ventilation element

Abstract

Ventilation element (10) for a clothing article, footwear or sports accessory (25), comprising: a first surface (11) comprising a foam; a second surface (12); wherein the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) are spaced apart from each other, forming a gap so that air can circulate between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12); wherein the ventilation element (10) comprises a plurality of first bridges (18a) and a plurality of second bridges (18b) arranged to extend alternately outwards and inwards; and wherein the first surface (11) is an outward-facing surface of the plurality of first bridges (18a) and the second surface (12) is an inward-facing surface of the plurality of second bridges (18b).

Description

1. Technical FieldThe present invention relates to a ventilation element for an article of apparel or footwear or for a sports accessory.2. Prior ArtVentilation elements are ubiquitous in various types of clothing, shoes, or sports accessories. Ventilation elements are, for example, applied to the back of a backpack to improve the ventilation of the back of a sport person wearing the backpack.One known type of ventilation element for a backpack forms a gap between the back of the sport person and the back of the backpack in order to improve the air circulation between the back of the sport person and the back of the backpack. EP 2 407 050 B1 discloses a frame arrangement which concavely stretches the rear wall of a backpack and a net part which extends in a chord-like manner over the concave stretched rear wall. A drawback of such a system is the increased weight due to the frame, which is normally made of aluminium, as well as the complexity of the construction and thus the increased cost of the backpack. Moreover, the frame itself must be rigid and therefore this type of ventilation element does not adapt well to different shapes of a body, for example due to different postures during training. For example, it may be desirable to attach a ventilation element to the wearers of a backpack that allows the wearers to remain elastically stretchable, for example, to absorb shocks that the sportian would otherwise experience due to a rebound backpack, for example, while walking. Finally, this known construction has the disadvantage that the center of mass of the backpack is far from the center of mass of the sport person, whereby an imbalance arises during training.US 2005 / 0 040 684 A1 discloses a cushioning element which is fastened to a portion of a pocket which touches the body of the user when the pocket is used. The pad member includes an uneven surface portion formed of a plurality of elastic protrusions. However, the manufacture of the cushioning element described by US 2005 / 0 040 684 A1 is relatively complicated, since it is worked with injection molding.The present invention is thus based on the object of providing a ventilation element for an article of apparel or footwear or for a sports accessory which is simple to produce, can be adapted to different body shapes and postures and enables absorbing impacts.US 2009 / 0 100 578 A1 relates to protective apparel having a protective layer for protecting against impacts and spacers for keeping the protective layer apart from the part of the body of a person which is protected by the protective layer.EP 3 398 465 A1 relates to a system comprising a garment and a liquid source. The garment includes a plurality of liquid channels, and the garment includes a liquid port in liquid communication with the liquid channels. A liquid source is configured to connect to the liquid port and supply a liquid port to the liquid channels.US 3 045 243 A relates to a method and means for controlling ventilation of protective clothing.US 2006 / 0 083 912 A1 relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a crosslinked foam. The method comprises the following steps. Production of at least one foam for crosslinked foaming, wherein the foam is processed to have a planar or three-dimensional shape. forming at least one interfacial pattern on a surface of at least one of the foams using at least one interfacial material that prevents chemical and physical interaction between the foams. forming a crosslinked foam by foaming the foam having the interfacial pattern thereon, wherein the crosslinked foam has a foam body and an internally formed surface.WO 2014 / 182 599 A1 relates to a system for managing the impact energy. The system includes first and second planar thermoplastic layers, each thermoplastic layer having a base and at least one indentation having a top wall and first and second side walls. Each of the at least one indentations protrudes from the other at least one indentation and the base of the first thermoplastic layer contacts the base of the second thermoplastic layer.WO 2014 / 120 867 A1 relates to a fabric and articles produced therefrom having elastic elevations on at least one surface in order to improve the thermal protection, to reduce the air resistance, to reduce the thermal signature and to dry it quickly. Elastic protrusions are regular or random protrusions extending outward from a tissue surface and enclosing a certain volume of air or other material therein.WO 2010 / 035 040 A1 relates to a heat-regulating item of clothing which is formed from a flexible substrate. The substrate includes a first surface in which at least a portion of a plenum is formed with at least one substantially fluid impermeable plenum. In addition, the substrate comprises a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one cooling channel is formed in the opposite surface.EP 2 937 004 A1 relates to a garment comprising an outer casing and at least one ventilation system. The venting system comprises a venting chamber comprising at least one water vapor permeable and air impermeable inner layer. This layer is attached to an inner side of the outer shell by a peripheral seal. Further, the venting system includes at least one outside air access to the venting chamber to allow outside air to circulate within the chamber and an air permeable spacer assembly disposed within the venting chamber.3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis object is achieved by the teachings of the independent claims and in particular by a ventilation element for an article of apparel, footwear or sports accessory comprising: a first surface comprising a foam; a second surface; wherein the first surface and the second surface are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a gap such that air can circulate between the first surface and the second surface.An article of apparel may be, for example, a pants, shorts, shirt, jacket, or top. Footwear may be a shoe, for example a running shoe, a tennis shoe or a football shoe. A sports accessory may be a backpack, a protective element such as a tibial guard, a knee guard, an elbow guard, or a shoulder guard.The first surface may contact a body part (or clothing, e.g., a shirt worn by an athlete) directly or indirectly during normal use of the apparel item, footwear, or sports accessory. The second surface may contact a contact portion of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories during normal use. A contact portion may be any portion of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories. For a backpack, a contact portion may be, for example, the back side of the backpack, which would contact the sport person's back during normal use. A contact portion may also be a side of a wearer of a backpack that would contact a portion of the shoulders or upper body of a sport person wearing the backpack during normal use. It is not necessary that the ventilation element is arranged between the contact portion and the body part during normal use. The first surface can thus only indirectly touch the body part. However, it is possible that the ventilation element is arranged between the contact portion and the body part (or clothing, e.g. a shirt worn by a sport person) in normal use.It should be noted that the distance between the first surface and the second surface must be determined in an equilibrium state without applying a force other than gravity.The gap is the entire space formed by the spacing of the first surface and the second surface. The distance is determined as the distance between a plane in which the first surface is located and a plane in which the second surface is located. In other words: a lateral separation between the first surface and the second surface is not considered to be an additional distance between the first surface and the second surface. The minimum distance between the first surface and the second surface is considered to be the sum of the thickness of the first surface and the thickness of the second surface. At this minimum distance, there is no gap. The gap may or may not be a continuous region.The ventilation element according to the present invention is light, cushioning and adaptable as it comprises a foam. The foam may be elastic. Additionally, the air may circulate between the first surface and the second surface, thereby providing a comfortable level of ventilation for the sportian.The first surface may have a first surface area and the second surface may have a second surface area, and the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area may be between 0.2 and 5, preferably between 0.5 and 2, most preferably between 0.75 and 1.33. However, for a heavy article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories, this entails the risk that a first surface area that is too small may not be large enough to support the weight of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessory. The inventors have found that a ratio not too far from one provides ideal ventilation and stability.The first surface and the second surface may be arranged to form a first channel in the gap. The first channel may be arranged substantially along a longitudinal direction of the ventilation element. For example, in a backpack, a longitudinal direction may be substantially along a vertical direction when the backpack is worn in an upright posture. In this context, substantially along a vertical direction means extending in the direction from a lower end of the backpack to an upper end of the backpack, but a deviation to the side of up to 30°, preferably 20°, is possible.The inventors have found that the dynamic movement of the sporter causes a chimney effect in the first channel, thereby substantially improving the ventilation provided by the ventilation element. The dynamic movement of the sports boot in conjunction with the cushioning and elastic properties of the foam can cause the distance between the first surface and the second surface to dynamically change in use, thereby creating a "breathing" effect.The first channel may extend substantially from one end of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories to another end. The first channel may, for example, extend substantially from a lower end to an upper end. "Substantially" in this context means at least 60% of the length, preferably 80%, most preferably 90%.The first channel may have a first width at a first end, a second width at a second end, and a third width at a location between the first end and the second end. For example, the first channel may have a third width at a location that is midway between the first end and the second end.The first width may be greater than the third width and the second width may be greater than the third width. The inventors have found that this improves the ventilation provided by the ventilation element, as the air circulation is improved by a better ability to receive and deliver air at the first end and the second end. At the same time, it is advantageous if the second width is smaller than the first width and the third width, since this improves the adjustability of the ventilation element. Generally, the width of the first channel is to be measured in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the channel and in a plane that is parallel to the first surface.The venting element may comprise a second channel. The second channel may have the same characteristics as the first channel described herein. The inventors have found that the ventilation properties and the adaptability of the ventilation element are improved by forming a second channel. Generally, the venting element may comprise any number of channels.The second channel may be substantially parallel to the first channel. In this context, substantially parallel means within an angle of + / - 10°. Arranging the second channel substantially parallel to the first channel simplifies the construction of the ventilation element.The first channel may be disposed at a first distance from the second channel at a first end, a second distance from the second channel at a second end, and a third distance from the second channel at a location between the first end and the second end. The first channel may be disposed, for example, a third distance from the second channel at a location midway between the first end and the second end. The first distance and the second distance may be greater than the third distance. In other words, the distance between the first channel and the second channel is greater at the first end and the second end than at a location between the first end and the second end. The first channel and the second channel may therefore not be substantially parallel to each other. In this arrangement, a first angle that the first channel forms with a vertical direction at the first end of the first channel may be different from a second angle that the first channel forms with the vertical direction at the second end of the first channel. The inventors have found that this arrangement improves the ventilation provided by the ventilation element. The reason for this is that this arrangement provides a range of angles for air intake and discharge. Thus, as the sportian moves dynamically, a larger range of angles for air intake and discharge improves the ventilation characteristics of the ventilation element.The ventilation member includes a plurality of first bridges and a plurality of second bridges arranged to alternately extend outward and inward.The venting element comprises a first bridge and a second bridge; wherein the first surface is an outward facing surface of the plurality of first bridges and the second surface is an inward facing surface of the plurality of second bridges. A bridge in the present context is any construction comprising a low portion and a raised portion. The separation between the low portion and the raised portion measured from outer surface to outer surface is referred to as the height of the bridge. The first surface may be an outwardly facing surface of the raised portion of the first bridge. The second surface may be an inwardly facing surface of a low portion of the second bridge. The inventors have found that this construction can be easily manufactured, easily conforms to different body shapes and postures, and provides good ventilation and cushioning.The first bridge and the second bridge may be arranged side by side. In particular, the low portion of the first bridge may be arranged at the same height as the elevated portion of the second bridge. In this case, the distance between the first surface and the second surface is given by the sum of the height of the first bridge plus the height of the second bridge plus the thickness of the raised portion of the first bridge plus the thickness of the low portion of the second bridge.It is advantageous to arrange the first bridge next to the second bridge, as this allows the construction of a simple geometry in which air flows in all three spatial directions, thus improving the ventilation characteristics of the ventilation element.The first bridge may extend outward and the second bridge may extend inward. Outward in this case means in the direction of the body part, and inward in this case means in the direction of the article of apparel or footwear or sports accessory.The arrangement of the first and second bridges may be symmetrical. The venting element may comprise an axis of symmetry and the second bridge may be substantially identical to the first bridge but rotated 180° about the axis of symmetry. Substantially identical in this case means that the height of the first bridge and the height of the second bridge may not be identical. However, generally, the height of the first bridge and the height of the second bridge may be identical. In addition, other differences may arise due to manufacturing tolerances.As described above, the ventilation member includes a plurality of first bridges and a plurality of second bridges arranged to alternately extend outward and inward.Such an arrangement of a first bridge and a second bridge is particularly simple to produce and provides an excellent ventilation uniformly in the entire ventilation element.A distance along an outward direction between the first surface and the second surface may be at least 0.5 cm and not more than 5 cm, preferably at least 1 cm and not more than 3 cm. Generally, the greater the distance, the better the air circulation and thus the better the ventilation properties of the ventilation element. A greater distance also implies a greater distance between the center of mass of the article of apparel or footwear or sports accessory, for example the center of mass of a backpack and the center of mass of the athlete wearing the article of apparel or footwear or sports accessory. This can lead to imbalance and be ergonomically undesirable.A thickness of the first bridge and / or of the second bridge may be between 0.5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm, most preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm. The thickness affects the bending stiffness of the first / second bridge. The thicker the first / second bridge, the greater the bending stiffness for bending in the direction of thickness. If the bending stiffness is too high, the ventilation element does not adapt well to different body shapes or postures. The thickness also affects the cushioning properties of the ventilation element. The thicker the first / second bridge, the better the cushioning properties of the first / second bridge. There is thus an exchange relationship between the bending stiffness on the one hand and the cushioning properties on the other.The second surface may also comprise the foam. While the second surface may not normally contact the part of the sports person's body, the overall cushioning properties are improved if the second surface also comprises the foam.The foam may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. A thermoplastic polymer is a polymer that melts or softens upon application of heat. A foam comprising a thermoplastic polymer is light, cushioning and can be easily manufactured.The foam may have a hardness of 10-80 Shore A, preferably 20-60 Shore A, most preferably 50-60 Shore A. The hardness of the foam is an important criterion for determining its cushioning capabilities. If the foam is too hard, the ventilation element is uncomfortable. However, if the foam is too soft, when a load is applied to the ventilation member, for example, due to dynamic movement of an sports person during training or due to weight of the apparel, footwear, or sports accessory, the foam is compressed so as to easily deteriorate ventilation characteristics. The distance between the first surface and the second surface can be reduced too much, for example, if the foam is too soft.The foam may have a density of between 25 and 400 kg per cubic meter, preferably between 50 and 250 kg per cubic meter, most preferably between 150 and 200 kg per cubic meter. The density of the foam determines its weight at a particular volume. A denser foam will therefore generally also be heavier. However, the density of the foam also determines its abrasion resistance. A denser foam will generally be more abrasion resistant.The foam may have an elongation at break of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, most preferably at least 150%. Especially for use in sports, it is preferred that the foam has a high elongation at break. In this way, the ventilation element can contribute to absorbing shocks that arise due to the dynamic movement of the sport person without tearing or breaking it.The foam may have a modulus of elasticity of from 1 to 100 MPa, preferably between 1 and 5 MPa, most preferably between 1 and 2 MPa. The Young's modulus, also known as Young's modulus, indicates how stretchable or elastic a material is. A high modulus of elasticity means a low level of elasticity, whereas a low modulus of elasticity means a high level of elasticity. Especially for use in sports, it is preferred that the foam has a relatively low modulus of elasticity. In this way, the ventilation element can contribute to absorbing shocks that arise due to the dynamic movement of the sport person.The foam may comprise ethyl vinyl acetate, also known as EVA. EVA can be thermoformed in an accessible temperature range and the venting member can therefore be easily manufactured.The venting element may be a single unitary piece. In this way, the construction of the ventilation element is simplified and there are no potential weak spots where different elements are joined, thereby improving the stability of the ventilation element.The sports accessory may be a backpack, and the ventilation element may include a recess arranged along a longitudinal direction of the backpack. The recess may serve to receive a portion of the spinal column that protrudes from the back of the sport person. The wearing comfort of the ventilation element is improved because it is possible that it does not directly contact the spinal column. The recess is preferably at least 20 cm long, more preferably at least 30 cm long. The recess is preferably at least 2 cm wide, more preferably at least 4 cm wide. In this way, it is possible that the ventilation element generally does not directly touch the spinal column even when the sport person moves dynamically.The invention further relates to an article of apparel, footwear or sports accessory comprising the ventilation element described herein. The article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories benefits from the advantageous features of the ventilation element described herein.The present invention further relates to a method for producing a ventilation element for an article of apparel, footwear or sports accessory, comprising:forming a first surface comprising a foam;forming a second surface; forming a space between the first surface and the second surface to form a gap so that air can circulate between the first surface and the second surface.The present invention provides a simple method for the manufacture of a ventilation element that is light, cushioning and adaptable. Additionally, the air may circulate between the first surface and the second surface, thereby providing a comfortable level of ventilation for the sportian.The first surface may have a first surface area and the second surface may have a second surface area, and the first surface and the second surface may be formed such that the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area is between 0.2 and 5, preferably between 0.5 and 2, most preferably between 0.75 and 1.33. However, for a heavy article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories, this entails the risk that a first surface area that is too small may not be large enough to support the weight of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessory. The inventors have found that a ratio not too far from one provides ideal ventilation and stability.Forming a distance between the first surface and the second surface may include applying heat and / or pressure. Such a process can be described as thermoforming. For example, a foam sheet may be pressed and heated in a mold to form a space between the first surface and the second surface. This method offers the advantage that lower temperatures can be used than, for example, during injection molding.Forming a distance between the first surface and the second surface to form a gap may include forming a first channel. The first channel may be arranged substantially along a longitudinal direction of the ventilation element. In a backpack, a longitudinal direction may for example extend substantially along a vertical direction. In this context, substantially along a vertical direction means extending in the direction from a lower end of the backpack to an upper end of the backpack, but a deviation to the side of up to 30°, preferably 20°, is possible.The inventors have found that the dynamic movement of the sporter causes a chimney effect in the first channel, thereby substantially improving the ventilation provided by the ventilation element. The dynamic movement of the sports boot in conjunction with the cushioning and elastic properties of the foam can cause the distance between the first surface and the second surface to dynamically change in use, thereby creating a "breathing" effect.The method may include extending the first channel substantially from one end of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessory to another end. The first channel may, for example, extend substantially from a lower end to the upper end. "Substantially" in this context means at least 60% of the length, preferably 80%, most preferably 90%.The first channel may have a first width at a first end, a second width at a second end, and a third width at a location between the first end and the second end. For example, the first channel may have a third width at a location that is midway between the first end and the second end.The first width may be greater than the third width and the second width may be greater than the third width. The inventors have found that this improves the ventilation provided by the ventilation element, as the air circulation is improved by a better ability to receive and deliver air at the first end and the second end. At the same time, it is advantageous if the second width is smaller than the first width and the third width, since this improves the adjustability of the ventilation element. Generally, the width of the first channel is to be measured in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the channel and in a plane that is parallel to the first surface.The method may further comprise forming a second channel in the venting element. The second channel may have the same characteristics as the first channel described herein. The inventors have found that the ventilation properties and the adaptability of the ventilation element are improved by forming a second channel.The method may include arranging the second channel to be substantially parallel to the first channel. In this context, substantially parallel means within an angle of + / - 10°. Arranging the second channel substantially parallel to the first channel simplifies the construction of the ventilation element. Generally, the venting element may comprise any number of channels.The method may include arranging the first channel at a first end a first distance from the second channel, a second distance from the second channel at a second end, and a third distance from the second channel at a location between the first end and the second end. The first channel may be disposed, for example, a third distance from the second channel at a location midway between the first end and the second end. The first distance and the second distance may be greater than the third distance. In other words, the distance between the first channel and the second channel is greater at the first end and the second end than at a location between the first end and the second end. The first channel and the second channel may therefore not be substantially parallel to each other. In this arrangement, a first angle that the first channel forms with a vertical direction at the first end of the first channel may be different from a second angle that the first channel forms with the vertical direction at the second end of the first channel. The inventors have found that this arrangement improves the ventilation provided by the ventilation element. The reason for this is that this arrangement provides a range of angles for air intake and discharge. Thus, as the sportian moves dynamically, a larger range of angles for air intake and discharge improves the ventilation characteristics of the ventilation element.Forming a first surface comprises forming a first bridge, wherein the first surface is an outward facing surface of the first bridge; and wherein forming a second surface comprises forming a second bridge, wherein the second surface is an inward facing surface of the second bridge. A bridge in the present context is any construction comprising a low portion and a raised portion. The separation between the low portion and the raised portion measured from outer surface to outer surface is referred to as the height of the bridge. The first surface may be an outwardly facing surface of the raised portion of the first bridge. The second surface may be an inwardly facing surface of a low portion of the second bridge. The inventors have found that this construction can be easily manufactured, easily conforms to different body shapes and postures, and provides good ventilation and cushioning.The method may further include arranging the first bridge and the second bridge side by side. In particular, the low portion of the first bridge may be arranged at the same height as the elevated portion of the second bridge. In this case, the distance between the first surface and the second surface is given by the sum of the height of the first bridge plus the height of the second bridge plus the thickness of the raised portion of the first bridge plus the thickness of the low portion of the second bridge.It is advantageous to arrange the first bridge next to the second bridge, as this allows the construction of a simple geometry in which air flows in all three spatial directions, thus improving the ventilation characteristics of the ventilation element.Forming a first bridge may include forming the first bridge to extend outward, and forming the second bridge may include forming the second bridge to extend inward. Outward in this case means in the direction of the body part, and inward in this case means in the direction of the article of apparel or footwear or sports accessory.The first and the second bridge can be formed symmetrically. The ventilation element may be formed to include an axis of symmetry and the second bridge may be substantially identical to the first bridge but rotated 180° about the axis of symmetry. Substantially identical in this case means that the height of the first bridge and the height of the second bridge may not be identical. However, the height of the first bridge and the height of the second bridge may be identical. In addition, other differences may arise due to manufacturing tolerances.The ventilation member is formed to include a plurality of first bridges and a plurality of second bridges arranged to extend alternately outward and inward.Such an arrangement of a first bridge and a second bridge is particularly simple to produce and provides an excellent ventilation uniformly in the entire ventilation element.The second surface may also include the foam, and forming the first bridge and the second bridge may include making a cut in a panel including the foam. While the second surface may not normally contact the part of the sports person's body, the overall cushioning properties are improved if the second surface also comprises the foam. This also enables simple production of the ventilation element, which does not require any installation of an injection molding device. The cutting may be performed by punching or laser cutting.A distance along an outward direction between the first surface and the second surface may be at least 0.5 cm and not more than 5 cm, preferably at least 1 cm and not more than 3 cm. The advantages of this construction have been described herein with reference to the venting element.A thickness of the first bridge and / or of the second bridge may be between 0.5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm, most preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm. The advantages of this thickness have been described herein with reference to the venting element.The foam may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. A thermoplastic polymer is a polymer that melts or softens upon application of heat. A foam comprising a thermoplastic polymer is light, cushioning and can be easily manufactured.The foam may have a hardness of 10-80 Shore A, preferably 20-60 Shore A, most preferably 50-60 Shore A. The advantages of this hardness have been described herein with reference to the venting element.The foam may have a density of between 25 and 400 kg per cubic meter, preferably between 50 and 250 kg per cubic meter, most preferably between 150 and 200 kg per cubic meter. The advantages of this density have been described herein with reference to the venting element.The foam may have an elongation at break of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, most preferably at least 150%. The advantages of this expansion have been described herein with reference to the venting element.The foam may have a modulus of elasticity of from 1 to 100 MPa, preferably between 1 and 5 MPa, most preferably 1 to 2 MPa. The advantages of this elastic modulus have been described herein with reference to the venting element.The foam may comprise ethyl vinyl acetate, also known as EVA. EVA can be thermoformed in an accessible temperature range and the venting member can therefore be easily manufactured.The venting element may be formed as a single unitary piece. In this way, the construction of the ventilation element is simplified and there are no potential weak spots where different elements are joined, thereby improving the stability of the ventilation element.The invention further relates to a method for the manufacture of an article of apparel, footwear or sports accessory, comprising the manufacture of a ventilation element for the article of apparel, footwear or sports accessory as described herein. The article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories benefits from the advantageous features of the ventilation element described herein.4. Brief Description of the FiguresExemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. The figures show: FIGS. 1A-D show an exemplary ventilation element according to the present invention; FIG. 2 : an exemplary backpack according to the present invention; FIGS. 3A-D show another exemplary ventilation element according to the present invention; FIGS. 4A-4C show an exemplary venting element for a shoulder strap and a method for the production thereof according to the present invention; and FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary venting element for a shoulder strap according to the present invention.5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSOnly a few possible embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below. It should be noted that these exemplary embodiments may be modified in a variety of ways and combined with each other whenever they fit together, and that certain features may be omitted as long as they appear to be dispensible.Figures 1A-D show an exemplary venting element 10 according to the present invention. The ventilation element 10 is intended for an article of apparel, footwear or sports accessory. The ventilation element 10 comprises: a first surface 11 comprising a foam; a second surface 12; wherein the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a gap so that air can circulate between the first surface and the second surface.In this example, the first surface 11 directly contacts a body part in normal use of the apparel, footwear, or sports accessory. The second surface 12 contacts a contact portion of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories during normal use. A contact portion may be any portion of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories. In this example, a contact portion may be, for example, the back side of a backpack, which would contact the person's back during normal use (see also FIG. 2 ). A contact portion may also be a side of a wearer of a backpack that would contact a portion of the shoulders or upper body of a sport person wearing the backpack during normal use.In this example, the ventilation element 10 is arranged between the contact portion and the body part during normal use. However, it is not necessary for the ventilation element 10 to be arranged between the contact portion and the body part during normal use.Fig. 1A shows a top view of the ventilation element 10. FIG. 1B shows a bottom view of the ventilation element 10.The first surface 11 has a first surface area and the second surface 12 (shown in FIG. 1B ) has a second surface area, and the first surface and the second surface are formed such that the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area is 0.9, i.e., the first surface area accounts for 90% of the second surface area.The first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are arranged to form a first channel 13 ain the gap. The first channel 13a has a first width at a first end 15, a second width at a second end 16, and a third width at a location 17 between the first end 15 and the second end 16. In this example, the first, second and third widths of the first channel 13 aare identical. However, it is possible that the first width is greater than the third width and the second width may be greater than the third width.The ventilation element 10 may comprise a second channel 13 b. The second channel 13 bhas the same characteristics as the first channel 13 adescribed herein. In this example, the ventilation element 10 also comprises a third channel 13 cand a fourth channel 13 d. In this example, the second channel 13 bis substantially parallel to the first channel 13 a.The first channel 13 ais arranged at a first end 15 at a first distance from the second channel 13 b, a second distance from the second channel 13 bat a second end 16 and a third distance from the second channel 13 bat a location 17 between the first end 15 and the second end 16. In the example of FIGS. 1A-C, the first, second, and third distances are identical. However, in other embodiments, the first distance and the second distance may be greater than the third distance. In other words, the distance between the first channel 13 aand the second channel 13 bis greater at the first end 15 and the second end 16 than at a location 17 between the first end 15 and the second end 16.The ventilation element 10 comprises a first bridge 18 aand a second bridge 18 b; wherein the first surface 11 is an outwardly facing surface of the first bridge 18 aand the second surface 12 is an inwardly facing surface of the second bridge 18 b. A bridge in the present context is any construction comprising a low portion and a raised portion. The first surface 11 is an outwardly facing surface of the raised portion 20 aof the first bridge 18 a. The second surface 12 is an inwardly facing surface of a low portion 19 bof the second bridge 18 b.The first bridge 18 aand the second bridge 18 bare arranged side by side. In particular, the low portion 19 aof the first bridge 18 ais arranged at the same height as the elevated portion 20 bof the second bridge 18 b.The first bridge 18a extends outward and the second bridge 18b extends inward. Outward in this case means in the direction of the body part, and inward in this case means in the direction of the article of apparel or footwear or sports accessory.In this example, the arrangement of the first 18 aand the second 18 bbridge is symmetrical. The ventilation element 10 comprises an axis of symmetry 22, and the second bridge 18 bis substantially identical to the first bridge 18 a, but rotated by 180° about the axis of symmetry 22. Substantially identical in this case means that the height of the first bridge 18 aand the height of the second bridge 18 bmay not be identical. However, in this example, the height of the first bridge 18 aand the height of the second bridge 18 bare identical. In addition, other differences may arise due to manufacturing tolerances.The ventilation member 10 includes a plurality of first bridges 18 aand a plurality of second bridges 18 bdisposed to alternately extend outward and inward.Such an arrangement of a first bridge 18 aand a second bridge 18 bis particularly simple to produce and provides an excellent ventilation uniformly in the entire ventilation element 10.In this example, a distance along an outward direction between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 is 2 cm. A thickness of the first bridge 18 aand the second bridge 18 bmay be 5 mm.The second surface 12 also includes the foam. The foam comprises a thermoplastic polymer. The foam has a hardness of 50 shore A. The hardness can be measured, for example, according to DIN 53505 in the version of the standard valid on January 1, 2018, or according to DIN ISO 7619-1 in the version of the standard valid on January 1, 2018, or according to ASTM 2240 in the version of the standard valid on January 1, 2018. In the value of the hardness set according to these different standards, there may be small differences not relevant to the technical effects described herein.In this example, the foam has a density of 50 kg per cubic meter, which can be determined by any suitable method. The foam has an elongation at break of 150%. The foam has an elastic modulus of 2 MPa. The foam comprises ethyl vinyl acetate, also known as EVA. However, in other embodiments, these values may be different.In this example, the ventilation member 10 is for a backpack 25, and the ventilation member 10 includes a recess 14 to be disposed along a longitudinal direction of the backpack 25. The recess 14 serves to receive a portion of the spinal column which protrudes from the back of the sport person. The wearing comfort of the ventilation member 10 is improved because it is possible that it does not directly contact the spine. In this example, the recess 14 is 30 cm long and 4 cm wide. In this way, it is possible that the ventilation element 10 generally does not directly touch the spinal column even when the sport person moves dynamically.In this example, the ventilation element 10 is formed as a single, unitary piece. Forming a distance between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 includes applying heat and pressure. Such a process can be described as thermoforming. In this example, a foam sheet is pressed and heated in a mold to form a space between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12.Forming the first bridge 18 aand the second bridge 18 bincludes making a cut in a panel including the foam. This enables simple production of the ventilation element 10, which does not require any installation of an injection molding device. The cutting may be performed by punching or laser cutting.FIG. 1C shows a side view of the ventilation element 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which in particular shows the first 13 a, second 13 b, third 13 cand fourth 13 dchannels. The first surface 11 is located at the top, whereas the second surface 12 is located at the bottom.Also shown is the low portion 19a of the first bridge 18a, the low portion 19b of the second bridge 18b, the raised portion 20a of the first bridge 18a and the raised portion 20b of the second bridge 18b. The first surface 11 is an outwardly facing surface of the raised portion 20 aof the first bridge 18 a. The second surface 12 is an inwardly facing surface of a low portion 19 bof the second bridge 18 b. In this example, the low portion 19a of the first bridge 18a is disposed at the same height as the raised portion 20b of the second bridge 18b.Specifically, FIG. 1D illustrates the relationship between the gap 21 and the channels 13 a- d. The gap 21 is the entire space formed by the spacing of the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. The distance is determined as the distance between a plane in which the first surface 11 is located and a plane in which the second surface 12 is located. In other words, a lateral separation between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 is not considered an additional distance between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. the minimum distance between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 is considered a sum of the thickness of the first surface 11 and the thickness of the second surface 12. In this example, the gap 21 is a continuous region. The gap includes, for example, the gap parts 21 a, 21 b, 21 c. The gap part 21 ais connected to the gap parts 21 band 21 c. The gap part 21 bis the channel 13 b. The gap portions 21 aand 21 care located between the second channel 13 band the third channel 13 c.FIG. 2 shows an exemplary sports accessory according to the present invention. In this example, the sports accessory is a backpack 25, the backpack 25 comprising two shoulder straps 26, an upper end 23, a lower end 24 and a main compartment 27. the backpack 25 further comprising a ventilation element 10 according to the present invention. The ventilation element 10 serves in particular as a rear wall of the backpack 25.In this exemplary ventilation element 10, the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are arranged to form a first channel 13a in the gap. The first channel 13 ais arranged substantially along a longitudinal direction of the ventilation element 10. A longitudinal direction runs substantially along a vertical direction. In this context, extending substantially along a vertical direction means extending in the direction from a lower end 24 of the backpack 25 to an upper end 23 of the backpack 25, but a deviation to the side of up to 30°, preferably 20°, is possible.The inventors have found that the dynamic movement of the sporter causes a chimney effect in the first channel 13a, thereby substantially improving the ventilation provided by the ventilation element 10. The dynamic movement of the sports boot in conjunction with the cushioning and elastic properties of the foam can cause the distance between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 to dynamically change in use, thereby creating a "breathing" effect.The first channel 13a extends substantially from one end of the article of apparel, footwear or sports accessories to another end, i.e., the first channel 13a extends substantially from a lower end 24 to the upper end 23. "Substantially" in this context means 80% of the length.Figures 3A-D show another example of a venting element 10 according to the present invention. The exemplary vent member 10 is provided for the shoulder straps 26 of a backpack, such as the backpack 25 of FIG. 2.The ventilation element 10 comprises: a first surface 11 comprising a foam; a second surface 12; wherein the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a gap so that air can circulate between the first surface and the second surface.In this example, the first surface 11 contacts a body part such as a shoulder (or clothes, e.g., a shirt worn by a sport person) in normal use of the backpack.In this example, it is desired that the vent member 10 be particularly resilient to absorb shocks caused by the dynamic movement of the sport person. The foam therefore has an elongation at break of 300%. In this way, the ventilation element 10 can contribute to absorbing shocks that arise due to the dynamic movement of the sport person without tearing or breaking it. The foam also has a very low modulus of elasticity of 10 MPa. In this way, the ventilation element 10 is very stretchable and thus contributes to absorbing shocks arising due to the dynamic movement of the sport person.Figs. 4A-4C show an exemplary venting member 10 for a shoulder strap 26 and a method of making the same according to the present invention. In particular, the ventilation member 10 provides both ventilation and cushioning, i.e., shock absorbing function.FIG. 4A shows a shoulder strap 26 for a backpack. The shoulder strap 26 comprises a ventilation element 10 according to the present invention and a fabric 48 comprising a woven material.The ventilation element 10 comprises a first surface 11 (shown at the bottom right in the cross-sectional view) comprising a foam and a second surface 12; the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 being spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a gap 21 so that air can circulate between the first surface and the second surface.In this example, the first surface 11 only indirectly contacts a body part (or clothing, e.g., a shirt worn by a sport person) during normal use of the backpack, as the fabric 48 extends behind the first surface 11. However, it is also possible for the fabric 48 to extend only around the edges and not behind the first surface 11.In this example, the second surface may not contact a contact portion of the backpack during normal use. A contact portion may be any portion of the article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessories. In this example, the ventilation element 10 is not arranged between a contact portion and a body part in normal use. It is thus possible that the first surface only indirectly contacts the body part (or clothing, e.g. a shirt worn by a sport person). However, it is possible that the ventilation element is arranged between the contact portion and the body part during normal use.The venting element 10 comprises a first bridge 18 aand a second bridge 18 bformed in a thermoforming process, wherein the first surface 11 is an inwardly facing surface of the first bridge 18 aand the second surface 12 is an outwardly facing surface of the second bridge 18 b. The first bridge 18 aincludes a low portion 19, and the second bridge 18 bincludes a raised portion 20. The first surface 11 is an inward facing surface of the low portion 19 of the second bridge 18 b. The first bridge 18 aand the second bridge 18 balso each include a ramp portion 49. the ramp portion 49 connects the low portion 19 of the first bridge 18 ato the surrounding area 43. the ramp portion 49 connects the raised portion 20 of the second bridge 18 bto the surrounding area 43.Inwardly facing in this case means towards the body part and towards the fabric 48 of the shoulder strap 26. outwardly facing in this case away from the body part and the fabric 48 of the shoulder strap 26.The ventilation member 10 includes a plurality of first bridges and a plurality of second bridges arranged to alternately extend outward and inward.The ventilation member 10 includes an elastic portion 44 and a less elastic portion 47. the difference in elasticity between the elastic portion 44 and the less elastic portion 47 is caused by a different elastic modulus of the elastic portion 44 and the less elastic portion 47. In this example, the elastic modulus of the elastic portion 44 is 2 MPa, whereas the elastic modulus of the less elastic portion 47 is 10 MPa. The difference in the elastic modulus may be caused by a different material composition of the elastic portion 44 and the less elastic portion 47.A cross-section is shown at the bottom right in FIG. 4A, which shows the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. In this example, a distance 46 along an outward direction between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 is 2 cm. A thickness 45 of the first bridge and the second bridge is 5 mm.Figure 4B shows the semifinished venting element 41 used for the production of the venting element 10 shown in Figure 4A. The semifinished venting element 41 comprises ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.The semifinished venting element 41 is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the shoulder strap 26. The semifinished ventilation element 41 comprises a plurality of cuts 42.The second surface 12 is indicated in the figure. However, it should be noted that the semi-finished ventilation element 41 is substantially flat at this stage.FIG. 4C shows the finished venting element 10 prior to installation in the shoulder strap 26. Such a process can be described as thermoforming. In this example, the semi-finished venting element 41 is pressed and heated in a mold to form the space 46 between the first surface and the second surface.The venting element 10 comprises a first bridge 18 aand a second bridge 18 bformed in a thermoforming process, wherein the first surface is an inwardly facing surface of the first bridge 18 aand the second surface 12 is an outwardly facing surface of the second bridge 18 b. The first bridge 18 aincludes a low portion 19, and the second bridge 18 bincludes a raised portion 20. The first surface is an inwardly facing surface of the low portion 19 of the second bridge 18 b. The first bridge 18 aand the second bridge 18 balso each include a ramp portion 49. the ramp portion 49 connects the low portion 19 of the first bridge 18 ato the surrounding area 43. the ramp portion 49 connects the raised portion 20 of the second bridge 18 bto the surrounding area 43.The venting element 10 maintains its different elastic properties during the thermoforming process, such that the venting element 10 comprises an elastic portion 44 and a less elastic portion 47. The shoulder strap 26 including the ventilation member 10 can provide both ventilation and suspension, i.e., shock absorbing function.Figure 5 shows a shoulder strap 26 for a backpack 25. The shoulder strap 26 comprises a ventilation element 10 according to the present invention and a net 51.The venting element 10 comprises: a first surface 11 comprising a foam; a second surface 12; wherein the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a gap 21 so that air can circulate between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are arranged to form a plurality of channels 13 in the gap 21.The purpose of the net is to distribute the load to a body part 50 evenly, in this example substantially the shoulder of the wearer. In this example, the first surface 11 indirectly contacts the body part 50 because the mesh 51 is disposed between the first surface 11 and the body part 50. However, it is also possible for the first surface 11 to directly contact the body part (or clothing such as a shirt). In other embodiments, for example, no mesh 51 may be present so that the first surface 11 directly contacts the body part (or clothing such as a shirt). It is possible that the shoulder strap 26 consists only of the ventilation element 10 and no additional components.Reference Number:10 Ventilation element 11 First surface 12 Second surface 13 a- dFirst-fourth channel 14 Recess 15 First end 16 Second end 17 Location between the first end and the second end 18 aFirst bridge 18 bSecond bridge 19 Lower section 20 Elevated section 21, 21 a- c Lücke 22 Axis through the intersection 23 Upper end 24 Lower end 25 Backpack 26 Shoulder strap 27 Main compartment 41 Semi-finished ventilation element 42 Section 43 Surrounding area 44 Elastic section 45 Thickness 46 Distance 47 Less elastic section 48 Fabric 49 Ramp section 50 Body part 51 Mesh

Claims

A ventilation element (10) for an article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessory (25), comprising: a first surface (11) comprising a foam; a second surface (12); wherein the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a gap such that air can circulate between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12); wherein the ventilation element (10) comprises a plurality of first bridges (18a) and a plurality of second bridges (18b) arranged to extend alternately outward and inward; and wherein the first surface (11) is an outward facing surface of the plurality of first bridges (18a) and the second surface (12) is an inward facing surface of the plurality of second bridges (18b).The ventilation element (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first surface (11) has a first surface area and the second surface (12) has a second surface area and the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area is between 0.2 and 5.The ventilation element (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) are arranged to form a first channel (13a) in the gap.The ventilation element (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first bridge (18a) and the second bridge (18b) are arranged side by side.The ventilation element (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first bridge (18a) extends outwards and the second bridge (18b) extends inwards.The ventilation element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a distance (46) along an outward direction between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) is at least 0.5 cm and not more than 5 cm.The ventilation element (10) according to any of claims 3-5, wherein a thickness (45) of the first bridge (18a) and / or the second bridge (18b) is between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.The ventilation element (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the second surface (12) further comprises the foam.The venting element (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the foam comprises a thermoplastic polymer.The ventilation element (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the foam has a hardness of 10-80 Shore A.A venting element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the foam has a density between 25 and 400 kg per cubic meter.The ventilation element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the foam has an elongation at break of at least 50%.The ventilation element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foam has a modulus of elasticity of 1 to 100 MPa.The ventilation element (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the foam comprises ethyl vinyl acetate.The ventilation element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation element (10) is a single unitary piece.An article of apparel, footwear or sports accessories (25) comprising a ventilation element (10) according to any preceding claim.A method of manufacturing a ventilation element (10) for an article of apparel, footwear, or sports accessory (25), comprising: forming a first surface (11) comprising a foam; forming a second surface (12); forming a gap (46) between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) to form a gap such that air can circulate between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12); wherein forming a first surface (11) comprises forming a plurality of first bridges (18a), wherein the first surface (11) is an outward facing surface of the plurality of first bridges (18a); wherein forming a second surface (12) comprises forming a plurality of second bridges (18b), the second surface (12) being an inwardly facing surface of the plurality of second bridges (18b); and arranging the plurality of first bridges (18a) and the plurality of second bridges (18b) to extend alternately outwardly and inwardly.The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the first surface (11) has a first surface area and the second surface (12) has a second surface area, and the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) are formed such that the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area is between 0.2 and 5.The method of the preceding claim, wherein forming a clearance (46) between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) comprises applying heat and / or pressure.The method of any of claims 17 or 18, wherein forming a clearance (46) between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) to form a gap comprises forming a first channel (13a).The method of any of claims 17-20, further comprising arranging the first bridge (18a) and the second bridge (18b) side-by-side.The method of the preceding claim, wherein forming the first bridge (18a) comprises forming the first bridge (18a) to extend outward, and forming the second bridge (18b) comprises forming the second bridge (18b) to extend inward.The method of any of claims 19 or 20, wherein the second surface (12) also comprises the foam, and wherein forming the first bridge (18a) and the second bridge (18b) comprises making a cut in a panel comprising the foam.The method of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein a distance (46) along an outward direction between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) is at least 0.5 cm and no more than 5 cm.Method according to any of claims 17-24, wherein a thickness (45) of the first bridge (18a) and / or the second bridge (18b) is between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.The method of any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the foam comprises a thermoplastic polymer.The method of any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the foam has a hardness of 10-80 Shore A.A method according to any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the foam has a density of between 25 and 400 kg per cubic meter.The method of any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the foam has an elongation at break of at least 50%.The method of any one of claims 17 to 29, wherein the foam has a modulus of elasticity of 1 to 100 MPa.The method of any one of claims 17 to 30, wherein the foam comprises ethyl vinyl acetate.The method of any of claims 17 to 31, wherein the venting element (10) is formed as a single unitary piece.A method for manufacturing an article of apparel, footwear or sports accessory (25), comprising manufacturing a ventilation element (10) for an article of apparel, footwear or sports accessory (25) according to any one of claims 17 to 32.

Images