CN102355828B - Article of apparel with variable air permeability - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of apparel (100)may include a torso region (110) with a front area(111), a back area(112), and a pair of side areas(113). At least a portion of each of the side areas are formed from a material with (a) a first air permeability when unexposed to water and (b) a second air permeability when exposed to water. The first air permeability may be less than 279 cm3/second per cm2 measured in accordance with ASTM D 737.In some configurations, at least a portion of the back area may be a shirt, and the article of apparel may include arm regions (120) that extend outward from the torso region.

Description

Clothing items with variable air permeability

technical field

The present invention relates to articles of apparel with variable air permeability.

Background technique

When an individual participates in physical activity, including practice sessions or competitions, the individual's body temperature may increase over time and with increased intensity of physical activity. Many articles of clothing have been designed to mitigate or delay the rise in an individual's body temperature. For example, apparel may incorporate materials specifically selected to promote cooling of an individual's skin temperature. Typically, such materials (eg, mesh fabrics) can exhibit relatively high air permeability, which allows air to pass through the material into the garment and circulate between the garment and the individual, thereby transferring heat away from the individual in a convective manner.

summary

Various configurations of articles of apparel are disclosed below. Generally, an article of apparel may include a torso region having a front region, a rear region, and a pair of side regions. At least a portion of each side region is formed from a material having (a) a first air permeability when not exposed to water and (b) a second air permeability when exposed to water. The first air permeability is less than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² measured according to ASTM D737, and the second air permeability is greater than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² measured according to ASTM D737. In some configurations, at least a portion of the rear region is formed from the material. The article of apparel may be a shirt, and the article of apparel may include an arm region extending outward from a torso region.

An article of apparel is disclosed that includes a torso region having a front region, a rear region, and a pair of side regions, at least a portion of each of the side regions being formed from a material having the following properties: a first air permeability upon exposure to water, said first air permeability being less than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² when measured according to ASTM D737; and a second air permeability upon exposure to water, said second air permeability being measured according to ASTM D737 The rate is greater than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the article of apparel may be a shirt and include a pair of arm regions extending from the torso region.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of said rear region may be formed from said material.

In one embodiment, said material may have an elongate configuration extending in a vertical direction along said side regions and in said rear region.

In one embodiment, the material may be a warp knitted fabric.

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 100 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, said material may have an elongated configuration extending in a vertical direction along said side regions.

The area of the material in each of the side regions may be at least 77 cm ² .

In one embodiment, the area of the material in each of the side regions may be at least 232 cm ² .

The present invention also discloses an article of apparel comprising a torso region having a front region, a rear region, and a pair of side regions, each of the side regions being formed at least as follows:

A first fabric incorporating yarns that exhibit a dimensional transition when exposed to water, the first fabric having a first air permeability when not exposed to water, the first air permeability measured according to ASTM D737 being less than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² , and a second air permeability when exposed to water greater than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² as measured in accordance with ASTM D737; and

a second fabric incorporating yarns that are substantially dimensionally stable when exposed to water,

The first fabric and the second fabric are interconnected in each of the side regions.

The article of apparel may be a shirt and include a pair of arm regions extending from the torso region.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of said rear region may be formed by said first fabric.

In one embodiment, the elements of said first fabric may have an elongated configuration extending in vertical direction along said side regions and in said rear region.

In one embodiment, the first fabric may be a warp knitted fabric.

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 100 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the elements of said first fabric may have an elongated configuration extending in a vertical direction along said side regions.

In one embodiment, the area of the first fabric in each of the side regions may be at least 77 cm ² .

The area of the first fabric in each of the side regions may be at least 232 cm ² .

The present invention also discloses an article of apparel comprising a torso region having a front region, a rear region positioned opposite the front region, and a pair of side regions defining arm openings, the torso region having a neck a waist opening and an opposite waist opening, the torso region is formed from at least a first fabric and a second fabric, the first fabric forming a pair of side elements located within the side regions and extending across the arms at least fifty percent of the distance between the opening and the waist opening; and a rear member centrally located in the rear region and extending across at least one hundred percent of the distance between the neck opening and the waist opening 50/50, the first fabric incorporates yarns that exhibit a dimensional transition when exposed to water, the first fabric has: a first air permeability when not exposed to water, measured in accordance with ASTM D737 The first air permeability is less than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² , and the second air permeability when exposed to water is greater than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² as measured according to ASTM D737.

In one embodiment, the article of apparel may be a shirt and include a pair of arm regions extending from the arm openings of the torso region.

In one embodiment, the first fabric may be a warp knitted fabric.

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the area of each of said side elements and said rear element may be at least 77 cm ² .

The present invention also discloses an article of apparel comprising a torso region having a front region, a rear region, and a pair of side regions, at least a portion of each of the side regions being formed from a material having the following properties: a first air permeability when not exposed to water, said first air permeability being less than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² at a pressure differential of 125 Pa across opposing surfaces of said material; and a second air permeability when exposed to water , said second air permeability is greater than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² at a pressure differential of 125 Pa across opposing surfaces of said material.

In one embodiment, the article of apparel may be a shirt and include a pair of arm regions extending from the torso region.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of said rear region may be formed from said material.

In one embodiment, said material may have an elongate configuration extending in a vertical direction along said side regions and in said rear region.

In one embodiment, the material may be a warp knitted fabric.

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 100 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, said material may have an elongated configuration extending in a vertical direction along said side regions.

In one embodiment, the area of said material in each of said side regions may be at least 77 cm ² .

In one embodiment, the area of the material in each of the side regions may be at least 232 cm ² .

The present invention also discloses an article of apparel comprising a torso region having a front region, a rear region, and a pair of side regions, each of the side regions being formed at least as follows:

A first fabric incorporating yarns that exhibit a dimensional transition when exposed to water, the first fabric having a first air permeability when not exposed to water, 125 Pa on opposing surfaces of the first fabric Said first air permeability is less than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² under pressure differential, and a second air permeability when exposed to water, said second air permeability under a pressure differential of 125 Pa on opposite surfaces of said material Greater than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² ; and

a second fabric incorporating yarns that are substantially dimensionally stable when exposed to water,

The first fabric and the second fabric are interconnected in each of the side regions.

In one embodiment, the article of apparel may be a shirt and include a pair of arm regions extending from the torso region.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of said rear region may be formed by said first fabric.

In one embodiment, the elements of said first fabric may have an elongated configuration extending in vertical direction along said side regions and in said rear region.

In one embodiment, the first fabric may be a warp knitted fabric.

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 100 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the elements of said first fabric may have an elongated configuration extending in a vertical direction along said side regions.

In one embodiment, the area of the first fabric in each of the side regions may be at least 77 cm ² .

In one embodiment, the area of the first fabric in each of the side regions may be at least 232 cm ² .

An article of apparel is also disclosed that includes a torso region having a front region, a rear region positioned opposite the front region, and a pair of side regions defining arm openings, the torso region having a neck a waist opening and an opposite waist opening, the torso region is formed from at least a first fabric and a second fabric, the first fabric forming a pair of side elements located within the side regions and extending across the arms at least fifty percent of the distance between the opening and the waist opening; and a rear member centrally located in the rear region and extending across at least one hundred percent of the distance between the neck opening and the waist opening Fifty percents, the first fabric incorporates yarns that exhibit a dimensional transition when exposed to water, the first fabric has: a first air permeability when not exposed to water, at the first said first air permeability is less than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² at a pressure differential of 125 Pa on the opposing surfaces of the fabric; and a second air permeability when exposed to water at a pressure of 125 Pa on the opposing surfaces of said first fabric Otherwise, the second air permeability is greater than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the article of apparel may be a shirt and include a pair of arm regions extending from the arm openings of the torso region.

In one embodiment, the first fabric may be a warp knitted fabric.

In one embodiment, the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability may be at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² .

In one embodiment, the area of each of said side elements and said rear element may be at least 77 cm ² .

The advantages and features of novel aspects of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, in order to gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings which illustrate various configurations and concepts related to the present invention.

Description of drawings

The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read with the accompanying figures.

1 is a front view of an article of apparel incorporating a fabric with variable air permeability.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the article of apparel.

3A and 3B are schematic top views of a portion of a fabric with variable air permeability.

4A-4F are rear views of additional configurations of the article of apparel.

5 is a front view of another article of apparel incorporating a fabric with variable air permeability.

A detailed description

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various articles of apparel that incorporate materials (eg, fabrics) with variable air permeability. A material has a minimum air permeability when the material is dry or otherwise not exposed to water. However, when the material is wet or otherwise exposed to water (for example, due to the wearer sweating), the air permeability increases and allows a greater amount of air to flow through the garment. Thus, the ability of air to flow through the material varies depending on whether the material is relatively dry or relatively wet. In addition, variable air permeability allows a greater amount of air to enter the garment to remove water produced by perspiration when sweat is present, and limits the amount of air that enters the garment when sweat is absent.

usual clothing configuration

Article of apparel 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes torso region 110 and a pair of arm regions 120 extending outwardly from torso region 110 . When worn, torso region 110 corresponds to and covers at least a portion of the torso of an individual wearing apparel 100 , while arm regions 120 respectively correspond to and cover at least a portion of the arms of an individual when apparel 100 is worn. The article 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 has the configuration of a shirt-type garment, particularly a short-sleeved shirt. Typically, shirt-type garments cover a portion of the individual's torso and extend over the individual's arms. In additional embodiments, apparel having the general construction of apparel 100 and incorporating the concepts discussed below with respect to apparel 100 may have other shirt-type garment configurations, including various long-sleeved shirts, tank tops, undershirts, jackets, or coat.

For reference, torso region 110 may be divided into a plurality of regions including a front region 111 , a rear region 112 and a pair of side regions 113 . Front region 111 generally corresponds to the chest and abdomen of an individual wearing apparel 100 . Posterior region 112 generally corresponds to the back of an individual. Similarly, side regions 113 generally correspond to the sides of an individual. Front region 111 is positioned opposite rear region 112 , while side region 113 extends between or separates portions of rear region 112 and front region 111 . Regions 111 - 113 are not intended to delineate precise regions of apparel 100 . Rather, regions 111-113 are intended to represent general regions of apparel 100 to aid in the following discussion.

An upper portion of torso region 110 defines neck opening 114 through which an individual's neck and head protrude when apparel 100 is worn. The lower region of torso region 110 defines waist opening 115 through which an individual's waist or pelvic region protrudes when apparel 100 is worn. Additionally, torso region 110 defines a pair of arm openings 116 through which the individual's arms extend when apparel 100 is worn. Arm region 120 extends outwardly from torso region 110 , and more particularly from arm opening 116 . Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the location of the arm openings 116 is depicted as corresponding to the seam connecting each arm region 120 to the torso region 110 . That is, arm openings 116 correspond to seams joining the fabric elements (or other material elements) of each arm region 120 with the fabric elements forming torso region 110 . In some apparel 100 configurations, arm region 120 may join torso region 110 in a seamless manner. Each arm region 120 defines an opening 121 positioned opposite arm opening 116 through which a wearer's hand, wrist, or arm protrudes when apparel 100 is worn.

Apparel 100 is formed from a number of fabric or other material elements that are joined (ie, stitched, adhesively bonded, thermally bonded) in a conventional manner to form torso region 110 and arm region 120 . Referring to the configuration depicted in Figures 1 and 2, most of the front region 111, rear region 112 and arm region 120 are formed from substantially conventional elements of fabric or other material. That is, front region 111, rear region 112, and arm region 120 may be formed from woven, knitted, or non-woven fabrics made of cotton, polyester, rayon, or various other natural fabrics commonly used in articles of apparel. or synthetic materials. In some configurations, portions of torso region 110 and arm region 120 may be formed from a non-woven (eg, polymer sheet) or layered material including a combination of layers of fabric and/or other materials. Additionally, zippers, buttons, or pockets may be incorporated into apparel 100 .

Portions of rear region 112 and side regions 113 are at least partially formed from different elements of fabric 130 , although conventional fabrics or other conventional materials may be used in apparel 100 . For purposes of reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , as well as other figures, fabric 130 is depicted as having a stippled or other pointy appearance to distinguish fabric 130 from other materials forming apparel 100 . An advantage of fabric 130 over various conventional fabrics and other materials relates to air permeability. More specifically, the air permeability of fabric 130 varies depending on whether fabric 130 is not exposed to water (ie, relatively dry) or exposed to water (ie, damp, wet, saturated). Generally, the air permeability of fabric 130 when not exposed to water is less than the air permeability of fabric 130 when exposed to water. Thus, (a) the air permeability of the fabric 130 is minimal when the fabric 130 is dry, and (b) the air permeability of the fabric 130 is maximum when the fabric 130 is wet, wet, or saturated with water.

Variable air permeability fabric

As discussed in the Background section above, many articles of apparel incorporate materials specifically selected to facilitate cooling of the individual, and such materials can exhibit relatively high air permeability (a) by convecting heat away from the body and (b) by removing Sweat promotes evaporative cooling. Mesh materials, commonly used to allow air to circulate between the garment and the individual, exhibit relatively constant air permeability. That is, the mesh material exhibits a relatively high air permeability when the individual is resting, warming up, participating in physical activity, and cooling down. While the mesh material promotes cooling when the individual is participating in physical activity, the mesh material can also promote cooling during periods when the individual may be concerned with maintaining heat (eg, during rest, warm-ups, and cool-downs). Thus, the relatively constant air permeability of the mesh material can sometimes facilitate cooling when a decrease in temperature is detrimental to or undesirable for the individual.

While mesh materials exhibit relatively constant air permeability, the air permeability of fabric 130 increases when exposed to water, including perspiration. Normally, as body temperature rises, the amount of sweat increases. Given that sweat will be absorbed or otherwise contact fabric 130, the air permeability of fabric 130 will effectively increase as body temperature increases. During periods when the individual is not sweating significantly (eg, during rest, warm-ups, and cool-downs), the air permeability of fabric 130 will be relatively low or minimal. However, when an individual engages in physical activity and sweats, the air permeability of fabric 130 will increase to allow air to flow through apparel 100 to (a) convect heat away from the body and (b) promote evaporative cooling by removing sweat.

3A and 3B depict a fabric 130 having a knitted fabric configuration formed from one or more yarns 131 . Typically, a knitwear comprises intermeshed loops formed of a yarn 131 or a plurality of yarns 131 . In production, the knitting machine may be programmed to mechanically manipulate the yarns 131 into the fabric 130 configuration. That is, fabric 130 may be formed by mechanically manipulating one or more yarns 131 to form a single piece of fabric element. The two main knitting techniques are weft knitting and warp knitting. Weft knitted fabrics utilize a single type of yarn in each process, while warp knitted fabrics utilize a different yarn for each stitch in the process. Although fabric 130 can be formed by a variety of different knitting processes, the advantages of warp knitting are a stronger structure, a relatively simple method of forming holes or other openings in the fabric, and the ability to form a stretchable fabric that is beneficial for athletic apparel. Relatively simple method. Examples of specific knitting processes that may be used for fabric 130 include flat knit, wide tube circular knit, narrow tube circular knit jacquard, single knit circular knit jacquard, double knit circular knit jacquard, Circular knit jacquard and warp knit jacquard. In some configurations, fabric 130 may be formed from a non-woven material, a woven fabric, or a tangled and twisted fabric.

Yarn 131 is formed from one or more filaments or fibers that undergo a dimensional transformation when exposed to water. In other words, the dimensions (ie, either or both of length and thickness) of yarns 131 change when fabric 130 is exposed to water. Changes in the dimensions of the yarns 131 have an effect on the structure of the fabric 130 . More specifically, the transition in the size of the yarns 131 changes the structure of the fabric 130 such that the area of the plurality of holes 132 between portions of the yarns 131 increases. Referring to FIG. 3A, a portion of fabric 130 is depicted as not being exposed to water, and many pores 132 are relatively small. Referring to Figure 3B, a portion of fabric 130 is depicted as being exposed to water. In this state, yarn 131 changes size (ie, increases in length and thickness) such that the area of aperture 132 increases. Thus, exposing the fabric 130 to water has the effect of (a) changing the dimensions of the yarns 131 and (b) increasing the area of the many holes 132 between portions of the yarns 131 . Furthermore, increasing the area of the holes 132 has the effect of increasing the air permeability of the fabric 130 .

Yarn 131 may utilize various materials that change size in the presence of water. For example, at least a portion of the filaments or fibers in yarn 131 may be formed from a hygroscopic polyester material, such as various hygroscopic polyester materials manufactured by Tejin Fibers Limited of Japan. In some configurations, yarns 131 may be formed entirely of hygroscopic material. In other configurations, yarns 131 may be formed from a combination of both hygroscopic and non-hygroscopic materials. For example, yarn 131 may be formed from 50% hygroscopic polyester material and 50% non-hygroscopic polyester material. As a more specific example, yarn 131 may be a side-by-side composite yarn of 50% semi-dull cationic polyester and 50% nylon having a 75 denier, 24 filament construction. Other relatively non-hygroscopic polymeric fibers or filaments, such as rayon, nylon, and acrylic, may also be used. Additionally, silk, cotton or wool may be used in yarn 131 . Thus, multiple materials are suitable for different yarns 131, but at least some of the materials transform in size in the presence of water.

While fabric 130 may incorporate yarns 131 (including materials that change size in the presence of water), the yarns in the fabric used in other portions of apparel 100 may be primarily formed from materials that do not change size significantly in the presence of water. . Accordingly, apparel 100 may incorporate fabrics that react to water in different ways, and these fabrics may be interconnected (eg, at seams) in each of rear region 112 and side regions 113 .

Physiological studies have shown that breathable material located in the side regions of a shirt-type garment and along the rear region provides more effective cooling of an individual than garments with breathable material located elsewhere. In addition to lowering the individual's body temperature, ventilation cooling also reduces or delays the increase in the individual's body temperature when participating in physical activity. During physical activity, individuals may release significantly excess heat in the center of the back region, and enhanced air flow in this region effectively (a) convects heat away from the body and (b) promotes evaporative cooling by removing sweat. In addition, the breathable material in the side regions improves the ingress and egress of air as the individual moves forward or laterally. When breathable material is located in the side areas of the shirting garment and along the rear area, air flows into the shirting garment at the side areas, flows around to the rear area, and exits the shirting garment for cooling by convection and evaporation to lower the temperature.

Physiological studies have also shown that materials with an air permeability greater than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² (ie, approximately 550 ft ³ /min per ft ² ) are effective at reducing the skin temperature of an individual, which can promote overall cooling of the individual. Similarly, materials with an air permeability of less than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² are ineffective at reducing an individual's skin temperature. As discussed above, the fabric 130 has variable air permeability depending on whether the fabric 130 is exposed to water, or not. During periods when the individual is not significantly perspiring, the air permeability of fabric 130 will be less than 279 ^cm3 /sec per ^cm2 to maintain heat. However, when the individual engages in physical activity and perspires, the air permeability of fabric 130 will increase to greater than 279 cm3 ^/ sec per ^cm2 to allow air to flow through apparel 100 effectively reducing the individual's skin temperature. Thus, fabric 130 exhibits (a) a first air permeability when not exposed to water, a first air permeability of less than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² and (b) a second air permeability when exposed to water, a second air permeability Greater than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² . ASTM D737 (including ASTM D737-04), published by ASTM International of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA, titled Standard Test Method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics, provides a suitable test for determining the air permeability of fabrics, although various other methods of measuring air permeability are known and can be used. Typically, ASTM D737 utilizes a pressure differential of 125 Pa (ie, 0.0209 LB/FT ² ) when determining air permeability. As an example, a Frazier Low Pressure Permeability Tester 750 can be used for testing.

The fabric 130 has a variable air permeability depending on whether the fabric 130 is exposed to water, or not. As discussed above, an air permeability greater than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² when exposed to water and less than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² when not exposed to water, as measured according to ASTM D737 or other test methods . However, the degree of variation in the air permeability of fabric 130 can vary significantly. In some configurations of fabric 130, the air permeability may be 280 cm ³ /sec per cm ² when exposed to water and 278 cm ³ /sec per cm ² when not exposed to water, with 2 cm ³ /sec per cm ² poor. In other configurations of fabric 130, for example, the difference may be at least 10 cm ³ /sec per cm ² , at least 50 cm ³ /sec per cm ² , or at least 100 cm ³ /sec per cm ² . Considering that the variable air permeability of the fabric 130 produces differences in the degree to which individual skin temperatures are cooled, a difference of at least 50 cm ³ /sec per cm ² or at least 100 cm ³ /sec per cm ² in air flowing through the rear region 112 and the side regions 113 when assigning valid differences.

The amount of air flowing through the rear region 112 and the side regions 113 also depends on the area of the fabric 130 in each of the rear region 112 and the side regions 113 . Generally, as the area of fabric 130 increases, the amount of air flowing through rear region 112 and side regions 113 also increases. Thus, greater airflow is created by incorporating larger elements of fabric 130 into apparel 100 . A suitable area of fabric 130 in each of rear region 112 and side region 113 is at least 77 cm ² (i.e., about 12 in ² ), although the fabric in each of rear region 112 and side region 113 The area of 130 is also at least 232 cm ² (ie, about 36 in ² ).

In addition to the total area, the width of the various elements of fabric 130 can also have an effect on air flow. A suitable minimum width of fabric 130 in rear region 112 ranges from 10-15 centimeters (ie, approximately 4-6 inches) for configurations of apparel 100 intended for men's or women's. For the configuration of apparel 100 intended for men, a suitable minimum width of fabric 130 in side regions 113 is 10 centimeters (ie, approximately 4 inches). Additionally, a suitable minimum width for fabric 130 in side region 113 is 7.5 centimeters (ie, approximately 3 inches) for the configuration of apparel 100 intended for women.

Based on the above discussion, apparel 100 incorporates a material having (a) a first air permeability when not exposed to water, measured according to ASTM D737, of less than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² and (b) exposed The second air permeability in water, measured according to ASTM D737, is greater than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² . The material may be located in any or all of the rear region 112 and side region 113, and the material may be a fabric comprising yarns that change size in the presence of water. US Patent Application Publication 2005/0204449 to Baron et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses additional information, features, or configurations that may be used in apparel 100 or fabric 130 .

Additional Clothing Configurations

Apparel 100 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 presents an example of a configuration for a shirt-type garment incorporating fabric 130 . However, apparel 100 or other articles of apparel incorporating fabric 130 may have a variety of other configurations. Referring to FIG. 4A , apparel 100 has a configuration in which fabric 130 is located in each side region 113 but not in rear region 112 . The reverse configuration is depicted in FIG. 4B , where fabric 130 is located in the rear region 112 but not in each of the side regions 113 . The shape of the elements of fabric 130 may also vary significantly. While the elements of fabric 130 in FIGS. 1 and 2 have a generally elongated configuration with curved edges extending in the vertical direction, FIG. 4C depicts a configuration in which the elements of fabric 130 have a rectangular shape with straight edges, However, the elements of fabric 130 may also be circular, oval, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or various other regular, irregular, or irregular shapes.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, elements of fabric 130 in rear region 112 extend from neck opening 114 to waist opening 115, and elements of fabric 130 in side regions 113 extend from each arm opening 116 to waist opening 115. Waist opening 115. The configuration of apparel 100 depicted in FIG. 4C appears as follows, with elements of fabric 130 spaced from neck opening 114 , waist opening 115 , and arm opening 116 . While elements of fabric 130 are spaced from openings 114, 115, and 116, elements of fabric 130 in rear region 112 are depicted as extending over approximately eighty percent of the distance between neck opening 114 and waist opening 115. Five, and the elements of fabric 130 in side region 113 are depicted as extending over approximately eighty percent of the distance between arm opening 116 and waist opening 115 . In other configurations, fabric 130 may extend across at least twenty percent, at least fifty percent, or at least seventy percent of the distance between openings 114 , 115 , and 116 . As discussed above, the air flow through the rear region 112 and the side regions 113 depends in part on the area of the fabric 130 in each of the rear region 112 and the side regions 113 . An advantage of a configuration in which elements of fabric 130 extend across at least fifty percent of the distance between openings 114, 115, and 116 is that apparel 100 generally has sufficient air flow to promote cooling of the individual's skin temperature. FIG. 4D depicts another configuration of apparel 100 in which a plurality of generally circular or oval-shaped elements of fabric 130 are located in rear region 112 and side regions 113 . In this configuration, the elements of fabric 130 collectively extend throughout a substantial portion of the distance between openings 114 , 115 , and 116 .

Apparel 100 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 as having the configuration of a shirt-type garment, particularly a short-sleeved shirt. Referring to Figure 4E, apparel 100 has the configuration of a long-sleeved shirt. While this configuration of apparel 100 includes fabric 130 in rear region 112 and each side region 113 , additional elements of fabric 130 are located in arm regions 120 . Thus, fabric 130 may be located in various areas of apparel 100 in addition to rear region 112 and each side region 113 . Referring to FIG. 4F , apparel 100 has a tank top configuration in which arm region 120 is absent. However, like the other configurations of apparel 100 , this configuration includes fabric 130 in rear region 112 and each side region 113 . In further configurations, apparel having the general construction of apparel 100 and incorporating the concepts discussed above with respect to apparel 100 may have the configuration of other shirt-type garments, including undershirts, jackets, or coats.

As another example of an apparel configuration, an article of apparel 200 having the configuration of a pant-shaped garment is depicted in FIG. 5 . Apparel 200 includes a pelvic region 201 and a pair of leg regions 202 extending downwardly from pelvic region 201 . When worn, the pelvic region 201 corresponds to and covers at least a portion of the pelvic region of the wearer. When apparel 200 is worn, the upper region of pelvic region 201 defines a waist opening 203 that extends around the waist. Leg regions 202 correspond to the right and left legs of the wearer and cover at least a portion of the legs. Each leg region 202 defines an ankle opening 204 through which a wearer's foot and ankle protrude when apparel 200 is worn. Like apparel 100 , apparel 200 includes various elements of fabric 130 . More specifically, elements of fabric 130 are located on the sides of the pelvic region 201 , the thigh region of the leg region 202 , and the sides of the lower portion of the leg region 202 , but may be located in other regions as well. Accordingly, apparel incorporating fabric 130 may also have other types of configurations for apparel.

The above discussion of apparel 100 relates to the use of apparel 100 during various athletic activities, including practice sessions or competitions. While apparel 100 or other articles of apparel incorporating the above concepts may be used for athletic activities, apparel 100 may also be used during various non-athletic activities to promote cooling of an individual's body temperature. During various non-physical activities (e.g., driving, shopping, gardening, reading, etc.), as the intensity of exertion or various environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity) increase, an individual's skin temperature may increase and may Wear apparel similar to Apparel 100 to promote cooling. Accordingly, articles of apparel incorporating fabric 130 may be manufactured and used for a variety of activities, whether athletic or non-athletic.

The invention is disclosed above and in the drawings with reference to various configurations. The purpose of 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. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made to the above configurations without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (34)

What is claimed is: 1. An article of apparel comprising a torso region having a front region, a rear region, and a pair of side regions, each of the side regions being formed at least as follows: A first fabric incorporating yarns that exhibit a dimensional transition when exposed to water, wherein the yarns are formed from 50% hygroscopic polyester material and 50% non-hygroscopic polyester material, the first The fabric has: a first air permeability when not exposed to water, said first air permeability measured according to ASTM D737 being less than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² , and a second air permeability when exposed to water greater than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² as measured according to ASTM D737; and a second fabric incorporating yarns that are substantially dimensionally stable when exposed to water, The first fabric and the second fabric are interconnected in each of the side regions. 2. The article of apparel recited in claim 1 , wherein said yarns incorporated in said first fabric are 50% semi-dull cationic polyester and 50% nylon having a 75 denier, 24 filament construction side by side composite yarn. 3. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the article of apparel is a shirt and includes a pair of arm regions extending from the torso region. 4. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the rear region is formed from the first fabric. 5. The article of apparel recited in claim 4, wherein the elements of the first fabric have an elongated configuration extending vertically along the side regions and in the rear region. 6. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the first fabric is a warp-knit fabric. 7. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability is at least 50 ^cm3 /sec per ^cm2 . 8. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability is at least 100 ^cm3 /sec per ^cm2 . 9. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein the elements of the first fabric have an elongated configuration extending in a vertical direction along the side regions. 10. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein an area of the first fabric in each of the side regions is at least 77 ^cm2 . 11. The article of apparel recited in claim 1, wherein an area of the first fabric in each of the side regions is at least 232 ^cm2 . 12. An article of apparel comprising a torso region having a front region, a rear region positioned opposite the front region, and a pair of side regions defining arm openings, the torso region having a neck opening and Opposite the waist opening, the torso region is formed from at least a first fabric and a second fabric, the first fabric forming: a pair of side members located within the side region and extending across at least fifty percent of the distance between the arm opening and the waist opening; and a rear member centrally located in the rear region and extending across at least fifty percent of the distance between the neck opening and the waist opening, The first fabric incorporates yarns that exhibit a dimensional transition when exposed to water, the first fabric having: a first air permeability when not exposed to water, said first air permeability measured according to ASTM D737 being less than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² , and a second air permeability when exposed to water, said second air permeability being greater than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² when measured according to ASTM D737, Wherein, the yarn is formed of 50% hygroscopic polyester material and 50% non-hygroscopic polyester material. 13. The article of apparel recited in claim 12, wherein the yarn is a side-by-side composite yarn of 50% semi-dull cationic polyester and 50% nylon having a 75 denier, 24 filament construction. 14. The article of apparel recited in claim 12, wherein the article of apparel is a shirt and includes a pair of arm regions extending from the arm openings of the torso region. 15. The article of apparel recited in claim 12, wherein the first fabric is a warp-knit fabric. 16. The article of apparel recited in claim 12, wherein the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability is at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² . 17. The article of apparel recited in claim 12, wherein each of the side elements and the rear element have an area of at least 77 ^cm2 . 18. An article of apparel comprising a torso region having a front region, a rear region, and a pair of side regions, each of the side regions being formed at least as follows: A first fabric incorporating yarns that exhibit a dimensional transition when exposed to water, wherein the yarns are formed from 50% hygroscopic polyester material and 50% non-hygroscopic polyester material, the first The fabric has: a first air permeability when not exposed to water, said first air permeability being less than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² at a pressure differential of 125 Pa across opposing surfaces of said first fabric, and a second air permeability when exposed to water, said second air permeability being greater than 279 cm ³ /second per cm ² at a pressure differential of 125 Pa across opposing surfaces of said material; and a second fabric incorporating yarns that are substantially dimensionally stable when exposed to water, The first fabric and the second fabric are interconnected in each of the side regions. 19. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein said yarns incorporated in said first fabric are 50% semi-dull cationic polyester and 50% nylon having a 75 denier, 24 filament construction side by side composite yarn. 20. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein the article of apparel is a shirt and includes a pair of arm regions extending from the torso region. 21. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the rear region is formed from the first fabric. 22. The article of apparel recited in claim 21, wherein the elements of the first fabric have an elongated configuration extending vertically along the side regions and within the rear region. 23. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein the first fabric is a warp knit fabric. 24. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability is at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² . 25. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability is at least 100 cm ³ /second per cm ² . 26. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein the elements of the first fabric have an elongated configuration extending in a vertical direction along the side regions. 27. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein an area of the first fabric in each of the side regions is at least 77 ^cm2 . 28. The article of apparel recited in claim 18, wherein an area of the first fabric in each of the side regions is at least 232 ^cm2 . 29. An article of apparel comprising a torso region having a front region, a rear region positioned opposite the front region, and a pair of side regions defining arm openings, the torso region having a neck opening and Opposite the waist opening, the torso region is formed from at least a first fabric and a second fabric, the first fabric forming: a pair of side members located within the side region and extending across at least fifty percent of the distance between the arm opening and the waist opening; and a rear member centrally located in the rear region and extending across at least fifty percent of the distance between the neck opening and the waist opening, The first fabric incorporates yarns that exhibit a dimensional transition when exposed to water, the first fabric having: a first air permeability when not exposed to water, said first air permeability being less than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² at a pressure differential of 125 Pa across opposing surfaces of said first fabric; and a second air permeability when exposed to water, said second air permeability being greater than 279 cm ³ /sec per cm ² at a pressure differential of 125 Pa across the opposing surfaces of said first fabric, Wherein, the yarn is formed of 50% hygroscopic polyester material and 50% non-hygroscopic polyester material. 30. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein the yarn is a side-by-side composite yarn of 50% semi-dull cationic polyester and 50% nylon having a 75 denier, 24 filament construction. 31. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein the article of apparel is a shirt and includes a pair of arm regions extending from the arm openings of the torso region. 32. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein the first fabric is a warp-knit fabric. 33. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein the difference between the first air permeability and the second air permeability is at least 50 cm ³ /second per cm ² . 34. The article of apparel recited in claim 29, wherein each of the side elements and the rear element have an area of at least 77 ^cm2 .