U.S. patent application number 14/095457 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-04 for knitted band with integrated ventilation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nike, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Nike, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christian Darby.
Application Number | 20150152578 14/095457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52232432 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150152578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Darby; Christian |
June 4, 2015 |
Knitted Band With Integrated Ventilation
Abstract
Aspects of the present invention are directed toward a knitted
band that may be incorporated into a garment that encircles or
partially encircles one or more body regions of a wearer in an
as-worn position. The knitted band has a plurality of functional
zones that integrally knit together. One of the functional zones
facilitates ventilation that helps cool the wearer.
Inventors: |
Darby; Christian; (Lake
Oswego, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nike, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Nike, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
52232432 |
Appl. No.: |
14/095457 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
66/171 ;
66/202 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D04B 1/104 20130101;
D04B 1/243 20130101; A41D 31/14 20190201; A41F 9/00 20130101; D04B
1/123 20130101; D04B 1/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D04B 1/24 20060101
D04B001/24; D04B 1/18 20060101 D04B001/18 |
Claims
1. A knitted band comprising: a body comprising an inner face, an
opposite outer face, a top edge, and an opposite bottom edge, the
inner face configured as to be oriented closer to a wearer's skin
than the outer face when the knitted band encircles a portion of a
wearer in an as-worn position; a structural zone within the body;
and a ventilation zone within the body, wherein both the structural
zone and the ventilation zone are integrally knit by dropping
different yarns into and out of a single knitting event that is
used to form both the structural zone and the ventilation zone.
2. The knitted band of claim 1, wherein the structural zone and the
ventilation zone are made of different yarn or yarn
combinations.
3. The knitted band of claim 1, wherein the ventilation zone has a
first texture at the outer face that is different from a second
texture at the outer face of the structural zone.
4. The knitted band of claim 1, wherein the ventilation zone is
comprised of a first yarn or a first yarn combination that produces
a first fabric with a higher moisture vapor transmission rate than
a second fabric produced by a second yarn or a second yarn
combination that comprises the structural zone.
5. The knitted band of claim 1, wherein the ventilation zone is
knit using a first stitch pattern that is more open than a second
stitch used to knit the structural zone.
6. The knitted band of claim 1, wherein the ventilation zone is
knit from a first yarn having different elastic properties from a
second yarn used to knit the structural zone.
7. The knitted band of claim 1, wherein the knitted band is
configured to encircle one or more of a waist, an ankle, a wrist, a
torso, a leg, an arm, and a neck.
8. The knitted band of claim 1, wherein a portion of the bottom
edge gradually curves in a direction away from the top edge as the
bottom edge extends from an anterior location toward a posterior
location to form at least one flared section in the knitted
band.
9. The knitted band of claim 1, further comprising a knit tunnel
zone within the body that defines an open-ended enclosure between
the inner face and the outer face that is adapted to hold a tension
cable within the body.
10. A knitted band comprising, a body comprising an inner face, an
opposite outer face, a top edge, and an opposite bottom edge, the
inner face configured to be oriented closer to a wearer's skin than
the outer face when the knitted band encircles a portion of a
wearer in an as-worn position; a structural zone within the body; a
ventilation zone within the body; and a knit tunnel zone extending
through at least part of the body, the knit tunnel zone defining an
open-ended enclosure between the inner face and the outer face that
is adapted to hold a tension cable within the body, wherein the
structural zone, the ventilation zone, and the knit tunnel zone are
integrally knit by dropping different yarns into and out of a
single knitting event and by alternating knit stitch patterns used
during the single knitting event.
11. The knitted band of claim 10, wherein the ventilation zone has
a first texture at the outer face that is different from a second
texture of the structural zone at the outer face.
12. The knitted band of claim 10, further comprising the tension
cable within the knit tunnel zone and a drawstring attached to the
tension cable.
13. The knitted band of claim 12, wherein the knitted band
comprises a seam that joins both ends of the body to form a band
and wherein the tension cable is anchored near the seam.
14. The knitted band of claim 10, wherein the ventilation zone is
knit from a first yarn having different elastic properties from a
second yarn used to knit the structural zone.
15. A knit waistband comprising, a body comprising an inner face,
an opposite outer face, a top edge, and an opposite bottom edge,
the inner face configured to be oriented closer to a wearer's skin
than the outer face when the knitted band encircles a portion of a
wearer in an as-worn position; a structural zone within the body; a
ventilation zone within the body; and a seam that joins both ends
of the body to form a band, wherein the structural zone and the
ventilation zone are integrally knit by dropping different yarns
into and out of a single knitting event and by alternating knit
stitch patterns used during the single knitting event.
16. The knit waistband of claim 15, further comprising: a knit
tunnel zone running through at least part of the body in a
direction substantially parallel to the top edge, the knit tunnel
zone defining an open-ended enclosure between the inner face and
the outer face that is adapted to hold a tension cable within the
body.
17. The knit waistband of claim 16, wherein the seam is located at
a posterior location that is adapted to be proximate a wearer's
back when in the as-worn position and wherein the tension cable is
anchored near the seam.
18. The knit waistband of claim 15, wherein the seam is located at
an anterior location that is adapted to be proximate a wearer's
front when in the as-worn position.
19. The knit waistband of claim 15, further comprising an
attachment zone along the bottom edge, the attachment zone adapted
for connection to an apparel item.
20. The knit waistband of claim 15, further comprising two flared
sections each of which is integrally formed in the body and
configured to contact one of a wearer's hips when in the as-worn
position, the two flared sections formed by the bottom edge curving
in a direction away from the top edge as the bottom edge extends
from an anterior location toward a posterior location.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to a knitted band (e.g., a
waistband) that can be incorporated into an article of
clothing.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Sweat evaporation from a person's skin is an important
cooling mechanism during exertion. Typically, in a given set of
environmental conditions, a person will perspire at an increased
rate with increasing exertion. Perspiration rate may be exacerbated
by the fact that skin temperatures can become progressively warmer
with tighter-fitting garments. Sweat-saturated garments are not
only uncomfortable to the wearer but can adversely affect thermal
regulation. Moisture management is the ability of a fabric to
transport sweat away from the body in order to keep the wearer dry
and comfortable. Elastic textiles are well-suited for incorporation
into many active-wear garments because such textiles easily stretch
to accommodate the movement of the wearer. Despite its benefits,
some elastic textiles may have poor moisture management.
SUMMARY
[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter. The present invention is defined by the
claims.
[0006] Aspects of invention are directed toward a knitted band that
is designed to increase air and moisture flow through the band. The
increased air and moisture flow can help keep a person cooler and
drier, especially during athletic activity. Integral ventilation
zones within the knitted band facilitate the passage of air and
moisture through the band. The ventilation zones are knit using a
stitch and yarn or yarn combination that form small openings
through which air and moisture pass with less resistance than in
other zones. For example, thinner thread and a more open-stitched
pattern may be used to form a ventilation zone. Other functional
zones in the knitted band can include structural zones, attachment
zones, and knit tunnel zones.
[0007] The knitted band may be incorporated into one or more
garments at one or more locations. In some examples, the knitted
band may be incorporated into pants, shorts, socks, shin guards,
sport bras, shirts, undergarments, and the like. The knitted band
may therefore be incorporated into a cuff, an arm portion, a leg
portion, a torso portion, a chest band portion, a collar portion, a
waist portion, an ankle portion, a sleeve portion, or any other
portion of a garment that encircles or partially encircles the
wearer.
[0008] In one aspect, the knitted band includes flared sections
that help the knitted band conform to the wearer. The flare is
formed by the bottom edge curving away from the top edge as the
bottom edge extends from an anterior location towards a posterior
location. Similarly, the flare may also be defined by the bottom
edge extending away from the top edge in a substantially linear
manner as the bottom edge extends from a posterior location toward
an anterior location. The flare of the knitted band increases the
band's surface area and thus the space available to add or increase
the size of the ventilation zones, in an exemplary aspect.
[0009] In one aspect, one or more cables run through the knitted
band. The cables may be thread through openings in the band. In
another aspect, the cables run through knit tunnel zones integrally
knit into the band between an inner and outer face of the band. The
knit tunnel zones comprise open-ended elongated enclosures that
resemble tunnels. The cables can provide structure to the knitted
band and be used to adjust a tightness of the band. In one aspect,
the cables attach to drawstrings that are used to tighten or loosen
the cables.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Examples are described in detail below with reference to the
attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a knitted band in
accordance with an example of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a cross section view of the knitted band of
FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a ventilation zone pattern of the knitted
band of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a knitted band with a back seam, tension
cables, and a drawstring, attached to an apparel item, in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a knitted band with a back seam attached to
an apparel item, in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a knitted band with no seam attached to an
apparel item, in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention; and
[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of an additional
knitted band in accordance with an example of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Aspects of the invention are directed toward a knitted band
that includes one or more ventilation zones to help keep the wearer
cool, especially during exercise. In addition to cooling, the
knitted structure of the band may also include functional zones
that facilitate comfort. Comfort can be facilitated by providing an
appropriate amount of elasticity and a comfortable texture,
especially where the band is likely to contact the skin of the
wearer.
[0019] The knitted band may be incorporated into one or more
garments at one or more locations. In some examples, the knitted
band may be incorporated into pants, shorts, socks, shin guards,
sport bras, shirts, undergarments, and the like. The knitted band
may therefore be incorporated into a cuff, an arm portion, a leg
portion, a torso portion, a chest band portion, a collar portion, a
waist portion, an ankle portion, a sleeve portion, or any other
portion of a garment that encircles or partially encircles the
wearer. As used herein, the phrase "encircles the wearer" means the
knitted band encircles any part of the wearer including the
wearer's waist, arm, head, neck, leg, wrist, and such.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a knitted band having multiple functional
zones, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
Various knitting techniques can be used to form the band including
warp knitting, stitch-bonding, weft knitting, flat knitting, and
any other suitable technique. Variations in yarns and knots
employed within the different knitting techniques may be used to
generate different functional zones. The band body 100 has an inner
face (i.e., a surface that faces toward a wearer in an as-worn
position) and an outer face (i.e., a surface that faces away from a
wearer in an as-worn position). The band body 100 has a length 102
from a first end 104 to a second end 106. The body includes a top
edge 108 and a bottom edge 109. The top edge 108 and the bottom
edge 109 form the longitudinal sides of the band body 100 when the
band body is in a lengthwise orientation. The top edge 108 may be
located above (e.g., superior location) the bottom edge 109 in an
as-worn position, for example when the knitted band is a
waistband.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates four functional zones within a band body
100 of the knitted band. The structural zones are a single category
of functional zones, but variation between structural zones is
possible. Three different structural zones are illustrated in FIG.
1. The structural zones include an upper structural zone 110,
medial structural zones 120, and a lower structural zone 140. The
upper structural zone 110 is located along and forms the top edge
108 of the band body 100. The medial structural zones 120 run
between the upper structural zone 110 and the lower structural zone
140. The lower structural zone 140 runs near the bottom edge
109.
[0022] In one aspect, the upper structural zone 110 has a first
texture that is different from the lower structural zone's 140
second texture. The medial structural zones 120 may comprise a
third texture different from the first and second texture.
Different textures can be created by using different yarn or yarn
combination and different stitches or combination of stitches to
knit the fabric within a zone. The different yarns and stitches may
be employed with different knitting techniques including warp
knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, and any other suitable
technique. A yarn, as used herein is contemplated to include spun
yarn (e.g., S-twist, Z-twist), filament yarns (e.g., monofilament,
multiple filament, twisted, straight), texturized yarns, and the
like. A yarn may also have any weight, texture, or finish. Further,
a yarn may be formed from an organic and/or synthetic material
suitable for forming a knit article.
[0023] The textures may be selected in keeping with the purpose of
the zone. For example, the inner face of upper structural zone 110
can contact the skin of the wearer. Thus, a purpose of the upper
structural zone is to provide comfort, which makes a smooth or
supple texture (e.g., sometimes referred to as a soft hand) a good
choice. For example, the upper structural zone 110 can comprise a
1.times.2 rib knit pattern texture.
[0024] In some aspects, the inner face of the lower structural zone
140 may be in contact with the wearer's undergarment (or any
article of apparel), rather than the wearer's skin. Accordingly,
the texture selected for the lower structural zone 140 need not be
optimized for comfort. Instead, elasticity, breathability,
durability, aesthetic appearance, stitchability, or other factors
may govern a texture chosen for the zone. In one aspect, a
ribbed-mesh pattern stitch texture is used in the lower structural
zone 140.
[0025] The medial structural zones 120 extend between the upper
structural zone 110 and the lower structural zone 140. The medial
structural zones 120 may also be in contact with the wearer's
undergarment, rather than the wearer's skin, in an exemplary
aspect. However, it is also contemplated that the medial structural
zones 120 may, in part, provide a skin contacting surface. For
aspects where the inner surface at the medial structural zone 120
is not a skin-contacting surface, the texture selected for the
lower structural zone 140 need not be optimized for comfort.
Instead, elasticity, breathability, durability, aesthetic
appearance, or other factors may govern a texture chosen for the
zone. In one aspect, a medium-hole mesh stitch pattern texture is
used in the medial structural zones 120. In one aspect, different
medial structural zones 120 may have different textures.
[0026] A purpose of the medial structural zones 120 can be to
provide elasticity. For example, the medial structural zones 120
may provide structure to the waistband that would not be provided
by the ventilation zones; such that upon a deformation, the medial
structural zones 120 help return the waistband to a pre-deformation
state. In one aspect, the medial structural zones comprise greater
elasticity than the ventilation zones.
[0027] The ventilation zones 130, which are a second functional
zone, can be bounded by the various types of structural zones. The
ventilation zones' functional purpose is to allow air and moisture
to pass through the band body 100. The ventilation zones 130 may
have a greater moisture vapor transmission rate ("MVTR") than other
zones to facilitate vapor transmission. As used herein, the
"moisture vapor transmission rate" is measured from the inner face
(i.e., a surface that faces toward a wearer in an as-worn position)
through the band body and out through the outer face (i.e., a
surface that faces away from a wearer in an as-worn position). The
MVTR can be defined by the rate at which water vapor passes through
the band body in grams of water vapor per square meter of fabric
per 24 hour period (g/m2/d), abbreviated herein to "g". In one
aspect, the MVTR of the knitted fabric within the ventilation zones
is 4,000 g or greater, for example, 5,000 g or greater, for
example, 100,000,000,000 g or greater, or for example
10,000,000,000,000,000,000 g or greater. In one aspect, the vapor
transmission rate is established using ASTM F2298-Standard Test
Methods for Water Vapor Diffusion Resistance and Air Flow
Resistance of Clothing Materials Using the Dynamic Moisture
Permeation Cell. The actual MVTR can vary in as-worn conditions as
the actual MVTR can be impacted by humidity difference between the
interior and exterior of the band and other factors.
[0028] The desired MVTR can be produced through yarn selection,
stitch selection, or a combination of both. Accordingly, in one
aspect a yarn or combination of yarns and stitches is used to
create a porous textile with a comparatively high MVTR. In one
aspect, the ventilation zones 130 comprise a large-hole mesh knit
pattern texture. The ventilation zones can have greater MVTR (i.e.,
moisture wicking functionality) than the structural zones or
attachment zones. It is contemplated that a knit stitching pattern
is implemented in this region to result in a more open pattern than
in a structural zone. For example, a mesh-like knit stitch pattern
may be implemented or other void-creating knit stitching patterns
may be used in athletic shorts (e.g., basketball shorts, running
shorts) when exterior water resistance is generally not important.
A closed or non-porous stitch pattern may be used when water
resistance (i.e., prevention of water moving from the exterior to
the interior) is a design consideration. Otherwise much of the
desired MVTR can be created using open stitches that produces a
material with many and/or large pores through which air and vapor
passes.
[0029] The yarn selection can also improve the MVTR. In one aspect,
the ventilation zone is formed using, at least in part, hollow
polyester fibers that wick perspiration from the skin to the
garment surface positioned way from the skin where the perspiration
can evaporate more quickly. In one aspect, the MVTR is mostly a
function of the yarn selection. In other words, aspects of the
invention include ventilation zones comprising few and/or small
pores, but comprising yarns that produce a high MVTR though
wicking. This may produce a fabric with high water resistance and a
high MVTR. This combination may be desirable in outerwear used for
hiking, camping, alpine skiing, and other applications were water
resistance from the exterior is desirable in combination with a
high MVTR.
[0030] The third functional zone is an attachment zone 150. The
attachments zone 150 is used to join the band body 100 to an
article of apparel. For example, the attachment zone 150 can be
used as an attachment zone or coupling zone for the band body 100
to the attached or coupled with a waist portion of a pair of
pants/shorts. For example, it is contemplated that the attachment
zone 150 provides a location for the band body 100 to be stitched
with a portion of an article of apparel. Aspects of the present
invention are not limited to stitching the item of apparel to the
attachment zone. Alternatively, glue or welding may be used to
attach the attachment zone through an apparel item. The attachment
zone can be optimized for one or more attachment methods.
Accordingly, the yarn or yarns and stitch selection can be selected
to produce a textile having the desired attachment
characteristics.
[0031] Knit tunnel zones 160 and 164 are the fourth functional
zones shown in FIG. 1. The knit tunnel zones are open-ended
elongated enclosures between the inner face and the outer face of
the band body 100. The tunnel zones are sized and shaped to receive
tension cables that can be used to provide structure to the band
and to adjust the band's fit to a body part. The tunnel zones can
be created as part of the knitting process used to create the zone
through which the tunnel zones 160 and 164 run. The tunnel zones
160 and 164 run continuously through the band body 100 of the
knitted band in FIG. 1 from the first end 104 to the second end
106, in an exemplary aspect. In this arrangement, the tension cable
is not visible, except at either end of the body (not depicted in
FIG. 1), such as the first end 104 and the second end 106. In
another aspect, the knit tunnel zones run intermittently through
the band, for example with 1-inch gaps between tunnel openings. In
this arrangement, the tension cable is intermittently visible
across the exterior or interior surface of the knitted band.
[0032] The functional zones may be knit from one or more different
yarns, including yarns that have elastic, comparatively high MVTR,
stretchable, pliable and other qualities. The different zones may
be created by using different knit stitching patterns and dropping
different yarns in and out of the pattern, such as at a transition
from one functional zone to a second functional zone. Dropping of a
yarn may include changing from a first yarn type to a second yarn
type, intentionally omitting a particular yarn from a portion of
the knit stitching pattern, or terminating a first yarn at a
portion of the knit stitching pattern. As such, it is contemplated
that a transition from a first zone to a second zone may be
accomplished by a transition in knit stitching pattern/technique
and/or by dropping a yarn. The different combinations of yarns and
knitting patterns generate different textiles to form different
functional zones. As mentioned, the different functional zones may
have different textures and different physical properties.
[0033] In one aspect, all of the functional zones within a knitted
band are integrally knit during a single knitting event. As used
herein, the phrase "integrally knit" means without seams. A seam
connects two separately formed textile portions together using
sewing stitches, glue, or some other connection method. In aspects,
the different functional zones of the body are not separate textile
portions, but are instead one continuous textile formed during a
single knitting event. A transition from one knitting pattern or
yarn combination to another does not constitute a seam.
[0034] A knitted band formed from the band body 100 may include a
seam where the first end 104 is joined with the second end 106 to
form the band. Further, the band body 100 may have a seam between
the attachment zone 150 and an apparel item. Neither of these seams
is within the band body 100 of the knitted band or between
functional zones.
[0035] As used herein, the phrase "single knitting event" comprises
all stitches made without removal of the band body 100 from a
mechanical knitting apparatus. A transition from one knitting
pattern or yarn combination to another does not constitute a
separate knitting event.
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 2, a cross-section of band body 100 is
shown, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The
cross-section shows upper structural zone 110, ventilation zones
130, lower structural zone 140, and attachment zone 150. FIG. 2
does not show a medial structural zone because of where the
cross-section is taken. The different zones may have a different
width. The width 206 is the distance between the inner face 202 and
the outer face 204 of the band body 100. The width 206 is measured
perpendicularly from the face of the body.
[0037] The different widths are a result of different stitch
patterns and yarn or yarn combinations used to form the different
functional zones. In one aspect, it is desirable to have a
ventilation zone 130 having a width that is less than a width of
the upper structural zone 110 and the lower structural zone 140.
The diminished width of the ventilation zone 130 creates a gap 208
between the wearer and the ventilation zone. The gap 208 can help
facilitate the band's breathability.
[0038] The knit tunnel zones 160 and 164 are illustrated running
through the ventilation zone 130. Tension cable 162 is shown
running through tunnel zone 160. Tension cable 166 is shown running
through tunnel zone 164. The cross-sectional area of each tunnel
zone is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of the
tension cable running through the zone. This holds the cables in
place while allowing the cable to move relative to the interior of
the knit tunnel zone.
[0039] In other parts of the band body 100, the tunnel zones 160
and 164 run through the medial structural zone 120. In an aspect,
the tunnel is formed from the yarn or yarn combination used to form
the adjacent zone. Thus, the yarn or yarn combination used to form
a single knit tunnel zone can change as the tunnel runs through
different functional zones.
[0040] Turning now to FIG. 3, a ventilation pattern within the band
body 100 is shown, in accordance with an aspect of the present
invention. For the sake of simplicity and illustrating the pattern,
the various structural zones (e.g., upper, medial, and lower) are
shown as a single structural zone 320. The structural zone 320
defines the exterior of the various ventilation zones 310. As can
be seen, the ventilation zones 310 can take the form of
parallelograms, triangles, and other geometric shapes. In one
aspect, the ventilation zones 310 can cover more than 50% of the
band body's surface area, for example more than 60%, more than 70%,
more than 80%, or 95% of the band body's surface area.
[0041] The band body 100 may be incorporated into a plurality of
garments. Exemplary garments may be pants, shorts, socks, shin
guards, sport bras, shirts, undergarments, and the like. The band
body 100 may therefore be incorporated into a cuff, an arm portion,
a leg portion, a torso portion, a chest band portion, a collar
portion, a waist portion, an ankle portion, a sleeve portion, or
any other portion of a garment that encircles or partially
encircles a body region of the wearer. The band body 100 may be
sewn, stitched or bonded at one or more seams to one or more
textile panels that comprise a garment.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 4, a knitted band 400 is shown attached
to an apparel item 460. The apparel item 460 is designed to be worn
over undergarments, in this example. For example, the apparel item
460 may be a pair of running shorts, basketball shorts, or the
like. The knitted band 400 has a seam 442 joining end 404 and end
406 of the band body. The seam 442 is located at the back (i.e.,
posterior location) of the apparel item 460. The knitted band 400
comprises ventilation zones 430, along with an upper structural
zone 410, medial structures zone 420, and lower structural zone
440.
[0043] The knitted band 400 comprises knit tunnel zones 425 that
run through the medial structural zones 420, but not the
ventilation zones 430. This arrangement of knit tunnel zones allows
the tension cables 427 to be visible as they lay on the outer
surface of the ventilation zones 430. In one aspect, the tension
cables 427 are anchored (e.g., attached) near the seam 442 in the
rear of the apparel item 460. In this arrangement, sets of tension
cables 427 run in a semi-circle starting at the seam 442 and
terminating at the drawstring 450. A wearer can then apply tension
to the tension cables 427 by pulling on the drawstring 450. In an
exemplary aspect, it is contemplated that the cable 427 is also the
drawstring 450. Further, it is contemplated that the tension cables
427 have a first end extending from the seam 442 toward the
drawstring 450 and then looping back to the same starting side of
the seam 442 where it is fixedly coupled (e.g., anchored) with the
band 400. It is contemplated that the loop formed proximate the
drawstring 450 provides an interaction structure through which the
drawstring 450 extends or is coupled to assist in the tensioning of
the band 400 through a tying of the drawstring 450. It is
contemplated that the knit tunnel zones are open ended at the time
of the single knitting event such that the tensioning cables may be
inserted without requiring a post process to allow the knit tunnels
to be accessible, in an exemplary aspect.
[0044] A flared section 455 is arranged on the knitted band 400 to
be adjacent to the wearer's hip. The flared section 455 may be
defined as a portion of the knitted band 400 where a bottom edge as
it extends from an anterior location (e.g., proximate the
drawstring 450) towards a posterior location (e.g., proximate the
seam 442) curves in an inferior (e.g., downwardly) direction
relative to a top edge. Similarly, the flared section 455 may be
defined as the bottom edge extends from a posterior location
towards an anterior location as linearly extending in an inferior
direction from the top edge. It is this curved divergence on the
anterior portion and the linear divergence in the posterior that
provides, in an exemplary aspect, a knitted band that aligns with
the underlying anatomy of a wearer to provide a functional (e.g.,
breathable and/or wicking properties) that maintains the connected
article of apparel in an intended location. For example, when used
as a waistband, the anterior curve adapts to the anterior (e.g.,
forward) articulation of the hip joint that causes a reduction of
needed material and the linear posterior form of the flare 455
adapts to a material expansion caused by the extending/forward
articulation of a user leg.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 5, a knitted band 500 is shown attached
to the apparel item 560. The apparel item 560 may be worn against
the skin of the wearer. For example, the apparel item 560 may be an
athletic undergarment, yoga pants, compression shorts, bicycle
shorts, or the like. The knitted band 500 has a seam 542 joining
end 504 and end 506. The seam 542 is located at the back of the
apparel item 560. The knitted band 500 comprises ventilation zones
530, along with an upper structural zone 510, medial structural
zone 520, and lower structural zone 540. As can be seen, knitted
band 500 does not include knit tunnel zones or tension cables. The
flared section 555 is arranged on the knitted band 500 to be
adjacent to the wearer's hip. In this example, it is contemplated
that the tension provided by the band 500 alone is sufficient to
maintain the apparel item 560 in a desired position. Because of
this self-provided tension, it is contemplated that a tensioning
cable and/or drawstring is not needed.
[0046] Turning now to FIG. 6, a knitted band 600 is shown attached
to pants 660, such as a pant to be worn while golfing, in
accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The knitted
band 600 includes ventilation zones 630, upper structural zone 610,
medial structural zone 620, and lower structural zone 640. The ends
of the band 600 may meet at a front/anterior portion/location of
the pants 660, such as at a zipper 607, as shown in FIG. 6. The
knitted band 600 can include special structural zones 612 at either
end of the band to provide additional support for the zipper. While
the zipper 607 is shown exposed in FIG. 6, a flap could cover
zipper in some aspects. While a specific arrangement of zones and
dimensions are depicted, it is contemplated that any arrangement
and dimensions may be implemented, in accordance with aspects
hereof. Further, while a particular closure mechanism, the zipper
607, is depicted, it is contemplated that any closure mechanisms
may be used, such as buttons, snaps, hook and loop, and the
like.
[0047] The knitted band 600 does not include the flares present in
other embodiments. This illustrates that the flare may be omitted
in some aspects. Also, the knitted band 600 does not include a
seam, instead being joined by the zipper 607.
[0048] Turning now to FIG. 7, a knitted band 700 with a linear form
factor that is different from those illustrated previously is
shown, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
Aspects of the invention may have different form factors depending
on the application. For example, running shorts, which tend to be
comparatively light, can use a thinner waste band (measured from
top to bottom) than basketball shorts, which tend to be constructed
from heavier material and more material. The overall curvature of
the knitted band can also vary. Band 700 has less overall curvature
than band 100 and is substantially linear, though the top edge and
bottom edge are not exactly parallel. Also, as mentioned
previously, a flared section does need to be included in some
embodiments of the invention. Band 700 does not include a flared
section.
[0049] For the sake of simplicity, the upper and medial structural
zones illustrated above are shown as a single main structural zone
720. The band body 700 also comprises lower structural zone 740
that has different properties (e.g., elasticity, exterior surface
texture) from the main structural zone 720. The combination of
structural zones 720 and 740 defines the exterior of the various
ventilation zones 730. As can be seen, the ventilation zones 730
can take the form of parallelograms, triangles, and other geometric
shapes. In one aspect, the ventilation zones 730 can cover more
than 50% of the band body's surface area, for example more than
60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, or 95% of the band body's
surface area.
[0050] The band body 700 may be incorporated into a plurality of
garments. Exemplary garments may be pants, shorts, socks, shin
guards, sport bras, shirts, undergarments, and the like. The band
body 700 may therefore be incorporated into a cuff, an arm portion,
a leg portion, a torso portion, a chest band portion, a collar
portion, a waist portion, an ankle portion, a sleeve portion, or
any other portion of a garment that encircles or partially
encircles a body region of the wearer. The band body 700 may be
sewn, stitched or bonded at one or more seams to one or more
textile panels that comprise a garment.
[0051] Aspects of the invention have been described to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. 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.
* * * * *