Patent Grant
11857003
Aspects herein relate to an apparel item configured to promote thermo-regulation.
Traditional athletic apparel items may be configured to either provide insulation or help dissipate heat, but are rarely configured to achieve both of these features. Thus, they are often limited to a specific environmental condition (e.g., hot weather or cold weather). Moreover, when configured to help dissipate heat, the amount of heat dissipated is often inadequate to maintain the athlete in optimal temperature ranges.
Aspects herein relate to an apparel item comprising at least one textile material having at least one opening defined by at least a first edge and a second edge; and at least one elastically resilient trim piece positioned within the opening to maintain the opening in an open state, wherein the elastically resilient trim piece is coupled to at least the first edge of the opening. The opening is formed by incising the at least one textile material, and the opening allows for airflow between an inner surface and an outer surface of the apparel item. The trim piece comprises an arched shape which aids in maintaining the opening in the open state.
Aspects herein further relate to a method of forming an apparel item comprising providing a textile material, forming a plurality of textile segments on at least a portion of the textile material, twisting at least one of the plurality of textile segments, securing the at least one twisted textile segment such that it is maintained in a twisted state and forming the apparel item from the textile material, wherein the apparel item is formed from the textile material such that the twisted textile segment is located in an area of the apparel item subject to a higher amount of air flow or air pressure as compared to other areas of the apparel item. At least one of the plurality of textile segments is formed by incising the textile material. The plurality of textile segments facilitate airflow between an inner surface and an outer surface of the apparel item. Twisting the at least one of the plurality of textile segments comprises disengaging a first end of the textile segment from the textile material, twisting the textile segment; and re-engaging the first end of the textile segment to the textile material. Securing the at least one twisted textile segment such that it is maintained in a twisted state comprises affixing the textile segment to a second textile material positioned adjacent to a first surface of the textile material, wherein the second textile material comprises a non-stretch material. The plurality of textile segments facilitate airflow between an inner surface and an outer surface of the apparel item.
Aspects herein relate to an apparel item comprising a first textile material comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first textile material further comprising a flap that has a perimeter shape defined by a first edge, a second edge opposite to the first edge, a first end affixed to the first textile material and a second end opposite the first end and affixed to the first textile material; and a second textile material positioned adjacent to the first surface of the first textile material, wherein the first edge of the flap is affixed to the second textile material. The second textile material is a non-stretch material. The attachment of the first edge of the flap to the second textile material maintains the flap in an open state. The first surface is an inner-facing surface of the apparel item. The second surface is an outer-facing surface of the apparel item.
Aspects herein relate to a method of creating tension deformation on a textile material, the method comprising providing a textile material, applying tension in one or more directions to the textile material; and applying a surface treatment to one or more portions of the textile material while the textile material is under tension. The surface treatment applied is one or more of a silicone, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyurethane, or a polyurethane resin ink. The tension is applied to the textile material in an x-direction and a y-direction. The tension is applied to the textile material in an x-direction or a y-direction. The method further comprises curing the surface treatment while the textile material is under tension. The method further comprises releasing the tension applied to the textile material. The method further comprises, subsequent to releasing the tension, forming one or more openings in the textile material at locations corresponding to where the surface treatment was applied. The method further comprises applying steam to the textile material after the tension is released. The textile material is positioned on a tension-maintaining apparatus, and the tension-maintaining apparatus is configured to apply the tension to the textile material. The tension-maintaining apparatus is configured to allow for registration between locations where the surface treatment is applied to the textile material and locations where the one or more openings in the textile material are formed. The surface treatment is applied to the textile material in a variable pattern. The surface treatment is applied to the textile material in a repeating pattern. More than one layer of the surface treatment is applied to the one or more portions of the textile material.
Aspects herein further comprise a method of creating tension deformation on a textile material, the method comprising providing a textile material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; applying a first tension to the first surface of the textile material and applying a second tension to the second surface of the textile material, the second tension being less than the first tension, wherein the first and second tensions are applied in the same direction; and applying a surface treatment to the textile material while the textile material is in the tensioned state. The first tension and second tension are applied by rollers. The method further comprises curing the surface treatment while the textile material is under tension. The method further comprises forming one or more openings in the textile material at locations corresponding to where the surface treatment was applied.
Aspects herein further comprise an apparel item comprising a textile material having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is maintained in a tensioned state via the application of a surface treatment and wherein the second portion is maintained in a tension-free resting state. The textile material comprises a woven material. The textile material comprises a knit material. The first portion is maintained between 110-160% stretch when in the tensioned state. The surface treatment comprises a cooling agent. The surface treatment is applied to a first surface of the textile material. The first surface comprises one of an inner-facing surface or an outer-facing surface of the apparel item. The first portion and the second portion are positioned adjacent to each other. Standoff structures are created by positioning the first portion adjacent to the second portion. The standoff structures are located on an inner-facing surface or an outer-facing surface of the apparel item. The standoff structures extend in a z-direction with respect to a surface plane of the apparel item.
Aspects herein relate to an apparel item comprising at least one textile element having a plurality of openings extending therethrough such that between 20% to 45% of the surface area of the apparel item comprises the plurality of openings; and one or more stand-off structures located on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item and extending in a z-direction with respect to the surface plane of the apparel item, at least a portion of the plurality of stand-off structures having a height between 2.5 mm and 6 mm. The apparel item comprises an apparel item for an upper torso of a wearer. The plurality of openings are closed when the textile element is in a resting state, and wherein the plurality of openings are open when one or more tensioning forces are applied to the textile element. At least a portion of the plurality of openings are formed by mechanically incising the at least one textile element. The at least one textile element is formed using stimulus-responsive yarns. At least a portion of the plurality of openings are formed by applying a stimulus to the stimulus-responsive yarns such that the stimulus-responsive yarns dissolve. The at least one textile element comprises one or more of a front panel or a back panel of the apparel item. The at least one textile element comprises at least one trim piece. The trim piece comprises a monofilament tape. The trim piece comprises a tubular structure formed using monofilament strands and having a hollow core. The trim piece comprises a first edge; a second edge; and a panel of material interposed between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the panel of material comprises the plurality of openings. The at least one textile element is configured to have a plurality of folds, and wherein the plurality of openings are positioned between the plurality of folds. The one or more stand-off structures comprise a monofilament tape. The monofilament tape comprises a first tape edge; a second tape edge; and a plurality of monofilament strands interposed between the first tape edge and the second tape edge. The monofilament tape is incorporated into the apparel item such that the monofilament strands are in a non-planar relationship with the first and second tape edges and are in a non-planar relationship with a surface plane of the apparel item. The one or more stand-off structures comprise a tubular structure formed using monofilament strands and having a hollow core. The tubular structure is incorporated into a seam on the apparel item. The tubular structure is incorporated into a channel formed on the apparel item. The one or more stand-off structures comprise a seam formed between a first panel edge and a second panel edge of the apparel item, wherein the seam extends in a z-direction with respect to the surface plane of the apparel item. The one or more stand-off structures comprise one or more folds in material used to form the apparel item, wherein the one or more folds extend in a z-direction with respect to the surface plane of the apparel item. At least a portion of the apparel item is formed from one or more moldable yarns, and wherein the portion of the apparel item formed from the moldable yarns is molded to form a structure comprising at least one set of projections that extend in a z-direction with respect to the surface plane of the apparel item. The one or more stand-off structures comprise yarns that have been mechanically manipulated to form nodes that extend in a z-direction with respect to the surface plane of the apparel item. The one or more stand-off structures comprise stimulus-responsive yarns that elongate in a z-direction with respect to the surface plane of the apparel item. The one or more stand-off structures comprise a polyurethane material, a foam material, a thermoplastic polyurethane material, a silicone material, or a rubber material that is applied to the inner-facing surface of the apparel item.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the disclosed or claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.
Aspects herein are directed to an apparel item having integrated features and/or structures that are configured to promote thermo-regulation over a wide range of environmental conditions. As such, the apparel item described herein is well-suited for athletes who often train in diverse weather conditions. One way of realizing thermo-regulation is by promoting heat retention during rest and/or cooler conditions and optimizing the amount of evaporative heat transfer experienced by the wearer (e.g., the removal of heat due to evaporation of sweat on the wearer's skin) during exercise and/or during hot conditions. In exemplary aspects, evaporative heat transfer may be optimized by utilizing features and/or structures to achieve a predefined level of “openness” or permeability in the apparel item, utilizing venting structures that are strategically located on the apparel item to optimize opportunities for capturing and funneling air into the apparel item, and/or utilizing features and/or structures to create a predefined level of stand-off between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface so that air can effectively circulate.
Continuing, to help promote heat retention during rest and/or cooler conditions, some or all of the features and/or structures described herein may be configured to transition from a first active state to a second resting state when the wearer is no longer active to help the wearer retain body heat. In one example, openings or perforations in the apparel item may transition from an open state to a closed state to decrease the percent openness of the apparel item. Venting structures may transition from an open state to a closed state to decrease the amount of air entering the apparel item. In yet another example, the amount of stand-off produced by structures described herein may decrease. The transitions described may occur in response to, for instance, a drop in body temperature or a decrease in perspiration, and/or in response to a decrease in wearer movement.
As used throughout this disclosure, the term “openness” may comprise the percentage of surface area of an apparel item that is comprised of engineered perforations or openings excluding, for instance, sleeve openings, a neckline opening, and a waist opening when the apparel item is in the form of a top, and leg openings and a waist opening when the apparel item is in the form of a short or pant. In exemplary aspects, apparel items described herein may be configured to have an openness between, for instance, 20% to 45% although values above and below these are contemplated. By having a predetermined amount of openness created by utilizing features and structures described herein, a large volume of air can enter and leave the apparel item thereby helping to promote evaporative heat transfer. For instance, the percent openness of the apparel item may be configured to achieve an air permeability in the range of 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to 1200 CFM, 300 CFM to 1100 CFM, or 600 CFM to 1000 CFM as measured at 125 Pa, although levels of air permeability above and below these values are contemplated herein. For instance, a lower level of air permeability may be desired when the apparel item is to be used in cooler weather conditions. On the other hand, when the apparel item is configured for warm weather conditions or intense training, it may be desirable to achieve a level of openness that is generally mimics that achieved by a wearer not wearing an apparel item (i.e., the wearer in a nude condition).
The term stand-off as used herein relates to features and/or structures located on an inner-facing of the apparel item that extend in the z-direction with respect to the inner-facing surface of the apparel item towards a wearer's body surface when the apparel item is worn. To put it another way, the stand-off features and/or structures help to space apart the inner-facing surface of the apparel item from the wearer's body surface to create a predetermined volume of space through which air can circulate and help cool the wearer by promoting, for instance, evaporative heat transfer. To be effective in promoting evaporative heat transfer, the amount of stand-off may be between, for instance, 2.5 mm and 7 mm or between 4 mm and 6 mm. Moreover, to help achieve adequate heat dissipation, it is contemplated herein, that stand-off features or structures may comprise at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% of the inner-facing surface of the apparel item.
As used throughout this disclosure, the term “vent” or “venting structure” implies some type of opening extending from an inner-facing surface of the apparel item to an outer-facing surface of the apparel item that forms a fluid communication path between an environment outside of the apparel item and an environment internal to the apparel item. It may also mean a specific configuration optimized to capture air flowing over the apparel item. For example, venting structures described herein may assume a “scoop-like” shape that helps to trap air traveling over the apparel item. The venting structures may be strategically positioned on the apparel item based on, for instance, air flow maps and/or air pressure maps of the human body. By strategically positioning the venting structures, the opportunities to catch and funnel air into the apparel item are optimized. For example, the venting structures may be located on the front and back surfaces of the apparel item where they can act as inflow vents. These areas are typically associated with high amounts of air flow and/or experience greater air pressure as indicated by air flow maps and/or air pressure maps of the human body. The venting structures may also be located on the sides of the apparel item and/or at the shoulder areas of the apparel item where they can act as outflow vents. These areas are typically associated with lower amounts of air flow and/or experience less air pressure as indicated by air flow maps and/or air pressure maps.
Accordingly, aspects herein are directed to an apparel item comprising at least one textile element having a plurality of openings extending therethrough such that between 20% to 45% of the surface area of the textile element comprises the plurality of openings, and one or more stand-off structures located on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item and extending in a z-direction with respect to the surface plane of the apparel item, where at least a portion of the plurality of stand-off structures having a height between 2.5 mm and 6 mm.
As used throughout this disclosure, the term “apparel item” is meant to encompass any number of different articles worn by an athlete during training such as, for example, shirts, pants, vests, hats, socks, jackets, and the like. Further, directional terms as used throughout this disclosure such as upper, lower, superior inferior, lateral, medial, and the like are generally used with respect to the apparel item being in an as-worn configuration by a hypothetical wearer standing in anatomical position. When describing features such as stand-off, the surface plane of the apparel item is assumed to be generally along an x, y plane such that the stand-off occurs in a positive or negative z-direction with respect to the x, y plane.
Continuing, unless indicated otherwise, terms such as “affixed,” “secured,” “coupled,” and the like may mean releasably-affixed or permanently secured and may encompass known affixing technologies such as stitching, bonding, snaps, buttons, hooks, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, welding, use of adhesives, and the like. The term “trim piece” as used herein may comprise any structure that is incorporated into the exemplary apparel items described herein. For example, a trim piece may comprise a structure that is formed in a manufacturing process that is separate from that used to form the apparel item, and then is incorporated into the apparel item.
The apparel items described herein may be formed of knitted, woven, or non-woven fabrics. Additionally, as used throughout this disclosure, the term “textile material” means any knitted, woven, or non-woven textile or cloth consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibers. The textile material may be formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, felting, braiding, and the like. The term “textile segment” as used herein may comprise any portion of the textile material that has been partially incised from the textile material but yet retains some type of connection to the textile material. For example, a textile segment may be partially incised from the textile material such that one or more portions of the textile segment remain attached to the textile material.
Additionally, apparel items described herein may incorporate one or more trim pieces. In some exemplary aspects, the entirety of an apparel item, or portions thereof, may be formed of fabrics that exhibit a high degree of air permeability (e.g., fabrics having cubic feet/meter (CFM) values or ratings of 100 or above) to facilitate the movement of air in and out of the apparel item. It is also contemplated, that the entirety of an apparel item, or portions thereof, may be formed of fabrics that may exhibit low air-permeability characteristics (e.g., fabrics having CFM values or ratings of 100 or below). By forming the apparel item (or portions thereof) of a fabric(s) having low air-permeability characteristics, ambient air that is funneled into the apparel item may be retained in the apparel item for longer periods of time. This, in turn, may promote, for instance, increased opportunities for evaporative heat transfer. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
Additionally, the entirety of the apparel items described herein, or one or more portions of the apparel item may be formed of fabrics exhibiting moisture-management properties (i.e., a fabric that has the ability to transport moisture from an inner-facing surface of the fabric to an outer-facing surface of the fabric where it can evaporate). Alternatively, the entirety of the apparel item or one or more portions thereof may be formed in whole or in part from yarns that exhibit low rates of water/sweat absorption such as, for example, polyester yarns. By using yarns that exhibit low rates of water/sweat absorption, the wearer's perspiration is more likely to remain on the wearer's skin surface which can lead to a greater evaporative heat transfer when air circulates in the stand-off space between the inner-facing surface of the apparel item and the wearer's skin surface. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
Features and/or structures that help to contribute to the openness, venting and/or stand-off of the exemplary apparel items described herein will be described below under their own headings. However, although described separately, it is to be understood that some or all of the features and/or structures described herein may work in combination with each other to help achieve a desired level of openness, venting, and/or stand-off.
Engineered Perforations
Exemplary apparel items described herein may utilize engineered perforations to achieve a predetermined level of openness and/or to act as venting structures. As opposed to more traditional mesh-like fabrics where the openings or perforations are formed through the actual knitting (or weaving) process (e.g., openings created by loosely knitting or weaving a material), engineered perforations may be formed by, for instance removing portions of the apparel item to create perforations. In some instances, this may occur by mechanically incising the material forming the apparel item to create perforations, or by utilizing melt-away or dissolvable yarns to create the perforations, and the like. Engineering the perforations as described enables the creation of a larger number of perforations and/or larger-diameter perforations as well as the ability to strategically locate the perforations on the apparel item. This is opposed to traditional mesh-like fabrics where the size, location, and potentially the number of the mesh openings are limited by typical knitting or weaving processes.
Turning now to
Although the apparel item 100 is depicted as a sleeveless shirt, it is contemplated that the apparel item 100 may take the form of a shirt with cap or one-quarter sleeves, a shirt having full-lengths sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, a jacket, a hoodie, a zip-up shirt or jacket, pants, shorts, socks, a hat, and the like. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein. The description of the apparel item 100 regarding, for instance, the optional sleeve portions, the sleeve openings, the neckline and waist openings, and the different configurations (jacket, sock, hat, etc.) is equally applicable to the other apparel items described herein.
As shown in
As briefly described earlier, the perforations 120 and 220 may be formed or engineered in a variety of ways. For instance, the perforations 120 and 220 may be formed by mechanically incising the front panel 110 and/or the back panel 210. Mechanical incision may comprise laser cutting, die cutting, ultrasonic cutting, water jet cutting, and the like. In another exemplary aspect, the perforations 120 and 220 may be created by using stimulus-responsive yarns, fibers, and/or filaments when knitting or weaving the front panel 110 and the back panel 210. Exemplary stimuli used to activate the yarns, fibers, and/or filaments may comprise, for instance, water, sweat, moisture, chemicals, light, ultrasound, radio-frequency waves, heat, cold, and the like. During the material preparation phase, the stimulus-responsive yarns, fibers, and/or filaments may be dissolved or removed by application of the activating stimulus in selected areas to form the perforations 120 and 220. For instance, water, light, a chemical compound, heat, or cold may be applied to selected areas to form the perforations 120 and 220. As described above, forming the perforations 120 and 220 in this manner may enable the creation of a larger number of perforations and/or larger-diameter perforations as opposed to more traditional mesh-like fabrics. Further, by the forming the perforations 120 and 220 as described, the perforations 120 and 220 may be strategically located on the apparel item 100 (i.e., located in a first area but not in a second area).
In other exemplary aspects, the perforations 120 and 220 may be integrally formed from the knitting or weaving process that is used to make the front panel 110 and the back panel 210. In other words, as the front and back panels 110 and 210 are being knit and/or woven, the knitting or weaving process is modified (e.g., stitches dropped) to form the perforations 120 and 220 in select areas. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
In exemplary aspects, and as generally shown in
Other dimensions for the perforations 120 and 220 are contemplated herein.
In exemplary aspects, the diameter of the perforations, such as the perforations 120 and 220, is inversely proportional to the number of perforations/unit area. For example, the smaller the diameter of the perforations, the greater the number of perforations/unit area, and the larger the diameter of the perforation, the smaller the number of perforations/unit area. In each case, the diameter and/or number of the perforations/unit area is determined or selected such that the percentage of surface area of the apparel item comprising the perforations is generally between 20% and 45%. In other words, the diameter and/or number of the perforations/unit area is determined such that the percent openness of the apparel item is generally between 20% and 45%.
Returning to
It is further contemplated herein that the location of the perforations may differ from that shown in
Perforations, such as the engineered perforations described herein, may also be utilized on socks and/or protective apparel such as shin guards, thigh pads, shoulder pads, and the like. Using shin guards as an example, engineered perforations may be located along the length of the shin guard to facilitate air flow between the interior of the shin guard and the environment external to the shin guard. In one exemplary configuration, perforations may be located along the length of the shin guard on either side of a hypothetical vertical midline that bisects the shin guard into generally equal right and left halves with respect to the shin guard being in an as-worn configuration. This is just one exemplary configuration, and it is contemplated that the engineered perforations may be positioned at other locations on the exemplary shin guard.
Turning back to
Further, the gradation pattern, the diameter, the number/unit area, and/or the location of the perforations 120 and 220 may also be dependent upon what sport or athletic activity the apparel item 100 is intended to be utilized. As an example, for athletic activities such as running, air typically flows over the front of the wearer. Thus, by positioning a greater number, larger diameter, and/or a larger number/unit area of perforations over the front of the apparel item 100 and a smaller number, smaller diameter, and/or small number/unit area of perforations over the sides and/or shoulder areas of the apparel item 100, air flowing into the apparel item 100 may be optimized. For athletic activities such as basketball that involve a lot of forward running and backward running, a larger number, larger diameter, and/or larger number/unit area of perforations may be positioned over the front and the back of the apparel item 100 and a smaller number, smaller diameter, and/or small number/unit area of perforations may be positioned over the sides and/or shoulder areas of the apparel item 100.
When it is contemplated that the apparel item 100 will be utilized in cooler environmental conditions, the number, diameter, and/or number/unit area of the perforations 120 and 220 may be reduced to decrease the percent openness of the apparel item 100. In another example, the perforations 120 and 220 may be located at areas of the apparel item 100 that are not exposed to significant air flow during exercise such as primarily along the sides of the apparel item 100.
In one exemplary aspect, the perforations 120 and 220 may be configured to dynamically transition from a closed state to an open state in response to, for instance, movements initiated by the wearer, in response to sweat or moisture produced by the wearer, in response to increases in ambient temperature, in response to increases in the wearer's body temperature, and the like. This is useful because when an athlete is at rest, the athlete often desires to retain body heat so as to keep her muscles warm. However, when the athlete starts generating heat due to exercise, it is beneficial to dissipate this heat so that the athlete can exercise in optimal temperature ranges. For instance, the apparel item 100 may be configured to transition from near zero percent openness to, for instance, openness in the range of 20%-45% in response to wearer movement or other stimuli thus allowing the apparel item 100 to be used in a wide variety of environmental conditions.
In one example, a material (e.g., a laminate) may be applied to the perimeter of the perforations, where the material may comprise, for instance, a shape memory polymer (SMP). The SMP material may be programmed to have a first shape at a first temperature or moisture level and a second shape at a second temperature or moisture level. Thus, when predetermined temperature and/or moisture levels are reached, the SMP material may change shape causing the perforations to transition from a closed state to an open state. Once the temperature and/or moisture levels drop below the predetermined level, the SMP material may change back to its first shape transitioning the perforations back to a closed state.
In another example, an adaptive yarn may be used to form all or part of the apparel item, where the adaptive yarn transforms dimensionally when exposed to different stimuli such as, for instance, temperature or moisture. For instance, the adaptive yarn may be concentrated on one surface of the apparel item and a dimensionally stable yarn may be concentrated on a second opposite surface of the apparel item. A series of slits may be formed in the apparel item, where the slits remain in a relatively closed state when the wearer is in a resting state. However, upon exposure to a stimulus (e.g., moisture, heat), the adaptive yarn may increase in size. The increase in size of the yarn may be constrained by the dimensionally stable yarn thus causing the slits to curl toward the dimensionally stable second surface creating an opening or perforation through which air can travel.
In yet another example, the apparel item may be formed of a composite material having a first surface material comprising a series of perforations that is coupled by a responsive material to a second surface material also having perforations. In exemplary aspects, the first surface material may comprise an outer-facing surface of the apparel item, and the second surface material may comprise an inner-facing surface of the apparel item. Further, the responsive material may comprise a shape memory polymer. The responsive material may respond to different stimuli such as temperature and/or moisture by contracting or expanding. This contraction or expansion may cause a planar shifting of the first and second surface materials, which, in turn, may cause the perforations in each of the two layers to align or become offset from one another thus dynamically opening and closing the perforations.
As described, the exemplary apparel item may utilize engineered perforations to achieve a predetermined level of openness. The level of openness may be selected to allow relatively large volumes of air to enter the apparel item and to help cool the wearer by promoting evaporative heat transfer. Alternatively, the level of openness may be selected to help retain heat during rest and/or during training in cooler weather conditions. Moreover, the exemplary apparel item described herein may utilize engineered perforations as venting structures. The perforations may be strategically located at portions of the apparel item that are exposed to high air flow. The perforations, in this aspect, may help to capture and funnel air into the apparel item where the air may facilitate evaporative heat transfer.
Honeycomb Structure
Apparel items described herein may utilize a honeycomb structure comprising a latticework of holes or perforations formed in a material, where the holes or perforations dynamically open and close in response to tensioning forces generated by a wearer of the apparel item. When in an open state, the latticework of holes acts to increase the openness of the apparel item. Further, the honeycomb structure may act as a venting structure when located on the apparel item in areas that experience high air flow.
In exemplary aspects, the openings 1110 may be formed in a honeycomb-type pattern as shown in
As mentioned, the honeycomb structure described herein may also be used as a venting structure. For example,
The location of the trim pieces 1152, 1154, and 1156 may be based on, for example, air flow maps and/or air pressure maps of the human body and may further be based on the direction of tensioning forces produced by a wearer during exercise. For instance, the front of a wearer often experiences high air flow during exercise. Moreover, this location may be subject to tensioning forces as the wearer exercises. By positioning the trim pieces 1152, 1154, and 1156 along the vertical midline and sides of the apparel item 1150, for example, the tensioning forces produced by the wearer may transition the trim pieces 1152, 1154, and 1156 from a closed state to an open state. Because of the trim pieces' positioning in a high air flow location, the opportunity to catch and funnel air into the apparel item 1150 is enhanced. The location of the trim pieces 1152, 1154, and 1156 is exemplary only and it is contemplated herein that the trim pieces 1152, 1154, and 1156 may be positioned at other locations based on, for example, air flow or air pressure maps (e.g., the back of the apparel item 1150 or along the shoulders of the apparel item 1150). Moreover, the number of trim pieces is exemplary only and it is contemplated herein that there may be more or fewer trim pieces than those shown. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
As described, the honeycomb structure may act to increase the openness of an apparel item and/or act as a venting structure. The ability of the honeycomb structure to transition from a closed state to an open state in response to tensioning forces helps the wearer to dissipate heat when exercising and retain heat while at rest.
Stand-Off Nodes
Apparel items described herein may utilize stand-off nodes or structures located on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item and extending in a z-direction with respect to the surface plane of the apparel item to provide a space between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface in which air can effectively circulate and cool the wearer. The stand-off nodes or structures may also be formed in a separate processing step and be subsequently applied to the exemplary apparel item, and/or the stand-off nodes or structures may be formed using one or more finishings or treatments applied to the apparel item.
When formed in a separate processing step and subsequently applied to the apparel item, the stand-off nodes may be formed from a polyurethane material, a thermoplastic polyurethane material, a silicone material, a reactive or adaptive material, a laser cut spacer mesh material, a foam material, and the like. The stand-off nodes may then be applied to the inner-facing surface of the apparel item via a heat transfer process, an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, mechanically affixing (e.g., stitching), and the like. In one exemplary aspect, the stand-off nodes may be applied to one or more panels of material, and the panels of material may then be incorporated into the apparel item. When the stand-off nodes are formed from a reactive or adaptive material, such as a shape memory polymer, the stand-off nodes may dynamically transition from a not-present state to a present-state, and/or a low-height state to a high-height state, in response to different stimuli such as moisture, sweat, light, heat, and the like. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
With respect to forming the stand-off nodes via one or more finishings or treatments applied to the apparel item, it is contemplated herein that the stand-off nodes may comprise a printable ink applied to the apparel item that swells or enlarges in response to a stimulus such as water, a puff adhesive transfer, an embroidery pattern, a foam material, a puff ink, flocking, and the like. One exemplary treatment or finishing comprises a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) ink (such as polygum RP5 produced by Unikasei of Kyoto, Japan) that is applied to a textile material, cured, and then washed off. It has been found that the application of the PVA ink causes a permanent deformation in the textile material that is maintained even after the PVA ink is washed off. The “deformed” areas may comprise stand-off nodes.
With respect to the different finishings or treatments described herein, the finishing or treatment may comprise a material that is capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state in response to different stimuli thereby causing the stand-off nodes to dynamically transition from a not-present state to a present-state, and/or a low-height state to a high-height state. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
In one exemplary aspect, and as shown in
With respect to
In exemplary aspects, each stand-off node 1200 may have a height (H) 1210 between 2.5 mm and 8 mm, between 3 mm and 7 mm, or between 4 mm and 6 mm, although heights above and below these values are contemplated herein. Spacing (D) 1212 between adjacent nodes 1200 may, in exemplary aspect, be equal to or greater than twice the height 1210 of the nodes 1200 (e.g., D≥2H). Continuing, each node 1200 may have a diameter or width (T) that is less than or equal to one-tenth, one-half, or one-third the distance 1212 between adjacent nodes 1200 (e.g., T≤D/10 or D/5 or D/3). The nodes 1200 may be in linear alignment by rows and columns as shown in
By configuring the stand-off nodes 1200 to have the height (H) 1210 described herein, a sufficient-sized space or void is created between the inner-facing surface of the apparel item and the wearer's skin to allow air to freely circulate. When the stand-off nodes 1200 have a height less than, for instance, 2.0 mm, air movement may be minimized. In some instances, this may be useful to achieve an insulating effect. To put it another way, a smaller height for the stand-off nodes 1200 may be selected, such as, for example, 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, to achieve an insulating effect.
Continuing, by spacing the stand-off nodes 1200 by the distance (D) 1212 described herein, air circulation may be further enhanced. For instance, if the stand-off nodes 1200 were spaced closely together, the stand-off nodes 1200 may resist or block air flow. Moreover, by configuring the stand-off nodes 1200 to have the diameter or width (T) 1214 described herein, the stand-off nodes 1200 may be sized such that they do not block air flow. Thus, the height, spacing, and width of the stand-off nodes 1200 are selected to achieve an optimal air flow pattern that contributes to heat-dissipating characteristics of the apparel item. Further, as explained above, when the stand-off nodes are formed using adaptive yarns or fibers, the dimensions associated with the stand-off nodes such as height, width, and/or spacing may dynamically change in response to the presence or absence of stimuli or in response to a level or intensity of the stimuli.
Air pressure maps, air flow maps, sweat maps, and contact maps of the human body may be used to guide the location of the nodes 1200. For example, when the apparel item is in the form of a shirt, the nodes 1200 may be concentrated in areas of the apparel item known to have a high amount of contact with the wearer's skin such as the sides of the apparel item, and/or the center front or center back of the apparel item. By locating the nodes 1200 in these areas, the perception of cling may be reduced.
The nodes 1200 may further be located in areas of the apparel item that are positioned adjacent to portions of the wearer's torso that experience a high degree of air flow or air pressure and/or experience a high degree of sweating. An example of this is shown in
By positioning the nodes 1710 and 1712 at locations corresponding to high heat and/or sweat-producing areas, the movement of air between the inner-facing surface of the apparel item 1700 and the wearer's skin may be enhanced with a resulting increase in evaporative heat transfer. It is further contemplated herein that there may be areas of the apparel item 1700 that do not contain stand-off nodes. For instance, when the apparel item 1700 is configured to be more loose-fitting, the lower front torso area of the apparel item 1700 may not experience a significant amount of contact with the wearer's body surface. As such, and as shown in
Alternatively, apparel items contemplated herein may comprise stand-off nodes located over the majority of their inner-facing surfaces. This aspect is shown in
Returning to the shin guard example discussed above with respect to the engineered perforations, stand-off nodes may also be utilized in shin guards and other types of protective equipment. The stand-off nodes may be positioned on the inner-facing surface of the shin guard such that they provide stand-off from the wearer's shin and promote needed air movement in this space. In one exemplary aspect, the stand-off nodes may extend generally along the length of the shin guard at an anterior aspect of the shin guard. Besides facilitating air flow, the stand-off nodes may also act to attenuate any impact forces applied to the shin guard.
In yet another aspect, when an apparel item is contemplated as being used in colder-weather conditions, the location and size of the stand-off nodes may be adjusted to provide more of an insulating effect. For instance, the height of the stand-off nodes may be selected to be 2.0 mm or less. It has been found that resistance to evaporation may actually be increased when using stand-off nodes having a height of 2.0 mm or less as compared to apparel items not utilizing stand-off. For instance, a base shirt not having any type of venting or stand-off may exhibit a resistance to evaporation that is less than a shirt having stand-of nodes of approximately 2.0 mm. These “low-height” stand-off nodes may be positioned on the apparel item at areas needing greater insulation such as, for instance, over the front and back surfaces of the apparel item.
It is also contemplated herein, that there may be a gradation in spacing and/or dimensions associated with the nodes, such as the nodes 1200, when the nodes are incorporated in an apparel item. This may also be based on, for instance, air pressure maps, air flow maps, sweat maps, and contact maps of the human body. For instance, in one exemplary aspect, the nodes may have a smaller height and/or width when located closer to a venting structure, and the nodes may gradually increase in height as the distance from the venting structure increases. In another example, the nodes may be spaced more closely together when located closer to the venting structure and may be spaced further apart as the distance from the venting structure increases to minimize any impedance to air flow in this area. In yet another example, nodes having a smaller height (e.g., less than or equal to 2.0 mm) may be located in areas for which a higher level of insulation is desired, and nodes having a height greater than, for instance, 2.0 mm may be located in areas for which a greater amount of air flow is needed. These are examples only and other gradation patterns are contemplated herein. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
The stand-off nodes may have a number of exemplary shapes. For instance, with respect to
As described, the exemplary apparel item may utilize stand-off nodes to achieve a predetermined level of stand-off. In aspects, the level of stand-off may be selected to allow relatively large volumes of air to circulate in the space between the inner-facing surface of the apparel item and the wearer's skin surface to help to cool the wearer by promoting evaporative heat transfer. In other aspects, the level of stand-off may be selected to help retain air in the space between the inner-facing surface of the apparel item and the wearer's skin surface to help insulate the wearer.
Monofilament Structures
Apparel items described herein may utilize a number of monofilament structures to increase the percent openness of the apparel item, act as venting structures, and/or to create stand-off. The monofilament structures may take the form of, for instance, a monofilament tape and a monofilament pipe structure.
A portion of a monofilament tape, referenced generally by the numeral 1900, is depicted in
In one exemplary aspect, when the monofilament tape is incorporated into an apparel item, the monofilament tape may act as a venting structure. In exemplary aspects, the monofilament tape may be incorporated into apparel item by positioning the tape edges between different panels of the apparel item (e.g., at a seam line) and affixing the tape edges to the panel edges. As well, the monofilament tape may be incorporated by incising a portion of the apparel item and inserting the tape edges into the incised portion and securing the tape edges by, for example, bonding, adhesives, stitching, welding, and the like. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
An exemplary apparel item 2000 utilizing a monofilament tape 2010 as a venting structure is depicted in
In exemplary aspects, the first segment 2012 may be located on a first side of a hypothetical vertical midline 2018 bisecting the apparel item 2000 into generally equal right and left halves. The first segment 2012 may have a generally vertical orientation, or the first segment 2012 may be skewed from the vertical orientation such that it angles inwardly towards the midline 2018 as the vent travels towards from a top or superior edge to a bottom or inferior edge of the apparel item 2000 and as shown with respect to
Continuing, the second segment 2014 is generally located on a second side of the hypothetical vertical midline 2018. The second segment 2014 may have a generally vertical orientation, or the second segment 2014 may be skewed from the vertical orientation such that it angles inwardly towards the midline 2018 as the segment 2014 travels from a top or superior edge towards a bottom or inferior edge of the apparel item 2000 to reflect the natural tapering that occurs from the chest area of the wearer to the waist area of the wearer. When the apparel item 2000 is in an as-worn configuration, the second segment 2014 is configured to be positioned generally adjacent to a front left torso area of the wearer. In an exemplary aspect, both the first and second segments 2012 and 2014 may extend to a bottom margin of the apparel item 2000, and in another exemplary aspect, the first and second segments 2012 and 2014 may terminate a predetermined distance from the bottom margin of the apparel item 2000. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
In exemplary aspects, the third segment 2016 has a generally horizontal orientation. A first end of the third segment 2016 is located adjacent to an upper end of the first segment 2012, and a second end of the third segment 2016 is located adjacent to an upper end of the second segment 2014. This configuration causes the third segment 2016 to be located generally at a top portion of the apparel item 2000 such that it is positioned adjacent to an upper chest area of a wearer when the apparel item 2000 is worn.
Turning now to
In exemplary aspects, the U-shaped configuration may comprise a fourth segment 2112, a fifth segment 2114, and/or a sixth segment 2116. In exemplary aspects, the fourth segment 2112 is located at the first side of the vertical midline 2018. The fourth segment 2112 may have a generally vertical orientation, or the fourth segment 2112 may be skewed from the vertical orientation such that it angles inwardly towards the vertical midline 2018 as the segment 2112 travels from a top or superior edge towards a bottom or inferior edge of the apparel item 2000 and reflects the natural tapering from the upper back area of the wearer to the waist area of the wearer. When the apparel item 2000 is in an as-worn configuration, the fourth segment 2112 is configured to be positioned adjacent to a back left torso area of the wearer.
The fifth segment 2114 is located to the right of the vertical midline 2018. The fifth segment 2114 may have a generally vertical orientation, or the fifth segment 2114 may be skewed from the vertical orientation such that it angles inwardly towards the midline 2018 as the segment 2114 travels from a top or superior edge towards a bottom or inferior edge of the apparel item 2000 and as shown with respect to
Continuing, the sixth segment 2116 may have a generally horizontal orientation. In exemplary aspects, a first end of the sixth segment 2116 is generally located adjacent to an upper end of the fourth segment 2112, and a second end of the sixth segment 2116 is located adjacent to an upper end of the fifth segment 2114. This configuration causes the sixth segment 2116 to be located generally at a top portion of the apparel item 2000 such that it is positioned adjacent to an upper back area of a wearer when the apparel item 2000 is worn.
Turning now to
As described earlier with respect to
In exemplary aspects, the monofilament tape may also be used to create stand-off between the inner-surface of an apparel item and a wearer's body surface. In a resting or non-tensioned state, the monofilament tape is generally flat or planar. Thus, when incorporated into an apparel item such as the apparel item 2000, the surface plane of the tape is generally parallel to the surface plane of the apparel item (i.e., it does not extend in the z-direction). To create stand-off, the tape may be incorporated into an apparel item such that the tape edges are biased toward one another causing the monofilament strands to bend or curve. This is depicted in
Aspects herein further contemplate using monofilament pipe structures to, for instance, create stand-off and/or to increase openness of an apparel item. In general, monofilament pipe structures comprise monofilament strands (nylon, metallic monofilaments, and the like) that are manipulated to form a tubular structure having a hollow core. An exemplary monofilament pipe structure 2600 is shown in
In exemplary aspects, the pipe structure 2600 may be incorporated into an apparel item by positioning the pipe structure 2600 within a channel and/or by positioning the pipe structure 2600 within a seam on the apparel item. For example,
When the textile 2712 is formed into an apparel item, the pipe structure 2600 may be used to create stand-off due to its tube-like structure. Moreover, since it is bendable and stretchable, it may be incorporated into the apparel item at locations that are positioned adjacent to curved surfaces of the wearer's body. Moreover, use of the pipe structure 2600 in combinations with the openings 2714 in the textile 2712 may contribute to the present openness of the apparel item.
As described, monofilament tapes and monofilament pipe structures may be incorporated into apparel items to create stand-off, to act as venting structures, and/or to increase the percent openness of the apparel item.
Slit Structures
Apparel items described herein may use slit structures to, for instance, increase the percent openness of the apparel item and/or to act as venting structures. Further, the slit structures may be configured to transition from a closed state to an open state in response to tension forces generated by the wearer.
A first exemplary slit structure is depicted in
Continuing, a particular slit, such as slit 2812, may be formed in a discontinuous manner such that portions of the textile 2800 along the slit path are not incised. For instance, the slit 2812 comprises a first segment 2812a, a second segment 2812b, and a third segment 2812c with textile portions 2800a and 2800b connecting the different slit segments. To put it another way, a particular slit may be formed in a discontinuous manner such that portions of the textile 2800 connect the different segments. This construction helps to maintain the structural integrity of the textile 2800 both in a non-tensioned state and in a tensioned state.
In exemplary aspects, a liner layer may be positioned adjacent to the slit structures on one side of the textile. The liner layer may be useful when larger slits are used as a further means to maintain the structural integrity of the textile. In exemplary aspects, the liner layer may comprise a material permeable to air such as, for example, a mesh material.
When the textile having the slit structures is incorporated into an apparel item, the slits may increase the percent openness of the apparel item. Further, the slit structures may be positioned at areas of high air flow and/or high air pressure to act as venting structures. A depiction of this is shown in
With respect to
As described, the slit structures may help to increase the percent openness of the apparel item and may act as venting structures. Their ability to transition from a closed state when the wearer is resting to an open state when the wearer moves, may assist the wearer in retaining body heat when at rest and dissipating body heat during exercise.
After the opening 3624 is formed, at least one elastically resilient trim piece 3620 may be positioned within the opening 3624 to maintain the opening 3624 in an open state. The elastically resilient trim piece 3620 comprises a material that is able to deform in response to a force and return to its resting state once the force is removed. Exemplary materials may comprise, for example, monofilaments that are knitted, woven, braided, or otherwise manipulated to create the trim piece 3620. This is just one example, and other materials are contemplated herein for creating the trim piece 3620. In exemplary aspects, the trim piece 3620 may be formed to have an “arched” shape in a resting state. The arched shape may help to keep the opening 3624 in an open state. Moreover, by forming the trim piece 3620 from an elastically resilient material, the trim piece 3620 may flex, bend, straighten, and the like in response to external forces. For instance, when the trim piece 3620 is incorporated into an apparel item, the ability of the trim piece 3620 to flex and bend may help improve wearer comfort and help improve the wearer's freedom-of movement.
The opening 3624 in the textile material 3618 facilitates airflow between an inner surface and an outer surface of an apparel item formed from the textile material 3618. Further, the opening 3624 may be positioned at areas of high air flow and/or high air pressure, such as a front torso area of an apparel item, to act as a venting structure. Additionally, the opening 3624 and trim piece 3620 may vary in size and shape. The structure and shape depicted in
Continuing, the textile segment 4010 may be engaged with or affixed to the second textile material 4012 through any method which permanently (or releasably) affixes the textile segment 4010 to the second textile material 4012. For example, an adhesive may be used to affix textile segment 4010 at its center 4018 to the second textile material 4012. Additionally, the textile segment 4010 may be affixed by being sewn, being welded, being bonded, and the like onto the second textile material 4012.
The folds created by twisting the textile segment 4010, such as the twisted folds, help to not only create a vent-type structure but also help to create stand-off between the textile material 4000 and the second textile material 4012. By forming the second textile material 4012 from a mesh-like material, this configuration facilitates airflow between an inner surface and outer surface of an apparel item incorporating the textile material 4000. The structure shown in
As further shown in
Continuing, the second textile material 7002 may be positioned adjacent to the first surface 7020 of the first textile material 7000. In exemplary aspects, the second textile material 7002 may comprise an expanse of material. In other exemplary aspects, and as shown in
Directional Pleats and Seams
Apparel items described herein may utilize directional pleats and seams to create stand-off when the seams and/or pleats are positioned on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item. When positioned on an outer-facing surface of the apparel item, the directional seams and pleats may be utilized to direct air flow over the apparel item. For instance, they may be used to direct air flow to an opening or venting structure in the apparel item where it can be channeled into the apparel item.
Instead of a directional seam, such as the seam 3111, directional pleats may also be formed and used in exemplary apparel items described herein. For example,
When incorporated into an apparel item, the directional seams and/or pleats may be positioned on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item to provide stand-off from the wearer's body surface. For example, similar to the stand-off nodes discussed above, the directional seams or pleats may be configured to have a height between 2.5 mm to 6 mm to create a space through which air can effectively circulate and cool the wearer. Moreover, the directional seams or pleats may also help to reduce the perception of cling when positioned on the inner-facing surface of the apparel item. The directional pleats or seams may be positioned at various locations on the inner-facing surface of the apparel item in accordance with aspects herein. For instance, when configured to provide stand-off, the pleats or seams may be positioned in areas of the garment that are positioned adjacent to high heat-producing areas of the wearer such as the chest or back area. In another example, when configured to reduce the perception of cling, the pleats or seams may be positioned along the sides of the apparel item. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.
The directional seams or pleats may also be positioned on an outer-facing surface of the apparel item such as shown in
As described, the directional pleats or seams may be used to create stand-off when positioned on the inner-facing surface of the apparel item, and may be used to direct air flow when positioned on the outer-facing surface of the apparel item.
Molded Structures
Apparel items described herein may use molded structures to create stand-off, openness as well as to act as venting structures. In exemplary aspects, the molded structures may be formed utilizing the fabric that forms the apparel item. In other aspects, the molded structures may comprise a trim piece that is incorporated into the apparel item. At a high level, the molded structure may comprise an open framework having projections that extend away from, for example, an outer-facing surface of the apparel item (i.e., extend in a positive z-direction) and projections that extend away from an inner-facing surface of the apparel item (i.e., extend in a negative z-direction). In aspects, the projections that extend away from the outer-facing surface of the apparel item may act as venting structures, and the projections that extend away from the inner-facing surface of the apparel item may provide stand-off. Moreover, the open framework of the structure may help to increase the percent openness of the apparel item.
An exemplary molded structure is depicted in
Continuing, in an additional example, the molded structure 3500 may be formed by using an additional textile layer and affixing that layer to the textile 3510 using an adhesive film. The composite textile may then cut using, for instance, a laser, and then molded using positive and negative molds. In yet another example, the textile 3510 may comprise a “dryfire” fabric (i.e., a flame retardant fabric) that changes from a pliable fabric to a semi-rigid fabric when exposed to heat. A molding process may be used to apply heat to the textile 3510 in order to form the molded structure 3500.
In one exemplary aspect, the molded structure 3500 comprises a first series of parallel courses 3512 that alternate with a second series of parallel courses 3514, where the courses 3512 are generally not affixed to the courses 3514. Each course 3512 comprises a first set of projections 3516 that extend away from a first surface of the textile 3510, and a second series of projections 3518 that extend away from a second opposite surface of the textile 3510. In other words, the projections 3516 extend in, for instance, a positive z-direction while the projections 3518 extend in a negative z-direction (or vice versa). In exemplary aspects, for a particular course 3512, the projections 3516 alternate with the projections 3518. In exemplary aspects, the courses 3514 do not comprise projections. In other words, the courses 3514 are in a planar relationship with the surface plane of the textile 3510 while the courses 3512 are in a generally non-planar relationship with the surface plane of the textile 3510. Because of the configuration of the first and second courses 3512 and 3514 (e.g., one being in a planar relationship with the surface plane of the textile 3510 and the other being in a non-planar relationship with the textile 3510), openings 3520 are formed by the projections 3516 extending away from the first surface of the textile 3510 and the projections 3518 extending away from the second surface of the textile 3510.
When incorporated into an apparel item, the first surface of the textile 3510 may comprise an outer-facing surface of the apparel item, and the second surface of the textile 3510 may comprise an inner-facing surface of the apparel item. As such, the projections 3516 would extend outwardly from the apparel item, and the projections 3518 would project inwardly (i.e., toward a body surface of a wearer when the apparel item is worn). Thus, the projections 3516 may act as venting structures helping to capture air traveling over the apparel item and funneling the air into the apparel item via, for example, the openings 3520. This action may be enhanced by the scoop-like configuration of the projections 3516. The projections 3518, in exemplary aspects, may act to create stand-off between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface. Thus, in exemplary aspects, the projections 3518 may be configured to have a height between 2.5 mm and 6 mm. Moreover, the openings 3520 may contribute to the percent openness of the apparel item. The configuration of the molded structure 3500 is exemplary only and it is contemplated herein that other molded structures may be used
Textile Yarn Manipulation
Apparel items described herein may be formed of a textile or material having yarns that have been mechanically manipulated to create dimension in the z-direction in order to, for instance, create stand-off and/or to direct air flow. In other words, yarns in selected areas of the textile may be manipulated to extend away from the surface plane of the textile. This may be accomplished by, for instance, a weaving process, a knitting process, a braiding process, a twisting process, a looping process, and the like. The manipulated yarns may take the form of discrete nodes, one or more linear or curvilinear segments, and the like. Additionally, or alternatively, the yarns may also be mechanically manipulated to form holes that may act to increase the percent openness of the apparel item.
In exemplary aspects, the mechanically manipulated yarns may comprise performance yarns such as yarns configured to wick or transport moisture away from the body surface of the wearer. Reactive or adaptive yarn may also be used where the adaptive yarn dimensionally transforms when exposed to stimuli such as water, sweat, moisture, heat, and the like. Activation of the yarn may cause the yarn to swell or elongate thereby increasing dimension or height in the z-direction. Upon removal of the stimulus, the adaptive yarn may transition back causing a reduced dimension in the z-direction. This may be useful for dynamically altering the presence and/or height of the mechanically manipulated yarns in response to different training and/or weather conditions. For example, sweat, heat or moisture generated by the wearer when exercising or when in hot conditions may cause the mechanically manipulated yarns to reach a predetermined height. However, when resting or when exercising in cooler conditions, the yarns would not be activated or may be activated to only a small extent (e.g., activated to have a height of 2 mm or less) to decrease dimension in the z-direction.
Once the textile is formed into the apparel item, the mechanically manipulated yarns that create dimension in the z-direction may be positioned on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item to provide, for example, stand-off between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface and/or to reduce cling. In exemplary aspects, the yarns may be manipulated to achieve a stand-off height between 2.5 mm and 6 mm. When located on the inner-facing surface of the apparel item, the mechanically manipulated yarns may be positioned at the center front, center back, or along the sides of the apparel item to provide stand-off and/or to reduce cling in these areas
The mechanically manipulated yarns may also be positioned on an outer-facing surface of the apparel item in order to, for example, direct air that is flowing over the apparel item. For instance, when the manipulated yarns take the form of one or more linear segments, the segments may be positioned on the apparel item such that they direct air flow to one or more vent structures. This is similar to the directional pleats/seams discussed above with respect to
Pleat Structures
Apparel items described herein may utilize pleat structures to provide stand-off, direct air flow, and/or to increase the percent openness of the apparel item. In exemplary aspects, the pleat structures may expand and contract in response to the presence or absence of tensioning forces produced by the wearer. In exemplary aspects, the expansion of the pleat structure may expose holes or openings in the pleat structure to increase the percent openness of the apparel item.
An exemplary pleat structure 3600 is shown in
When located on an inner-facing surface of an apparel item, the folds 3612 may produce stand-off from a wearer's body surface. When in an un-tensioned state, such as would occur when the wearer is resting or has not started exercising, the spaces 3613 between the folds 3612 may help to trap warmed air produced by the wearer helping to keep the wearer warm. When in a tensioned state such as would occur when the wearer has begun exercising, the area of stand-off created by the folds 3612 is increased and may provide a sufficient space for air to effectively circulate and cool the wearer by, for example, promoting evaporative cooling. Moreover, the exposure of the perforations 3614 when the textile 3610 is in the tensioned state may increase the percent openness of the apparel item and facilitate air flow between the environment outside of the apparel item and the interior of the apparel item. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.
When located on an outer-facing surface of an apparel item, the pleat structure 3600 may help direct air flowing over the surface of the apparel item. For instance, when the pleat structure 3600 is in a tensioned state, such as shown in
In both instances, whether located on the inner-facing surface or the outer-facing surface of an apparel item, the pleat structure 3600 may help to increase the stretch characteristics of the apparel item when worn. For example, the inherent stretch associated with the gathered material of the pleat structure 3600 may be used to provide increased stretch at areas of the apparel item prone to high degrees of movement.
Tension Deformation
Tension Deformation generally relates to the process of applying tension to a textile material, applying (and curing when needed) a surface treatment to the textile material while in the tensioned state, and releasing the tension. The surface treatment helps to maintain the textile material in the tensioned state in the areas where it is applied. This process may be used to create, for example, stand-off and venting structures. Exemplary textile materials and apparel items that have undergone tension deformation are depicted in
As used throughout this disclosure, the term “tensioned state” means a textile material that is stretched to between 110% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 130% to 160%, or 140% to 150% of its original length (original length may also be described as a textile's length in a resting or non-tensioned state). Stretch may be measured along the textile's lengthwise grain, crosswise grain, and/or bias grain. Another way to describe this is by stating that stretch may be measured in the warp direction or the weft direction. One exemplary way to measure the stretch of the textile material is to stretch the textile material along its warp direction until it cannot be stretched any further (i.e., until lockout). The final stretched length is divided by the textile material's original length to determine the percent stretch. The same process can be carried out for stretch in the weft direction. As an example, a fabric that stretches from 58.5 cm to 73.5 cm in the warp direction would have 25.6% stretch. The percent stretch measured at lockout may correspond to the maximum allowable stretch in the stretch direction (warp or weft) for the specific textile material being tested. However, since different textile materials may be formed with different yarns and/or by different manufacturing methods, the percent stretch may vary for each textile material.
Tension is then applied to the textile material in one or more directions at step 12012. The tension applied to the textile material may be in an x-direction (e.g., lengthwise grain) and a y-direction (e.g., crosswise grain) or only in the x-direction or y-direction. Stretch may also be applied along the bias grain of the textile. To describe it another way, tension may be applied in the weft direction, the warp direction, in both the weft and warp direction, or in a direction offset from the weft and warp direction. As will be explained more fully below, a number of different tension-maintaining apparatuses may be used to apply tension to the textile material. In one exemplary aspect, tension may be applied to the textile material until lockout is achieved (i.e., no further stretch is possible without tearing or breaking the fabric). In other words, the tension applied to the textile material is just below the material's breaking strength. However, it is contemplated herein that tension may be applied that is less than the textile material's lockout point. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. As stated above, tension may be applied to stretch the textile material to 110%, 120%, 130%, 140%, 150%, 160%, 170%, or 180% of the textile material's resting or original length.
At step 12014, a surface treatment is applied to one or more portions of the textile material while the textile material is maintained under tension. Surface treatments may include, for example, silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, polyurethane resin inks, other elastomeric materials, and the like. Further, the surface treatment may comprise additives to impart functional benefits to the surface treatment. Exemplary additives may comprise reflective materials, cooling materials such as xylitol, and the like. Application of the surface treatment may be by a number of methods such as screen printing, 3-D printing, film transfers, additive manufacturing, heat transfers, and the like. The surface treatment may be applied to the textile material in a number of different shapes or configurations. Further, the surface treatment may be applied to the textile material in a variable pattern or repeating pattern. Additionally, more than one layer of the surface treatment may be applied to the portions of the textile material. It is contemplated herein that the amount of tension applied to the textile material, the direction in which the tension is applied, the shape configuration of the applied surface treatment, and/or the number of layers of the surface treatment may all or individually be controlled or adjusted to achieve a specific tension deformation effect as described below.
The process 12000 may further comprise a curing step where the textile material is cured after application of the surface treatment. The curing step occurs while the textile material is maintained under tension. Curing may occur through, for example, heat, application of ultra-violet light, and the like. Once the surface treatment has been cured, the tension applied to the textile material may be released. Following the release of tension, steam may be applied to the textile material to promote the return of portions of the textile material to their original or resting state and decrease deformation of the textile material. A result of the process 12000 is that portions of the textile material to which the surface treatment has been applied and cured under tension are maintained in a tensioned state (i.e., in a stretched state) while other portions of the textile material to which the surface treatment was not applied return to their original or resting length or state. In other words, the application and curing of the surface treatment while the textile material is under tension helps to “lock” or fix the stretched yarns, fibers, and/or filaments in a stretched state.
In an optional aspect, one or more openings may be formed in the textile material in locations that correspond to where the surface treatment was applied. In other words, openings may be formed in the textile material at portions of the textile material that are maintained in a tensioned state through the application of the surface treatment. This may occur, for example, through laser cutting, mechanical cutting, water jet cutting, ultrasonic cutting, and the like to form openings in the textile material that promote air flow. In exemplary aspects, the openings may be formed after the tension has been released. In an alternate aspect, the openings may be formed while the textile material is under tension.
As mentioned, to create tension, the textile material may be positioned on a tension-maintaining apparatus that is configured to apply and maintain a predetermined amount of tension to the textile material. The tension-maintaining apparatus used may be any apparatus on which the textile material may be positioned, and tension can be applied and maintained on the textile material throughout the tension deformation process. In general, the tension-maintaining apparatuses contemplated herein are configured to be adjustable to one or more lengths, widths, or circumferences (when the tension-maintaining apparatus is circular). Depending on the known length, width, and/or circumference of a particular tension-maintaining apparatus, and depending on the textile material's particular percent stretch at lockout, an undersized portion of the textile material is positioned on the apparatus. In other words, to avoid the situation where the textile material stretches further than the known length, width, and/or circumference of the tension-maintaining apparatus, the textile material is cut or formed to have a length, width, and/or circumference less than the known length, width, and/or circumference of the tension-maintaining apparatus. To describe it yet another way, the fabric is cut or formed so that it can be stretched to its maximum percentage stretch when positioned in the tension-maintaining apparatus.
In one configuration, the tension-maintaining apparatus may be a jig which holds the textile material throughout the tension deformation process as described with respect to
In another example, and as shown in
Additional examples of tension-maintaining apparatuses contemplated herein include a flat frame that telescopes to create length. In this example, the textile material would be affixed to the flat frame at the resting length. Then, the tension-maintaining device would be expanded to create tension on the textile material. Another example includes a three-dimensional structure (rectangular, cylindrical, and the like). In this aspect, the textile material would be formed into a tubular structure and drawn over the three-dimensional structure to create tension in the textile material. Yet another example includes a jig having a circular frame useable to simultaneously apply tension in the warp direction, weft direction, and in directions offset from the warp and weft directions (along the bias grain). Additional examples of tension-maintaining apparatuses are contemplated herein.
In addition to maintaining tension on the textile material, it is contemplated that the tension-maintaining apparatuses described herein may be configured to allow for registration between locations where the surface treatment is applied to the textile material and locations where one or more openings in the textile material are formed. In other words, the tension-maintaining apparatus may be configured to be transferable from one step in the process, such as application of the surface treatment to the textile material while under tension, to a subsequent step, such as laser cutting while maintaining registration of the locations to where the surface treatments are applied and locations where the openings are to be formed. The tension-maintaining apparatus 14010 of
Tension deformation is also contemplated to occur through a second process 13000 as described in
Continuing, at step 13014, a surface treatment is applied to one or more portions of the textile material while the textile material is maintained under tension. Additionally, similar to the first tension deformation process described with respect to
The tension deformation processes described herein result in the formation of textile materials having first portions and second portions, where the first portions are maintained in a tensioned state via the application of the surface treatment and the second portions are in a tension-free or resting state (i.e., a state where the yarns, fibers, and/or filaments within the second portions are at their resting length). To describe it another way, the first portions may be maintained at a predetermined level of stretch greater than the textile material's resting length, and the second portions are at the textile material's resting length.
For example,
Continuing with respect to
An apparel item 9050 that incorporates the textile material 9000 is shown in
As shown in
As described, the tension deformation process may be useful for creating stand-off structures and/or vent structures in an apparel item to achieve a predetermined level of airflow through the apparel item and to help cool the wearer by promoting evaporative heat transfer. Moreover, the portions of the apparel item which are maintained under tension via the application of a surface treatment may be strategically located at portions of the apparel item that are exposed to high airflow, which may help to capture and funnel air into the apparel item where the air may facilitate evaporative heat transfer.
Aspects herein provide for an apparel item that utilizes a variety of different structures and features to provide stand-off, openness, and venting structures to achieve thermo-regulation over a wide range of conditions. The features and structures described herein may be utilized in isolation or in any combination to achieve these characteristics. When utilized, the features and/or structures may help the athlete maintain temperatures within an optimal range with resulting benefits in athletic performance.
This continuation application entitled “Apparel Thermo-Regulatory System,” is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/606,308, filed on May 26, 2017, and entitled “Apparel Thermo-Regulatory System” which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/343,540, filed May 31, 2016 and entitled “Apparel Thermo-Regulatory System, and U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/429,505, filed Dec. 2, 2016 and entitled “Apparel Thermo-Regulatory System.” The entireties of the aforementioned applications are incorporated by reference herein.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 15606308 | May 2017 | US |
| Child | 17699922 | US |
