Garment with adaptive gap feature

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to garments incorporating adaptive gap structures in the form of fluid-filled bladders that transition from a first shape to a second shape when exposed to moisture in the form of, for example, sweat. When the fluid-filled bladders are in the first shape, they are generally planar with the surface plane of the fabric layers forming the garment, such that the garment is in contact or nearly in contact with the wearer's body surface. When the fluid-filled bladders are in the second shape, they extend away from the surface plane of the fabric layers forming the garment in the z-direction, such that the fabric layers are spaced apart from the wearer's body surface by the gap structure to reduce cling and promote evaporation of sweat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article discusses various aspects of clothing with adaptive gap features. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional clothing utilizes static structures, such as spacers, to create a fixed horizontal gap between the clothing and the wearer's body surface. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following clauses represent exemplary aspects of the concepts envisioned herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in a multi-dependent manner to depend on one or more other clauses. Furthermore, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend on preceding clauses) may be combined while remaining within the scope of the aspects envisioned herein. The following clauses are illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0004] Clause 1. A garment comprising: a fabric layer; and a fluid filling bladder attached to the fabric layer, the fluid filling bladder comprising: an inner layer facing the interior of the fluid filling bladder, and an outer layer laminated to the inner layer and positioned outside the inner layer, the outer layer being formed of a membrane material that undergoes a dimensional change in at least the z-direction upon exposure to moisture, thereby causing the fluid filling bladder to change from a first shape to a second shape.

[0005] Clause 2. The garment according to Clause 1, wherein the first shape extends a first distance in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the fabric layer, wherein the second shape extends a second distance in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the fabric layer, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0006] Clause 3. The garment as described in Clause 2, wherein the second distance is from about 3.0 cm to about 4.0 cm.

[0007] Clause 4. The garment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the membrane material of the outer layer of the fluid-filled bladder comprises a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.

[0008] Clause 5. The garment as described in Clause 4, wherein the inner layer of the fluid-filled bladder is formed of a polyurethane membrane material.

[0009] Clause 6. The garment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the fluid filling bladder further comprises an adhesive film layer positioned between the outer layer and the inner layer, the adhesive film layer being used to bond the outer layer to the inner layer.

[0010] Clause 7. The garment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the fabric layer comprises a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer, the second fabric layer being positioned adjacent to the first fabric layer to form a space between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer.

[0011] Clause 8. The garment as described in Clause 7, wherein the fluid-filled bladder is fixed in the space between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer.

[0012] Clause 9. The garment according to any one of Clauses 7 to 8, wherein the second fabric layer at least partially forms the innermost surface of the garment.

[0013] Clause 10. A garment comprising: a first fabric layer; a second fabric layer positioned adjacent to the first fabric layer to form a space between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer, wherein the second fabric layer at least partially forms the innermost surface of the garment; and a fluid filling bladder secured in the space between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer, wherein the fluid filling bladder undergoes a dimensional change in at least the z-direction upon exposure to moisture, causing the fluid filling bladder to transform from a first shape to a second shape.

[0014] Clause 11. The garment according to Clause 10, wherein the fluid filling sac comprises: an inner layer facing the interior of the fluid filling sac, and an outer layer laminated to the inner layer and positioned outside the inner layer.

[0015] Clause 12. The garment as described in Clause 11, wherein the outer layer undergoes the dimensional change in the z-direction when exposed to moisture.

[0016] Clause 13. The garment according to any one of Clauses 11 to 12, wherein the inner layer does not undergo the dimensional change in the z-direction when exposed to moisture.

[0017] Clause 14. Garment according to any one of Clauses 11 to 13, wherein the outer layer is formed of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.

[0018] Clause 15. The garment according to any one of Clauses 11 to 15, wherein the inner layer is formed of polyurethane material.

[0019] Clause 16. A method of manufacturing garment having a fluid-filled bladder, the method comprising: fixing the fluid-filled bladder in a space between a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer forming the garment, wherein the second fabric layer at least partially forms the innermost surface of the garment, and wherein the fluid-filled bladder undergoes a dimensional change in at least the z-direction upon exposure to moisture, such that the fluid-filled bladder transforms from a first shape to a second shape.

[0020] Clause 17. A method of manufacturing garments having fluid-filled bladders as described in Clause 16, wherein the second fabric layer is a mesh fabric.

[0021] Clause 18. A method of manufacturing garments having fluid-filled bladders according to any one of Clauses 16 to 17, wherein the second fabric layer has moisture-absorbing properties.

[0022] Clause 19. A method of manufacturing garment having a fluid-filled bladder according to any one of Clauses 16 to 18, wherein the fluid-filled bladder comprises: an inner layer facing the interior of the fluid-filled bladder, and an outer layer laminated to the inner layer and positioned outside the inner layer, wherein the outer layer undergoes the dimensional change in the z-direction when exposed to moisture.

[0023] Clause 20. A method of manufacturing garment having a fluid-filled bladder according to any one of Clauses 16 to 19, wherein the first shape extends a first distance in the z-direction relative to a surface plane of at least the second fabric layer, wherein the second shape extends a second distance in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the second fabric layer, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following is a detailed description of examples from various aspects of this article, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1A The illustration shows a side view of the fluid-filled bladder before exposure to moisture, according to various aspects of this article;

[0026] Figure 1B The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1A A view of the first surface of the fluid-filled capsule before it is exposed to moisture;

[0027] Figure 1C The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1A A side view of the fluid-filled bladder after the first surface of the bladder has been exposed to moisture;

[0028] Figure 1D The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1CA view of the first surface of the fluid-filled capsule after it has been exposed to moisture;

[0029] Figure 2A The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1A A magnified view of the first surface of the fluid-filled bladder before it is exposed to moisture;

[0030] Figure 2B The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1C A magnified view of the first surface of the fluid-filled capsule after it has been exposed to moisture;

[0031] Figure 3A The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1A A magnified view of the second surface of the fluid-filled capsule before the first surface of the fluid-filled capsule is exposed to moisture;

[0032] Figure 3B The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 1C A magnified view of the second surface of the fluid-filled capsule after the first surface of the fluid-filled capsule has been exposed to moisture;

[0033] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the various aspects used to form according to this article. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an example process for a fluid-filled capsule;

[0034] Figure 5A The illustration shows the fixation to the fabric layer and its positioning near the wearer's body surface, according to various aspects described herein. Figures 1A to 1B Fluid-filled capsules;

[0035] Figure 5B The diagram illustrates the effects of exposure to moisture, based on various aspects described in this article. Figure 5A Fluid-filled capsules;

[0036] Figure 6A The diagram illustrates the fixing between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer according to various aspects of this article. Figures 1A to 1B Fluid-filled capsules;

[0037] Figure 6B The diagram illustrates the effects of exposure to moisture, based on various aspects described in this article. Figure 6A Fluid-filled capsules;

[0038] Figure 7A The illustration shows an inward-facing surface of an upper garment according to various aspects of this article, the inward-facing surface having a first example fluid-filled sac located at the rear torso portion of the upper garment;

[0039] Figure 7B The diagram illustrates the various aspects based on this article. Figure 7A Rear view of the upper body clothing, in which fluid-filled bladders redirect precipitation;

[0040] Figure 8 The illustration shows an inward-facing surface of an upper garment according to various aspects of this article, the inward-facing surface having a second example fluid-filled sac located at the rear torso portion of the upper garment;

[0041] Figure 9 The illustration shows the inward-facing surface of an upper garment according to various aspects of this article, the inward-facing surface having a plurality of fluid-filled sacs located at the rear torso portion of the upper garment;

[0042] Figure 10 The illustration shows a headdress article according to various aspects of this article, which has a fluid-filled sac positioned around the crown portion of the headdress article;

[0043] Figure 11 The illustration shows a footwear article according to various aspects of this article, which has a fluid-filled bladder located at the tongue portion of the upper;

[0044] Figure 12 The illustration depicts a lower garment according to various aspects of this article, which has fluid-filled sacs positioned at the front leg portion; and

[0045] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating an example method for manufacturing garments with fluid-filled bladders according to various aspects of this document is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The subject matter of this invention has been specifically described herein to satisfy legal requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have envisioned that the claimed or disclosed subject matter may also be embodied in other ways in combination with other current or future techniques to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to those described in this document. Furthermore, although the terms “step” and / or “box” may be used herein to refer to different elements of the method employed, these terms should not be construed as implying any particular order among or between the various steps disclosed herein, unless and except as expressly stated.

[0047] Traditional clothing utilizes static structures, such as spacers, to achieve a fixed horizontal gap between the garment and the wearer's body surface. While this may help reduce cling and promote air circulation in the space between the garment and the wearer's body surface when the wearer is exercising, maintaining a fixed horizontal gap may not be ideal when the wearer is resting and requires a higher level of warmth / insulation. This article relates to garments and clothing articles incorporating adaptive gap structures that change from a first shape to a second shape upon exposure to moisture, such as sweat and / or precipitation. When the gap structure is in the first shape, it is generally planar with the surface plane of the fabric layer forming the garment, such that the garment is in contact with or nearly in contact with the wearer's body surface. This can be useful when the wearer is resting and requires additional warmth and / or insulation. When the gap structures are in the second shape, they can extend away from the surface plane of the fabric layer forming the garment in the z-direction and toward the wearer's body surface, such that the fabric layer is spaced apart from the wearer's body surface by the gap structure. This not only reduces cling but also promotes air circulation in the space between the fabric layer and the wearer's body surface, thereby promoting sweat evaporation and helping to keep the wearer cool. The gap structure can also extend in the z-direction away from the surface plane of the fabric layer that forms the garment and toward the external environment, where the gap structure can be used to redirect precipitation that impacts the garment.

[0048] In an example, the gap structure takes the form of one or more fluid-filled bladders fixed to a fabric layer forming the garment. The fluid-filled bladders are at least partially formed of a membrane material such as a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, which undergoes dimensional changes in one or more of the z, x, and y directions when exposed to moisture. The fluid-filled bladders may be partially filled with a fluid, such as air, and can function as an insulating structure when in a first shape. When moisture (such as sweat) comes into contact with the surface of the fluid-filled bladder, the dimensional changes in the membrane material cause the fluid-filled bladder to transform into a second shape, which, for example, creates a gap between the garment and the wearer's body surface.

[0049] In some examples, to avoid direct contact between the membrane material of the fluid-filled bladder and the wearer's body surface, the fluid-filled bladder may be positioned between a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer, wherein the second fabric layer forms the innermost surface of the garment. To facilitate exposure of the membrane material to sweat produced by the wearer, the second fabric layer may comprise a mesh fabric with numerous openings (either by design modification or inherently formed by knitting or weaving) and / or a fabric with moisture-wicking properties.

[0050] This document also envisions that one or more fluid-filled sacs may be positioned in a strip on clothing based on, for example, a thermogram or sweat map of the human body. For instance, a thermogram and / or sweat map indicates that the central posterior region of the human torso is an area of ​​high heat and sweat production. Accordingly, the fluid-filled sacs may be positioned in the central posterior region of upper garments. In another instance, one or more fluid-filled sacs may be located in high-contact areas of clothing, such as the flanks or upper chest of the human torso. In yet another instance, one or more fluid-filled sacs may be located in areas of clothing exposed to significant amounts of rainwater, such as the shoulders and upper posterior regions of upper garments. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated within the scope of this document.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "clothing" or "clothing articles" encompass any number of products intended to be worn by a wearer, including upper garments (e.g., shirts, jackets, hoodies, tank tops, pullovers), lower garments (e.g., trousers, shorts, leggings), footwear (such as shoes or socks), headwear (e.g., hats), gloves, sleeves (e.g., arm warmers, calf warmers), and so on. Positional terms used when describing clothing or clothing articles, such as front, back, inward-facing surface, outward-facing surface, etc., refer to the clothing or clothing articles as intended to be worn when the wearer is upright. Accordingly, when the clothing is in the form of upper garments, the front portion of the upper garment is configured to cover, for example, the front upper torso area and the forearm area (when the garment has sleeves), and the back portion of the upper garment is configured to cover the rear upper torso area and the rear arm area (when the garment has sleeves). When the garment is in the form of lower garment, the front portion is configured to cover, for example, the wearer's front lower torso and front leg areas, and the back portion is configured to cover the rear lower torso and rear leg areas. Similarly, the inward-facing surface of the garment or clothing article is configured to be positioned facing the wearer's body surface. The term "inward-facing surface" refers to the surface positioned closest to the wearer's body surface relative to the other surfaces and / or layers of the garment or clothing article. The term "outward-facing surface" of the garment or clothing article is configured to face the external environment or the inward-facing surface away from the garment. The term "outward-facing surface" refers to the surface positioned furthest from the wearer's body surface relative to the other surfaces and / or layers of the garment or clothing article.

[0052] When used relative to the surface of, for example, a fabric layer or a fluid-filled capsule, the term "surface plane" refers to a plane extending in the x and y directions. The term "z direction" refers to a direction extending away from the corresponding surface plane in a positive or negative direction. In other words, the z direction refers to a direction approximately orthogonal to the corresponding surface plane. When describing a fluid-filled capsule, the term "fluid" refers to a gas (including air) or a liquid. As used herein, the term "about" means within ±10% of a reference value. As used herein, the term "moisture" refers to water in vapor or liquid form, as well as other liquid substances, including sweat.

[0053] This document envisions that at least one of the membrane materials forming the fluid-filled capsule may include a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), and more specifically a TPEE membrane based on polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which undergoes dimensional changes in one or more of the x, y, and z directions upon exposure to moisture. The TPEE membrane material and / or the PBT-based TPEE membrane material are configured to transport or diffuse moisture from one surface of the membrane to a second, opposing surface. The presence of hydrophilic molecules (molecules that attract or have an affinity for water) within the membrane can facilitate moisture transport, with a greater number of hydrophilic molecules leading to greater moisture transport. The movement of moisture through the membrane material can be measured using a water vapor permeability test such as ASTM E96 B, and, in an example, the water vapor permeability of the membrane can be from approximately 600 g / m³. 2 / day to approximately 10,000g / m 2 / day, from approximately 1,000g / m 2 / day to approximately 9,000g / m 2 / day, from approximately 3,000g / m 2 / approximately 8,000g / m² per day 2 / day, from approximately 5,000g / m 2 / day to approximately 7,000g / m 2 / day, or approximately 6,000g / m 2 / day. An example PBT-based TPEE membrane is TPEE48 manufactured by Far Eastern New Century Corporation in Taipei, Taiwan. Additional membrane materials contemplated herein include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) membrane materials or variations thereof, thermoplastic poly(ether-amide) elastomer (TPAE) membrane materials, and / or any membrane material capable of transporting or diffusing moisture from one surface of the membrane material to a second opposing surface. All aspects of this document envision membrane materials having a thickness from about 50 micrometers to about 70 micrometers. Typically, this thickness range is favorable for moisture to diffuse through the membrane material within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., from one minute to one hour).

[0054] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements provided herein were taken at standard ambient temperature and pressure (25 degrees Celsius or 298.15 K and 1 bar) with clothing and / or garments in a static, unstressed state.

[0055] Figure 1A A side view of a fluid-filled capsule 100 prior to exposure to moisture irritation is depicted, wherein the fluid-filled capsule 100 comprises a first relatively flat shape. The fluid-filled capsule 100 includes a first surface 110 and a second surface 112 positioned opposite to the first surface 110. In the first shape, the surface plane of the first surface 110 is substantially parallel (e.g., within ±20 degrees of parallelism) to and offset relative to the surface plane of the second surface 112. The fluid-filled capsule 100 includes a peripheral edge 114 that defines where the membrane material forming the first surface 110 is bonded to the membrane material forming the second surface 112, as described below. Figure 4 To further explain, in an example, the fluid-filled bladder 100 is partially filled with a fluid 116, such as air. For example, the fluid-filled bladder 100 may be filled with from about 5% to about 60% of its maximum filling capacity, where the maximum filling capacity is the volume of fluid contained within the fluid-filled bladder 100 at the rupture point. Partially filling the fluid-filled bladder 100, in contrast to fully filling it, allows the fluid-filled bladder 100 to change shape upon exposure to moisture stimuli.

[0056] Figure 1B A view of the first surface 110 of the fluid-filled sac 100 before exposure to moisture stimulation is depicted. The fluid-filled sac 100 is shown in a circular form, but other shapes are also contemplated herein. A peripheral edge 114 extends around the circumference or periphery of the fluid-filled sac 100. In one example aspect, when the fluid-filled sac 100 is in a second shape, the diameter of the circle can be chosen to achieve a desired gap amount, such as a gap in the range of 3.0 cm to 4.0 cm. In another example aspect, the diameter can be from about 5 cm to about 15 cm, from about 7 cm to about 12 cm, or about 10 cm.

[0057] Figure 1C A side view of a fluid-filled sac 100 is depicted after the first surface 110 has been exposed to moisture 118, such as sweat or precipitation, wherein the fluid-filled sac 100 includes a second shape. In the second shape, the surface plane of the first surface 110 is no longer parallel to the surface plane of the second surface 112. For example, the first surface 110 may be convex, while the second surface 112 may be substantially planar. Figure 1D A view depicting the first surface 110 of the fluid-filled bladder 100 after exposure to moisture 118 is shown, wherein the shading indicates the convexity of the first surface 110.

[0058] In one example, when the fluid filling sac 100 is incorporated into clothing, the first surface 110 may be positioned adjacent to the wearer's body surface. Moisture in the form of sweat produced by the wearer may then contact the first surface 110 of the fluid filling sac 100 without contacting the second surface 112. The moisture 118 causes the membrane material forming the first surface 110 to undergo dimensional changes in one or more of the x, y, and z directions. As an example, the first surface 110 may experience a decrease in size in the x and y directions and an increase in size in the z direction. This dimensional change of the first surface 110 causes it to bulge relative to the second surface 112 and redistributes the fluid 116 contained within the fluid filling sac 100 to occupy the space created by the shape change of the first surface 110. As explained further below, this shape change from the first shape to the second shape can be used to space the clothing from the wearer's body surface to reduce cling and facilitate air movement in that space.

[0059] In another example, when the fluid filler 100 is incorporated into clothing, the first surface 110 can be positioned adjacent to the external environment. Moisture in the form of precipitation can contact the first surface 110 of the fluid filler 100 without contacting the second surface 112. Moisture 118 causes the membrane material forming the first surface 110 to undergo dimensional changes in one or more of the x, y, and z directions. These dimensional changes cause the first surface 110 to bulge relative to the second surface 112 and redistribute the fluid 116 contained within the fluid filler 100 to occupy the space created by the shape change of the first surface 110. In this example, the shape change from a first shape to a second shape can be used to redirect the flow of precipitation impacting the clothing.

[0060] Although moisture is described as contacting only the first surface 110 of the fluid filling bladder 100, this document contemplates that moisture may contact both the first surface 110 and the second surface 112. For example, moisture in the form of sweat may contact the first surface 110 when it is positioned adjacent to the wearer's body surface, and precipitation may contact the second surface 112 when it is positioned facing the external environment. In this example, both the first surface 110 and the second surface 112 may be transformed into a convex shape, wherein the first surface 110 creates a gap between the clothing and the wearer's body surface, and the second surface 112 redirects the flow of precipitation impacting the clothing. When moisture 118 in the form of sweat or precipitation no longer contacts the first surface 110 and / or the second surface 112 of the fluid filling bladder 100, the fluid filling bladder 100 transforms back into a relatively flat first shape, wherein the surface plane of the first surface 110 is substantially parallel to and offset relative to the surface plane of the second surface 112.

[0061] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Detailed views of the first surface 110 of the fluid-filled capsule 100 before and after exposure to moisture 118 are depicted. (About...) Figure 2A The first surface 110 includes an inner layer 210 laminated to an outer layer 212 using an adhesive layer 214. In an example embodiment, the adhesive layer 214 may include a hot melt adhesive, but other adhesives are also contemplated herein. The inner layer 210 faces the interior of the fluid filling bladder 100, and the outer layer 212 faces the exterior. When the fluid filling bladder 100 is positioned inside clothing, the outer layer 212 will, for example, face the wearer's body surface and thus be exposed to moisture in the form of sweat produced by the wearer. In an example embodiment, the inner layer 210 may be a polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane membrane that does not undergo dimensional changes upon exposure to, for example, moisture. In an example embodiment, the inner layer 210 may have a thickness 218 from about 50 micrometers to about 70 micrometers. The outer layer 212 may be a membrane material that transports or diffuses moisture from one surface of the membrane to a second, opposing surface of the membrane, such as a TPEE membrane or a PBT-based TPEE membrane. Figure 2A The outer layer 212 may have a first thickness 216 ranging from about 40 micrometers to about 80 micrometers, from about 45 micrometers to about 75 micrometers, or from about 50 micrometers to about 70 micrometers.

[0062] exist Figure 2B In this process, the outer layer 212 is exposed to moisture 118 in the form of sweat and undergoes a dimensional change in at least the z-direction to a second thickness 220, which is greater than the first thickness 216. The outer layer 212 may also undergo changes in the x and y directions (e.g., a reduction in the x and y directions). As explained above, the dimensional changes in the outer layer 212 cause the outer layer 212 to change from a generally planar shape to a more convex shape, and the fluid-filled sac 100 to change from a first shape to a second shape.

[0063] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Detailed views of the second surface 112 of the fluid-filled bladder 100 before and after the first surface 110 of the fluid-filled bladder 100 is exposed to moisture 118 are depicted. (About...) Figure 3AThe second surface 112 includes an inner layer 310 laminated to the outer layer 312 using an adhesive layer 314. The adhesive layer 314 may include, for example, a hot melt adhesive, but other adhesives are also contemplated herein. The inner layer 310 faces the interior of the fluid-filled bladder 100, and the outer layer 312 faces the exterior. When the fluid-filled bladder 100 is positioned inside clothing, the outer layer 312 will face away from the wearer's body surface. In an example aspect, the inner layer 310 may be a polyurethane membrane or a thermoplastic polyurethane membrane that does not undergo dimensional changes upon exposure to, for example, moisture. In an example aspect, the inner layer 310 may have a thickness of 218. The outer layer 312 may be a membrane material that transports or diffuses moisture from one surface of the membrane to a second, opposing surface of the membrane, such as a TPEE membrane or a PBT-based TPEE membrane. Figure 3A The outer layer 312 can have a first thickness 216. Regarding... Figure 3B Since the second surface 112 is not exposed to moisture 118 in this example, the outer layer 312 does not undergo significant dimensional changes. Accordingly, after the fluid-filled capsule 100 is exposed to moisture 118, the outer layer 312 maintains its first thickness 216. Because the outer layer 312 does not undergo dimensional changes, the second surface 112 of the fluid-filled capsule maintains a generally planar shape before and after exposure to moisture 118.

[0064] Figure 4 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the process for forming the fluid-filled capsule 100. At step 410, layers forming the first surface 110 of the fluid-filled capsule 100 are stacked together to form a first stack configuration 409. For example, an outer layer 212, an adhesive layer 214, and an inner layer 210 may be stacked together to form the first stack configuration 409. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 214 may be included as part of the inner layer 210, in which case only two layers are stacked together. At the same step 410, layers forming the second surface 112 of the fluid-filled capsule 100 are stacked together to form a second stack configuration 411. For example, an outer layer 312, an adhesive layer 314, and an inner layer 310 may be stacked together to form the second stack configuration 411. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 314 may be included as part of the inner layer 310, in which case only two layers are stacked together.

[0065] At step 412, the device 414 applies heat and / or pressure to one or more of the opposing surfaces of a first stacked structure 409 comprising an inner layer 210, an adhesive layer 214, and an outer layer 212. The heat and / or pressure causes the adhesive layer 214 to melt, for example, and to attach the inner layer 210 to the outer layer 212 to form a first laminated structure 413. At the same step 412, the device 414 applies heat and / or pressure to one or more of the opposing surfaces of a second stacked structure 411 comprising an inner layer 310, an adhesive layer 314, and an outer layer 312. The heat and / or pressure causes the adhesive layer 314 to melt, for example, and to attach the inner layer 310 to the outer layer 312 to form a second laminated structure 415.

[0066] At step 416, the first laminated structure 413 and the second laminated structure 415 are stacked together such that the corresponding inner layers 210 and 310 are positioned adjacent to each other, and the outer layers 212 and 312 face outward. At step 418, the device 420 applies a vacuum to the first laminated structure 413 and the second laminated structure 415, wherein the vacuum forces are in opposite directions. Simultaneously, the peripheral edges of the first laminated structure 413 and the second laminated structure 415 are bonded together. More specifically, the peripheral edges of the corresponding inner layers 210 and 310 are bonded together. This can be accomplished, for example, by an RF bonding machine, but other bonding techniques are also contemplated herein. Bonding the peripheral edges together while maintaining the first laminated structure 413 and the second laminated structure 415 under vacuum ensures that fluid (such as air) is trapped or sealed within the resulting fluid-filled bladder 100, as shown at step 424. The amount of vacuum generated by the device 420 can be adjusted to ensure that the fluid-filled bladder 100 is filled to less than the maximum filling capacity. For example, the vacuum force can be reduced to ensure that the fluid-filled bladder 100 is only partially filled.

[0067] Figure 4 The described steps are merely one example process for producing the fluid-filled bladder 100. In another example aspect, the fluid-filled bladder 100 may be formed with a two-way valve that allows the wearer to manually inflate and deflate the fluid-filled bladder 100. For example, the wearer will inflate the fluid-filled bladder 100 when a gap or change in shape is desired, and will deflate, or at least partially deflate, the fluid-filled bladder 100 when a gap or change in shape is no longer needed. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated within the scope of this document.

[0068] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The illustration shows an example of incorporating a fluid-filled capsule 100 into clothing. Figure 5A The illustration shows a fluid-filled bladder 100 in a first relatively flat shape, and Figure 5B The illustration shows a fluid-filled bladder 100 in a second shape after the first surface 110 has been exposed to moisture. Figure 5A The illustration shows the second surface 112 of a fluid filling bladder 100 attached to a fabric layer 510 using, for example, adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. Alternatively, the peripheral edge 114 of the fluid filling bladder 100 can be attached to the fabric layer 510 using bonding, sewing, adhesives, etc. In one example aspect, the fluid filling bladder 100 can be removably attached to the fabric layer 510 using, for example, releasable adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. In this example, the fluid filling bladder 100 can be removed before washing the garment. The first surface 110 of the fluid filling bladder 100 is positioned adjacent to the wearer's body surface 512. In the example aspect, because the fluid filling bladder 100 is generally flat, there is a minimal gap between the fabric layer 510 and the body surface 512, as indicated by distance 514, such that the fabric layer 510 contacts or nearly contacts the wearer's body surface 512 (e.g., within about 10 mm or less). In other words, the fluid filling bladder 100 extends a distance 514 in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the fabric layer 510. Making the fabric layer 510 in contact with or almost in contact with the wearer's body surface 512 can provide the necessary warmth when the wearer is resting. In addition, the fluid contained in the fluid-filled bladder 100 can provide additional insulation.

[0069] exist Figure 5B In this process, sweat produced on the wearer's body surface 512 causes the first surface 110 of the fluid filling sac 100 to change size and take on a convex shape. This convex shape increases the gap between the fabric layer 510 and the body surface 512 to a distance 516 greater than the distance 514. In other words, the fluid filling sac 100 extends a distance 516 in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the fabric layer 510. In example, the distance 516 can be from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, from about 1.5 cm to about 4.5 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4.25 cm, or from about 3 cm to about 4 cm. The gap created by the fluid filling sac 100 can alleviate the feeling of tightness and can also create space between the body surface 512 and the fabric layer 510 through which air can circulate, causing sweat to evaporate and keeping the wearer cool.

[0070] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The illustration shows another example of incorporating the fluid-filled capsule 100 into clothing. Figure 6A The illustration shows a fluid-filled capsule 100 in a first shape, and Figure 6B The illustration shows the fluid-filled bladder 100 in a second shape after the first surface 110 of the fluid-filled bladder 100 is exposed to moisture. Figure 6AThe illustration shows a fluid filling bladder 100 positioned between a first fabric layer 610 and a second fabric layer 612. The second surface 112 of the fluid filling bladder 100 is secured to the first fabric layer 610 using, for example, adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. Alternatively, the peripheral edge 114 of the fluid filling bladder 100 can be secured to the first fabric layer 610 using bonding, sewing, adhesives, etc. In one example aspect, the fluid filling bladder 100 can be removably attached to the first fabric layer 610 using, for example, releasable adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. The first surface 110 of the fluid filling bladder 100 is positioned adjacent to the second fabric layer 612. In this example, the second fabric layer 612 is the innermost facing surface of the garment and is in contact with or nearly in contact with the wearer's body surface 614. In another example aspect, the first surface 110 of the fluid filling bladder 100 is not secured to the second fabric layer 612, allowing the second fabric layer 612 to move freely relative to the first surface 110 of the fluid filling bladder 100. Alternatively, the first surface 110 of the fluid-filled bladder 100 may be attached to the second fabric layer 612 using one of the attachment techniques described herein.

[0071] In an example, the second fabric layer 612 may include a mesh structure with a large number of closely spaced pores, which are created by, for example, knitting or weaving processes or by post-weaving or post-knitting processes such as laser cutting, die-cutting, etc. These pores allow moisture generated on the wearer's body surface 614 to come into contact with the first surface 110 of the fluid filling bladder 100. Additionally or alternatively, the second fabric layer 612 may include a moisture-wicking fabric that transports moisture generated on the body surface 614 to the first surface 110 of the fluid filling bladder 100. Transport mechanisms may include denier differential, capillary action, moisture-wicking finishing, etc. The use of the second fabric layer 612 prevents direct contact between the first surface 110 of the fluid filling bladder 100 and the body surface 614, which can improve wearer comfort.

[0072] In terms of examples, because the fluid-filled bladder 100 is generally flat in the first shape (and as... Figure 6A As shown, a minimum gap exists between the first fabric layer 610 and the body surface 614, as indicated by distance 616, such that the first fabric layer 610 and the second fabric layer 612 are in contact or nearly in contact with the wearer's body surface 614. In other words, the fluid-filled bladder 100 extends a distance 616 in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the first fabric layer 610. Making the first fabric layer 610 and the second fabric layer 612 in contact or nearly in contact with the wearer's body surface 614 provides the necessary warmth when the wearer is resting. Furthermore, the fluid contained within the fluid-filled bladder 100 provides additional insulation.

[0073] exist Figure 6BIn this process, sweat produced on the wearer's body surface 614 causes the first surface 110 of the fluid-filled pouch 100 to change size and take on a convex shape. This convex shape increases the gap between the first fabric layer 610 and the body surface 614 to a distance 618 greater than the distance 616. In other words, the fluid-filled pouch extends a distance 618 in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the first fabric layer 610. For example, the distance 618 can be from about 1 cm to about 5 cm, from about 1.5 cm to about 4.5 cm, from about 2 cm to about 4.25 cm, or from about 3 cm to about 4 cm. The gap created by the fluid-filled pouch 100 can alleviate the feeling of tightness and also create space between the body surface 614 and the first fabric layer 610 and / or the second fabric layer 612 through which air can circulate, causing sweat evaporation and cooling the wearer. Figure 5B and Figure 6B When the wearer stops sweating, the fluid-filled bladder 100 returns to its original position. Figure 5A and Figure 6A The shape shown is relatively flat, and the gaps are reduced.

[0074] As described above, the fluid-filled bladders described herein can be incorporated into clothing in a strip form based on, for example, a thermal map and / or a sweat map and / or a rain contact map of the human body. Figures 7A to 9 The illustrations show some example configurations of the fluid-filled bladders described in this article, as well as some example strip locations. Figure 7A The illustration depicts a jacket-style upper garment 700. The upper garment 700 is shown in an open state, allowing the inward-facing surface of the upper garment 700 to be visible. A T-shaped fluid-filled pouch 710 is shown in the central rear region 712 of the upper garment 700, with the arms of the T-shape positioned adjacent to the neck opening of the upper garment 700, and the main body of the T-shape located adjacent to the waist opening of the upper garment 700. This positioning may be based on a thermogram and / or perspiration map indicating that the central rear region 712 is a high-heat and / or sweat-producing area of ​​the human body. The fluid-filled pouch 710 may be positioned between two fabric layers, such as... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the innermost fabric layer 714 includes, for example, a mesh structure, as indicated by the crosshair shading.

[0075] This paper envisions that different parts of the fluid filling bladder can change shape independently of other parts of the fluid filling bladder 710. As an illustrative example, the arm of the fluid filling bladder 710 can change from a shape where the two surfaces of the fluid filling bladder 710 are planar relative to each other to a shape where the surface of the fluid filling bladder in contact with moisture presents a convex shape, while the main body of the fluid filling bladder does not change shape. This could be due to differential sweat production along the central rear region of the wearer.

[0076] Figure 7BThe illustration shows a rear view of the outward-facing surface of the upper garment 700. Rainfall 716 is shown impacting the shoulder and upper rear areas of the upper garment 700. Rainfall 716 can cause the surface of the fluid-filled bladder 710 facing the external environment to change from a relatively planar shape to a convex shape. As indicated by arrow 718, this convex shape can be used to redirect the rainfall 716 along the sides of the upper garment 700. In this example, the material forming the outermost surface or layer of the upper garment 700 may include a mesh structure or may have hygroscopic properties to facilitate the movement of rainfall 716 to the surface of the fluid-filled bladder 710.

[0077] Figure 8 Another example of an upper garment 800 in an open state is illustrated. A fluid-filled bladder 810 is positioned at the central rear region 812 of the upper garment 800, and in this example, between two fabric layers, wherein the innermost fabric layer 814 includes a mesh structure, for example, indicated by cross-hatching. The fluid-filled bladder 810 has a shape configuration comprising multiple bladder segments (such as bladder segments 810a and 810b) connected by multiple conduit segments (such as conduit segments 810c and 810d). Conduit segments 810c and 810d can serve as conduits for fluid contained within the fluid-filled bladder 810, moving from one bladder segment (such as bladder segment 810a) to another bladder segment (such as bladder segment 810b) in response to a shape change of a particular bladder segment. Similar to the fluid-filled bladder 710, different bladder segments of the fluid-filled bladder 810 can change from a first shape to a second shape independently of other bladder segments of the fluid-filled bladder 810. Similarly, this could be due to differential sweat production along the central rear area of ​​the wearer.

[0078] Figure 9 The illustration shows another example of an upper garment 900 in the open state. Multiple distinct and separate fluid-filled pouches 910 are positioned in the central rear region 912, and in this example, between two fabric layers, wherein the innermost fabric layer 914 may include, for example, a mesh structure. Based on the wearer's varying perspiration production, different fluid-filled pouches 910 may change shape to create gaps in areas of perspiration production, while other fluid-filled pouches 910 remain generally flat. The specific shape configuration and location of the fluid-filled pouches 710, 810, and 910 are illustrative, and it is envisioned that the fluid-filled pouches may have other shape configurations and may be positioned at other locations on the garment to optimize gaps where needed.

[0079] The fluid-filled capsules described in this article can be incorporated into other types of clothing and garment items. For example, Figure 10The illustration shows a headwear item 1000 in the form of a hat. A series of fluid-filled pouches 1010 are positioned around the lower edge of the crown of the headwear item 1000. When the wearer sweats, the fluid-filled pouches 1010 can change from a relatively flat shape to a convex or partially convex shape to create a gap between the headwear item 1000 and the wearer's head, thereby improving the wearer's comfort.

[0080] Figure 11 The illustration depicts a footwear article 1100 in the form of a shoe. One or more fluid-filled pouches 1110 are positioned in the tongue region of the upper of the footwear article 1100. In response to sweat from the wearer's feet, the fluid-filled pouches 1110 can transform into a more convex shape and create gaps in that area to improve wearer comfort and promote air circulation within the footwear article 1100. The location of the fluid-filled pouches 1110 is illustrative, and other locations on the footwear article 1100 are also envisioned herein.

[0081] Figure 12 The illustration depicts a lower garment 1200 in the form of trousers. Although shown as trousers, the lower garment 1200 could be in the form of shorts, leggings, capri pants, etc. The lower garment 1200 includes fluid-filled sacs 1210 located in the front thigh region of the leg portion of the lower garment 1200. This location is illustrative, and it is contemplated that the fluid-filled sacs 1210 could be located at other locations on the lower garment 1200 based on, for example, a thermal map and / or a sweat map and / or a rain contact map of the human body. In response to sweat produced by the wearer, the fluid-filled sacs 1210 change from a first shape to a second shape to create gaps in the area in which they are located.

[0082] Figure 13 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method for manufacturing a garment with a fluid-filled bladder, generally indicated by reference numeral 1300. At step 1310, a fluid-filled bladder, such as fluid-filled bladder 100, is secured in the space between a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer forming the garment. The first and second fabric layers may include… Figure 6A and Figure 6B The garment comprises a first fabric layer 610 and a second fabric layer 612. In one example, the second fabric layer forms the innermost surface of the garment. The fluid-filled bladder is at least partially formed of a membrane material that undergoes a dimensional change in at least the z-direction upon exposure to moisture, causing the fluid-filled bladder to transform from a first, relatively flat shape to a second shape. In the second shape, the surface of the fluid-filled bladder, already exposed to moisture, transforms into a convex shape that creates a gap between the first and second fabric layers and the wearer's body surface.

[0083] Various aspects of this disclosure have been described in an illustrative and not restrictive manner. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from its scope. Those skilled in the art can develop alternative means to implement the above-described improvements without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0084] It should be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and sub-combinations, and are contemplated to be within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need to be performed in the specific order described.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: Fabric layer; And a fluid-filled bladder fixed to the fabric layer, the fluid-filled bladder comprising: an inner layer and an outer layer, one side of the inner layer facing a sealed interior cavity of the fluid-filled bladder configured to be filled and sealed with fluid, the outer layer being laminated to the other side of the inner layer and positioned outside the inner layer, the outer layer being formed of a membrane material that undergoes a dimensional change in at least the z-direction when exposed to moisture, so as to transform the fluid-filled bladder from a first shape to a second shape, wherein the z-direction refers to a direction that is generally orthogonal to the surface plane of the surface of the fluid-filled bladder.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first shape extends a first distance in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the fabric layer, wherein the second shape extends a second distance in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the fabric layer, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the second distance is from about 3.0 cm to about 4.0 cm.

4. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the membrane material of the outer layer of the fluid-filled bladder comprises a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.

5. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner layer of the fluid-filled bladder is formed of a polyurethane membrane material.

6. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fluid filling bladder further comprises an adhesive film layer positioned between the outer layer and the inner layer, the adhesive film layer being used to bond the outer layer to the inner layer.

7. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fabric layer comprises a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer, the second fabric layer being positioned adjacent to the first fabric layer to form a space between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer.

8. The garment of claim 7, wherein the fluid filling bladder is fixed in the space between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer.

9. The garment according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the second fabric layer at least partially forms the innermost surface of the garment.

10. A garment comprising: First fabric layer; A second fabric layer, positioned adjacent to the first fabric layer to form a space between the first and second fabric layers, wherein the second fabric layer at least partially forms the innermost surface of the garment; and a fluid filling bladder, the fluid filling bladder comprising a sealed inner cavity for filling and sealing with fluid and fixed in the space between the first and second fabric layers, wherein the fluid filling bladder undergoes a dimensional change in at least the z-direction upon exposure to moisture, causing the fluid filling bladder to transform from a first shape to a second shape, wherein the z-direction is a direction generally orthogonal to the surface plane of the surface of the fluid filling bladder. The fluid-filled capsule comprises: an inner layer, one side of which faces the sealed inner cavity of the fluid-filled capsule, and an outer layer laminated to the other side of the inner layer and positioned outside the inner layer. The material of the outer layer undergoes the dimensional change in the z-direction when exposed to moisture.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein the inner layer does not undergo the dimensional change in the z-direction when exposed to moisture.

12. The garment according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the outer layer is formed of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.

13. The garment according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the inner layer is formed of a polyurethane material.

14. A method of manufacturing garment having a fluid-filled bladder, the fluid-filled bladder comprising a sealed inner cavity for filling and sealing with fluid, the method comprising: The fluid-filled bladder is fixed in the space between a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer forming the garment, wherein the second fabric layer at least partially forms the innermost surface of the garment, and wherein the fluid-filled bladder undergoes a dimensional change in at least the z-direction upon exposure to moisture, causing the fluid-filled bladder to transform from a first shape to a second shape, wherein the z-direction is a direction approximately orthogonal to the surface plane of the surface of the fluid-filled bladder. The fluid-filled bladder includes: an inner layer with one side facing the sealed inner cavity of the fluid-filled bladder, and an outer layer laminated to the other side of the inner layer and positioned outside the inner layer, wherein the material of the outer layer undergoes the dimensional change in the z-direction when exposed to moisture.

15. The method of manufacturing garment with fluid-filled bladders according to claim 14, wherein the second fabric layer is a mesh fabric.

16. The method of manufacturing garments having fluid-filled bladders according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the second fabric layer has moisture-absorbing properties.

17. A method of manufacturing garment having a fluid-filled bladder according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first shape extends a first distance in the z-direction relative to a surface plane of at least the second fabric layer, wherein the second shape extends a second distance in the z-direction relative to the surface plane of the second fabric layer, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

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