Composite material with an elongated opening

Abstract

The composite material includes a first textile layer and a slit layer coupled to the first textile layer, the slit layer including a plurality of elongated slits configured to transition from a first state to a second state upon actuation, the first state providing a first air permeability of less than about 10 cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the second state providing a second air permeability of greater than about 10 CFM.

Description

Background Art

[0001] People engaged in physical activities need gear that can adapt to weather conditions and changes in body position and respond to the needs of the wearer's comfort. The weather can be unpredictable. Also, people who play sports may experience changes in body temperature when engaging in different activities or segments of physical activity. Therefore, it would be beneficial for people who play sports to have gear that is flexible and can provide adaptive ventilation when needed. Current ventilation methods such as perforations are inefficient and require additional layers to adapt to changes in weather. Improvement is needed.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] The composite material may include a first textile layer, a second textile layer, and a slit layer coupled to the first textile layer and the second textile layer. The slit layer may include a plurality of elongated slits configured to transition from a first state to a second state during operation. The first state provides a first air permeability of less than about 10 cubic feet per minute (CFM) as measured by ASTM D737, and the second state provides a second air permeability of greater than about 10 CFM.

[0003] The composite material may include a first textile layer and a slit layer coupled to the first textile layer. The slit layer may include a body configured to expand from a first state to a second state about an axis in response to a tensile force applied substantially perpendicular to the axis and having a plurality of elongated slits formed therein. The first state provides a first air permeability of less than about 10 cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the second state provides a second air permeability of greater than about 10 CFM.

[0004] The composite material may include a surface textile layer and a slit layer (e.g., a material or textile layer having slits). As an example, a separate (e.g., non - adhesive) cloth may be used as a suspended lining.

[0005] The composite material may comprise a single-layer structure configured to function similarly to a slit layer in cooperation with a first textile layer. For example, a warp-knitted layer may be configured to provide stretchable ventilation zones that mimic the slit configuration and function of a slit layer, as described herein.

[0006] A method for manufacturing a composite material may include providing a first textile layer, providing a second textile layer, and providing a slit layer. The method may further include preparing the slit layer for slitting, cutting one or more elongated slits through the slit layer, sealing areas of material adjacent to the elongated slits, bonding the first textile layer to a first side of the slit layer, and bonding the second textile layer to a second side of the slit layer.

[0007] The article may further include a composite material comprising at least one textile layer having a slit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] The following drawings illustrate, but are not limited to, the various embodiments discussed in this disclosure. The drawings are as follows: [Figure 1] An exemplary composite material is shown. [Figure 2] An exemplary slit layer of a composite material is shown. [Figure 3A] The images show elongated slit patterns in the first and second states aligned longitudinally, where the length of the elongated slits varies. [Figure 3B] The images show elongated slit patterns in the first and second states aligned longitudinally, where the length of the elongated slits varies. [Figure 4A] The image shows the elongated slit patterns in the first and second states, aligned in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 4B] The image shows the elongated slit patterns in the first and second states, aligned in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 5A] The images show the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states aligned longitudinally in an alternative arrangement. [Figure 5B] The images show the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states aligned longitudinally in an alternative arrangement. [Figure 6A] Further alternative arrangements show the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states aligned longitudinally. [Figure 6B] Further alternative arrangements show the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states aligned longitudinally. [Figure 7A] Further alternative arrangements show the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states aligned longitudinally. [Figure 7B] Further alternative arrangements show the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states aligned longitudinally. [Figure 8A] The image shows the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states, aligned diagonally. [Figure 8B] The image shows the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states, aligned diagonally. [Figure 9A] The image shows the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states aligned laterally. [Figure 9B] The image shows the elongated slit patterns of the first and second states aligned laterally. [Figure 10A] The images show elongated slit patterns in the first and second states, aligned in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. [Figure 10B] The images show elongated slit patterns in the first and second states, aligned in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. [Figure 11] This example heatmap illustrates body parts where heat can concentrate during activity. [Figure 12] An exemplary method is shown. [Figure 13]An exemplary composite material having an elongated slit pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 14] An exemplary composite material having an elongated slit pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 15] An exemplary composite material having an elongated slit pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 16] An exemplary composite material having an elongated slit pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary composite material 100. The composite material can be adapted to various climates, temperatures, or weather conditions. The composite material 100 can include a first textile layer 102, a second textile layer 104, and a slit layer 106. The first textile layer 102 can be a surface layer (i.e., can include the outermost layer of a clothing article including the composite material 100). The second layer can be a backing layer (i.e., can include the innermost layer of a clothing article including the composite material 100).

[0010] The first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104 can include the same material or different materials. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 can include a woven material such as a nylon fabric or a polyester fabric. Other materials can be used. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 can include a stretchable woven material. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 can include a knit material. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 can include a non-woven material or a synthetic material such as nylon, elastane, polyester, polypropylene, or a blend. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 can include a non-synthetic material such as cotton or wool. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 can include a blend of fibers.

[0011] The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 may include a water-resistant material. The water-resistant material may include a material treated with a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish. The DWR finish can repel water from the material, such as by causing water to bead and roll off the surface of the material. The water resistance can be determined using a standardized test such as AATCC 35. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 may include a water-resistant material having a water column test rating of about 5,000 mm / 24 hours.

[0012] The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 may include a breathable material. The breathability of the material can be described by the amount of water vapor that can pass through one square meter of the material within a 24-hour time frame. The breathability can be determined using a standardized test such as BS7209 or ASTM E96. The breathable material can have, for example, a breathability of 10,000 g / m 2 ~25,000 g / m 2 Other breathability measurement criteria and material zones may be used.

[0013] The material of the first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 can be selected based on the article manufactured using the composite material 100. For example, the material can be selected based on desired properties of the article such as durability, strength, elasticity, stretch and recovery, size, cost, appearance, weight, thermal insulation, or comfort of the article. The material can be selected based on the type of article such as a clothing article. The material can be selected based on properties of the material such as flexibility, strength, modulus of elasticity, insulation, water resistance, or wind resistance. <s

[0014] The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 may be configured to form the exterior or interior of the article. For example, if the article includes clothing, the interior may include sides of the article that come into contact with the user's body or inner clothing when the clothing is worn, or sides of the article that are closer to the user's body when the clothing is worn. The exterior may include sides of the article that are exposed to the environment outside the clothing when the clothing is worn, or that come into contact with an inner layer of additional clothing. The material comprising the first textile layer 102 and / or the material comprising the second textile layer 104 may be selected based on whether the layers form the exterior or interior of the article. For example, a water-resistant or wind-resistant material may be selected for the exterior layer. In another embodiment, a flexible or breathable material may be selected for the interior layer. A material with lower water resistance and / or wind resistance than the material selected for the exterior layer may be selected for the interior layer.

[0015] The slit layer 106 may contain a material having a permeability greater or less than that of the materials of the first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104. In some embodiments, the slit layer 106 may be a water-resistant film, a laminate, or a material. For this reason, the slit layer 106 may contain a water-resistant material. The water-resistant material may have lower water resistance than the material of the first layer. The material may include a water-resistant material having a water column test rating of approximately 5,000 mm / 24 hours. As an example, the slit layer 106 may contain a wind-resistant material having a permeability of less than 10 CFM.

[0016] The slit layer 106 may be a breathable layer. The slit layer 106 may be a third layer of the composite material and may contain a material that is more or less breathable than the material of the first textile layer 102 or the second textile layer 104. In some embodiments, the slit layer 106 may be a laminated material that is permeable to water vapor but substantially air-impermeable and waterproof. In some embodiments, the slit layer 106 contains a hydrophilic water vapor-permeable synthetic polymer. In some embodiments, the slit layer 106 has a density of about 10,000 g / m². 2 ~25,000g / m 2It may have permeability. The slit layer 106 may include a plurality of openings or perforations 114. Figure 2 shows an exemplary slit layer of a composite material having perforations. The perforations 114 may be holes or punches in the slit layer 106 and may be configured to be left open to provide a first amount of permeability. The slit layer 106 may be a stretched laminate. The stretched laminate may be configured to stretch in one or more directions, for example, in a common direction of laminate stretching (e.g., "mechanical direction" and "lateral direction" stretching). In some embodiments, the slit layer 106 is a microporous or nanoporous polymer membrane such as microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), nylon, thermopolastic elastomer (TPEE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The membrane may be hydrophilic.

[0017] The slit layer 106 may comprise a substrate having one or more elongated openings or slits 108 formed therein. The elongated slits 108 may be formed within the slit layer 106 so as to penetrate it. The elongated slits 108 may comprise first and second edges 110, 112. The first and second edges 11, 112 may substantially face each other. The elongated slits 108 may have a longitudinal length of 1 inch to 1 centimeter. However, slits of other sizes may be used. The elongated slits 108 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, elongated slits may be spaced 1 inch to 3 inches apart from adjacent elongated slits 108.

[0018] An elongated slit, depending on its design, behaves differently from a circular perforation. In an illustrative example, an elongated slit 108 may be configured to transition from a first state to a second state (i.e., a relaxed or closed state and an extended or open state). Because the slit has an elongated structure, when in the relaxed state, the opposing edges of the slit can come together to close or substantially limit the opening. This is not the same as a hole or perforation that still maintains a defined opening when in the relaxed state.

[0019] Figures 3A to 10B show various patterns of elongated slits 108 in first and second states that can be formed within the slit layer 106. As seen in Figures 3A to 10B, the first state may be an inactive state, or a state in which the elongated slits 108 (generally shown in Figures 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, and 10A) are not activated or the edges of the slits are not separated. The elongated slits 108 may be configured to remain substantially relaxed or closed when in the first state. The distance between opposing edges of the elongated slits may be substantially zero in the first state.

[0020] The elongated slit 108 may be configured to open when transitioning to a second state (generally shown in Figures 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, and 10B). The second state may be an active state, or a state following the operation of the elongated slit 108 that separates the edges of the slit. During such a transition, an applied force may pull the first and second edges of the elongated slit 108 apart from each other. The distance between the opposing edges of the elongated slit may exceed zero in the second state.

[0021] The elongated slit 108 may be formed along a first direction (or a plurality of first directions) which may be longitudinal, transverse, and / or diagonal. Throughout this specification and the claims, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to the direction extending lengthwise from a first end (e.g., top) to a second end (e.g., bottom) of an article containing a composite material, and may relate to the length or longest dimension of an article such as a shirt, jacket, or trousers. In addition, as used throughout this specification and the claims, the term “transverse direction” refers to the direction or width of an article extending from one side to the other (e.g., left and right). The transverse direction may generally be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, as used throughout this specification and the claims, the term “diagonal” refers to the slope or inclination direction relative to the longitudinal and transverse (or lateral) directions mentioned above. As used herein, any slit or line that follows a direction greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal and transverse directions may be referred to as diagonal.

[0022] Figures 3A and 3B show the elongated slit pattern 300 in first and second states aligned longitudinally, where the elongated slits 108 vary in length. Figures 4A and 4B show the elongated slit pattern 400 in first and second states aligned longitudinally at a first interval, where the elongated slits 108 have a first length. Figures 5A and 5B show the elongated slit pattern 500 in first and second states aligned longitudinally at a second interval greater than the first interval. Larger intervals can increase wind protection in the first state and decrease air permeability in the second state. Figures 6A and 6B show the elongated slit pattern 600 in first and second states aligned longitudinally at a second interval smaller than the first interval, where the elongated slits 108 are also longer than the elongated slits 108 shown in Figures 4A to 5B. Shorter spacing and longer elongated slits 108 can reduce wind resistance in the first state and increase air permeability in the second state. Figures 7A and 7B show elongated slit patterns 700 in the first and second states aligned longitudinally, where the elongated slits 108 have a second length less than the first length. Shorter elongated slit lengths can increase wind resistance in the first state and decrease air permeability in the second state. Figures 8A and 8B show elongated slit patterns 800 in the first and second states aligned diagonally. Figures 9A and 9B show elongated slit patterns 900 in the first and second states aligned transversely. Figures 10A and 10B show elongated slit patterns 1000 in the first and second states aligned both longitudinally and transversely. The elongated slits 108 can be of any preferred length and can be aligned in one or more directions on the slit layer 106 at any intervals, including uniform or non-uniform lengths or spacing.

[0023] The elongated slits 108 can act in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in response to a force applied in a second direction (e.g., a tensile force). For example, one or more elongated slits 108 can be aligned longitudinally (i.e., along the longitudinal axis L), as shown in Figures 3A to 7B. Figures 3A to 7B illustrate the actuation of the slit layer 106 longitudinally in a relaxed or unstretched state. As shown in Figure 3A, the elongated slits 108 are substantially closed. As shown in Figure 3B, under a lateral tensile load, the elongated slits 108 open laterally due to the tensile force acting on the composite material, including the first and second textile layers 102, 104.

[0024] In the embodiment, one or more elongated slits 108 can be aligned diagonally (i.e., along one or more diagonal axes D1 and D2), as shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the operation of the slit layer 106 diagonally in a relaxed, non-stretched state. As shown in Figure 8A, the elongated slits 108 are substantially closed. As shown in Figure 8B, under a stretch load facing diagonally (e.g., one or more directions along axis D1 or D2), the elongated slits 108 can open diagonally perpendicular to the diagonal direction of the force, due to the stretching force received by the composite material, including the first and second textile layers 102, 104. In arrangements where one or more elongated slits 108 are positioned along the bias of the slit layer 106 (for example, along an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal and transverse axes), and the slit layer 106 consists of a woven material having warp and weft directions, the action of the elongated slits may be increased due to the stretch properties imparted to the material by the bias cut.

[0025] In other embodiments, one or more elongated slits 108 may be aligned laterally (i.e., along the transverse axis T), as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Figures 9A and 9B illustrate the lateral operation of the slit layer 106 in a relaxed or non-stretched state. As shown in Figure 9A, the elongated slits 108 are substantially closed. As shown in Figure 9B, under a longitudinal stretch load, the elongated slits 108 open longitudinally due to the stretch force acting on the composite material including the first and second textile layers 102, 104.

[0026] The elongated slits 108 may be arranged in a pattern. The pattern may be configured to control air permeability. For example, the pattern may be configured to minimize or maximize the opening when a wearer of an article containing the composite material 100 moves. The pattern may be selected based on, for example, the type of activity and / or clothing. For example, a pattern including the length, spacing, and quantity of the elongated slits may be selected based on the weight or thickness of the slit layer 106. The pattern may be selected based on the type of article manufactured using the composite material 100. The pattern may include uniform or non-uniform distances between each of the multiple slits. For example, Figures 4A to 7B show elongated slits 108 arranged at equal intervals. However, other distances or intervals are also possible. The pattern may include rows and / or columns of elongated slits of equal or different lengths. Various slit patterns can be designed for various articles configured for specific wearing conditions and / or activities, including combinations of elongated slits 108 in the longitudinal and transverse directions as shown in Figures 10A to 10B, or any combination of elongated slits 108 in the longitudinal, transverse, or diagonal directions.

[0027] The composite material 100 may be configured to selectively prevent or allow the passage of air through the layers. For example, in the first state, the composite material 100 may be configured to prevent or limit the flow of air through the composite material to the body of a user of a garment article containing the composite material 100. Specifically, in the first state, the slit layer 106 may be configured to prevent, limit, or restrict the passage of air through the slit layer 106. For this purpose, the slit layer 106 may include a windproof or wind-resistant material. The windproofness of the material may be described by the amount of cubic feet per minute (CFM) of wind at approximately 30 miles per hour that can pass through one square foot of the material. Windproofness may be determined using standardized tests such as ASTM D737. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 may include a windproof material having a transmittance of 0-2 or 3-4 CFM. The first textile layer 102 and / or the second textile layer 104 may include a windproof material having a transmittance of 5 to 20 CFM.

[0028] Generally, the slit layer 106 may be formed to provide a first level of air permeability regardless of the number, length, or positioning of the elongated slits 108. For example, regardless of a configuration having elongated slits 108 formed along different axes, at different intervals, and / or of different lengths, the first state may be configured to provide air permeability of generally less than about 10 CFM, as measured by ASTM D737, and the second state may be configured to provide air permeability of generally greater than about 10 CFM. In some embodiments, the second state may be configured to provide air permeability of generally greater than about 20 CFM. In some embodiments, the second state may be configured to provide air permeability of generally greater than about 30 CFM.

[0029] Configurations having elongated slits 108 of roughly the same size can generally provide the same level of air permeability in each of the first and second states, regardless of whether they are aligned along the longitudinal axis, transverse axis, diagonal axis, or any combination thereof. For example, if the elongated slits 108 are substantially uniform and have a longitudinal length of 1 inch to 1 centimeter, they may provide less than about 10 CFM of air permeability in the relaxed state, and more than about 10 CFM of air permeability in the stretched state.

[0030] The elongated slits 108 may be located in one or more distinct areas of the composite material 100. The shape and / or positioning of the slits may be selected based on desired properties of the material or article containing the material. Example properties include permeability, weight, water resistance, insulation, or aesthetics. Properties may include patterns of slits or cuts in the material or article. Patterns may be selected based on the type of article manufactured using the material, e.g., jackets, gloves, footwear, underwear, hats, athletic wear, sports equipment, outdoor equipment, or automotive accessories.

[0031] The placement of the slits may be configured to impart some air permeability to the composite material (i.e., to provide some air permeability to various zones or regions of the composite material). The geometric shape of the slits may provide a control over the air permeability in the first and second states, as well as the difference (i.e., change) between the relaxed and stretched states. As can be seen from Figures 7A and 7B, the slit layer 106 may include relatively short elongated slits 108. Shorter elongated slits may provide reduced air permeability when open and increased wind resistance when closed.

[0032] As discussed herein, the material properties of the slit layer 106 (e.g., a film or laminate) may provide a first level of control over how large the transitions between states are. One or both of the first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104 may provide one or more additional levels of control over the opening and / or closing of the elongated slit 108. For this purpose, one or both of the first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104 may consist of fibers or materials that provide an amount of stretch and recovery in at least one direction.

[0033] The first and second textile layers 102, 104 (e.g., face material and backing material) may be laminated, bonded, or otherwise bonded to the slit layer 106 (e.g., a film containing elongated slits), thereby allowing the front / back stretch properties to help control the deformation of the slits. For example, one or both of the first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104 may consist of a material having bidirectional or quaternary stretch properties. The first and second textile layers 102, 104 may be bonded to each other and to the slit layer 106 via a dot pattern or dot matrix adhesive applied to maintain the intended bidirectional or quaternary stretch, as intended. In this way, the amount of action of one or more elongated slits 108 may be further adjustable by the stretch / recovery properties of one or more of the first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104. For example, the stretch / recovery properties of one or more of the first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104 may limit the operation of one or more of the elongated slits 108. Alternatively, the stretch / recovery properties of one or more of the first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104 may promote or accelerate the operation of one or more of the elongated slits 108. In embodiments, the first textile layer 102 and the second textile layer 104 may include bidirectional stretchable or quadridirectional stretchable materials bonded to a slit layer 106 having a combination of slits and / or an adhesive pattern (e.g., glue-dot adhesive) that can reinforce or limit the opening.

[0034] The adjustability of air permeability may be further indicated by the way in which the first, second, and third textile layers are bonded to form a composite material. The first and second textile layers 102, 104 (e.g., face material and backing material) may be laminated, bonded, or otherwise bonded to the slit layer 106 so that the front / back stretch properties can help control the operation and deformation of the elongated slit 108. Bonding the first, second, and third layers may include sewing, laminating, bonding, weaving, welding, or otherwise joining all or part of the layers together in a laminated configuration. In some embodiments, the first, second, and slit layers 106 may be formed in sheet form, and the first textile layer 102, the second textile layer 104, and the slit layer 106 may each include a sheet. The sheet may have a periphery. At least a portion of the periphery of the first textile layer 102 sheet may be bonded to at least a portion of the periphery of the first side surface of the slit layer 106. At least a portion of the peripheral area of ​​the second textile layer 104 sheet may be joined to at least a portion of the peripheral area of ​​the second side surface of the slit layer 106, thereby joining the first, second, and third layers together.

[0035] Figures 13–16 show further embodiments of the composite material according to the embodiments described herein. As shown in Figure 13, the elongated openings formed in the slit layer (e.g., slit layer 106) may be formed in a pattern of alternating rows. The first row 1302 may comprise elongated slits formed in groups, the elongated slits formed laterally (or laterally) within the textile layer, and the groups of laterally oriented elongated slits are arranged laterally across the textile layer. The slit layer may comprise similar elongated slits formed in groups and arranged in a second row 1304, the elongated slits formed longitudinally, and the groups of longitudinally oriented elongated slits are also arranged laterally across the textile layer. The first or second textile layer and the slit layer may be joined using an adhesive (e.g., dot glue or dot matrix adhesive). Figures 14–16 show additional embodiments described herein in which the elongated slits are formed in the slit layer and the slit layer is at least partially bonded to the textile layer. In some embodiments, only the periphery of the slit layer is bonded to the textile layer. Figure 14 shows an exemplary slit layer having diagonal rows of adhesive 1402 cutting across rows of elongated openings 1404 in the longitudinal direction. Figure 15 shows an exemplary slit layer with rows of offset elongated openings in an open state. Figure 16 shows an exemplary slit layer with rows of offset elongated openings in a closed state.

[0036] The elongated slits 108 can be arranged in one or more patterns such that, when formed within the article, the elongated slits 108 are positioned in one or more zones of the article that will benefit from the additional air permeability provided by the elongated slits 108 in their stretched state. Figure 11 shows an exemplary heat map illustrating body parts where heat may concentrate during activity. Figure 11 shows multiple zones of the body where increased air permeability may provide increased comfort for the wearer. Where the article includes a garment article, the garment article may include at least one of a jacket, sweater, shirt, dress, or vest, and the one or more zones may include one or more of the back or a portion of the back (e.g., upper back, middle back, waist, etc.), the underarm portion of a sleeve, the wrist portion of a sleeve, the forearm portion of a sleeve, the elbow portion of a sleeve, the biceps portion of a sleeve, the shoulder portion of a sleeve, the hood, the pocket portion, or the abdominal portion of at least one of the jacket, sweater, shirt, dress, or vest. If the article includes clothing items, the clothing items may include at least one of trousers or shorts, and one or more zones may include one or more of the ankle, calf, knee, thigh, crotch, waist, or pocket portions of at least one of the trousers or shorts.

[0037] In some cases, the elongated slit 108 may be formed using a cutting tool such as a stamp, roller, or laser. The cutting tool may have a predetermined pattern, and the pattern may be adapted by changing the substrate. The cutting tool used to form the elongated slit 108 may include a cutting component. The cutting component may be configured to cut the material. The cutting component may be a blade, laser, or other tool suitable for forming the elongated slit 108. The cutting component may be configured to cut the material that is in contact with the cutting component. The cutting component may be configured to cut the material that is aligned with the cutting component. The cutting component may be configured to slit the material. If the material includes multiple plies, such as folded layers or stacked or overlapping plies of different materials, the cutting component may be configured to slit through each of the layers or plies.

[0038] The cutting tools may be arranged in a pattern on the surface of the slit layer 106. The pattern may be selected based on desired physical properties of the material or article containing the material. Example properties include permeability, weight, water resistance, insulation, or aesthetics. The properties may include patterns of slits or cuts in the material or article. The pattern may be selected based on the type of article manufactured using the material, e.g., jackets, gloves, footwear, underwear, hats, athletic wear, sports equipment, outdoor equipment, or automotive accessories.

[0039] In some cases, the cutting component may be configured to cut the material using sound waves or ultrasound. In such cases, vibrational energy may be transmitted to the cutting component, such as a blade. Specifically, the cutting component may use sound wave or ultrasonic cutting techniques and may further include using a blade configured to vibrate at a frequency of 20 kHz or higher. The blade may be vibrated by applying electrical energy to a transducer or a piezoelectric element configured to displace the transducer. An oscillator may be configured to drive the transducer. The blade may vibrate at a selected amplitude, such as 10 to 70 μm. The frequency and amplitude may be selected or controlled based on the material. For example, the frequency and amplitude may be selected based on the thickness or type of material.

[0040] The edges of the elongated slit 108 can be sealed after cutting. In some cases, the edges can be fused, welded, or ultrasonically welded. Sealing the edges may involve bonding one or more plies of the material together. Sealing the edges of the elongated slit 108 can prevent fraying or tearing. Sealing the edges may involve fusing fibers along the edges of the elongated slit 108. Ultrasonic welding may involve using vibrational energy to generate localized heating or a predetermined energy density in a region of the material (e.g., the edges of the elongated slit 108 formed in the slit layer 106).

[0041] Figure 12 shows an exemplary method 1200. In step 1202, a first textile layer may be provided. The first textile layer may be, for example, a first textile layer 102 as described herein.

[0042] In step 1204, a second textile layer may be provided. The second textile layer may be, for example, the first textile layer 104 as described herein.

[0043] In step 1206, a slit layer may be provided. The slit layer may be, for example, the slit layer 106 described herein.

[0044] In step 1208, the slit layer may be prepared for slitting. The textile layer may include cloth, knitted material, woven material, synthetic material, mixed material, or any other material described herein as an example. Preparing the material may include stretching the material. Preparing the material may include placing the material on a surface. The surface may include a surface having hardness that can withstand cutting by cutting components of a cutting tool, etc. The surface may have heat resistance such that heat from welding components of a laser or ultrasonic roller does not melt the surface. Preparing the material may include fixing one or more ends of the material. In further embodiments, preparing the textile layer may include folding one piece of the textile layer, or stacking multiple plies of the material or plies of different materials (such as the aforementioned materials).

[0045] In step 1210, one or more slits may be cut through a slit layer. A slit may be cut by a cutting component. A slit may be cut mechanically, ultrasonically, or using a laser beam. A slit may be cut through one or more layers or plies of the material. A slit may be cut by bringing a cutting component into contact with the material, or with the top layer or ply of a laminated or folded material. A slit may be cut to the shape of the cutting component or to a shape corresponding to the blade of the cutting component. For example, a slit may have the same dimensions as the cutting component. A slit may be cut through two or more layers or plies of a laminated material or folded material, such as a subset of a layer or ply or all of a layer or ply.

[0046] In step 1212, a region of material adjacent to the slit can be sealed. The region can be sealed by fusing, melting, or welding. The region can surround the slit. By sealing the material adjacent to the slit (e.g., the edge of the slit), wear or fraying adjacent to the sealed region, or tearing through the sealed region, can be minimized or prevented.

[0047] In step 1214, the first textile layer may be bonded to the first side surface of the slit layer. In step 1212, the second textile layer may be bonded to the second side surface of the slit layer.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the first, second, and slit layers may be joined simultaneously by stitching, welding, bonding, or otherwise joining the edges or periphery of the first, second, and slit layers.

[0049] The composite material 100 may be used to manufacture articles. Composite material articles may include clothing items such as shirts, jackets, trousers, hats, gloves, jumpsuits, or other outerwear, blankets, or outdoor equipment such as sports equipment or tents. Clothing articles containing the composite material 100 may be configured such that, when the article is in normal use, the second textile layer is closer to the user's body than the first textile layer. In the first state, the composite material 100 may prevent wind or air from entering the article, passing through it, and reaching the user's body. When activated, air may pass through the composite material 100 as described herein. The first layer, the second layer, and the slit layer may each contain materials selected based on the article manufactured using the composite material 100. For example, materials having physical properties may be suitable for articles for specific activities. Materials may be selected based on desired physical properties of the composite material 100, such as weight, reflectivity, thickness, color, strength, or flexibility.

[0050] This disclosure includes at least the following aspects:

[0051] Embodiment 1. A composite material comprising a first textile layer, a second textile layer, and a slit layer bonded to the first and second textile layers, wherein the slit layer comprises a plurality of elongated slits configured to transition from a first state to a second state when in operation, the first state providing a first air permeability of less than about 10 cubic feet / minute (CFM), and the second state providing a second air permeability of more than about 10 CFM.

[0052] Embodiment 2. A composite material comprising a first textile layer, a second textile layer, and a slit layer bonded to the first and second textile layers, wherein the slit layer comprises a plurality of elongated slits configured to expand from a first state to a second state about an axis in response to an tensile force applied substantially perpendicular to the axis, the first state providing a first air permeability of less than about 10 cubic feet / minute (CFM), and the second state providing a second air permeability of more than about 10 CFM.

[0053] Embodiment 3. A composite material according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the second state provides a second air permeability of more than approximately 20 CFM.

[0054] Embodiment 4. A composite material of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the second state provides a second air permeability of more than approximately 30 CFM.

[0055] Embodiment 5. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein each of the multiple elongated slits is arranged in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] Embodiment 6. The composite material according to Embodiment 5, wherein a plurality of elongated slits are configured to open in the longitudinal direction due to the tensile force acting on the composite material in the lateral direction.

[0057] Embodiment 7. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein each of the multiple elongated slits is arranged in the lateral direction.

[0058] Embodiment 8. The composite material according to Embodiment 7, wherein a plurality of elongated slits are configured to open laterally due to the tensile force acting on the composite material in the longitudinal direction.

[0059] Embodiment 9. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein each of the multiple elongated slits is arranged in a first diagonal direction.

[0060] Embodiment 10. The composite material of Embodiment 9, wherein a plurality of elongated slits are configured to open in a second diagonal direction substantially perpendicular to a first diagonal direction, due to tensile forces acting on the composite material in the second diagonal direction.

[0061] Embodiment 11. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein a plurality of elongated slits are arranged in two or more directions from the longitudinal, transverse, or diagonal directions, and are configured to open in the opposite direction to each direction in which the plurality of elongated slits are arranged, in response to an tensile force applied in the opposite direction.

[0062] Embodiment 12. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the first material and the second material have at least one different property of water resistance, wind resistance, or air permeability.

[0063] Embodiment 13. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the first textile layer comprises a first material and the second textile layer comprises a second material different from the first material.

[0064] Embodiment 14. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the first textile layer or the second textile layer is configured to increase the expansion of a plurality of elongated slits in response to an tensile force.

[0065] Embodiment 15. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the first textile layer or the second textile layer is configured to limit the expansion of a plurality of elongated slits in response to an tensile force.

[0066] Embodiment 16. A composite material according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the slit layer is a laminate or a film.

[0067] Embodiment 17. The composite material of Embodiment 16, wherein the slit layer is a waterproof, breathable laminate or membrane.

[0068] Embodiment 18. The composite material of Embodiment 17, wherein the slit layer includes perforations.

[0069] Embodiment 19. A method for producing one of the composite materials described in Embodiments 1 to 18.

[0070] Embodiment 20. An article containing any of the composite materials described in Embodiments 1 to 19.

[0071] Embodiment 21. An article of Embodiment 10, comprising an interior and an exterior, and an intermediate layer containing one of the composite materials of Embodiments 1 to 18.

[0072] Embodiment 22. An article of Embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the clothing article comprises at least one of a jacket, sweater, shirt, dress, or vest, and the sections comprise one or more of the following of at least one of the jacket, sweater, shirt, dress, or vest: a sleeve wrist portion, a sleeve forearm portion, a sleeve elbow portion, a sleeve biceps portion, a sleeve shoulder portion, a hood portion, a pocket portion, or a stomach portion.

[0073] Embodiment 23. An article of any one of Embodiments 20 to 22, wherein the clothing article comprises at least one of pants or shorts, and the multiple sections comprise one or more of the ankle portion, calf portion, knee portion, thigh portion, crotch portion, waist portion, or pocket portion of at least one of the pants or shorts.

[0074] Embodiment 24. A method for producing any one of the articles described in Embodiments 20 to 23.

Claims

1. It is a composite material, A first textile layer having first stretchability, A second textile layer having second stretchability, A slit layer disposed between the first textile layer and the second textile layer, wherein the slit layer comprises a body having a plurality of elongated slits formed therein, and configured to expand and deform from a first state to a second state about the long axis in response to an elongation force applied perpendicular to the long axis of the slits, wherein the first state provides a first air permeability of less than 0.0047 cubic meters / second (10 cubic feet / minute (CFM)), and the second state provides a second air permeability of more than 0.0094 cubic meters / second (20 CFM), A composite material wherein at least one of the first stretchability of the first textile layer or the second stretchability of the second textile layer controls the expansion or deformation of the elongated slit.

2. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the second state provides a second air permeability exceeding 0.0141 cubic meters / second (30 CFM).

3. The composite material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongated slits are arranged in the longitudinal direction along the longest dimension of the article using the composite material.

4. The composite material according to claim 3, wherein each of the elongated slits is configured to open in the lateral direction due to an tensile force acting on the composite material in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

5. The composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongated slit is arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction along the longest dimension of the article using the composite material.

6. The composite material according to claim 5, wherein the elongated slit is configured to open in the longitudinal direction due to an tensile force acting on the composite material in the longitudinal direction.

7. The composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongated slits are arranged in a first diagonal direction along an angle inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction along the longest dimension of the article using the composite material or to a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

8. The composite material according to claim 7, wherein the elongated slit is configured to open in a second diagonal direction perpendicular to the first diagonal direction due to an tensile force acting on the composite material in the second diagonal direction.

9. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the first material of the first textile layer and the second material of the second textile layer have at least one of the following properties: water resistance, wind resistance, or air permeability.

10. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the first textile layer comprises a first material and the second textile layer comprises a second material different from the first material.

11. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first textile layer or the second textile layer is configured to limit the expansion of the plurality of elongated slits in response to the stretching force.

12. The composite material according to claim 11, wherein the slit layer is a waterproof, breathable laminate or membrane.

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