitching coming from the left under the bottom of said first of said second magnets, passing around the right side and over said first of said second magnets, and then passing around the left side and under the bottom of said first of said second magnets and continuing rightwards.

28. A magnetic attachment mechanism for textiles comprising:

a first textile;

a first row of elongated first magnets mounted on said first textile, a first central pair of said first magnets being separated by a distance X, a first surrounding pair of magnets directly surrounding said first central pair and being separated from each other by X+2τX with said first central pair of said first magnets being centered between said first surrounding pair, a second surrounding pair of magnets directly surrounding said first surrounding pair being separated from each other by X+2τX+2τ²X with said first surrounding pair of said first magnets being centered between said second surrounding pair;

a second textile; and

a second row of elongated second magnets mounted on said second textile, a second central pair of said second magnets being separated by said distance X, a third surrounding pair of magnets directly surrounding said second central pair and being separated from each other by X+2τX with said second central pair of said second magnets being centered between said third surrounding pair, a fourth surrounding pair of magnets directly surrounding said third surrounding pair being separated from each other by X+2τX+2τ²X with said third surrounding pair of said second magnets being centered between said fourth surrounding pair.

29. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 28 wherein said first row of first magnets have first longitudinal axes aligned on said first textile with north poles of said first row of said first magnets being alternately oriented left and right so as to produce repulsive forces between neighboring first magnets, and said second row of second magnets have second longitudinal axes aligned on said second textile with north poles of said second row of said second magnets being alternately oriented right and left so as to produce repulsive forces between neighboring second magnets.

30. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 28 wherein τ has a value between 1.2 and 2.

31. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 28 wherein τ has a value between 1.4 and 1.8.

32. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 28 wherein τ has a value between 1.55 and 1.65.

33. A magnetic attachment mechanism comprising:

a first mating part incorporating a first magnet at a first location, said first magnet having a first pole facing outwards, said first magnet having a thickness L;

a second mating part incorporating a second magnet at a second location, said second magnet having a second pole facing outwards, said second magnet having said thickness L, said second pole being an attractor of said first pole, said first and second locations abutting when said first mating part is mated with said second mating part and said first magnet being separated from said second magnet by a contact separation distance x_minwhere L/3<x_min<8*L.

34. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 33 wherein L/2<x_min<5*L.

35. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 33 wherein L<x_min<3*L.

35. The magnetic attachment mechanism of claim 33 wherein 1.5*L<x_min<2.5*L.