WO2005095692A1

WO2005095692A1 - Article of apparel incorporating a modifiable textile structure

Info

Publication number: WO2005095692A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/005191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lashurya M. Wise; Michael R. Baron; Carey Lyn Portzline
Original assignee: Nike, Inc.; Nike International Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-03-19
Filing date: 2005-02-18
Publication date: 2005-10-13
Also published as: JP2007529643A; US20050204448A1; TW200600020A; CN1938464A; TWI351928B; CN1938464B

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 yams that exhibit a dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus. The yams have a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yams 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 yams transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the property of the textile.

Description

ARTICLE OF APPAREL INCORPORATING A MODIFIABLE TEXTILE STRUCTURE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[01] 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, to modify a property of the textile. The invention has application, for example, to articles of apparel intended for use during athletic activities.

Description of Background Art

[02] 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.

[03] 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.

[04] 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 by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to construct non- woven fabrics and felts. The second category includes textiles formed through a mechanical manipulation of yam, thereby producing a woven fabric.

[05] Yam 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 yam 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 yam suitable for use in textiles. Modem filaments include a plurality of synthetic materials such as rayon, nylon, polyester, and polyacrylic, with silk being the primary, naturally-occurring exception. Yam may be formed from a single filament or a plurality of individual filaments grouped together. Yam may also include separate filaments formed from different materials, or the yam may include filaments that are each formed from two or more different materials. Similar concepts also apply to yams formed from fibers. Accordingly, yams may have a variety of configurations that generally conform to the definition provided above.

[06] The various techniques for mechanically manipulating yam into a textile include interweaving, intertwining and twisting, and interlooping. Interweaving is the intersection of two yams that cross and interweave at substantially right angles to each other. The yams utilized in interweaving are conventionally referred to as warp and weft. Intertwining and twisting encompasses procedures such as braiding and knotting where yams 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

[07] 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 yams that exhibit a dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus. The yams have a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yams 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 yams transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the property of the textile. The yams 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 heat, light, or moving air, for example.

[08] The textile may be formed through an interweaving process wherein the yams define openings in the textile. The openings exhibit a first area when the yams are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the openings exhibit a second area when the yams 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 yams may exhibit an undulating configuration to increase the permeability upon exposure to the physical stimulus.

[09] A substantial portion of the textile may be formed from the yam. Alternately, a first portion of the yams may exhibit the dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus, and a second portion of the yams may remain dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the physical stimulus.

[10] The textile may also be formed through an interlooping process. In some embodiments, the yams define openings in the textile. The openings may exhibit a first area when the yams are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the openings may exhibit a second area when the yams 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 yams are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the structure of the textile may exhibit a second texture when the yams 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.

[11] 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

[12] 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.

[13] Figure 1 is a plan view of an article of apparel incorporating a first textile structure in accordance with the present invention.

[14] Figure 2 is a plan view of a portion of the first textile structure in an unexposed state.

[15] Figure 3 is a plan view of the portion of the first textile structure in an exposed state.

[16] Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of a second textile structure in an unexposed state.

[17] Figure 5 is a plan view of the portion of the second textile structure in an exposed state.

[18] Figure 6 is a plan view of a portion of a third textile structure in an unexposed state.

[19] Figure 7 is a plan view of the portion of the third textile structure in an exposed state.

[20] Figure 8 is a plan view of a portion of a fourth textile structure in an unexposed state. [21] Figure 9 is a plan view of the portion of the fourth textile structure in an exposed state.

[22] Figure 10 is a plan view of a portion of a fifth textile stracture in an unexposed state.

[23] Figure 11 is a plan view of the portion of the fifth textile structure in an exposed state.

[24] Figure 12 is a plan view of a portion of a sixth textile stracture in an unexposed state.

[25] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of a larger portion of the sixth textile stracture in the unexposed state.

[26] Figure 14 is a plan view of the portion of the sixth textile structure in an exposed state.

[27] Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of the larger portion of the sixth textile structure in the exposed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Introduction

[28] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose an article of apparel 10 in accordance with the present invention. Apparel 10 is depicted in Figure 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 to apparel 10 may be utilized in connection with a variety of apparel configurations.

[29] The primary elements of apparel 10 include a torso portion 11 and two arm portions 12a and 12b. Torso portion 11 corresponds with a torso of an individual and, therefore, covers the torso when worn. Similarly, arm portions 12a and 12b respectively correspond with a right arm and a left arm of the individual and cover the arms when worn. Apparel 10 exhibits, therefore, the general configuration of a conventional long- sleeved shirt. In contrast with the conventional long-sleeved shirt, however, apparel 10 is at least partially formed from a textile with a stracture 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 provide apparel 10 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 or apparel 10.

First Textile Structure

[30] A portion of a textile 20 that is suitable for apparel 10 is disclosed in Figures 2 and 3. Textile 20 has the structure of an interwoven material that includes a plurality of weft yams 21 and a plurality of warp yams 22. Textile 20 may be formed, therefore, by mechanically manipulating yams 21 and 22 thorough an interweaving process, which involves crossing and interweaving yams 21 and 22 at substantially right angles to each other. The process of crossing and interweaving yams 21 and 22 at substantially right angles to each other forms a plurality of discrete openings 23 that are located between the various yams 21 and 22.

[31] Each of yams 21 and 22 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) of yams 21 and 22 change when textile 20 is in the presence of the physical stimulus. The dimensional- transformation of yams 21 and 22 has an effect upon the stracture of textile 20. More particularly, the dimensional-transformation of yams 21 and 22 modifies the structure of textile 20, thereby changing the properties of textile 20. Accordingly, exposing textile 20 to the physical stimulus has the effect of changing the properties of textile 20, thereby changing the properties of apparel 10.

[32] The manner in which exposing textile 20 to a physical stimulus has an effect upon the properties of textile 20 will now be discussed. With reference to Figure 2, textile 20 is depicted in an unexposed state, in which yams 21 and 22 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference to Figure 3, however, textile 20 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yams 21 and 22 are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, yams 21 and 22 exhibit dimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the area of each opening 23 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however, yams 21 and 22 exhibit a greater thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 23. That is, exposing yams 21 and 22 to the physical stimulus causes yams 21 and 22 to increase in thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 23 and modifies the stracture of textile 20.

[33] The modification in the stracture of textile 20 (i.e., decreasing the area of openings 23) changes the properties of textile 20. In the unexposed state, each opening 23 is relatively large, hi the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 23 is decreased, which decreases the overall permeability of textile 20 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the smaller area of each opening 23 in the exposed state decreases the ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate or otherwise extend through textile 20. Accordingly, exposing textile 20 to a physical stimulus changes the permeability properties of textile 20, thereby changing the permeability properties of apparel 10.

[34] Narious physical stimuli may induce a dimensional-transformation of yams 21 and 22, 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 than 75 percent, for example. Textile 20, and particularly yams 21 and 22, 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, yams 21 and 22 may be formed from materials that transform dimensionally due to temperature increases or moving air. [35] Yams 21 and 22, 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 in yams 21 and 22 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, yams 21 and 22 may be a 75 denier, 72 filament semi-dull textured polyester yam, and suitable formulations for the fiber or filament contents of yams 21 and 22 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. hi addition, silk, cotton, or wool may be utilized in yams 21 and 22. Accordingly, a wide range of materials are suitable for the various yams 21 and 22.

[36] When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 20 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 in yarns 21 and 22 is water, such as rain. When rain or another source of water (i.e., the physical stimulus) is not present, textile 20 is in the unexposed state and exhibits a relatively high permeability that permits air to freely enter and exit apparel 10, thereby cooling the individual. When significant quantities of water contact apparel 10, thereby placing textile 20 in the exposed state, textile 20 exhibits a relatively low permeability that inhibits the movement of water through textile 20. More specifically, water in the form of rain that contacts apparel 10 will cause openings 23 to decrease in area and limit the quantity of water that enters apparel 10. When yams 21 and 22 are formed from a material that transforms dimensionally in the presence of heat, sunlight or other heat sources induce openings 23 to decrease in area and limit the quantity of solar radiation that enters apparel 10. In addition, moving air in the form of wind may induce openings 23 to decrease in area to limit the quantity of air that passes through apparel 10. Accordingly, forming textile 20 from yams 21 and 22 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.

[37] Based upon the above discussion, textile 20 may be formed from various yams 21 and 22 that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional- transformation of yams 21 and 22 modify the structure of textile 20, thereby inducing a change in the properties of textile 20. When incorporated into apparel 10, the change in the properties of textile 20 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to insulate the individual from specific environmental conditions, such as rain, sunlight, or wind. Accordingly, textile 20 effectively adapts to changing environmental conditions in order to enhance the comfort of the individual wearing apparel 10.

Second Textile Stracture

[38] With respect to textile 20, both of yams 21 and 22 are at least partially formed from materials that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. In some embodiments, however, various yams 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 yams forming the textile of apparel 10 may be formed from a dimensionally-stable yam that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus.

[39] A textile 30 is depicted in Figures 4 and 5 that includes a plurality of weft yams 31a, a plurality of other weft yams 31b, a plurality of warp yams 32a, and a plurality of other warp yams 32b that define various openings 33. Whereas yams 31a and 32a are formed from a material that dimensionally transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus, yams 3 lb and 32b are formed from a dimensionally-stable yam that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. [40] The manner in which exposing textile 30 to a physical stimulus has an effect upon the properties of textile 30 will now be discussed. With reference to Figure 4, textile 30 is depicted in an unexposed state, in which yams 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference to Figure 5, however, textile 30 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yams 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, each of yams 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b exhibit dimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the area of each opening 33 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however, yams 31a and 32a exhibit a greater thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 33. That is, exposing yams 31a and 32a to the physical stimulus causes yams 31a and 32a to increase in thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 33 and modifies the stracture of textile 30. As discussed above, yams 31b and 32b are formed from a dimensionally-stable yam that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly, 31b and 32b do not transform dimensionally when exposed to the physical stimulus.

[41] The modification in the structure of textile 30 (i.e., decreasing the area of openings 33) changes the properties of textile 30. In the unexposed state, each opening 33 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 33 is decreased, which decreases the overall permeability of textile 30 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the smaller area of each opening 33 in the exposed state decreases the ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate through textile 30. Accordingly, exposing textile 30 to a physical stimulus changes the permeability properties of textile 30. Given that textile 30 may replace textile 20 in apparel 10, exposing textile 30 to a physical stimulus may be utilized to effectively change the permeability properties of apparel 10.

[42] An advantage of forming yams 31b and 32b from a dimensionally-stable yam that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus relates to the dimensional stability of textile 30. Yams 31b and 32b form a web in textile 30 that does not significantly change dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus. Whereas yams 31a and 32a transform dimensionally, yams 31b and 32b remain dimensionally-stable (i.e., in their original dimensions). Accordingly, yams 31b and 32b may be utilized to' ensure that the shape and dimensions of textile 30 are retained, despite the dimensional-transformation of yams 31a and 32a.

Third Textile Stracture

[43] Another potential configuration for the textile that forms at least a portion of apparel 10 is disclosed in Figures 6 and 7, in which a plurality of weft yams 41 and a plurality of warp yams 42 define various openings 43. Whereas weft yams 41 are formed from a material that dimensionally transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus, warp yams 42 are formed from a dimensionally-stable yam that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly, weft yams 41 do not substantially change dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus.

[44] Exposing textile 40 to a physical stimulus modifies the stracture of textile 40, which has an effect upon the properties of textile 40. With reference to Figure 6, textile 40 is depicted in an unexposed state, in which yams 41 and 42 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference to Figure 7, however, textile 40 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yams 41 and 42 are exposed to the physical stimulus. As with textiles 20 and 30, exposing yams 41 and 42 to the physical stimulus causes yams 41 to increase in thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 43 and modifies the structure of textile 40. The modification in the stracture of textile 40 (i.e., decreasing the area of openings 43) changes the properties of textile 40. In the unexposed state, each opening 33 is relatively large. In the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 33 is decreased, which decreases the overall permeability of textile 30 to water, light, and moving air, for example. Given that textile 40 may replace textile 20 in apparel 10, exposing textile 40 to a physical stimulus may be utilized to effectively change the permeability properties of apparel 10. As with textile 30, forming warp yams 42 from a dimensionally-stable yam that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus ensures that the shape and dimensions of textile 40 are retained, despite the dimensional- transformation of weft yams 41. Fourth Textile Structure

[45] The configurations of textiles 20, 30, and 40 may be utilized to protect or otherwise insulate the individual from specific environmental conditions. As discussed above, the dimensional-transformation of various yams induces the openings between the yams to decrease in area. The decrease in area decreases the permeability of textiles 20, 30, and 40, thereby permitting less rain, sunlight, or wind to enter apparel 10. It may be desirable in some situations, however, to increase the permeability of the textile forming apparel 10. For example, increasing the permeability may be utilized to increase air flow through the textile forming apparel 10, thereby enhancing the removal of perspiration from the individual.

[46] A textile 50 with the stracture of an interwoven material that includes a plurality of weft yams 51, a plurality of warp yams 52a, and a plurality of warp yams 52b is depicted in Figures 8 and 9. Textile 50 may be formed, therefore, by mechanically manipulating yams 51, 52a, and 52b thorough an interweaving process, which involves crossing and interweaving weft yams 51 at substantially right angles to yams 52a and 52b. The process of crossing and interweaving weft yams 51 at substantially right angles to yarns 52a and 52b forms a plurality of discrete openings 53.

[47] Whereas yams 52a are formed from a material that dimensionally transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus, yams 51 and 52b are formed from a dimensionally-stable yam that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. In addition, warp yams 52a exhibit an undulating or otherwise wavy configuration, whereas yams 51 and 52b are relatively straight.

[48] The manner in which exposing textile 50 to a physical stimulus has an effect upon the properties of textile 50 will now be discussed. With reference to Figure 8, textile 50 is depicted in an unexposed state, in which yams 51, 52a, and 52b are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference to Figure 9, however, textile 50 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yams 51, 52a, and 52b are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, yams 51, 52a, and 52b exhibit dimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the area of each opening 53 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however, warp yams 52a exhibit a greater thickness and a greater degree of undulation, which increases the area of each opening 53. That is, exposing yams 51, 52a, and 52b to the physical stimulus causes warp yams 52a to increase in thickness and degree of undulation, which increases the area of each opening 53 and modifies the structure of textile 50.

[49] The modification in the structure of textile 50 (i.e., increasing the area of openings 53) changes the properties of textile 50. In the unexposed state, each opening 53 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 53 is increased, which increases the overall permeability of textile 50 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the greater area of each opening 53 in the exposed state increases the ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate through textile 50. Accordingly, exposing textile 50 to a physical stimulus increases the permeability properties of textile 50, thereby increasing the permeability properties of apparel 10.

[50] When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 50 may be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual, for example. Based upon the above discussion, therefore, textile 50 may be formed from various warp yams 52a that transform dimensionally and in degree of undulation in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional-transformation of warp yams 52a modifies the stracture of textile 50, thereby inducing a change in the properties of textile 50. When incorporated into apparel 10, the change in the properties of textile 50 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual. Accordingly, textile 50 effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual in order to enhance the comfort of the individual wearing apparel 10.

Fifth Textile Stracture

[51] Each of textiles 20, 30, 40, and 50 are formed thorough an interweaving process, which involves crossing and interweaving weft yams and warp yams 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 yams. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, a textile 60 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. Textile 60 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 a yam 61.

[52] Yam 61 is formed from a material that dimensionally transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus. More particularly, the dimensions of yam 61 (i.e., length and thickness, for example) may increase in the presence of the physical stimulus. When exposed to a physical stimulus, yam 61 dimensionally-transforms in both length and thickness. Although an increase thickness would appear to decrease the area of each opening 62, the associated increase in length separates the various portions of yam 61 to a greater degree and actually increases the area of each opening 63. That is, the increase in thickness has a greater effect upon the area of openings 63 than the increase in thickness, thereby increasing the overall area of each opening 63. When exposed to the physical stimulus, therefore, the permeability of textile 60 may increase.

[53] The manner in which exposing textile 60 to a physical stimulus has an effect upon the properties of textile 60 will now be discussed in greater detail. With reference to Figure 10, textile 60 is depicted in an unexposed state, in which yam 61 is not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference to Figure 11, however, textile 60 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yam 61 is exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, the area of each opening 63 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however, yam 61 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 each opening 63. That is, exposing yam 60 to the physical stimulus causes yam 60 to increase in length, which increases the area of each opening 63 and modifies the structure of textile 60. [54] The modification in the stracture of textile 60 (i.e., increasing the area of openings 63) changes the properties of textile 60. In the unexposed state, each opening 63 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however, the area of each opening 63 is increased, which increases the overall permeability of textile 60 to water, light, and moving air, for example. That is, the greater area of each opening 63 in the exposed state increases the ease with which water, light, and moving air may penetrate through textile 60. Accordingly, exposing textile 60 to a physical stimulus increases the permeability properties of textile 60, thereby increasing the permeability properties of apparel 10.

[55] When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 60 may be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual, for example. Based upon the above discussion, therefore, textile 60 may be formed from yam 61, which transforms dimensionally and in degree of undulation in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional-transformation of yam 61 modifies the stracture of textile 60, thereby inducing a change in the properties of textile 60. When incorporated into apparel 10, the change in the properties of textile 60 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual. Accordingly, textile 60 effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual in order to enhance the comfort of the individual wearing apparel 10.

Sixth Textile Stracture

[56] Increasing or decreasing the area of openings between the various yams 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 to Figures 12-15, a textile 70 is disclosed. Textile 70 is formed from a yam 71 and a yam 72 through an interlooping process. As will be described in greater detail below, the texture of textile 70 changes from being relatively smooth to having a plurality of nodes 73 that form a separation between the individual and textile 70. Nodes 73 effectively hold textile 70 away from the individual and permit air to flow between textile 70 and the individual, thereby increasing removal of perspiration. In order to form textile 70, yams 71 and 72 are mechanically-manipulated through a circular knitting process to form textile 70 with a double knit stracture. In some embodiments, three or more yams may be utilized to form textile 70, and a variety of other knit structures in addition to the double knit structure may be utilized.

[57] Whereas yam 71 is formed from a material that dimensionally transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus, yam 72 is formed from a dimensionally-stable yam that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly, yam 71 substantially changes dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus. Yam 71 extends through the structure formed by yam 72 and is primarily positioned on one side of textile 70. That is, the position of yam 71 is concentrated on one side of textile 70. When exposed to the physical stimulus, yam 71 transforms dimensionally, whereas yam 72 remains dimensionally-stable. The dimensions of yam 71 increase when exposed to the physical stimulus and form a plurality of nodes 73 on one side of textile 70. That is, the concentrated areas of yam 71 expand when exposed to the physical stimulus and form nodes 73.

[58] With reference to Figure 12 and 13, textile 70 is depicted in an unexposed state, in which yarns 71 and 72 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. With reference to Figures 14 and 15, however, textile 70 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yams 71 and 72 are exposed to the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, textile 70 exhibits a relatively smooth texture. In the exposed state, however, textile 70 exhibits greater texture due to the presence of the plurality of nodes 73. That is, exposing yam 71 to the physical stimulus forms nodes 73 on one side of textile 70 and causes textile 70 to increase in texture, which modifies the stracture of textile 70.

[59] The modification in the structure of textile 70 changes the properties of textile 70. In the unexposed state, textile 70 is relatively smooth and significantly contacts the individual. In the exposed state, however, the texture of textile 70 is increased through the formation of nodes 73, which forms a separation between the individual and textile 70. That is, nodes 73 effectively hold textile 70 away from the individual and permit air to flow between textile 70 and the individual, thereby increasing the rate at which perspiration is removed. Exposing textile 70 to a physical stimulus increases the texture of textile 70, thereby increasing the texture properties of apparel 10. Accordingly, textile 70 effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual in order to enhance the comfort of the individual wearing apparel 10.

Conclusion

[60] Based upon the above discussion, various textiles may be formed from yams that transform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensional- transformation of the yams modifies the structures of the textiles, thereby inducing a change in the properties of textiles. 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 adapts 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.

[61] 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

CLAIMSThat which is claimed is:

1. An article of apparel comprising a textile with at least one property that changes upon exposure to a physical stimulus, the textile having a modifiable stracture formed from yams that exhibit a dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus, the yams having a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yams having a second set of dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus, the stracture of the textile being modified by exposing the textile to the physical stimulus such that the yams transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the property of the textile.

2. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the physical stimulus is water.

3. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the first set of dimensions is less than the second set of dimensions.

4. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the textile is formed through an interweaving process.

5. The article of apparel recited in claim 4, wherein the yams define openings in the textile, the openings exhibiting a first area when the yams are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the openings exhibiting a second area when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

6. The article of apparel recited in claim 5, wherein the property of the textile is permeability of the textile.

7. The article of apparel recited in claim 6, wherein the first area is greater than the second area to decrease the permeability of the textile when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

8. The article of apparel recited in claim 6, wherein the first area is less than the second area to increase the permeability of the textile when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

9. The article of apparel recited in claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the yams exhibit an undulating configuration.

10. The article of apparel recited in claim 4, wherein a substantial portion of the textile is formed from the yam.

11. The article of apparel recited in claim 4, wherein a first portion of the yams exhibit the dimensional-fransformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus, and a second portion of the yams remain dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the physical stimulus.

12. The article of apparel recited in claim 11, wherein the first portion of the yams are both weft yams and waφ yams, and the second portion of the yams are both weft yams and warp yams.

13. The article of apparel recited in claim 11, wherein the first portion of the yams are one of weft yams and warp yams, and the second portion of the yams are another of weft yams and waφ yams.

14. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the textile is formed through an interlooping process.

15. The article of apparel recited in claim 14, wherein the yams define openings in the textile, the openings exhibiting a first area when the yams are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the openings exhibiting a second area when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

16. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the first area is less than the second area to increase the permeability when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

17. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the structure of the textile exhibits a first texture when the yams are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the structure of the textile exhibits a second texture when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

18. The article of apparel recited in claim 17, wherein the first texture is smoother than the second texture.

19. The article of apparel recited in claim 17, wherein the second texture includes a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a surface of the textile.

20. An article of apparel comprising a textile with a permeability that changes upon exposure to a physical stimulus, the textile having a plurality of openings defined between yams that exhibit a dimensional-fransformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus, the yams having a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yams having a second set of dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus, the structure of the textile being modified by exposing the textile to the physical stimulus such that the yams transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the permeability of the textile.

21. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein the physical stimulus is water.

22. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein the textile is formed through an interweaving process.

23. The article of apparel recited in claim 22, wherein the openings decrease in area to decrease the permeability of the textile when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

24. The article of apparel recited in claim 22, wherein the openings increase in area to increase the permeability of the textile when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

25. The article of apparel recited in claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the yams exhibit an undulating configuration.

26. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein a substantial portion of the textile is formed from the yam.

27. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein a first portion of the yams exhibit the dimensional-fransformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus, and a second portion of the yams remain dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the physical stimulus.

28. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein the textile is formed through an interlooping process.

29. The article of apparel recited in claim 20, wherein the textile exhibits a first texture when the yams are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the textile exhibits a second texture when the yams are exposed to the physical stimulus.

30. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein the first texture is smoother than the second texture.

31. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein the second texture includes a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a surface of the textile.

32. An article of apparel at least partially formed from an interwoven textile, the textile comprising: a first yam that exhibits a dimensional-fransformation upon exposure to water; and a second yam that is substantially dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the water, wherein the textile is formed by mechanically-manipulating the first yam and the second yam, the textile exhibiting a first structure when unexposed to the water, and the textile exhibiting the second stracture when exposed to the water due to the dimensional-fransformation of the first yam.

33. The article of apparel recited in claim 32, wherein the dimensional-fransformation of the first yam increases dimensions of the first yam.

34. The article of apparel recited in claim 32, wherein the first yam and the second yam define openings in the textile, the openings exhibiting a first area when the first yam and the second yam are unexposed to the water, and the openings exhibiting a second area when the first yam and the second yam are exposed to the water to modify the structure of the textile.

35. The article of apparel recited in claim 34, wherein the first area is greater than the second area to decrease a permeability of the textile when the first yam and the second yam are exposed to the water.

36. The article of apparel recited in claim 34, wherein the first area is less than the second area to increase a permeability of the textile when the first yam and the second yam are exposed to the water.

37. The article of apparel recited in claim 36, wherein at least a portion of the yams exhibit an undulating configuration.

38. The article of apparel recited in claim 32, wherein the first yam is both weft yams and waφ yams, and the second yam is both weft yams and waφ yams.

39. The article of apparel recited in claim 32, wherein the first yam is one of weft yams and waφ yams, and the second yam is another of weft yams and waφ yams.

40. An article of apparel at least partially formed from an interlooped textile, the textile comprising a yam that exhibits a dimensional-fransformation upon exposure to water, the yam having a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the water, and the yam having a second set of dimensions when exposed to the water, a stracture of the textile being modified by exposing the textile to the water such that the yams transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change a permeability of the textile.

41. The article of apparel recited in claim 40, wherein the yam defines openings in the textile, the openings exhibiting a first area when the yam is unexposed to the water, and the openings exhibiting a second area when the yam is exposed to the water to modify the structure of the textile.

42. The article of apparel recited in claim 41, wherein the first area is less than the second area to increase the permeability of the textile when the yams are exposed to the water.

43. The article of apparel recited in claim 40, wherein the stracture of the textile exhibits a first texture when the yam is unexposed to the water, and the stracture of the textile exhibits a second texture when the yam is exposed to the water to modify the structure of the textile.

44. The article of apparel recited in claim 43, wherein the first texture is smoother than the second texture.

45. The article of apparel recited in claim 43, wherein the second texture includes a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a surface of the textile.

46. An article of apparel at least partially formed from an interlooped textile, the textile comprising: a first yam that exhibits a dimensional-fransformation upon exposure to water, the first yam having a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the water, and the first yam having a second set of dimensions when exposed to the water; and a second yam that is substantially dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the water, the textile having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first yam being substantially concentrated at the first surface, a stracture of the textile being modified by exposing the textile to the water such that the first yam transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions to form a plurality of nodes on the first surface.

47. The article of apparel recited in claim 46, wherein the first yam and the second yam are mechanically-manipulated to form a double knit stracture.

48. The article of apparel recited in claim 46, wherein the second texture includes a plurality of nodes that extend outward from a surface of the textile.

49. The article of apparel recited in claim 46, wherein the nodes impart a texture to the textile on the first surface.

50. An article of apparel at least partially formed from an interwoven textile, the textile comprising: a first yam that exhibits an increasing dimensional-fransformation upon exposure to water; and a second yam that is substantially dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the water, wherein the textile is formed by mechanically-manipulating the yams to form a plurality of openings between the yams, the openings having a first area when the yams are unexposed to the water, and the openings having a second area when the yams are exposed to the water due to the dimensional-transformation of the first yam, the second area being greater than the first area to increase a permeability of the textile.

51. The article of apparel recited in claim 50, wherein at least a portion of the yams exhibit an undulating configuration.

52. The article of apparel recited in claim 50, wherein the first yam is both weft yams and waφ yams, and the second yam is both weft yams and waφ yams.

53. The article of apparel recited in claim 50, wherein the first yam is one of weft yams and waφ yams, and the second yam is another of weft yams and waφ yams.

54. A method of manufacturing an article of apparel from a textile, the method comprising steps of: selecting a first yam with a first degree of water absorbency and a first degree of dimensional-fransformation upon exposure to water; selecting a second yam with a second degree of water absorbency and a second degree of dimensional-transformation upon exposure to the water; mechanically-manipulating the first yam and the second yam to form a textile with a stracture that is modified from a first stracture to a second stracture upon exposure to the water to change a property of the textile.