US20050208266A1 - Article of apparel incorporating a modifiable textile structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of apparel is disclosed that includes a textile with at least one property that changes upon exposure to a physical stimulus. The textile has a modifiable structure formed from one or more yarns that exhibit a dimensional transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus. The yarns have a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yarns have a second set of dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus. The structure of the textile is modified by exposing the textile to the physical stimulus such that the yarns transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the property of the textile. Reinforcing structures, incisions, partial incisions, and coatings may also be utilized to enhance the textile structures

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This non-provisional U.S. Patent Application is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/805,681, which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 19, 2004 and entitled Article Of Apparel Incorporating A Modifiable Textile Structure, such prior U.S. Patent Application being entirely incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates to apparel. The invention concerns, more particularly, an article of apparel that incorporates a textile with a structure that changes or is otherwise modified by a physical stimulus, such as the presence of water or a temperature change, to modify a property of the textile. The invention has application, for example, to articles of apparel intended for use during athletic activities.
• 2. Description of Background Art
• Articles of apparel designed for use during athletic activities generally exhibit characteristics that enhance the performance or comfort of an individual. For example, apparel may incorporate an elastic textile that provides a relatively tight fit, thereby imparting the individual with a lower profile that minimizes wind resistance. Apparel may also be formed from a textile that wicks moisture away from the individual in order to reduce the quantity of perspiration that accumulates adjacent to the skin. Furthermore, apparel may incorporate materials that are specifically selected for particular environmental conditions. Examples of various types of articles of apparel include shirts, headwear, coats, jackets, pants, underwear, gloves, socks, and footwear.
• The characteristics of the textiles that are incorporated into apparel are generally selected based upon the specific activity for which the apparel is intended to be used. A textile that minimizes wind resistance, for example, may be suitable for activities where speed is a primary concern. Similarly, a textile that reduces the quantity of perspiration that accumulates adjacent to the skin may be most appropriate for athletic activities commonly associated with a relatively high degree of exertion. Accordingly, textiles may be selected to enhance the performance or comfort of individuals engaged in specific athletic activities.
• Textiles may be defined as any manufacture from fibers, filaments, or yarns characterized by flexibility, fineness, and a high ratio of length to thickness. Textiles generally fall into two categories. The first category includes textiles produced directly from webs of fibers or filaments by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to construct non-woven fabrics and felts. The second category includes textiles formed through a mechanical manipulation of yarn, thereby producing a woven fabric.
• Yarn is the raw material utilized to form textiles in the second category and may be defined as an assembly having a substantial length and relatively small cross-section that is formed from at least one filament or a plurality of fibers. Fibers have a relatively short length and require spinning or twisting processes to produce a yarn of suitable length for use in textiles. Common examples of fibers are cotton and wool. Filaments, however, have an indefinite length and may merely be combined with other filaments to produce a yarn suitable for use in textiles. Modern filaments include a plurality of synthetic materials such as rayon, nylon, polyester, and polyacrylic, with silk being the primary, naturally-occurring exception. Yarn may be formed from a single filament or a plurality of individual filaments grouped together. Yarn may also include separate filaments formed from different materials, or the yarn may include filaments that are each formed from two or more different materials. Similar concepts also apply to yarns formed from fibers. Accordingly, yarns may have a variety of configurations that generally conform to the definition provided above.
• The various techniques for mechanically-manipulating yarn into a textile include interweaving, intertwining and twisting, and interlooping. Interweaving is the intersection of two yarns that cross and interweave at substantially right angles to each other. The yarns utilized in interweaving are conventionally referred to as warp and weft. Intertwining and twisting encompasses procedures such as braiding and knotting where yarns intertwine with each other to form a textile. Interlooping involves the formation of a plurality of columns of intermeshed loops, with knitting being the most common method of interlooping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is an article of apparel that includes a textile with at least one property that changes upon exposure to a physical stimulus. The textile has a modifiable structure formed from yarns that exhibit a dimensional transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus. The yarns have a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yarns have a second set of dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus. The structure of the textile is modified by exposing the textile to the physical stimulus such that the yarns transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the property of the textile. The yarns may be formed from a material that exhibits the dimensional transformation upon exposure to water. Accordingly, the physical stimulus may be water. In some embodiments, the physical stimulus may also be a change in temperature of the textile, light, or moving air, for example.
• The textile may be formed through an interweaving process wherein the yarns define openings in the textile. The openings exhibit a first area when the yarns are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the openings exhibit a second area when the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus. The area of the openings may determine, for example the permeability of the textile. Accordingly, when the first area is greater than the second area, the permeability of the textile is decreased upon exposure to the physical stimulus. Furthermore, when the first area is less than the second area, the permeability of the textile is increased upon exposure to the physical stimulus. In some embodiments, the yarns may exhibit an undulating configuration to increase the permeability upon exposure to the physical stimulus.
• A substantial portion of the textile may be formed from the yarn. Alternately, a first portion of the yarns may exhibit the dimensional transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus, and a second portion of the yarns may remain dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the physical stimulus.
• The textile may also be formed through an interlooping process. In some embodiments, the yarns define openings in the textile. The openings may exhibit a first area when the yarns are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the openings may exhibit a second area when the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus, thereby affecting the permeability of the textile. In other embodiments, the structure of the textile may exhibit a first texture when the yarns are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the structure of the textile may exhibit a second texture when the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus. The first texture may be, for example, smoother than the second texture, and the second texture may include a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a surface of the textile.
• The textiles formed in accordance with the present invention exhibit a structure that is modified by a physical stimulus in order to change the properties of the textile. These or other textile structures may be altered by, for example, bonding materials to a textile structure in order to impart stretch resistance, forming incisions or partial incisions in the textile structure, or applying coatings to block effects of the physical stimulus.
• The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
• FIG. 1 is a plan view of an article of apparel incorporating a first textile structure in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the first textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 3 is a plan view of the portion of the first textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of a second textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 5 is a plan view of the portion of the second textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a third textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 7 is a plan view of the portion of the third textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of a fourth textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 9 is a plan view of the portion of the fourth textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of a fifth textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 11 is a plan view of the portion of the fifth textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIG. 12 is a plan view of a portion of a sixth textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a larger portion of the sixth textile structure in the unexposed state.
• FIG. 14 is a plan view of the portion of the sixth textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the larger portion of the sixth textile structure in the exposed state.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a seventh textile structure.
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of an eighth textile structure.
• FIG. 18 is a plan view of a portion of a ninth textile structure.
• FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a coated yarn from the ninth textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the coated yarn from the ninth textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of an article of footwear incorporating a first altered textile structure in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the first altered textile structure.
• FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the first altered textile structure.
• FIGS. 24A-24E are plan views of alternate configurations of the first altered textile structure.
• FIG. 25 is a plan view of an article of apparel incorporating a second altered textile structure in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of the second altered textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the portion of the second altered textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIGS. 28A-28E are plan views of alternate configurations of the second altered textile structure.
• FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of a third altered textile structure in an unexposed state.
• FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the portion of the third altered textile structure in an exposed state.
• FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a portion of a fourth altered textile structure.
• FIGS. 32A-32C are schematic cross-sectional views of the fourth altered textile structure, as defined along section line32-32 inFIG. 31.
• FIG. 33 is a plan view of a portion of a fifth altered textile structure.
• FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view of a coated yarn and an uncoated yarn, each being in an unexposed state, from the fifth altered textile structure.
• FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view of the coated yarn and the uncoated yarn, each being in an exposed state, from the fifth altered textile structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The following material discloses a variety of textiles with structures that are modified by a physical stimulus in order to change the properties of the textiles or articles of apparel that incorporates the textiles. Following the discussion of a plurality of exemplar textile structures, various modes in which these or other textile structures may be altered to enhance or otherwise change the overall properties of the textile structures will be discussed.
I. Exemplar Textile Structures
• An article ofapparel10 is depicted inFIG. 1 as having the general configuration of a conventional short-sleeved shirt. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various textiles disclosed in the following material may be incorporated into articles of apparel exhibiting a variety of configurations, including long-sleeved shirts, headwear, coats, jackets, pants, underwear, gloves, socks, and footwear, for example. Accordingly, the various concepts disclosed in the following discussion and accompanying figures with respect toapparel10 may be utilized in connection with a variety of apparel configurations.
• The primary elements ofapparel10 include atorso portion11 and twoarm portions12aand12b.Torso portion11 corresponds with a torso of an individual and, therefore, covers the torso when worn. Similarly,arm portions12aand12brespectively correspond with a right arm and a left arm of the individual and cover the arms when worn.Apparel10 exhibits, therefore, the general configuration of a conventional long-sleeved shirt. In contrast with the conventional long-sleeved shirt, however,apparel10 is at least partially formed from a textile with a structure that is modified by a physical stimulus, thereby changing properties of the textile. For example, the permeability or texture of the textiles may change when exposed to water, increased temperature, or moving air (i.e., wind). Accordingly, the structures of the textiles may be modified in order to provideapparel10 with different properties. The following material discloses a variety of textiles with a structure that is modified by a physical stimulus in order to change the properties of the textile orapparel10.
• First Textile Structure
• A portion of a textile20 that is suitable forapparel10 is disclosed inFIGS. 2 and 3.Textile20 has the structure of an interwoven material that includes a plurality ofweft yarns21 and a plurality ofwarp yarns22.Textile20 may be formed, therefore, by mechanically-manipulatingyarns21 and22 thorough an interweaving process, which involves crossing and interweavingyarns21 and22 at substantially right angles to each other. The process of crossing and interweavingyarns21 and22 at substantially right angles to each other forms a plurality ofdiscrete openings23 that are located between thevarious yarns21 and22.
• Each ofyarns21 and22 are formed from one or more filaments or fibers that experience a dimensional transformation when exposed to a specific physical stimulus. In other words, the dimensions (i.e., length and thickness, for example) ofyarns21 and22 change whentextile20 is in the presence of the physical stimulus. The dimensional transformation ofyarns21 and22 has an effect upon the structure oftextile20. More particularly, the dimensional transformation ofyarns21 and22 modifies the structure oftextile20, thereby changing the properties oftextile20. Accordingly, exposingtextile20 to the physical stimulus has the effect of changing the properties oftextile20, thereby changing the properties ofapparel10.
• The manner in which exposingtextile20 to a physical stimulus has an effect upon the properties oftextile20 will now be discussed. With reference toFIG. 2,textile20 is depicted in an unexposed state, in whichyarns21 and22 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference toFIG. 3, however,textile20 is depicted in an exposed state, in whichyarns21 and22 are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state,yarns21 and22 exhibit dimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the area of eachopening23 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however,yarns21 and22 exhibit a greater thickness, which decreases the area of eachopening23. That is, exposingyarns21 and22 to the physical stimulus causesyarns21 and22 to increase in thickness, which decreases the area of eachopening23 and modifies the structure oftextile20.
• The modification in the structure of textile20 (i.e., decreasing the area of openings23) changes the properties oftextile20. In the unexposed state, each opening23 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however, the area of eachopening23 is decreased, which decreases the overall permeability oftextile20 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the smaller area of each opening23 in the exposed state decreases the ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate or otherwise extend throughtextile20. Accordingly, exposingtextile20 to a physical stimulus changes the permeability properties oftextile20, thereby changing the permeability properties ofapparel10.
• Various physical stimuli may induce a dimensional transformation ofyarns21 and22, including the presence of water (whether in a liquid or gaseous state), increased temperature, or moving air, for example. With regard to water, many materials exhibit a tendency to absorb water and swell or otherwise transform dimensionally. The dimensional transformation may occur relatively rapidly due to immersion or contact with liquid water. In addition, the dimensional transformation may occur relatively slowly due to a prolonged exposure to air with a relative humidity that is greater than75 percent, for example.Textile20, and particularlyyarns21 and22, may be formed from one or more of these materials that exhibit a tendency to transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus such as water. Furthermore,yarns21 and22 may be formed from materials that transform dimensionally due to temperature increases or moving air.
• Yarns21 and22, as discussed above, may be formed from a variety of materials that transform dimensionally in the presence of water. For example, at least a portion of the filaments or fibers inyarns21 and22 may be formed of a moisture-absorptive polyester material, such as the various moisture-absorptive polyester materials manufactured by Tejin Fibers Limited of Japan. In some embodiments,yarns21 and22 may be a 75 denier, 72 filament semi-dull textured polyester yarn, and suitable formulations for the fiber or filament contents ofyarns21 and22 include: (i) 70 percent generally non-absorptive polyester and 30 percent moisture-absorptive polyester; (ii) 76 percent generally non-absorptive polyester and 24 percent moisture-absorptive polyester; (iii) 80 percent generally non-absorptive polyester and 20 percent moisture-absorptive polyester; or (iv) 84 percent cationic-dyeable polyester that is also generally non-absorptive and 16 percent moisture-absorptive polyester. Accordingly, the percentage of the fibers or filaments formed from moisture-absorptive polyester may vary considerably within the scope of the present invention, and may also range from 5 percent to 100 percent in some embodiments. In each of the examples above, a non-absorptive or otherwise dimensionally-stable polyester fibers or filaments are combined with a moisture-absorptive polyester fibers or filaments. Other non-absorptive polymer fibers or filaments may also be utilized, such as rayon, nylon, and polyacrylic. In addition, silk, cotton, or wool may be utilized inyarns21 and22. Accordingly, a wide range of materials are suitable for thevarious yarns21 and22.
• When incorporated into article ofapparel10,textile20 may be utilized to protect or otherwise insulate the individual from specific environmental conditions. As discussed above, one physical stimulus that induces a dimensional transformation inyarns21 and22 is water, such as rain. When rain or another source of water (i.e., the physical stimulus) is not present,textile20 is in the unexposed state and exhibits a relatively high permeability that permits air to freely enter and exitapparel10, thereby cooling the individual. When significant quantities ofwater contact apparel10, thereby placingtextile20 in the exposed state, textile20 exhibits a relatively low permeability that inhibits the movement of water throughtextile20. More specifically, water in the form of rain thatcontacts apparel10 will causeopenings23 to decrease in area and limit the quantity of water that entersapparel10. Whenyarns21 and22 are formed from a material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of heat, sunlight or other heat sources induceopenings23 to decrease in area and limit the quantity of solar radiation that entersapparel10. In addition, moving air in the form of wind may induceopenings23 to decrease in area to limit the quantity of air that passes throughapparel10. Accordingly, formingtextile20 fromyarns21 and22 that transform dimensionally in the presence of one or more physical stimuli may be utilized to effectively insulate the individual from specific environmental conditions, such as rain, sunlight, or wind.
• Based upon the above discussion,textile20 may be formed fromvarious yarns21 and22 that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional transformation ofyarns21 and22 modify the structure oftextile20, thereby inducing a change in the properties oftextile20. When incorporated intoapparel10, the change in the properties oftextile20 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to insulate the individual from specific environmental conditions, such as rain, sunlight, or wind. Accordingly,textile20 effectively adapts to changing environmental conditions in order to enhance the comfort of theindividual wearing apparel10.
• Second Textile Structure
• With respect totextile20, both ofyarns21 and22 are at least partially formed from materials that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. In some embodiments, however, various yarns may be entirely formed from a material that does not dimensionally-transform to a significant degree in the presence of a physical stimulus. That is, some of the yarns forming the textile ofapparel10 may be formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus.
• Atextile30 is depicted inFIGS. 4 and 5 that includes a plurality ofweft yarns31a, a plurality ofother weft yarns31b, a plurality ofwarp yarns32a, and a plurality ofother warp yarns32bthat definevarious openings33. Whereasyarns31aand32aare formed from a material that dimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus,yarns31band32bare formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus.
• The manner in which exposingtextile30 to a physical stimulus has an effect upon the properties oftextile30 will now be discussed. With reference toFIG. 4,textile30 is depicted in an unexposed state, in whichyarns31a,31b,32a, and32bare not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference toFIG. 5, however,textile30 is depicted in an exposed state, in whichyarns31a,31b,32a, and32bare exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, each ofyarns31a,31b,32a, and32bexhibit dimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the area of eachopening33 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however,yarns31aand32aexhibit a greater thickness, which decreases the area of eachopening33. That is, exposingyarns31aand32ato the physical stimulus causesyarns31aand32ato increase in thickness, which decreases the area of eachopening33 and modifies the structure oftextile30. As discussed above,yarns31band32bare formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly,31band32bdo not transform dimensionally when exposed to the physical stimulus.
• The modification in the structure of textile30 (i.e., decreasing the area of openings33) changes the properties oftextile30. In the unexposed state, each opening33 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however, the area of eachopening33 is decreased, which decreases the overall permeability oftextile30 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the smaller area of each opening33 in the exposed state decreases the ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate throughtextile30. Accordingly, exposingtextile30 to a physical stimulus changes the permeability properties oftextile30. Given thattextile30 may replacetextile20 inapparel10, exposingtextile30 to a physical stimulus may be utilized to effectively change the permeability properties ofapparel10.
• An advantage of formingyarns31band32bfrom a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus relates to the dimensional stability oftextile30.Yams31band32bform a web intextile30 that does not significantly change dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus. Whereasyarns31aand32atransform dimensionally,yarns31band32bremain dimensionally-stable (i.e., in their original dimensions). Accordingly,yarns31band32bmay be utilized to ensure that the shape and dimensions oftextile30 are retained, despite the dimensional transformation ofyarns31aand32a.
• Third Textile Structure
• Another potential configuration for the textile that forms at least a portion ofapparel10 is disclosed inFIGS. 6 and 7, in which a plurality ofweft yarns41 and a plurality ofwarp yarns42 definevarious openings43. Whereasweft yarns41 are formed from a material that dimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus,warp yarns42 are formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly,weft yarns41 do not substantially change dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus.
• Exposingtextile40 to a physical stimulus modifies the structure oftextile40, which has an effect upon the properties oftextile40. With reference toFIG. 6,textile40 is depicted in an unexposed state, in whichyarns41 and42 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference toFIG. 7, however,textile40 is depicted in an exposed state, in whichyarns41 and42 are exposed to the physical stimulus. As withtextiles20 and30, exposingyarns41 and42 to the physical stimulus causesyarns41 to increase in thickness, which decreases the area of eachopening43 and modifies the structure oftextile40. The modification in the structure of textile40 (i.e., decreasing the area of openings43) changes the properties oftextile40. In the unexposed state, each opening33 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however, the area of eachopening33 is decreased, which decreases the overall permeability oftextile30 to water, light, and moving air, for example. Given thattextile40 may replacetextile20 inapparel10, exposingtextile40 to a physical stimulus may be utilized to effectively change the permeability properties ofapparel10. As withtextile30, formingwarp yarns42 from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus ensures that the shape and dimensions oftextile40 are retained, despite the dimensional transformation ofweft yarns41.
• Fourth Textile Structure
• The configurations oftextiles20,30, and40 may be utilized to protect or otherwise insulate the individual from specific environmental conditions. As discussed above, the dimensional transformation of various yarns induces the openings between the yarns to decrease in area. The decrease in area decreases the permeability oftextiles20,30, and40, thereby permitting less rain, sunlight, or wind to enterapparel10. It may be desirable in some situations, however, to increase the permeability of thetextile forming apparel10. For example, increasing the permeability may be utilized to increase air flow through thetextile forming apparel10, thereby enhancing the removal of perspiration from the individual.
• A textile50 with the structure of an interwoven material that includes a plurality ofweft yarns51, a plurality ofwarp yarns52a, and a plurality ofwarp yarns52bis depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9.Textile50 may be formed, therefore, by mechanically-manipulatingyarns51,52a, and52bthorough an interweaving process, which involves crossing andinterweaving weft yarns51 at substantially right angles toyarns52aand52b. The process of crossing andinterweaving weft yarns51 at substantially right angles toyarns52aand52bforms a plurality ofdiscrete openings53.
• Whereasyarns52aare formed from a material that dimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus,yarns51 and52bare formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. In addition,warp yarns52aexhibit an undulating or otherwise wavy configuration, whereasyarns51 and52bare relatively straight.
• The manner in which exposingtextile50 to a physical stimulus has an effect upon the properties oftextile50 will now be discussed. With reference toFIG. 8,textile50 is depicted in an unexposed state, in whichyarns51,52a, and52bare not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference toFIG. 9, however,textile50 is depicted in an exposed state, in whichyarns51,52a, and52bare exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state,yarns51,52a, and52bexhibit dimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the area of eachopening53 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however,warp yarns52aexhibit a greater thickness and a greater degree of undulation, which increases the area of eachopening53. That is, exposingyarns51,52a, and52bto the physical stimulus causeswarp yarns52ato increase in thickness and degree of undulation, which increases the area of eachopening53 and modifies the structure oftextile50.
• The modification in the structure of textile50 (i.e., increasing the area of openings53) changes the properties oftextile50. In the unexposed state, each opening53 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however, the area of eachopening53 is increased, which increases the overall permeability oftextile50 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the greater area of each opening53 in the exposed state increases the ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate throughtextile50. Accordingly, exposingtextile50 to a physical stimulus increases the permeability properties oftextile50, thereby increasing the permeability properties ofapparel10.
• When incorporated into article ofapparel10,textile50 may be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual, for example. Based upon the above discussion, therefore,textile50 may be formed fromvarious warp yarns52athat transform dimensionally and in degree of undulation in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional transformation ofwarp yarns52amodifies the structure oftextile50, thereby inducing a change in the properties oftextile50. When incorporated intoapparel10, the change in the properties oftextile50 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual. Accordingly,textile50 effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual in order to enhance the comfort of theindividual wearing apparel10.
• Fifth Textile Structure
• Each oftextiles20,30,40, and50 are formed thorough an interweaving process, which involves crossing and interweaving weft yarns and warp yarns at substantially right angles to each other. A textile that adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual, for example, in order to enhance the comfort of the individual may also be formed through other methods of mechanically-manipulating yarns. Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, atextile60 that is formed through an interlooping process is disclosed. Interlooping involves the formation of a plurality of columns of intermeshed loops, with knitting being the most common method of interlooping.Textile60 includes a plurality of courses (i.e., a row of needle loops produced by adjacent needles during the knitting cycle) and a plurality of wales (i.e., a column of intermeshed needle loops generally produced by the same needle the knits at successive knitting cycles) that are formed from ayarn61.
• Yarn61 is formed from a material that dimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus. More particularly, the dimensions of yarn61 (i.e., length and thickness, for example) may increase in the presence of the physical stimulus. When exposed to a physical stimulus,yarn61 dimensionally-transforms in both length and thickness. Although an increase thickness would appear to decrease the area of each opening62, the associated increase in length separates the various portions ofyarn61 to a greater degree and actually increases the area of eachopening63. That is, the increase in thickness has a greater effect upon the area ofopenings63 than the increase in thickness, thereby increasing the overall area of eachopening63. When exposed to the physical stimulus, therefore, the permeability oftextile60 may increase.
• The manner in which exposingtextile60 to a physical stimulus has an effect upon the properties oftextile60 will now be discussed in greater detail. With reference toFIG. 10,textile60 is depicted in an unexposed state, in whichyarn61 is not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference toFIG. 11, however,textile60 is depicted in an exposed state, in whichyarn61 is exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, the area of eachopening63 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however,yarn61 exhibits a greater thickness and a greater length. As discussed above, the increase in length dominates the increase in thickness in order to increase the overall area of eachopening63. That is, exposingyarn60 to the physical stimulus causesyarn60 to increase in length, which increases the area of eachopening63 and modifies the structure oftextile60.
• The modification in the structure of textile60 (i.e., increasing the area of openings63) changes the properties oftextile60. In the unexposed state, each opening63 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however, the area of eachopening63 is increased, which increases the overall permeability oftextile60 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the greater area of each opening63 in the exposed state increases the ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate throughtextile60. Accordingly, exposingtextile60 to a physical stimulus increases the permeability properties oftextile60, thereby increasing the permeability properties ofapparel10.
• When incorporated into article ofapparel10,textile60 may be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual, for example. Based upon the above discussion, therefore,textile60 may be formed fromyarn61, which transforms dimensionally and in degree of undulation in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional transformation ofyarn61 modifies the structure oftextile60, thereby inducing a change in the properties oftextile60. When incorporated intoapparel10, the change in the properties oftextile60 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual. Accordingly,textile60 effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual in order to enhance the comfort of theindividual wearing apparel10.
• Sixth Textile Structure
• Increasing or decreasing the area of openings between the various yarns that form a textile is one manner in which the structure of the textile may be modified in order to change the properties (i.e., permeability) of the textile. In some embodiments, the texture of the textile may also be modified in order to change the properties of the textile. Referring toFIGS. 12-15, atextile70 is disclosed.Textile70 is formed from ayarn71 and ayarn72 through an interlooping process. As will be described in greater detail below, the texture oftextile70 changes from being relatively smooth to having a plurality ofnodes73 that form a separation between the individual andtextile70.Nodes73 effectively holdtextile70 away from the individual and permit air to flow betweentextile70 and the individual, thereby increasing removal of perspiration. In order to formtextile70,yarns71 and72 are mechanically-manipulated through a circular knitting process to formtextile70 with a jersey knit or double knit pique structure, for example. In some embodiments, three or more yarns may be utilized to formtextile70, and a variety of other knit structures in addition to the jersey knit and double knit pique structure may be utilized.
• Whereasyarn71 is formed from a material that dimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus,yarn72 is formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly,yarn71 substantially changes dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus.Yarn71 extends through the structure formed byyarn72 and is primarily positioned on one side oftextile70. That is, the position ofyarn71 is concentrated on one side oftextile70. When exposed to the physical stimulus,yarn71 transforms dimensionally, whereasyarn72 remains dimensionally-stable. The dimensions ofyarn71 increase when exposed to the physical stimulus and form a plurality ofnodes73 on one side oftextile70. That is, the concentrated areas ofyarn71 expand when exposed to the physical stimulus andform nodes73.
• With reference toFIG. 12 and13,textile70 is depicted in an unexposed state, in whichyarns71 and72 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference toFIGS. 14 and 15, however,textile70 is depicted in an exposed state, in whichyarns71 and72 are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, textile70 exhibits a relatively smooth texture. In the exposed state, however, textile70 exhibits greater texture due to the presence of the plurality ofnodes73. That is, exposingyarn71 to the physical stimulus formsnodes73 on one side oftextile70 and causestextile70 to increase in texture, which modifies the structure oftextile70.
• The modification in the structure oftextile70 changes the properties oftextile70. In the unexposed state,textile70 is relatively smooth and significantly contacts the individual. In the exposed state, however, the texture oftextile70 is increased through the formation ofnodes73, which forms a separation between the individual andtextile70. That is,nodes73 effectively holdtextile70 away from the individual and permit air to flow betweentextile70 and the individual, thereby increasing the rate at which perspiration is removed. Exposingtextile70 to a physical stimulus increases the texture oftextile70, thereby increasing the texture properties ofapparel10. Accordingly,textile70 effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual in order to enhance the comfort of theindividual wearing apparel10.
• Seventh Textile Structure
• Textiles generally fall into two categories, as discussed above in the Background of the Invention section. The first category includes textiles produced directly from webs of fibers or filaments by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to construct non-woven fabrics and felts. The second category includes textiles formed through a mechanical manipulation of yarn. Textiles,20,30,40,50,60, and70 are each formed through the mechanical manipulation of yarn and fall, therefore, within the second category. Concepts related to the present invention also apply, however, to non-woven textiles.
• With reference toFIG. 16, atextile80 having the configuration of a non-woven textile is disclosed an includes a plurality offilaments81 and a plurality offilaments82. Non-woven textiles are generally manufactured by depositing one or more layers of polymer filaments upon a moving conveyor, thereby forming the non-woven textile to have a generally uniform thickness.Textile80 includes two layers, one being formed from a plurality offilaments81, and the other being formed from a plurality offilaments82.
• Whereasfilaments81 are formed from a material that dimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus,filaments82 are formed from a dimensionally-stable material that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly,filaments81 substantially change dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus.Filaments81 form one of the layers oftextile80 and are primarily positioned on one side oftextile80. That is, the position offilaments81 is concentrated on one side oftextile80. When exposed to the physical stimulus,filaments81 transform dimensionally, whereasfilaments82 remain dimensionally-stable. As withtextile70, which also has concentrations of different yarns on different sides, the dimensions offilaments81 increase when exposed to the physical stimulus and may form a plurality of nodes on one side oftextile80. That is, the concentrated areas offilaments81 expand when exposed to the physical stimulus and may form nodes that are similar tonodes73.
• Textile80 is depicted as having two non-woven layers formed fromfilaments81 andfilaments82. In some embodiments of the invention, the layer formed fromfilaments82 may be replaced with a textile formed through mechanical manipulation of a yarn. That is, the layer formed fromfilaments82 may be formed from a textile in the second category discussed above. When formed to exhibit this structure, the layer offilaments81 may be bonded or stitched to the other textile layer, for example. In other embodiments, the layer formed fromfilaments81 may be replaced withtextile60 or any of the other textiles disclosed above, for example. Furthermore, a textile may be formed that solely includes a layer offilaments81. In yet further embodiments, a textile may exhibit a configuration whereinfilaments81 and82 are distributed homogenously throughout the thickness of the textile. Accordingly, a variety of non-woven textile structures may be formed from filaments that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus.
• Eighth Textile Structure
• Each oftextiles70 and80 exhibit a configuration wherein the dimensionally-stable materials (i.e.,yarn72 and filaments82) are concentrated adjacent to one surface, and the materials that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus (i.e.,yarn71 and filaments81) are concentrated adjacent an opposite surface. Another manner in which this general configuration may be achieved is disclosed inFIG. 17, wherein atextile90 includes ayarn91 that is plaited in one surface of a spacer mesh material. More particularly, the spacer mesh material includes afirst layer92 and asecond layer93 that are spaced apart and connected by a plurality of connectingyarns94.Yarn91, which transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus, is woven or otherwise plaited intofirst layer92. Whereasyarn91 is formed of a material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus, each offirst layer92,second layer93, and connectingyarns94 may be formed from a dimensionally-stable material.
• Inmanufacturing textile90, a double needle bar Raschel knitting process may be utilized to formfirst layer92,second layer93, and connectingyarns94 from the dimensionally-stable material.Yam91 is then plaited or otherwise incorporated intofirst layer92. In further embodiments of the invention, all offirst layer92 may be formed from a material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. Alternately,first layer92,second layer93, and connectingyarns94 may be formed from a material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus, andyarn91 may be formed from a dimensionally-stable material. Accordingly, a variety of configurations may be utilized in connection with a spacer mesh material to provide a configuration wherein the dimensionally-stable materials are concentrated adjacent to one surface, and the materials that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus are concentrated adjacent to an opposite surface. In some embodiments, however, all or a substantially portion of a spacer mesh material may be formed from a dimensionally-stable material.
• Ninth Textile Structure
• In the various textile structures discussed above, a fiber, filament, or yarn incorporated into a textile has a configuration that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. Coatings on the fibers, filaments, or yarns may also be utilized as the material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. With reference toFIG. 18, atextile100 that includes ayarn101 and ayarn102 is disclosed.Yam101 andyarn102 are formed from a material that is dimensionally-stable. In contrast withyarn102, however,yarn101 includes acoating103 that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus.FIGS. 18 and 19 depictyarn101 andcoating103 in an unexposed state (i.e.,yarn101 andcoating103 are not exposed to the physical stimulus). In theunexposed state yarn102 and the combination ofyarn101 andcoating103 have similar diameters.FIG. 20 depictsyarn101 andcoating103 in an exposed state, and the overall diameter ofcoating103 is increased substantially. Accordingly, exposingtextile100 to the physical stimulus induces the combination ofyarn101 andcoating103 to transform dimensionally.
• In some embodiments, the diameter ofyarn101 remains substantially constant whether exposed or unexposed to the physical stimulus, andcoating103 swells or otherwise transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. In other embodiments, coating103 may compressyarn101 when exposed to the physical stimulus. In any event, however, the overall diameter of the combination ofyarn101 andcoating103 increases when exposed to the physical stimulus. Althoughyarn101 may be formed from a material that is dimensionally-stable in the presence of the physical stimulus,yarn101 may also be formed from a material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus.
• Coating103 may be added toyarn101 prior to formingtextile100. An advantage of this procedure is that specific yarns withintextile100 includecoating103. In other embodiments, coating103 may be added totextile100 following the formation oftextile100. That is, a printing process (e.g., a screen-printing process) may be utilized to place coating103 over a defined area oftextile100. In contrast with the configuration depicted inFIG. 18, the use of a printing process applies coating103 to areas oftextile100, rather than individual yarns withintextile100.
• Summary of Textile Structures
• Based upon the above discussion, various textiles may be formed from fibers, filaments, or yarns that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional transformation of the yarns modifies the structures of the textiles, thereby inducing a change in the properties of textiles. Depending upon the material selected for the yarns, water or a change in the temperature of the textiles, for example, may be utilized as the physical stimulus. When incorporated into an article of apparel, the change in the properties of the textiles when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to insulate the individual from specific environmental conditions or adapt to changing perspiration levels of the individual, for example. Accordingly, the present invention relates to textiles that effectively adapt to enhance the comfort of the individual wearing the apparel.
II. Exemplar Altered Textile Structures
• The above material disclosed a variety of textiles with a structure that is modified by a physical stimulus in order to change the properties of the textile. Various ways in which these or other textile structures may be altered will now be discussed. For example, materials may be bonded to a textile structure in order to impart stretch resistance, incisions or partial incisions may be formed in the textile structure, or coatings may be applied to block effects of the physical stimulus.
• First Altered Textile Structure
• Each of the textile structures discussed above are primarily formed from various filaments, fibers, or yarns. Depending upon the specific materials that form the filaments, fibers, or yarns, the various textiles disclosed above may exhibit substantial stretch characteristics. That is, the textiles may deform significantly when exposed to a tensile force. In order to limit stretch in the textiles, various materials with a greater degree of stretch resistance may be bonded or otherwise secured to the textiles.
• With reference toFIG. 21, another article of apparel is disclosed, specifically an article offootwear10′ having an upper11′ and a sole structure12′. In contrast with conventional articles of footwear, upper11′ incorporates atextile110 having abase layer111 and a reinforcingstructure112, as depicted inFIGS. 22 and 23.Base layer111 may be any of the various textile structures disclosed above. That is,base layer111 may be any oftextiles20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90, or100. Accordingly,base layer111 has a structure that is modified by a physical stimulus in order to change the overall properties oftextile110.
• Reinforcingstructure112 is a polymer sheet, for example, having a plurality of generally square apertures that define the configuration of a grid with horizontal segments that cross vertical segments. Whereasbase layer111 may stretch significantly when subjected to a tensile force, reinforcingstructure112 stretches to a lesser degree when subjected to the same tensile force. In this configuration, the stretch resistance of reinforcingstructure112 imparts stretch resistance to the entirety oftextile110. Accordingly, reinforcingstructure112 limits the overall degree to whichtextile110 may stretch.
• Articles of footwear, such asfootwear10′, may be subjected to significant forces when used for walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. More particularly, the foot may exert significant forces upon upper11′ during the athletic activities. These forces may tend to stretch upper11′ or otherwise place the materials of upper11′ in tension. Although a relatively small degree of stretch in upper11′ may enhance the overall comfort offootwear10′, significant stretch may not be beneficial. Accordingly, reinforcingstructure112 limits the overall degree to whichtextile110 may stretch, thereby countering the inherent stretch inbase layer111.
• As discussed in detail above, each of the various textile structures are modified by a physical stimulus in order to change the overall properties of the textile structures. For example, portions of the textiles may transform dimensionally in the presence of heat or water in order to form apertures that allow heated air or perspiration to escape. Similarly, portions of the textiles may transform dimensionally in the presence of heat or water in order to close apertures that restrict heated air or precipitation from enteringfootwear10′. The addition of reinforcingstructure112 to any of the textile structures discussed above enhances the overall properties of the textile structures and the suitability of the textile structures for footwear or other athletic equipment applications. In other words, the combination ofbase layer111 and reinforcingstructure112 provides a textile that is modified by a physical stimulus in order to change the overall properties offootwear10′, and also provides a textile with a desired degree of stretch resistance.
• Stretch resistance is not the only advantage that may be gained through the addition of reinforcingstructure112. For example, reinforcingstructure112 or similar structures may impart abrasion resistance, thereby enhancing the durability oftextile110. In addition, reinforcingstructure112 may enhance the aesthetic appeal of articles that incorporatetextile110. Furthermore, reinforcingstructure112 may also provide a durable location for securing or otherwise incorporatingtextile110 to an article.
• Reinforcingstructure112 is discussed above as having a grid configuration defining generally square apertures. Reinforcingstructure112 may also define trapezoidal or round apertures, as respectively depicted inFIGS. 24A and 24B, or any other practical shape. When stretch resistance is desired in a particular direction, linear or curved strips of reinforcingstructure112 may be combined withbase layer111, as respectively depicted inFIGS. 24C and 24D. In addition, when stretch resistance is desired in only a particular area of a textile, reinforcingstructure112 may be located in only a portion oftextile110. Accordingly, the particular configuration of reinforcingstructure112 may vary significantly depending upon the particular application or requirements fortextile110.
• Reinforcingstructure112 is discussed above as a polymer sheet, but may be a variety of other materials within the scope of the present invention. For example, reinforcingstructure112 may be a different textile, a spacer mesh material, leather, synthetic leather, or a film that is secured tobase layer111. Reinforcingstructure112 may also be a polymer that impregnates the structure ofbase layer111. That is, a molten polymer material may be injected ontobase layer111 so as to form reinforcingstructure112. In some embodiments, reinforcingstructure112 may be a yarn or filament woven intobase layer111 that is less stretchable thanbase layer111. Accordingly, the specific materials that are suitable for reinforcingstructure112 may vary significantly within the scope of the present invention.
• Second Altered Textile Structure
• Another manner of altering any of the textile structures disclosed above relates to the formation of incisions.FIG. 25 depicts an article ofapparel10″ that is substantially formed fromtextile70, as disclosed above. A plurality ofsemi-circular incisions74 extend throughtextile74 and, therefore, extend through each ofyarns71 and72. With reference toFIG. 26, a portion oftextile70 havingincisions74 is depicted in an unexposed state, in whichyarns71 and72 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference toFIG. 27, however,textile70 is depicted in an exposed state, in whichyarns71 and72 are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state,textile70 lies relatively flat and a flap that is formed byincisions74 is in a closed configuration. In the exposed state, however, the flaps that are formed byincisions74 curl upward and form apertures intextile70, thereby modifying the structure and properties oftextile70.
• The alteration in the structure of textile70 (i.e., the formation of incisions74) changes the properties oftextile70. In the unexposed state,textile70 lies flat andincisions74 do not form apertures. In the exposed state, however, the flaps formed byincisions74 curl upward to form apertures intextile70, which permit increased air flow between the exterior and interior ofapparel10″. Exposingtextile70 to a physical stimulus not only increases the texture oftextile70, as discussed above, but also increases the air flow properties oftextile70.
• Textile70 is structured such thatyarn71 is concentrated on one surface andyarn72 is concentrated on an opposite surface. When exposed to the physical stimulus, such as water or a change in temperature, for example,yarn71 transforms dimensionally and increases in size. The increase in the size oftextile70 due to an increase in the size ofyarn71 is constrained by the relative dimensional-stability ofyarn72. Accordingly, the swelling ofyarn71 causes the flaps formed byincisions74 to curl upward and toward the surface whereyarn72 is concentrated.Textile70 is not the only textile structure that will react in this fashion when exposed to a physical stimulus. Each oftextiles80 and90 may also exhibit similar properties due to the concentration of materials that transform dimensionally on one surface, and the concentration of dimensionally-stable materials on an opposite surface.
• Althoughincisions74 may exhibit the semi-circular shape discussed above, a variety of other shapes may also be suitable forincisions74. For example,incisions74 may have a more circular shape or an angular shape, as respectively depicted inFIGS. 28A and 28B.Incisions74 may also exhibit a v-shaped or s-shaped configuration, as respectively depicted inFIGS. 24A and 24D. In some embodiments,incisions74 may depart from the non-linear shapes discussed above and be linear, as depicted inFIG. 28E.
• Various techniques, including a die cutting or laser cutting operation, may be utilized to formincisions74. In some circumstances,incisions74 may be formed through the knitting process oftextile70. That is,yarns71 and72 may be mechanically-manipulated in a manner that formsincisions74.
• Third Altered Textile Structure
• Each oftextiles70,80, and90 exhibit a configuration wherein the material that transforms dimensionally when exposed to a physical stimulus is concentrated on one surface of the textile structures. Incisions that are similar toincisions74 may be formed in any of the textile structures disclosed above. When cut to formincisions74,textile70 remains in a flat configuration until exposed to a physical stimulus. Some textile structures, however, may curl when cut and not exposed to a physical stimulus.
• With reference toFIG. 29 atextile120 in an unexposed state is depicted.Textile120 includes a plurality ofincisions124. The manner in whichtextile120 is mechanically-manipulated from various yarns, and the materials forming the yarns, are selected to cause the edges ofincisions124 to curl when cut and unexposed to a physical stimulus. When exposed to a physical stimulus, however, the edges uncurl due to the dimensional transformation of yarns, as depicted inFIG. 30. That is, apertures that are formed byincisions124 close when exposed to a physical stimulus.
• When incorporated into apparel, for example,textile120 may be utilized to shield an individual from precipitation. When water is not present,incisions124 form apertures in the apparel that facilitate air flow between the interior and exterior of the apparel. In the presence of precipitation, however, the apertures formed byincisions124 close to limit the degree to which the precipitation may enter the apparel. Accordingly, the apparel may adapt to changing environmental conditions.
• Fourth Altered Textile Structure
• Incisions74 and124 respectively extend entirely throughtextiles70 and120. In some circumstances, however, incisions that extend only partially through a textile structure may be beneficial.FIG. 31 depicts atextile130 that includes a plurality ofpartial incisions134 that extend only partially throughtextile130. With reference toFIG. 32A,textile130 is depicted schematically as including alayer131 and anotherlayer132, withpartial incisions134 extending throughlayer131.Layer131 andlayer132 schematically-represent the general configurations oftextiles70,80, and90, wherein materials that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus are concentrated adjacent one surface, and materials that are dimensionally-stable are concentrated adjacent an opposite surface.
• Partial incisions134 extend entirely throughlayer131 inFIG. 32A, andlayer131 is, therefore, absent from this area.Layer131 may incorporate, for example, a majority of the materials that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. Formingpartial incisions134 effectively deactivates these materials. Accordingly, the formation ofpartial incisions134 is a manner of preventing or limiting a change in the properties of specific areas oftextile130 due to the presence of a physical stimulus. Althoughpartial incisions134 are depicted as having a linear structure,partial incisions134 may cover an area oftextile130.
• Althoughpartial incisions134 may represent areas wherelayer131 is absent,partial incisions134 may also form areas wherelayer131 is melted or only partially absent. With reference toFIGS. 32B and 32C,partial incisions134 form depressions inlayer131. One manner of forming the depressions is to melt the material oflayer131, thereby concentrating this material in a lower area oflayer131. In effect, therefore,partial incisions134 may represent melted areas oflayer131. Although the material that is melted and withinpartial incisions134 may be the same material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus, the greater concentration of the material inpartial incisions134 may limit the change in the properties oftextile130 when exposed to the physical stimulus. That is, melting portions oflayer131 may effectively deactivate the material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. Suitable methods of formingpartial incisions134 include laser cutting or heated dies, for example.
• Althoughpartial incisions134 may extend into the material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus,partial incisions134 may also extend into a dimensionally-stable material. That is,partial incisions134 may extend throughlayer132 rather thanlayer131. In some embodiments, partial incisions may extend partially through a material that includes a single layer, as intextiles20,30, and40, for example.
• The melting of the material forming either oflayers131 or132 in order to formpartial incisions134 may also be used to form a structure that is similar to reinforcingstructure112. As discussed above, reinforcingstructure112 may impart stretch resistance or abrasion resistance to a textile. By melting portions oflayers131 or132, thematerials forming layers131 and132 effectively concentrate and may also impart stretch resistance or abrasion resistance totextile130. Accordingly, the formation ofpartial incisions134 is another manner of forming reinforcingstructure112.
• Fifth Altered Textile Structure
• The formation of partial incisions in a textile is one manner of blocking or deactivating the dimensional transformation of the textile in the presence of a physical stimulus. Coatings on the fibers, filaments, or yarns may also be utilized to block a physical stimulus from inducing dimensional transformation of the material. With reference toFIG. 33, atextile140 that includes ayarn141 and ayarn142 is disclosed.Yam141 andyarn142 are formed from a material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. In contrast withyarn141, however,yarn142 includes acoating143 that blocks the physical stimulus fromyarn142.FIG. 34 depictsyarns141 and142 in an unexposed state, andyarns141 and142 have similar diameters.FIG. 35 depictsyarns141 and142 in the exposed state, and the overall diameter ofyarn141 is significantly greater than the diameter ofyarn142. Accordingly, exposingtextile140 to the physical stimulus inducesyarn141 to transform dimensionally, but coating143 prevents or otherwise limits the dimensional transformation ofyarn142.
• A variety of materials may be suitable forcoating143. If, for example, thematerial forming yarns141 and142 transform dimensionally in the presence of water, any waterproof coating may be utilized. If the physical stimulus is light or heat, opaque or insulative coatings may be utilized. Coating143 may be added toyarn142 prior to formingtextile140. An advantage of this procedure is that specific yarns withintextile140 includecoating143. In other embodiments, coating143 may be added totextile140 following the formation oftextile140. That is, a printing process (e.g., a screen-printing process) may be utilized to place coating143 over a defined area oftextile140. In contrast with the configuration depicted inFIG. 33, the use of a printing process applies coating143 to areas oftextile140, rather than individual yarns withintextile140.
• Summary of Altered Textile Structures
• Reinforcing structures, incisions, partial incisions, and coatings may be utilized to alter and enhance any of the textile structures disclosed above. Various combination of the reinforcing structures, incisions, partial incisions, and coatings may also be utilized to alter and enhance any of the textile structures disclosed above. For example, incisions or partial incisions may be formed in the apertures defined by a reinforcing structure. In addition, coatings may be utilized to affect the reaction of the areas having incisions.
• The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1-21. (canceled)

22. A textile comprising:

a first material that exhibits a dimensional transformation upon exposure to a physical stimulus, the first material being concentrated at a first surface of the textile; and

a second material that is concentrated at a second surface of the textile, the second surface being opposite the first surface, and the second material being substantially dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the physical stimulus.

23. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein the physical stimulus is water.

24. The textile recited inclaim 23, wherein the first material is at least one of a filament and a fiber that absorbs the water.

25. The textile recited inclaim 23, wherein the first material is a yarn that absorbs the water.

26. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein the physical stimulus is a change in a temperature of the textile.

27. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein a plurality of incisions are formed through the textile, the incisions extending from the first surface to the second surface.

28. The textile recited inclaim 27, wherein at least a portion of the incisions are non-linear.

29. The textile recited inclaim 27, wherein the incisions are formed through a laser cutting process.

30. The textile recited inclaim 27, wherein the incisions are formed through a knitting process.

31. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein the second material is a coating that extends around at least a portion of the first material and limits exposure of the first material to the physical stimulus.

32. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein the textile is a non-woven textile that includes a plurality of filaments of the first material and the second material.

33. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein the textile is a non-woven material having a first layer formed from the first material and a second layer formed from the second material, the first layer being adjacent the first surface, and the second layer being adjacent the second surface.

34. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein the second material is less stretchable than the first material.

35. The textile recited inclaim 34, wherein the second material is at least one sheet of material that is bonded to the first material.

36. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein the second material is a spacer mesh and the first material is a plaited on a surface of the spacer mesh.

37. The textile recited inclaim 22, wherein the textile is incorporated into an article of apparel.

38-52. (canceled)

53. A textile comprising:

a yarn that exhibits a dimensional transformation upon exposure to water, the yarn being concentrated at a first surface of the textile; and

a constraining structure forming at least a portion of a second surface of the textile, the second surface being opposite the first surface, and the constraining structure being substantially dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the physical stimulus.

54. The textile recited inclaim 53, wherein the constraining structure is a sheet of material that is bonded to the yarn.

55. The textile recited inclaim 54, wherein a plurality of incisions are formed through the textile, the incisions extending from the first surface to the second surface.

56. The textile recited inclaim 55, wherein at least a portion of the incisions are non-linear.

57. The textile recited inclaim 53, wherein the textile is a non-woven textile that includes a plurality of filaments of the material and the constraining structure.

58. The textile recited inclaim 53, wherein the textile is incorporated into an article of apparel.

59-142. (canceled)

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