METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A LOW DRAG GARMENT

Abstract

A method of providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual person includes providing a database containing data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments when worn by a plurality of persons having different adopted body shapes, determining the adopted body shape of the individual person, and entering data relating to the adopted body shape of the individual person into a computer. The database is interrogated to identify a set of aerodynamic performance data relating to garments worn by a person having a similar adopted body shape to the individual person. The computer compares the aerodynamic performance data of the garments in the identified data set, selects from the identified data set a garment having a relatively low aerodynamic drag, looks up in the database the characteristics of the selected garment, and uses at least some of the characteristics of the selected garment to provide a garment for the individual person.

Claims

1. A method of providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual person, the method comprising (a) providing a database comprising data relating to (i) a plurality of different adopted body shapes and (ii) one or more garments that provide a low aerodynamic drag with each of the plurality of adopted body shapes, (b) determining an adopted body shape of the individual person, (c) entering data relating to the adopted body shape of the individual person into a computer, (d) interrogating the database by means of the computer and identifying from the plurality of adopted body shapes at least one adopted body shape that is similar to the adopted body shape of the individual person, (e) selecting from the database at least one garment having a low aerodynamic drag with the identified adopted body shape, (f) looking up in the database one or more characteristics of the selected garment, and (g) providing a garment for the individual person that matches one or more characteristics of the selected garment.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the database includes data relating to one or more characteristics of the garments selected from: the type of garment, the design, size and/or relative dimensions of the garment, the position of one or more seams in the garment, the type, texture and/or permeability of the fabric forming the garment, or any three dimensional pattern applied to the surface of the fabric.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the database comprises data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments at a range of different airspeeds, and wherein selecting a garment having a relatively low aerodynamic drag includes selecting an airspeed from the range of different airspeeds.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the database comprises data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments at a range of different performance cadences, and wherein selecting a garment having a relatively low aerodynamic drag includes selecting a performance cadence from the range of different performance cadences.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the database comprises data relating to a plurality of garment components, and wherein the method includes selecting a plurality of garment components, each having a low aerodynamic drag with an identified adopted body shape, and providing a garment for the individual person by combining garment components that match one or more characteristics of the selected garment components.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein determining the adopted body shape of the individual person includes obtaining a three dimensional scan of the adopted body shape of the individual person.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the adopted body shape of the individual person is determined while the individual person is in a posture that is adopted while engaging in a specific sporting activity.

8. A method according to claim 1, including creating the database that comprises data relating to a plurality of different adopted body shapes and one or more garments that provide low aerodynamic drag with each of the plurality of adopted body shapes.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein creating the database includes performing a series of wind tunnel tests to determine the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments when worn by a plurality of persons having different adopted body shapes, and storing data relating to the aerodynamic performance of the garments in a database.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein performing a series of wind tunnel tests includes changing individual garment components to determine the effect of those garment components on the aerodynamic performance of garment comprising a plurality of garment components.

11. A method according to claim 8, wherein creating the database includes determining the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments by computational fluid dynamics.

12. A system for providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual person, the system comprising a database including data relating to a plurality of different adopted body shapes and one or more garments that provide a low aerodynamic drag with each of the plurality of adopted body shapes, a measuring apparatus for determining the adopted body shape of the individual person, and a computer comprising data input means for entering data relating to the adopted body shape of the individual person into the computer, the computer being configured to (i) interrogate the database and identify from the plurality of adopted body shapes at least one adopted body shape that is similar to the adopted body shape of the individual person, (ii) select from the database at least one garment having a low aerodynamic drag with the identified adopted body shape, (iv) look up in the database one or more characteristics of the selected garment, and (v) provide a garment for the individual person by matching one or more characteristics of the selected garment.

13. A system according to claim 12, further including a shape capturing device that is configured to obtain a three dimensional scan of the individual person so as to determine the adopted body shape of the individual person.

14. A system according to claim 12, further including a wind tunnel and sensing apparatus configured for performing a series of wind tunnel tests to determine the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments with each of a plurality of adopted body shapes.

15. A system for providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual person, the system comprising a database including data relating to a plurality of different adopted body shapes and one or more garments that provide a low aerodynamic drag with each of the plurality of adopted body shapes, a measuring apparatus for determining the adopted body shape of the individual person, and a computer configured to (i) interrogate the database and identify from the plurality of adopted body shapes at least one adopted body shape that is similar to the adopted body shape of the individual person, (ii) select from the database at least one garment having a low aerodynamic drag with the identified adopted body shape, (iv) look up in the database one or more characteristics of the selected garment, and (v) provide a garment for the individual person by matching one or more characteristics of the selected garment.

16. A system according to claim 15, further comprising a shape capturing device that is configured to obtain a three dimensional scan of the individual person so as to determine the adopted body shape of the individual person.

17. A system according to claim 15, further comprising a wind tunnel and sensing apparatus configured for performing a series of wind tunnel tests to determine the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments with each of a plurality of adopted body shapes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically the flow of air around a cylindrical object;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a bodysuit for cycling;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a cyclist wearing the bodysuit shown in FIG. 2;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 2;

[0048] FIGS. 5.1 and 5.2 illustrate schematically the components of a system and the steps of a process for creating a database containing data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments;

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates schematically the components of a system for providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag, and

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates the steps of a method of providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical airflow around a cylindrical body 2, wherein the longitudinal axis X of the cylindrical body is perpendicular to the direction of airflow relative to the cylindrical body. It is recognised that the human body is not a perfect cylinder and in regions such as the chest it is closer to an elliptical shape. However, a cylinder provides a good first approximation to an irregular curved body in which the radius of curvature r of the cylinder is similar to that of the curved body. For example, for an adult, the upper arm typically has an average radius (based on circumference) of about 50 mm, the thigh typically has an average radius of about 80 mm, and the chest typically has an average radius of about 160 mm.

[0052] The movement of a body through stationary air may be modelled in a wind tunnel by creating a moving airstream that flows over a stationary body. In FIG. 1 the direction of airflow indicated by arrow S is perpendicular to the surface of the cylindrical body at point P, which is called the stagnation point. This is equivalent to forward relative movement of the body 2 through the air in the direction of arrow M.

[0053] On either side of the stagnation point P the airflow splits into two streams F1, F2 that pass around opposite sides of the cylindrical body 2. Up to approximately the widest point of the cylindrical body relative to the flow direction, the airflow is substantially laminar, allowing a boundary layer 3 to build up against the surface of the cylindrical body 2.

[0054] After passing the widest point of the cylindrical body 2 relative to the direction of flow, the flow streams F1, F2 tend to separate from the surface of the cylindrical body forming vortices V in the region behind the cylindrical body. This creates a low pressure zone L behind the cylindrical body 2 and the resulting pressure difference between the front and the rear faces 5, 6 of the cylindrical body creates a pressure drag force Fd that opposes movement of the cylindrical body relative to the air. The movement of air over the surface of the cylindrical body also creates a surface friction force Fs, which is usually much smaller than the drag force Fd at relative speeds in the range 6-40 m/sec.

[0055] The points where the boundary layer separates from the surface of the cylindrical body 2 are called the transition points T1, T2. The pressure drag force Fd experienced by the cylindrical body 2 depends in part on the area of the cylindrical body located within the low pressure zone L between the transition points T1, T2. If the transition points T1, T2 can be moved rearwards, this will reduce the size of the area affected by the low pressure zone L, thereby reducing the pressure drag Fd acting on the cylindrical body 2.

[0056] It is known that the transition points T1, T2 can be shifted rearwards by providing a suitable texture 8 on the surface of the cylindrical body 2. In the case of a human body, a suitable texture can be provided in the fabric of a garment clothing the body. It should be understood that the texture pattern 8 shown on the upper part of the cylindrical body 2 may also be repeated on the lower side of the body. The transition points T1, T2 can also be shifted rearwards by providing trip edges 9 on the surface of the cylindrical body 2. In the case of a human body, trip edges 9 can be provided as seams in a garment clothing the body. The design of a garment, including the provision of a surface texture pattern 8 and/or seams providing trip edges 9 can therefore have a profound effect on the aerodynamic drag experienced by a person participating in a sporting activity.

[0057] The garment is preferably an article of sports clothing, which may be used for any sport where the reduction of drag is important. This applies particularly to sports where the input power is limited (for example being supplied by the athlete or the force of gravity) and where the athlete travels at a speed typically in the range 6-20 m/sec, for example cycling, running, horse racing and speed skating, or possibly up to 40 m/s or more for some sports, for example downhill skiing The article of clothing may for example consist of a shirt, trousers, leggings, shorts, bibshorts, shoes, overshoes, arm covers, calf guards, gloves, socks or a one-piece bodysuit. The article of clothing may also be an item of headwear, for example a hat or helmet, or a fabric covering for a helmet.

[0058] An example of a garment 11 intended for use while cycling is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The garment 11 in this case is a one-piece bodysuit comprising a body portion 12 that covers the athlete's torso, with short sleeves 14 and legs 16 that cover the upper portions of the athlete's arms and legs. The garment 11 has a plurality of zones that are defined in relation to the direction of forward travel M of the athlete, and which take account of the athlete's posture. The zones include a first zone A located generally in an inner front region of the garment, a second zone B located in an outer front region of the garment and a third zone C that is located in a rear region of the garment. The outer surface of the garment 11 has a texture that varies across the three zones, the texture typically having a low height in the first zone A, a larger height in the second zone B and a largest height in the third zone C.

[0059] In this example, the first zone A is located primarily on the chest and shoulder regions of the torso 12 and on the forward facing portions of the sleeves 14 and the legs 16. The second zone B with an increased texture height is located primarily on the side and back regions of the body 12 and side regions of the sleeves 14 and the legs 16. The third zone C having the greatest texture height is located primarily on the lower back portion of the body 12 and the rear portions of the sleeves 14 and the legs 16. This arrangement of texture patterns has been found to be particularly advantageous for cyclists adopting the classic crouched posture illustrated in FIG. 3. It will be appreciated that in other sports where the athletes adopt different postures, the arrangement of the texture patterns will be adapted as required to provide a low level of pressure drag.

[0060] In the case of a garment made from a textured fabric, the fabric may in an embodiment have a texture that varies substantially continuously. The term substantially continuously is intended to cover both a continuous increase in the texture height and a quasi-continuous increase in texture height, consisting of a plurality of incremental or step-wise increases in the texture height, as may be required according to the manufacturing process used. This can be achieved for example by using a jacquard knitted fabric. Alternatively, the texture pattern can be printed onto the fabric or it can be created by applying a suitable solid material, for example silicone, to the surface of the fabric. The silicone may for example be applied to the surface of the fabric using a 3D printer.

[0061] In addition to providing a texture pattern, or as an alternative thereto, the garment 11 may be provided with one or more raised trip edges 18, which are positioned to delay separation of the boundary layer from the surface of the body. These trip edges 18 may for example consist of raised seams that are sewn into the fabric of the garment 11, or they may be created by applying a solid material, for example silicone, to the surface of the fabric. In the example shown in FIGS. 2-4 trip edges 18 are provided that extend along the side edges of the body portion 12, the sleeves 14 and the legs 16.

[0062] The locations of the trip edges and/or the areas of texture pattern can have a significant effect on the aerodynamic efficiency of the garment and the drag experienced by a person wearing the garment. Finding the ideal positions for these features is therefore crucial for optimum aerodynamic performance.

[0063] The present invention provides in one embodiment a method of providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual person. The method comprises providing a database containing data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments when worn by a plurality of persons having different adopted body shapes, determining the adopted body shape of the individual person, entering data relating to the adopted body shape of the individual person into a computer, interrogating the database by means of the computer to identify a set of aerodynamic performance data relating to garments worn by a person having a similar adopted body shape to the individual person, comparing the aerodynamic performance data of the garments in the identified data set, selecting from the identified data set a garment having a relatively low aerodynamic drag, looking up in the database the characteristics of the selected garment, and using at least some of the characteristics of the selected garment to provide a garment for the individual person.

[0064] According to another embodiment the invention provides a system for providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual person. The system comprises a database containing data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments when worn by a plurality of persons having different adopted body shapes, a measuring apparatus for determining the adopted body shape of the individual person, and a computer having data input means for entering data relating to the adopted body shape of the individual person into the computer. The computer is configured to (i) interrogate the database to identify a set of aerodynamic performance data relating to garments worn by a person having a similar adopted body shape to the individual person, (ii) compare the aerodynamic performance data of the garments in the identified data set, (iii) select from the identified data set a garment having a relatively low aerodynamic drag, (iv) look up in the database the characteristics of the selected garment, and (v) use at least some of the characteristics of the selected garment to provide a garment for the individual person.

[0065] A system and a process for creating a database containing data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a plurality of garments is illustrated in FIGS. 5.1 and 5.2. The system includes a wind tunnel 20 having a wind generator 22, for example a motor driven fan, for generating a flow of air through the wind tunnel 20. An athlete 24 (in this example a cyclist on a bike) is positioned in the wind tunnel, preferably for example on a rolling road. One or more sensors 26 are provided for sensing the aerodynamic drag experienced by the athlete 24, and optionally the cadence, in the wind tunnel 20. These sensors 26 are connected to an input/output device 28, which transmits data from the sensors to a computer 30. Data may also be entered by an operator via a user interface 32. The data received from the sensors 26 and entered by the operator via the user interface 32 is processed by the computer 30 and stored in a database 34. The system also includes a device 36 capable of capturing 3D body shapes, for example a 3D laser scanner, for scanning the adopted body shape and optionally the standing body shape of the athlete 24. Data representing the adopted body shape and optionally the standing body shape of the athlete 24 is also stored in the database 34.

[0066] The system described above is used to create a database containing data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a variety of garments when worn by athletes having different adopted body shapes. The method of creating the database involves scanning the adopted body shape of an athlete, with the athlete in an active posture: i.e. in a posture that is adopted while engaging in a specific sporting activity. For example, for a cyclist this may be the classic crouched posture illustrated in FIG. 3. Optionally, the athlete may also be scanned in a number of other postures, for example a standing posture.

[0067] The athlete then enters the wind tunnel and a series of tests are performed to measure the aerodynamic drag experienced by the athlete while wearing different garments. In each test the athlete adopts the same posture, preferably an active posture that is adopted while engaging in a specific sporting activity. Preferably, only one feature of the garment is changed for each test so that the effect of that change can be assessed. The feature that is changed may for example relate to the position and/or size of a texture pattern, the position and/or size of trip edges and so on. Where the garment comprises a number of components, for example a body portion, sleeves and legs, these are preferably changed separately so that the aerodynamic drag of each separate component can be measured. The tests may also be performed at different wind speeds to replicate different kinds of sporting event and levels of athleticism. The data resulting from these tests is stored in the database. The tests are then repeated with the same athlete adopting the adjusted body position (in the case of cycling this would be a different riding position to create a different riding shape) and then the entire process is repeated again with different athletes, to build up numerous sets of data relating to the aerodynamic performance of a variety of garments when worn by athletes having different adopted body shapes. Alternatively, mannequins may be used in place of live athletes, to ensure that the results of the tests are not affected by extraneous factors, such as changes in the posture of the athlete during the tests.

[0068] Once the database has been created it can be used to help select and provide a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual athlete. A system for providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag is illustrated in FIG. 6. The system includes a shape capturing device 40, for example a 3D laser scanner, for capturing the adopted body shape of the athlete. The shape capturing device 40 is connected to a computer 42. Data may also be entered into the computer 42 by an operator via a user interface 44. The computer 42 is also connected to a database 46 that contains the test data obtained by the method described above, relating to the aerodynamic performance of a variety of garments when worn by athletes having different adopted body shapes. The computer 42 may also optionally be connected to an output device 48, for example a printer, VDU or electronic messaging device, and/or to a manufacturing/supply system 50.

[0069] The method of providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual athlete involves scanning the adopted body shape of the athlete, preferably with the athlete in an active posture: i.e. in a posture that is adopted while engaging in a specific sporting activity (in the case of cycling the riding shape). For example, for a cyclist this may be the classic crouched posture illustrated in FIG. 3. Optionally, the athlete may also be scanned in a number of other postures, for example a standing posture.

[0070] The body scan data is then entered into the computer 42, which interrogates the database 46 to identify sets of test data relating to athletes with a similar adopted body shape. Optionally the adopted body shape data representing the athlete may be separated into individual components representing the shapes of different body parts, for example the torso, the arms and the legs etc. The computer interrogates the database and identifies the sets of data (the subgroup) that relate to athletes with a similar adopted body shape, or to individual body parts that are similar in shape to the corresponding parts of the athlete's body when in the adopted body shape. The computer algorithm then retrieves from the database the 3D database subgroup that most closely matches the athlete or, alternatively, retrieves the individual garment sub-components that demonstrate the lowest drag for the 3D database adopted body component shapes that most closely match those of the athlete's adopted body component shapes. These garment component parts may then be combined to create a complete garment design. This data is then used by the garment manufacturer so that a low drag garment having the required characteristics can be supplied or manufactured.

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates the steps of a method of providing a garment with low aerodynamic drag for an individual person (or client), who in this example is a cyclist.

[0072] In the first stage of the process, a stationary bike is set up for the individual client cyclist in his or her preferred riding position (step 100). A suitable shape recording device such as a 3D scanner is then used to record the shape of the client's body in the riding position (step 102): i.e. to capture the individual's adopted body shape (which is the riding shape in the case of cycling). The speed range that the client wishes to optimise their clothing for is then entered into the computer (step 104).

[0073] The client then chooses which service level they require (step 106). Three likely options are presented here although others may become available in future.

[0074] If the client chooses Option 1, they will be matched with the best aerodynamically efficient option of garment from a selection of pre-existing garment designs that may also be pre-manufactured and available for immediate purchase or ordered for rapid delivery. In this case the computer algorithm compares the client's 3D adopted body shape and target speed range data with the closest matching 3D database subgroup data (step 108). The algorithm next selects from the appropriate available list of pre-designed garments in the 3D database the garment option that was shown to provide the lowest drag at that speed range for the 3D database subgroup that the client was most closely matched with (step 110). The client may then purchase the recommended garment directly or place an order for it if not in stock (step 112).

[0075] If the client chooses Option 2, they are requesting a made-to-order suit that is likely to be aerodynamically optimised to a higher degree than for Option 1 through a process of combining the individual pre-designed garment subcomponents into a complete garment design that is then custom manufactured for the client. In this case the computer algorithm compares each of the client's adopted body component shapes against the 3D database subgroup of adopted body component shapes (step 114). For each adopted body component shape, the algorithm then selects the garment subcomponent design that the 3D database shows to provide the lowest drag for that adopted body component shape at the target speed range (step 116). These individual garment subcomponents designs are then combined to make a complete garment design (step 118). The client may then place an order for this garment to be custom manufactured for them (step 120).

[0076] If the client chooses Option 3, they are opting for a bespoke design process. In this scenario the computer algorithm compares each of the client's adopted body shape component parts against those of the 3D database (step 122). Rather than selecting the singular, best performing, garment subcomponent design for each body shape component part, the algorithm may instead select the best performing garment subcomponent designs from multiple 3D database subgroups each of which are close matches to the client and, for each of their respective best performing garment subcomponents, apply interpolation or other modelling techniques in order to create a more optimised garment subcomponent design for the client (step 124). These garment subcomponents may also be adjusted e.g. for length or girth in order to better fit the client.

[0077] These individual garment subcomponents are then combined to make a complete garment (step 126). The client may then place of order for this garment to be custom manufactured for them (step 128).

[0078] In the case of any garments that are made to order, the client may also be offered the option to specify other details that do not necessarily relate to aerodynamic performance such as seat pad option or custom printing of the garment.