GB2388297A - Vented sports shirt or other garment - Google Patents

Abstract

A sports shirt or other garments has concealed ventilation channels 2 which may be self-supporting and formed by panels 9 attached to the material of the shirt. The ends of the channels have resilient eyelets 3,4. The top walls of the channels may have lengthwise corrugations (Fig 2) or may have a saw-tooth configuration (Fig 8) or their side walls may have multiple apertures (Fig 10). In an alternative embodiment (Fig 9) the channels extend horizontally in a saw-tooth configuration.

Description

VENTED SPORTS SHIFT

This invention relates to shirts. and more particular!\ to sports shirts In activities such as golf. tennis and other sports. there is a dcmanti for lightweight shirts, which are comfortable and have othtr desirable properties including, moisture and perspiration transmission away from the wearer.

coolness, stretch and softness to the touch In addition. fabrics and shirts with good wear characteristics and machine washability are desirahic Manufacturers skilled in the art have developer a variety of synthetic fabrics that provide many properties advantageous to their use as sports-shirts fabric (()OL.MAX (registered trade name) for example, is a polyester fabric, which has many of the desirable properties, cited previously Other fabrics based on acrylic. acetate. I.ycra (ret istcred trade name) and Nylon are also available with similarly desirable properties IJ.S patent no 5,2')7,2')(' Moretz. et al describes a high performance moisture transport fabric AIthouh the invention is described in terms of shirts' it also has relevance to other types of clothing where ventilation is important, for example trousers anti waterproofs As will be noted. many of the synthetic fabric materials used in the field are thermoplastics, which lend themselves to a variety of novel joining

and shaping processes, hitherto not fully exploited in sports shirt fabrication (he technok>yv of sports shirts, including I-shirts. particularly in shape and gcomctr-N follows traditional configuration in the main, with small and mainiv aesthetic differences between manufacturers. Such configurations relying.

almost exclusively, on the noted high performance fabrics providing the wearer with all the desired characteristics and comfort Unlike traditional sports shirts, the present invention is directed to improve wearer comfort by providing novel air channcis for ventilation at selected points around the wearer's torso. Unlike a shirt that might provide ventilation by simple open holes or a large mesh, the channel openings in the present invention are concealed, thus protecting the wearer from sunlight and harmful [i V radiation. Inproveci fabrication techniques, which exploit the thermoplastic nature of synthetic fabrics. are a further benefit of the present invention.

It is well known that thermography analysis of the human body shows that strenuous activity generates localised heat build-up around the chest and back

as well as the upper arm. The thermal profile will naturally vary depending on many factors such as body size and the type of activity Generally. the heart and main upper body muscles are the major areas of' heat generation. Such heat generation induces perspiration causing the shirt wearer discomfort.

I'he present invention is intended to improve heat dissipation and reduce perspiration, by improved ventilation. The provision of ventilation by near vertical air columns, guided by the channels, works with the natural direction of heat convection and serves to improve wearer comfort. I 'or an effective channel depth D, the actual channel depth, for a channel width W must be n +d where d can calculated approximately from the formula:- d = u,2/ r, where r is the minimum localised body radius in a horizontal plane. In one embodiment, ventilation at the front and rear of the torso is provided by four vertical channels. eight in total. In another embodiment? multiple channels in close proximity provide ventilation. Embodiments with Non-vertical Channels, are also described for application where for instance, body shape or aesthetics impose design constraints. It is not necessary to improve ventilation at all points within the torso to provide improvement in wearer comfort and coolness. High performance synthetic fabric with known advantages is used as the main shin material within the invention.

Ileat forming methods form the panel thermoplastic fabric into flexible air channels. Natural t'abrics, incluclhg cotton, can readily be coated with a thin thermoplastic layer using vertical coating techniques and can thus be included as useable fabrics. The ends of each channel is terminated with a Springy eyelet, formed by a similar process. Ultrasonic welding is used to join the channel panel to the main fabric of the sports shirt. Practical optimization of' such techniques provide flexible, self-supporting channels, robust joints and trim Wearer comfort is of primary consideration in overall design,cometry.

material choice and the forming. process. A channel structure with non-

intnsive contact against the skin is created by suitable material selection and chartnel construction. By non-intrusive we mean that the wearer is not at all discomforted by the channel structure during the activity and moreover that he or she is virtually unaware of the channel's presence. At the extreme end of the design mix' a very stiff unbending and intrusive channel could be provided which would naintain a constant cross-section channel where airflow is totaliv

unaffected by body movements. This \vould of course not be an acceptable solution because of its intrusiveness At the other end of the design mix a totally unsupported channel could be provided, but this would have no functional value. Practical Embodiments that compromise between wearer comfort and channel construction are thus provided. In fabrication, channel length and eyelet opening positions on the shirt will be dependent on factors such as the body size and shape, fabric material and the type of sport. (choice of fabric material. its density, gauge thickness and general characteristics will itself be influenced by similar factors; accordingly modifications to the forming and joining method may be needed. Such minor modil'icalions arid choices will be well understood by those skilled in the manufacturing art and will not be a departure from the substance of the invention. 'I'he ventilation function of the channels will ultimately also be affected by 1 mends of' aesthetics which are also part of the manufacturers art, again any such demands and modifications and will not be a departure from the substance of the invention. I'he object of the present invention is to provide a sports shirt with improved ventilation and comfort for use in a variety of sports activities.

It is another object of the invention to provide a sports shirt that combines improved ventilation with the softness of high performance synthetic fabrics.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilated sports shirt that is robust in construction' is hard-wearing and washable.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilated sports shirt whose construction is amenable to economic production methods These and other aspects of the present invention are achieved by providing self-supporting ventilation channels! non-intrusive to the body, terminated b streamlined. sprh:y eyelets.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: i'iure I shows the overall view ova sports shirt with ventilation channels and eyelets Figure shows a detailed embodiment of the channe! and cross-section Figure 3 shows another channel cross-section geometry.

Figure 4 shows details of a channel embodiment with integral liner strip I;igurc 5 shows an embodiment of a spring eyelet opening and channel assembly Figure 5 a) shows in a cut-away view, a schematic of the channel and panel fabric arrangement leisure 5 b) shows in an exploded view, a schematic of the channel and panel fabric arrangement.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of an integral eyelet opening and liner strip.

Figure 7 shows multiple proximate channels and eyelet openings Figure $ shows in isometric view, an embodiment of a vertical channel with rc-

entrant multiple openings.

Figure 9 shows in isometric view, an embodiment of channels with reentrant multiple openings, extended horizontally.

Figure 10 shows in a cut-away perspective view, another embodiment of a multi-apertured channel.

Repeat use of reference numbers in the present specification and drawings is

intended to represent the same or analogous features of' the invention.: It is to be understood that to one slvilled in the art that the following is a description of the exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting

the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary fabrication.

I'he prcscut invention is directed to sports shirts fabricated with integral ventilation channels. Referring to figure 1. a sports shirt 1, is shown with integral ventilation channels 2, upper opening eyelet 3 and lower opening eyelet 4. [:or the purposes of descriptive clarity, only the front view of the sports shirt is shown and similar channels can be assumed for the rear of the shirt. In practice, the number of channels, their spacing and their eyelet opening starting points will depend on factors such as the shape of the wearer and the type of sports activity.

I'he dotted line 5 shows the channel fully extended to the waist band 6.

[lowever, the lower opening eyelets 4 are preferential!, situated away from the waistband 6. to ensure unobstructed contours for the channels and openings.

Dotted rectangles 7, represent the open areas in the main fabric of the shirt 8, not in contact with the skin. 'I'he upper and lower edges of the rectangles being

( 5 set back within the channel. thus being discrete and out of view. 'I'he channel and opening eycicts are fabricated as a separate panel 9. and joined to the main fabric 8, by means of ultrasonic welding or stitching. I'he panel 9 is shown schematically but has a number of practical arramements. T;or instance. the panel can end at the shoulder seam or it can extend to the rear of' the shirt, so that front and rear ventilation channels are fabricated as one unit. The panel material and main body fabric are a synthetic thermoplastic fabric such as COOL.MAX polyester.

In figure 2, Channel 2 has preferred quasi-rectangular cross-section 10, surface modulated with corrugation 11. The corrugation pcornetry is shown as a series of arcs but could be any simple geometry such as triangular or rectangular, the important point being. that they provide rigidity by being formed as structure with wavy localised planes The channel proflc is obtained by thermally forming the panel material 9. The channel envelope 12, shown dotted, has width of about 15mm and height of about:'mm. with corrugation dimensions around 2mm in repeat pitch and I mm depth Those skilled in the art will recognize that practical channel profile and corrugation, shown in the cmbodimcut, may be modified according to fabric characteristics, however, such modification being within the spirit and substance of the present invention Figure 3 is another channel embodiment, with corrugation applied to the channel wall 13. 'I'he corrugation structure becomes more necessary for producing a self-supporting channel as the size or span of the profile increases. As the span and size of the profile is reduced, the need for corrugation structure is reduced; however, this being at the expense of reduced air volume per unit length of channel. Simpic, geometric, cross-

sectional profiles such as triangles, arcs, steps or composites thereof are appropriate for cross-sectional areas typically below 4()mm.

}:igure 4, shows an alternative channel construction useful when the fabric material used is of thin gauge. A thermoplastic liner strip 14, has thickness of' about 0.2mm and is heat formed integrally with the channel to support it.The liner strip 14! shown in cross-section. preferentially extends against the whole of the channel shall and its lent. When additional non-intnsiveness is required the liner may be limited in extent or length for instance, only

supporting the two side walls of the channel 10. Alternatively, the liner strip 14 may be perforated throughout. Material for the liner strip 14 will have thermal forming properties that are similar to that of the channel fabric itself.

Polyester, PVC, abs, acetate, acrylic, nylon and composites thereof, are a few suitable plastics. 'Pine liner strip 14, is an additional component, but adds flexibility to the channel profile arrangement and aesthetics and allows choice of thinner, lighter fabrics.

I:'igure 5 illustrates the shape of a springy eyelet opening 3, and channel 2, edge, in isometric view. For further descriptive clarity, fgurcs 5 a) and 5 b) show examples of channel 2 and main fabric 8, arrangements. It will be readily seen that panel 9 could be main fabric 8 itself. Those skilled in the art will be aware of modifications to these fabrication arrangements, however, such modifications being within the substance of the invention. The eyelet serves several purposes: a) it protects the end of the fabric channel b) it hops maintain the channel profile c) it transforms the abrupt channel profile into a streamline shape and d) it further masks the edge of the channel 7, figure 5 a). The eyelet is injection moulded from thermoplastic including Polyester, PVC, acetate, acrylic, nylon and composites thereof, its thermal characteristics matching closely those of the shirt and channel fabric.

Mcchanicaliy, the eyelet is springy, durable and resistant to tearin=. In figure 5 b), a ledge 15, accepts the leading edge of' the channel 2 and is used to anchor the channel 2 fabric from the underneath. forming a joint after ultra-sonic welding. Typical welding points 16 arc shown. In figure 5. the ch.anucl panel and its attached eyelet terminations can be regarded as an assembly 18. A flange 17 is provided, which is used joined to the panel assembly 18, to the main fabric 8, by ultra-sonic welding from the underneath. A further example of an eyelet and channel assembly is illustrated in figuec 6. 'I'he liner strip 19, has similar function'to liner strip 14, as in figure 4, supporting the channel cross-sectional shape, but here it is intraoral with the springy eyelet 3. Both upper and louver springy eyelets and liner strip 19 are thus a singic piece moulding.

Figure 7 shows the end view of multiple channels. Hcrc multiple, closely spaced channels 20 are provided. The size of each opening is much reduced in comparison to channel profile 2, shown dotted. The number of channels and

their length are variables of choice. The channel profile shown is sinusoidal in nature. AItcrnative shapes of triangular or rcctancular corrugation arc also useful practically. 'I'he reduced scale enables the channels to be incorporated as desired without eyelet openings. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art of shirt fabrication that many traditional means of strengthening the end of the channels are available such reinforcement by stitching, for example.

Figure shows another embodiment of the invention where the channel 21, is formed as a saw-toothed surface, with an angled wall 22 and a re-entrant opening 23. Re-entrant opening 23 is preferentially open or alternatively capped with a large,auc mesh fabric. The uppermost opening has a springy eyelet 3, joined ultrasonically to the channel panel 9, to form an assembly. The construction thus provides a channel with concealed multiple air openings, thereby increasing the ventilation effects.

The length of'thc wall 22 ma!, preferentially be about mm and the reentrant opening 23 about 4 mm with a channel width ot' about 15-mm. The angic cr between the wall 22 and re-entrant opening 23 is preferentially about 40 degrees. Those skilled in the art will recognise that the dimensions of the saw-

tooth profile may be varied over a wide range whilst still providing ventilation benefits. The saw tooth 21 will be heat-formed similar to previous channel embodiments described and as before, with thin gauge fabrics, the saw-tooth profile will be made self-supportinL; by means of a liner strip 24, shown dotted and only in part for clarity.

I'he choice of liner thermoplastic, its extent and the thickness needed for maintaining the channel profile need to be balanced against the requirement for a soft, non-intrusive channel.

I'referentially, the material will be a thermoplastic matched to the shirt fabric material, such as polyester, PVC, acetate, acrylic, nylon and composites thereof with average liner wall thickness about 0.2mm. The liner strip 24 is shaped to duplicate the channel fabric profile. Where additional non- i intrusiveness is required' however, the liner is produced with regular or discrete perforations. to increase the flexibility of the support. The channel saw-tooth profile shown is arranged as in the examples of figure I and figure 2 and their accompanying descriptions, where a number of elongated vertical

channels are provided.

Another embodiment as indicated in hpurc 9, has channels 25 elongated horizontally. The length of the wall 22 may preferentially be about 9 mm and the re-entrant opening 23 about 4 trim l:)ependin,, on material y, auge used.

optional vertical struts 26, span all channels and support the saw-tooth profiles thus maintaining unobstructed openings. 'I'he openings can optionally he capped with a large gauge mesh fabric. The strut thickness and material being similar to that of the liner strip 24. Preferentially, the channel panel t) extends around the whole body in a band of about 60mm vertical heig,ht. Those skilled in the art will recognise that the dimensions of the channel profile may be usefully varied over a wide range around the preferred embodiment.

Figure 10 shows a cut-away perspective view of another embodiment where the ventilation channel has multi-apenured side walls 10, as wail as upper and lower openings, terminated with eyelets. Multiple blades 27, are angled upwards to guide air flow? in sympathy with upwards air convection from the wearer's body. For clarity, the top wall of the channel is cut-away in the figure.

The blades 27, arc inclined at 30 degrees to the channel ion<, axis, preferentially! with Blade to aperture length being, in the ratio of about 9:4.

Channel width is about 20 mm and blade length is about Smm. giving a clear central channel of about 15mm. Blade height is about 4mm, which, for a channel height of 5mm, ensures blade edges arc not intrusive to the wearer.

Preferentially the channel, flanges and blades are fabricated as an intcr. .l injection moulding with averapc wall thickness about 0.2mm. I'referentially, the material will be a thermoplastic similar to the shirt fabric material, such as polycstcr, PVC, acetate. acrylic. nylon and composites thereof. Because the blatles 27, do not serve as supports, their thickness can optionally be made less than the rest of the moulding. This embodiment has an additional fabrication advantage in that it can be produced by a simple. single-action mould tool, since in plan view there are no re-entrant surfaces. Those skilled in the ad will rccoO,nise that a variety of modifications to this embodiment, and previous embodiments are possible, and be within the substance of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. q CLAIMS

   1) A sports shirt, comprising a main fabric. incorporating ventilation channels, said channcis being open and maintaining an air path between the skin and fabric layer.

   2) A sports shirt as defined in claim 1, wherein said channcis are self-

   supporting enc. flexible.

   3) A sports shirt as defined in claim I or claim 2' wherein said channels have a corrugated profile along the channel length, said corrugations being thermally formed in a thermoplastic fabric 4) A shirt as deemed in claim 3, wherein said channel thermoplastic fabric is polycstcr, acrylic, PV0, rayon, nylon, acetate or mixtures thcrcof.

   S) A shirt as defined in claim 3, whcreir, said channel and corrugations are thermally formed in a natural fabric material, coated with a thermoplastic layer. 6) A shirt as deOmed in any of claims to S. wherein said channel corrugations have depth of about I mm and repeat pitch of about 2mm.

   7) A shirt as defined in any previous claim, wherein sail] channel profile is shaped and supported by mean of a thermophastic liner X) A shirt as defined in any previous claim, wherein said channel profile, overall cross-section is about 15 mm wide by about Smm deep.

   9) A shirt as defined in any previous claim. wherein said channel is terminated by a springy eyelet, said eyelet being mouldcd in a thermoplastic material, attached to the channel and the main fabric by heats forming, adhesive bonding. ultra-sonic welding or stitching, said material being made from a thermoplastic selected from polyester, acrylic, pvc, abs, acetate, nylon, rayon and mixtures thereof; said eyelet serving to hold the channel open in the desired cross-sectional shape and providing protection to the channel edge.

   10) A shirt as defined in claim 9, wherein said springy eyelet is constructed such that the main fabric edge is recessed within the channel and concealed from direct view.

   1' 1O ] 1) A shirt as defined in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein said springy eyelet is extended into the channel to support and maintain the desired cross-

   sectional shape.

   12) A shirt as dcf ned in any of claims 9 to I I wherein said springy eyelet has plane flanges, joined to the main fabric by ultrasonic welding or stitching.

   13) A shirt as defined in any previous claim, wherein said channels are formed in a saw-tooth geometry, said channels having re-entrant openings.

   14) A shirt as defined in claim 13, wherein said re-entrant opening is capped with a large gauge mesh fabric.

   15) A shirt as defined in any of claims I to 14, comprising separate vertical ventilation channels.

   16) A shirt as den ncd in any of claims I to 14, comprising multiple, proximate ventilation channels.

   17) A shirt as deEncd in any of clahns I to 14, wherein ventilation is provided by elongated horizontal channels having re-entrant openings.

   18) A shirt as defined in claim 17, wherein the re-cntrant openings, are supported by vertical struts.

   19) A shirt as defined in any of claims I to 14, wherein ventilation is provided by at least one vertical channel, and at least one elongated horizontal channel having re-entrant openings.

   2()) A shirt as defined in any of claims I to 14, wherein ventilation is provided by a vertical channel, both sides of said channel being multiapertured, where ventilation through said apertures is guided by internal, angled blades. 21) A shirt as substantially described herein, with reference to any of the drawings.