U.S. patent application number 10/805681 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for article of apparel incorporating a modifiable textile structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Baron, Michael R., Portzline, Carey Lyn, Wise, LaShurya M..
Application Number | 20050204448 10/805681 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34960981 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050204448 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wise, LaShurya M. ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
Article of apparel incorporating a modifiable textile structure
Abstract
An article of apparel is disclosed that includes a textile with
at least one property that changes upon exposure to a physical
stimulus. The textile has a modifiable structure formed from yarns
that exhibit a dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the
physical stimulus. The yarns have a first set of dimensions when
unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yarns have a second set
of dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus. The structure
of the textile is modified by exposing the textile to the physical
stimulus such that the yarns transform from the first set of
dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the property
of the textile.
Inventors: |
Wise, LaShurya M.;
(Portland, OR) ; Baron, Michael R.; (Tigard,
OR) ; Portzline, Carey Lyn; (Portland, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
1001 G STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4597
US
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
34960981 |
Appl. No.: |
10/805681 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D10B 2401/02 20130101;
C08L 2201/12 20130101; D03D 9/00 20130101; D10B 2211/02 20130101;
D10B 2501/00 20130101; D10B 2501/02 20130101; A41D 31/06 20190201;
D10B 2501/042 20130101; D10B 2211/04 20130101; D10B 2501/041
20130101; D10B 2331/02 20130101; A41D 27/28 20130101; D10B 2201/02
20130101; D10B 2501/043 20130101; D03D 15/49 20210101; D04B 1/16
20130101; D10B 2321/10 20130101; D03D 15/00 20130101; D10B 2331/04
20130101; D10B 2201/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 |
International
Class: |
D06M 010/00; A41D
001/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. An article of apparel comprising a textile with at least one
property that changes upon exposure to a physical stimulus, the
textile having a modifiable structure formed from yarns that
exhibit a dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the physical
stimulus, the yarns having a first set of dimensions when unexposed
to the physical stimulus, and the yarns having a second set of
dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus, the structure of
the textile being modified by exposing the textile to the physical
stimulus such that the yarns transform from the first set of
dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the property
of the textile.
2. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the physical
stimulus is water.
3. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the first set
of dimensions is less than the second set of dimensions.
4. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the textile
is formed through an interweaving process.
5. The article of apparel recited in claim 4, wherein the yarns
define openings in the textile, the openings exhibiting a first
area when the yarns are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the
openings exhibiting a second area when the yarns are exposed to the
physical stimulus.
6. The article of apparel recited in claim 5, wherein the property
of the textile is permeability of the textile.
7. The article of apparel recited in claim 6, wherein the first
area is greater than the second area to decrease the permeability
of the textile when the yarns are exposed to the physical
stimulus.
8. The article of apparel recited in claim 6, wherein the first
area is less than the second area to increase the permeability of
the textile when the yarns are exposed to the physical
stimulus.
9. The article of apparel recited in claim 8, wherein at least a
portion of the yarns exhibit an undulating configuration.
10. The article of apparel recited in claim 4, wherein a
substantial portion of the textile is formed from the yarn.
11. The article of apparel recited in claim 4, wherein a first
portion of the yarns exhibit the dimensional-transformation upon
exposure to the physical stimulus, and a second portion of the
yarns remain dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the physical
stimulus.
12. The article of apparel recited in claim 11, wherein the first
portion of the yarns are both weft yarns and warp yarns, and the
second portion of the yarns are both weft yarns and warp yarns.
13. The article of apparel recited in claim 11, wherein the first
portion of the yarns are one of weft yarns and warp yarns, and the
second portion of the yarns are another of weft yarns and warp
yarns.
14. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the textile
is formed through an interlooping process.
15. The article of apparel recited in claim 14, wherein the yarns
define openings in the textile, the openings exhibiting a first
area when the yarns are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the
openings exhibiting a second area when the yarns are exposed to the
physical stimulus.
16. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the first
area is less than the second area to increase the permeability when
the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus.
17. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the
structure of the textile exhibits a first texture when the yarns
are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the structure of the
textile exhibits a second texture when the yarns are exposed to the
physical stimulus.
18. The article of apparel recited in claim 17, wherein the first
texture is smoother than the second texture.
19. The article of apparel recited in claim 17, wherein the second
texture includes a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a
surface of the textile.
20. An article of apparel comprising a textile with a permeability
that changes upon exposure to a physical stimulus, the textile
having a plurality of openings defined between yarns that exhibit a
dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus,
the yarns having a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the
physical stimulus, and the yarns having a second set of dimensions
when exposed to the physical stimulus, the structure of the textile
being modified by exposing the textile to the physical stimulus
such that the yarns transform from the first set of dimensions to
the second set of dimensions and change the permeability of the
textile.
21. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein the
physical stimulus is water.
22. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein the textile
is formed through an interweaving process.
23. The article of apparel recited in claim 22, wherein the
openings decrease in area to decrease the permeability of the
textile when the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus.
24. The article of apparel recited in claim 22, wherein the
openings increase in area to increase the permeability of the
textile when the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus.
25. The article of apparel recited in claim 24, wherein at least a
portion of the yarns exhibit an undulating configuration.
26. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein a
substantial portion of the textile is formed from the yarn.
27. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein a first
portion of the yarns exhibit the dimensional-transformation upon
exposure to the physical stimulus, and a second portion of the
yarns remain dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the physical
stimulus.
28. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein the textile
is formed through an interlooping process.
29. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein the textile
exhibits a first texture when the yarns are unexposed to the
physical stimulus, and the textile exhibits a second texture when
the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus.
30. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein the first
texture is smoother than the second texture.
31. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein the second
texture includes a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a
surface of the textile.
32. An article of apparel at least partially formed from an
interwoven textile, the textile comprising: a first yarn that
exhibits a dimensional-transformation upon exposure to water; and a
second yarn that is substantially dimensionally-stable upon
exposure to the water, wherein the textile is formed by
mechanically-manipulating the first yarn and the second yarn, the
textile exhibiting a first structure when unexposed to the water,
and the textile exhibiting the second structure when exposed to the
water due to the dimensional-transformation of the first yarn.
33. The article of apparel recited in claim 32, wherein the
dimensional-transformation of the first yarn increases dimensions
of the first yarn.
34. The article of apparel recited in claim 32, wherein the first
yarn and the second yarn define openings in the textile, the
openings exhibiting a first area when the first yarn and the second
yarn are unexposed to the water, and the openings exhibiting a
second area when the first yarn and the second yarn are exposed to
the water to modify the structure of the textile.
35. The article of apparel recited in claim 34, wherein the first
area is greater than the second area to decrease a permeability of
the textile when the first yarn and the second yarn are exposed to
the water.
36. The article of apparel recited in claim 34, wherein the first
area is less than the second area to increase a permeability of the
textile when the first yarn and the second yarn are exposed to the
water.
37. The article of apparel recited in claim 36, wherein at least a
portion of the yarns exhibit an undulating configuration.
38. The article of apparel recited in claim 32, wherein the first
yarn is both weft yarns and warp yarns, and the second yarn is both
weft yarns and warp yarns.
39. The article of apparel recited in claim 32, wherein the first
yarn is one of weft yarns and warp yarns, and the second yarn is
another of weft yarns and warp yarns.
40. An article of apparel at least partially formed from an
interlooped textile, the textile comprising a yarn that exhibits a
dimensional-transformation upon exposure to water, the yarn having
a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the water, and the yarn
having a second set of dimensions when exposed to the water, a
structure of the textile being modified by exposing the textile to
the water such that the yarns transform from the first set of
dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change a
permeability of the textile.
41. The article of apparel recited in claim 40, wherein the yarn
defines openings in the textile, the openings exhibiting a first
area when the yarn is unexposed to the water, and the openings
exhibiting a second area when the yarn is exposed to the water to
modify the structure of the textile.
42. The article of apparel recited in claim 41, wherein the first
area is less than the second area to increase the permeability of
the textile when the yarns are exposed to the water.
43. The article of apparel recited in claim 40, wherein the
structure of the textile exhibits a first texture when the yarn is
unexposed to the water, and the structure of the textile exhibits a
second texture when the yarn is exposed to the water to modify the
structure of the textile.
44. The article of apparel recited in claim 43, wherein the first
texture is smoother than the second texture.
45. The article of apparel recited in claim 43, wherein the second
texture includes a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a
surface of the textile.
46. An article of apparel at least partially formed from an
interlooped textile, the textile comprising: a first yarn that
exhibits a dimensional-transformation upon exposure to water, the
first yarn having a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the
water, and the first yarn having a second set of dimensions when
exposed to the water; and a second yarn that is substantially
dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the water, the textile having
a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first yarn
being substantially concentrated at the first surface, a structure
of the textile being modified by exposing the textile to the water
such that the first yarn transform from the first set of dimensions
to the second set of dimensions to form a plurality of nodes on the
first surface.
47. The article of apparel recited in claim 46, wherein the first
yarn and the second yarn are mechanically-manipulated to form a
double knit structure.
48. The article of apparel recited in claim 46, wherein the second
texture includes a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a
surface of the textile.
49. The article of apparel recited in claim 46, wherein the nodes
impart a texture to the textile on the first surface.
50. An article of apparel at least partially formed from an
interwoven textile, the textile comprising: a first yarn that
exhibits an increasing dimensional-transformation upon exposure to
water; and a second yarn that is substantially dimensionally-stable
upon exposure to the water, wherein the textile is formed by
mechanically-manipulating the yarns to form a plurality of openings
between the yarns, the openings having a first area when the yarns
are unexposed to the water, and the openings having a second area
when the yarns are exposed to the water due to the
dimensional-transformation of the first yarn, the second area being
greater than the first area to increase a permeability of the
textile.
51. The article of apparel recited in claim 50, wherein at least a
portion of the yarns exhibit an undulating configuration.
52. The article of apparel recited in claim 50, wherein the first
yarn is both weft yarns and warp yarns, and the second yarn is both
weft yarns and warp yarns.
53. The article of apparel recited in claim 50, wherein the first
yarn is one of weft yarns and warp yarns, and the second yarn is
another of weft yarns and warp yarns.
54. A method of manufacturing an article of apparel from a textile,
the method comprising steps of: selecting a first yarn with a first
degree of water absorbency and a first degree of
dimensional-transformation upon exposure to water; selecting a
second yarn with a second degree of water absorbency and a second
degree of dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the water;
mechanically-manipulating the first yarn and the second yarn to
form a textile with a structure that is modified from a first
structure to a second structure upon exposure to the water to
change a property of the textile.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to apparel. The invention
concerns, more particularly, an article of apparel that
incorporates a textile with a structure that changes or is
otherwise modified by a physical stimulus, such as the presence of
water, to modify a property of the textile. The invention has
application, for example, to articles of apparel intended for use
during athletic activities.
[0003] 2. Description of Background Art
[0004] Articles of apparel designed for use during athletic
activities generally exhibit characteristics that enhance the
performance or comfort of an individual. For example, apparel may
incorporate an elastic textile that provides a relatively tight
fit, thereby imparting the individual with a lower profile that
minimizes wind resistance. Apparel may also be formed from a
textile that wicks moisture away from the individual in order to
reduce the quantity of perspiration that accumulates adjacent to
the skin. Furthermore, apparel may incorporate materials that are
specifically selected for particular environmental conditions.
[0005] The characteristics of the textiles that are incorporated
into apparel are generally selected based upon the specific
activity for which the apparel is intended to be used. A textile
that minimizes wind resistance, for example, may be suitable for
activities where speed is a primary concern. Similarly, a textile
that reduces the quantity of perspiration that accumulates adjacent
to the skin may be most appropriate for athletic activities
commonly associated with a relatively high degree of exertion.
Accordingly, textiles may be selected to enhance the performance or
comfort of individuals engaged in specific athletic activities.
[0006] Textiles may be defined as any manufacture from fibers,
filaments, or yarns characterized by flexibility, fineness, and a
high ratio of length to thickness. Textiles generally fall into two
categories. The first category includes textiles produced directly
from webs of fibers by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to
construct non-woven fabrics and felts. The second category includes
textiles formed through a mechanical manipulation of yarn, thereby
producing a woven fabric.
[0007] Yarn is the raw material utilized to form textiles in the
second category and may be defined as an assembly having a
substantial length and relatively small cross-section that is
formed from at least one filament or a plurality of fibers. Fibers
have a relatively short length and require spinning or twisting
processes to produce a yarn of suitable length for use in textiles.
Common examples of fibers are cotton and wool. Filaments, however,
have an indefinite length and may merely be combined with other
filaments to produce a yarn suitable for use in textiles. Modem
filaments include a plurality of synthetic materials such as rayon,
nylon, polyester, and polyacrylic, with silk being the primary,
naturally-occurring exception. Yarn may be formed from a single
filament or a plurality of individual filaments grouped together.
Yarn may also include separate filaments formed from different
materials, or the yarn may include filaments that are each formed
from two or more different materials. Similar concepts also apply
to yarns formed from fibers. Accordingly, yarns may have a variety
of configurations that generally conform to the definition provided
above.
[0008] The various techniques for mechanically manipulating yarn
into a textile include interweaving, intertwining and twisting, and
interlooping. Interweaving is the intersection of two yarns that
cross and interweave at substantially right angles to each other.
The yarns utilized in interweaving are conventionally referred to
as warp and weft. Intertwining and twisting encompasses procedures
such as braiding and knotting where yarns intertwine with each
other to form a textile. Interlooping involves the formation of a
plurality of columns of intermeshed loops, with knitting being the
most common method of interlooping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is an article of apparel that includes
a textile with at least one property that changes upon exposure to
a physical stimulus. The textile has a modifiable structure formed
from yarns that exhibit a dimensional-transformation upon exposure
to the physical stimulus. The yarns have a first set of dimensions
when unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yarns have a
second set of dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus. The
structure of the textile is modified by exposing the textile to the
physical stimulus such that the yarns transform from the first set
of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the
property of the textile. The yarns may be formed from a material
that exhibits the dimensional-transformation upon exposure to
water. Accordingly, the physical stimulus may be water. In some
embodiments, the physical stimulus may also be heat, light, or
moving air, for example.
[0010] The textile may be formed through an interweaving process
wherein the yarns define openings in the textile. The openings
exhibit a first area when the yarns are unexposed to the physical
stimulus, and the openings exhibit a second area when the yarns are
exposed to the physical stimulus. The area of the openings may
determine, for example the permeability of the textile.
Accordingly, when the first area is greater than the second area,
the permeability of the textile is decreased upon exposure to the
physical stimulus. Furthermore, when the first area is less than
the second area, the permeability of the textile is increased upon
exposure to the physical stimulus. In some embodiments, the yarns
may exhibit an undulating configuration to increase the
permeability upon exposure to the physical stimulus.
[0011] A substantial portion of the textile may be formed from the
yarn. Alternately, a first portion of the yarns may exhibit the
dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus,
and a second portion of the yarns may remain dimensionally-stable
upon exposure to the physical stimulus.
[0012] The textile may also be formed through an interlooping
process. In some embodiments, the yarns define openings in the
textile. The openings may exhibit a first area when the yarns are
unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the openings may exhibit a
second area when the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus,
thereby affecting the permeability of the textile. In other
embodiments, the structure of the textile may exhibit a first
texture when the yarns are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and
the structure of the textile may exhibit a second texture when the
yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus. The first texture may
be, for example, smoother than the second texture, and the second
texture may include a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a
surface of the textile.
[0013] The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the
present 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the
following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better
understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an article of apparel incorporating
a first textile structure in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the first textile
structure in an unexposed state.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the portion of the first textile
structure in an exposed state.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of a second textile
structure in an unexposed state.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the portion of the second textile
structure in an exposed state.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a third textile
structure in an unexposed state.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the portion of the third textile
structure in an exposed state.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of a fourth textile
structure in an unexposed state.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the portion of the fourth textile
structure in an exposed state.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of a fifth textile
structure in an unexposed state.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the portion of the fifth textile
structure in an exposed state.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a portion of a sixth textile
structure in an unexposed state.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a larger portion of the
sixth textile structure in the unexposed state.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the portion of the sixth textile
structure in an exposed state.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the larger portion of
the sixth textile structure in the exposed state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Introduction
[0031] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose
an article of apparel 10 in accordance with the present invention.
Apparel 10 is depicted in FIG. 1 as having the general
configuration of a conventional short-sleeved shirt. One skilled in
the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various textiles
disclosed in the following material may be incorporated into
articles of apparel exhibiting a variety of configurations,
including long-sleeved shirts, headwear, coats, jackets, pants,
underwear, gloves, socks, and footwear, for example. Accordingly,
the various concepts disclosed in the following discussion and
accompanying figures with respect to apparel 10 may be utilized in
connection with a variety of apparel configurations.
[0032] The primary elements of apparel 10 include a torso portion
11 and two arm portions 12a and 12b. Torso portion 11 corresponds
with a torso of an individual and, therefore, covers the torso when
worn. Similarly, arm portions 12a and 12b respectively correspond
with a right arm and a left arm of the individual and cover the
arms when worn. Apparel 10 exhibits, therefore, the general
configuration of a conventional long-sleeved shirt. In contrast
with the conventional long-sleeved shirt, however, apparel 10 is at
least partially formed from a textile with a structure that is
modified by a physical stimulus, thereby changing properties of the
textile. For example, the permeability or texture of the textiles
may change when exposed to water, increased temperature, or moving
air (i.e., wind). Accordingly, the structures of the textiles may
be modified in order to provide apparel 10 with different
properties. The following material discloses a variety of textiles
with a structure that is modified by a physical stimulus in order
to change the properties of the textile or apparel 10.
[0033] First Textile Structure
[0034] A portion of a textile 20 that is suitable for apparel 10 is
disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 3. Textile 20 has the structure of an
interwoven material that includes a plurality of weft yarns 21 and
a plurality of warp yarns 22. Textile 20 may be formed, therefore,
by mechanically manipulating yarns 21 and 22 thorough an
interweaving process, which involves crossing and interweaving
yarns 21 and 22 at substantially right angles to each other. The
process of crossing and interweaving yarns 21 and 22 at
substantially right angles to each other forms a plurality of
discrete openings 23 that are located between the various yarns 21
and 22.
[0035] Each of yarns 21 and 22 are formed from one or more
filaments or fibers that experience a dimensional-transformation
when exposed to a specific physical stimulus. In other words, the
dimensions (i.e., length and thickness, for example) of yarns 21
and 22 change when textile 20 is in the presence of the physical
stimulus. The dimensional-transformation of yarns 21 and 22 has an
effect upon the structure of textile 20. More particularly, the
dimensional-transformation of yarns 21 and 22 modifies the
structure of textile 20, thereby changing the properties of textile
20. Accordingly, exposing textile 20 to the physical stimulus has
the effect of changing the properties of textile 20, thereby
changing the properties of apparel 10.
[0036] The manner in which exposing textile 20 to a physical
stimulus has an effect upon the properties of textile 20 will now
be discussed. With reference to FIG. 2, textile 20 is depicted in
an unexposed state, in which yarns 21 and 22 are not exposed to the
physical stimulus. With reference to FIG. 3, however, textile 20 is
depicted in an exposed state, in which yarns 21 and 22 are exposed
to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, yarns 21 and 22
exhibit dimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the
area of each opening 23 is relatively large. In the exposed state,
however, yarns 21 and 22 exhibit a greater thickness, which
decreases the area of each opening 23. That is, exposing yarns 21
and 22 to the physical stimulus causes yarns 21 and 22 to increase
in thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 23 and
modifies the structure of textile 20.
[0037] The modification in the structure of textile 20 (i.e.,
decreasing the area of openings 23) changes the properties of
textile 20. In the unexposed state, each opening 23 is relatively
large. In the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 23
is decreased, which decreases the overall permeability of textile
20 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the
smaller area of each opening 23 in the exposed state decreases the
ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate or
otherwise extend through textile 20. Accordingly, exposing textile
20 to a physical stimulus changes the permeability properties of
textile 20, thereby changing the permeability properties of apparel
10.
[0038] Various physical stimuli may induce a
dimensional-transformation of yarns 21 and 22, including the
presence of water (whether in a liquid or gaseous state), increased
temperature, or moving air, for example. With regard to water, many
materials exhibit a tendency to absorb water and swell or otherwise
transform dimensionally. The dimensional-transformatio- n may occur
relatively rapidly due to immersion or contact with liquid water.
In addition, the dimensional-transformation may occur relatively
slowly due to a prolonged exposure to air with a relative humidity
that is greater than 75 percent, for example. Textile 20, and
particularly yarns 21 and 22, may be formed from one or more of
these materials that exhibit a tendency to transform dimensionally
in the presence of a physical stimulus such as water. Furthermore,
yarns 21 and 22 may be formed from materials that transform
dimensionally due to temperature increases or moving air.
[0039] Yarns 21 and 22, as discussed above, may be formed from a
variety of materials that transform dimensionally in the presence
of water. For example, at least a portion of the filaments or
fibers in yarns 21 and 22 may be formed of a moisture-absorptive
polyester material, such as the various moisture-absorptive
polyester materials manufactured by Tejin Fibers Limited of Japan.
In some embodiments, yarns 21 and 22 may be a 75 denier, 72
filament semi-dull textured polyester yarn, and suitable
formulations for the fiber or filament contents of yarns 21 and 22
include: (i) 70 percent generally non-absorptive polyester and 30
percent moisture-absorptive polyester; (ii) 76 percent generally
non-absorptive polyester and 24 percent moisture-absorptive
polyester; (iii) 80 percent generally non-absorptive polyester and
20 percent moisture-absorptive polyester; or (iv) 84 percent
cationic-dyeable polyester that is also generally non-absorptive
and 16 percent moisture-absorptive polyester. Accordingly, the
percentage of the fibers or filaments formed from
moisture-absorptive polyester may vary considerably within the
scope of the present invention, and may also range from 5 percent
to 100 percent in some embodiments. In each of the examples above,
a non-absorptive or otherwise dimensionally-stable polyester fibers
or filaments are combined with a moisture-absorptive polyester
fibers or filaments. Other non-absorptive polymer fibers or
filaments may also be utilized, such as rayon, nylon, and
polyacrylic. In addition, silk, cotton, or wool may be utilized in
yarns 21 and 22. Accordingly, a wide range of materials are
suitable for the various yarns 21 and 22.
[0040] When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 20 may
be utilized to protect or otherwise insulate the individual from
specific environmental conditions. As discussed above, one physical
stimulus that induces a dimensional-transformation in yarns 21 and
22 is water, such as rain. When rain or another source of water
(i.e., the physical stimulus) is not present, textile 20 is in the
unexposed state and exhibits a relatively high permeability that
permits air to freely enter and exit apparel 10, thereby cooling
the individual. When significant quantities of water contact
apparel 10, thereby placing textile 20 in the exposed state,
textile 20 exhibits a relatively low permeability that inhibits the
movement of water through textile 20. More specifically, water in
the form of rain that contacts apparel 10 will cause openings 23 to
decrease in area and limit the quantity of water that enters
apparel 10. When yarns 21 and 22 are formed from a material that
transforms dimensionally in the presence of heat, sunlight or other
heat sources induce openings 23 to decrease in area and limit the
quantity of solar radiation that enters apparel 10. In addition,
moving air in the form of wind may induce openings 23 to decrease
in area to limit the quantity of air that passes through apparel
10. Accordingly, forming textile 20 from yarns 21 and 22 that
transform dimensionally in the presence of one or more physical
stimuli may be utilized to effectively insulate the individual from
specific environmental conditions, such as rain, sunlight, or
wind.
[0041] Based upon the above discussion, textile 20 may be formed
from various yarns 21 and 22 that transform dimensionally in the
presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional-transformation of
yarns 21 and 22 modify the structure of textile 20, thereby
inducing a change in the properties of textile 20. When
incorporated into apparel 10, the change in the properties of
textile 20 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to
insulate the individual from specific environmental conditions,
such as rain, sunlight, or wind. Accordingly, textile 20
effectively adapts to changing environmental conditions in order to
enhance the comfort of the individual wearing apparel 10.
[0042] Second Textile Structure
[0043] With respect to textile 20, both of yarns 21 and 22 are at
least partially formed from materials that transform dimensionally
in the presence of a physical stimulus. In some embodiments,
however, various yarns may be entirely formed from a material that
does not dimensionally transform to a significant degree in the
presence of a physical stimulus. That is, some of the yarns forming
the textile of apparel 10 may be formed from a dimensionally-stable
yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical
stimulus.
[0044] A textile 30 is depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 that includes a
plurality of weft yarns 31a, a plurality of other weft yarns 31b, a
plurality of warp yarns 32a, and a plurality of other warp yarns
32b that define various openings 33. Whereas yarns 31a and 32a are
formed from a material that dimensionally transforms in the
presence of a physical stimulus, yarns 31b and 32b are formed from
a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by
the physical stimulus.
[0045] The manner in which exposing textile 30 to a physical
stimulus has an effect upon the properties of textile 30 will now
be discussed. With reference to FIG. 4, textile 30 is depicted in
an unexposed state, in which yarns 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b are not
exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference to FIG. 5,
however, textile 30 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yarns
31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the
unexposed state, each of yarns 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b exhibit
dimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the area of
each opening 33 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however,
yarns 31a and 32a exhibit a greater thickness, which decreases the
area of each opening 33. That is, exposing yarns 31a and 32a to the
physical stimulus causes yarns 31a and 32a to increase in
thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 33 and modifies
the structure of textile 30. As discussed above, yarns 31b and 32b
are formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not
significantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly, 31b
and 32b do not transform dimensionally when exposed to the physical
stimulus.
[0046] The modification in the structure of textile 30 (i.e.,
decreasing the area of openings 33) changes the properties of
textile 30. In the unexposed state, each opening 33 is relatively
large. In the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 33
is decreased, which decreases the overall permeability of textile
30 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the
smaller area of each opening 33 in the exposed state decreases the
ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate through
textile 30. Accordingly, exposing textile 30 to a physical stimulus
changes the permeability properties of textile 30. Given that
textile 30 may replace textile 20 in apparel 10, exposing textile
30 to a physical stimulus may be utilized to effectively change the
permeability properties of apparel 10.
[0047] An advantage of forming yarns 31b and 32b from a
dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the
physical stimulus relates to the dimensional stability of textile
30. Yarns 31b and 32b form a web in textile 30 that does not
significantly change dimensions when exposed to the physical
stimulus. Whereas yarns 31a and 32a transform dimensionally, yarns
31b and 32b remain dimensionally-stable (i.e., in their original
dimensions). Accordingly, yarns 31b and 32b may be utilized to
ensure that the shape and dimensions of textile 30 are retained,
despite the dimensional-transformation of yarns 31a and 32a.
[0048] Third Textile Structure
[0049] Another potential configuration for the textile that forms
at least a portion of apparel 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7, in
which a plurality of weft yarns 41 and a plurality of warp yarns 42
define various openings 43. Whereas weft yarns 41 are formed from a
material that dimensionally transforms in the presence of a
physical stimulus, warp yarns 42 are formed from a
dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the
physical stimulus. Accordingly, weft yarns 41 do not substantially
change dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus.
[0050] Exposing textile 40 to a physical stimulus modifies the
structure of textile 40, which has an effect upon the properties of
textile 40. With reference to FIG. 6, textile 40 is depicted in an
unexposed state, in which yarns 41 and 42 are not exposed to the
physical stimulus. With reference to FIG. 7, however, textile 40 is
depicted in an exposed state, in which yarns 41 and 42 are exposed
to the physical stimulus. As with textiles 20 and 30, exposing
yarns 41 and 42 to the physical stimulus causes yarns 41 to
increase in thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 43
and modifies the structure of textile 40. The modification in the
structure of textile 40 (i.e., decreasing the area of openings 43)
changes the properties of textile 40. In the unexposed state, each
opening 33 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however, the
area of each opening 33 is decreased, which decreases the overall
permeability of textile 30 to water, light, and moving air, for
example. Given that textile 40 may replace textile 20 in apparel
10, exposing textile 40 to a physical stimulus may be utilized to
effectively change the permeability properties of apparel 10. As
with textile 30, forming warp yarns 42 from a dimensionally-stable
yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus
ensures that the shape and dimensions of textile 40 are retained,
despite the dimensional-transformation of weft yarns 41.
[0051] Fourth Textile Structure
[0052] The configurations of textiles 20, 30, and 40 may be
utilized to protect or otherwise insulate the individual from
specific environmental conditions. As discussed above, the
dimensional-transformation of various yarns induces the openings
between the yarns to decrease in area. The decrease in area
decreases the permeability of textiles 20, 30, and 40, thereby
permitting less rain, sunlight, or wind to enter apparel 10. It may
be desirable in some situations, however, to increase the
permeability of the textile forming apparel 10. For example,
increasing the permeability may be utilized to increase air flow
through the textile forming apparel 10, thereby enhancing the
removal of perspiration from the individual.
[0053] A textile 50 with the structure of an interwoven material
that includes a plurality of weft yarns 51, a plurality of warp
yarns 52a, and a plurality of warp yarns 52b is depicted in FIGS. 8
and 9. Textile 50 may be formed, therefore, by mechanically
manipulating yarns 51, 52a, and 52b thorough an interweaving
process, which involves crossing and interweaving weft yarns 51 at
substantially right angles to yarns 52a and 52b. The process of
crossing and interweaving weft yarns 51 at substantially right
angles to yarns 52a and 52b forms a plurality of discrete openings
53.
[0054] Whereas yarns 52a are formed from a material that
dimensionally transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus,
yarns 51 and 52b are formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that
is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. In
addition, warp yarns 52a exhibit an undulating or otherwise wavy
configuration, whereas yarns 51 and 52b are relatively
straight.
[0055] The manner in which exposing textile 50 to a physical
stimulus has an effect upon the properties of textile 50 will now
be discussed. With reference to FIG. 8, textile 50 is depicted in
an unexposed state, in which yarns 51, 52a, and 52b are not exposed
to the physical stimulus. With reference to FIG. 9, however,
textile 50 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yarns 51, 52a,
and 52b are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed
state, yarns 51, 52a, and 52b exhibit dimensions with a relatively
narrow thickness such that the area of each opening 53 is
relatively small. In the exposed state, however, warp yarns 52a
exhibit a greater thickness and a greater degree of undulation,
which increases the area of each opening 53. That is, exposing
yarns 51, 52a, and 52b to the physical stimulus causes warp yarns
52a to increase in thickness and degree of undulation, which
increases the area of each opening 53 and modifies the structure of
textile 50.
[0056] The modification in the structure of textile 50 (i.e.,
increasing the area of openings 53) changes the properties of
textile 50. In the unexposed state, each opening 53 is relatively
small. In the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 53
is increased, which increases the overall permeability of textile
50 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the
greater area of each opening 53 in the exposed state increases the
ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate through
textile 50. Accordingly, exposing textile 50 to a physical stimulus
increases the permeability properties of textile 50, thereby
increasing the permeability properties of apparel 10.
[0057] When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 50 may
be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the
individual, for example. Based upon the above discussion,
therefore, textile 50 may be formed from various warp yarns 52a
that transform dimensionally and in degree of undulation in the
presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional-transformation of
warp yarns 52a modifies the structure of textile 50, thereby
inducing a change in the properties of textile 50. When
incorporated into apparel 10, the change in the properties of
textile 50 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to
cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual.
Accordingly, textile 50 effectively adapts to changing perspiration
levels of the individual in order to enhance the comfort of the
individual wearing apparel 10.
[0058] Fifth Textile Structure
[0059] Each of textiles 20, 30, 40, and 50 are formed thorough an
interweaving process, which involves crossing and interweaving weft
yarns and warp yarns at substantially right angles to each other. A
textile that adapts to changing perspiration levels of the
individual, for example, in order to enhance the comfort of the
individual may also be formed through other methods of
mechanically-manipulating yarns. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a
textile 60 that is formed through an interlooping process is
disclosed. Interlooping involves the formation of a plurality of
columns of intermeshed loops, with knitting being the most common
method of interlooping. Textile 60 includes a plurality of courses
(i.e., a row of needle loops produced by adjacent needles during
the knitting cycle) and a plurality of wales (i.e., a column of
intermeshed needle loops generally produced by the same needle the
knits at successive knitting cycles) that are formed from a yarn
61.
[0060] Yarn 61 is formed from a material that dimensionally
transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus. More
particularly, the dimensions of yarn 61 (i.e., length and
thickness, for example) may increase in the presence of the
physical stimulus. When exposed to a physical stimulus, yarn 61
dimensionally-transforms in both length and thickness. Although an
increase thickness would appear to decrease the area of each
opening 62, the associated increase in length separates the various
portions of yarn 61 to a greater degree and actually increases the
area of each opening 63. That is, the increase in thickness has a
greater effect upon the area of openings 63 than the increase in
thickness, thereby increasing the overall area of each opening 63.
When exposed to the physical stimulus, therefore, the permeability
of textile 60 may increase.
[0061] The manner in which exposing textile 60 to a physical
stimulus has an effect upon the properties of textile 60 will now
be discussed in greater detail. With reference to FIG. 10, textile
60 is depicted in an unexposed state, in which yarn 61 is not
exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference to FIG. 11,
however, textile 60 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yarn
61 is exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, the
area of each opening 63 is relatively small. In the exposed state,
however, yarn 61 exhibits a greater thickness and a greater length.
As discussed above, the increase in length dominates the increase
in thickness in order to increase the overall area of each opening
63. That is, exposing yarn 60 to the physical stimulus causes yarn
60 to increase in length, which increases the area of each opening
63 and modifies the structure of textile 60.
[0062] The modification in the structure of textile 60 (i.e.,
increasing the area of openings 63) changes the properties of
textile 60. In the unexposed state, each opening 63 is relatively
small. In the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 63
is increased, which increases the overall permeability of textile
60 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the
greater area of each opening 63 in the exposed state increases the
ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate through
textile 60. Accordingly, exposing textile 60 to a physical stimulus
increases the permeability properties of textile 60, thereby
increasing the permeability properties of apparel 10.
[0063] When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 60 may
be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the
individual, for example. Based upon the above discussion,
therefore, textile 60 may be formed from yarn 61, which transforms
dimensionally and in degree of undulation in the presence of a
physical stimulus. The dimensional-transformation of yarn 61
modifies the structure of textile 60, thereby inducing a change in
the properties of textile 60. When incorporated into apparel 10,
the change in the properties of textile 60 when exposed to the
physical stimulus may be utilized to cool the individual and remove
perspiration from the individual. Accordingly, textile 60
effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of the
individual in order to enhance the comfort of the individual
wearing apparel 10.
[0064] Sixth Textile Structure
[0065] Increasing or decreasing the area of openings between the
various yarns that form a textile is one manner in which the
structure of the textile may be modified in order to change the
properties (i.e., permeability) of the textile. In some
embodiments, the texture of the textile may also be modified in
order to change the properties of the textile. Referring to FIGS.
12-15, a textile 70 is disclosed. Textile 70 is formed from a yarn
71 and a yarn 72 through an interlooping process. As will be
described in greater detail below, the texture of textile 70
changes from being relatively smooth to having a plurality of nodes
73 that form a separation between the individual and textile 70.
Nodes 73 effectively hold textile 70 away from the individual and
permit air to flow between textile 70 and the individual, thereby
increasing removal of perspiration. In order to form textile 70,
yarns 71 and 72 are mechanically-manipulated through a circular
knitting process to form textile 70 with a double knit structure.
In some embodiments, three or more yarns may be utilized to form
textile 70, and a variety of other knit structures in addition to
the double knit structure may be utilized.
[0066] Whereas yarn 71 is formed from a material that dimensionally
transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus, yarn 72 is
formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly
affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly, yarn 71
substantially changes dimensions when exposed to the physical
stimulus. Yarn 71 extends through the structure formed by yarn 72
and is primarily positioned on one side of textile 70. That is, the
position of yarn 71 is concentrated on one side of textile 70. When
exposed to the physical stimulus, yarn 71 transforms dimensionally,
whereas yarn 72 remains dimensionally-stable. The dimensions of
yarn 71 increase when exposed to the physical stimulus and form a
plurality of nodes 73 on one side of textile 70. That is, the
concentrated areas of yarn 71 expand when exposed to the physical
stimulus and form nodes 73.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 12 and 13, textile 70 is depicted in
an unexposed state, in which yarns 71 and 72 are not exposed to the
physical stimulus. With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, however,
textile 70 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yarns 71 and
72 are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state,
textile 70 exhibits a relatively smooth texture. In the exposed
state, however, textile 70 exhibits greater texture due to the
presence of the plurality of nodes 73. That is, exposing yarn 71 to
the physical stimulus forms nodes 73 on one side of textile 70 and
causes textile 70 to increase in texture, which modifies the
structure of textile 70.
[0068] The modification in the structure of textile 70 changes the
properties of textile 70. In the unexposed state, textile 70 is
relatively smooth and significantly contacts the individual. In the
exposed state, however, the texture of textile 70 is increased
through the formation of nodes 73, which forms a separation between
the individual and textile 70. That is, nodes 73 effectively hold
textile 70 away from the individual and permit air to flow between
textile 70 and the individual, thereby increasing the rate at which
perspiration is removed. Exposing textile 70 to a physical stimulus
increases the texture of textile 70, thereby increasing the texture
properties of apparel 10. Accordingly, textile 70 effectively
adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual in order
to enhance the comfort of the individual wearing apparel 10.
CONCLUSION
[0069] Based upon the above discussion, various textiles may be
formed from yarns that transform dimensionally in the presence of a
physical stimulus. The dimensional-transformation of the yarns
modifies the structures of the textiles, thereby inducing a change
in the properties of textiles. When incorporated into an article of
apparel, the change in the properties of the textiles when exposed
to the physical stimulus may be utilized to insulate the individual
from specific environmental conditions or adapts to changing
perspiration levels of the individual, for example. Accordingly,
the present invention relates to textiles that effectively adapt to
enhance the comfort of the individual wearing the apparel.
[0070] The present 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.
* * * * *