Patent Application
20170014706
Articles of apparel, including athletic apparel, may incorporate protective components that are formed from a polymer foam material and impart padding, provide cushioning, or otherwise attenuate impact forces. When the apparel is worn during athletic activities, for example, the protective components may protect an individual or wearer from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground. The protective components may be positioned to cover specific portions of the individual, including muscles, bones, joints, and impact areas. Additionally, the shapes, sizes, and other properties of the protective components, as well as the materials utilized in the protective components, may vary significantly to provide a particular level of protection to the specific portions of the individual.
The body temperature of an individual has an effect upon the athletic performance of the individual when engaging in athletic activities. Components of the body temperature include core temperature and surface temperature, for example. Whereas the core temperature is associated with interior portions of the individual (i.e., the internal organs), the surface temperature is a measure of the temperature associated with the surface of the individual (i.e., the skin). Although the core temperature and surface temperature are discrete measurements and may vary significantly, the core temperature has an effect upon the surface temperature, and the surface temperature has a corresponding effect upon the core temperature.
As the individual begins engaging in an athletic activity, including either practice sessions or competitions, the core temperature of the individual may rise as the level of athletic activity increases, particularly in relatively hot or humid climates. Although a rise in core temperature is a normal aspect of engaging in athletic activities, the athletic performance of the individual begins to decrease once the core temperature increases above a threshold temperature that may vary for different individuals. For example, the speed of the individual when running, the height of the individual when jumping, the reaction time of the individual when responding to other athletes, and the overall strength of the individual may decrease as the core temperature increases beyond the threshold temperature. Although varying between different individuals, the threshold temperature at which athletic performance decreases may be approximately 39 degrees Celsius (i.e., 102 degrees Fahrenheit). Accordingly, moderating or otherwise delaying a rise in the core temperature during an athletic activity has the potential to reduce heat stress and increase the overall athletic performance of the individual.
A system may include an article of apparel and a fluid source. The article of apparel incorporates a plurality of fluid channels, and the apparel includes a fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channels. A fluid source is configured to join with the fluid connector and supply a fluid to the fluid channels. As an example, the article of apparel may include a pad component formed from a polymer foam material, which defines the fluid channels. A pair of material elements may be secured to opposite sides of the pad component, with one of the material elements being fluid permeable adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid channels.
The advantages and features of novelty characterizing aspects of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention.
The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various configurations of a ventilated and protective article of apparel, as well as a system that includes the apparel. As an example, the apparel is disclosed as having a configuration of a vest, but may also be a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, or jacket. Concepts associated with the apparel may also be incorporated into a variety of other types of apparel, including headwear, pants, shorts, footwear, and full-body coverings, for example. Accordingly, the configuration disclosed in the following discussion and accompanying figures is intended to provide an example of a ventilated and protective article of apparel.
System Configuration
A ventilation and protection system 100 is depicted in
Fluid source 200 may be any device or fluid delivery system that joins with apparel 300 and supplies a fluid, likely a pressurized fluid, to apparel 300. Examples of a suitable fluid source 200 are an air compressor or any of the various fluid sources disclosed in (a) U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2006/0003688, entitled Air Delivery Apparatus and Method and (b) U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0125928, entitled Pneumatic Cooling Apparel System, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Fluid source 200 includes a conduit 210, which may be tube, pipe, or other structure that channels the fluid to apparel 300. Although conduit 210 is depicted as being joined with apparel 300, conduit 210 may also be disconnected or detached from apparel 300. As such, apparel 300 may be separated from fluid source 200 and used independent of fluid source 200. Fluid source 200 is depicted as being spaced away from apparel 300 and the individual, but fluid source 200 may also be incorporated into apparel 300 in some configurations. Depending upon the intended purpose and conditions in which system 100 will be utilized, fluid source 200 may include (a) a refrigeration element that cools the fluid, (b), a heating element that heats the fluid (c) a dehumidifying element that removes water vapor, (d) an oxygenation unit that increases oxygen levels in the fluid, or (e) an aromatic element that adds specific aromas or scents to the fluid, for example.
Although the individual is depicted as only wearing apparel 300 in
Apparel Configuration
Apparel 300 is depicted in
Apparel 300 includes a fluid connector 320, which provides a connection point for conduit 210 or another structure that supplies the fluid from fluid source 200. Although the configuration may vary considerably, fluid connector 320 may be a tube, valve, threaded pipe, or any other structure that couples with and provides fluid communication with fluid source 200. In this configuration of apparel 300, fluid connector 320 is located in back portion 302 and positioned proximal to a neck opening of apparel 300. When utilized during American football, for example, this location for fluid connector 320 corresponds with a space or gap in shoulder pads that may be worn over apparel 300. In addition to obtaining protection from the shoulder pads, an advantage of positioning fluid connector 320 in back portion 302 and adjacent to the neck opening relates to access by the individual. More particularly, this position for fluid connector 320 provides the individual with access to freely (a) connect apparel 300 to fluid source 200 and (b) disconnect apparel 300 from fluid source 200. In further configurations of apparel 300, fluid connector 320 may be located in various other portions of apparel 300, including front region 301.
A plurality of fluid channels 330 extend outward from fluid connector 320 and provide pathways for the fluid that is supplied by fluid source 200. Fluid channels 330 extend throughout apparel 300. More particularly, fluid channels 330 extend through back portion 302, over shoulder portions 303, and also through front portion 301. Although the fluid supplied by fluid source 200 enters apparel 300 at the position of fluid connector 320, the fluid is distributed throughout each of regions 301-303 by fluid channels 330. That is, the fluid passes through fluid channels 330 and is directed to various areas of apparel 300. The specific locations of fluid channels 330 may vary significantly and may be selected to distribute the fluid to particular areas of the individual.
The structure of apparel 300 will now be discussed in greater detail. Referring to
Each of material elements 410 and 420 may be formed from a variety of materials, including various textiles, polymer sheets, leather, or synthetic leather, for example. Combinations of these materials (e.g., a polymer sheet bonded to a textile) may also be utilized for each of material elements 410 and 420. Although material elements 410 and 420 may be formed from the same material, each of material elements 410 and 420 may also be formed from different materials. Moreover, each of material elements 410 and 420 may have a multi-layer structure that includes multiple layers of material, such as three overlapping layers of a textile, a polymer sheet, and synthetic leather. Material elements 410 and 420 may be non-stretch, may exhibit stretch in one direction, or may exhibit multi-directional stretch.
Although a variety of materials are suitable for outer material element 410 and inner material element 420, the fluid permeability of outer material elements 410 may be less than the fluid permeability of inner material element 420. That is, the fluid supplied by fluid source 200 may readily pass through areas of inner material element 420, while outer material element 410 prevents or limits the degree to which the fluid may exit pad region 401. In some configurations, inner material element 420 may be formed from a perforated or mesh material to readily permit the fluid to pass through inner material element 420. This configuration permits the fluid within fluid channels 330 to exit apparel 300 through inner material element 420 or otherwise pass over the surface area or skin of the individual. Although outer material element 410 may be substantially impermeable to the fluid, outer material element 410 may also allow the fluid to pass through in some configurations or in some locations. In general, however, the fluid permeability of outer material element 410 is less than the fluid permeability of inner material element 420, and the fluid may readily pass through areas of inner material element 420.
Pad component 430 has a first surface 431 and an opposite second surface 432. Whereas first surface 431 is secured to outer material element 410, second surface 432 is secured to inner material element 420. As such, pad component 430 is located within a space between material elements 410 and 420 and secured to each of material elements 410 and 420. Pad component 430 is primarily responsible for forming the various fluid channels 330. More particularly, fluid channels 330 are formed as various elongate grooves and elongate voids in pad component 430. When fluid channels 330 are formed as grooves, fluid channels 330 are indentations or depressions in pad component 430 that extend through a portion of a thickness of pad component 430. Although the grooves are depicted as being formed in second surface 432, grooves may also be formed in first surface 431. When fluid channels 330 are formed as voids, fluid channels 330 extend through the entire thickness of pad component 430 and from first surface 431 to second surface 432. The various fluid channels 330 may, therefore, be formed as grooves, voids, or combinations of grooves and voids. Additional details relating to forming fluid channels 330, the configuration of pad component 430, and other apparel configurations may be found with reference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/485,739, which is entitled Articles Of Apparel Incorporating Cushioning Elements and was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on 31 May 2012.
The manner in which the fluid passes through fluid channels 330 and provides ventilation will now be discussed. Referring to schematic illustrations in
Fluid channels 330, whether formed as groves or voids, distribute the fluid to various areas of the individual. By selecting the overall configuration for fluid channels 330, the quantity of air delivered to areas of the individual may be varied. Whereas grooves are indentations or depressions in pad component 430, voids extend through the entire thickness of pad component 430. As such, voids may carry a greater flow rate of the fluid than grooves when both have comparable widths. By increasing the width or changing the shape of the grooves, however, the grooves may carry a greater flow rate of the fluid. Referring again to
The manner in which apparel 300 provides protection will now be discussed. A variety of materials may be utilized for pad component 430, including various polymer foam materials that compress and return to an original shape after being compressed. Referring to
Various features of apparel 300 may vary from the configuration discussed above. As an example,
Ventilation and Protection
An example of manner in which system 100 may be utilized by the individual will now be discussed. Prior to engaging in an athletic activity, the individual may perform a warm-up routine that involves running, stretching, and other activities. Purposes of the warm-up routine may be to elevate body temperature and ensure that the individual is prepared for the athletic activity. Frequently, a period of time passes between the end of the warm-up routine and the start of the athletic activity. In order to ensure that the body temperature of the individual remains elevated during this period of time, system 100 may be employed. More particularly, the individual may connect fluid source 200 to apparel 300 using fluid connector 330, and a heated fluid (e.g., heated air) may pass into fluid channels 330. Accordingly, ventilation aspects of system 100 may be utilized to ensure that the body temperature of the individual remains at a proper level following the warm-up routine.
Immediately prior to engaging in the athletic activity, the individual may disconnect fluid source 200 from apparel 300. During the athletic activity, apparel 300 is used independent of fluid source 200 and imparts padding, provides cushioning, or otherwise attenuates impact forces. That is, pad component 430 protects the individual from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground. Accordingly, protective aspects of system 100 may be utilized to provide protection to the individual during the athletic activity.
At various points during the athletic activity, the individual may have an opportunity to recover and cool down from the physical activity. For example, the athletic activity may stop during time-outs, between quarters, and at half-time. In order to assist with recovery and cool down, system 100 may be employed. More particularly, the individual may connect fluid source 200 to apparel 300, and a cooled fluid (e.g., refrigerated air) may pass into fluid channels 330. As noted in the Background section above, the athletic performance of the individual begins to decrease once the core temperature increases above a threshold temperature. Utilizing system 100 at various times during the athletic activity may assist with lowering the body temperature below the threshold temperature. Accordingly, ventilation aspects of system 100 may be utilized to lower the body temperature of the individual.
In various team sports, a limited number of athletes are competing at any given time. When engaging in one of these sports or similar athletic activities, the individual may spend relatively long periods of time waiting for an opportunity to compete. During relatively cold weather, for example, the individual may utilize system 100 to supply a heated fluid and remain warm while waiting for an opportunity to compete. Similarly, during relatively hot weather, the individual may utilize system 100 to supply a cooled fluid and remain cool while waiting for an opportunity to compete.
Based upon the above discussion, the individual may utilize system 100 multiple times during an athletic activity. At some points, the individual may take advantage of ventilation aspects to raise, lower, or maintain body temperature. At other points, the individual may take advantage of protection aspects to guard against contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground.
Attachment Element Configuration
Various articles of apparel (e.g., a shirt) or pieces of equipment (e.g., shoulder pads) may be worn over apparel 300. In some configurations, protective plates, electronic devices, or other attachment elements may be secured to apparel 300. Referring to
The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
This application is a divisional application of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/747,974 (filed Jan. 23, 2013), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13747974 | Jan 2013 | US |
| Child | 15278412 | US |
