U.S. patent application number 14/719888 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-24 for shirt having dynamic vent-slit structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, INC.. Invention is credited to YUKI AIHARA.
Application Number | 20160338415 14/719888 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55967462 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160338415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AIHARA; YUKI |
November 24, 2016 |
SHIRT HAVING DYNAMIC VENT-SLIT STRUCTURE
Abstract
An upper body article incorporating a dynamic vent-slit
structure is provided. The article includes a torso portion adapted
to extend around at least a portion of a wearer's torso in an
as-worn position, and a plurality of slits arranged in a repeating
fashion, wherein a spacing between two adjacent slits in linear
alignment is less than a length of a slit in non-linear alignment
with the two slits and that is offset from the two slits such that
the slit in non-linear alignment overlies the spacing between the
slits in linear alignment, and the slit in non-linear alignment is
parallel to the slits in linear alignment. The slits may be
positioned in one or more groupings, or aligned in different
directions to open in response to different directions of stretch
or movement, to provide dynamic venting of the article.
Inventors: |
AIHARA; YUKI; (PORTLAND,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, INC. |
BEAVERTON |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55967462 |
Appl. No.: |
14/719888 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 2400/20 20130101;
A41B 1/08 20130101; A41D 27/285 20130101; A41D 1/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41B 1/08 20060101
A41B001/08 |
Claims
1. An article of apparel for an upper torso of a wearer comprising:
a torso portion adapted to extend around at least a portion of the
wearer's torso in an as-worn position, the torso portion having a
front side, a back side, a left shoulder opening, a right shoulder
opening, a neck opening, and a torso opening; and a plurality of
slits arranged in a repeating fashion, wherein a spacing between
two adjacent slits in linear alignment is less than a length of a
slit in non-linear alignment with the two slits and that is offset
from the two slits such that the slit in non-linear alignment
overlies the spacing between the slits in linear alignment, and the
slit in non-linear alignment is parallel to the slits in linear
alignment.
2. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
slits in the repeating fashion form at least two columns in
parallel configuration, each of the columns having at least two
slits in linear alignment.
3. The article of apparel of claim 2, wherein a spacing between
adjacent slits in linear alignment in any of the columns is shorter
than a length of a slit in an adjacent column that overlies the
spacing between the slits in linear alignment.
4. The article of apparel of claim 3, wherein the slits in each of
the columns are the same length and separated by a first
spacing.
5. The article of apparel of claim 4, wherein the first spacing is
shorter than the length of the slits.
6. The article of apparel of claim 5, wherein the columns are
separated by a second spacing that is shorter than the length of
the slits.
7. The article of apparel of claim 2, wherein a slit in each column
is aligned perpendicular from a portion of a long axis of a slit in
an adjacent column.
8. The article of apparel of claim 2, wherein the article comprises
at least one of: a woven fabric; and a knit fabric.
9. The article of apparel of claim 2, wherein the slits are skewed
from a vertical axis of the article of apparel and form a direct
path between a wearer's skin and an outside environment of the
article.
10. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the slits form a grouping of parallel columns on the back side
of the article of apparel.
11. The article of apparel of claim 1, further comprising left and
right sleeve portions coupled to the torso portion at the
respective left and right shoulder openings.
12. A vented article of apparel for an upper torso of a wearer
comprising: a torso portion adapted to extend around at least a
portion of the wearer's torso in an as-worn position, the torso
portion having a front side, a back side, a left shoulder opening,
a right shoulder opening, a neck opening, and a torso opening; and
a plurality of slits oriented substantially parallel to each other,
wherein at least two of the plurality of slits are in linear
alignment, wherein a spacing between the at least two slits is less
than a length of a slit positioned adjacent to the at least two
slits and in non-linear alignment with respect to the at least two
slits, and wherein the slits are positioned in two or more distinct
groupings on the article of apparel, the slits within each grouping
aligned in the same direction.
13. The article of apparel of claim 12, wherein at least a portion
of the plurality of slits are skewed from a vertical axis of the
article of apparel, and wherein at least a portion of the slits
form a plurality of parallel columns.
14. The article of apparel of claim 12, wherein at least a portion
of the slits are positioned on the back side of the article of
apparel.
15. The article of apparel of claim 12, wherein at least a portion
of the slits are positioned between the respective left and the
right shoulder openings of the article of apparel and the torso
opening.
16. The article of apparel of claim 12, further comprising left and
right sleeve portions coupled to the torso portion at the
respective left and right shoulder openings, wherein at least a
portion of the slits are positioned proximate to the neck opening
of the article of apparel.
17. A modified article of apparel for an upper torso of a wearer
comprising: a torso portion adapted to extend around at least a
portion of the wearer's torso in an as-worn position, the torso
portion having a front side, a back side, a left shoulder opening,
a right shoulder opening, a neck opening, and a torso opening; and
a plurality of slits forming a plurality of columns in parallel
configuration, wherein a spacing between two slits in linear
alignment in a first column is less than a length of a slit
positioned in an adjacent second column, wherein the spacing in the
first column is aligned at least partially with the slit positioned
in the adjacent second column, and wherein when the article is
stretched perpendicular to the orientation of the slits, the slits
open to provide a direct path through the article to a body of the
wearer.
18. The article of apparel of claim 17, wherein at least a portion
of the plurality of slits are positioned under at least one of the
left and the right shoulder openings of the article of apparel,
respectively.
19. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein at least a portion
of the plurality slits are positioned on the back side of the
article of apparel.
20. The article of apparel of claim 19, further comprising left and
right sleeve portions coupled to the torso portion at the
respective left and right shoulder openings.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related by subject matter to commonly
assigned and concurrently filed U.S. application Ser. No. (not yet
assigned)(Attorney Docket Nos. NIKE.222022, titled "Method of
Manufacturing an Article of Apparel Having Dynamic Vent-Slits;" and
NIKE.222024, titled "Lower Body Article of Apparel Having Dynamic
Vent-Slit Structure") which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to vent-slits. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to vent-slits
incorporated into an article of apparel to provide dynamic
ventilation for the article.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In certain circumstances, it is desirable to have an article
of apparel with variable structural and performance
characteristics. For example, certain apparel articles benefit from
having dynamic permeability and/or adjustable ventilation. In
particular, athletic apparel, commonly known as "active wear,"
requires breathability to maintain wearer comfort. In such apparel,
poor ventilation, ventilation in improper areas of the article, and
limited airflow results in a build-up of perspiration and humidity
inside the article and adjacent to the wearer. Some articles of
apparel feature vent structures to reduce these issues. These
existing vent structures have numerous disadvantages, including,
for example, inconsistent opening, puckering, and/or flattening of
the structures when the article is stretched, as well as opening of
the vent structures at the wrong time. As a result, a new dynamic
vent-slit structure that opens uniformly and consistently, and that
provides dynamic ventilation for a wearer in response to specific
movements and directions of stretch, is needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a section of concepts
in a simplified form that are further described below in the
detailed description section of this disclosure. 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
isolation for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.
[0005] In general, the vent-slits described herein provide dynamic
and targeted ventilation for specific areas of an article of
apparel. The vent-slits may be strategically placed in areas of the
article that are exposed to the greatest amounts of heat, humidity,
and perspiration, and may be configured, arranged, or integrated to
provide motion activated venting. In this regard, the slits open in
response to specific forces, directions of stretch, or movements by
a wearer of the article, in order to improve ventilation of the
article. Moreover, the vent-slits described herein provide a
consistent and uniform opening to provide enhanced ventilation.
[0006] At a high level, aspects described herein relate to an
article of apparel having dynamic vent-slits. The slits may be
located on various parts of the article in one or more groupings,
the slits in each grouping aligned in the same direction and
arranged in a repeating pattern. The pattern may include two slits
in linear alignment separated by a spacing, and a slit in
non-linear alignment with the two slits, the slit in non-linear
alignment being longer than the spacing between the two slits in
linear alignment. The slit in non-linear alignment may be offset
from the slits in linear alignment such that the slit in non-linear
alignment overlies the spacing between the slits in linear
alignment, the slit in non-linear alignment being parallel to the
slits in linear alignment. As used throughout this disclosure, the
term "overlies" or "overlays" in relation to the slits in a slit
pattern shall mean that a slit in a non-linear and parallel
alignment with two slits in linear alignment is positioned such
that its long axis is spaced apart from and is in parallel with the
space between the two slits in linear alignment. The term
"overlies" or "overlays" shall not mean that the slit in non-linear
alignment intersects with or crosses over the two slits in linear
alignment.
[0007] This pattern provides an arrangement of slits that contains
no linear path through the pattern perpendicular to the long-axis
orientation of the slits. As a result, a stretch force applied
perpendicular to the long axis of the slits travels in a zig-zag
pattern through the article into which the slits are integrated.
This helps to distribute the stretch force uniformly across the
slit pattern as the stretch force travels across the article into
which the slits are integrated, thus opening the slits evenly. This
distribution of force is best accomplished when a spacing between
the slits in linear alignment is shorter than the length of the
slit positioned in non-linear alignment and overlying the spacing
between the slits in linear alignment. This repeating pattern of
slits may be positioned in different areas of the article, and may
be formed to have varying angles, cross-sectional layouts, and
orientations on the article to allow the slits to open in response
to the article being stretched in different directions.
[0008] The vent-slits may be incorporated into various upper and
lower body articles of apparel, including but not limited to
jackets, shirts, pullovers, shorts, pants, capris, 3/4 pants, and
the like. Such apparel may be used for a variety of different
athletic activities, including, but not limited to, running,
basketball, athletic training, global football (soccer), tennis,
golf, and the like. The slits may be arc shaped, half-circle
shaped, or the like, such that in the open position, the slits
provide directionality to the venting. The slits may also simply be
straight or boxed.
[0009] In one aspect, an article of apparel for an upper torso of a
wearer is provided. The article comprises a torso portion adapted
to extend around at least a portion of the wearer's torso in an
as-worn position, the torso portion having a front side, a back
side, a left shoulder opening, a right shoulder opening, a neck
opening, and a torso opening, and a plurality of slits arranged in
a repeating fashion, wherein a spacing between two adjacent slits
in linear alignment is less than a length of a slit in non-linear
alignment with the two slits and that is offset from the two slits
such that the slit in non-linear alignment overlies the spacing
between the slits in linear alignment, and the slit in non-linear
alignment is parallel to the slits in linear alignment.
[0010] In another aspect, a vented article of apparel for an upper
torso of a wearer is provided. The article comprises a torso
portion adapted to extend around at least a portion of the wearer's
torso in an as-worn position, the torso portion having a front
side, a back side, a left shoulder opening, a right shoulder
opening, a neck opening, and a torso opening, and a plurality of
slits oriented substantially parallel to each other, wherein at
least two of the plurality of slits are in linear alignment,
wherein a spacing between the at least two slits is less than a
length of a slit positioned adjacent to the at least two slits and
in non-linear alignment with respect to the at least two slits, and
wherein the slits are positioned in two or more distinct groupings
on the article of apparel, the slits within each grouping aligned
in the same direction.
[0011] In another aspect, a modified article of apparel for an
upper torso of a wearer is provided. The article comprises a torso
portion adapted to extend around at least a portion of a wearer's
torso in an as-worn position, the torso portion having a front
side, a back side, a left shoulder opening, a right shoulder
opening, a neck opening, and a torso opening, and a plurality of
slits forming a plurality of columns in parallel configuration,
wherein a spacing between two slits in linear alignment in a first
column is less than a length of a slit positioned in an adjacent
second column, wherein the spacing in the first column is aligned
at least partially with the slit positioned in the adjacent second
column, and wherein when the article is stretched perpendicular to
the orientation of the slits, the slits open to provide a direct
path through the article to a body of the wearer.
[0012] Aspects described herein may feature different
configurations, arrangements, and/or alignments of the slits, and
are not limited to the examples provided in this disclosure. The
term "fabric" as used in this application refers to any cloth,
textile, substrate, synthetic material, natural material, knit
material, woven or stretch-woven material, or other material, or
any combination thereof, used to form an article of apparel and/or
integrated into an article of apparel. The term "slit" or
"vent-slit" as used in this application means any structure
incorporated into an article of apparel that is capable of
dynamically opening and closing to provide increased air flow
through the article, regardless of the shape or the structure of
the slit, or the layers incorporated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention is described in detail herein with
reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a close-up view of a plurality of vent-slits
arranged in a repeating pattern on a fabric, in accordance with an
aspect herein;
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a first exemplary vent-slit structure formed
in a fabric incorporated into an article of apparel, in accordance
with an aspect of herein;
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts a close-up of a portion of the vent-slit
structure shown in FIG. 2, with slits in a partially open
configuration, in accordance with an aspect herein;
[0017] FIG. 4A depicts a close-up of the portion of the vent-slit
structure shown in FIG. 2, with slits in an open configuration, in
accordance with an aspect herein;
[0018] FIG. 4B depicts an angled perspective view of the fabric
incorporating the vent-slit structure shown in FIG. 4A, showing a
three-dimensional shape formed by the slits when the slits are in
the open configuration, in accordance with an aspect herein;
[0019] FIG. 5A depicts a close-up of a portion of the vent-slit
structure shown in FIG. 2, showing a stretch force distributing
across a repeating pattern of slits, in accordance with an aspect
herein;
[0020] FIG. 5B depicts a selection of multiple shapes or styles of
vent-slits which can be incorporated into a fabric used to form at
least part of an article of apparel, in accordance with an aspect
herein;
[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a close-up view of a second exemplary
vent-slit structure having a substantially closed configuration
with slits having first and second sides separated by a small gap,
in accordance with an aspect herein;
[0022] FIG. 7 depicts the vent-slit structure shown in FIG. 6 with
the slits in an open configuration, in accordance with an aspect
herein;
[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a front view of a shirt incorporating the
vent-slit pattern shown in FIG. 1, with slits in a closed
configuration, in accordance with an aspect herein;
[0024] FIG. 9 depicts a rear view of the shirt shown in FIG. 8,
with the slits in a closed configuration, in accordance with an
aspect herein;
[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the shirt shown in FIG. 8,
with the slits in an open configuration, in accordance with an
aspect herein;
[0026] FIG. 11 depicts a rear view of the shirt shown in FIG. 8,
with the slits in an open configuration, in accordance with an
aspect herein;
[0027] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of a lower-body article
incorporating the vent-slit pattern shown in FIG. 1, with slits in
a closed configuration, in accordance with an aspect herein;
[0028] FIG. 13 depicts a rear view of the lower-body article shown
in FIG. 12, with the slits in a closed configuration, in accordance
with an aspect herein;
[0029] FIG. 14 depicts a front view of the lower-body article shown
in FIG. 12, with the slits in an open configuration, in accordance
with an aspect herein;
[0030] FIG. 15 depicts a rear view of the lower-body article shown
in FIG. 12, with the slits in an open configuration, in accordance
with an aspect herein;
[0031] FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart of a first exemplary method of
manufacturing an article of apparel incorporating a vent-slit
structure, in accordance with an aspect herein;
[0032] FIG. 17 depicts a flow chart of a second exemplary method of
manufacturing an article of apparel incorporating a vent-slit
structure, in accordance with an aspect herein; and
[0033] FIG. 18 depicts a flow chart of a third exemplary method of
manufacturing an article of apparel incorporating a vent-slit
structure, in accordance with an aspect herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The subject matter of the present invention is described
with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However,
the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. Rather, the claimed subject matter might also be
embodied in other ways to include different elements, features,
components, steps, and/or combinations of steps similar to the ones
described in this disclosure, and in conjunction with other present
and/or future technologies.
[0035] In a broad aspect, an article of apparel incorporating a
plurality of dynamic vent-slits in a repeating pattern is provided.
Generally, the article may be formed from one or more fabrics each
having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The article
may include an integrated single-layer or multi-layer fabric formed
into the article, single-layer fabrics joined together at one or
more seams to form the article, or multi-layer fabrics joined
together at one or more seams to form the article. In each of these
cases, the slits may be formed through the first and the second
surfaces of each of the fabric layers, in order to provide direct
ventilation through the fabric for the wearer of the article. The
slits may be arranged in one or more groupings on the article, each
grouping containing the repeating pattern of slits aligned in the
same direction, with the alignment of the slits in each grouping
being the same or different as other groupings formed on the
article.
[0036] The slits may also be formed in an article layer with
sandwiching or intervening layers at least partially covering the
slits. An article with the cooling slits may be formed with a base
layer or other layer (or layers) positioned between the article and
the wearer's skin. The base layer may be attached to the article
(e.g., a piece of fabric, such as a meshed fabric, may be affixed
to the article beneath the slits) or may be part of a separate
under layer of the article, such as an undershirt or shorts, etc.
Use of such under layers may also function to provide a color
reveal effect during motion, where opening of the slits reveals the
colored under layer, providing a dynamic color presentation on the
article.
[0037] In exemplary aspects, the longitudinal axis of the slits may
be aligned with a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, or the slits
may be skewed from the vertical (or horizontal) axis of the
article. Any and all such aspects, and any combination thereof, are
contemplated as being within the scope herein. Moreover, the
density of the slits may change in cross-sectional area or width of
the pattern (e.g., increasing or decreasing the concentration of
slits) as it extends across or around portions of the article. The
slits may form an opening through the article such that no
intermediate or surrounding layers occlude the slit openings in
order to provide maximum airflow and ventilation for the wearer. In
other aspects, additional layers may be incorporated between,
around, and/or over or under layers into which the slits are
incorporated, to provide a layered aspect to the material. The
additional layers may include a different color of fabric so that
when the slits are opened, at least a portion of the colored fabric
may be revealed, providing a dynamic color presentation. In this
aspect, the colored layers may be formed around or between the slit
layer, such as in an under layer between the slit layer and a
wearer's skin, and in aspects, the slit layer and the colored
layers may include aligned slits so that a direct path through the
slit fabric and the colored fabric is formed when the fabric is
stretched perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits.
[0038] The angle of the slits with respect to a horizontal or
vertical axis may be selected or optimized to take advantage of
stretching forces likely to be applied to a particular portion of
an article of apparel into which the slits are integrated. Multiple
angle ranges may be used within the same article, or within the
same grouping of slits in an article. The angles of the slits is
determined by the stretching or movement forces applied to the
article, which are specific to different parts of the body having
different degrees of movement and different ranges of motion. For
example, the long axis of any slit incorporated into the article
may be aligned or angled perpendicular to an expected direction of
movement of a shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, ankle, torso, or neck
area. In one exemplary slit arrangement, a shirt, pullover, or
jacket includes one or more groupings of slits or slit patterns
around the shoulder that are aligned at a 11-12 degree angle from a
horizontal or vertical axis of the article to open the slits in
response to shoulder movement. In another aspect, a short, pant, or
lower body article may include slits proximate a pelvic portion of
the article that are aligned at approximately a 9 degree angle from
a horizontal or vertical axis of the article and extend across the
pelvic portion of the article. However, any suitable angle may be
used for a specific area depending on the expected movement
characteristics (e.g., slits may be angled in the inclusive range
of 0-360 degrees from a vertical or horizontal axis of the article
in any area of the article). Additionally, in another aspect of an
upper or lower body article, the slits may be positioned on an
elbow area or a knee area of the article, respectively, and aligned
to open in response to the direction of movement of the wearers arm
or knee. In this example, the slits may be aligned perpendicular to
the movement of the joint.
[0039] The basic, repeating slit pattern includes two slits in
linear alignment separated by a spacing, and a slit in a non-linear
alignment that is parallel to the slits in linear alignment and
that is longer than the spacing, the slit in non-linear alignment
overlying the spacing between the slits in linear alignment. When
this repeating pattern of slits is incorporated into a fabric, and
the fabric is stretched perpendicular to the long-axis of the
slits, the slits open uniformly, forming raised, or
three-dimensional openings in the fabric. In other words, a force
applied perpendicular to the orientation or long-axis of the slits
follows a non-linear path through the slits when traveling through
the fabric into which the slits are incorporated. As a result, a
zig-zagging, or circumventing, force path results around the slits,
opening the slits uniformly and consistently.
[0040] In an exemplary aspect, the slits may be arranged into
columns, the columns formed from the repeating pattern of slits
extended or duplicated. "Column" as used throughout this disclosure
refers to a vertical linear alignment of multiple slits with
respect to the slits' longitudinal axis (see FIG. 2). To put it
another way, a "column" refers to a series of aligned slits where
the longitudinal axes of each slit in the column is vertically
aligned. Moreover, the slits in a first column may be offset from
slits in a second adjacent column and positioned such that the
slits in the second column generally overlie the spacing between
the slits in the first column. This reduces the formation of a
linear path through the columns in a direction perpendicular to the
long-axis of the slits. As such, when the fabric is stretched
perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits (e.g., pulled apart),
the stretch force zig-zags around the slits, weaving its way
through the columns, opening the slits in the columns together, and
uniformly.
[0041] This repeating pattern of slits may be used to impart
mechanical stretch to woven fabrics, which usually do not have
stretch characteristics unless another material, such as spandex,
is incorporated. In this regard, the slit structure described
herein can be used on natural or synthetic materials, and/or any
woven fabric, knit fabric, or any type of composite material (e.g.,
knit faces with foam or mesh in between, neoprene, laminated knit
or woven materials or composites, thermoplastic polymers, durable
water repellent coated materials, etc.). The orientation, size,
and/or arrangement of the slits may vary depending on the desired
function or desired performance characteristics of the article. The
slits in linear alignment in the slit pattern may be spaced apart a
predefined amount, the predefined amount being uniform amongst all
slits in a grouping. The slits may be large or small, tightly
patterned, and/or scattered into different sections of the article.
The slits may also be angled differently on different portions of
the article to open in response to different directions of stretch
that may be imposed on these different portions. In exemplary
aspects, the slits may be configured to open due to fastening
together (e.g., zipping up) portions of a shirt, jacket, pant,
and/or other article of apparel, or configured to open in response
to movement by a wearer.
[0042] The spacing of the slits in the repeating pattern, both in
the linear orientation and in the non-linear orientation, is
relatively close to allow a force applied perpendicular to the
slits to distribute uniformly throughout the slit pattern without
bypassing some of the slits in the pattern. In this regard, in the
repeating slit pattern, as a spacing between two slits in linear
alignment along a long axis of the two slits increases, and/or as a
separation between the two slits and a slit in parallel with the
two slits and overlying a spacing between the two slits increases,
the distribution of force throughout the slit pattern is less
uniform, and a stretch force applied perpendicular to the slits
does not open the slits as evenly. In this regard, an exemplary
ratio of slit length to spacing length is 2:1, or rather, the slits
are approximately twice the length of the spacing between the slits
in linear alignment. An exemplary ratio of slit length to spacing
between slits in non-linear alignment is 2:1, or rather, the slits
are approximately twice the length of the distance between adjacent
slits in parallel, non-linear alignment. This ratio provides a
compact arrangement of the slits that allows uniform opening of the
slits without comprising the structural integrity of an
article.
[0043] The plurality of slits may be arranged into different
groupings, with each grouping including a repeating pattern of
slits aligned in the same direction. The arrangement of the slits
into different groupings allows the article to obtain ventilation
in different areas of the article when pulled or stretched in
different directions. By way of example, a first grouping of
parallel columns may be located on a first part of the article, the
slits in the first grouping of parallel columns arranged to open in
response to a first stretch direction. A second grouping of
parallel columns may be located on a second part of the article,
the slits in the second grouping of parallel columns arranged to
open in response to a second stretch direction. In aspects, the
first stretch direction may be the same as the second stretch
direction, or the first stretch direction may be different from the
second stretch direction. Any and all such aspects, and any
variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope
herein. As a result, the article features multiple dynamic
ventilation zones that open evenly to provide maximum ventilation
to the wearer.
[0044] The structure of each slit may include a first side and a
second side. In an exemplary aspect, when the slits are in a closed
configuration, the first side and the second side are together, or
rather, the first side lies adjacent to the second such that the
sides are touching in a resting state and there is minimal to no
space between the first and second sides of the slits. When a
stretch force is applied perpendicular to the long-axis of the
slits, at least two sets of movements occur. The first movement is
along an axis that is parallel to the fabric surface and occurs
when the first side and the second side move away from each other
in opposite directions along this axis. The second movement is
along an axis that is perpendicular to the fabric surface. With
this movement, the approximate midpoints of each side of the slit
move perpendicular to the fabric surface in response to the stretch
force. The result of both of these movements is the formation of a
three-dimensional opening through the fabric forming at least a
part of the article. In other words, when a stretch force is
applied perpendicular to the long axis of the slits, the sides of
the slits are pulled apart and bow outward forming an oblong or
ellipse-like opening through the fabric, allowing ventilation
between the inside and the outside of the article. The result of
these movements is that the slits may act much like a sail on a
sailing boat helping to catch any wind and channel it into the
vent, thereby helping to cool the wearer. In another exemplary
aspect, the slits may be structured such that in a closed
configuration, or resting state, there is a small gap between the
first side and the second side, so that a small opening remains to
provide continuous ventilation through the fabric of the article.
The structure of the slits may be varied, e.g., to achieve
different gap configurations during different conditions based on a
desired performance characteristic.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, a close-up view of a repeating
vent-slit pattern 100 on a portion of material or fabric is shown,
in accordance with an aspect herein. The repeating pattern 100
includes a plurality of slits 136, 138 that have a length 114.
Although the length of the slits 136, 138 in the pattern 100 is
shown to be approximately the same across all of the slits, in
various aspects, the slits may not be exactly equal in length
(e.g., may have varied lengths throughout the slit pattern). The
pattern 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes two slits 136 in linear
alignment, or rather, oriented end-to-end along a longitudinal axis
of the slits 136, the slits 136 separated by a spacing 131 between
ends of the slits 136. In various aspects, the slit spacings may be
the same or varied. The pattern 100 further includes a slit 138
that is parallel with the slits 136 and in non-linear alignment
with the slits 136 (i.e., not positioned along the linear axis of
the slits 136, but rather, across from the slits 136 along a
parallel axis that is spaced apart from the axis of the slits 136),
and positioned across from the spacing 131. In FIG. 1, each end of
the slit 138 extends beyond each end of the spacing 131 so that
there is no linear path through all three slits 136, 138
perpendicular to the orientation of the slits 136, 138 without
following a circumventing path (this is one exemplary arrangement,
different sizes, positions, and lengths between the end-points of
the slits and the spacings are possible). In FIG. 1, the length 114
of the slits 136, 138 is greater than the length of the spacing
131, and the spacing 134, or rather, the separation between
parallel and non-linearly aligned slits 136 and 138 along an axis
orthogonal to the long axis of the slits 136, 138, is less than the
length 114 of the slits 136, 138. This is but one exemplary size
and spacing arrangement, and others may be used, including, for
example, having the ends of the non-linearly slit and the
corresponding spacing between linearly aligned slits aligned
end-to-end.
[0046] In FIG. 1, the length of the slits 136, 138 is approximately
twice the length of the spacing 131. This repeating pattern 100
reduces the ability of a stretch force applied perpendicular to the
long axis of the slits 136, 138 to travel in a linear path across
the fabric. Instead, the stretch force applied perpendicular to the
long-axis of the slits 136, 138 follows a non-linear, circumventing
path that zig-zags around the slits 136, 138, distributing the
stretch force evenly, which opens the slits uniformly and
consistently for ventilation. Regarding slit spacing, in aspects,
the spacing 134 may be in the inclusive range of 0.25-2 cm or
0.25-1 cm, the length of the slits 136 may be an inclusive range of
0.5-2 cm, for example (anything larger may be too big to prevent
the slits from hanging open or flapping), and the length of spacing
131 may be greater than zero but less than the length of the slits
136.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, a vent-slit structure 200
incorporated into an article of apparel is shown, in accordance
with an aspect of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a plurality of
vent-slits 108 are incorporated into a fabric 102, forming a
plurality of dynamic vent-slit structures. The fabric 102 has a
first surface 104 and an opposite second surface 106. In aspects,
the first surface 104 may comprise an external-facing surface of
the article of apparel and the second surface 106 may comprise a
skin-facing surface of the article of apparel. The slits 108 may be
integrated into the fabric 102 such that they are configured to
provide ventilation directly from skin of wearer to an external
environment. Accordingly, in FIG. 2, the slits 108 are shown
extending entirely through the first surface 104 and the second
surface 106 of the fabric 102.
[0048] The slits 108 each include a first end 110, a second end
112, and a first length 114. The slits 108 are aligned into
parallel columns 124 with each column 124 being oriented along the
long axis of the slits 108. Each column 124 may comprise at least
two slits, such as slits 136, in linear alignment, which are shown
oriented vertically in FIG. 2. The slits 108 in each of the columns
are the same length 114 and the slits 108 in linear alignment in
each of the columns 124 are separated by equal spacings 132. Slits
offset from each other in parallel configuration, such as, for
example, slit 136 and slit 138, which are in first and second
columns, are separated by a column spacing 134. The slits 108 in
the structure 200 include the repeating pattern 100 as depicted in
FIG. 1. The repeating pattern 100 includes two slits 136 in linear
alignment separated by a spacing 131, and a slit 138 in non-linear
alignment with the two slits 136 and positioned adjacent to the
spacing 131 such that the slit 138 is aligned in parallel
configuration with the entire length of the spacing 131. By
repeating the pattern 100, the vertical position of the slits 108
in adjacent columns 124 is staggered, or offset. As a result, a
force applied perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 108
distributes evenly across the slits 108, opening the slits 108
uniformly and consistently.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 3, a close-up of a portion of the
vent-slit structure 200 depicted in FIG. 2, with a force beginning
to be applied to the fabric, is shown, in accordance with an aspect
herein. As shown in FIG. 3, the slits 108 are incorporated into at
least a portion of the fabric 102 to form the vent-slit structure
200. In FIG. 3, a stretch force 116 is applied to the fabric 102,
the stretch force 116 pulling the fabric 102 perpendicular to the
first length 114 of the slits 108 so that the slits 108 begin to
open. Although a stretch force is shown being applied in opposite
directions relative to the fabric 102, the stretch force may also
be applied in a single direction relative to the fabric 102. As
described in relation FIG. 2, all of the slits 108 are aligned in
the same direction so that the stretching force 116 opens the slits
108 together. When the slits 108 are in the configuration 122 shown
in FIG. 3, each slit 108 forms an opening through the fabric.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a close-up of the portion of the
vent-slit structure 200 depicted in FIG. 2, with the slits in a
substantially open configuration, is shown, in accordance with an
aspect herein. In FIG. 4A, the slits 108 are in an open
configuration 123. In this regard, the force 116 applied
perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 108 has been
distributed evenly throughout the slit structure 200, opening the
slits 108 evenly, permitting ventilation through the fabric 102
into which the slits 108 are incorporated.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 4B, an angled perspective view of the
portion of the vent-slit structure 200 shown in FIG. 4A is shown,
in accordance with an aspect herein. FIG. 4B depicts how the
staggered nature of the slits 108 uniformly distributes the stretch
force 116 evenly across the slits 108 to open the slits 108
together. Additionally, as the slits 108 are pulled open in a
direction parallel to the fabric surface, the staggered nature of
the slits 108 causes the stretch force 116 to open the vent slits
108 in a way that moves sides 144, 146 of the slits 108
perpendicularly outward from a surface plane of the fabric 102,
providing a three-dimensional aspect to the opening 123. More
particularly, the approximate mid-point of the slits 108 moves the
greatest distance perpendicularly outward from the surface plane
contributing to the three-dimensional shape of the vent slit 108 in
the open configuration. In this regard, the raised or elevated
nature of the slits 108 in an open configuration 123 helps to
channel or funnel air into and out of the fabric 102, enhancing
ventilation.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5A, a close-up of the vent-slit
structure 200 depicted in FIG. 2, with a stretch force 116
distributed across the vent-slits, is shown, in accordance with an
aspect herein. In FIG. 5A, the spacing 132 between slits in each
column 124 is equal, the spacing 132 being shorter than the length
114 of each slit 108. For example, the spacing 132 between linearly
aligned slits in each column 124 may be half the length 114 of the
slits 108 in the columns 124. Additionally, numerous slits, such as
slit 120, may be perpendicularly offset from spacings in adjacent
columns such that spacings and adjacent, non-linearly aligned slits
in the columns are across from each other. As shown in FIG. 5A, the
stretch force 116 is applied perpendicular to the long-axis of the
slits 108, and follows a circumventing or zig-zagging path 128
through and around the slits 108, to distribute the stretch force
116 evenly across the slits 108.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 5B, a non-limiting selection 500 of
shapes or styles of vent-slits which can be incorporated into a
fabric used to form at least part of an article of apparel is
shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG. 5B, two
different slit types are shown incorporated into a fabric 102, an
arc shaped slit 109, and a half moon shaped slit 111. In the open
position, such slits 109, 111 may form a dome or crescent shape to
provide directional venting, which may be utilized to vent heat,
air, and perspiration in specific directions out of an article.
These are exemplary slit variations, other widths, sizes, angles,
shapes, or combinations of shapes may be used, and these exemplary
slits 109, 111 may be used together, or separate or other
variations may simply be used.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 6, a close-up view of an alternative
vent-slit structure 600, with a gap between the slits when the
slits are in a resting state, is depicted, in accordance with an
aspect herein. In FIG. 6, a plurality of slits 108 are provided,
with the slits 108 arranged into parallel columns 124. Each slit
108 further includes a first side 144 and a second side 146, the
first and second sides 144, 146 proximate to each other when the
slits 108 are in a resting state 120, as shown in FIG. 6. In the
resting state 120, there is a small gap 126 between the first and
second sides 144, 146 of the slits 108 that is configured to
provide continuous permeability to the article of apparel. The size
and shape of the gap 126 may be varied depending on the amount of
continuous permeability that is desired in an article.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 7, a close-up view of the vent-slit
structure 600 depicted in FIG. 6, with the first and second walls
in an open position, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein.
In FIG. 7, a stretch force 116 is applied to the article
perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 108, or rather,
perpendicular to the orientation of the long-axis first length 114
of the slits 108. The stretch force 116 spreads the first wall 144
and the second wall 146 of the slits 108 apart along an axis that
is parallel to the face of the fabric and along an axis that is
perpendicular to the face of the fabric. As such, the slit 108 goes
from a resting state 120 to a substantially open state 123, which
is shown in FIG. 7. Once again, the slits 108 in different columns
124 are staggered vertically and are separated by an equal spacing
132 that is shorter than the long axis first length 114 of the
slits 108.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, an article of apparel for an
upper torso in the form of a shirt 800 having dynamic vent-slits
incorporated into the shirt 800 is shown, in accordance with an
aspect herein. The shirt 800 includes the vent-slit pattern 100
shown in FIG. 1 repeated in various portions of the shirt 800. In
one exemplary aspect, the vent-slit pattern 100 extends along the
sides of the shirt, around the shoulder seams, and across the back
of the shirt 800. These areas of the shirt 800 are generally
exposed to the most heat and moisture from a wearer, and thus
positioning the slits 820 in these areas helps to ventilate the
excess heat and moisture that concentrates inside the article.
Additionally, these areas are typically subject to stretch forces
due to the wearer, for example, reaching his/her arms forward
and/or upward. Thus, by locating the slits 820 in these areas, the
slits 820 can open in response to movement of the wearer, such as
in response to the wearer twisting, extending, reaching, and/or
running.
[0057] The shirt 800 generally includes a torso portion 802, a
front side 804, a back side 806 (shown in FIG. 9), a left shoulder
opening 808, and a right shoulder opening 810. A neck opening 812
and a torso opening 814 are shown at opposite ends of the torso
portion 802. An optional left sleeve portion 816 may be coupled to
the left shoulder opening 808 and an optional right sleeve portion
818 may be coupled to the right shoulder opening 810. Although
shown as a shirt, it is contemplated herein that the article of
apparel may comprise other articles of apparel for an upper torso
of a wearer such as a jacket, a tank top, a camisole, a unitard, a
singlet, a bra, and the like.
[0058] The shirt 800 includes a plurality of slits 820 that are
aligned, or oriented, in the same direction so that the slits 820
open in the same direction when the shirt 800 is stretched
perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 820. In FIGS. 8-11, the
long axis of the slits 820 is shown in a vertical orientation. This
is just one exemplary orientation and this orientation may vary
depending on the expected direction of stretch of the shirt 800 and
the desired direction of opening of slits incorporated into the
shirt 820. In alternate aspects, slits incorporated into the shirt
may be grouped into different sections with the slits in each
grouping aligned in the same direction, and/or may be angled
relative to the vertical axis of the shirt, to provide directional
force based venting.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 9, a rear view of the shirt 800
incorporating the vent-slit pattern 100 of FIG. 1, with the slits
in a closed configuration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect
herein. In FIG. 9, a spacing 826 between adjacent slits 822 in
linear alignment is less than a length of a slit 824 in parallel
and non-linear alignment with the adjacent slits 822, and overlying
the spacing 826 between the adjacent slits 822. The spacing 826
between slits 820 is shorter than the length of the slits 820. The
slits 820 are shown arranged into columns 834. As described herein,
the slits 820 in adjacent columns 834 are staggered, so that slits
820 are aligned across from the spacings 826. In this arrangement,
there is no linear path perpendicular to the slits 820 passing
through more than one spacing 826. This permits a stretch force
applied perpendicular to the slits 820 to be distributed in
multiple directions across multiple slits 820. In other words,
because of the pattern of the slits 820, the stretch force does not
bypass any of the slits 108. This results in a uniform and
consistent opening of the slits 820. It should be noted that the
size, arrangement, and alignment of the slits 820 shown in FIGS.
8-12 is provided as a non-limiting example. Multiple
configurations, arrangements, and sizes of the slits 820 on the
shirt 800 are possible and contemplated. Different groupings of the
slits may be formed on the shirt, with the slits in each grouping
aligned perpendicular to an expected direction of stretch.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 10, a front view of the shirt 800
incorporating the pattern 100 of FIG. 1, with the slits in an open
configuration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In
FIG. 10, the slits 820 are aligned, opening in the same direction.
A stretch force 832 is shown being applied to the shirt 800 in a
direction perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 820. The
stretch force 832 is shown pulling the slits 820 into an open
configuration 830. This type of stretch force may be initiated
when, for example, a wearer of the shirt 800 moves in such a way
that the back of the shirt 800 is stretched, such as by reaching
forward to grab the handles of a bicycle, by propelling the arms
forward when running, or by swinging a bat. When the slits 820
change into the open configuration 830, dynamic ventilation is
provided. Because the vertical position of the slits 820 is
staggered between columns 834, as described herein, the force 832
does not simply pass through the columns via the spacings 826.
Instead, the force 832 travels in a circumventing or zig-zagging
path through the columns 834 and around the slits 820, distributing
the force 832 across the slits 820, opening the slits
uniformly.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 11, a rear view of the shirt 800
incorporating the pattern 100 of FIG. 1, with the slits in an open
configuration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. As
shown in FIG. 10, the slits 820 are in parallel alignment, arranged
such that they open in the same direction. The stretch force 832
applied to the shirt 800 opens the slits 820 perpendicular to the
long-axis of the slits 820, moving the slits 820 into the open
configuration 830 until the stretch force is no longer applied, at
which time, the slits revert to their closed configuration. The
slits 820 shown in FIGS. 8-11 are depicted being relatively large
in size for demonstration and clarity purposes.
[0062] In implementations, the slits 820 incorporated into the
shirt 800 and/or another article of apparel may be smaller and/or
more narrowly spaced, to provide a larger cross-section of dynamic
vent-slits. Moreover, the slits 820 in FIG. 11 are shown connected
across the back-side 806 of the shirt 800 to provide a dynamic
ventilation element that extends from about the left shoulder
opening 808 to about the right shoulder opening 810. However, in
exemplary implementations, the slits 820 may be separated into
different groupings and/or located on different areas of the shirt
800, and/or skewed from a vertical or horizontal axis in different
directions. The different groupings may also be oriented in
different directions to provide dynamic opening of the slits 820 in
each grouping in response to specific directions of stretch.
Numerous options and/or arrangements are possible and contemplated,
incorporating the structures described herein, to provide a shirt
and/or article with dynamic slits.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 12, a front view of an article of
apparel 1200 incorporating the vent-slit pattern 100 of FIG. 1 in a
repeating fashion, with the slits in a closed configuration, is
shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. In FIG. 12, the article
1200 includes a pelvic portion 1202, a front side 1203, a back side
1234 (shown in FIG. 13), a right leg portion 1204, and a left leg
portion 1206. The article 1200 includes a waist opening 1208, as
well as a right leg opening 1210 and a left leg opening 1212. The
article 1200 also generally includes a right side 1214, a left side
1216, a right leg inner portion 1218, a left leg inner portion
1220, and a groin area 1222 at which the right inner leg portion
1218 and the left inner leg portion 1220 intersect. Although shown
as a short, it is contemplated that the article may comprise a
pant, a half-pant, a capri, a unitard, a singlet, and the like.
[0064] The article 1200 further includes a plurality of slits 1240
arranged in a repeating fashion, the slits 1240 forming a plurality
of parallel columns 1242 oriented along the long axis of the slits
1240. In one exemplary aspect, the columns 1242 are positioned
proximate the groin area 1222 where first and second inner leg
portions 1218, 1220 join together, and extend upward from the groin
area 1222 at an approximately 45-degree angle from the vertical
axis of the article 1200. The columns 1242 include a first front
grouping 1224 extending upward toward the right side 1214 of the
article 1200 and a second front grouping 1226 extending upward
toward the left side 1216 of the article 1200. In this aspect, the
long axis of the slits 1240 is in a vertical orientation, parallel
with the vertical axis of the article 1200. By orienting the slits
1240 in this fashion, the slits 1240 may open in response to a
stretch force oriented perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits
1240. The long axis of the slits 1240 may be oriented in any number
of directions across one or multiple groupings of slits 1240, to
provide dynamic ventilation for different areas of the article in
response to different directions of stretch. This is just one
exemplary arrangement of slits, and it is contemplated herein that
the slits 1240 may be arranged in different groupings over
different portions of the article 1200. It should be noted that the
leg portions 1204, 1206 may extend part or all the way to
respective left and right ankles of the wearer, forming shorts,
pants, capris, and the like. In such an arrangement, the slits 1240
may be positioned throughout the leg portions, to provide
additional dynamic ventilation for the legs of a wearer.
[0065] In FIG. 12, the columns 1242 are arranged such that a
stretch force applied to the article 1200 perpendicular to the
long-axis of the slits 1240 passing through a spacing 1228 between
slits 1230 in linear alignment cannot pass through subsequent
spacings 1228 without changing direction, circumventing and
zig-zagging around an adjacent slit 1232 in non-linear alignment
parallel to the slits 1230 in linear alignment. As a result, the
slits 1240 open uniformly. This stretch force can occur in response
to movement by a wearer of the article. For example, the movement
of the wearers legs in an anterior-to-posterior direction as in
running or in a side-to side-direction can provide a stretch force
perpendicular to the slits 1240, opening the slits 1240 and
providing ventilation to the groin or waist area of the wearer. As
discussed, different groupings of the slit pattern may be oriented
in different directions and on different areas of the article 1200,
so that the slits 1240 open in response to different directions of
movement, and/or different directions of stretch. Moreover, the
skewing of the orientation of the slits 1240 or changing the
density of the slits 1240 in a particular area allows varied
ventilation characteristics across the article 1200 as well.
[0066] Additional groupings of slits may be located on the article
1200 to provide dynamic ventilation on or across different portions
of the lower body article 1200. The angles of the slits in the
lower body article may be determined by the stretching or movement
forces expected to be applied to the article. This is specific to
different parts of the body having different degrees of movement
and different ranges of motion. In one exemplary lower body article
aspect, a short, pant, or lower body article may include slits
proximate a pelvic portion of the article that are aligned at
approximately a 9 degree angle from a horizontal or vertical axis
of the article. However, any suitable angle may be used (e.g., in
the inclusive range of 0-360 degrees). Additionally, in one aspect
of the lower body article, the slits may be positioned on a knee
area of the article and aligned to open in response to the
direction of movement of the wearers arm or knee.
[0067] The columns 1242 in FIG. 12 are shown with varying numbers
of slits 1240, each of the slits 1240 aligned in the same
direction, such that they open in the same direction. In this
example, the slits 1240 are all equal in length, and the columns
1242 are spaced equally. As described herein, the spacing 1228
between two slits 1230 in linear alignment is less than the length
of a slit 1232 positioned parallel to and across from the spacing
1228 and in non-linear alignment with the slits 1230. In this
regard, all of the slits 1240 are approximately twice the length of
any spacing 1228 between adjacent slits 1230. The spacing 1244
between columns 1242 may be less than the length of the slits 1240,
and is ideally half the length of each of the slits 1240. In this
regard, the slits 1240 are organized such that a force applied
perpendicular to the orientation of the slits 1240 must follow a
non-linear path through the columns 1242. As shown in FIG. 12, the
vertical position of the slits 1240 in adjacent columns 1242 is
staggered, or offset, so that in at least some of the columns, a
spacing 1228 is across from a slit 1232 in non-linear alignment
with the spacing 1228.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 13, a rear view of the lower body
article 1200 depicted in FIG. 12, with the slits in a closed
configuration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein. The
back side 1234 of the article 1200 includes the columns 1242
forming a first rear grouping 1236 and a second rear grouping 1238,
which generally correspond to the first front grouping 1224 and the
second front grouping 1226. In this regard, the columns 1242 are
continuous between the front side 1203 and the backside 1234 of the
article 1200 along an inner margin of the article 1200, and extend
upward at approximately a 45-degree angle from the longitudinal
axis of the article 1200, similar to the arrangement on the front
1203 of the article 1200. The slits 1240 are configured to provide
ventilation to a pelvic/groin region of a wearer of the article
1200.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 14, a front view of the lower body
article 1200 depicted in FIG. 12, with the slits in a substantially
open configuration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein.
In FIG. 14, the article 1200 is stretched by a stretch force 1246
oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article
1200, and also perpendicular to the long-axis of the slits 1240
forming parallel columns 1242 on the article 1200. As shown in FIG.
14, the stretch force 1246 opens the slits 1240 to provide dynamic
ventilation for the wearer of the article 1200. The slits 1240 may
extend from the groin portion all throughout the article 1200. As a
further example, the slits 1240 forming the columns 1242 may extend
upward all the way to the sides 1214, 1216 and/or all the way to
the waist opening 1208 of the article 1200. Any and all such
aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being
within the scope herein.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 15, a rear view of the lower body
article 1200 depicted in FIG. 12, with the slits in a substantially
open configuration, is shown, in accordance with an aspect herein.
Similar to FIG. 11, the stretch force 1246 is shown pulling the
article 1200 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article,
opening the slits 1240. Once again, because of the staggered,
vertical arrangement of the slits 1240 between the columns 1242,
the shorter length of the spacings 1228 versus the slits 1240, and
the closeness of the columns 1242, the force 1246 is transferred
through the columns 1242 in a zig-zagging fashion, circumventing
the slits 1240. This circumventing, non-linear path allows uniform
distribution of the force 1246 across the slits 1240, allowing the
slits 1240 to open consistently, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0071] As with the shirt 800, the article 1200 is shown with slits
1240 in one configuration. Multiple configurations, arrangements,
groupings, and/or numbers of slits may be used, as with the shirt
800. In this example, the slits 1240 are shown relatively large in
size, with relatively large spacings 1228, and the columns 1242
located in one general area, with all the columns 1242 aligned in
one direction. In implementations, slits used on the shirt 800
and/or the lower body article 1200 may be shorter, longer, more
tightly packed together, and/or arranged into more or fewer
columns, or have different orientations among different groupings,
among other arrangements.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 16, a flow diagram of an exemplary
method 1600 of manufacturing a vented article of apparel such as
the shirt 800 or the lower body article of apparel 1200 is shown,
in accordance with an aspect herein. At a first block 1602, a
fabric, such as the fabric 102 shown in FIG. 2, is provided, the
fabric having a first surface and an opposite second surface, such
as the first surface 104 and the second surface 106 shown in FIG.
2. At a second block 1604, a plurality of slits, such as the
plurality of slits 108 shown in FIG. 2, are formed in a repeating
fashion, such as in the repeating pattern 100 shown in FIG. 1, on
the fabric. In the repeating pattern, a spacing, such as the
spacing 131 shown in FIG. 1, between two adjacent slits in linear
alignment, such as slits 136 shown in FIG. 1, is less than a length
of a slit in non-linear alignment with the two slits, such as slit
138 in FIG. 1, and that is offset from the two slits such that the
slit in non-linear alignment overlies the spacing between the slits
in linear alignment, and the slit in non-linear alignment is
parallel to the slits in linear alignment. At a third block 1606,
the fabric is formed into at least part of the article of
apparel.
[0073] The slits may be integrated or formed into a predetermined
or preconfigured portion of the fabric, such as around or across
seams of the article, on the front, back, or sides of the article,
or be grouped into circular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal
sections in one or more locations on the article. Each grouping may
vary in cross-sectional area along the vertical axis or the
horizontal axis of the article, or both. The longitudinal axis of
the slits may be oriented along a horizontal axis, a vertical axis,
or be skewed from the horizontal or vertical axis across the
article. Additionally, each grouping of slits may have the slits
oriented in one or multiple directions within the grouping, and may
include a gradual change in the angle, or orientation, of the slits
as the slit structure extends across the article, to provide
ventilation in response to varying directions of stretch. For
example, a grouping of slits may be oriented proximate seams
joining sections of fabric forming the article, with the slits
oriented such that they open in response to the sections moving
apart, such as, for example, between a torso portion and an arm
portion of a shirt, so that the underarm area of the shirt
stretches and ventilates when a wearer raises an arm over her head.
Moreover, the raised surface created on each side of the fabric
when the vent-slits are open helps to channel air into and out of
the article, enhancing ventilation.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 17, a flow chart of an exemplary
method 1700 of manufacturing a vented article of apparel is shown,
in accordance with an aspect herein. At a block 1702, a fabric,
such as the fabric 102 shown in FIG. 2, having a first surface and
a second surface, such as the first surface 104 and the second
surface 106 shown in FIG. 2, is provided. At a block 1704, a
plurality of slits oriented substantially parallel to each other,
such as the slits 108 shown in FIG. 2, are cut through the first
surface and the second surface of the fabric, wherein at least two
of the plurality of slits are in linear alignment, such as slits
136 in FIG. 1, and wherein a spacing between the at least two slits
is less than a length of a slit positioned adjacent to the at least
two slits and in non-linear alignment with respect to the at least
two slits. At a block 1706, the fabric is formed into at least part
of an article of apparel, with the slits positioned in two or more
distinct groupings on the article of apparel, the slits within each
grouping aligned in the same direction.
[0075] The slits may be cut manually, mechanically (e.g., knife
machine), or by laser (e.g., laser cutting machine), ultrasonic
(e.g., ultrasonic cutting machine), water jet cutting, die cutting,
and the like. The plurality of slits may be arranged such that
there are at least two slits in linear alignment, such as the slits
136 in FIG. 2, wherein a spacing, such as the spacing 131 in FIG.
2, between the slits in linear alignment is less than a length of a
slit positioned adjacent to the at least two slits, such as the
adjacent slit 138 shown in FIG. 2, and in non-linear alignment with
respect to the at least two slits.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 18, an exemplary method 1800 of
manufacturing a modified article of apparel is shown, in accordance
with an aspect herein. At a block 1802, a fabric, such as the
fabric 102 shown in FIG. 2, having a first surface and a second
surface, such as the first surface 104 and the second surface 106
shown in FIG. 2, is provided. At a block 1804, a plurality of
slits, such as the slits 108 shown in FIG. 2, are integrated into
the fabric through the first surface and the second surface, the
plurality of slits forming columns, such as the columns 124 shown
in FIG. 2, in parallel configuration, with a spacing, such as
spacing 131 in FIG. 2, between two slits in linear alignment in a
first column, such as slits 136 in FIG. 2, less than a length of a
slit, such as slit 138 in FIG. 2, in an adjacent second column,
with the spacing in the first columns aligned at least partially
with the slit positioned in the second column. At a block 1806, the
fabric is formed into at least part of the article of apparel,
wherein when the fabric is stretched perpendicular to the
orientation of the slits, the slits open to provide a direct path
through the first and the second surfaces of the fabric to a body
of the wearer.
[0077] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which
are inherent to the structure. 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. Since many
possible aspects may be made of the invention without departing
from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter
herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be
interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.
* * * * *