Adjusting device for article of clothing or footwear and associated control device

Abstract

An adjustment system for a wearable article includes an adjustment element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article and including a bladder including an interior void and a compressible member disposed within the interior void; and a control module operably coupled to the adjustment element and configured to transition the compressible member between a relaxed state and a constricted state by controlling a fluid volume within the interior void in response to a condition response parameter.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 466,350, filed on September 13, 2023, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 375,650, filed on September 14, 2022. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of the present application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an adjustment device for an article of clothing or footwear, and more particularly to controlling an adjustment device for an article of clothing or footwear. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Articles of clothing, such as clothing and headwear, and articles of footwear, such as shoes and boots, often include a receiving portion for receiving a body part of a wearer. For example, an article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure that cooperate to form a receiving portion for receiving a wearer's foot. Similarly, clothing and headwear may include one or more pieces of material formed into a receiving portion for receiving a wearer's torso or head.

[0006] Articles of clothing or footwear are often adjustable and / or formed of relatively flexible materials to allow the article of clothing or footwear to accommodate wearers of different sizes, or to provide different degrees of fit on a single wearer. Although conventional articles of clothing and footwear are adjustable, such articles often do not allow the wearer to conform the shape of the article to the wearer's body parts. For example, while buckles and elastic bands adequately secure an article of clothing to a wearer by shrinking or constricting a portion of the garment around the wearer's upper torso, they do not conform the garment to the user's upper torso. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve an optimal fit of the article of clothing around the upper torso. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings described herein are for illustration only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an example of an article of clothing according to the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the clothing product;

[0010] Figure 2is a perspective view of another example of an article of clothing according to the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4A It is taken along line 4-4 in Figure 1 Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of an article of clothing, wherein the article of clothing is in a relaxed state;

[0013] Figure 4B It is taken along line 4-4 in Figure 1 Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of an article of clothing, wherein the article of clothing is in a narrowed state;

[0014] Figure 5A is along Figure 2 The line 5-5 in Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of an article of clothing, wherein the article of clothing is in a relaxed state;

[0015] Figure 5B is along Figure 2 The line 5-5 in Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of an article of clothing, wherein the article of clothing is in a narrowed state;

[0016] Fig. 6A is along Figure 3 The line 6-6 in Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear wherein the article of footwear is in a relaxed state;

[0017] Figure 6B is along Figure 3 The line 6-6 in Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear wherein the article of footwear is in a narrowed state;

[0018] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an article of clothing of the present disclosure in communication with a controller and a conditioning application;

[0019] Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram of the article of clothing of FIG. 6 having a control module configured with an accelerometer, the control module communicating with an adjustment application of a controller;

[0020] Figure 8B yes Figure 7 Schematic diagram of an article of clothing, the adjustment application is in communication with a control module, wherein the control module is responsive to a GPS location detected by the adjustment application;

[0021] Fig. 9is a schematic diagram of an article of clothing of the present disclosure having a control module configured with a moisture sensor, the control module communicating with a conditioning application of a controller;

[0022] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of an article of footwear of the present disclosure having a control module configured with an accelerometer and a moisture sensor, wherein the control module communicates with a controller including a conditioning application;

[0023] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a bra of the present disclosure having a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and an auxiliary article having an RFID tag, wherein a control module of the bra is responsive to the RFID reader detecting the RFID tag of the auxiliary article;

[0024] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of an article of footwear of the present disclosure having an RFID reader and an auxiliary article having an RFID tag, wherein a control module of the footwear is responsive to the RFID reader detecting the RFID tag of the auxiliary article;

[0025] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of an article of clothing of the present disclosure having a control module in communication with a controller, wherein the control module adjusts a zone of the article of clothing in response to input to the controller;

[0026] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of an article of footwear according to the present disclosure, the article of footwear having a control module in communication with a controller, wherein the control module adjusts a region of the article of footwear in response to input to the controller; and

[0027] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of an example computing device that can be used to implement the systems and methods described herein.

[0028] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that specific details and example configurations should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an", and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises / comprising / including" and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless they are specifically identified as an order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0031] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] As used herein, the term "about" means within plus or minus 5% or 10% of the indicated value or range.

[0033] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, area, layer or section from another area, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0034] In one configuration, an adjustment system for a wearable article includes: an adjustment element that is operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article and includes a bladder and a compressible component, the bladder including an internal void, the compressible component being disposed within the internal void; and a control module that is operably coupled to the adjustment element and is configured to transition the compressible component between a relaxed state and a constricted state by controlling a fluid volume within the internal void in response to a conditional response parameter.

[0035] The conditioning system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the conditional response parameter may include motion, humidity and / or temperature. The control module may be operable to cause the compressible component to transition between a relaxed state and a constricted state in response to the geographic location of the control module and / or the type of activity. Optionally, the geographic location is input by the wearer. The geographic location may be determined using GPS. In one configuration, the control module may be operable to cause the compressible component to transition between a relaxed state and a constricted state in response to the geographic location of the control module and / or the type of activity.

[0036] In another configuration, the adjustment system may include at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an accelerometer in communication with the control module, and at least one of the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor, and the accelerometer is operable to provide the conditional response parameter to the control module. Optionally, the adjustment system may include an RFID reader associated with the control module, and the control module is operable to transition the compressible component between the relaxed state and the constricted state based on data received by the RFID reader. In one configuration, an RFID tag may be associated with the article of clothing or footwear, and the RFID tag communicates with the RFID reader and is operable to provide data to the RFID reader. The adjustment system may also include a controller in communication with the control module and is operable to display the state of the compressible component.

[0037] In another configuration, an adjustment system for a wearable article includes: an adjustment element that is operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article and includes a bladder and a compressible component, the bladder including an internal void, the compressible component being disposed within the internal void; and a control module that is operably coupled to the adjustment element and is configured to transition the compressible component between a relaxed state and a constricted state by controlling a fluid volume within the internal void in response to at least one of a geographic location, a type of activity, and a type of auxiliary wearable article used in conjunction with the wearable article.

[0038] For example, the control module may be operable to cause the compressible component to transition between a relaxed state and a narrowed state in response to a conditional response parameter. The conditional response parameter may include motion, humidity and / or temperature. Optionally, the geographic location may be input by the wearer. In another configuration, the geographic location may be determined using GPS. The adjustment system may include at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an accelerometer that communicates with the control module, and at least one of the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor, and the accelerometer may be operable to provide the conditional response parameter to the control module. The control module may be operable to cause the compressible component to transition between a relaxed state and a narrowed state in response to the conditional response parameter. In one configuration, the adjustment system may include an RFID reader associated with the control module, and the control module may be operable to cause the compressible component to transition between a relaxed state and a narrowed state based on data received by the RFID reader. An RFID tag may be associated with the auxiliary wearable article, and the RFID tag may communicate with the RFID reader and may be operable to provide data to the RFID reader. Optionally, the adjustment system may include a controller that communicates with the control module and may be operable to display the state of the compressible component.

[0039] refer to Figures 1A to 3 , a plurality of articles of clothing 10 and a plurality of articles of footwear 70 may be configured as part of an adjustment system 200. Articles of clothing 10 include at least an upper torso article of clothing 10a and an auxiliary article of clothing 10b ( Fig.10 ). It is contemplated that the article of clothing 10 may include any number of articles, including but not limited to an upper torso article of clothing 10a and an auxiliary article of clothing 10b. Figure 1A 1 and includes any garment configured to cover the upper torso of a wearer. The illustrated upper torso article of apparel 10a includes a bra 10a, however the bra 10a may include other types of garments for men or women, including strapless bras, camisole tops, base layers, tank tops, swimsuits, sports bras, or other garments with built-in support. Figure 2 Another example of a configuration of brassiere 10a1 is depicted. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of components associated with brassiere 10a1 relative to brassiere 10a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the accompanying drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals with a subscript extension are used to identify those components that have been modified. Auxiliary garment article 10b( Fig.10 ) and footwear 70( Figure 3) can be worn with the brassiere 10a, 10a1 during activity, which can result in adjustment of the brassiere 10a, 10a1, as described in more detail below. For example, the auxiliary clothing article 10b can include, but is not limited to, a shirt, a vest, a sweatband, shorts, a sweatshirt, a jacket, pants, or other types of clothing that a wearer can use during activity, as described in more detail below.

[0040] refer to Figures 1A to 2 , each of the brassieres 10a, 10a1 may include a front side 12 and a back side 14, wherein the front side 12 is associated with the front of the wearer's body when the brassieres 10a, 10a1 are in use, and the back side 14 is associated with the back of the wearer's body when the brassieres 10a, 10a1 are in use. The brassieres 10a, 10a1 may also include an upper end 16 configured to accommodate the wearer's shoulders and a lower end 18 configured to accommodate the wearer's rib cage. The longitudinal axis A of the brassieres 10a, 10a1 is 10 The bra 10a, 10a1 extends perpendicularly to the ground surface from the upper end 16 to the lower end 18 along the height of the bra 10a, 10a1, and roughly divides the bra 10a, 10a1 into a right side 20 and a left side 22. Therefore, the right side 20 and the left side 22 correspond to opposite sides of the bra 10a, 10a1, respectively, and extend from the upper end 16 to the lower end 18. As used herein, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the upper end 16 to the lower end 18, and the sagittal direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the front side 12 to the back side 14. The coronal axis or direction refers to the direction extending from the right side 20 to the left side 22.

[0041] The brassiere 10a, 10a1 can be divided into one or more zones. These zones can include a shoulder zone 24, a chest zone 26, and a thoracic zone 28. The shoulder zone 24 is associated with the clavicle and scapula of the shoulder. The chest zone 26 can correspond to the true ribs and breast tissue area of ​​the upper torso, and the thoracic zone 28 can correspond to the false ribs and floating ribs of the upper torso.

[0042] The brassiere 10a, 10a1 also includes an interior cavity 30, a neck receiving opening 32, a torso receiving opening 34, a right arm receiving opening 36, and a left arm receiving opening 38. Figure 1A and Figure 2 As shown, a neck receiving opening 32 is formed at the upper end 16 of the brassiere 10a, 10a1, and a torso receiving opening 34 is formed at the lower end 18 of the brassiere 10a, 10a1. The neck receiving opening 32 is also formed by a neckline 40 extending along the periphery of the neck receiving opening 32. Similarly, the torso receiving opening 34 is also formed by a strap 42 extending along the periphery of the torso receiving opening 34. Although the strap 42 is shown as including buckles ( Figure 1B ), but the band 42 may alternatively be circumferentially connected at the lower end 18 by an elastic band.

[0043] The brassieres 10a, 10a1 and components thereof may also be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the brassieres 10a, 10a1 include a front panel 44 having a right panel 46 disposed at the front side 12 and extending from the shoulder region 24 and the chest region 26 to the rib cage region 28, and extending from the right side 20 to a central bridge portion 48 disposed between the right side 20 and the left side 22. The front panel 44 also includes a left panel 50 disposed at the front side 12 and extending from the chest region 26 to the rib cage region 28, and extending from the left side 22 toward the central bridge portion 48.

[0044] The right piece 46 and the left piece 50 each further include a central cup region 52 associated with the bust line of the wearer, a peripheral cup region 54 disposed around the periphery of the right piece 46 and the left piece 50, and a transition region 56 disposed between the central cup region 52 and the peripheral cup region 54. The first cup 58 and the second cup 60 of the brassiere 10a, 10a1 are disposed within the central cup region 52 and extend to respective apexes. Each of the first cup 58 and the second cup 60 includes a generally convex shape to accommodate the chest of the wearer and provide support to the chest of the wearer when in use. The central cup region 52 includes a generally convex shape to accommodate the chest of the wearer and provide support to the chest of the wearer when in use.

[0045] The transition region 56 of the front panel 44 may include a bottom region 56a disposed around a bottom portion of the central cup region 52 and near the lower end 18 of the brassiere 10a, 10a1, and an upper region 56b disposed around an upper portion of the central cup region 52 and the neckline 40 of the brassiere 10a, 10a1. More specifically, the upper region 56b refers to a portion of each panel 46, 50 that extends upward from a corresponding one of the cups 58, 60 and corresponds to the upper bust region of the wearer, while the bottom region 56a refers to a portion of each panel 46, 50 that extends downward from a corresponding one of the cups 58, 60 and corresponds to the lower bust region of the wearer. Figure 1A The bra 10a illustrated in FIG. 1 also includes an adjustment element 102 operable to move between a relaxed condition and a constricted condition. Figure 21 includes another example of an adjustment element 102a, described below, that cooperates with the peripheral cup region 54 and transition region 56 to expand and contract the bra 10a1, while the central cup region 52 may remain generally passive. In other words, the peripheral cup region 54 and transition region 56 of the bra 10a1 may compress around the wearer to provide structural support to the wearer's upper torso, while the passive state of the central cup region 52 minimizes compressive engagement of sensitive portions of the wearer's upper torso. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 102 relative to the adjustment element 102a, the same reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0046] The brassiere 10a, 10a1 may also include a back panel 62 and a pair of straps 64 extending between the front side 12 and the back side 14 of the brassiere 10a, 10a1. The back panel 62 wraps across the back side 14 from the right side 20 to the left side 22 and includes a height that tapers in a direction from the straps 64 to the respective right side 20 and left side 22. The pair of straps 64 extend from the back panel 62 and generally form a "T" or "Y" shape and further extend over the shoulders of the wearer and are connected to the right panel 46 and the left panel 50 at the front side 12 of the brassiere 10a, 10a1. The brassiere 10a, 10a1 may also include a pump 66 integrated into or otherwise coupled to the brassiere 10a, 10a1 to transition the brassiere 10a, 10a1 between a relaxed state and a narrowed state. As described in more detail below, the pump 66 may be activated via the adjustment system 200 and / or via an actuator 68 associated with the bra 10a, 10a1.

[0047] refer to Figure 1B , the bra 10a may include a liner 100 that faces the wearer during use and at least partially defines an interior cavity 30 ( Figure 1A Although described with respect to bra 10a, bra 10a1 may also include liner 100, as described herein. It is contemplated that liner 100 may be incorporated as part of front panel 44 and / or back panel 62 ( Figure 1A). Additionally or alternatively, the liner 100 may also be incorporated into other parts of the bra 10a, including but not limited to the straps 64, the central bridge 48 and / or the belt 42. The liner 100 may be formed of one or more materials coupled together. For example, the materials of the liner 100 may be stitched or bonded together by an adhesive. Suitable materials for the liner 100 may include but are not limited to stretch woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics and / or combined constructions. In addition, the liner 100 may have moisture management properties, such as wicking, breathability, quick drying time and other similar properties. The liner 100 may include a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different zones of the bra 10a, so as to facilitate the bra 10a to move between a tightened state and a loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics, such as but not limited to spandex, spandex, rubber or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material / fabric that does not impart elastic properties. Thus, the liner 100 can stretch, thereby allowing the bra 10a to stretch around the upper torso for easy donning and doffing.

[0048] refer to Figure 3 , the article of footwear 70 includes an upper 72 and a sole structure 74. The footwear 70 is depicted as a closed athletic shoe, such as a tennis shoe, a basketball shoe, and / or a running shoe. However, it is also contemplated that the article of footwear 70 may include a sandal, such as a slipper having a strap extending across the wearer's foot. The article of footwear 70 may be divided into one or more zones. These zones may include a forefoot zone 76a, a midfoot zone 76b, and a heel zone 76c. The forefoot zone 76a is associated with the phalanges and metatarsals of the foot. The midfoot zone 76b may correspond to the arch region of the foot, and the heel zone 76c may correspond to the rear portion of the foot (including the calcaneus).

[0049] The upper 72 includes an interior surface defining an interior space that is configured to accommodate and secure the foot to support the sole structure 74. The upper 72 and its components can be described as including various subcomponents or zones. For example, the upper 72 includes a toe cap 78 that is disposed at the front end 80 and extends from the medial side 82 to the lateral side 84 on the toe. A pair of quarter panels 86 extend from the toe cap 78 on the opposite sides of the upper 72 in the midfoot region 76b. A shoe throat 88 extends across the top of the upper 72 and includes a dorsal region extending from the toe cap 78 to the ankle opening 90 between the quarter panels 86. In the illustrated example, the shoe throat 88 is closed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposite quarter panels 86 in the dorsal region to cover the interior space. Here, the material panel covering the shoe throat 88 can be optionally formed by a material having a higher elastic modulus than the material forming the quarter panels 86.

[0050] The upper 72 of the article of footwear 70 can be further described as including a heel side panel 92 extending through the heel region 76c along the medial side 82 and the lateral side 84 of the ankle opening 90. A heel counter 94 can be included and wraps around a rear end 96 of the footwear 70 and connects the heel side panel 92. The throat 88, the heel side panel 92, and the uppermost edges of the heel counter 94 cooperate to form a collar 98 that includes the interior void of the ankle opening 90.

[0051] The upper 72 may be formed of one or more materials that are stitched or bonded together by adhesive to form an interior space. Suitable materials for the upper 72 may include, but are not limited to, mesh fabrics, foams, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and positioned to impart properties of durability, breathability, wear resistance, flexibility, and comfort. The example upper 72 may be formed as a lining including a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and / or one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different areas of the upper 72 to facilitate movement of the footwear article 70 between a tightened state and a loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics, such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material / fabric that does not impart elastic properties. The footwear 70 may also include the pump 66 and actuator 68 mentioned above to transition the upper 72 between a relaxed state and a compressed or narrowed state, as described in more detail below. As Figure 3 As illustrated, pump 66 may be integrated into sole structure 74 of footwear 70, with actuator 68 disposed along heel side panel 92. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, actuator 68 may be disposed at any feasible location along upper 72 or sole structure 74 of footwear 70.

[0052] refer to Figures 1A to 6B , the clothing article 10 and the footwear 70 are each configured with adjustment elements 102-102b. In some embodiments, the adjustment element 102 can be incorporated into the front panel 44 of the bra 10a and can be attached to the liner 100. In some embodiments, the bra 10a also includes an additional outer layer or shell 100a attached to the liner 100 to enclose the adjustment element 102 between the liner 100 and the shell 100a. In other embodiments, the adjustment element 102b can be incorporated and attached to the upper 72 of the footwear 70.

[0053] The adjustment element 102 includes a bladder 104 forming an interior void 106 having a compressible member or filler 108 disposed therein. As described in more detail below, the compressible member 108 includes a first surface 110a on a first side of the compressible member 108 and a second surface 110b on an opposing second side of the compressible member 108. The distance from the first surface 110a to the second surface 110b defines a thickness T of the compressible member 108. 108 For example, the thickness T of the compressible member 108 is 108 It is also contemplated that the compressible member 108 may have a thickness ranging from about two (2) millimeters to about ten (10) millimeters. Alternatively, the thickness T 108 may be equal to or less than two (2) millimeters or greater than or equal to ten (10) millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the compressible member 108 may have a varying thickness T across the compressible member 108. 108 Finally, while the compressible member 108 is described as having a thickness within the aforementioned ranges, the thickness of the compressible member 108 may depend on the material used.

[0054] The regulating element 102 includes an inner barrier layer 112a and an outer barrier layer 112b that form at least a portion of the article 10, 70. The inner surfaces of the barrier layers 112a, 112b face each other and are coupled to each other to form a peripheral seam 114 that surrounds the internal void 106, thereby forming a chamber 116 of the bladder 104. As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layers 112a, 112b) covers single-layer films and multi-layer films. In some configurations, one or both of the barrier layers 112a, 112b are produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a single-layer film (single layer). In other configurations, one or both of the barrier layers 112a, 112b are produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multi-layer film (multiple sub-layers). In either aspect, each layer or sub-layer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 microns to about 1 mm. In other configurations, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer may range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In still other configurations, the film thickness of each layer or sub-layer may range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

[0055] One or both of the barrier layers 112a, 112b may be independently transparent, translucent and / or opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" for a barrier layer means that light passes through the barrier layer in a substantially straight line and an observer can see through the barrier layer. In contrast, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and cannot be clearly seen through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer because light passes through the translucent layer, but some of the light is scattered, making it impossible for an observer to clearly see through the layer.

[0056] The barrier layers 112a, 112b can each be produced from an elastomeric material including one or more thermoplastic polymers and / or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In one aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, etc. In one example, one or both of the barrier layers 112a, 112b can include a film disposed along the outer surface of the barrier layers 112a, 112b or forming the barrier layers 112a, 112b. The film can optionally be configured to correspond strategically to a fabric that has the appearance and / or feel of a fabric in terms of appearance and / or stretchability but can accommodate fluids together with the bladder 104. The film can help the fluid flow along the barrier layers 112a, 112b while cooperating to keep the fluid within the bra 10a.

[0057] As used herein, "polyurethane" refers to copolymers (including oligomers) containing urethane groups (-N(C=O)O-). In addition to urethane groups, these polyurethanes can contain additional groups such as esters, ethers, ureas, allophanates, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocyanurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like. In one aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (-N(C=O)O-) bonds.

[0058] Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), adducts of TDI and trimethylolpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethyl xylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3'-dimethyldiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4'-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some configurations, the copolymer chain is substantially free of aromatic groups.

[0059] In a particular aspect, the polyurethane polymer chain is produced from diisocyanates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatic compounds, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the thermoplastic TPU may include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

[0060] On the other hand, the polymer layer can be formed from one or more of EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimides, polyacrylimides, and other polymer materials known to have relatively low gas permeabilities. Blends of these materials and blends with the TPU copolymers described herein, and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

[0061] The barrier layers 112a, 112b may include two or more sub-layers (multi-layer films) such that two sheets of the multi-layer film may be stacked on top of one another and welded together along selected points using conventional heat sealing techniques using radio frequency (RF) welding techniques to form an internal compartment. In configurations where the barrier layers 112a, 112b include two or more sub-layers, examples of suitable multi-layer films include micro-layer films, such as micro-layer polymer composites including at least about 10 layers and may range from at least about 10 layers to at least about 50 layers and / or micro-layer elastomeric films including at least about 10 to about 1000 layers. The average thickness of each monolayer may be as low as a few nanometers to as high as a few mils (about 100 microns) thick. In another configuration, the barrier layers 112a, 112b can each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, wherein the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 112a, 112b includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers and / or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

[0062] The chamber 116 can be produced from the barrier layers 112a, 112b using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g., vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, pressure molding, heat sealing, casting, low pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, etc. In one aspect, the barrier layers 112a, 112b can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber 116.

[0063] The chamber 116 desirably has a low gas permeability. In some configurations, the gas permeability of the chamber 116 to nitrogen is at least about ten (10) times lower than the nitrogen permeability of a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same size. In one aspect, for an average film thickness of 500 microns (based on the thickness of the barrier layers 112a, 112b), the chamber 116 has a gas permeability of 15 cubic centimeters per square meter·atmosphere·day (cm 3 / m 2 ·atm·day) or less. In another aspect, the nitrogen permeability is 10cm 3 / m 2 ·atm·day or less, 5cm 3 / m 2 ·atm·day or less, or 1cm 3 / m 2 ·atm·day or less.

[0064] In some embodiments, the inner barrier layer 112a and the outer barrier layer 112b cooperate to form the geometry (e.g., thickness, width, and length) of the chamber 116. The peripheral seam 114 can extend around the chamber 116 to seal the chamber 116 and allow a vacuum to be applied to the chamber 116. Thus, the chamber 116 is associated with an area of ​​the bladder 104 where the inner surfaces of the upper barrier layer 112a and the lower barrier layer 112b are not joined together and are therefore separated from each other. The compressible member 108 is contained within the chamber 116 in the area where the barrier layers 112a, 112b are not joined together. Finally, while the peripheral seam 114 is described and illustrated as sealing the chamber 116, the peripheral seam 114 can also be used to attach the liner 100 and / or the upper 72 to the bladder 104. That is, when the peripheral seam 114 is formed by causing material of one or more of the barrier layers 112a, 112b to flow and thereby bond to material of the liner 100 and / or upper 72, the material forming the liner 100 and / or upper 72 may be fused to the material forming the barrier layers 112a, 112b.

[0065] In some examples, the barrier layers 112a, 112b may include the same material to provide the chamber 116 with a uniform barrier configuration, so that when the pressure in the chamber 116 is adjusted, both sides of the adjustment element 102 will contract and relax at the same rate. Alternatively, a first barrier layer of the barrier layers 112a, 112b may be at least partially composed of a different barrier material and / or configuration than another barrier layer of the barrier layers 112a, 112b to selectively impart a profile when the adjustment element 102 transitions between a relaxed state and a contracted state. For example, one of the barrier layers 112a, 112b may be at least partially formed to have a different elastic modulus and / or stiffness than another barrier layer of the barrier layers 112a, 112b, so that when the adjustment element 102 transitions from a relaxed state to a constricted state, the first barrier layer of the barrier layers 112a, 112b contracts at a different rate than another barrier layer of the barrier layers 112a, 112b to cause the adjustment element 102 to curl.

[0066] Continue to refer Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the compressible member 108 forms a deformable structure that allows the article 10, 70 to selectively move between a relaxed state and a narrowed state. The first surface 110a of the compressible member 108 faces the inner barrier layer 112a, and the second surface 110b faces the outer barrier layer 112b. In this example, the compressible member 108 includes a collapsible lattice structure 118 having a thickness T through the compressible member 108. 108The compressible member 108 may be formed with a plurality of holes or reliefs 120 (i.e., in a direction from the inner barrier layer 112a to the outer barrier layer 112b), as will be described in more detail below. The compressible member 108 may be flat cut to optionally form the contours of the compressible member 108 and / or the reliefs 120. In one example, the compressible member 108 may be laser cut to form the reliefs 120 so that heat from the laser may provide a sealing surface along the reliefs 120 to advantageously improve the structural integrity of the compressible member 108. The compressible member 108 may then be thermoformed. The compressible member 108 may then be disposed within the interior void 106 of the adjustment element 102. Alternatively, the compressible member 108 may be injection molded prior to being positioned within the interior void 106. Typically, when the pressure within the chamber 116 is reduced, the lattice structure 118 collapses within the chamber 116 to transition the adjustment element 102 and the bra 10a from a relaxed or expanded state to a narrowed state.

[0067] Still reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the regulating element 102 may also include a plurality of channels 122 etched or otherwise disposed along the lattice structure 118 to facilitate fluid circulation within the chamber 116. In one example, the channels 122 may extend the local width of the gap 120, such that each channel 122 may be less than the width and / or thickness of the corresponding gap 120. As an example and not limitation, the channels 122 may be configured as grooves having dimensions of approximately 0.5 millimeters by approximately 0.5 millimeters along the barrier layers 112a, 112b. The channels 122 may be positioned along the first surface 110a and / or the second surface 110b and include a fluid path within the chamber 116. For example, the channels 122 may extend between the gaps 120 to fluidly connect each gap 120. It is also contemplated that the channels 122 may extend around the periphery of the compressible member 108 to provide a peripheral fluid path and facilitate air flow and circulation within the chamber 116. In one example, the channels 122 may be formed using a laser etching process prior to thermoforming the compressible member 108. The laser etching process can form channels 122 in the compressible member 108 and thereby promote fluid flow within the bra 10a by increasing fluid circulation between the reliefs 120. For example, as described below, the compressible member 108 can include an elastomeric material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate foam (EVA), such that the channels 122 provide fluid flow through the non-porous material.

[0068] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The diagram shows Figure 2 Line 5-5 is taken from the relaxed state ( Figure 5A ) changes to a narrowed state ( Figure 5B) is a cross-sectional view of an example of an adjustment element 102a of the embodiment of the present invention. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 102, the same reference numerals are used below and in the drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0069] The adjustment element 102a may be integrated into the front panel 44 of the bra 10a1 ( Figure 2 ), and includes a bladder 104 forming an interior void 106 having a compressible member or filler 108a disposed therein. Figure 5A As shown, the compressible member 108a includes a first surface 110a on a first side of the compressible member 108a and a second surface 110b on an opposite second side of the compressible member 108a. The distance from the first surface 110a to the second surface 110b defines the thickness T of the compressible member 108a. 108a For example, the thickness T of the compressible member 108a is 108a It is also contemplated that the compressible member 108a may have a thickness ranging from about two (2) millimeters to about ten (10) millimeters. Alternatively, the thickness T 108a may be equal to or less than two (2) millimeters or greater than or equal to ten (10) millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the compressible member 108a may have a varying thickness T across the compressible member 108a. 108a Finally, while the compressible member 108a is described as having a thickness within the aforementioned range, the thickness of the compressible member 108a may depend on the material used. As discussed in more detail below, the compressible member 108a selectively transitions the adjustment element 102a and the bra 10a1 between a relaxed state and a narrowed state to adjust the fit of the bra 10a1 around the torso of the wearer.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the adjustment element 102a includes an inner barrier layer 112a attached to the first surface of the liner 100 and an outer barrier layer 112b that forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the bra 10a. The inner surfaces of the barrier layers 112a, 112b face each other and are joined to each other to form a peripheral seam 114 that surrounds the inner void 106, thereby forming a chamber 116 of the bladder 104.

[0071] In this example, the compressible member 108a includes a collapsible lattice structure 118a having a thickness T extending through the compressible member 108a. 108a The plurality of apertures or reliefs 120a are formed in the compressible member 108a (ie, in a direction from the inner barrier layer 112a to the outer barrier layer 112b). The compressible member 108a may be cut flat to form the contours of the compressible member 108a and / or the reliefs 120a. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The compressible member illustrated in FIG. 108a is devoid of channels 122, such that the lattice structure 118a of the compressible member 108a may be devoid of peripheral fluid paths. In this alternative configuration, it is contemplated that the compressible member 108a may be formed of a porous material that facilitates the flow and circulation of fluid within the chamber 116. When the regulating element 102a collapses ( Figure 5B ), the outer barrier layer 112b can be pulled into the gap 120a toward the inner barrier layer 112a. Optionally, the outer barrier layer 112b can contact the inner barrier layer 112a so that when the adjustment element 102a is in the narrowed state, the friction between the inner barrier layer 112a and the outer barrier layer 112b increases the stiffness of the liner 100 of the front panel 44.

[0072] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The diagram shows Figure 3 Line 6-6 is taken from the relaxed state ( Fig. 6A ) changes to a narrowed state ( Figure 6B ) is a cross-sectional view of an example of an adjustment element 102b. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 102, the same reference numerals are used below and in the drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0073] The adjustment element 102b may be integrated into the upper 72 of the footwear 70 ( Figure 3 ), and includes a bladder 104 forming an interior void 106 having a compressible member or filler 108b disposed therein. Fig. 6A As shown, the compressible member 108b includes a first surface 110a on a first side of the compressible member 108b and a second surface 110b on an opposite second side of the compressible member 108b. The distance from the first surface 110a to the second surface 110b has a thickness T of the compressible member 108b. 108b For example, the thickness T of the compressible member 108b is 108b It is also contemplated that the compressible member 108b may have a thickness ranging from about two (2) millimeters to about ten (10) millimeters. Alternatively, the thickness T 108b may be equal to or less than two (2) millimeters or greater than or equal to ten (10) millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the compressible member 108b may have a varying thickness T across the compressible member 108b. 108bFinally, while compressible component 108b is described as having a thickness within the aforementioned range, the thickness of compressible component 108b may depend on the material used. As discussed in more detail below, compressible component 108b selectively transitions adjustment element 102b and footwear 70 between a relaxed state and a narrowed state to adjust the fit of footwear 70 around the wearer's foot.

[0074] In the illustrated example, adjustment element 102b includes an inner barrier layer 112a attached to a first surface of upper 72 and an outer barrier layer 112b that forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of footwear 70. The interior surfaces of barrier layers 112a, 112b face each other and are joined to each other to form a peripheral seam 114 that surrounds interior void 106, thereby forming a chamber 116 of bladder 104.

[0075] In this example, the compressible member 108b includes a collapsible lattice structure 118b having a thickness T extending through the compressible member 108b. 108b The plurality of apertures or reliefs 120a are formed in the compressible member 108b (ie, in a direction from the inner barrier layer 112a to the outer barrier layer 112b). The compressible member 108b may be cut flat to form the contours of the compressible member 108b and / or the reliefs 120b. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The compressible member 108b shown in FIG. 1 does not have the channel 122 ( Figure 4A ), such that the lattice structure 118b of the compressible member 108b may be free of peripheral fluid paths. In this alternative configuration, it is contemplated that the compressible member 108b may be formed of a porous material that facilitates the flow and circulation of fluid within the chamber 116. When the regulating element 102b collapses ( Figure 6B ), outer barrier layer 112b may be pulled into relief 120b toward inner barrier layer 112a. Optionally, outer barrier layer 112b may contact inner barrier layer 112a such that friction between inner barrier layer 112a and outer barrier layer 112b causes an increase in the stiffness of upper 72 when adjustment element 102b is in the constricted state.

[0076] In operation, when the bra 10a and footwear 70 are evacuated, the barrier layers 112a, 112b of each of the adjustment elements 102-102b are drawn onto the compressible components 108-108b and generally narrow due to the vacuum. Figure 4B , Figure 5B and Figure 6BAs shown, when a vacuum is drawn and the compressible members 108-108b are transformed into a contracted state, the barrier layers 112a, 112b may be at least partially recessed within or otherwise at least partially disposed within the reliefs 120-120b defined by the lattice structures 118-118b. Figure 4A ), the overall size and depth of channel 122 is relatively small when compared to the size of relief 120. Therefore, when a vacuum is drawn, barrier layers 112a, 112b may not purposefully extend into channel 122, and thus no depressions may be formed in barrier layers 112a, 112b in the area of ​​channel 122.

[0077] The lattice structure 118-118b of the compressible components 108-108b narrows as at least a partial vacuum is drawn so that the gaps 120-120b can be reduced in overall size to form a more rigid structure. The lattice structure 118-118b compresses or otherwise narrows to generally confine the chest or feet of the wearer, thereby minimizing movement and providing advantageous compression. The lattice structure 118-118b also provides a three-dimensional structure that facilitates compression movement when the compressible components 108-108b transition from a relaxed state to a narrowed state. Multi-directional compression maximizes the amount of narrowing, and therefore, maximizes support for the wearer. In other words, the lattice structure 118-118b of the compressible components 108-108b advantageously transitions along each of the x-axis and the y-axis to provide the wearer with the maximum desired compression force, which helps to further support the wearer when the compressible components 108-108b are in the narrowed state. As 4A to 6B As illustrated, while the overall size of the compressible components 108-108b and lattice structures 118-118b are compressed and reduced, it is contemplated that when configured as diamond-shaped reliefs, the individual reliefs 120-120b may simultaneously shrink or otherwise be compressed along the x-axis (i.e., the short diagonal) and elongated along the y-axis (i.e., the long diagonal).

[0078] Reference again Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the compressible member 108 can be attached to the corresponding barrier layers 112a, 112b along the perimeter when the adjustment element 102 is assembled to form the peripheral seam 114 of the adjustment element 102. In other words, the surfaces 110a, 110b of the compressible member 108 can be attached to the barrier layers 112a, 112b along the peripheral seam 114 to form the chamber 116 of the bladder 104, as described above, while being generally unattached. Figure 4BAs illustrated, it is contemplated that when the conditioning element 102 is compressed under a vacuum, the surfaces 110a, 110b may be pulled toward the barrier layers 112a, 112b. When a vacuum is drawn, while the surfaces 110a, 110b may be proximate to or otherwise engage the barrier layers 112a, 112b, the surfaces 110a, 110b may otherwise remain unattached relative to the barrier layers 112a, 112b at areas other than the peripheral seam 114. It is also contemplated that the surfaces 110a, 110b may be spot welded or otherwise bonded to the barrier layers 112a, 112b to form portions of the compressible member 108 that may be static or not constricted by the application of a vacuum, as described below with respect to Figures 7 to 14 As described. Thus, when a vacuum is applied, the compressible member 108 moves from a relaxed state to a constricted state, and the barrier layers 112a, 112b also transition from a relaxed state to a constricted state. Although the surfaces 110a, 110b may be attached to the barrier layers 112a, 112b at the peripheral seam 114, it is contemplated that the surfaces 110a, 110b may not otherwise be attached to the barrier layers 112a, 112b to provide fluid flow within the bladder 104 between the surfaces 110a, 110b and the barrier layers 112a, 112b. The regulating element 102 may also include a channel 122 such that the barrier layers 112a, 112b are at least partially separated from the compressible member 108 even in the constricted state. The local separation provided by the channel 122 between the barrier layers 112a, 112b and the compressible member 108 facilitates fluid flow within the chamber 116.

[0079] One or both of the surfaces 110a, 110b of the compressible member 108 may be disengaged from the barrier layers 112a, 112b. In this configuration, one or both of the barrier layers 112a, 112b are free to move relative to the surfaces 110a, 110b of the compressible member 108 as the compressible member 108 transitions between the relaxed state and the constricted state. For example, when the barrier layers 112a, 112b are drawn into the reliefs 120, 120a under vacuum and are substantially clamped within the reliefs 120, 120a, the barrier layers 112a, 112b move from the relaxed state to the constricted state. In doing so, the clamped barrier layers 112a, 112b are substantially fixed by being clamped within the reliefs 120, 120a so as to move with the compressible member 108, and the barrier layers 112a, 112b transition to the constricted state with the compressible member 108. When the vacuum is released, the elastic properties of the compressible member 108 cause the compressible member 108 to return to the relaxed or expanded state, and in doing so, exert a force on the barrier layers 112a, 112b, thereby moving the barrier layers 112a, 112b from the constricted state to the relaxed or expanded state. The detachment or separation between the barrier layers 112a, 112b and the compressible member 108 when in the relaxed state can provide additional movement and flexibility of the bra 10a and / or footwear 70, while still allowing the barrier layers 112a, 112b to move with the compressible member 108 when the compressible member 108 moves between the relaxed and constricted states. In some configurations, one of the barrier layers 112a, 112b can be bonded to the corresponding surface 110a, 110b of the compressible member 108. During repeated contraction and relaxation, the outer barrier layer 112b and / or the inner barrier layer 112a may not align with the corresponding surfaces 110b, 110a of the compressible member 108, which may result in a wrinkled appearance. To reduce movement of the outer barrier layer 112b or the inner barrier layer 112a relative to the compressible member 108, the outer barrier layer 112b or the inner barrier layer 112a may be bonded to the compressible member 108. Thus, air flow through the plurality of channels occurs only via the side of the compressible member 108 that is not bonded to the barrier layer 112a or 112b.

[0080] In other embodiments, at least one of the surfaces 110a, 110b of the compressible member 108 can be partially attached to the barrier layer 112a, 112b. For example, the compressible member 108 can be attached to the barrier layer 112a, 112b along the periphery of the surface 110a, 110b such that the interior region of the respective surface 110a, 110b is decoupled from or independent of the barrier layer 112a, 112b. Thus, when a vacuum is applied and the compressible member 108 transitions from a relaxed state to a constricted state, the barrier layer 112a, 112b is affected by the periphery of the compressible member 108 transitioning from the relaxed state to the constricted state under the applied vacuum. For example, the barrier layer 112a, 112b can be attached to the compressible member 108 at the periphery of the compressible member 108 or at the periphery seam 114. Thus, when a vacuum is applied and the compressible member 108 transitions toward the constricted state, the barrier layers 112a, 112b are pulled toward the compressible member 108 or otherwise compressed due to the shrinking or other compressive movement of the periphery of the compressible member 108 under the vacuum. Alternatively, at least one of the surfaces 110a, 110b of the compressible member 108 may be attached to a respective one of the barrier layers 112a, 112b in a strip-like manner, which may then cause the surfaces 110a, 110b and barrier layers 112a, 112b to transition when a vacuum is drawn.

[0081] exist Figure 4A In the embodiment, the adjusting element 102 is in a relaxed state. As shown in the figure, the lattice structure 118 in the adjusting element 102 expands so that the gap 120 of the lattice structure 118 has a first width W. 120 To move the adjustment element 102 to the constricted state, the pressure within the interior void 106 of the adjustment element 102 is reduced until the vacuum force overcomes the opposing biasing force imparted by the resilient material of the compressible member 108 and causes the lattice structure 118 to collapse at the relief 120, thereby causing the relief 120 to expand from the expanded width W to the constricted state. 120 Transition to collapsed width W 120 The relief 120 of the compressible member 108 can include various configurations, including but not limited to diamond, wavy, egg-crate, and / or radial configurations, as described in more detail below. For example, the relief 120 can be a rectangular or parallelogram-shaped relief 120 that includes a length L extending across a first pair of opposing corners. 120 and a width W extending across a second pair of opposite corners 120 , the second pair of opposing angles are transverse to (eg, perpendicular to) the length L 120 In the illustrated example, the width W of each of the gaps 120 is 120 Less than length L 120 , such that the gap 120 is configured such that when the chamber 116 ( Figure 4B) collapses in the width direction when the pressure within the expanded state is reduced. Therefore, the orientation of the gap 120 can be selected based on the desired transition profile between the expanded state and the narrowed state. For example, the aspect ratio can be about 10 millimeters by about 15 millimeters. Alternatively, the aspect ratio of the gap 120 can be greater than about 10 millimeters by about 15 millimeters, or can be less than about 10 millimeters by about 15 millimeters. The aspect ratio of the gap 120 can generally depend on the configuration, size, and overall shape of the gap 120, so that a range of aspect ratios of the gap 120 is expected. Each of the gaps 120 can be vertically aligned to form the compressible member 108, such as Figure 1A As shown.

[0082] In one example, as described above, the relief 120 can have a generally diamond shape. The diamond shape of the relief 120 can be of any configuration, such that the relief can be narrow, large, small, wide, thin, square, rectangular, and / or any diamond shape. It is contemplated that during the transition from the relaxed state to the constricted state, the relief 120 can shrink along the x-axis and stretch along the y-axis. The percentage of shrinkage of the relief 120 along the x-axis can be between about 0.05% and about 62%, depending on the configuration of the relief 120. For example, when the bladder 104 ( Figure 4A ) increases, the x-axis dimension of the relief 120 may decrease. In one example, when the vacuum pressure increases from 0 inches of mercury (inHg) to about 20 inHg, the x-axis dimension of the relief 120 may decrease from about 160 mm to about 60 mm. It is also contemplated that the percent elongation of the relief 120 along the y-axis may be between about 0.5% and about 15%.

[0083] Reference now Figure 2 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the relief 120a of the compressible member 108a may be formed to extend through the thickness T of the compressible member 108a. 108a ( Figure 5A ) of a polygonal or circular hole. As described above, the compressible member 108a includes a lattice structure 118a, which includes a plurality of reliefs 120a. For example, the reliefs 120a1 may be rectangular, rhombus, parallelogram, or polygonal reliefs 120a1, which include a length L extending across a first pair of opposite corners. 120a1 and a width W extending across a second pair of opposite corners 120a1 , the second pair of opposing angles are transverse to (eg, perpendicular to) the length L 120a1 In the illustrated example, the width W of each of the gaps 120a1 is 120a1 Less than length L 120a1, such that the relief 120a1 is configured to collapse in the width direction when the pressure within the chamber 116 is reduced. Thus, the orientation of the relief 120a1 may be selected depending on the desired transition between the expanded state and the constricted state.

[0084] The relief 120a may also include a 120a2 In the illustrated example, the circular relief 120a2 is not configured to be disposed when the chamber 116 ( Figure 5B ) when the pressure in the bra 10a1 is reduced. In contrast to the contraction of the polygonal relief 120a1, the circular relief 120a2 can remain passive under the vacuum. It is contemplated that the combination of the circular relief 120a2 and the polygonal relief 120a1 can be positioned approximately in line with the transition region 56 ( Figure 2 ), which will be described in more detail below. In other words, the combination of the circular relief 120a2 and the polygonal relief 120a1 can result in a lesser degree of contraction than the polygonal relief 120a1 alone and a greater degree of contraction than the circular relief 120a2 alone. Although the circular relief 120a2 is generally passive, it is contemplated that the circular relief 120a2 can be minimally compressed to draw together any potential connecting portions of the lattice structure 118a between the circular reliefs 120a2. Thus, the orientation of the relief 120a2 can be selected depending on the desired position for maintaining a relaxed state or an expanded state.

[0085] The compressible components 108-108b include one or more elastic materials that are configured to bias the adjustment element 102 toward an expanded or relaxed state. For example, the compressible components 108-108b may include an elastomeric material, such as EVA foam. In one example, the EVA foam may have a thickness of about 6 mm. Alternatively, the thickness of the EVA foam may be greater than or less than about 2 mm to about 10 mm. In other examples, the compressible components 108-108b may include an unfoamed polymer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane. Alternatively, the compressible components may include a fiber-reinforced elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the compressible components 108-108b may be formed by 3D printing. In addition to including different materials, the lattice structure 118 may include different geometric configurations to impart different narrowing profiles in different areas of the adjustment element 102. Optionally, the thickness of the compressible members 108 - 108b ranges from 4 mm to 8 mm to provide the adjustment element 102 with a relatively low profile while also providing sufficient structural strength to bias the adjustment element 102 into an expanded or relaxed state.

[0086] Reference now Figures 7 to 8B, the adjustment system 200 includes a control module 202 that is integrated with the bra 10a and operably coupled to the adjustment element 102 via the pump 66. The control module 202 is configured to transition the adjustment element 102 of the bra 10a between the relaxed state and the constricted state via the pump 66 based on the geographic location, the type of activity, and / or one or more conditional response parameters such as, for example, motion, humidity, and / or temperature.

[0087] As described in more detail below, the control module 202 can detect environmental changes about the bra 10a and adjust the adjustment element 102 in response to the detected environmental changes. It is also contemplated that the control module 202 can be communicatively coupled to a controller 300, which can be external to the bra 10a, via a wireless network 302 to control or otherwise adjust the internal pressure of the bra 10a. The control module 202 can be configured with alternative wireless communication systems, such as 202. The controller 300 may be a computer or other remote computer system operable to communicate with the control module 202 of the bra 10a. As an example and not limitation, the controller 300 is described herein as a user device 304 that includes an adjustment application 306. The user device 304 may include, but is not limited to, a mobile device, a watch, a computer, and / or a tablet computer. The control module 202 may be communicatively coupled to the adjustment application 306 of the user device 304 so that the adjustment application 306 may be used to monitor, modify, and generally communicate functions with the control module 202. The wearer may utilize the adjustment application 306 to adjust the fit of the bra 10a via communication between the controller 300 and the control module 202 of the bra 10a.

[0088] The adjustment application 306 may include a user profile 308, wherein the wearer may upload information associated with the wearer, such as biometric data (i.e., height, weight, chest measurement, shoe size, etc.). The user profile 308 may also include adjustment settings 310, which may correspond to a degree of compression of the adjustment element 102 based on various activities. For example, the wearer may modify the adjustment settings 310 to have a minimum and / or maximum degree of compression via adjusting an internal pressure value associated with the adjustment element 102. It is contemplated that the wearer may modify the adjustment settings 310 for a plurality of preset activities 312 (i.e., running, cycling, yoga, etc.) to customize the fit of the bra 10a during each respective activity 312. For example, when the preset activity 312 is associated with a high impact activity 312a (e.g., running), the adjustment setting 310 can be set to adjust the bra 10a to have a high degree of compression, and when the preset activity 312 is associated with a low impact activity 312b (e.g., yoga), the adjustment setting 310 can be set to adjust the bra 10a to have a low degree of compression. The adjustment setting 310 can also include a release setting 314, which corresponds to the bra 10a releasing all vacuum in the chamber 116 to define a relaxed state. As described herein, the adjustment element 102 can have a variable degree of compression, so that the constricted state is defined over a range of vacuum levels, and the relaxed state is defined by completely releasing the vacuum in the chamber 116. Additionally or alternatively, the preset activities 312 can be directly associated with the adjustment setting 310, so that the wearer can set the desired degree of compression associated with each activity 312. The wearer can modify the preset activities 312 by adding and / or removing activities 312. The wearer may also periodically adjust the pressure associated with each activity based on experience to customize the fit of the bra 10a.

[0089] Further references Figures 7 to 8B, the adjustment application 306 can utilize the global positioning system (GPS) location 316 of the user device 304 to detect the wearer's patterns and regularly visited locations. The adjustment application 306 can detect that the user regularly visits locations associated with gyms, running tracks, yoga studios, and / or other areas that can be associated with the user's exercise program. In one example, the user can manually update the user profile 308 to include a location where the user can typically start one of the preset activities 312 (such as the starting point of a running route) by placing a marker 320 associated with the GPS location 316 of the associated exercise. When the GPS location 316 associated with one of the preset activities 312 is reached, the adjustment application 306 can prompt the wearer to activate the pump 66 of the bra 10a. In response to the detected GPS location 316, the adjustment application 306 can prompt a notification 322 on the user device 304 to adjust the adjustment element 102 to a compression level associated with the activity 312 based on the detected location. The notification 322 can be prompted by the controller 300 after the GPS location 316 is detected for a predetermined period of time. For example, after the controller 300 determines that the wearer is located at the GPS location 316 for a predetermined period of time, the notification 322 is triggered by the adjustment application 306. The predetermined period of time may be in the range of between about one (1) minute and 15 minutes. The predetermined period of time may also be approximately less than or equal to one (1) minute or approximately greater than or equal to 15 minutes. The predetermined period of time may take into account activities that may utilize less compression (e.g., pre-workout warm-up). For example, some of the preset activities 312 may include a warm-up setting that may have a lower compression setting than the activity 312. Additionally or alternatively, the compression setting may be the same for the activity and any associated warm-up.

[0090] The user may access the adjustment settings 310 to modify the degree of compression by selecting the notification 322. As described in more detail below, the degree of compression may be selected and modified based on the degree of impact associated with the activity 312. The wearer may authorize the notification 322 to perform compression of the adjustment element 102, and in response to authorization of the notification 322, the adjustment application 306 may communicate with the control module 202 to adjust the compression of the adjustment element 102 to a predefined compression associated with the corresponding activity 312. As described above, the wearer may adjust the compression of the adjustment element 102 via the adjustment application 306 at any time, such that the operability of the control module 202 is freely accessible regardless of the GPS location 316 or the preset activity 312.

[0091] Still reference Figures 7 to 8B, the control module 202 may also include an accelerometer 204 that may detect movement of the wearer. The accelerometer 204 may detect horizontal and vertical movement of the wearer and may communicate the detected information to the control module 202. While it is contemplated that the control module 202 may independently adjust the adjustment element 102 in response to data collected by the accelerometer 204, the control module 202 may also communicate the data to the controller 300 for display on the user device 304. The control module 202 may continuously monitor the data from the accelerometer 204 to adjust the vacuum within the chamber 116 of the adjustment element 102 based on the received data. The control module 202 may compare the data collected from the accelerometer 204 with the GPS location 316 detected by the controller 300 to further assess whether the wearer is engaging in an activity in which compression of the adjustment element 102 may be beneficial. For example, the user may initiate a run, and in response, the adjustment application 306 may prompt a notification 322 of a recommended compression adjustment based on the GPS location 316. The accelerometer 204 can detect a conditional response parameter, such as movement of the wearer corresponding to a running motion, and the control module 202 can communicate with the controller 300 to confirm the GPS location 316 with data from the accelerometer 204. If the GPS location 316 corresponds to a location associated with one of the preset activities 312, the control module 202 can activate the pump 66 to transition the adjustment element 102 from the relaxed state to the constricted state. The controller 300 can also detect a frequently visited location based on the GPS location 316, which may not be assigned to one of the preset activities 312. The controller 300 can prompt a notification 322 including an option for the wearer to place a new marker 320 and / or associate the detected location 316 with one of the activities 312.

[0092] refer to Fig. 9 , the control module 202 may also include a humidity and / or temperature sensor 206 configured to detect the relative humidity and / or temperature of the wearer's skin proximate to the bra 10a. The control module 202 may utilize the detected humidity and / or temperature data to adjust the compression of the bra 10a. For example, an increase in the detected humidity may indicate an increased intensity of the activity 312, such that an increase in compression may be desired. The control module 202 may increase the compression of the adjustment element 102 as the detected humidity increases. Alternatively, the control module 202 may reduce the compression of the adjustment element 102 in response to the detected humidity increase in an attempt to allow air to flow between the wearer's skin and the bra 10a, thereby cooling the wearer.

[0093] The control module 202 may be configured with a maximum compression level, which may be set during configuration of the control module 202. Additionally or alternatively, the wearer may set the maximum compression level in the adjustment settings 310 of the adjustment application 306. The wearer may also adjust the compression level via the actuator 68 ( Figure 1A ) manually adjusts the compression of the adjustment element 102 to increase or decrease the compression in response to the automatically adjusted compression performed by the control module 202. When there is a manual adjustment, the control module 202 can communicate the manually set compression to the controller 300, and the controller 300 can store the manually set compression in the adjustment settings 310 of the user profile 308 and can associate the manually set compression with the activity 312 when the manual adjustment was made.

[0094] The controller 300 may communicate the degree of compression to the control module 202 based on the detected humidity and / or activity 312. For example, as the detected humidity increases, the controller 300 may determine that the wearer is engaging in a high impact activity 312a (e.g., running), and may communicate with the control module 202 to increase the compression of the adjustment element 102. It is also contemplated that the control module 202 may detect increasing humidity, and may detect increased humidity that results in increased compression. In the event that the wearer utilizes the bra 10a during aquatic activities, the adjustment application 306 may include a lockout function 330 that prevents water from entering the control module 202. The lockout function may also be used to prevent adjustments based on the humidity sensor 206. When the bra 10a is used in water, the wearer may set the desired compression via the adjustment application 306 and / or the actuator 68, such that any additional adjustments after the execution of the lockout function 330 are the result of manual adjustments by the wearer.

[0095] Reference now Fig.10, the footwear 70 includes a control module 202, which can be located in the sole structure 74 of the footwear 70. As described above, the control module 202 can include an accelerometer 204 and a moisture sensor 206, and cooperate with the controller 300 to relax and compress the adjustment element 102b in the upper 72 of the footwear 70. In addition to the preset activities 312 mentioned above, the adjustment application 306 can be configured with additional preset activities 312 related to the adjustment of the footwear 70. For example, in addition to the activities 312 mentioned above (i.e., high-impact activities 312a and low-impact activities 312b), the adjustment application 306 can also include activities 312 such as basketball 312e and / or tennis 312f. Each of the activities 312 can be configured with a set compression so that the wearer can select the activity 312 on the user device 304. For example, the wearer may define basketball 312e and / or tennis 312f as high-impact activities and may set the adjustment element 102b to near maximum contraction to provide maximum support to the wearer during the cutting and tilting movements associated with these activities.

[0096] The adjustment application 306 may receive input corresponding to an activity from the wearer and / or may receive data regarding movement and / or moisture relative to the footwear 70 from the control module 202. The adjustment application 306 may communicate with the control module 202 via the controller 300, and the control module 202 may activate the pump 66 to adjust the adjustment element 102b. It is also contemplated that the control module 202 may independently adjust the adjustment element 102b and communicate the activation of the pump 66 to the controller 300 for display on the user device 304. For example, the adjustment element 102b may compress and relax, which also results in compression and relaxation of the upper 72. When in a compressed state, the adjustment element 102 may provide additional support and stability to the wearer, which may be beneficial for one or more of the preset activities 312. The wearer may adjust the compression force of the adjustment element 102b via the adjustment application 306 and / or the actuator 68 disposed on the footwear 70. The control module 202 may generally perform operations regarding Figures 7 to 9 The described function is to transition the upper 72 between the relaxed state and the compressed state via the adjustment element 102.

[0097] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12, the control module 202 can be configured with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 208, which is configured to detect an RFID tag 210 that can be combined with the auxiliary garment 10b. The RFID tag 210 can be formed integrally with the auxiliary garment 10b via integration into the fabric of the auxiliary garment 10b. Additionally or alternatively, when the auxiliary garment 10b is used in combination with the bra 10a, the RFID tag 210 can be attached to the auxiliary garment 10b. For example, the wearer can attach the RFID tag 210 to the auxiliary garment 10b when putting on the auxiliary garment 10b, and can remove the RFID tag 210 when taking off the auxiliary garment 10b. In this way, the wearer can utilize various auxiliary garment 10b items with a single RFID tag 210.

[0098] The RFID reader 208 utilizes an electromagnetic field to detect and identify the RFID tag 210 to determine the degree of compression of the adjustment element 102. In one embodiment, the auxiliary garment 10b may include a first shirt 10b1 having a first tag 210a and a second shirt 10b2 having a second tag 210b. The first tag 210a may identify the use of the first shirt 10b1 during a high impact activity 312a, and the second tag 210b may identify the use of the second shirt 10b2 during a low impact activity 312b. As an example and not limitation, the control module 202 of the adjustment system 200 may detect the first tag 210a of the first shirt 10b1 and increase the compression of the adjustment element 102. Upon detecting the first tag 210a, the compression of the adjustment element 102 may be increased because the first shirt 10b1 may typically be worn during high impact activities 312a. High impact activities 312a typically benefit from an increase in the compression of the bra 10a to provide additional stability and support to the wearer. Conversely, upon detecting the second tag 210b, the compression of the adjustment element 102 may be partially relaxed, and the second tag 210b may be associated with a second shirt 10b2 that may be used during a low-impact activity 312b. The low-impact activity 312b may utilize a reduced degree of compression compared to the high-impact activity 312a. As mentioned above, the wearer may manually adjust the control module 202 to increase or decrease the compression of the bra 10a depending on the desired degree of support, regardless of the activity 312.

[0099] The RFID tag 210 may include information about the corresponding auxiliary garment 10b, so that the control module 202 may transmit the information detected by the RFID reader 208 to the controller 300. In response to the information identified by the RFID reader 208, the adjustment application 306 of the controller 300 may prompt an adjustment option based on the detected auxiliary garment 10b. If the RFID reader 208 detects multiple RFID tags 210, indicating that the wearer is combining auxiliary garments 10b, the controller 300 may use the collected additional information (such as GPS location 316) to determine the desired degree of compression. For example, the wearer may use a first shirt 10b1 with an RFID tag 210a associated with a high impact activity 312a and shorts 10b3 with an RFID tag 210c associated with a low impact activity 312b. The controller 300 may use the GPS location 316 to determine that the wearer is in a position typically associated with a low impact activity 312b, and may prompt the wearer to confirm the degree of compression with a notification 322. The wearer may confirm or deny notification 322 and, as mentioned above, may manually adjust the compression to the desired compression level. Although controller 300 is described as prompting the wearer to confirm the compression level, controller 300 may automatically control the compression level upon determining a predetermined condition.

[0100] The control module 202 incorporated into the footwear 70 can be similarly configured with an RFID reader 208 to detect an RFID tag 210 of an auxiliary garment 10b that can be used in conjunction with the footwear 70. For example, the RFID reader 208 can detect an RFID tag 210 associated with a high impact activity 312a, which causes the adjustment element 102b to transition from a relaxed state to a compressed state. As similarly described above, the control module 202 can cooperate with the adjustment application 306 of the controller 300 to modify the compression of the adjustment element 102b based on the RFID tag 210 detected by the RFID reader 208.

[0101] Reference now Figure 1A and Fig.13 , the compressible member 108 may include a single adjustment zone 124 so that the lattice structure 118 may be uniformly adjusted during the application of a vacuum to the compressible member. Additionally or alternatively, the lattice structure 118 may have variable adjustment depending on the fit of the bra 10a relative to the wearer. For example, Fig.13 As shown, the adjustment element 102a may include a plurality of adjustment regions 124a1 to 124a3 to impart different transformation characteristics along the bra 10a1. For example, the compressible member 108a includes a first adjustment region 124a1 that extends along the perimeter cup region 54 ( Figure 2) are arranged and include an array (e.g., rows and columns) of reliefs 120a1 having a width W oriented across the lateral direction of the front panel 44 (i.e., from the right side 20 to the left side 22). 120a1 and a length L oriented in the longitudinal direction of the front panel 44 (ie, from the upper end 16 to the lower end 18). 120a1 Thus, the relief 120a1 of the first adjustment region 124a1 is configured to selectively narrow the peripheral cup region 54 of the front panel 44 in the width direction on the upper torso of the wearer. The compressible component 108a may also include a central element 126 corresponding to the central bridge portion 48 ( Figure 2 ), and generally divides the compressible component 108a into a right side 128 and a left side 130 corresponding to the right panel 46 and the left panel 50 of the front panel 44.

[0102] Continue to refer Fig.13 The central portion of the compressible member 108a forms a second adjustment region 124a2 disposed in the central cup region 52 of the right panel 46 and the left panel 50 of the front panel 44. The second adjustment region 124a2 includes a diameter D 120a2 The second adjustment area 124a2 is configured to create a static or passive zone within the bra 10a, wherein the compressible member 108a and the front panel 44 do not contract or contract to a lesser extent than the first adjustment area 124a1. Thus, whether the compressible member 108a is in a relaxed state or a contracted state, the central cup region 52 maintains substantially the same shape. The compressible member 108a includes a third adjustment area 124a3 formed in the transition area 56 between the peripheral cup region 54 and the central cup region 52. Here, the relief 120a includes a combination of reliefs 120a1 and 120a2 oriented in an alternating arrangement. Thus, when the adjustment element 102a ( Figure 5A ) When moving from the relaxed state to the narrowed state, the third adjustment area 124a3 is configured to narrow the transition zone 56 to be smaller than the peripheral cup area 54, but larger than the central cup area 52.

[0103] The control module 202 can be configured to selectively adjust the adjustment element 102a at the adjustment zones 124a1 to 124a3 so that each adjustment zone 124a1 to 124a3 can be independently adjusted based on the detected or transmitted preset activity 312. For example, the control module 202 can use any of the accelerometer 204, the humidity sensor 206, and / or the RFID reader 208 to determine the required or desired degree of compression and selectively adjust one or more of the adjustment zones 124a1 to 124a3 in response. The adjustment application 306 can also include the adjustment zones 124a1 to 124a3 as part of the adjustment settings 310. In this embodiment, the wearer can select the adjustment zones 124a1 to 124a3 and set the degree of compression (e.g., high, medium, low) for each corresponding adjustment zone 124a1 to 124a3. It is also contemplated that the band 42 and strap 64 may be combined with the adjustment element 102a so that the wearer may independently adjust the band 42 and strap 64 of the bra 10a1.

[0104] refer to Fig.14 , the footwear 70 may include adjustment areas 124b1 to 124b3 associated with the forefoot region 76a, the midfoot region 76b, and the heel region 76c of the footwear 70. For example, the control module 202 may selectively adjust each of the adjustment areas 124b1 to 124b3 to adjust the various regions 76a to 76c of the footwear 70. It may be advantageous that the footwear 70 causes the adjustment element 102b to be compressed at some adjustment areas 124b1 to 124b3 compared to other adjustment areas according to the activity 312. It is also contemplated that the adjustment areas 124b1 to 124b3 may be used for anatomical support of the wearer. For example, the wearer may enter biometric data associated with flat feet in the user profile 308 of the adjustment application 306. The adjustment application 306 may communicate with the control module 202 to increase compression along the midfoot region 76b, thereby providing additional support for the wearer's midfoot. In some embodiments, a preset activity 312 selected by the wearer or determined by the control module 202 can benefit from selective compression of various zones 76a-76c of the upper 72 via the adjustment element 102b. The adjustment application 306 can provide the wearer with the option of activating the adjustment zones 124b1-124b3 and setting the degree of compression (e.g., high, medium, low). Each adjustment zone 124b1-124b3 can be independently activated and, if activated, independently compressed or relaxed.

[0105] Again, refer to Figures 1 to Fig.14, brassieres 10a, 10a1 and footwear 70 can provide compression support by utilizing adjustment elements 102-102b. The arrangement of the gaps 120-120b of the compressible components 108-108b can advantageously include adjustment areas 124-124b3 to provide customized support and / or compression for the wearer. For example, the gaps 120-120b can be arranged in a radial configuration and / or array configuration. Brassieres 10a, 10a1 and footwear 70 also include an adjustment system 200 to adjust the compression of the corresponding adjustment elements 102-102b, thereby providing a customized fit for the wearer during activity 312. The wearer can utilize adjustment application 306 to adjust the article 10a, 10a1, 70 during use, and the adjustment application 306 can communicate with the control module 202 to collect data for determining the compression degree of the corresponding adjustment elements 102-102b.

[0106] Fig.15 5 is a schematic diagram of an example computing device 500 that can be used to implement the systems and methods described in this document. Computing device 500 is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computers. The components shown here, their connections and relationships, and their functions are meant to be exemplary only and are not meant to limit the embodiments of the invention described and / or claimed in this document.

[0107] The computing device 500 includes a processor 510, a memory 520, a storage device 530, a high-speed interface / controller 540 connected to the memory 520 and a high-speed expansion port 550, and a low-speed interface / controller 560 connected to a low-speed bus 570 and the storage device 530. Each of the components 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, and 560 is interconnected using various buses and can be appropriately mounted on a common motherboard or otherwise mounted. The processor 510 can process instructions for execution within the computing device 500, including instructions stored in the memory 520 or on the storage device 530, to display graphical information of a graphical user interface (GUI) on an external input / output device (such as a display 580 coupled to the high-speed interface 540). In other embodiments, multiple processors and / or multiple buses and multiple memories and multiple types of memories can be used appropriately. In addition, multiple computing devices 500 can be connected, each of which provides a portion of the necessary operations (for example, as a server library, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system).

[0108] Memory 520 stores information non-temporarily within computing device 500. Memory 520 may be a computer-readable medium, a volatile memory unit, or a non-volatile memory unit. Non-temporary memory 520 may be a physical device for temporarily or permanently storing programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by computing device 500. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0109] The storage device 530 can provide mass storage for the computing device 500. In some embodiments, the storage device 530 is a computer-readable medium. In various embodiments, the storage device 530 can be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid-state memory device or device array, including devices in a storage area network or other configurations. In additional embodiments, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as the above-described methods. The information carrier is a computer or machine-readable medium, such as a memory 520, a storage device 530, or a memory on a processor 510.

[0110] The high-speed controller 540 manages bandwidth-intensive operations of the computing device 500, while the low-speed controller 560 manages less bandwidth-intensive operations. This division of responsibilities is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, the high-speed controller 540 is coupled to the memory 520, the display 580 (e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to the high-speed expansion port 550, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In some embodiments, the low-speed controller 560 is coupled to the storage device 530 and the low-speed expansion port 590. The low-speed expansion port 590, which can include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet), can be coupled to one or more input / output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, such as through a network adapter.

[0111] As shown, computing device 500 can be implemented in many different forms. For example, it can be implemented as a standard server 500a, or multiple implementations in a group of such servers 500a, implemented as a laptop computer 500b, or implemented as part of a rack server system 500c.

[0112] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, the programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which can be special-purpose or general-purpose, coupled to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device to receive data and instructions therefrom, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0113] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disks, optical disks, memory, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0114] The process and logic flow described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The process and logic flow can also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit (such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (such as a disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk) for storing data, or the computer may be operably coupled to one or more mass storage devices to receive data from it or to transmit data to the one or more mass storage devices, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0115] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or a touch screen for displaying information to the user, and optionally having a keyboard and a pointer device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0116] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of adjustment systems for the above-described articles of apparel or footwear.

[0117] Item 1. An adjustment system for a wearable article comprises: an adjustment element, which is operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article and includes a bladder and a compressible component, the bladder including an internal void, and the compressible component is disposed within the internal void; and a control module, which is operably coupled to the adjustment element and is configured to transition the compressible component between a relaxed state and a constricted state by controlling a fluid volume within the internal void in response to a conditional response parameter.

[0118] Clause 2. A conditioning system according to clause 1, wherein the condition response parameter comprises motion, humidity and / or temperature.

[0119] Clause 3. The adjustment system of clause 2, wherein the control module is operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state in response to a geographic location and / or a type of activity of the control module.

[0120] Clause 4. An adjustment system according to clause 3, wherein the geographic location is input by the wearer.

[0121] Clause 5. The regulation system of clause 3, wherein the geographic location is determined using GPS.

[0122] Clause 6. An adjustment system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control module is operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state in response to a geographic location and / or a type of activity of the control module.

[0123] Clause 7. The regulating system according to any of the preceding clauses further includes at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor and an accelerometer communicating with the control module, wherein the at least one of the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor and the accelerometer is operable to provide the conditional response parameter to the control module.

[0124] Clause 8. The adjustment system of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an RFID reader associated with the control module, the control module operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state based on data received by the RFID reader.

[0125] Clause 9. The adjustment system of Clause 8, further comprising an RFID tag associated with the article of apparel or footwear, the RFID tag being in communication with the RFID reader and operable to provide the data to the RFID reader.

[0126] Clause 10. The adjustment system of any preceding clause, further comprising a controller in communication with the control module and operable to display a status of the compressible member.

[0127] Item 11. An adjustment system for a wearable article, comprising: an adjustment element, which is capable of operating to form at least a portion of the wearable article and includes a bladder and a compressible component, the bladder including an internal void, and the compressible component is disposed within the internal void; and a control module, which is operably coupled to the adjustment element and is configured to transition the compressible component between a relaxed state and a constricted state by controlling a fluid volume within the internal void in response to at least one of a geographic location, an activity type, and a type of auxiliary wearable article used in conjunction with the wearable article.

[0128] Clause 12. The adjustment system of Clause 11, wherein the control module is operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state in response to a condition response parameter.

[0129] Clause 13. The conditioning system of clause 12, wherein the condition response parameter comprises motion, humidity and / or temperature.

[0130] Clause 14. An adjustment system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the geographic location is input by a wearer.

[0131] Clause 15. A regulation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the geographic location is determined using GPS.

[0132] Clause 16. A conditioning system according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor and an accelerometer in communication with the control module, wherein the at least one of the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor and the accelerometer is operable to provide a conditional response parameter to the control module.

[0133] Clause 17. The adjustment system of Clause 16, wherein the control module is operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state in response to the conditional response parameter.

[0134] Clause 18. The adjustment system of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an RFID reader associated with the control module, the control module operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state based on data received by the RFID reader.

[0135] Clause 19. The adjustment system of Clause 18, further comprising an RFID tag associated with the assistive wearable article, the RFID tag in communication with the RFID reader and operable to provide the data to the RFID reader.

[0136] Clause 20. The adjustment system of any preceding clause, further comprising a controller in communication with the control module and operable to display a status of the compressible member.

[0137] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, individual elements or features are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration may also vary in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An adjustment system for a wearable article, the adjustment system comprising: an adjustment element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article and comprising (i) a bladder including an interior void and (ii) a compressible member disposed within the interior void; as well as A control module is operably coupled to the adjustment element and is configured to transition the compressible member between a relaxed state and a constricted state by controlling a fluid volume within the interior void in response to a condition response parameter.

2. A conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the condition response parameters include motion, humidity and / or temperature.

3. An adjustment system according to claim 2, wherein the control module is operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state in response to a geographic location and / or a type of activity of the control module.

4. An adjustment system according to claim 3, wherein the geographic location is input by the wearer.

5. The adjustment system of claim 3, wherein the geographic location is determined using GPS.

6. The adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the control module is operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state in response to a geographic location and / or a type of activity of the control module.

7. The conditioning system of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an accelerometer in communication with the control module, the at least one of the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor, and the accelerometer being operable to provide the conditional response parameter to the control module.

8. The adjustment system of claim 1, further comprising an RFID reader associated with the control module, the control module operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state based on data received by the RFID reader.

9. The adjustment system of claim 8, further comprising an RFID tag associated with the article of clothing or footwear, the RFID tag being in communication with the RFID reader and operable to provide the data to the RFID reader.

10. The adjustment system of claim 1, further comprising a controller in communication with the control module and operable to display a status of the compressible member.

11. An adjustment system for a wearable article, the adjustment system comprising: an adjustment element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article and comprising (i) a bladder including an interior void and (ii) a compressible member disposed within the interior void; as well as A control module operably coupled to the adjustment element and configured to transition the compressible component between a relaxed state and a constricted state by controlling a volume of fluid within the interior void in response to at least one of a geographic location, a type of activity, and a type of assistive wearable article used in conjunction with the wearable article.

12. The adjustment system of claim 11, wherein the control module is operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state in response to a conditional response parameter.

13. A conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein the condition response parameters include motion, humidity and / or temperature.

14. The adjustment system of claim 11, wherein the geographic location is input by a wearer.

15. The adjustment system of claim 11, wherein the geographic location is determined using GPS.

16. The conditioning system of claim 11 further comprising at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an accelerometer in communication with the control module, the at least one of the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor, and the accelerometer being operable to provide a conditional response parameter to the control module.

17. The adjustment system of claim 16, wherein the control module is operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state in response to the conditional response parameter.

18. The adjustment system of claim 11, further comprising an RFID reader associated with the control module, the control module operable to transition the compressible member between the relaxed state and the constricted state based on data received by the RFID reader.

19. The adjustment system of claim 18, further comprising an RFID tag associated with the assistive wearable article, the RFID tag being in communication with the RFID reader and operable to provide the data to the RFID reader.

20. The adjustment system of claim 11, further comprising a controller in communication with the control module and operable to display a status of the compressible member.

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