FR3003138A3 - CLOTHES WITH THERMOCHROMIC DYES TO MONITOR AND OPTIMIZE EXERCISE PERFORMANCE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment for monitoring an optimum temperature of the body envelope during physical activity. The garment uses thermochromic dyes and thermochromic inks to indicate changes in body envelope temperature as physical activity begins and progresses. Thermochromic dyeing and inks reveal when the temperature of the body envelope has reached a temperature indicative of optimal muscle performance, and inform the wearer of the garment whether to increase or decrease the intensity of physical activity to establish or maintain the optimal temperature of the body envelope.

Description

GARMENT WITH THERMO-CHROMIC DYES FOR MONITORING AND OPTIMIZING EXERCISE PERFORMANCE REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority over US Application No. 13 / 833,427, filed March 15, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein. in reference, in its entirety and for all purposes. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to textiles, and in particular, an exercise garment including a plurality of thermochromic dyes that indicate optimal muscle performance and that can also warn of hyperthermal muscle conditions, including body temperature. internal hyperthermia reflected by a high body envelope temperature. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The training suit provides comfort to the athlete, and allows the athlete to exercise in different climates and conditions. Modern versions of such clothing also wick moisture away from the skin. However, the fabrics from which the training suit is manufactured do not inform the wearer or trainer of the condition of the body during exercise. For example, fabrics do not provide information on body temperature, burned caloric expenditure, or peak performance. On the contrary, to the extent that the athlete or coach must have this information, he or she must generally rely on electronic sensors or his or her own assessment of body performance. Thermochromic pigments have invaded many facets of daily activities. These pigments, which have been formulated as inks and dyes, are also used in apparel articles, mainly for aesthetic purposes. Thermochromically colored clothing items do not include thermochromic inks and dyes that change color in a more accurate range of temperatures, for example, for monitoring temperature and muscle performance.

Athletes need to monitor and improve their performance in a cost-effective manner, especially for casual and amateur athletes. Temperature monitoring can help greatly in optimizing performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention features a garment for monitoring an optimum temperature of the body envelope in a wearer of the garment. The garment can find its use, for example, in the monitoring of temperature by athletes, as well as in indications of medical monitoring of temperature. Temperature monitoring may reveal a hyperthermic condition. In some aspects, the garment comprises a moisture-wicking fabric, which may include cotton, nylon, polyester, or blends thereof. In some aspects, the garment includes a plurality of thermochromic dyes. The garment may include a first thermochromic dye that changes color at about 32 degrees C, a second thermochromic dye that changes color at about 34 degrees C, and a third thermochromic dye that changes color at about 36 degrees C. The garment may include a first thermochromic dye that changes color at about 33 degrees C, a second thermochromic dye that changes color at about 35 degrees C, and a third thermochromic dye that changes color at about 37 degrees C. Optionally, the garment may include a logo or a pattern comprising a thermochromic dye that changes color at about 33 degrees C, about 34 degrees C or about 35 degrees C. Optionally, the garment may include a fourth thermochromic dye that changes color at about 37 degrees C, or that changes color at about 38 degrees C, or changes color to about iron 39 degrees C, or that changes color to about 40 degrees C. The garment preferably comprises a swimsuit. The jersey may include the plurality of thermochromic dyes, including the first, second, third and fourth thermochromic dyes only in the sleeves, or only in the shoulder portion of the jersey, or only the front of the jersey, or only the back of the jersey. , or only in the chest part of the shirt, or only in the abdominal part of the shirt, or combinations thereof. The garment can be used in a method of monitoring optimal muscle performance during physical activity in a subject wearing the garment. In some aspects, the methods include the steps of exerting one or more muscle groups under the garment to a degree that increases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment, to determine that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 32 degrees C by detecting a change from a first color of the garment to a second color of the garment, and to increase the intensity of exercise of one or more muscle groups to a degree that increases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the clothing until the temperature of the body envelope is at least 34 degrees C and to determine that the temperature of the body envelope is at least minus 34 degrees C by detecting a change in color of the garment to a third color of the garment. In some aspects, the methods include the steps of exerting one or more muscle groups under the garment to a degree that increases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment, to determine that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 33 degrees C by detecting a change from a first color of the garment to a second color of the garment, and to increase the intensity of exercise of one or more muscle groups to a degree that increases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the clothing until the temperature of the body envelope is at least 35 degrees C and to determine that the temperature of the body envelope is at least minus 35 degrees C by detecting a change in color of the garment to a third color of the garment.

The methods may further comprise the steps of determining that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 36 degrees by detecting a change of the third color of the garment to a fourth color of the garment, and decreasing the intensity of the the exercise of one or more muscle groups to a degree that decreases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment until the temperature of the body envelope is at least 34 degrees C The methods may further comprise the steps of determining that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 37 degrees by detecting a change of the third color of the garment to a fourth color of the garment, and decreasing the intensity. the exercise of one or more muscle groups to a degree that decreases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the ment until the temperature of the envelope body is at least 35 degrees C.

The invention also provides a method for coloring a moisture-wicking garment with a plurality of thermochromic dyes. The method generally comprises the steps of contacting the garment with a cationic agent for a period of time sufficient to impart a load on the garment fabric, rinsing the garment to remove the cationic agent, contacting the garment with a dyeing solution comprising a first thermochromic dye that changes color at about 32 degrees C, a second thermochromic dye that changes color at about 34 degrees C, and a third thermochromic dye that changes color at about 36 degrees C for a period of time sufficient to color the fabric, or with a dye solution comprising a first thermochromic dye that changes color at about 33 degrees C, a second thermochromic dye that changes color at about 35 degrees C, and a third color-changing thermochromic dye at around 37 degrees C for a period of time sufficient for colo the fabric, add a dispersing agent to the dye solution and contact the garment with the dispersing agent for a period of time sufficient to apply the thermochromic dyes substantially uniformly to the fabric, attaching to the dyeing solution and contacting the garment with the fixing agent for a period of time sufficient to fix the thermochromic dyes on the fibers, adding a binder to the dye solution and contacting the garment with the binding agent for a period of time sufficient to bind the thermochromic dyes to the fibers, to rinse the garment to remove the dye solution, to dry the garment, and optionally to apply a logo or design to the garment with a thermochromic ink which changes color to about 34 degrees C or changes color to about 35 degrees C. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS they are understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that, according to a common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are enlarged or reduced arbitrarily for the sake of clarity. The following figures are included in the drawings: FIG. 1 schematizes a color change of the jersey in response to surface body temperature changes from optimum calorie expenditure and muscle metabolism. The jersey changes color along a predetermined temperature continuum as each temperature along the continuum is reached, which is represented as a darkening of the image's hue. The color change is reversible on the basis of an increase and a decrease in temperature; and Figure 2 schematizes the surface body temperature (in Celsius) of various regions of the torso both at rest (for example, before a workout) and after certain muscle groups are exercised. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Various terms relating to aspects of the present invention are used throughout the specification and claims. These terms are given their ordinary meaning in the art unless otherwise indicated. Other specifically defined terms should be interpreted consistently with the definition provided in this document. As used everywhere, the singular forms "one", "one" and "the" include plural referents unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms "including" and "including" encompass the more restrictive terms "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of". The invention provides a garment for determining optimal and suboptimal muscle performance during exercise, reflected by changes in body surface heat that result in color changes of thermochromic inks or dyes impregnated into or out of the body. coated on the fibers of the garment. The invention also provides methods for producing such an exercise garment, and methods for assessing muscle performance during exercise based on changes in body surface temperature. A fundamental feature is a mixture of thermochromic dyes and inks that change color during particular changes in body surface temperature to reflect suboptimal and optimal muscle performance, or to reflect a hyperthermal condition. The garment can be any article of clothing, knit or textile, and is preferably a garment that is intended to be used during exercise, although in some aspects the garment may be intended to be used to monitor a temperature. of the hyperthermic body envelope, including for medical purposes. The garment may be an article of clothing that is typically worn for particular types of exercise or a particular sport, including running clothing, weightlifting clothing, sportswear, ski clothing ( downhill or cross-country), cycling clothing, swimwear, golf training clothing, hiking clothing, yoga clothing, and other types of athletic clothing. The garment includes, but is not limited to, swimsuits, blouses, wristbands, shorts, pants, tights, socks, shoes, athletic shoes, gloves, hats, visors, headbands, and variations or combinations thereof. The jerseys are preferred. The garment can be made from any suitable material or fiber. The garment may be made from cotton, polyester, nylon, wool, cellulose, rayon, Lyocell, elastane, spandex, silk, and combinations thereof. The garment may have moisture-wicking or moisture-absorbing properties. The cotton garment is preferred in some aspects. The garment preferably comprises a plurality of thermochromic dyes. The thermochromic dyes may be impregnated or infused into the fibers of the material used to make the garment, or the dyes may be coated on the surface of the fibers. The fibers of the garment can be stained with thermochromic dyes alone, or can be stained with a combination of thermochromic dyes and ordinary non-thermochromic dyes. In cases where thermochromic dyes and ordinary dyes are both used, each type of dye can be independently impregnated or infused into the fibers of the material used to make the garment, coated on the surface of the fibers, or both. For example, in some aspects the fibers are impregnated with ordinary non-thermochromic dyes and are coated with thermochromic dyes. In some aspects, the fibers are coated with both non-thermochromic and thermochromic dyes. In some aspects, the garment further comprises at least one or a plurality of thermochromic inks, including thermochromic paints. Thus, in addition to the fibers of the garment which include thermochromic dyes, the fibers can be coated with thermochromic inks. Thermochromic ink coatings can be applied to all or part of the garment. For example, a garment comprising a thermochromic dye may also include a design, including a logo, which has been coated on the surface of the fibers using one or a plurality of thermochromic inks. See, for example, Fig. 1. The thermochromic ink coating may mask part of the garment so that a color change of the thermochromic dyes at the ink-covered portion is not visible because the ink covers the dye.

Thermochromic pigments change color in response to changes in their microenvironment, typically changes in pH. In general, the pigments alternate between a colored and colorless state. The thermochromic dyes and inks are generally packaged together with proton donor acidic chromogenic developers and a low melting wax, all of which are contained within a polymeric capsule or microcapsule. In the presence of an acid chromogenic developer, the thermochromic dye is protonated by protons given by the color developer, and the protonation provides a conformational change in the dye molecule that results in the color change. In the absence of the acid chromogenic developer, the thermochromic dyeing molecule returns to its native form and the color change is reversed. This color change can be controlled, for example, according to the melting point of the wax, so that when the wax is in solid form, the dye and the acid chromogenic developer are separated and the first color is visible, and when the background wax, dye and acid chromogenic developer can interact so that the color change occurs, and the second color is visible, or the first color becomes colorless. Thus, color changes can be controlled according to the temperature at which the wax melts. In accordance with the invention, the thermochromic dyes preferably include waxes which melt substantially at a desired temperature so that more accurate temperature monitoring can be achieved. In accordance with the invention, any suitable thermochromic dye may be used. These dyes may include a leuco dye. These dyes may include a liquid crystal dye. These dyes may include a mixture of leuco dye and liquid crystal dye. The dyes may comprise a fluoran or a lactone of crystal violet. The dyes may include a red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple color, including any shade thereof. The dyes can be supplied in liquid, semi-liquid, slurry or solid form. The garment preferably comprises a plurality of thermochromic dyes that change color independently at a particular temperature. Each of the plurality of thermochromic dyes may be selected to change or lose its color at specific points along a continuum of temperatures, thereby exposing the next thermochromic dyeing color until a fairly high temperature is attained and none Another color change is possible, for example, the temperature limit of the thermochromic dyes present in or on the garment. As the envelope temperature / body surface area increases, the low melting wax separating the first thermochromic dye from its acid developer melts, allowing the first dye and developer to interact, causing the first dye to become colorless, and thus exposing the color of the second thermochromic dye. As the temperature of the body surface increases further, the wax separating the second thermochromic dye from its acidic developer melts, allowing the second dye and the developer to interact, causing the second dye to become colorless, and thereby exposing the color of the third thermochromic dye. This general reaction can evolve through each of the thermochromic dyes present in the plurality of thermochromic dyes, until the last thermochromic dye has changed or lost its color. See Figure 1. In some aspects, when the last thermochromic dye has lost its color, a base color of the garment, established by a non-thermochromic dye, is exposed. As the temperature of the body surface decreases, these reactions are reversed, and each thermochromic dye that has changed color will return to its original color. As each thermochromic dye successively returns to its original color, the color of the garment changes in reverse order, for example, exposing the color of the second thermochromic dye, and then the color of the first thermochromic dye. The garment may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten thermochromic dyes or more. In preferred aspects, the garment comprises two to five thermochromic dyes. In some aspects, the garment includes two to four thermochromic dyes. In some aspects, the garment includes three to four thermochromic dyes. In some aspects, the garment includes two to three thermochromic dyes. Preferably, any of the thermochromic or thermochromic inks in or on the garment does not change temperature at a resting body envelope temperature, such as the temperature of the body envelope before an exercise activity begins or an activity begins. temperature of the normal body envelope. Thus, at a temperature of the body envelope at rest before exercise, the garment includes a first color, and this color will not change unless the garment is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the envelope body rest before exercise. This heat is provided by the skin that is in contact with or proximal to the garment material. The temperature of the body envelope at rest before exercise may be from about 29 ° C to about 35 ° C, in some aspects it may be from about 29 ° C to about 31 ° C, in some aspects it may be from about 30 ° C to about 32 ° C, in some aspects it may be from about 30 ° C to about 33 ° C, in some aspects it may be from about 31 ° C to about 33 ° C, and in some aspects it may be from about 32 ° C to about 34 ° C. Thus, in some aspects, none of the thermochromic dyes or inks will change color at a temperature not exceeding about 29 ° C. In some aspects, none of the thermochromic dyes or inks will change color at a temperature not exceeding about 30 ° C. In some aspects, none of the thermochromic dyes or inks will change color at a temperature not exceeding about 31 ° C. In some aspects, none of the thermochromic dyes or inks will change color at a temperature not exceeding about 32 ° C. In some aspects, none of the thermochromic dyes or inks will change color at a temperature not exceeding about 33 ° C. In some aspects, none of the thermochromic dyes or inks will change color at a temperature not exceeding about 34 ° C. In some aspects, none of the thermochromic dyes or inks will change color at a temperature not exceeding about 35 ° C.

Additional thermochromic dyes or inks change color when the garment is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the body envelope at rest before exercise. These dyes and inks may change color, including color loss, at a temperature which is preferably greater than about 32 ° C, in some aspects greater than about 33 ° C, in some aspects greater than about 34 ° C and in some aspects, greater than about 35 ° C. The second, third, fourth, fifth and more thermochromic dyes and inks may change color as the garment is heated to progressively higher temperatures above the temperature of the product. body envelope at rest before exercise. The heat is usually provided by the skin that is in contact with or that is proximal to the material of the garment, and the body heat increases with the increase of the physical effort. As the dyes and inks change color, at least a portion of the garment also changes color. The color change reflects the temperature of the garment at any given part. It is preferable that the garment comprises at least two, in some aspects at least three, in some aspects at least four thermochromic dyes. These thermochromic dyes may change color when the garment is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the particular low-melting wax with which the dye is mixed. The temperature of different parts of the garment is a function of the temperature of the most proximal body envelope of these parts, and the color of a given portion of the garment preferably reflects the temperature of the body envelope covered by that portion. The following tables illustrate non-limiting examples of garment temperatures at which each dye or ink in a plurality may change color in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Table 1. Temperature changes for a garment with four thermochromic dyes or inks No change Change Change Change Change color color color color for dye / thermochromic ink 1 (° C) for dye / thermochromic ink 2 (° C) for dye / thermochromic ink 3 (° C) for dyeing / thermochromic ink 4 (° C) (OC) 32 33 34 35 36 32 33 34 35 37 32 33 35 37 39 32 33 36 38 40 32 34 36 38 40 32 34 35 36 37 32 34 35 37 39 32 34 35 37 38 33 34 35 36 37 33 34 36 38 40 33 34 35 37 39 33 34 35 36 38 33 35 36 37 38 33 35 37 39 40 33 35 36 38 40 34 35 36 37 38 34 35 37 38 39 34 35 37 39 40 34 36 37 38 39 34 36 38 39 40 34 37 38 39 40 35 36 37 38 39 35 37 38 39 40 35 36 38 39 40 35 36 37 39 40 Table 2. Temperature changes for a garment with three thermochromic dyes or inks None Change Change Color Change (° C) color for color r color for dye / thermochromic ink 1 dye / thermochromic ink 2 dyeing / thermochromic ink 3 (° C) (° C) (° C) 32 33 34 35 32 33 35 37 32 33 37 39 32 33 36 39 32 35 37 40 32 35 38 40 32 34 35 36 32 34 36 38 32 34 37 40 32 34 38 40 32 34 36 39 32 34 35 39 33 35 36 37 33 35 36 38 33 35 36 39 33 35 37 39 33 35 37 40 33 35 38 40 33 36 37 38 33 36 38 40 33 36 37 39 33 36 38 39 33 37 38 39 34 35 36 37 34 35 37 39 34 35 37 40 34 36 38 40 34 36 37 38 34 36 37 39 34 37 38 39 35 36 37 38 35 36 38 40 35 37 38 39 35 37 38 40 35 37 39 40 Table 3. Temperature changes for a garment with two thermochromic dyes or inks No color change (° C) Change in color change for color for dyeing / ink dyeing / thermochromic ink 1 thermochromic 2 (° C) (° C) 32 33 34 32 33 35 32 34 36 32 34 38 32 34 39 32 35 37 32 35 38 32 35 39 32 35 40 32 36 38 32 36 39 32 36 40 32 37 39 32 37 40 33 34 35 33 34 36 33 34 37 33 35 36 33 35 37 3 3 35 38 33 35 39 33 35 40 33 36 37 33 36 38 33 36 39 33 36 40 33 37 38 33 37 39 33 37 40 33 38 40 34 35 36 No change in color (° C) Change of color change for color for dyeing / ink dyeing / thermochromic ink 1 thermochromic 2 (° C) (° C) 34 35 37 34 35 38 34 35 39 34 36 37 34 36 38 34 36 39 34 37 39 34 37 40 34 38 40 35 36 37 The temperature of the body envelope is generally not uniform, and different areas of the body may have different envelope temperatures at any given time. In addition, different areas of the body may have different envelope temperatures depending on the muscles or muscle groups that are exercised. See Figure 2. For example, when a biceps muscle on the left side of the body is exerted, the temperature of the body envelope at and proximal of the left biceps muscles may be greater than the temperature of the body envelope at the level of the body. and proximal right biceps if the right biceps are not exercised concomitantly, or are exercised to a lesser extent than the left biceps. The exercise of a muscle group, however, may result in an increase in the temperature of the body envelope at an area of the distal body of the muscle group that is exerted, for example, the exercise of a muscle Biceps can increase the temperature of the body envelope at the forearm, chest, shoulder, back and neck, among other areas. The garment preferably indicates optimal muscle performance, reflected by increases in body wrapper temperature that heat the garment and cause color changes of the thermochromic dyes and inks. In some aspects, the thermochromic ink changes color only at the temperature of the body envelope which indicates peak or optimal muscle performance, so that the wearer can determine when the optimum body envelope temperature has been reached. In some aspects, the garment includes thermochromic dyes in certain parts of the garment only, which may allow the wearer to monitor and optimize performance for a particular muscle group. Using the non-limiting example of a jersey, in some aspects, only the jersey sleeves may include a plurality of thermochromic dyes or inks, so that the wearer can monitor the performance of the arm muscles. In some aspects, the sleeves may further be subdivided into an upper and lower portion to allow the wearer to monitor the performance of the forearm (e.g., the supinator, flexor and extensor muscles) relative to the performance of the forearm. upper arm (eg, biceps). Other parts and / or subdivisions may be included. By using the jersey as an example, in some aspects the jersey may include a plurality of thermochromic dyes or inks substantially at the shoulder portion, chest portion, neck portion, upper portion or lower back, and / or abdominal part, in addition or as a variant of the sleeves. The garment can be used to monitor and optimize muscle performance. Accordingly, the invention also provides methods for monitoring muscle performance. The methods generally include the step of evaluating color changes in the garment comprising a thermochromic dye. The garment can be any garment described or exemplified herein. Color changes occur when parts of the garment are heated by its proximity to, including contact with, the skin of a wearer, the skin reflecting increases in body envelope temperature caused by exercise. one or more muscles. In some aspects, the methods include the steps of wearing the garment comprising a plurality of thermochromic dyes, exerting one or more muscle groups under the garment to a degree that increases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the clothing, to determine the temperature of the body envelope by detecting a change from a first color of the garment to a second color of the garment, and to modulate the intensity of the exercise of one or more muscle groups to a a degree that increases or decreases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment until the temperature of the body envelope is or substantially reflects the optimum performance temperature for one or more muscle groups. In some aspects, the determining and modulating steps may be repeated a suitable number of times until the temperature of the body envelope is or substantially reflects the optimum performance temperature for one or more muscle groups. In aspects where the determining and modulating steps are repeated, the determining step may include detecting a change from the second color of the garment to a third color of the garment, and may include detecting a change in color. the third color of the garment to a fourth color of the garment, to achieve the number of possible colors by which the garment can pass. The garment is preferably a swimsuit. The exercise may include any activity or appropriate physical movement of one or more muscle groups. Modulation may include increasing the intensity of exercise or decreasing the intensity of exercise. The degree to which the intensity is modulated may vary, and may depend on factors such as the sex, age, height, weight or degree of physical fitness of the individual, as well as the type of exercise, and the ability to increase or decrease the intensity. The second, third and fourth colors of the garment each independently correspond to a particular temperature of the body envelope. The second, third or fourth color may include the color that corresponds to the optimum performance temperature.

In some aspects, the third or fourth color corresponds to a hyperthermic temperature. In some aspects, the second or third color corresponds to a suboptimal performance temperature, for example, a temperature below the optimum performance temperature. A suboptimal, optimal or hyperthermic body envelope temperature corresponds to the temperature of particular muscles or muscle groups that induces heating of the skin. The optimal performance temperature may be specific to a specific muscle or muscle group, and thus, may vary among different muscle groups. For example, the optimal performance temperature for one muscle or muscle group may be different from the optimal performance temperature for another muscle or muscle group. In a related manner, a suboptimal performance temperature or a hyperthermic temperature for one muscle or muscle group may be the optimum performance temperature for another muscle or muscle group, and the optimum performance temperature for a muscle or muscle group may be a suboptimal or hyperthermic temperature for another muscle or muscle group. For the torso, muscle groups include trapezius, deltoids, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, biceps, long supinator, flexors, extensors, right, oblique, dorsal, large serratus and rounds, among other muscles of the neck, shoulder, chest, back, abdomen and arms. The optimum performance temperature is generally from about 33 ° C to about 38 ° C, although in some aspects it may be below about 33 ° C or above about 38 ° C. Optimum performance may be from about 33 ° C to about 35 ° C. In some aspects, the optimum performance temperature is about 33 ° C, 34 ° C, 35 ° C, 36 ° C, 37 ° C or 38 ° C. C. The suboptimal performance temperature is generally from about 29 ° C to about 35 ° C, although in some aspects it may be below about 29 ° C or above about 35 ° C. C. The suboptimal performance temperature may be from about 29 ° C to about 31 ° C, or from about 29 ° C to about 32 ° C. In some aspects, the suboptimal performance temperature is approximately 29 ° C, 30 ° C, 31 ° C, 32 ° C, 33 ° C, 34 ° C or 35 ° C. The hyperthermic temperature is generally from about 37 ° C to about 40 ° C, although in some cases In some respects it may be below about 37 ° C or above about 40 ° C. In some aspects, the hyperthermic temperature is about 37 ° C, 38 ° C, 39 ° C or 40 ° C. C. Hyperpyrexia, a dangerous temperature condition, may be greater than about 40 ° C. The garment can be tinted thermochromically according to any appropriate process. Exhaust dyeing is a preferred process. Sublimation printing can also be used to color the garment with a thermochromic dye. Tie dyeing may also be used to color the garment with a thermochromic dye, for example, at the desired parts of the garment. In a preferred exhaust dyeing process, the garment is contacted with a sufficient amount of a cationic agent for a period of time sufficient to impart a load on the garment fabric; it is rinsed to remove excess cationic agent; it is contacted with a dye solution for a period of time sufficient to tint the fabric; it is optionally contacted with a dispersing agent for a period of time sufficient to ensure that a substantially uniform amount of thermochromic dyes is coated on the fabric; it is contacted with a binder for a period of time sufficient to bind the thermochromic dyes to the fabric; it is contacted with a fixing agent for a period of time sufficient to improve the binder of the thermochromic dyes to the fabric; it is rinsed to remove the excess dye, the binding agent and the fixing agent; and it is dried. In some aspects, the garment is dried with a non-thermochromic dye prior to being subjected to a process that dyes the fabric with a plurality of thermochromic dyes. In some aspects, the fastener is contacted with the fabric prior to contacting the fabric with the binding agent, and vice versa. Drying may include air drying, for example, at room temperature. The binding and / or fixing agent may be adapted to a specific type of fabric, such as a binding or fixing agent for cotton or a synthetic fabric such as nylon or polyester. Drying can be improved by circulating air or heating the garment.

In some aspects, a logo or design comprising one or a plurality of thermochromic inks may optionally be coated on the garment. The coating may be made by any method appropriate in the art, including screen printing, direct apparel printing, spray dyeing, thermoadhesive ink jet transfer and sublimation printing. Sufficient time to apply the coating may include a period of minutes, hours, or even days. In general, a sufficient period of time comprises about 5 minutes to about 1 hour, although times shorter than about 5 minutes or longer than about 1 hour may be employed.

A sufficient period may include about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 25 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 35 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 50 minutes, about 55 minutes or about 60 minutes. Agents, including the binding agent, thermochromic dye, dispersing agent, binding agent and / or fixing agent may be any of those suitable agents in the art. In any step in which the garment is contacted with such an agent, the contacting can be carried out at an elevated temperature. Any step of contacting can be carried out independently at a temperature of about 25 ° C, about 30 ° C, about 40 ° C, about 50 ° C, about 55 ° C, about 60 ° C, about 65 ° C, about 70 ° C, about 75 ° C, about 80 ° C, about 85 ° C, about 90 ° C, or higher . Thermochromic dyes and non-thermochromic dyes may include any suitable color, and thermochromic dyes may change color at any desired temperature, including any temperature or temperature range described or exemplified herein. The dyeing solution may include thermochromic dyes or a mixture of thermochromic dyes and non-thermochromic dyes. In the dyeing step where a thermochromic dye and a non-thermochromic dye are used as dye / dye of the dye solution, the thermochromic dye may comprise from about 30% to about 95% of the dye / dye and the non-thermochromic dye may comprise from about 5% to about 70% of the dye / dye The thermochromic dye may comprise about 35% to about 93% of the dye / dye and the Non-thermochromic dyeing may comprise about 7% to about 65% of the dye / dye The thermochromic dye may comprise about 35% to about 74% of the dye / dye and the dye Non-thermochromic may comprise about 26% to about 65% of the dye / dyestuff The thermochromic dye may comprise about 35% to about 50% of the dye / dye and the dye thermochromic may comprise about 50 (3/0 to about 65 (3/0 of the einture / dye. The thermochromic dye may comprise about 35% to about 43% of the dye / dye and the non-thermochromic dye may comprise about 57% to about 65% of the dye / dye. In some aspects, the thermochromic dyeing comprises about 35% of the dye / dye, and the non-thermochromic dye comprises about 65% of the dye / dye.In some aspects, the thermochromic dye comprises about 43%. 0 dye / dye, and the non-thermochromic dye comprises about 57% of the dye / dye In some aspects, the thermochromic dye comprises about 50% of the dye / dye, and the non-thermochromic dye comprises about 50% of the dye / dye In some aspects, the thermochromic dye comprises about 74% of the dye / dye, and the non-thermochromic dye comprises about 26% of the dye / dye In some aspects, the thermocouple The hromic acid comprises about 93% of the dye / dye, and the non-thermochromic dye comprises about 7% of the dye / dye.

The dye / dye may be diluted in a solvent, preferably an aqueous solvent such as water, to prepare the dye solution for application to the garment. The dye / dye may comprise about 2% to about 20% of the dye solution The dye / dye may comprise about 3% to about 15% of the dye solution The dye / dye may comprise about 5% to about 15% of the dye solution The dye / dye may comprise from about 6% to about 12% of the dye solution The dye / dye may comprise about 8% 3/0 to about 10% of the dye solution The dye / dye may comprise about 3%, about 6%, about 9%, about 10% or about 12% of the solution. dyeing.

The dispersing agent, binding agent and fixing agent are all preferably added to the dye solution during the process, although they are all preferably added successively. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown by way of example above, but is subject to variations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims. Although illustrated and described above with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. On the contrary, various modifications can be made to the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is expressly expected, for example, that all the ranges widely cited in this document include in their scope narrower ranges that are within wider ranges. It is also expressly expected that the steps of the methods disclosed above are not limited to any particular order. EXAMPLES Thermochromic shades were obtained from Americos Ind. (Ahmedabad, India) and used according to the manufacturer's instructions unless otherwise indicated. A range of garments having thermochromic shade combinations were made as shown in Table 4. The dyeing protocols are shown below. The plurality of tints may be used in combination or sequentially and may be applied to the overall garment or selected portions thereof.

Exhaustion Dyeing Process - Variation 1 Following the exhaust dyeing process of Americos Ind., The clothes to be dyed were placed in a dye bath and suspended in water at a ratio of bath of 1:20. Six to eight (3%) of Americos AC NRL 900 were then added to the weight of the goods before the temperature of the mixture was raised to 70 ° C. The bath was kept at this temperature for 15 minutes before being emptied and The clothes were thoroughly rinsed with cold water and after final emptying, the clothes were resuspended in water at a bath ratio of 1:20 and the temperature of the mixture was again raised to 70 ° C. C. 8% to 15% Americo thermochromic pigments were added at -31 ° C. to the weight of the goods and the mixture was held at 70 ° C. for 10 minutes and 10-15% Americos Wettex 800 was added. (non-ionic dispersing agent) on the weight of the goods to the mixture which was then kept at 70 ° C for an additional 5 minutes, before the addition of 10 to 15% of Americos 16000 acrylic binder to the weight of the merchandise (soft acrylic binder) The mixture was allowed to stand for another 10 minutes at 70 ° C before draining and drying clothes.

Exhaustion Dyeing Process - Variation 2 Following the exhaust dyeing process of Americos Ind., The clothes were dried in a dye bath and suspended in water at a ratio of bath of 1:20. Six to eight (3%) of Americos AC NRL 900 were added to the weight of the goods before the temperature of the mixture was raised to 70 ° C. The bath was kept at this temperature for 15 minutes before being emptied. thoroughly rinsed the clothes with cold water After final emptying, the clothes were resuspended in water at a bath ratio of 1:20 and the temperature of the mixture was again raised to 70 °. C. 8% to 15% Americos thermochromic pigment was added at -31 ° C. to the weight of the goods and the mixture was held at 80 ° C. for 10 minutes, then 1 to 2% Americos Wettex 800 was added. (non-ionic dispersing agent) on the weight of the goods to the mixture which was then held at 80 ° C for an additional 5 minutes, before the addition of 20 to 25 (3/0 Americos XB 231 on the weight of the goods and the mixture was allowed to stand for an additional 15 minutes at 80 ° C. The bath was drained and The garments were then dried at 150 ° C for approximately 2 to 3 minutes before adding 1% by weight of Ameristol IOL Plus fabric and allowed to act for 10 minutes. The clothes were then dried. Exhaust Dyeing Process - Variation 3 The clothes to be dyed were placed in a dye bath and suspended in water at a bath ratio of 1:20. 6 to 8% (3%) of Americos AC NRL 900 were then added to the weight of the goods before the temperature of the mixture was raised to 70 ° C. and held at this temperature for 15 minutes. After the final emptying, the clothes were resuspended in water at a bath ratio of 1:20 and the temperature of the bath was again raised. The thermochromic dye was then added to the desired concentration and the mixture was held at 80 ° C for 10 minutes, then 2% Americos Wettex 800 was added to the weight of the goods (agent d). nonionic dispersant unit) to the mixture which was then held at 80 ° C for an additional 5 minutes before the addition of 25% (3%) of Americos XB 230 to the weight of the goods and the mixture was left at rest for another 15 minutes at 80 ° C. The bath was then drained and dried clothing. clothing was baked at 150 ° C for 5 minutes. The garments were then added to a dye bath and suspended in water at a bath ratio of 1:20 before adding 1% (3% by weight of Ameristol IOL Plus fabric. and 5% Pomoco Moisture Wicking The bath temperature was then raised to 50 ° C and maintained at that temperature for 10 minutes. and we dried the clothes.

Table 4. Dyeing formulations used in a color-changing garment with temperature monitoring Color Color Change Thermo Thermo Dyeing used in g Thermo Thermo Dyeing Color Dyeing Dyeing Dyeing Undergoing Dyeing Dyeing Dyeing Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Layer Temperature used in% used in% in g, total used used in% in% total 1 Forest Green Yellow 35c Black 43 35% 4% Fluorescent Yellow 78 65% 8% Fluo 2 Forest Green Yellow 33c Black 43 43% 4% Neon Yellow 57 57 ° A 6% fluo 3 Steel blue Fluo blue 33c Black 43 43% 4% Fluo blue 57 57% 6% 4 Purple Neon pink 33c Black 43 43% 4% Fluorescent pink 57 57 ° A 6% 5 Red brownish Orange 33c Black 43 43% 4% Neon Orange 57 57% 6% Fluo 6 Brown Orange 33c Black 26 93% 3% Fluorescent Orange 2 7% Fluo% 7 Dark Green Neon Green 33c Black 65 74% 7% Fluo Green 23 26% 2% 8 Red Pink 33c Black 28 50% 3% Pink.1oz 28 50% 3% Dark / Fluorescent Purple / Yellow Maune.5oz 9 Blue to gray to white 33c Black 28 50% 3% Thermo blue 31C 28 50% 3% 10 Blue to green to white 33c Green 28 50% 3% Thermo blue 31C 28 50% 3 (3/0 11 Dark green to green white 33c Green 28 50% 3% Thermo black 31C 28 50% 3%

Claims (20)

REVENDICATIONS1. An exercise garment for monitoring an optimal body envelope temperature in a wearer of the garment, including a moisture wicking fabric comprising a first thermochromic dye that changes color at about 32 degrees C, a second thermochromic dye that changes color. color at about 34 degrees C and a third thermochromic dye that changes color at about 36 degrees C. The exercise garment of claim 1, further comprising a logo or design comprising a thermochromic ink that changes color at about 34 degrees C. The exercise garment of claim 1, wherein the moisture-wicking fabric comprises cotton and nylon fibers. The exercise garment of claim 1, further comprising a fourth thermochromic dye which changes color at about 38 degrees C. 5. Exercise garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is a swimsuit. The exercise garment of claim 5, wherein the first thermochromic dye, the second thermochromic dye and the third thermochromic dye are present only in the sleeves. 7. Exercise clothing according to claim 5, wherein the first thermochromic dye, the second thermochromic dye and the third thermochromic dye are present only on the shoulder portion of the jersey. 8. Exercise garment according to claim 5, wherein the first thermochromic dye, the second thermochromic dye and the third thermochromic belt are present only on the breast part of the jersey. 9. Exercise clothing for monitoring an optimal body envelope temperature in a wearer of the garment, including a moisture-wicking fabric comprising a first thermochromic dye that changes color at about 33 degrees C, a second thermochromic dye which changes color at about 35 degrees C, and a third thermochromic dye that changes color at about 37 degrees C. The exercise garment of claim 9, further comprising a logo or design comprising a thermochromic ink that changes color at about 35 degrees C. The exercise garment of claim 9, wherein the moisture-wicking fabric comprises cotton and nylon fibers. 12. Exercise garment according to claim 9, wherein the garment is a swimsuit. The exercise garment of claim 9, wherein the first thermochromic dye, the second thermochromic dye and the third thermochromic dye are present only in the sleeves. The exercise garment of claim 9, wherein the first thermochromic dye, the second thermochromic dye and the third thermochromic dye are present only on the shoulder portion of the jersey. 15. Exercise clothing according to claim 9, wherein the first thermochromic dye, the second thermochromic dye and the third thermochromic dye are present only on the chest part of the jersey. A method of monitoring optimal muscle performance during physical activity, comprising the steps of wearing the garment of claim 1, to exercise one or more muscle groups under the garment to a degree that increases the temperature of the body. body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment, to determine that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 32 degrees C by detecting a change from a first color of the garment to a second color of the garment and to increase the the intensity of exercise of one or more muscle groups to a degree that increases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment until the temperature of the body envelope is at least 34 degrees C, and to determine that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 34 degrees C by detecting a change in color of the garment to a third color of the garment. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of determining that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 36 degrees by detecting a change of the third color of the garment to a fourth color of the garment, and reduce the intensity of exercise of one or more muscle groups to a degree that decreases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment until the temperature of the body envelope is at least 34 degrees C. 18. A method of monitoring optimal muscle performance during physical activity, comprising the steps of wearing the garment of claim 9, exerting one or more muscle groups under the garment to a degree that increases the temperature of the garment. body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment, determine that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 33 degrees C by detecting a change from a first color of the garment to a second color of the garment, and increase the intensity exercising one or more muscle groups to a degree that increases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment until the temperature of the body envelope is at least 35 degrees C and determining that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 35 degrees C by detecting a change in color of the garment to a third color of the garment. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of determining that the temperature of the body envelope is at least 37 degrees by detecting a change of the third color of the garment to a fourth color of the garment, and reduce the intensity of exercise of one or more muscle groups to a degree that decreases the temperature of the body envelope between the muscle groups and the garment until the temperature of the body envelope is at least 35 degrees C. A method of dyeing a moisture-wicking garment with a plurality of thermochromic dyes, comprising the steps of contacting the garment with a cationic agent for a period of time sufficient to impart a load on the garment fabric, to rinsing the garment to remove the cationic agent, contacting the garment with a dye solution comprising a first thermochromic dye that changes color at about 32 degrees C, a second thermochromic dye that changes color at about 34 degrees C and a third thermochromic dye which changes color at about 36 degrees C for a sufficient time to color the fabric, add a dispersing agent to the dye solution and contact the garment with the dispersing agent for a period of time sufficient to apply substantially thermochromic dyes to the fabric, add n binding agent to the dye solution and contacting the garment with the fixing agent for a period of time sufficient to fix the thermochromic dyes on the fibers, to add a binding agent to the dye solution and to contact the garment with the binding agent for a period of time sufficient to bind the thermochromic dyes to the fibers, to rinse the garment to remove the dye solution, to dry the garment, and optionally to apply a logo or undress to the garment with an ink thermochromic that changes color at about 34 degrees C.