TEXTILE INCLUDING YARN WITH DIFFERENT MATERIAL COMPOSITION AT DIFFERENT AREAS OF TEXTILE SURFACE

Abstract

Aspects are directed to a textile having two opposing surfaces formed of a different yarn type. Each yarn type may include a material with a color that is different than a material the other yarn type. The textile may include different amounts of materials at areas of a surface, and a visual component may be formed at one area by colors of materials included in each yarn type.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a textile having a first surface formed by a yarn type that includes different material compositions at different areas of the first surface. At one area of the first surface, the textile includes a visual component that is formed by a color of the yarn type and by a color of another yarn type that forms an opposing second surface of the textile.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a textile has two opposing surfaces and may be constructed using a variety of techniques. The surfaces of a textile are usually formed by a same yarn or two or more yarns, and a prevalence of a yarn at one or both surfaces can vary depending on a manner of construction. Moreover, a textile can include one or more yarns of a same or different yarn type, and each yarn type may be formed of one or more materials. Aside from minor fluctuations, materials of a yarn are typically included uniformly throughout a length of the yarn, and in turn, when incorporated into a textile, an amount of each material included in the yarn is generally consistent at every area of the textile formed by the yarn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a knit construction using a first yarn type and a second yarn type in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 1B illustrates a knit construction using the first yarn type in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-section view of the first yarn type and the second yarn type taken along cut line 2A-2A of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-section view of the first yarn type and the second yarn type taken along cut line 2B-2B of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3A illustrates the cross-section view of FIG. 2A in a representative manner to depict aspects related to materials of the first yarn type and the second yarn type in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3B illustrates the cross-section view of FIG. 2B in a representative manner to depict aspects related to materials of the first yarn type and the second yarn type in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a textile incorporating the knit structure of FIG. 1A in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom view of the textile of FIG. 4A in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5A illustrates a first surface at a first area of the textile of FIG. 4A taken at the area indicated in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5B illustrates the first surface at a second area of the textile of FIG. 4A taken at the area indicated in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section taken along cut line 6-6 of FIG. 4A in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 7A illustrates an article of apparel depicted as an upper-body article of apparel that incorporates the textile of FIG. 4A in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 7B illustrates an article of apparel depicted as a lower-body article of apparel that incorporates the textile of FIG. 4A in accordance with aspects herein; and

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method of forming a graphic on a textile in accordance with aspects herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 claimed or disclosed 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 relate to a textile and an article of apparel incorporating the textile as one or more portions of the article. In such aspects, the textile comprises a first surface formed from a first yarn type, and a second surface opposite the first surface formed from a second yarn type plated with the first yarn type. The first yarn type comprises a blended yarn formed from a first non-cellulosic polymer material having a first color and a cellulosic material. The second yarn type comprises a second non-cellulosic polymer material having a second color different than the first color. In other aspects, the first surface includes a first area of a first predefined size and a second area of the first predefined size. Further, the first area comprises a first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material, and the second area comprises a second percentage by weight of the cellulosic material that is less than the first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material. Because of the differences in the percentage by weight of the cellulosic material in the different areas, and because the first non-cellulosic polymer material comprises a different color than the second non-cellulosic polymer material, a visual component is formed in the second area.

Accordingly, aspects herein relate to aesthetic properties of a textile (e.g., a visual component) that may be caused by characteristics of each yarn type and their respective materials (e.g., knit construction, plating relationship, material composition, color, etc.) used to form the textile. By way of example, a textile that includes, for instance, a plated relationship of a first and second yarn type that include materials having a different color and a surface predominately formed of the first yarn type, may further include one or more locations on the surface where the second yarn type shows through due to physical properties of the two yarn types and irregularities in the plating process. Continuing, the differing colors of the materials in the first and second yarn types in combination with the plated relationship may afford the textile aesthetics properties in these one or more locations including, for instance, a two-color surface in the one or more locations that is predominately one color and is flecked with another, different color (e.g., “heather” appearance).

Aspects herein are further directed to a method of forming a visual component on a textile. In such aspects, the method may comprise applying a chemical composition to a textile comprising a first surface formed from a first yarn type and a second surface positioned opposite the first surface and formed by a second yarn type plated with the first yarn type. The first yarn type comprises a blended yarn formed from a cellulosic material and a first non-cellulosic polymer material having a first color. The second yarn type comprises a second non-cellulosic polymer material having a second color that is different from the first color. Further, the chemical composition is applied to the textile on the first surface at one or more areas, and in some aspects, application may occur via a digital printing process, a screen printing process, a roller printing process and the like, or alternatively, application may occur manually via a person using a brush or other suitable device and further, stencils may optionally be used to guide application. The chemical composition is effective to degrade at least a portion of the cellulosic material from the first yarn type, and aspects herein contemplate that the chemical composition is configured to be chemically reactive with the cellulosic material. The result of the chemical reaction is removal of at least a portion of the cellulosic material from the first yarn type at the one or more areas. The first and second non-cellulosic polymer materials are generally unaffected by the chemical composition, and thus, portions of the first yarn type including the first non-cellulosic polymer and an entirety of the second yarn type remain unchanged subsequent to application of the chemical composition.

Continuing with these aspects, subsequent to application, a visual component is formed at the one or more areas by the first color of the first non-cellulosic polymer material of the first yarn type and the second color of the second non-cellulosic polymer material of the second yarn type. Aspects herein contemplate that formation of the visual component is, at least in part, due to aesthetic properties afforded to the textile by changes in physical properties of the first yarn type at the one or more areas of the first surface. More particularly, removal of the cellulosic material reduces a total amount of material in the first yarn type, and in turn, at the one or more areas of the first surface, the first yarn type has less percentage by weight of the cellulosic material than at other areas of the first surface. In accordance with aspects herein, these changes to the physical properties of the first yarn type, when combined with features, properties, and/or characteristics of other components in the textile, may permit more of the second yarn type to show through to the first surface and increase a visibility of the second color at the one or more areas. Further, because the first non-cellulosic polymer material is generally unaffected by the chemical composition, a portion of the first yarn type that includes the first non-cellulosic polymer material is intact, and thus, the first color remains visible at the one or more areas of the first surface. As a result, subsequent to application, both the first color and the second color are visible at the one or more areas and collectively form the visual component.

Aspects herein are additionally directed to an article of apparel comprising one or more textiles that form one or more portions of the article of apparel. In such aspects, at least one of the textiles comprises a first surface having a first area and a different second area. The first surface is formed from a first yarn type comprising a first material composition at the first area and a second material composition at the second area. The first material composition comprises a first non-cellulosic polymer material having a first color and a cellulosic material having a second color. In related aspects, the first material composition further comprises from about 25% to about 65% by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material and from about 35% to about 75% by weight of the cellulosic material. Further, the second material composition comprises the first non-cellulosic polymer material, and the second material composition comprises from about 80% to about 100% by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material. The at least one textile comprises an opposite second surface formed from a second yarn type plated with the first yarn type, and the second yarn type comprises a third material composition comprising a second non-cellulosic polymer material having a third color that is different than the first color.

Aspects herein are directed to a textile, an article of apparel that incorporates the textile, and methods of forming a visual component on the textile, which may or may not be utilized to construct the article of apparel. Many aspects relate to a textile itself, a textile as incorporated into an article of apparel, and methods for forming a visual component on a textile, and therefore, some aspects may be separately discussed and/or described in differing manners depending on context. Regardless, the textile of the article of apparel may include any combination of the aspects discussed in connection with the textile itself, and further, the textile provided by the methods herein may include any combination of the aspects discussed in connection with the textile itself and/or the textile of the article of apparel. Accordingly, contextual discussions and descriptions of any aspects provided herein are not limiting to the scope of applicability for any claimed aspects.

Additional aspects herein relate to properties of the textile that may be afforded by features, properties, and/or characteristics of individual components included therein. Such aspects contemplate that the textile may include one or more different properties which may be imparted to the textile by using individual components with certain features, properties, and/or characteristic to construct the textile. These aspects further contemplate that properties may be afforded after construction by altering an amount of material in a yarn type at one or more areas of a surface of the textile. As such and as will be evidenced herein, aspects that relate to properties of the textile include yarn types used to form the textile, materials of each yarn type, amounts and characteristics of each material included in each yarn type, arrangements of each yarn type, and alterations to one or more areas of the textile subsequent to construction. Below, these aspects are individually discussed in detail and are then discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A-7B.

Beginning with aspects related to yarn types used to form the textile, aspects herein contemplate that a yarn type generally relates to a material make-up of a yarn and may refer to a single yarn or multiple yarns that all have a same material make-up. Thus, as used herein, the term “yarn type” means one or more yarns formed of a same material or a same blend of two or more materials. Further, a yarn type may also relate to a respective amount of each material included in each of the one or more yarns of a same yarn type (e.g., a material composition). Moreover, “yarn type” may refer to a single yarn of a respective yarn type or may also refer to multiple yarns of a same yarn type. Further, when describing a surface of the textile or an area thereof, the term “yarn type” may refer to multiple yarns of a same yarn type that primarily form a surface of the textile and/or one or more areas thereof. In some aspects, the textile may be formed of two, different yarn types, and in one aspect, the textile may be formed of a first yarn type that is a blended yarn made of two or more materials and a second yarn type that is made of a single material.

Regarding aspects related to materials of a yarn type, aspects herein contemplate that a material or a blend of two or more materials that may be included in a yarn type as fibers or filaments, depending on a material's type. Typically, natural materials are included in a yarn type as fibers and synthetic materials are included in a yarn type as filaments. Notwithstanding, for purposes of this disclosure, fibers and filaments may both be formed of natural materials, synthetic materials, or combinations thereof. Moreover, the terms “fibers” and “filaments” may each be replaced with the term “fibers/filaments” throughout this disclosure while maintaining the intended scope hereof. Continuing with these aspects, it is contemplated that a yarn type may be formed by combining fibers/filaments of one material or a blend of two or more materials using methods known to those in the art, which include but are not limited to S-twisting, Z-twisting, and the like. In one aspect, when a yarn type includes a blend of materials, fibers/filaments of each material may be spun or entangled to form the yarn type.

Aspects herein contemplate and describe a material with respect to cellulose content, and as such, a material is referred to as either a cellulosic material or a non-cellulosic polymer material. In accordance with these aspects and other aspects herein, the term “cellulosic material” when describing, for example, a yarn type means a material including one or more cellulosic polymeric components. Examples of cellulosic polymeric components include cotton, rayon, jute, flax, hemp, and the like. The term “non-cellulosic polymer material” when describing, for example, a yarn type means a material including one or more non-cellulosic polymeric components. Moreover, a non-cellulosic polymeric component may comprise terephthalate polymers, which may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly 1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCDT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and combinations thereof. Further, a non-cellulosic polymer material including one or more polymeric components contemplated herein may include materials more commonly known as polyester, nylon, polyacrylic, polyamide, and the like.

Even further aspects herein contemplate that each material of a yarn type and an amount at which each material is included the yarn type may be referred to as a material composition of the yarn type. Moreover, a respective amount of a material may refer to a weight of the material, and further, the term a “percentage by weight” generally relates to a compositional percentage a material is of a yarn type. In addition, the term a “percentage by weight” as used herein means a percentage of weight of a material compared to a total weight of a yarn type. In these aspects, the total weight of yarn type is represented as 100%, and each material included in the yarn type has a respective percentage of weight, which collectively total 100%. For example, a yarn type including only one material comprises a percentage by weight of the material that is 100%, and a yarn type including equal amounts of a first material and a second material has a percentage by weight of the first material that is 50% and a percentage by weight of the second material that is 50%. In one aspect, a “percentage by weight” of a material may also refer to a mass of a material included in a yarn type and as such, a “percentage by weight” of the material may be defined as: “percentage by weight”=(mass of the material included in the yarn type)/(total mass of the yarn)×100%.

In further aspects, when the textile is formed of a yarn type comprising a blended yarn, the yarn type may be formed from a non-cellulosic polymer material and a cellulosic material. Such aspects contemplate that when a yarn type comprises a blended yarn, the yarn type may comprise a percentage by weight of a non-cellulosic polymer material that is from about 15% to about 65%, from about 20% to about 60%, from about 25% to about 55%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 35% to about 45%, or about 40% and may further comprise a percentage by weight of a cellulosic material that is from about 35% to about 85%, from about 40% to about 80%, from about 45% to about 75%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 55% to about 65%, or about 60%. As used herein and when referring to a percentage, the term “about” means within ±2.5%.

Continuing with these aspects, when the textile is formed of a yarn type comprising a blended yarn, a non-cellulosic polymer material of the yarn type may comprise one or more non-cellulosic polymeric components including a terephthalate polymer selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly 1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCDT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). Moreover, the yarn type may further comprise a cellulosic material comprising a cellulosic polymeric component selected from cotton, rayon, jute, flax, or hemp. In one aspect, the textile may comprise a first yarn type that is a blended yarn formed of a non-cellulosic polymer material comprising a non-cellulosic polymeric component of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and a cellulosic material comprising a cellulosic polymeric component of cotton. Further, the first yarn type may comprise a percentage by weight of the non-cellulosic polymer material from about 25% to about 65% and may further comprise a percentage by weight of the cellulosic material from about 35% to about 75%.

In related aspects, when the textile is formed of a yarn type that is a single material yarn, the yarn type may be formed from a non-cellulosic polymer material. These aspects further contemplate that when a yarn type comprises a single material yarn, the yarn type may comprise a percentage by weight of a non-cellulosic polymer material that is from about 80% to about 100%, from about 85% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, and from about 95% to about 100%. Staying with these aspects, a non-cellulosic polymer material of the yarn type primarily formed from a single material may comprise a non-cellulosic polymeric component including a terephthalate polymer selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly 1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCDT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). In one aspect, the textile may comprise a second yarn type that is a single material yarn formed of a non-cellulosic polymer material comprising a non-cellulosic polymeric component of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the second yarn type may comprise a percentage by weight of the non-cellulosic polymer material from about 95% to about 100%.

In related aspects herein, it is contemplated that a percentage by weight of material included in a yarn type or a percentage by weight of a material included in an area of the textile may be determined using methods and/or instruments known in the art. Such aspects contemplate methods may be performed by isolating and/or deconstructing a yarn type and/or an area from the rest of the textile. In some aspects, when a yarn type or an area of the textile comprises a cellulosic material and a non-cellulosic polymer material, a percentage by weight may be determined by analysis of a weight of the cellulosic material using a wet process. Other aspects contemplate using methods that involve measuring a sample before and after subjecting the sample to conditions and/or chemicals that degrade or cause decomposition of one material included in the sample. Such methods may further involve calculations using the measurements to determine a percentage by weight of materials included in the sample.

In one aspect, a percentage by weight of a cellulosic material and a non-cellulosic polymer material of a yarn type or an area of a textile may be determined by a method that includes heating a sample that is an isolated portion of the yarn type or the area of the textile and using a Thermo Gravimetry Differential Thermal Analyzer to measure changes in the sample. More specifically, a weight of the sample is measured prior to heating and is continually measured as the sample is gradually heated to a temperature that causes thermal decomposition of the sample. As a thermal decomposition temperature of the cellulosic material is lower than a thermal decomposition temperature of the non-cellulosic polymer material, a first weight decrease in the sample is due to the decomposition of the cellulosic material and a second weight decrease in the sample is due to the decomposition of the non-cellulosic polymer material. Further, a ratio of each weight decrease can be used to determine a percentage by weight of the cellulosic material and the non-cellulosic polymer material included in the sample.

By way of example, when the foregoing method is performed on a sample weighing 10 grams that includes only cellulosic material and non-cellulosic polymer material, if the sample weighs 7 grams after a first decrease in weight and weighs 0 grams after a second decreases in weight, then a percentage by weight of the cellulosic material included in the sample is about 30% and a percentage by weight of the non-cellulosic polymer material of the sample is about 70%.

Moving now to aspects related to characteristics of a material included in a yarn type, aspects herein contemplate that a material may comprise characteristics such as color, moisture-wicking capability, elasticity, flexibility, rigidity, and the like. In aspects related to a color of a material, the term “color” generally relates to a color of a material that may be afforded by dyes and/or colorants. Moreover, the term “color” when describing, for example, a material means an observable color of fibers/filaments of a yarn type that are formed of the material. Such aspects contemplate that a color may be any color that may be afforded to a material using dyes, pigments, and/or colorants that are known in the art. As such, a material may be configured to have a color including, but not limited to red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, white, black, and shades thereof.

Related aspects herein contemplate that a color may be afforded to a material in a manner that may be dictated by properties of the material itself. For instance, a color may be afforded to a cellulosic material or a non-cellulosic polymer material using dyes that are known in the art to be compatible with a respective material, which may include, but are not limited to acid dyes, direct dyes, mordant dyes, vat dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, azo dyes, sulfur dyes, and the like. These aspects further contemplate a variety of methods may be used to apply dyes, pigments, and/or colorants to a material, and such methods may include those that are known in the art to be workable for affording a color to a material by utilizing compatible dyes, pigments, and/or colorants.

Moreover, aspects herein contemplate that the foregoing methods may be performed directly to a material before the material is included in a yarn type. It is also contemplated that these methods may be performed to a material included in a yarn type before the yarn type is used to construct the textile. Further, it is also contemplated that these methods may be performed to a material included in a yarn type after the yarn type has been used to construct the textile. Further still, it is also contemplated that these methods may be performed to a material included in a yarn type that has been used to construct the textile after the textile has been incorporated into an article of apparel. As such, methods contemplated herein that relate to affording a color to a material may be performed to a material prior to or at different stages of construction including, but not limited to formation of a yarn type, construction of the textile, and construction of an article of apparel incorporating the textile constructed from a yarn type including the material.

Aspects related to a color further contemplate determining if one color is different than another color. In these aspects, a color may comprise a numerical color value, which may be determined by using instruments that objectively measure and/or calculate color values of a color of an object by standardizing and/or quantifying factors that may affect a perception of a color. Such instruments include, but are not limited to spectroradiometers, spectrophotometers, colorimeters, and the like. Thus, aspects herein contemplate that a “color” of a material included in a yarn or yarn type may comprise a numerical color value that is measured and/or calculated using spectroradiometers, spectrophotometers, and/or colorimeters. Moreover, numerical color values may be associated with a color space or color model, which is a specific organization of colors that provides color representations for numerical color values, and thus, each numerical color value corresponds to a singular color represented in the color space or color model.

In these aspects, a color may be determined to be different from another color if a numerical color value of each color differs. Such a determination may be made by measuring and/or calculating a numerical color value of a material having a first color with a spectroradiometer, a spectrophotometer, or a colorimeter, measuring and/or calculating a numerical color value of a different material having a second color with the same instrument (i.e., if a spectrophotometer was used to measure the numerical color value of the first color, then a spectrophotometer is used to measure the numerical color value of the second color), and comparing the numerical color value of the first color with the numerical color value of the second color. If the numerical color values are not equal, then the first color is different than the second color, and vice versa.

Continuing with these aspects, determining whether one color is different than another color may include identifying one or more color differences between two colors using coordinates of a color space. Moreover, a color difference between two colors may be determined by a numerical comparison of each color's absolute color in a given color space. In one aspect, a color difference between two colors may be determined using the L*a*b* color space in which L* indicates lightness, a* is the red/green coordinate, and b* is the yellow/blue coordinate, any of which may represent a numerical color value of a color. Further, the differences of each coordinate (e.g., numerical color value) may be referred to as a respective Delta (Δ) (e.g., L* (ΔL*), a* (Δa*), b* (Δb*), and total difference Delta E (ΔE*). ΔL* may be L* of a first color minus L* of a second color, Δa* may be a* of the first color minus a* of the second color, and Δb* may be b* of the first color minus b* of the second color. ΔE* may represent a total difference between the first color and the second color and may be determined by a total difference between ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* or ΔE* may be [ΔL*2+Δa*2+Δb*2] divided by ½.

In accordance with these aspects, a color difference between a first color and a second color may be represented by any one of ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* or ΔE*. In another aspect, a color difference may be represented by a percentage in which a color with a lesser L*, a*, b* is a percentage of a different color's L*, a*, b*. Aspects herein contemplate that a percentage of one color's L*, a*, b* is of another color may be from about 5% to about 95%, from about 15% to about 85%, from about 25% to about 75%, from about 35% to about 65%, and from about 45% to about 55%. Further, it is also contemplated that a visual distinction between two colors may correlate with a percentage of a first color's numerical color values is of the second color's corresponding numerical color value, and the visual distinction will be greater as the percentage difference between the color values increases. Moreover, a visual distinction may be based on a comparison between colors representations of the color values in a color space or model. For instance, when a first color has a numerical color value that corresponds to a represented color that is black or navy and a second color has a numerical color value that corresponds to a represented color that is red or yellow, a visual distinction between the first color and the second color is greater than a visual distinction between a first color with a represented color that is red and a second color with a represented color that is yellow. In some aspects and as previously mentioned, the textile may comprise a visual component formed, at least in part, by two or more different colors of materials included in yarn types that form the textile. These aspects contemplate that a yarn type may include a material that has a first color and another yarn type may include another material that has a different, second color.

Turning now to aspects related to arrangements of each yarn type in the textile, aspects herein contemplate that each yarn type may be arranged such that the textile is a non-rigid (i.e., flexible or pliable), planar structure with two opposing surfaces and minimal thickness. The textile may be cut from a larger piece of material and may be a formed in a generic shape or in a specific shape, such as a shape of a pattern piece. Alternatively, the textile may be engineered (e.g., knit or woven) to form a specific shape such as a pattern piece or an article of apparel (e.g., by using a flat knitting process). Additional aspects contemplate that the textile may be formed by traditional methods such as weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, felting, braiding, and the like to produce a textile having two opposing surfaces that are each formed by multiple yarns of a same type. In one aspect, the textile is formed of a single jersey knit construction using two, different yarn types having a plated relationship that may be knit such that each yarn type forms one of two opposing surfaces of the textile.

Further aspects herein contemplate that an overall structure and material composition of the textile may be collectively formed by each yarn type used to construct the textile. In aspects related to an overall structure of the textile, it is contemplated that a first yarn type and a different, second yarn type may form a knit construction in which the first yarn type and the second yarn type collectively form an overall structure of the textile. Continuing with these aspects, a first yarn type may be knit to form a first surface of the textile, and a second yarn type may be plated with the first yarn type such that it is generally positioned under the first yarn type and forms a second surface of the textile positioned opposite the first surface. Other aspects contemplate that the first yarn type and the second yarn type may be supplied through a respective guide or guide hole to a needle hook, which may influence a respective position of the first yarn type and the second yarn type to the first surface and/or the second surface.

In even further aspects, the first yarn type and the second yarn type are arranged in the textile such that a portion of the second yarn type shows through to the first surface. These aspects contemplate that such an arrangement, in combination with a material in the first yarn type that has a color that is different than a color of a material in the second yarn type, may create a heather appearance in the textile. As used herein, the term a “heather appearance” refers to an aesthetic property on a surface of the textile produced from interknitted yarns of mixed colors producing flecks of an alternate color. Further, a “heather appearance” in the textile may include an area of a surface that predominately includes a color included in a material of a yarn type that forms the surface and further includes flecks of a color included in a material of a yarn type that forms an opposing surface of the textile. In some aspects, a “heather appearance” may be included at an area on a surface of the textile where at least a portion of a cellulosic material has been removed from a yarn type that forms the surface. In these aspects, a “heather appearance” at the area may predominately include a color of a material of a yarn type that forms an opposing surface and further includes flecks of a color included in a remaining material of the yarn type where at least a portion of the cellulosic material was removed.

In other aspects, the textile comprises a surface with one or more areas that that include different amounts of materials. Such aspects contemplate that a first surface formed by a first yarn type may have a first area that includes an unaltered amount of materials in the first yarn type and a second area that includes an altered amount of materials in the first yarn type. Continuing with these aspects, the second area may include a location on the first surface where a chemical composition is applied to degrade an amount of material using application processes and/or methods contemplated herein, and the first area may include any remaining portions of the first surface where the chemical composition was not applied. Further, the first area and the second area may comprise a predetermined size dictated by an application of the chemical composition.

Additional aspects herein relate to a chemical composition that alters an amount of material included in a yarn type that forms a surface of the textile. In such aspects, where the textile comprises a surface formed of a first yarn type that is a blended yarn type comprising a non-cellulosic polymer material and a cellulosic material, a chemical composition may be configured to degrade at least a portion of the cellulosic material at an area of the surface. Moreover, at the area of the surface where the chemical composition was applied, the first yarn type may comprise a percentage by weight of the non-cellulosic polymer material that is from about 75% to about 100%, from about 80% to about 100%, from about 85% to about 100%, from about 90% to about 100%, or from about 95% to about 100% and may further comprise a percentage by weight of a cellulosic material that is from about 0% to about 25%, from about 0% to about 20%, from about 0% to about 15%, from about 0% to about 10%, or from about 0% to about 5%.

Continuing with other aspects herein related to a chemical composition, it is contemplated that a chemical composition may be configured to degrade at least a portion of a cellulosic material included in a yarn type. In one aspect, a chemical composition may include a reacting agent that is configured to be reactive with a cellulosic material and non-reactive with a non-cellulosic material, and in one aspect, a reacting agent includes sodium bisulfate. Moreover, it is contemplated that a chemical composition may be configured to undergo a chemical reaction that carbonizes, oxidizes, or dissolves cellulosic material. In one aspect, a chemical composition may comprise an acid with a pH value from about 1 pH to about 3 pH and may oxidize cellulosic fibers and/or filaments, leaving a carbonized byproduct at an area of the surface. As used herein and when referring to a pH value, the term “about” means within ±0.5 pH. Aspects herein contemplate that the textile may be cured for a maximum of 4 minutes at 270-300° F., and then washed. Additionally, a chemical composition, in accordance with aspects herein, may include or be included in a burnout compound, a burnout base (or burn out base), and the like, which are known in the art and commercially available from Magna Colours Limited, Matsui® International Company, Inc., E. I. de Pont de Nemours and Company, PolyOne® Corporation, and/or subsidiaries thereof.

Further aspects herein contemplate that the textile may be incorporated into an article of apparel. In one aspect, the textile may be engineered (e.g., knit in a certain way) to form the article of apparel. In this respect, the article of apparel may comprise a seamless, or nearly seamless construction. In other aspects, it is contemplated that the textile may form one or more portions of the article of apparel, and the textile(s) may be joined together using a variety of adhesives, stitches, and other types of joining/bonding components to produce any article of apparel such as an upper-body or lower-body article of apparel including, but not limited to, sweatshirts, tank tops, shorts, pants, jackets, socks, leg sleeves, arm sleeves, headbands, and the like. Such aspects further contemplate incorporating the textile into an article of apparel designed to be worn by a wearer participating in athletic activities and also contemplate incorporating the textile into an article of apparel designed to be worn by a wearer in more casual settings. Furthermore, certain features of the textile may be based on the textile's role in construction of a particular article of apparel, and therefore, a size or at least part of a material composition of a textile may vary depending on requirements of the particular article of apparel. Additionally, while discussions herein refer to any article of apparel, it is understood that methods and techniques provided herein are applicable to other articles, such as footwear, equipment, and other articles formed with one or more yarn types that include any combination of materials contemplated herein.

As evidenced throughout, aspects contemplated herein may be implemented in a variety of ways to affect a manner to afford the textile properties. Moreover, one or more areas of a surface of the textile may be altered to modify an amount of material included in a yarn type that forms that area of the surface. It is contemplated that aspects herein may be implemented such that the textile comprises a visual component, and these aspects of the present invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures.

FIGS. 1A-7B depict aspects contemplated herein, and in some instances, aspects are depicted in an illustrative manner for explanatory purpose. For example, a type of hatching or marking is used to represent a material included in a yarn type and a color of the material. Moreover, each type of hatching or marking corresponds to a different material and represents aspects related to a same material throughout FIGS. 1A-7B. To aid in the following discussions, explanations of each type of hatching or marking are provided immediately below.

Using FIG. 2A for reference, a first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and a first color 116 are represented by a single hatching including lines with a positive slope, which is shown in each circle connected to reference characters 110, 114, and 116; a second non-cellulosic polymer material 210 and a second color 216 are represented by a marking including multiple dots, which is shown in each circle connected to reference characters 210 and 216; and a cellulosic material 120 and a third color 126 of the cellulosic material 120 are represented by a single hatching including lines with a negative slope, which is shown in each circle connected to reference characters 120, 124, and 126. Moreover, each type of hatching or marking may be combined to illustratively represent two or more materials and/or aspects thereof included in a same yarn type and/or a same area on a surface of the textile. With reference to FIG. 4A, the first color 116 of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the third color 126 of the cellulosic material 120 are represented by a cross hatching that includes each single hatching associated with the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the cellulosic material 120, which is shown in an area outside of the inner rectangle (a first area 11). Similarly, the first color 116 of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the second color 216 of the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210 are represented by the single hatching associated with the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the multiple dots associated with the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210, which is shown in the inner rectangle (a second area 12).

Turning now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, aspects related to a knit construction 2 of a textile are illustrated in accordance with aspects herein. In both FIGS. 1A and 1B, the knit construction 2 depicts a respective portion that is included in a textile 4 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, where the textile 4 is depicted after a chemical composition has been applied to an area of a surface of the textile 4. As such, the knit construction 2 is depicted at a first area 11 and a second area 12 of a surface of the textile 4 as indicated by each bracket in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 1A, a single course of the knit construction 2 includes a first yarn type 100 and a second yarn type 200 that is plated with the first yarn type 100 such that the second yarn type 200 generally lies under and/or is positioned underneath the first yarn type 100 with respect to a given surface of the textile 4. Moreover, the knit construction 2 includes loops formed by both the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200. Further, the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 include types of hatching that represent materials at the first area 11 and the second area 12.

Continuing, as will be explained in greater detail below, the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 are knit in single jersey pattern and are plated in a manner such that the first yarn type 100 forms a majority of a first face or first surface 10 of the textile 4, and the second yarn type 200 may form a majority of a second face or second surface of the textile 4. In FIG. 1B, a portion of the knit construction 2 that forms the first surface 10 is depicted, and the first yarn type 100 is shown as being knit to form a series of interlocking loops that form the first surface 10. Although not shown, the second yarn type 200 would also form interlocking loops that are generally positioned under the interlocking loops formed by the first yarn type 100 and that would form a second surface of the textile 4.

In some aspects, the first yarn type 100 may comprise a blended yarn formed by combining polyester and cotton fibers using a Z-twist, and more specifically, the polyester and cotton fibers of the first yarn type 100 may be ring-spun and combed. Moreover, the blended yarn may comprise a cotton count from about 35/1 cotton count (or Number English (Ne)) to about 45/1 Ne, from about 37/1 Ne to about 43/1 Ne, or about 40/1 Ne. Further, the blended yarn may be knit such that the textile may comprise a 28 gauge knit. In other aspects, the first yarn type 100 may be dyed before being formed into the textile 4. Aspects herein also contemplate that the second yarn type 200 may comprise a single material formed of polyester fibers/filaments, which may be cationic dyeable polyester. More specifically, the second yarn type 200 may be formed from cationic dyeable polyester. Further, the second yarn type 200 may be piece dyed or dyed after the textile has been knit.

Moving now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, respective cross-sectional views of the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 are depicted at the first area 11 as shown in FIG. 2A and the second area 12 as shown in FIG. 2B of the textile 4 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In both FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 are depicted as including multiple, individual fibers/filaments that are formed of a material represented by a type of hatching or marking included in each individual fiber/filament. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first yarn type 100 includes fibers/filaments that are formed of either the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 or the cellulosic material 120 (commonly known as a blended yarn). Each of the first yarn type 100 fibers/filaments formed by the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 includes the hatching associated therewith and are referred to the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114. Similarly, each of the fibers/filaments formed by the cellulosic material 120 includes the hatching associated with the cellulosic material 120 and are referred to as the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124. Moreover, the second yarn type 200 includes fibers/filaments that are formed of the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210, and each of the second yarn type 200 fibers/filaments includes the marking associated with the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210.

Continuing, each of the fibers/filaments included in the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 collectively represent a material composition of the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 at the first area 11 in FIG. 2A and at the second area 12 in FIG. 2B. Regarding the first yarn type 100, the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114 collectively represent a percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 included in the first yarn type 100 at first area 11 in FIG. 2A and at the second area 12 in FIG. 2B. Likewise, the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124 collectively represent a percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120 included in the first yarn type 100 at the first area 11 in FIG. 2A and at the second area 12 in FIG. 2B. With respect to the second yarn type 200, each of the fibers/filaments are all formed of the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210, and thus, the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210 fibers/filaments collectively represent a total weight of the second yarn type 200 that is the same at the first area 11 and the second area 12.

In FIG. 2A, a total number of the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114 represent a first percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110, and a total number of the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124 represents a first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120. Moreover, aspects herein contemplate that the first yarn type 100 may include more of the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124 than the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114. Thus, the first yarn type 100 may include more of the cellulosic material 120 than the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110. In this example, the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114 account for about 25% to about 65% of a total weight of the first yarn type 100, and the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124 account for about 35% to about 75% of a total weight of the first yarn type 100. As such, in accordance with aspects herein, the first percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 is from about 25% to about 65% and the first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120 is from about 35% to about 75%.

In FIG. 2B, a total number of the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114 in the first yarn type 100 represents a second percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110, and a total amount of the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124 represents a second percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120. Further, the first yarn type 100 includes more of the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114 than the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124. Therefore, the first yarn type 100 includes more of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 than the cellulosic material 120. In this example, the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114 account for about 80% to about 100% of a total weight of the first yarn type 100, and the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124 account for about 0% to about 20% of a total weight of the first yarn type 100. Therefore, in accordance with aspects herein, the second percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 is from about 80% to about 100% and the second percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120 is from about 0% to about 20%.

With reference now to both FIGS. 2A and 2B, at the first area 11, the first yarn type 100 includes more of the cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124 than at the second area 12. As such, the second percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120 is less than the first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120. Moreover, the first yarn type 100 includes a same amount of the first non-cellulosic polymer material fibers/filaments 114 at the first area 11 and the second area 12, but because the first yarn type 100 includes less of cellulosic material fibers/filaments 124 at the second area 12, the second percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 is more than the first percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110.

Continuing with FIGS. 2A and 2B and with additional reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which illustratively depict representative cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 has a first color 116, the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210 has a second color 216, and the cellulosic material 120 has a third color 126. Moreover, at the first area 11, the first yarn type 100 includes percentages by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the cellulosic material 120 such that the first color 116 and the third color 126 may be observable, and thus, as illustratively depicted in FIG. 3A, the first yarn type 100 is shown as including both the first color 116 and the third color 126. At the second area 12, the first yarn type 100 includes percentages by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the cellulosic material 120 such that the first color 116 may be observable and the third color 126 may not be observable, and therefore, in FIG. 3B, the first yarn type 100 is shown as including only the first color 116. At the first area 11 and the second area 12, the second yarn type 200 includes an amount of the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210 such that the second color 216 may be observable, and thus, FIGS. 3A and 3B both show the second yarn type 200 as including the second color 216.

Further, FIGS. 1A-3B depict aspects of the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 generically for discussion purposes and it is to be understood that that these depictions are illustrative in nature and are not limiting. In aspects where the first yarn type 100 comprises a first non-cellulosic polymer material and a cellulosic material, the first non-cellulosic polymer material comprises a non-cellulosic polymeric component. In other aspects, the non-cellulosic polymeric component comprises a terephthalate polymer. More specifically, the terephthalate polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Even more specifically, the terephthalate polymer includes a cationic dyeable PET. In further aspects, the cellulosic material comprises a cellulosic polymeric component. More specifically, the cellulosic polymeric component comprises cotton.

In aspects where the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 of the first yarn type 100 comprises a non-cellulosic polymeric component that is polyethylene terephthalate, and further that the cellulosic material comprises a cellulosic polymeric component that is cotton, aspects herein also contemplate that, at the first area 11, the first yarn type 100 has a percentage by weight of polyethylene terephthalate that is from about 25% to about 65% and a percentage by weight of cotton that is from about 35% to about 75%. In further aspects, it is contemplated that at the second area 12, the first yarn type 100 has a percentage by weight of polyethylene terephthalate that is from about 80% to about 100% and a percentage by weight of cotton that is from about 0% to about 20%.

In aspects where the second yarn type 200 comprises a second non-cellulosic polymer material, the second non-cellulosic polymer material comprises a non-cellulosic polymeric component. In such aspects, the non-cellulosic polymeric component comprises a terephthalate polymer. More specifically, the terephthalate polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Even more specifically, the terephthalate polymer includes a cationic dyeable PET. In aspects where the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210 of the second yarn type 200 comprises a non-cellulosic polymeric component that is polyethylene terephthalate, aspects herein also contemplate that, at the first area 11 and the second area 12, the second yarn type 200 has a percentage by weight of polyethylene terephthalate that is about 100%.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, a textile 4 is respectively depicted from a top view depicting a first surface 10 and a bottom view depicting a second opposite surface 20, in accordance with aspects hereof. In FIGS. 4A and 4B the textile 4 is illustratively depicted as including the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 of FIGS. 1A-3B, and thus, the aspects of the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 that were depicted in and described in connection with FIGS. 1A-3B are included in the textile 4. Moreover, the textile 4 is shown after at least a portion of the cellulosic material 120 has been degraded from the first yarn type 100 in the second area 12 of the first surface 10 of the textile 4. A remaining area of the first surface 10 of the textile 4 excluding the second area 12 is the first area 11. Described differently, FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the textile 4 as comprising the first surface 10 formed by the first yarn type 100 and having the first area 11 and the second area 12 and as further comprising the second surface 20 positioned opposite the first surface 10 that is formed by the second yarn type 200. As will be explained in greater depth below, a chemical composition may be applied to the first surface 10 at the second area 12 using application processes to degrade at least a portion of the cellulosic material 120 from the first yarn type 100 in the second area 12. The first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 in the first yarn type 100, as well as the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210 in the second yarn type 200, are generally unaffected by the chemical composition.

With this as background and with respect to FIG. 4A, the second area 12 is shown as having a generally rectangular shape, and the first area 11 is shown as surrounding the second area 12 and as including a remaining portion of the first surface 10 of the textile 4. Although the textile 4 and elements thereof, including the first area 11, and the second area 12, are depicted generically for discussion purposes, it is contemplated that such elements may be moved, repositioned, reshaped, duplicated, or reconfigured. Thus, even though the second area 12 is illustrated as rectangle in FIG. 4A, it is contemplated that the second area 12 may comprises any shape including shapes associated with branding such as logos, images and the like, geometric shapes, organic shapes, letters, numbers, and the like. Moreover, although only one second area 12 is shown, it is contemplated that the textile 4 may comprise multiple second areas 12 with each second area 12 having the same shape or a different shape. When the textile 4 comprises multiple second areas 12, it is contemplated herein that the first area 11 may extend or circumscribe around one or more of the second areas 12 and may include a remaining portion of the first surface 10 of the textile 4.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B and with further reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which illustratively depict magnified views of the first area 11 and the second area 12 of the first surface 10, the first yarn type 100 and second yarn type 200 may be knit in a single jersey kit structure to form the textile 4. Moreover, the second yarn type 200 is plated with the first yarn type 100 such that the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 form interlocking loops. As such, the first surface 10 is predominately formed of the first yarn type 100, and the second surface 20 is predominately formed of the second yarn type 200, which includes the second color 216. Further, the plating relationship between the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 is such that the second yarn type 200 generally lies under and/or is positioned under the first yarn type 100 in the textile 4 with respect to the first surface 10.

Continuing, due to physical properties of the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 and due to irregularities in the plating process, however, the second yarn type 200 may intermittently be exposed at the first surface 10. That is, the second yarn type 200 may intermittently be positioned on top of or laterally adjacent to the first yarn type 100 at the first surface 10. As is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a portion of the second yarn type 200 may be exposed at the first surface 10. With respect to FIG. 5A in particular, although the second yarn type 200 may be exposed at the first surface 10, the second color 216 of the second yarn type 200 may be at least partially or totally obscured due to the greater percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120 in the first yarn type 100 in the first area 11. But because the percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120 in the first yarn type 100 is less at the second area 12 than the first area 11, as shown in FIG. 5B, more of the second yarn type 200 shows through or is exposed on the first surface 10 at the second area 12 than the first area 11.

To describe this in a different way, at the first area 11, the first yarn type 100 includes the first percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120, and therefore, as is shown in FIG. 5A, at least the first color 116 and the third color 126 are visible in the first yarn type 100. Moreover, at the second area 12, the first yarn type 100 includes the second percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the second percentage by weight of the cellulosic material 120, and thus, as is shown in FIG. 5B, the first color 116 is visible in the first yarn type 100. Further, because the first yarn type 100 includes less of the cellulosic material 120 at the second area 12 and because of the plated arrangement of the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 in the textile 4, more of the second yarn type 200 shows through at the second area 12, and therefore, the second color 216 is also visible at the second area 12. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 4A, when an observer is viewing the first surface 10 of the textile 4, at least the first color 116 and the third color 126 are visible at the first area 11 and the first color 116 and the second color 216 are visible at the second area 12.

Further, FIGS. 4A-4B depict aspects of the textile 4, first yarn type 100, and the second yarn type 200 generically for discussion purposes, and it is to be understood that these depictions are illustrative in nature and are not limiting. For example, although the first surface 10 of the textile 4 was discussed as being predominately formed from the first yarn type 100, aspects herein contemplate that the first surface 10 may also be formed, at least in part, from the second yarn type 200. Such aspects further contemplate that the first surface 10 may be formed from at least the first yarn type 100 at the first area 11 and may be formed of the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 at the second area 12. In additional aspects herein, it is contemplated that the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 form an entirety of the textile 4. Such aspects contemplate that the textile 4 may comprise from about 30% to about 70%, from about 35% to about 65%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 45% to about 55%, or about 50% of the first yarn type 100 and may further comprise from about 30% to about 70%, from about 35% to about 65%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 45% to about 55%, or about 50% of the second yarn type 200. Further, aspects herein also contemplate that the textile 4 may include different amounts of the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 at areas of the textile 4 that correspond to the first area 11 and the second area 12 of the first surface 10. As such, at an area corresponding to the first area 11 of the first surface 10, the textile 4 may comprises from about 50% to about 70% of the first yarn type 100 and from about 30% to about 50% of the second yarn type 200, and at an area corresponding to the second area 12 of the first surface 10, the textile 4 may comprises from about 35% to about 55% of the first yarn type 100 and from about 45% to about 75% of the second yarn type 200.

In FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view taken at the cut line 6-6 of FIG. 4A is depicted to further illustrate aspects of the textile 4. As shown, the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200 are depicted as layers, and the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the cellulosic material 120 are depicted as layers in the first yarn type 100. It is to be understood that these depictions are merely illustrative for explanatory purposes, and in practice, a demarcation between the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200, as well as between the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 and the cellulosic material 120, is generally not visible to an observer. Notwithstanding, in FIG. 6, the first yarn type 100 is depicted as being positioned adjacent and superior to the second yarn type 200 in the textile 4, and the first yarn type 100 is further depicted as including the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 above the cellulosic material 120 at the first area 11 and as including only the first non-cellulosic polymer material 110 at the second area 12, which is positioned adjacent and superior to the second yarn type 200 and the second non-cellulosic polymer material 210. Additionally, the first, second, and third colors 116, 126, 216 are also depicted and are arranged in a corresponding manner.

FIGS. 7A and 7B each depict an article of apparel 302 that includes the textile 4. In FIG. 7A, the article of apparel 302 is shown as an upper-body article of apparel 304, which is depicted as a shirt for illustrative purpose, and in FIG. 7B, the article of apparel 302 is shown as a lower-body article of apparel 306, which is depicted as shorts for illustrative purposes. However, as already discussed, it is contemplated that the article of apparel 302 may be any article such as other articles of apparel, like jerseys, pants, socks, coats, backpacks, duffel bags, shoes, and the like. As shown in FIG. 7A, the article of apparel 302 includes the textile 4 that forms a torso portion of the upper-body article of apparel 304, and in FIG. 7B, the article of apparel 302 includes the textile 4 that forms at least leg portions of the lower-body article of apparel 306. In both FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first surface 10 of the textile 4 is facing outward and is positioned opposite the second surface (not shown), which may be positioned adjacent to a skin surface of a wearer (or to a base layer) when the article of apparel 302 is worn.

Continuing, the first area 11 of the first surface 10 includes the first color 116 and the third color 126, and the second area 12 includes the first color 116 and the second color 216. The textile 4 may be an individual component or one portion of the upper-body article of apparel 304 and the lower-body article of apparel 306. Although not shown, the textile 4 may be attached to other individual components or portions of the upper-body article of apparel 304 and the lower-body article of apparel 306 via stitching, bonding, joining, or through adhesives. The textile 4 may be cut from a larger piece of fabric and may have many shapes and sizes that may depend on requirements of an end article of apparel. Alternatively, the textile 4 may be engineered to form the article of apparel 302 such that it need not be affixed to other components to form the article of apparel 302.

In further aspects related to the article of apparel 302, it is contemplated that different terminology may be used when referring to certain aspects of the textile 4. For instance, aspects herein contemplate that at the first area 11, the first yarn type 100 may include a first material composition and at the second area 12 the first yarn type 100 may include a second material composition. Moreover, the first material composition may comprises a first non-cellulosic polymer material having a first color and a cellulosic material having a third color, and further, the first material composition may comprises from about 25% to about 65% by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material and from about 35% to about 75% by weight of the cellulosic material. The second material composition may comprise the first non-cellulosic polymer material in a percentage by weight from about 80% to about 100%. Continuing, the second yarn type that forms the second surface may comprises a third material composition, and the third material composition may comprise a second non-cellulosic polymer material having a second color that is different than the first color.

Although depicted in an illustrative manner in FIGS. 1A-7B, aspects herein contemplate that the different percentages by weight of materials in the first yarn type and the different colors of the first non-cellulosic polymer material, the cellulosic material, and the second non-cellulosic polymer material may be utilized to form a visual component on the first surface of the textile. In such aspects, a visual component may include any shape including shapes associated with branding such as logos, images and the like, geometric shapes, organic shapes, letters, letters, numbers, and the like. Moreover, the visual component may correspond to the second area 12 of the first surface 10, and in some aspects, the second area 12 may define a shape or an outline of the visual component.

Continuing, the visual component may be formed by differences among colors of material included in the first yarn type 100 and the second yarn type 200, and further, the visual component may also be formed by differences among materials included in the first yarn type 100 and second yarn type 200 at the first area 11 and the second area 12. Moreover, an observability of the first color 116, the second color 216, and/or the third color 126 at different areas of the first surface 10 may further contribute to a formation of the visual component. In addition, a greater visual distinction between the first color 116 and the second color 216 and/or between the first color 116 and the third color 126 may impact and contribute to a formation of the visual component. Moreover, a visual distinction may be based on a comparison between colors representations of the numerical color values in a color space or model. Further, it is contemplated that the first, second, and third colors 116, 216, and 126 may each include a different numerical color value, and thus, may each have a color value that corresponds to a different represented color.

In additional aspects, the first, second, and third colors 116, 216, and 126 may have respective numerical color values that may correspond to a set of represented colors that may further contribute to a formation of a visual component. Example sets of represented colors include, but are not limited to the following: black, white, and red; silver, black, and crimson; cargo khaki, black, and khaki; red, black, and crimson; and obsidian, black, and grey. In some aspects, each of the example sets of represented colors may correspond respectively to the first color 116, the second color 216, and the third color 126 (e.g., the first color 116 includes white, the second color 216 includes red, and the third color 126 includes red; the first color 116 includes black, the second color 216 includes crimson, and the third color 126 includes black; and so on). Other aspects contemplate that each color of the example sets of represented colors may correspond to any one of the first, second, and third colors 116, 216, and 126. It is also contemplated that the first color 116 and the third color 126 may be a same or similar color, which may provide a uniform color to areas of the first surface 10 that include both the first color 116 and the third color 126. In further aspects, a visual component may include a heather appearance formed by one or more colors of the example sets of represented colors at the second area 12 of the textile 4. Accordingly, these aspects may collectively form a visual component on the first surface 10 of the textile 4.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram 400 representing a method of forming a visual component on a textile. To aid in explanation, the flow diagram 400 will be described with general reference to aspects of the textile 4 previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-7B. At a block 402, a chemical composition is applied to a textile. The textile comprises a first surface formed from a first yarn type comprising a blended yarn formed from a cellulosic material and a first non-cellulosic polymer material having a first color. Moreover, the textile comprises a second surface positioned opposite the first surface that is formed by a second yarn type plated with the first yarn type. Further, the second yarn type comprises a second non-cellulosic polymer material having a second color that is different from the first color. Even further, the chemical composition is applied to the textile on the first surface at one or more areas. Continuing, the chemical composition is effective to degrade at least a portion of the cellulosic material from the first yarn type. Thus, subsequent to the application of the chemical composition, a visual component is formed at the one or more areas, the visual component formed by the first color of the first non-cellulosic polymer material of the first yarn type and the second color of the second non-cellulosic polymer material of the second yarn type.

In some aspects, the chemical composition may be applied by a digital printing process, a screen printing process, a roller printing process and the like, or alternatively, application may occur via a person using a brush and/or other suitable devices to guide application, such as stencils. In one aspect, the chemical composition may be applied to an area of the surface in a manner that forms any shape including shapes associated with branding such as logos, images and the like an may include geometric shapes, organic shapes, letters, numbers, and the like. Moreover, parameters associated with the chemical composition may be adjusted before or during the application process. For instance, the amount of the chemical composition applied may be increased by utilizing a two pass or multiple pass screen printing process as opposed to a single pass. Further, a concentration and/or a pH value of the chemical composition may be adjusted prior to application.

Other aspects contemplate that the chemical composition is configured to effectively degrade at least a portion of the cellulosic material. Such aspects contemplate that the chemical composition is configured to undergo a chemical reaction with the cellulosic material upon contact, and in one aspect, once the chemical composition is applied, an activator may further be applied to initiate the chemical reaction. In these aspects, the chemical composition may effectively degrade the cellulosic material by undergoing a chemical reaction that includes carbonizing, oxidizing, or dissolving the cellulosic material. One aspect contemplates that, subsequent to application of the chemical composition, the textile may be cured for up to 4 minutes at 270-300° F. Further, the chemical composition may be configured to be unreactive with non-cellulosic polymer material, and thus, the first and second non-cellulosic polymer materials are generally unaffected by application of the chemical composition. And thus, portions of the first yarn type, including the first non-cellulosic polymer and an entirety of the second yarn type, remain generally unchanged subsequent to application of the chemical composition.

Next, at block 404, an optional step is depicted, which may or may not need to be performed depending, at least in part, on certain aspects of the chemical composition. As shown, after application, the chemical composition is removed from the textile. Aspects herein contemplate that the chemical composition is removed by a washing process that may comprise sending the textile through a basic garment wash and/or by washing the textile using methods and/or techniques that are known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Notwithstanding, other aspects contemplate that the chemical composition may be configured such that the chemical composition may not need to be removed from the textile, and for example, the chemical composition may be configured or applied such that no amount or a minimal amount of the chemical composition remains after undergoing a chemical reaction with the cellulosic material. As such, the chemical composition does not need to be washed-off or removed from the textile. Notwithstanding, after application, the chemical composition may react with the cellulosic material such that degraded portions of the cellulosic material remain at an area where the chemical composition was applied. In these aspects, a washing step may be performed on the textile, which may include a basic garment wash to remove any remaining portions of cellulosic material. In accordance with aspects herein, it is to be understood that the step at 404 is optional and does not need to be performed, and the method of forming a visual component on the textile may completed after finishing the step at block 402.

Upon completion of the step at block 404 (after application of the chemical composition), a visual component is formed at the one or more areas by the first color of the first non-cellulosic polymer material of the first yarn type and the second color of the second non-cellulosic polymer material of the second yarn type. Aspects herein contemplate that formation of the visual component is, at least in part, due to aesthetic properties afforded to the textile by changes in physical properties of the first yarn type at the one or more areas of the first surface. More particularly, removal of the cellulosic material reduces a total amount of material in the first yarn type, and in turn, at the one or more areas of the first surface, the first yarn type has less percentage by weight of the cellulosic material than at other areas of the first surface. In accordance with aspects herein, these changes to physical properties of the first yarn type, when combined with features, properties, and/or characteristics of other components in the textile, may permit more of the second yarn type to show through to the first surface and increase a visibility of the second color at the one or more areas. Further, because the first non-cellulosic polymer material is unaffected by the chemical composition, a portion of the first yarn type that includes the first non-cellulosic polymer material is intact, and thus, the first color remains visible at the one or more areas of the first surface. As a result, subsequent to application, both the first color and the second color are visible at the one or more areas and collectively form the visual component. In addition, the visual component may include a heather appearance including the first color and the second color.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

While specific elements and steps are discussed in connection to one another, it is understood that any element and/or steps provided herein is contemplated as being combinable with any other elements and/or steps regardless of explicit provision of the same while still being within the scope provided herein. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A textile comprising: a first surface having a first area of a first predefined size and a second area of the first predefined size; anda second surface opposite the first surface,wherein: the first area is formed from a first yarn type comprising a blended yarn formed from a cellulosic material and a first non-cellulosic polymer material having a first color, the first area comprising a first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material and a first percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material,the second area is formed from the first yarn type, the second area comprising a second percentage by weight of the cellulosic material, the second percentage by weight of the cellulosic material less than the first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material, andthe second surface is formed from a second yarn type plated with the first yarn type, the second yarn type comprising a second non-cellulosic polymer material having a second color different from the first color.

2. The textile of claim 1, further comprising a visual component in the second area, the visual component comprising the first color of the first non-cellulosic polymer material of the first yarn type and the second color of the second non-cellulosic polymer material of the second yarn type.

3. The textile of claim 2, wherein a numerical color value of the first color differs by about 5% or more from a numerical color value of the second color.

4. The textile of claim 1, wherein the first percentage by weight of the cellulosic material is from about 35% to about 75% and the second percentage by weight of the cellulosic material is from about 0% to about 20%.

5. The textile of claim 1, wherein the cellulosic material comprises a cellulosic polymeric component.

6. The textile of claim 5, wherein the cellulosic polymeric component comprises cotton.

7. The textile of claim 1, wherein the second area further comprises a second percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material, the second percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material greater than the first percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material.

8. The textile of claim 7, wherein the first percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material is from about 25% to about 65% and the second percentage by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material is from about 80% to about 100%.

9. The textile of claim 8, wherein the first non-cellulosic polymer material comprises a non-cellulosic polymeric component.

10. The textile of claim 9, wherein the non-cellulosic polymeric component comprises a terephthalate polymer.

11. The textile of claim 10, wherein the terephthalate polymer comprises polyethylene terephthalate.

12. The textile of claim 1, wherein the cellulosic material comprises a third color.

13. The textile of claim 12, wherein a numerical color value of the third color is different by about 5% or more from a numerical color value of the first color.

14. A method of forming a visual component on a textile, the method comprising: applying a chemical composition to a textile comprising a first surface formed from a first yarn type comprising a blended yarn formed from a cellulosic material and a first non-cellulosic polymer material having a first color, and a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, the second surface formed by a second yarn type plated with the first yarn type, the second yarn type comprising a second non-cellulosic polymer material having a second color that is different from the first color, wherein applying the chemical composition to the textile comprises applying the chemical composition to the first surface at one or more areas, the chemical composition effective to degrade at least a portion of the cellulosic material from the first yarn type,wherein, subsequent to the application of the chemical composition, the visual component is formed at the one or more areas, the visual component formed by the first color of the first non-cellulosic polymer material of the first yarn type and the second color of the second non-cellulosic polymer material of the second yarn type.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein degrading comprises one or more of carbonizing, oxidizing, or dissolving.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising removing at least a portion of the chemical composition from the textile by a washing process.

17. An article of apparel comprising: one or more textiles that form one or more portions of the article of apparel, at least one of the one or more textiles comprising:a first surface having a first area and a second area different than the first area, the first surface formed from a first yarn type comprising a first material composition at the first area and a second material composition at the second area; andan opposite second surface formed from a second yarn type plated with the first yarn type, the second yarn type comprising a third material composition,wherein the first material composition comprises a first non-cellulosic polymer material having a first color and a cellulosic material, the first material composition comprising from about 25% to about 65% by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material and from about 35% to about 75% by weight of the cellulosic material,wherein the second material composition comprises the first non-cellulosic polymer material, the second material composition comprising from about 80% to about 100% by weight of the first non-cellulosic polymer material,wherein the third material composition comprises a second non-cellulosic polymer material having a second color that is different than the first color.

18. The article of apparel of claim 17, wherein the cellulosic material has a third color, and wherein the one or more textiles comprises a visual component formed by two or more of the first color of the first non-cellulosic polymer material, the second color of the second non-cellulosic polymer material, or the third color of the cellulosic material.

19. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein the article of apparel is an upper-body article of apparel.

20. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein the article of apparel is a lower-body article of apparel.