ADAPTIVE VENTING FOR UNIFORMS

Abstract

The present disclosure describes forming one or more vents within a decal or other decorative layer on an article of apparel that dynamically transition (e.g., without manual operation or manipulation) from a closed state to an open state in response to exposure to an external stimulus such as, for example, moisture in the form of perspiration. The vents provide breathability within the decorated region that would otherwise be hampered by the lack of breathability through the decal without the vents. An optional concealment layer comprising a permeable material such as mesh material conceals the wearers skin when the vents are open.

Claims

1. An article of apparel comprising: a multi-layer textile comprising: a fabric layer; a film layer coupled to the fabric layer; and a decorative layer; and a vent extending through the multi-layer textile; wherein the film layer, when exposed to an external stimulus, undergoes a shape change that causes the vent to transition from a closed state to an open state.

2. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the vent comprises a first slit having at least one linear segment.

3. The article of apparel of claim 2, wherein the first slit further comprises a curvilinear segment extending from the at least one linear segment.

4. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the decorative layer is affixed to a first surface of the fabric layer, and the film layer is affixed to a second surface of the fabric layer opposite the first surface.

5. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the decorative layer is affixed to a first surface of the film layer, and wherein the fabric layer is affixed to a second surface of the film layer opposite the first surface.

6. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the decorative layer comprises a material that is less breathable than the fabric layer.

7. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the film layer is disposed between the fabric layer and the decorative layer and at least partially affixes the decorative layer to the fabric layer.

8. The article of apparel of claim 7, wherein the film layer is at least partially melted into the fabric layer.

9. An upper-body garment comprising: a torso portion having a waist opening, a neck opening, a left arm opening, and a right arm opening; the torso portion comprising a textile layer, a film layer, and a decorative layer, the decorative layer positioned exterior to the textile layer and the film layer; and a vent formed through the textile layer, the film layer, and the decorative layer, wherein the film layer, when exposed to an external stimulus, undergoes a shape change that causes the vent to transition from a closed state to an open state.

10. The upper-body garment of claim 9, wherein the torso portion includes a front region and the film layer and the decorative layer are joined to the textile layer at the front region.

11. The upper-body garment of claim 10, wherein the front region is proximate a front thoracic region of the torso portion.

12. The upper-body garment of claim 11, wherein the torso portion further comprises a mesh-layer.

13. The upper-body garment of claim 12, wherein the vent comprises a first slit intersecting a second slit.

14. The upper-body garment of claim 13, wherein the first slit comprises a first end and a second end, the first slit defined by a first edge and a second edge each extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the second slit comprises a third end and a fourth end, the second slit defined by a third edge and a fourth edge each extending between the third end and the fourth end.

15. The upper-body garment of claim 14, wherein in the closed state the first edge is positioned adjacent to the second edge and the third edge is positioned adjacent to the fourth edge.

16. The upper-body garment of claim 14, wherein in the open state the first edge is spaced apart from the second edge and the third edge is spaced apart from the fourth edge.

17. An article of apparel comprising: a multi-layer textile comprising: a fabric layer; a film layer coupled to the fabric layer; and a decorative layer; a vent extending through the multi-layer textile; and a concealment layer in a face-sharing relationship with the multi-layer textile; wherein the film layer, when exposed to an external stimulus, undergoes a shape change that causes the vent to transition from a closed state to an open state.

18. The article of apparel of claim 17, wherein the concealment layer comprises a mesh layer positioned adjacent to an inward-facing surface of the multi-layer textile.

19. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein the concealment layer is attached to the fabric layer.

20. The article of apparel of claim 19, wherein the concealment layer comprises a perimeter that generally corresponds to a border of the decorative layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a back view of an article of apparel having a plurality of vents depicted in a closed state, and further illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a vent in the closed state, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the decorated region of the article in FIG. 1 along cut-line 2-2, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the decorated region of the article in FIG. 1 along cut-line 3-3, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates the article of apparel of FIG. 1 where the plurality of vents are depicted in an opened state, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an opened vent of the article of FIG. 4, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a second example of a vent depicted in a closed state, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the vent of FIG. 6A, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of the vent of 6B depicted in an open state, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates additional examples of vents with different slit configurations, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second example of a multi-layer textile, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram representing a method of forming a multi-layer textile, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Uniforms used in athletic activities or competitions, including upper-body garments such as jerseys or lower-body garments such as shorts, often include a way of identifying individual players, such as by the use of an assigned number or the players name. Uniforms may also have a variety of logos, patches or advertisements. These additional identifiers, often in the form of mass-produced decals, are typically added to a uniform or other garment in a post-production process. For example, a heat transfer decal depicting a number may be applied to the back of a jersey, along with additional heat transfer decals for a players name. This allows for rapid customization of a mass-produced uniform or other garment for specific players or occasions (e.g., applying a patch for a specific tournament). However, these decals are typically formed from materials that are not breathable or have low breathability. This may significantly reduce the overall breathability of the uniform, which may otherwise be formed from a highly breathable and lightweight knit fabric or other textile. The terms breathable and breathability as used herein refer to the ability of a material or fabric to allow air and/or moisture vapor to pass through it. This property enables the transfer of heat and moisture away from the body, contributing to comfort and temperature regulation for the wearer, especially during physical activity. As a result, a hot-spot may occur at the location of the decal causing discomfort or irritation to a wearer.

[0016] The present disclosure contemplates forming one or more vents through the decal or other decorative layer (and the fabric layer to which it is attached) that dynamically transition (e.g., without manual operation or manipulation) from a closed state to an open state in response to exposure to an external stimulus such as, for example, moisture in the form of perspiration. When the external stimulus is removed, the vents dynamically transition back to a closed state. This allows needed venting when, for example, a wearer is exercising or competing and a decrease in venting when the wearer is at rest without any manipulation of the vent by the wearer. The vents provide increased breathability within the decorated region that would otherwise be hampered by the relative lack of breathability through the decal without the vents. An optional concealment layer, comprising a permeable material such as mesh material, may be included to conceal the wearers skin when the vents are open.

[0017] In examples, the vent is formed in a decorative region of an article of apparel that comprises a multi-layer textile, which may be a composite laminate, having a fabric layer, which may include a knit, non-woven material, or woven material, a decorative layer affixed to an outward-facing surface of the fabric layer, and a film layer that is affixed to an inner-facing surface of the fabric layer. One or more slits extend through the decorative, fabric and film layers. The film layer is formed of a material that dimensionally transforms when exposed to an external stimulus such as moisture. In example aspects, the film layer may swell which causes flaps formed by the one or more slits to extend in a z-direction away from the film layer. The opening of the flaps creates through-passages that extend through the thickness of the composite structure. Moisture vapor and/or heat generated by a wearer may be dissipated by way of the through-passages, and air from the external environment may travel through the composite structure by way of the through-passages to further help cool the wearer.

[0018] In examples, an optional concealment layer may be positioned adjacent to the composite structure such that a first surface of the concealment layer is in a face-sharing relationship with the inward-facing surface of the composite structure. The concealment layer may at least partially conceal the skin of a wearer when the vents are in their open state. In examples, the concealment layer may be a mesh material or a spacer mesh material that is permeable to air and/or moisture vapor. In other examples, the concealment layer may be a knit, woven, or non-woven textile. In other example aspects, the concealment layer may be a fleece material to provide additional warmth and/or insulative features to the decorated region. Because fleece is not as inherently permeable to air and/or moisture vapor as a mesh material or a spacer mesh material, the fleece material may include one or more openings, but in examples where concealment is necessary, the openings may be positioned so that they are not axially aligned with the plurality of slits formed through the multi-layer textile. In some examples, the concealment layer may also provide a different visual aesthetic to the garment when the vent is in an open state versus the closed state.

[0019] In examples, an alternative layering of the multi-layer textile may comprise the film layer being positioned between the decorative layer and the film layer. In examples, the film layer may be used to at least partially affix the decorative layer and the film layer to each other.

[0020] The term article or article of apparel as used herein encompasses any number of products meant to be worn by a wearer including upper-body garments (e.g., shirts, jackets, hoodies, pullovers), lower-body garments (e.g., pants, shorts, leggings), articles of footwear such as shoes or socks, articles of headwear (e.g., hats), gloves, sleeves (e.g., arm sleeves, calf sleeves), and the like. Positional terms used when describing the article of apparel such as front, back, inner-facing surface, outer-facing surface, upper, lower, proximal, distal, medial, lateral, and the like are with respect to the article of apparel being worn as intended with the wearer standing upright. As such, when the article of apparel is in the form of an upper-body garment or a lower-body garment, the front of the article of apparel is configured to cover, for instance, a front torso area, a front arm area, or a front leg area of the wearer, and the back of the article of apparel is configured to cover the back torso area, the back arm area, or the back leg area of the wearer. Similarly, the inner-facing surface of the article of apparel is configured to be positioned adjacent to a wearer's skin surface or a base layer, and the outer-facing surface of the article of apparel is configured to face toward the external environment. The term innermost-facing surface means the layer of an article that is positioned closest to a skin surface of a wearer with respect to the other layers of the article, and the term outermost-facing surface means the layer of an article that is positioned farthest away from the skin surface of the wearer with respect to the other layers of the article.

[0021] The term z-direction as used herein means a direction that extends away from the article of apparel in a positive or negative direction. The terms x-direction and y-direction mean a direction extending along the surface of the article of apparel.

[0022] The term dimensional transformation as used herein means a change or alteration in one or more dimensions, such as in an x-direction or axis, y-direction or axis, and/or z-direction or axis. For example, an object may undergo a dimensional transformation by expanding, shrinking, folding, bending, curling, lifting, relaxing, and/or straitening along a length, width and/or height.

[0023] The term external stimulus as used herein encompasses any number of stimuli such as temperature, pressure, moisture, electrical energy, magnetic energy, light, sound, and the like. In one example aspect, the external stimulus is moisture where the moisture can be in the form of liquid water, water or moisture vapor, perspiration, and the like.

[0024] The term through-passage as used herein means an opening formed in the trim piece and/or article of apparel that provides a fluid (e.g., vapor, gas, liquid) communication path between the external environment and the interior of the article of apparel (e.g., the space between the inner-facing surface of the article of apparel and the wearer's body). The term dynamic or dynamically used when describing the vent transitioning from a closed state to an open state or vice versa generally means a self-generated mechanical action that occurs without human manipulation or operation of the vent.

[0025] The term composite as used herein means a material that comprises two or more constituent materials. The constituent materials may have different properties and when combined create a material with properties different from the individual materials.

[0026] The term laminate as used herein means a structure that has at least two layers coupled to each other (e.g., two or more layers of the same material or different materials). The coupling of layers may be achieved in various ways, such as chemical adhesive, ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding, mechanical fastening (e.g., stitching) or other known techniques. In some examples, a laminate may include a composite, and vice-versa.

[0027] In example aspects, the film layer described herein may comprise a thermoplastic material, which may include one or more of thermoplastic polymer materials and thermoplastic elastomer materials. For example, the film layer may comprise a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE). In example aspects, the film layer may include a hygroscopic material that is embedded in or is mixed with the thermoplastic material. For example, a TPEE film layer may include polyethylene glycol, sodium polyacrylate, and the like. Because of the presence of a hygroscopic material, the film layer swells in one or more of a z-direction, an x-direction, and a y-direction when exposed to moisture.

[0028] In other example aspects, the film layer may comprise a TPU film that is configured to transport or diffuse moisture from one surface of the film to a second opposite surface of the film. The transport of the moisture may be facilitated by the presence of hydrophilic molecules (molecules that attract or have an affinity for water) within the film where a greater number of hydrophilic molecules may result in a greater transport of moisture. The movement of moisture through the film may be measured using a water vapor transmission test such as, for instance, ASTM E96 B, and in example aspects, the water vapor transmission rate of the film may be from about 600 g/m2/day to about 10,000 g/m2/day, from about 1,000 g/m2/day to about 9,000 g/m2/day, from about 3,000 g/m2/day to about 8,000 g/m2/day, from about 5,000 g/m2/day to about 7,000 g/m2/day, or about 6,000 g/m2/day. Additional film materials contemplated herein include a thermoplastic poly(ether-amide) elastomer (TPAE) film material, and/or any film material capable of transporting or diffusing moisture from one surface of the film material to a second opposite surface of the film material.

[0029] In examples, the film layer may be manufactured so that it exhibits different properties in the machine and cross directions, or in the warp vs. weft directions. In other examples, the film layer may be a melt-blown nonwoven fiber, with a non-uniform, e.g., irregular or randomized, web of fibers. Such a composition, however, may still exhibit a directionality with respect to its preference to expand in one direction more than another.

[0030] The term mesh material as used herein means any textile that has a permeable texture. The permeable texture may be imparted through a loose weave structure, a loose knit structure, perforating the textile with holes, and the like. The resulting textile has a large number of holes per inch making it highly permeable to air. The term spacer mesh material as used herein means a material (knit or woven) having a face layer and a back layer connected by yarns that extend generally orthogonal to the face layer and the back layer.

[0031] The term axially aligned as used herein means that an axis of a feature is parallel or co-linear with the axis of another feature, as the term is understood in the art.

[0032] Unless otherwise noted, all measurements provided herein are with the trim piece and/or article of apparel in an un-worn, resting state and at standard ambient temperature and pressure.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a back view of an article of apparel (hereinafter referred to as article 10). The article 10 depicted is an upper-body garment, but other types of garments, such as lower-body garments, headwear and footwear are also contemplated. The article 10 of FIG. 1 includes a torso portion 12 having a waist opening 13, a neck opening 14, a left arm opening 16 and a right arm opening 18. The article 10 may further comprise a left sleeve 20 extending from the left arm opening 16 and a right sleeve 22 extending from the right arm opening 18. While FIG. 1 depicts an upper-body garment with short sleeves, it is contemplated that the article 10 may also have long sleeves, or may be a singlet or tank without sleeves. The upper-body garment may be a shirt or jersey, as depicted in FIG. 1, or it can also be a jacket.

[0034] Article 10 may generally be formed with a textile or fabric layer 100 having an outward-facing surface 102. The fabric layer 100, in example aspects, may include a knit construction, a woven construction, a nonwoven construction, a braid construction, and the like. In examples, the fabric layer 100 may comprise a lightweight fabric (e.g., from about 30 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 150 gsm) or an ultra-lightweight fabric (e.g., from about 10 gsm to about 100 gsm) although heavier weight fabrics are contemplated herein.

[0035] The article 10 may comprise one or more decorated regions 50 on a portion or portions of the outward-facing surface 102 of fabric layer 100. In the example article 10 of FIG. 1, the decorated region 50 is on a back region 24 of the torso portion 12. In examples, the decorative region may be more proximate to a rear thoracic region of the torso portion 12. In other examples, the decorated region 50 may be more proximate to a lumbar region. It is contemplated that one or more decorated regions 50 may in the alternative (or in addition to) be positioned in the front torso region, on the left sleeve 20 or the right sleeve 22, or any other visible region of article 10.

[0036] Positioned on the outward-facing surface 102 of the fabric layer 100 within the decorated region 50 is a decorative layer 110 comprising an outward-facing surface 112 and a perimeter 116. In examples, the perimeter 116 may be in the form of an alphanumeric character, such as the 7 shown in FIG. 1. The outward-facing surface 112 of the decorative layer 110 may comprise one more distinctive colors, textures, patterns or any combination therefore. For example, the decorative layer may comprises a gradient or other pattern having two or more colors. In examples, other decorative motifs, symbols, logos, or artwork may also be applied to or included in specific locations on the outward-facing surface 112 of the decorative layer 110. The perimeter 116 may have a border 118 that has a different visual aspect, such as a different color or texture that distinguishes it from the rest of the outward-facing surface 112.

[0037] While the decorative layer 110 is generally described herein as comprising a single layer, it is contemplated that the decorative layer 110 may itself comprise multiple layers of the same or different materials. For example, a decorative layer may have a first base layer and a second layer affixed to the first base layer, with the first base layer forming a border around the second layer, creating a textured appearance. In other examples, the decorative layer may have a border that is graphically depicted on a flat surface.

[0038] Within the perimeter 116 of the decorative layer 110 a plurality of vents 200 are positioned. Each vent 200 may comprise one or more slits 210 that extend through the decorative layer 110, the fabric layer, and a film layer (further discussed below). As seen in the enlarged view of a vent 200, each vent of article 10 in FIG. 1 may comprises a first slit 212 having a first end 214 and a second end 216, and a second slit 218 having a third end 220 and a fourth end 222, with the first slit 212 and the second slit 218 intersecting each other at intersection 224. In the example of FIG. 1, the first slit 212 and the second slit 218 are the same length and bisect each other at intersection 224 at a right angle to form a plus or X shape. As further discussed below, other slit configurations are contemplated to be with the scope of the present disclosure, including single slits, other patterns or shapes of two slits intersecting with one another, and/or other patterns or shapes of more than two slits intersecting with one another. In examples, a slit can be linear, curved, or curvilinear.

[0039] The spacing between the vents 200 and the distance between the vents 200 and the perimeter 106 may be determined based on balancing a number of factors, including durability and the amount of venting desired. For example, decreasing the spacing between vents may maximize the amount of venting per area, but may result in an increased weakness in the structure of the article 10 in the decorated region 50.

[0040] Furthermore, while the plurality of vents 200 are depicted as arranged in horizontal rows that are spaced evenly apart, other configurations and patterns, including irregular patterns, are also contemplated. Furthermore, while the plurality of vents 200 are shown to be of the same size and configuration, it is contemplated that the vents within a decorated region 50 may be of varying size or configuration.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 2, which shows a cross sectional view of the decorated region along cut line 2-2, the decorative layer 110 further comprises a inward-facing surface 114 adjacent to the outward-facing surface 102 of the fabric layer 100. In examples, the inward-facing surface 114 of the decorative layer 110 may be joined or affixed to the outward-facing surface 102 of the fabric layer 100 via bonding or other suitable techniques. As used herein, bonding refers to the process of joining two or more layers or materials together using heat, pressure, adhesives, or a combination thereof, so that they adhere to one another either permanently or semi-permanently. This process may include techniques such as thermal bonding, ultrasonic welding, or chemical adhesion, and is utilized to create a secure attachment without the need for stitching or mechanical fasteners. In examples, the decorative layer 110 may be in the form of a pre-packaged decal or heat transfer applique with a heat-activated adhesive. The adhesive may be water-based or silicone-based. The decorative layer 110 may be comprised of a polymer film or a textile. In other examples, the decorative layer may comprise soft flocked vinyl, Polyurethane (PU) soft foam, polyester tackle twill, embroidered patch.

[0042] Affixed to an inward-facing surface 104 of the fabric layer 100 is a film layer 120. An outward-facing surface 122 of the film layer 120 is affixed to the inward-facing surface 104 of the fabric layer via bonding or other suitable techniques. The decorative layer 110, fabric layer 100, and film layer 120 thus comprise a multi-layer textile 130 that is a composite laminate within the decorated region 50. In the example of FIG. 1, the multi-layer textile 130 has an outward-facing surface 132 that is the outward-facing surface 112 of the decorative layer 110, and an inward-facing surface 134 that is the inward facing surface 124 of the film layer 120.

[0043] In an example, the film layer 120 may be affixed to the fabric layer by being partially melted into the fabric layer 100. For example, the film layer 120 may be secured to the fabric layer 100 by melting such that the film layer 120 penetrates, or at least partially penetrates, through at least the inward-facing surface 104 of the fabric layer 100.

[0044] In other examples, the film layer 120 may be at least partially incorporated into the fabric layer 100 by at least partially melting the material of the fabric layer 100 so that it intermingles with the film layer 120. In an example, the fabric layer 100 is formed of a polymer with a lower melting temperature than the film layer 120, and the film layer 120 may be applied by using a heat press that increases the temperature of the film layer 120 to a temperature above the melting point of the fabric layer 100 but less than the melting point of the film layer 120.

[0045] In yet other examples, the film layer 120 remains a separate or distinct layer affixed to the surface of the fabric layer 100. Stated differently, a distinct layer is one wherein the surface or border of the layer does not intermingle or overlap with the surface or border of another layer. For example, instead of being adhered to a fabric layer 100 by being partially melted into the fabric layer 100, the film layer 120 can be bonded to the fabric layer 100 using adhesives such as water-based or silicone-based bonding agents. The adhesives may be applied as a fluid or in a solid state, such as in the form of a double-sided tape. The adhesive may be applied as a continuous layer or in a discontinuous pattern.

[0046] In examples, the film layer 120 may have a thickness from about 20 microns to about 100 microns, from about 25 microns to about 90 microns, from about 30 microns to about 80 microns, from about 35 microns to about 70 microns, or about 40 microns. In some example aspects, the film layer 120 is uniform in thickness.

[0047] In examples, the film layer 120 also has a perimeter 126 that generally corresponds to the perimeter of the decorative layer 110, and an entirety (i.e., an entire surface) of an outward-facing surface 122 of the film layer 120 is secured or affixed to the fabric layer 100. As used herein, the term corresponds to refers to a relationship in which one element generally matches, aligns with, or is similar in position, shape, or extent to another element, but is not necessarily identical. For example, a perimeter that "corresponds to" another perimeter may follow the same general outline or area, while allowing for slight differences in size or width to accommodate design or functional requirements.

[0048] In other example aspects, the film layer 120 may have one or more gaps in a uniform, gradient, or random pattern. In yet another example aspect, the film layer 120 may comprise a plurality of discrete nodes secured to the fabric layer 100 that correspond to the locations of each vent 200, and may be circular, ovular, square, rectangular, etc. node of the film can at least partially overlap with the slit(s)).

[0049] As also seen in FIG. 2, the article 10 in the decorated region 50 may optionally include a concealment layer 140 where an outward-facing surface 142 of the concealment layer 140 is in a face-sharing relationship with the inward-facing surface 124 of the film layer 120. As used herein, the term face-sharing relationship means that a planar surface of the film layer is in contact or near contact with or at least face-to-face with (e.g., without an intervening structure there between) a planar surface of the concealment layer.

[0050] The concealment layer 140 can operate in various manners to provide one or more different functions. For example, the concealment layer 140 may function to conceal the skin of a wearer when the vents 200 of the article 10 are in the opened state, which may be a regulation for uniforms in certain leagues or organizations. The concealment layer 140 may impart structural support to the multi-layer textile 130 as the plurality of slits 210 may impact the structural integrity of the multi-layer textile 130. In some examples, the concealment layer 140 can be configured to provide a wearer-facing surface 144 that has added comfort against a wearers skin. In still other examples, the concealment layer 140 may provide a visual contrast through the vents 200 when the vents 200 are in the opened state (e.g., the concealment layer 140 may have an outward-facing surface 142 that has a contrasting color to the decorative layer 110 or decorative region 50).

[0051] As described above, the concealment layer 140 may include a mesh material, a spacer mesh material, or another highly breathable material that offers visual obfuscation. The concealment layer may thus comprise a knit, woven or non-woven textile. In example aspects, the concealment layer 140 is secured to the fabric layer 100 along one or more points along a perimeter 146 of the concealment layer 140. In one example, the concealment layer 140 may be secured to the fabric layer 100 by way of stitching or an adhesive tape, although other affixing technologies are contemplated herein including the bonding techniques discussed above. In examples, such as in article 10 of FIG. 1, the concealment layer perimeter 146 may generally correspond to but be wider than the perimeter 116 of the decorative layer 110.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, because the interior surface area of the concealment layer 140 may not be affixed to the fabric layer 100 or the film layer 120, a potential space 148 may be formed between portions of the concealment layer 140 and the inward-facing surface 124 of the fabric layer 100 (i.e., the inward-facing surface 134 of the multi-layer textile 130). Aspects herein also contemplate that the concealment layer 140 may be secured to the fabric layer 100 or film layer 120 at areas interior to the perimeter 146 of the concealment layer 140. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

[0053] Turning to FIG. 3, which depicts a cross-section of one of the plurality of vents 200 along a first slit 212, it is seen that the slits 210 of the vent (e.g., first slit 212 and second slit 218) extend through the entirety of the thickness of the multi-layer textile 130. Stated differently, the slits 210 extend through the entire thickness of the decorative layer 110, the fabric layer 100, and the film layer 120. In examples, the slits 210 do not extend through the optional concealment layer 140. When the vent 200 is in its closed state, the opposing edges of each slit 210 are adjacent to and may be touching each other.

[0054] FIG. 4 depicts the article 10 of FIG. 1 after the article 10 has been exposed to the external stimulus. In example aspects, the external stimulus may be moisture in the form of, for example, perspiration and/or moisture vapor produced by a wearer. The perspiration and/or moisture vapor contacts the film layer 120 and causes it to dimensionally transform such as by swelling in one or more of the x-direction, the y-direction, and/or the z-direction. The dimensional transformation of the film layer 120 causes flaps 230 formed by the plurality of slits 210 to extend in a z-direction away from the wearers skin. More particularly, at least an apex of the flaps 230, such as apex 232 curls away from a point of intersection of the slits 210, a first edge 242 of the first slit is spaced apart from an opposing second edge 244, and a third edge 246 of the second slit 218 is spaced apart from an opposing fourth edge 248.

[0055] The curling of the flaps 230 creates a through-passage, such as through-passage 270 that extends through the thickness of the multi-layer textile 130. Based on the film layer 120 being exposed to moisture, the flaps 230 can dimensionally transform, which can further increase the size of the through-passage 270. As seen in FIG. 4, the outward-facing surface 142 of the concealment layer 140 may be revealed through the through-passage 270 when the vent 200 is opened. In examples, the outward-facing surface 142 of the concealment layer 140 may comprise a different color or other property to offer a visual contrast to the decorative layer 110 or the other layers of the multi-layer textile 130 that may be revealed when the vent is in an opened or partially-opened state.

[0056] As indicated, when the film layer 120 is exposed to moisture the flaps 230 may dimensionally transform, causing an increase in the size of the through-passage 270. In some examples a through-passage 270 that has increased in size may allow additional airflow to pass through from one side of the vent 200 to the other, which may contribute to an increase in breathability or cooling effect of the article 10 around the vent 200. Conversely, when moisture is removed from the film layer 120, the through-passage 270 may decrease in size, thereby restricting airflow between the sides of the vent 200. Thus, when the film layer 120 is no longer exposed to perspiration and/or moisture vapor, the film layer 120 returns to its resting state (i.e., undergoes a decrease in dimension in one or more of the x-direction, the y-direction, and/or the z-direction) as moisture is removed from the film layer (e.g., via evaporation) and the flaps 230 transition to a closed state such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, with the first edge 242 and the second edge 244 of the first slit 212 returning to their positions adjacent to each other, and the third edge 246 and the fourth edge 248 of the second slit 218 also returning to their positions adjacent to each other. In this resting or closed state, the flaps 230 are generally planar with respect to one another. It is to be appreciated that depending upon where the perspiration or moisture vapor is produced, only some of the flaps 230 of the plurality of vents 200 may open while others remain closed.

[0057] In examples, the operation of the flaps 230 (e.g., rate of opening/closing and the extent to which the flaps 230 open) can depend on a variety of different factors. In some examples, the operation can depend, at least in part, on the intensity of the external stimulus, such as, the amount and nature of moisture contacting the film layer or, conversely, the rate of evaporation. In some examples, as the film layer 120 increases in a percentage of saturation, the rate at which the film layer 120 swells may diminish. For example, the swelling associated with the film layer 120 might slow, or even stop, when the film layer 120 reaches a maximum saturation. In addition, different configurations of the flaps 230 (e.g., the number and size of the flaps) may affect the rate of absorption/evaporation. For example, a smaller flap can, in some cases, be associated with less surface area (as compared with a larger flap), which can translate to less moisture needing to evaporate, and in turn, a faster reset time (e.g., relaxing, uncurling, straightening, etc.). Based on this, a plus-sign slit configuration (e.g., with two intersecting slits) might, in some cases, reset slower than a star slit configuration with three intersecting slits, and slit configuration can be tuned to achieve faster or slower reset times for different applications.

[0058] In addition, the operation of the flaps 230 can depend on the configuration and characteristics of the fabric layer 100 and the decorative layer 110, as well as the thickness and orientation of the film layer 120. For example, the film layer 120 may tend to swell more rapidly, or to a greater extent, in one or more of the x-direction, y-direction, and/or z-direction, depending on how it was manufactured. For example, in a film manufactured via blown extrusion, due to the resulting alignment of the crystal structure in the film, the film may be configured to expand more in the weft or cross direction (perpendicular to the extrusion direction) than in the machine direction (parallel to the extrusion direction). In example aspects, the orientation of such a film layer 120 in relation to the orientation of the plurality of slits 210 may affect the nature, shape, speed and/or extent of the curling of the various flaps 230 when the film layer is exposed to an external stimulus.

[0059] Additional factors that may influence the degree of movement of the flaps is the weight and stiffness or flexibility of the fabric layer 100 and the decorative layer 110. A fabric layer 100 comprising a lightweight or ultra-lightweight fabric may pucker to a greater degree than heavier weight fabrics. In further examples, the degree of movement of a flap in the z-direction may be dependent on the presence of elastomeric yarns that exhibit stretch and recovery properties. When, for example, textile types, textile weights, and textile constructions (e.g., knit or woven) are otherwise the same, the presence of elastomeric yarns in the fabric layer 100 of the multi-layer textile 130 may cause the flaps 230 to exhibit a greater degree of movement in the z-direction compared to when the fabric layer 100 does not include elastomeric yarns. Likewise, a decorative layer 110 comprising a material with more flexibility may allow the flaps 230 of a vent 200 to open more fully for a given level of external stimulus to a given thickness of the film layer 120.

[0060] Conversely, the characteristics of the film layer 120. the fabric layer 100, and the decorative layer 110 may also be chosen so that any opening of the flaps 230 is delayed until a certain amount of external stimulus (e.g., moisture) is reached; this may be achieved, for example, by selecting a fabric layer 100 or decorative layer 110 with a level of stiffness that is high enough to initially resists bending due to the initial expansion of the film layer 120.

[0061] In some instances, the extent to which the film layer 120 is incorporated into the fabric layer 100 or decorative layer 110 may also affect the swell and/or reset time associated with the multi-layer textile 130 and the flaps 230 of its plurality of vents 200. For example, a multi-layer textile 130 in which the film layer 120 is less incorporated into the fabric layer 100 or decorative layer (e.g., when the film layer 120 is applied to the surface by an adhesive) can operate differently than a multi-layer textile 130 in which the film layer 120 is more incorporated into the fabric layer 100 or decorative layer 110 (e.g., when the film layer 120 is at least partially melted into an adjacent layer). As such, in some instances, the extent to which the film layer 120 is impregnated into another layer of the multi-layer textile 130 can be controlled to accomplish a desired effect.

[0062] In addition to the characteristics of the materials comprising the fabric layer 100 or decorative layer 110, it is contemplated that introducing areas and/or lines of strength or weakness in the fabric layer 100 or decorative layer 110 (e.g., reinforcement ribs or score lines), may alter the nature of the curling of the flap 230, or cause it to act more like it is folding along a hinge at the base of the flap with substantial curling along its length. Different slit profiles and configurations may also contribute to enhancing these effects.

[0063] For example, in the example vent 500 shown in FIGS. 6A-B, a first slit 510 intersects a second slit 520 perpendicularly, with a first end 512 of the first slit 510 and a second end 524 of the second slit curling towards each other, and a second end 514 of the first slit 510 and a first end 522 of the second slit curling towards each other. This slit configuration defines two pairs of flaps, with the first pair of flaps 540 having a triangular shape and the second pair of flaps 550 having a spade-like shape, with the opposing slits ends further defining a hinge line 530 for the base of the spade-shaped flaps 550. In addition to creating a distinctive aesthetic, as seen in FIG. 6C, upon exposure to moisture, the second pair of flaps 550 may bend or fold around hinge line 530 so that the second pair of flaps are further moved out of the path of the airflow cause less obstruction to the flow area of the vent (e.g., to open wider in comparison to the vent 200).

[0064] FIG. 7 depicts some additional examples of different slit shapes, profiles and configurations for the vents in which the slits can include a variety of different configurations. For example, sub-FIGS. 7A-K depict several non-limiting examples of slit shapes that illustrate the wide variety of configurations that may be used. For example, as shown in the vents 700 and 702 of sub-figures A and B, one or more slits 704 may connect only at the end of one of another slit 706 to form a T or L shape (or an I shape or an H shapenot illustrated). In at least some examples, as depicted in the vents 710, 712 and 714 in sub-FIGS. 7C-E respectively, a slit configuration can include an ear or tab shape, which can be formed by a single curved slit (e.g., C-shaped slit 716 in sub-FIG. 7D or S-shaped slit 718 in sub-FIG. 7E) or can include multiple slits (e.g., slits 720, 722, 724 in FIG. 7C) that are end to end at different orientations. Sub-FIGS. 7F-H show vents 730, 732, 734 with shapes formed by three, four or five slits 736 intersecting or connecting with each other at a central point 738 to form star patterns. Sub-FIGS. 7I-J illustrate vents 740, 742 having slits in other configurations, such as an X-shape (slits 744) and a Y-shape (slits 746).

[0065] In these examples as well, the flaps that are formed by the one or more slits can dimensionally transform when exposed to moisture or some other external stimulus. In at least some examples, the slit configuration can include a single straight slit (e.g. slit 752 of vent 750 in sub-FIG. 7K), in which at least one of the edges on either side of the slit (e.g., and the portion of the composite structure associated with that edge) dimensionally transforms when the film layer 120 is exposed to stimulus (e.g., moisture), such as by puckering or gaping. In the above examples, the slits may be formed in the multi-layer textile 130 of the example shown in FIG. 1 having a fabric layer 100 and a film layer 120 or any other composite structures described in or equivalent to the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0066] It is contemplated that the largest lateral dimension of a through-passage of a vent 200 in the open state may be designed to reduce the risk of a finger or an object snagging in an opened vent during the course of play or other activity and causing damage to the article 10. In examples, the concealment layer 140 may be attached around a perimeter of each vent 200, to further reduce the risk of a finger or object being hooked through adjacent vents. Attaching the concealment layer 140 to additional points other than along the perimeter 146 may also increase the overall structural strength and durability of the decorated region 50. The size of the slits 210 may also be limited by the strength of the materials comprising the multi-layer textile 130.

[0067] The slits 210 of the vents 200 may be formed into the assembled multi-layer textile 130 using various techniques. For instance, in some examples, the slits 210 may be formed by cutting them into the assembled multi-layer textile 130 with a laser or other heated instrument. In some instances, the heat from the laser or other heated instrument may at least partially soften (e.g., melt) one or more of the film layer 120, the fabric layer 100, and/or the decorative layer 110 the layer(s) re-solidify, two or more of the layers may be at least partially bound along the edge (e.g., cauterized). The slits 210 may be formed using one or more other techniques, such as with a die, stamp, blade, etc.

[0068] FIG. 8 illustrates a second example of a multi-layer textile 130 in accordance with the present disclosure. Instead of the film layer 120 being attached to the inward-facing surface of the fabric layer 100, the film layer 120 in this multi-layer textile 130 is positioned between the decorative layer 110 and the fabric layer 100. Thus, in the example of FIG. 8, the multi-layer textile 130 has an outward-facing surface 132 that is the outward-facing surface 112 of the decorative layer 110, and an inward-facing surface 134 that is the inward-facing surface 104 of the fabric layer 100. In examples, the outward-facing surface 122 of the film layer 120 may be attached to the decorative layer 110 with an adhesive. In other examples, the film layer 120 itself adheres to the decorative layer 110 and to the fabric layer 100. In the example of FIG. 8, the perimeter 116 of the decorative layer 110 extends laterally past (i.e., in the x-direction or y-direction) a perimeter of the film layer 120 so that the edges of the decorative layer 110 are in contact with the fabric layer 100.

[0069] When the film layer 120 dimensionally transforms in response to an external stimulus, (e.g., moisture from perspiration), even though the film layer 120 is positioned between the decorative layer 110 and the fabric layer 100, the resulting flaps may still extend outwards in the z-direction away from a wearers skin. This may be achieved, for example, by using a fabric layer 100 with a higher degree of elasticity than the decorative layer 110, so that when the film layer 120 expands the fabric layer 100 offers less resistance to the expansion of the film layer 120, directing the curling of the film layer 120 (and correspondingly, the flaps) away from the wearers skin.

[0070] FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of an example method 900 of forming a vent, such as the vent 200 for use in apparel. At a step 902, a composite structure, such as the multi-layer textile 130 in FIG. 2 is formed. In examples, an article of apparel is initially formed, and then a decorative layer and film layer are applied to the article of apparel. At a step 904, a vent is formed, such as by creating one or more slits through a thickness of the multi-layer textile 130, such as the slits 210 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The film layer is formed of a material that dimensionally transforms when exposed to an external stimulus such as moisture. For example, the film layer may swell when exposed to moisture. At an optional step, a concealment layer, such as the concealment layer 140 of FIG. 2, is secured to the fabric layer. In example aspects, the concealment layer may include a mesh material, a spacer mesh material, or other materials that have a high degree of air permeability.

[0071] For uniforms or other articles of apparel that may be intended for use in cold weather, it is contemplated that the concealment layer 140 may be a fleece material to provide additional warmth and/or insulative features to the decorated region. Because fleece is not as inherently permeable to air and/or moisture vapor as a mesh material or a spacer mesh material, a concealment layer comprising a fleece material may include one or more openings, but in examples where concealment is necessary, the openings may be positioned so that they are not axially aligned with the vents 200 formed through the multi-layer textile 130, so that the concealment layer 140 still provides visual obfuscation while permitting some degree of airflow through the indirect path formed from the openings to the vents 200.

[0072] The following clauses represent example embodiments of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.

[0073] Clause 1. An article of apparel comprising: a multi-layer textile comprising: a fabric layer; a film layer coupled to the fabric layer, and a decorative layer; and a vent extending through the multi-layer textile, wherein the film layer, when exposed to an external stimulus, undergoes a shape change that causes the vent to transition from a closed state to an open state.

[0074] Clause 2. The article of apparel according to clause 1, wherein the vent comprises a first slit having at least one linear segment.

[0075] Clause 3. The article of apparel according to clause 2, wherein the first slit further comprises a curvilinear segment extending from the at least one linear segment.

[0076] Clause 4. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the decorative layer is affixed to a first surface of the fabric layer, and the film layer is affixed to a second surface of the fabric layer opposite the first surface.

[0077] Clause 5. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the decorative layer is affixed to a first surface of the film layer, and wherein the fabric layer is affixed to a second surface of the film layer opposite the first surface.

[0078] Clause 6. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the decorative layer comprises a material that is less breathable than the fabric layer.

[0079] Clause 7. The article of apparel according to clause 2, wherein the vent comprises a second slit that intersects the first slit to form at least one flap that changes shape when the film layer undergoes the shape change.

[0080] Clause 8. The article of apparel according to clause 7, wherein the at least one flap comprises a portion that extends in a direction away from an innermost layer towards an outermost layer of the multi-layer textile when the vent is in the open state.

[0081] Clause 9. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the multi-layer textile further comprises a mesh layer.

[0082] Clause 10. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the decorative layer has a first surface area and the fabric layer comprises a second surface area that is greater than the first surface area.

[0083] Clause 11. The article of apparel according to clause 10, wherein the film layer comprises a third surface area that is less than the first surface area.

[0084] Clause 12. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the decorative layer is in a shape representing an alphanumeric character.

[0085] Clause 13. The article of apparel according to clause 12, wherein the film layer comprises a perimeter substantially conforming to a border of the decorative layer.

[0086] Clause 14. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the film layer is disposed between the fabric layer and the decorative layer and at least partially affixes the decorative layer to the fabric layer.

[0087] Clause 15. The article of apparel according to clause 14, wherein the film layer is at least partially melted into the fabric layer.

[0088] Clause 16. The article of apparel according to clause 15, wherein the fabric layer comprises a polymer that is at least partially melted into the film layer.

[0089] Clause 17. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the multi-layer textile comprises an upper-body garment.

[0090] Clause 18. The article of apparel according to clause 17, wherein the upper-body garment comprises a shirt, a tank, a singlet, or a jacket.

[0091] Clause 19. The article of apparel according to any of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the multi-layer textile comprises a lower-body garment.

[0092] Clause 20. The article of apparel according to clause 19, wherein the lower-body garment comprises a short or a pant.

[0093] Clause 21. An upper-body garment comprising: a torso portion having a waist opening, a neck opening, a left arm opening, and a right arm opening; the torso portion comprising a textile layer, a film layer, and a decorative layer, the decorative layer positioned exterior to the textile layer and the film layer; and a vent formed through the textile layer, the film layer, and the decorative layer, wherein the film layer, when exposed to an external stimulus, undergoes a shape change that causes the vent to transition from a closed state to an open state.

[0094] Clause 22. The upper-body garment according to clause 21 further comprising a left sleeve extending from the left arm opening and a right sleeve extending from the right arm opening.

[0095] Clause 23. The upper-body garment according to clause 22, wherein the torso portion, the left sleeve, and the right sleeve comprise one of a shirt or a jacket.

[0096] Clause 24. The upper-body garment according to any of clauses 21 to 23, wherein the torso portion comprises one of a singlet or a tank.

[0097] Clause 25. The upper-body garment according to any of clauses 21 to 24, wherein the torso portion includes a back region and the film layer and the decorative layer are joined to the textile layer at the back region.

[0098] Clause 26. The upper-body garment according to clause 25, wherein the back region is proximate a rear thoracic region of the torso portion.

[0099] Clause 27. The upper-body garment according to clause 25, wherein the back region is proximate a lumbar region of the torso portion.

[0100] Clause 28. The upper-body garment according to clause 25, wherein the back region comprises a first back region and the torso portion further comprises a second back region, wherein a second film layer and a second decorative layer are joined to the textile layer in the second back region.

[0101] Clause 29. The upper-body garment according to any of clauses 21 to 24, wherein the torso portion includes a front region and the film layer and the decorative layer are joined to the textile layer at the front region.

[0102] Clause 30. The upper-body garment according to clause 29, wherein the front region is proximate a front thoracic region of the torso portion.

[0103] Clause 31. The upper-body garment according to any of clauses 21 to 30, wherein the torso portion further comprises a mesh-layer.

[0104] Clause 32. The upper-body garment according to any of clauses 21 to 31, wherein the vent comprises a first slit intersecting a second slit.

[0105] Clause 33. The upper-body garment according to clause 32, wherein the first slit comprises a first end and a second end, the first slit defined by a first edge and a second edge each extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the second slit comprises a third end and a fourth end, the second slit defined by a third edge and a fourth edge each extending between the third end and the fourth end.

[0106] Clause 34. The upper-body garment according to clause 33, wherein in the closed state the first edge is positioned adjacent to the second edge and the third edge is positioned adjacent to the fourth edge.

[0107] Clause 35. The upper-body garment according to any of clauses 33 to 34, wherein in the open state the first edge is spaced apart from the second edge and the third edge is spaced apart from the fourth edge.

[0108] Clause 36. The upper-body garment according to any of clauses 21 to 35, wherein the external stimulus comprises moisture.

[0109] Clause 37. An article of apparel comprising: a multi-layer textile comprising: a fabric layer; a film layer coupled to the fabric layer; and a decorative layer; a vent extending through the multi-layer textile; and a concealment layer in a face-sharing relationship with the multi-layer textile; wherein the film layer, when exposed to an external stimulus, undergoes a shape change that causes the vent to transition from a closed state to an open state.

[0110] Clause 38. The article of apparel of clause 37, wherein the concealment layer comprises a mesh layer positioned adjacent to an inward-facing surface of the multi-layer textile.

[0111] Clause 39. The article of apparel of clause 38, wherein the concealment layer is attached to the fabric layer.

[0112] Clause 40. The article of apparel of claim 39, wherein the concealment layer comprises a perimeter that generally corresponds to a border of the decorative layer.

[0113] The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms step and/or block might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

[0114] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.