KR102476955B1 - breathable clothing - Google Patents

Abstract

The technology described herein relates to a breathable, breathable, and insulative garment (100). More specifically, the technology described herein relates to an article having a plurality of interconnected chambers 130 configured to receive an insulating filler such as down or synthetic fibers. A plurality of interconnected chambers are formed between the at least two layers of material and between the plurality of shims 120 . The plurality of seams are configured to bond at least two layers of material together. In one aspect, each of the plurality of shims is oriented at an angle relative to an adjacent or neighboring one of the plurality of shims. One or more openings 110 or holes may be formed on one or more of the plurality of shims forming the plurality of interconnected chambers. The one or more openings may effect evaporation of moisture and/or air transport from the interior environment of the garment to the exterior environment.

Description

breathable clothing

Aspects of the technology described herein relate to garments having ventilation holes that allow moisture vapor to escape the garment while still retaining heat from the body of the wearer. More specifically, the technology described herein relates to breathable, insulated cold garments that keep the wearer warm and dry when the environmental temperature drops below a comfortable temperature for the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Due to the desire to be active all year round, there is a need for breathable, insulated garments for use during physical activity during the cooler months of the year. Conventional cold garments may not allow moisture vapor from perspiration and/or sufficient body heat to escape from the interior of the garment. This is especially true when cold garments contain thermal insulation, as thermal insulation can significantly reduce the rate of moisture vapor transmission through the garment. Trapping moisture from perspiration can be a particular problem for garments composed of water-resistant fibers. For example, garments with a fill material, such as down or fiber, are generally constructed, partially or entirely, of a textile that is resistant to the filler penetrating the textile. Fill-proof textiles can be created using a treatment such as durable water repellant (DWR) or by weaving or knitting a textile of sufficient weight to retain the filler. These approaches often make the textile water resistant, but can trap moisture vapor inside the garment, which can cause discomfort to the wearer and make the garment less effective as an insulative cold garment.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The technology described herein relates generally to insulating and breathable breathable garments, which can promote the release of moisture vapor and heat from the interior of the garment. Breathable garments according to the technology described herein can be used for physical activity, such as, for example, aerobic activity (eg, running, biking, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, etc.), physical labor, or other perspiration-inducing activity. It can be beneficial to the wearer who is doing it. When a person exercises, one of the possible physiological reactions is to cool the body by releasing moisture in the form of sweat. Sweat still occurs in cold weather and can increase when a person wears insulated clothing. One aspect of the technology described herein provides an insulative garment that protects the wearer from external environmental conditions while still allowing moisture from perspiration to escape to the external environment. In addition, the present technology can regulate the internal temperature of the garment by facilitating the transfer of heat through the garment.

A first embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention:

The techniques described herein allow moisture and/or heat to escape from the garment through a plurality of openings formed in one or more seams defined by seam boundaries comprising at least a first edge and a second edge. A seam is configured, for example, to bond outer and inner garment layers, each garment layer including an inner surface and an opposing outer surface. Each opening of the plurality of openings is configured to extend through at least one of the one or more seams through the outer and inner garment layers to allow ventilation between the inside and outside of the garment. One or more seams may be formed, for example, by actively attaching the interior surfaces of the inner and outer garment layers together with a suitable adhesive at predetermined portions of the inner and outer garment layers. Alternatively, one or more seams may be formed by stitching together inner and outer garment layers to form seam boundaries for each seam. In another aspect, one or more seams may be formed by bonding the inner surfaces of the inner and outer garment layers and also adding stitching to the seam borders, thereby strengthening each seam of the one or more seams. When one or more seams bonding the inner and outer garment layers are formed, the one or more seams may in one aspect define separate chambers, for example between a pair of seams, each chamber containing a synthetic filler and/or It can be filled with an insulating material such as down. In another aspect, as will become more apparent in connection with the description of the figures, a plurality of shims may be configured to together form or define a plurality of interconnected chambers. As used throughout this invention, the term “interconnected chambers” may be defined as two or more chambers that are connected together to form a continuous open path between the chambers (i.e., two or more chambers are blocked or separated from each other). no seams or other structures).

A second embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention:

The technology described herein also relates to an insulative garment comprising topical insulation, wherein the topical insulation allows moisture and/or heat to pass through a plurality of openings formed in one or more seams formed on a vented-insulation panel. and one or more breathable insulating panels that pass through the garment. Each of the breathable insulating panels includes outer and inner layers, each of the outer and inner layers including an inner surface and an opposing outer surface. The breathable insulating panel includes, for example, a plurality of openings formed in one or more seams joining the outer and inner layers of the breathable insulating panel. Each opening of the plurality of openings extends through the outer and inner layers of the breathable insulating panel in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the first embodiment according to the aspect of the present invention. The breathable insulating panels may be specifically confined to areas of the garment that correspond to areas of the wearer's body that are more prone to heat loss by sweat and/or generation of heat. Such regions of the wearer's body may include, for example, the chest region, thighs, armpits, upper back, and the like. Thus, garments using breathable insulating panels can localize the breathable insulating panels to maximize heat retention while still allowing moisture to escape. The breathable insulating panels can also be positioned based on the wearer's comfort when exercising, for example.

A third embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention:

The techniques described herein can be used in areas of the wearer's body more prone to perspiration, or alternatively, the wearer more prone to dissipate heat, without adding bulkiness to conventional full cover insulated garments, for example. Moisture and/or moisture from a garment comprising at least a first continuous garment layer having one or more breathable insulating sections on the first continuous garment layer at predetermined locations configured to align with regions of the body of the body to provide insulation to those regions. Or allow heat to escape. The air permeable insulating section includes, for example, a plurality of openings formed in one or more seams joining outer and inner layers of the air permeable insulating section, each opening of the plurality of openings extending through the outer and inner layers of the air permeable insulating section. do. Thus, garments using breathable insulated sections can maximize retention of heat and comfort for the wearer while still allowing moisture to escape.

A fourth embodiment according to an aspect of the present invention:

The technology described herein allows moisture and/or heat to escape from a garment, for example, through a passageway formed between outer and inner garment panels. In an exemplary aspect, an inner garment panel may include an inner opening to the passageway and an outer garment panel, which may be an insulated garment panel, may include an outer opening from the passageway. Each passage may have a plurality of inner openings and outer openings. And each garment may have a plurality of passages. The techniques described herein offset the inner openings from the outer openings to provide an indirect passage for water vapor and/or air to exit the garment. In other words, the offset openings allow water vapor to pass through the passage as it exits the garment instead of passing directly from the inner opening to the outer opening. Additionally, the offset openings also allow heat generated by the body to pass through the passage before exiting the garment, preventing rapid heat loss. Thus, the purpose of the techniques described herein is to facilitate the transport of moisture out of the garment while maintaining an adequate amount of heat loss.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features, some of which will be set forth in the description that follows, and some of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from reviewing the following, or may be learned by practice of the techniques described herein. There will be.

The techniques described herein are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1A and 1B are front and back views of an exemplary breathable garment according to the techniques described herein.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a venting seam from the breathable garment of Figure 1;
3A is an enlarged view of one section of an exemplary embodiment of the breathable garment of FIG. 1 in accordance with the techniques described herein.
3B is an enlarged view of a section of another exemplary embodiment of the breathable garment of FIG. 1 in accordance with the techniques described herein.
4 is a diagram of another exemplary breathable garment in accordance with the technology described herein.
5 is an enlarged view of a breathable seam with stitches from the breathable garment of FIG. 4 in accordance with the techniques described herein.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a section of a breathable seam from the garment of FIG. 4 in accordance with techniques described herein;
7 is a cross-sectional view of a small section of the shim region of FIG. 6, with an insulating chamber shown relative to the opening of the shim, in accordance with the techniques described herein.
8 depicts a further exemplary breathable garment comprising a mesh back section, in accordance with the techniques described herein.
9 is a diagram of an additional exemplary breathable garment having breathable insulative sections, in accordance with the techniques described herein.
10A is a cross-sectional view of the breathable insulating section of FIG. 9, in accordance with the techniques described herein.
10B is an exploded view of a cross-sectional view of the breathable insulating section of FIG. 10A, in accordance with the techniques described herein.
11 is an illustration of a breathable pant having breathable insulated sections according to the techniques described herein.
12 is a front view of a breathable top having breathable insulating sections in accordance with the techniques described herein.
13 is a back view of a breathable top having breathable insulating sections according to the techniques described herein.
14 is a perspective view of a breathable pants having breathable insulated sections in accordance with the techniques described herein.
15 is a perspective view of a breathable pants having breathable insulated sections in accordance with the techniques described herein.
16 is a front view of a breathable top having breathable insulating sections according to the techniques described herein.
17 is a back view of a breathable top having breathable insulating sections according to the techniques described herein.
18 is a front view of a breathable top having breathable insulating sections according to the techniques described herein.
19 is a back view of a breathable top having breathable insulating sections according to the techniques described herein.
20 is a front view of a breathable fleece top having breathable insulating sections in accordance with the techniques described herein.
21 is a front view of a breathable jacket having a hood and breathable insulated sections, in accordance with the techniques described herein.
22 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method of fabricating a breathable garment according to techniques described herein.
23 is a flow chart depicting a further exemplary method of fabricating a breathable garment according to techniques described herein.
24 is a flow chart illustrating another exemplary method of making a breathable garment according to techniques described herein.
25A and 25B show front and back views of exemplary garments in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
26A and 26B show front and back views of another exemplary garment in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
27A and 27B show front and back views of another exemplary garment in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
28A and 28B show front and back views of another exemplary garment in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
29A and 29B show front and back views of additional exemplary garments in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
30A and 30B show front and back views of another exemplary garment in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
31A and 31B show front and back views of another exemplary garment in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
32A and 32B show front and back views of another exemplary garment in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
33 illustrates an exemplary panel having seams in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
34A-34H illustrate exemplary shim configurations in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
35A-35C show exemplary panels having shim configurations in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

The embodiments described throughout this specification are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Upon perusal of this invention, alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the described aspects pertain without departing from the scope of this invention. In addition, aspects of the present technology are well suited to achieve the specific features and possible advantages specified throughout this invention, along with other advantages inherent therein. It will be appreciated that certain features and subcombinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is envisioned and within the scope of the claims.

The present technology generally relates to a garment construction that facilitates the passive transfer of moisture and/or body heat from an inner portion of a garment to an outer portion of the garment. For example, a garment may have an inner layer (eg, an inner panel) and an outer layer (eg, an outer garment panel), and aspects of the present technology provide moisture vapor and/or heat transfer from the inner layer to the outer layer. It is about conveying. Water vapor and/or heat can then be dissipated or dissipated into the outer space of the garment.

A breathable insulative garment according to aspects of the present invention may be fabricated from a lightweight fabric and may optionally include a plurality of insulative, down-filled or synthetic-fiber filled chambers separated by seams. In one aspect, the garment may be weaved or knitted to include chambers formed without seams. When the garment includes seams, the seams separating the chambers may be spaced at various intervals and may have any orientation and/or shape. In one example, the breathable garment may be a stand-alone garment. Clothing may be in the form of a vest covering key areas of a person's body, a jacket or coat with sleeves, trousers, a total body suit, a shirt, tights, a base layer, and the like.

In one exemplary aspect, a seam may be formed, for example, by actively attaching two panels of woven/knitted fabric (such as an inner and outer panel) together to form a breathable and insulating section of a garment. The seams may be attached together, for example, with a suitable adhesive material, by stitching or gluing the two panels of fabric together, or by simultaneously stitching or gluing together using an adhesive tape. In the case of certain fabrics, no adhesive may be required if the fabric can be bonded without the use of adhesive.

In one example, a breathable garment may be formed from one or more garment panels, each garment panel comprising an inner panel and a corresponding outer panel bonded at one or more seams formed along predetermined sections to form a chamber having a desired shape and size. wherein the seam is heat bonded, by applying an adhesive to the inner surface of at least one of the inner panel and the outer panel and activating the adhesive, by stitching along the first and second seams defining the edges, or by bonding and stitching. Thus, one or more chambers are formed between at least each pair of shims. The spacing of the shims can be varied, and the relative orientation of the shims and/or the shape of the shims can be the same, allowing the chambers to have different shapes and sizes. The chamber can be filled with down insulation or synthetic insulation. It may include a plurality of openings extending through the inner and outer panels to form vents that allow heat and moisture from perspiration to escape from the inside of the garment to the outside of the garment.

In another example, an inner opening may be formed in the inner panel at the seam area, an outer opening that may or may not be offset from the inner opening may be formed in the outer panel at the seam area, and the inner opening may be formed in the seam area with the outer opening. A passage connecting with may be formed. If both the inner opening and the outer opening are located in the seam area, the seam seals the inner opening by not sealing the inner and outer panels to each other within the seam area where the opening is located, for example by means of two parallel stitching tracks or joint tracks. It may be formed by a method of forming a passage connecting to the external opening.

In another exemplary aspect, a breathable insulative garment may include an additional inner panel attached at one or more areas to an outer garment panel having chambers separated by seams. In this aspect, the additional inner panel may or may not include an additional opening formed in the additional inner panel, and the outer opening may be formed in the seam area between the chambers. If provided, the inner opening may be offset from the outer opening. A passage may then be formed in the space between the additional inner panel and the outer garment panel having chambers separated by seams. Alternatively, if not provided, the additional inner panel may be a continuous inner panel that does not contain any openings or voids. Or in other words, the fabric or textile of the inner panel includes unbroken or uninterrupted threads throughout the inner panel. In another aspect, the techniques described herein, when provided, the inner openings are offset from the outer openings to provide an indirect passage for water vapor and/or heat to pass from the inner panels to the outer panels. In other words, the offset inner and outer openings can include one or more variations in orientation and create passages that are not completely perpendicular to the respective planes of the inner and outer panels. Indirect passages can also provide resistance to air movement and moisture, which helps control the amount of air and moisture that exits the garment. In one exemplary aspect, the length of the indirect passageway and the materials of construction can be used in the garment to provide the appropriate amount of resistance to achieve the desired moisture and heat transfer. Thus, it is an object of the techniques described herein to facilitate the transport of moisture out of the garment while minimizing heat loss.

The openings can be located in various parts of the inner and outer garment parts. For example, in one aspect the opening is located in the shim area within the perimeter of the shim area. Openings can be created in the seam using a variety of techniques. For example, after the seam is formed, the seam may be perforated/cut with a laser cutter, ultrasonic cutting wheel, water jet cutter, mechanical cutter, or the like to form an opening. The attaching and drilling/cutting steps can be performed simultaneously by certain types of equipment, for example using welding and cut-off wheels. A plurality of openings cut in the shim can be of different shapes and sizes and can create different patterns. The plurality of openings may be continuous along the shim or intermittently disposed along the shim. Additionally, the plurality of openings may be strategically placed in the seams located proximate to higher perspiration areas (eg along the wearer's back or under the wearer's arms). The size and number of the plurality of openings can be optimized to allow a desired level of ventilation while still maintaining thermal insulation close to the wearer's body.

material of construction

Breathable garments according to the techniques described herein may be constructed using woven or knit fabrics. The woven or knitted fabric is optionally treated with a down-proofing chemical treatment, and/or a water repellent that may also function as a down-proofing treatment, such as a chemical treatment referred to as a durable water repellant (DWR). It can be. Although DWR is a water-repellent chemical treatment, besides water-repellent for fabrics, it is very useful for down-proofing fabrics, especially lightweight and ultra-lightweight fabrics. For example, fabrics that may particularly benefit from DWR treatment for down proofing are lightweight fabrics (30 g/m ² to 89 g/m ² ) and ultra-light fabrics (up to 29 g/m ² ). In some instances, the down may have sharp shafts that can pierce through lightweight fabrics, making such fabrics more susceptible to tearing or loss of down over time. Other types of fillers, such as polyester fibers, may not have the sharp shaft of down, but enclosing them within lightweight textiles is still a challenge. Heavier fabrics, such as fabrics with weights in the range of 90 g/m ² to 149 g/m ² or even 150 g/m ² to 250 g/m ² or more, may inherently be highly resistant to down. Depending on the particular type of fabric/textile, down proofing may or may not be necessary. Both heavyweight and lightweight fabrics can be used in garments according to the techniques described herein. In the manufacture of insulated garments for exercise and/or vigorous aerobic activity, lightweight fabrics may be more desirable to minimize garment weight.

In an exemplary aspect, the insulative garment may be made of a lightweight fabric and may include multiple insulative down fill chambers or synthetic fiber fill chambers separated by seams. The seams separating the chambers can be located in various areas of the garment, can be spaced at various intervals, and can have any orientation and/or shape. by actively attaching together an outer or outer panel of fabric and an inner or inner panel of fabric with a suitable adhesive tape material to form a seamed outer garment panel, by stitching two panels of fabric together, or by using both adhesive tape and stitching. can be formed In the case of certain fabrics, tape may not be necessary if the fabric can be joined without the use of tape.

In one aspect, the insulative zone and/or one or more portions of the breathable garment may be constructed using a weaving or knitting process (e.g., a weaving or knitting machine may be used to form the various structures or configurations described herein). can be programmed). For example, such a weaving or knitting process may be used to form a seamless or nearly seamless garment or portion thereof.

Form Factor

The breathable insulative garments described herein can take many forms. In one example of a garment according to the technology described herein, the garment may be a stand-alone garment. Clothing may be in the form of vests covering key areas of a person's body, jackets or coats with sleeves, trousers, skirts, full body suits, ski pants, shorts, capri pants, trousers, clothing liners, and the like. In another aspect, the techniques described herein may be used for non-clothing type articles such as sleeping bags, sacks, backpacks, purses, etc., where thermal insulation and breathability may be necessary or desirable.

Alternatively, a garment according to the techniques described herein may be used as a removable inner insulating panel with an outer shell that may or may not be weather resistant. This inner insulating panel can also be worn as a stand-alone garment when separated from the outer shell. As in the previous example, the removable inner insulating panels may also be provided with vests, jackets, bodysuits, etc. depending on the type of garment or protection desired. For example, where the outer shell is a long-sleeved jacket, the inner insulating panels may be provided as a jacket with removable sleeves so that it can be converted into a vest, jacket, or vest depending on the amount of insulation desired. The inner insulated panel may be secured to the outer shell by a zipper mechanism, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other suitable fastening mechanism, or combination of fastening mechanisms.

Also, the breathable garment may be processed into an outer shell. In other words, instead of being removable, an inner insulating and breathable panel according to the techniques described herein may be permanently attached to the outer shell. This may be accomplished by permanently attaching the outer shell to the inner insulating and breathable panel in one or more areas using, for example, stitching, bonding, welding, adhesives, or the like. Alternatively, the inner insulating and breathable panel may be integrated into the outer shell panel, for example by forming the inner insulating and breathable panel integrally with the outer shell using a designed knitting process and/or weaving process. Any and all aspects, and any variations thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

Justice

Exterior Panel : As used herein, the phrase “exterior panel” describes a panel that is on the exterior of a garment. The outer panel may be exposed to the external environment or may not be exposed to the environment, for example when the garment is worn within another garment or layer.

Exterior opening : As used herein, the phrase “external opening” describes an opening in an exterior panel.

Inner panel : As used herein, the phrase "inner panel" describes a panel that is inside or inside of an outer panel. The garment may have a plurality of inner panels.

Interior opening : As used herein, the phrase "internal opening" describes an opening in an interior panel.

Water Resistant Fabric : As used herein, “water resistant fabric” is a fabric that is substantially impervious to water. In some exemplary embodiments, the term “water resistant fabric” may be defined as a fabric having a water resistance of greater than 1,000 mm as the amount of water in mm that can be retained on the fabric before being saturated with water. However, values above and below this threshold are also contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure.

Non-breathable fabric : As used herein, a “non-breathable fabric” is a fabric that exhibits a low moisture vapor transmission rate. In some exemplary embodiments, the fabric has a flow rate of water vapor through the fabric in grams of water vapor per square meter of fabric per 24 hour period (g/m ² /d) of less than 1000 (g/m ² /d). It can be defined as non-breathable when it has a moisture vapor transmission rate. However, values above and below this threshold are also contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure.

Weather resistant fabric : As used herein, “weather resistant fabric” is a fabric that is generally water and/or wind resistant. In some instances, the weather resistant fabric may include a fabric that is substantially water impermeable and exhibits a low moisture vapor transmission rate.

Passageway : As used herein, the term “passageway” is the space between layers of a garment where the layers of the garment are not directly connected. The passage is configured and allows moisture or water vapor and/or air to pass through.

Breathable insulation section : as used herein refers to a pod-type construction in which a first/inner layer of pliable material and a second/outer layer of pliable material are attached together at one or more seams, wherein the The one or more seams define one or more chambers between the first layer of pliable material and the second layer of pliable material. The chamber includes an insulating material and the one or more shims include one or more openings on the one or more shims at least partially through the first layer of pliable material and through the second layer of pliable material. The pod-like configuration is configured to cover only a portion of the outer surface of the garment, for example less than 50% of the outer surface of the garment.

First/Inner Layer/Panel : As used herein, refers to a layer of material comprising a first/outer surface and an opposing second/inner surface, wherein the first/outer surface is used when the garment is worn. It is configured to face the wearer's body surface and the second/inner surface is configured to face the thermal insulation contained within the chamber.

Second/Outer Layer/Panel : As used herein, refers to a layer of material comprising a first/outer surface and an opposing second/inner surface, wherein the first/outer surface is used when the garment is worn. It is configured to face the external environment away from the wearer's body surface, and the second/inner surface is configured to face the thermal insulation contained within the chamber.

1A and 1B are front views 140 and back views 150 of a breathable garment 100 according to the techniques described herein. The breathable garment 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B may be made from conventional synthetic or natural fabrics. The fabric can be knitted or woven to make it down or fill proof, the fabric can be a water repellent fabric and/or a fill proof fabric, or alternatively, for example as a lightweight fabric. , the fabric may be treated with a waterproofing and/or down-proofing chemical, such as, for example, a chemical treatment referred to as a durable water repellant (DWR). Because insulated garments can be filled with down or synthetic thermal fibers, whether chemically treated or not, these fabrics can prevent fillers from penetrating the fabric and prevent moisture from the environment from entering the interior of the garment. Help. However, as noted above, a disadvantage of chemical treatments for these peel proof fabrics or fabrics is that such treatments may reduce the ability of the garment to evaporate water vapor from the internal environment of the garment when the wearer is wearing it. will be.

In an exemplary aspect, the breathable garment 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B may be constructed by providing for each section of the breathable garment 100 an inner panel and a corresponding outer panel, the inner panel(s) and corresponding The outer panel(s) to be used may be cut from the fabric piece(s) (not shown). An adhesive tape suitable for a particular type of fabric may be placed on the inner surface of one of the panels along a predetermined section of the panel so that when the inner and outer panel(s) are attached together they form a chamber having a desired shape. This attaching step can be accomplished, for example, by aligning the panel without the adhesive tape on top of the panel with the adhesive tape so that the inner surface faces the adhesive tape once the adhesive tape is set in place. The two panels can then be pressed together with sufficient force and/or energy applied to activate the adhesive tape to form a bond(s) between the two panels. The adhesive tape may be activated, for example, by heat, or ultrasonic energy, or any other type of action energy. When the fabrics are joined, a seam, such as seam 120, is formed where a chamber is defined or defined, such as chamber 130, between each pair of seams 120 by seam 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner and outer panels attached together at seam 120 form an outer garment panel as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B .

Chamber 130 may then be filled with down or synthetic insulating fibers. Depending on the size and/or shape of the formed chamber 130, the chamber 130 may be manually or mechanically filled with down or insulating fibers.

In another example of a breathable garment, depending on the fabric material used, seams may be created without the use of adhesive tape. For example, fabrics can be formed from fibers that respond to different stimuli such as heat, sound waves, mechanical pressure, chemicals, water, and the like. Upon application of a stimulus to the fibers, the fibers may undergo a deformation that causes them to adhere or bond together. In this aspect, stimulation may be applied only to those portions of the fabric where seams are desired. Any and all aspects, and any variations thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

In an exemplary aspect, seams 120 may be spaced apart in a generally horizontal orientation on breathable garment 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B . Alternatively, seams 120 may be spaced apart in a generally vertical orientation on breathable garment 100 . The spacing of the shims 120 may vary as well as the relative orientation of the shims 120 and/or the shape of the shims 120, thus allowing the chamber 130 to be of different shapes and/or sizes. In some aspects, the shims 120 can be spaced so that there is minimal space between the shims 120, so that a smaller chamber 130 with less insulating filler can be created. In another aspect, the shims 120 may be more widely spaced to create a larger sized chamber 130 with a higher amount of insulating filler. In some exemplary aspects, the spacing between shims 120 may be greater than the width of the shims 120 . In another exemplary aspect, the spacing between shims 120 can be greater than twice the width of shims 120 , and the like. Exemplary distances between adjacent seams 120 may include, for example, between 1 cm and 20 cm, between 2 cm and 15 cm, and/or between 3 cm and 10 cm, but above and below these values. Ranges of are also contemplated herein. In an aspect, the spacing between adjacent seams 120 may vary depending on the desired amount of insulation required in different portions of the breathable garment 100 .

Shim 120 may be perforated to form one or more openings during bonding, after bonding, and/or after filling chamber 130 . In an exemplary aspect, opening 110 of shim 120 may be formed using, for example, a laser, ultrasonic cutter, water jet cutter, mechanical cutter, or the like. Provided with appropriate equipment, shims 120 can be simultaneously formed and drilled in a single step to form openings 110, although shims 120 and openings 110 are outside the scope of the techniques disclosed herein. It can also be formed in individual steps without In another aspect, opening 110 may be formed integrally with seam 120 during a knitting or weaving process. Also, the seams 120 themselves may be formed during a knitting process or a weaving process. For example, a Jacqjard head may be used to knit the seam 120 and the chamber 130 integrally. Also, the same knitting process or weaving process can be used to integrally fill chamber 130 using float yarn when chamber 130 is created. Any and all aspects, and any variations thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

Openings 110 may provide ventilation and moisture management by allowing moisture vapor and/or heat from perspiration to escape to the external environment. The location of the openings 110 in the inner and outer panels may vary in other aspects. For example, opening 110 may pass through both panels in shim 120 (e.g., through the outer panel, adhesive (if used), and inner panel within shim 120). ]. In other aspects, additional inner panels may be provided, which may or may not include openings. Where openings are provided in the additional inner panel, the openings may or may not be offset from openings 110 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and discussed below. In another example, in a two-panel garment (eg, in a garment that includes only an outer garment panel without an additional inner panel), the hole or opening 110 in the outer panel of seam 120 may be, for example, shown in FIG. 6 . It may be offset from the opening of the inner panel at seam 120 as shown below and discussed below with respect to FIG. 7 .

2 is an enlarged view of one of the shims 120 . Seam 120 may be formed as discussed above (e.g., attaching an outer panel to an inner panel at seam 120 to form an insulative garment panel), forming chamber 130, for example. and straight, curved, wavy lines (as shown), or any other shape that can be useful to define and at the same time be visually appealing. The openings 110 can be of the same size or (as shown) different sizes. Opening 110 can be of various shapes, such as circular (as shown), triangular, rectangular, or any other shape desired. The openings 110 may be evenly spaced in a straight line, curve, zigzag, or any other suitable shape for positioning the openings 110 on the shim 120 . Also, depending on the size of the individual openings, a plurality of rows of openings 110 may be present on each shim 120 . The plurality of openings 110 may be continuously provided along the shim 120 (as shown) or intermittently provided along the shim 120, for example along the wearer's back, along the wearer's It may also be strategically placed only on a portion of the seam 120 in areas of high perspiration, such as under the arms, between the wearer's legs, and the like.

Garment construction may become more apparent with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B , where an oblique cross-sectional view 300 of a small section of a breathable garment 100 is shown. A breathable garment 100 according to the techniques described herein may be composed of an outer panel 310 and a middle panel 320, and an inner panel 344 that together form an insulative garment panel 305. In an exemplary aspect, one or more of the panels 310, 320, and/or 344 may be formed from a fabric that is substantially water impermeable and/or exhibits a low moisture vapor transmission rate. Also, in an exemplary aspect, inner panel 344 may include a mesh material, or a material having moisture-wicking or moisture management properties. Including a mesh material or a material with moisture wicking or moisture management properties as the inner panel 344 can increase wearer comfort, wherein the moisture management fabric wicks moisture away from the inner-facing surface of the garment to the outer-facing surface. It is configured to move to

Seam 120 and chamber 130 may be created as described above with reference to FIGS. Attach panel 310 to middle panel 320]. An edge of the chamber 130 is formed by the shim 120 . In other words, shim 120 defines and defines chamber 130 . Chamber 130 may then be filled with filler 330 such as down or synthetic fibers. In an aspect, once filled, the vapor transmission rate of the breathable garment 100 may be reduced even if the fabric used to form the breathable garment 100 includes a breathable material, which means that the chamber 130 is a breathable garment ( 100) because it can impede the transmission of water vapor through it. The openings 110 extending through the seams 120 of the insulative garment panels 305 may include exterior openings through which they open to the outside environment.

In an exemplary aspect, the inner panel 344 may be more or less loosely attached to the insulative garment panel 305 in one or more locations such that the inner panel 344 is spaced apart from the insulative garment panel 305 in its unattached areas. can In other words, a void or space 340 may be formed between the inner panel 344 and the inward facing surface of the middle panel 320, and the space 340 may function as a passage for the permeation of water vapor and/or air. can

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner panel 344 comprises a continuous panel/layer of material and, in the case of a knitted or woven textile material, the weave/knit pattern and/or yarn has no breakage and/or or there are no breakouts/voids formed through the surface of the non-woven material, as shown in FIG. 3A, or the inner panel 344 has an internal It may include a plurality of internal openings such as opening 342 . Unlike the external opening 110 , the opening 342 may be regarded as an internal opening in that it does not directly communicate with the external environment. The inner openings 342 on the inner panel 344 are configured such that these inner openings 342 are offset from the outer openings 110 . In other words, there is no direct communication path between the outer opening 110 and the inner opening 342 . This is indicated in FIG. 3B by arrow 348, which indicates the path through which water vapor and/or air travel, i.e., from the wearer's body, through internal opening 342, to space ( 340) and out of the external opening 110 through which water vapor can escape to the external environment.

The internal openings 342 of the inner panel 344 may be distributed throughout the inner panel 344 and/or may be localized to specific areas depending on the level of ventilation and/or ventilation required for that particular area. In one exemplary aspect, the inner openings 342 on the inner panel 344 are configured not to overlap the outer openings 110 associated with the insulative garment panel 305 . In another exemplary aspect, the distribution of interior openings 342 in interior panel 344 is such that a majority (eg, greater than 50%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) of interior openings 342 are exterior. It may be configured not to overlap with the opening 110 .

The size and number of openings 342 and/or 110 may be adjusted to provide different breathability and venting properties while still maintaining the structural integrity of the fabric and maintaining a high level of thermal insulation. For example, a larger size and greater number of openings 342 and/or 110 in portions of breathable garment 100 may provide greater degrees of breathability and ventilation properties to those portions. In other examples, a smaller size and fewer openings 342 and/or 110 in other portions of breathable garment 100 may provide a lower degree of breathability and ventilation properties. Thus, by adjusting the size and/or number of openings 342 and/or 110, different portions of breathable garment 100 may be imparted with different ventilation and ventilation properties. In an exemplary aspect, the size of the width of each individual opening 342 and/or 110 may range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and the spacing between each individual opening 342 and/or 110 as measured between edges is It may range from 0.5 mm to 10 mm. Other sizes and/or spacings of openings 342 and/or 110 may be used without departing from the scope of the techniques described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7 and particularly to FIG. 4 , front views of another different garment 400 are shown according to one aspect of the technology described herein. With respect to garment 400, garment 400 may include outer panels attached to inner panels at seams 420 to form insulative garment panels, and seams 420 may include chambers (which may be filled with filler). 430) is defined. However, garment 400 may or may not have additional inner panels as described for breathable garment 100 . Garment 400 of FIG. 4 may be constructed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to breathable garment 100 shown in FIG. 1 to form seam 420 . In addition, seam 420 may be further strengthened by adding stitching 470 along its upper seam border 510 and/or lower seam border 520, as seen in the enlarged view of FIG. . Although stitching is shown in FIG. 5, other methods of selectively attaching shims 420 are contemplated herein, such as the use of adhesives, bonding, spot welding, and the like. Stitching 470 may be applied mechanically and/or manually, and may use any type of thread, natural or synthetic. Similarly, stitching 470 may be applied before or after opening 410 is formed and/or before or after chamber 430 is filled. In one aspect, the portion of the shim 420 between the upper seam interface 510 and the lower seam interface 520 is configured to remain open to form a passage for water vapor and/or air to pass between the outer and inner panels. [i.e., there is no adhesive or other bonding between the upper seam interface 510 and the lower seam interface 520].

Garment 400 may be breathable using through openings, such as those described with reference to breathable garment 100, where openings 110 on seam 120 extend through inner and outer panels, or alternatively As such, garment 400 may be vented using offset openings in seam 420 . In other words, the outer openings 410 in the outer panels of the garment may be offset from the openings in the inner panels of the garment at seam 420 (better shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The offset openings allow moisture to pass through passages within the shim 420 formed between the inner and outer panels. The arrangement of the outer and inner openings is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 and 7 .

6 shows an oblique cross-sectional view 600 of a small section of garment 400 . A garment 400 according to the techniques described herein may be comprised of an inner panel 620 and an outer panel 610, the inner panel 620 being attached to the outer panel 610 at seams 420 to form an outer garment. Forms panel 605 . Shim 420 defines and partially defines chamber 430 . Chamber 430 may then be filled with filler material 630 such as down or synthetic fibers.

In the example shown in FIG. 6 , shim 420 includes both an outer opening 410 and an inner opening 415 (shown as a dashed circle) offset from outer opening 410 . The outer opening 410 is formed only through the outer panel 610 in some exemplary aspects so as to be open to or in communication with the external environment, while the inner opening 415 is formed only through the inner panel 620. and does not directly communicate with the external environment. As used herein, the term "offset" means that the inner area of the outer opening 410 does not overlap the inner area of the inner opening 415 . The offset of the outer opening 410 from the inner opening 415 is such that moisture and/or heat escaping the garment 400 is the seam connecting the inner opening 415 and the outer opening 410 as shown in FIG. (420) to pass through the passage.

7 provides a cross-sectional view of shim 420 to illustrate the offset characteristics of outer opening 410 and inner opening 415 according to one aspect. As described above and as shown in FIG. 5 , seam 420 is formed by partially attaching outer panel 610 and inner panel 620 at upper seam boundary 510 and lower seam boundary 520. . By simply attaching the panels 610 and 620 at the upper seam boundary 510 and the lower seam boundary 520, there is a passage or space between the outer panel 610 and the inner panel 620 as shown in FIG. (710) is maintained. Thus, as shown by arrows 712, water vapor and/or air will travel through interior opening 415 and pass through passage or space 710, where the water vapor and/or air will be dissipated to the external environment. It leaves the wearer's body by exiting through the outer opening 410 that can be used. Although outer openings 410 and inner openings 415 are shown as evenly spaced and/or sized in FIGS. 6 and 7 , other arrangements are possible as described herein.

Like the breathable garment 100 of FIGS. 1A/1B, the garment 400 of FIG. 4 may also be constructed from conventional woven or knitted synthetic or natural fabrics. The fabric may be water repellent and/or designed to be down proof/fill proof, or alternatively, ultralight fabrics (29 g/m ² or less) and lightweight fabrics (30 g/m ² - 89 g/m ² ), the fabric needs to be treated with a waterproofing and/or down proofing chemical, for example a chemical treatment called a durable water repellant (DWR).

In some exemplary aspects, the insulating chambers of a breathable garment according to the techniques described herein can be formed by welding individual fabric pieces at each seam, or using adhesive tape in strategic places between two panels as discussed above. It can also be formed by pressing two full panels together. In instances where the chambers may be formed by welding individual fabric pieces at each seam, this allows for the introduction of different textures, colors, or functionality by introducing different types of fabric in different sections of the garment. Also, as noted above, in one aspect the insulative zones and/or one or more portions of the breathable garment are constructed using a designed weaving or knitting process (e.g., programming a weaving or knitting machine to form these structures). box).

Further, examples of breathable insulating garments shown in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIG. 4 are cold jackets or cold coats. However, breathable insulated garments according to the techniques described herein may also be configured in the form of vests, pants, overalls, gloves, hats, and the like. 8 is an example of a vest 800 according to the techniques described herein. As shown in FIG. 8 , the vest 800 includes a seam 820 having a plurality of openings 810 forming an insulating chamber 840 that can be filled with down or any other insulating material such as polyester fibers. can be provided. In an exemplary aspect, the insulated portion of the vest 800 may be formed as shown in FIGS. 3A and/or 3B , and/or the insulated portion of the vest 800 may be formed as shown in FIGS. 5-7 Any and all aspects, and any variations thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure. The vest 800 may be used as a lightweight breathable insulated garment by a runner, for example. Vest 800 may include a mesh ventilation area 850 to provide additional ventilation.

In various embodiments, the breathable insulating sections or zones described herein may be located on portions of the garment rather than all over the garment. 9 shows a garment 900 having a right chest breathable insulating section 902, a left chest breathable insulating section 904, a left arm (left arm) breathable insulating section 906, and a right arm (right arm) breathable insulating section 908. shows The breathable insulating sections 902, 904, 906, and 908 can be positioned to maximize heat retention while still allowing the escape of moisture. For example, breathable insulated sections 902, 904, 906, and 908 may be used in areas of the body that generate more sweat, such as the chest region, thighs, etc., or where more heat is generated or an increased amount of vapor release is desired. can be placed in an area. Another example is that breathable insulated sections 902, 904, 906, and 908 can be placed in areas of the body that are more sensitive to cold. Breathable insulated sections 902, 904, 906, and 908 may be positioned based on the wearer's comfort when exercising.

Turning now to FIG. 10A , a cross-sectional view of right chest breathable insulated section 902 is provided. The right chest breathable insulating section 902 may be installed within the garment 900, for example, by cutting out a portion of the garment 900 and adding the breathable insulating section 902 to the cut out area, the breathable insulating section 902 may be placed over and bonded to garment layer (garment base layer) 1012 . Breathable insulated section 902 is bonded to garment 900 at seam 1008 and seam 1010 . The breathable insulating section 902 includes a chamber 1020 formed by joining an inner panel 1006 and an outer panel 1007 at one or more seams 1005 to form the breathable insulating section 902 . In one exemplary aspect, shim 1005 includes offset outer openings 1004 formed on outer panel 1007 and inner openings 1002 formed on inner panel 1006 . This configuration is similar to that shown in Figs. 6 and 7, for example. Alternatively, the shim 1005 has an opening 1004 extending straight through the inner panel 1006 and the outer panel 1007 (i.e., the openings in the inner panel 1006 and the outer panel 1007 are relative to each other). axially aligned). Additional interior openings may or may not be formed in the garment layer 1012 facing the inward (next to the wearer) side of the inner panel 1006 of the breathable insulated section 902, the interior of the breathable insulated section 902. A passage or space 1030 is formed between the panel 1006 and the garment layer 1012 . This configuration may be similar to the configuration shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Any and all aspects, and any variations thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 10B shows an exploded view of Figure 10A. The breathable insulating section 902 described briefly above is formed by bonding the inner panel 1006 and the outer panel 1006 together at one or more seams 1005 to form the breathable insulating section 902 . Insulation 1040 is included between inner panel 1006 and outer panel 1007 within chambers 1020 divided by one or more shims 1005 . In one aspect and as shown in FIG. 10B , garment layer 1012 may not include openings and may be continuous throughout. In another aspect, the garment layer 1012 may be provided with one or more openings in the area provided with the breathable insulative section 902 (covered by the breathable insulative section 902). In another aspect, the garment layer 1012 includes a cutout of a shape and size corresponding to that of the breathable insulative section 902 such that there is no garment layer 1012 underneath the breathable insulating section 902 ( cutout) may be provided (not shown). The garment layer 1012 may include a padding material, or a material having moisture wicking or moisture management properties. Using a mesh material or a material having moisture wicking or moisture management properties as the garment layer 1012 to form the garment may increase wearer comfort.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-20 , a number of exemplary configurations of adiabatic zones are shown in accordance with aspects described herein. The insulating zone shown in these figures includes a breathable insulating section having a configuration similar to that shown in, for example, FIGS. 3A , 3B , and/or FIGS. 6-7 . For example, FIG. 11 shows an insulated zone within pants 1100 . Although the right insulation zone 1104 and the left insulation zone 1102 are located in the shin area, aspects are not limited to these locations. Insulation zones may be placed in other desired/suitable locations.

12 illustrates an insulated zone within an athletic apparel top 1200 according to aspects of the techniques described herein. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 12 , the sportswear top 1200 includes a chest breathable insulating section 1210, right and left shoulder breathable insulating sections 1220 and 1222, and right and left upper arm breathable insulating sections ( 1230, 1232). 13 shows another perspective view of a sweatshirt 1200, more clearly showing a right shoulder breathable insulated section 1220 and a right upper arm breathable insulated section 1230 according to one aspect of the techniques described herein. The garment/garment base layer may be composed of a mesh material, or a material having moisture wicking or moisture management properties. For example, a construction of a garment as shown in garment 1200 provides insulation only to those areas of the garment configured to cover the most heat-sensitive or most exposed areas of the wearer's body that would benefit from having an insulating protective layer. This eliminates the need to layer a plurality of garments together, thereby increasing the wearer's comfort. Another advantage of a garment construction with zonal insulation is that it does not have the bulkiness that impedes movement (as in conventional insulated garments), so the wearer feels especially comfortable with the wearer's body when wearing such a garment 1200. may have a greater range of motion when provided in a garment configured to give

Turning now to FIG. 14 , an insulated zone within a compression pant (compression pant) 1400 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the techniques described herein. The compression pants 1400 is another example of a garment configured to conform to the wearer's body when worn, and includes a right thigh breathable insulation section 1410 and a left thigh breathable insulation section 1420. The compression pant 1400 also includes a right shin breathable insulated section 1430 and a left shin breathable insulated section 1432 . In an exemplary aspect, the compression pant 1400 may include only a right thigh breathable and insulated section 1410 and a left thigh breathable and insulated section 1420 . This aspect is illustrated in FIG. 15 , which shows a compression pant 1500 having a right thigh breathable insulated section 1510 and a left thigh breathable insulated section 1520 .

Turning now to FIG. 16 , an insulated zone within a sweatshirt 1600 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the techniques described herein. Sweatshirt 1600 includes a right chest breathable insulated section 1610 and a left chest breathable insulated section 1612 . Sweatshirt 1600 also includes left and right shoulder breathable and insulated sections 1614, left and right upper arm breathable and insulated sections 1616, and left and right forearm breathable and insulated sections 1618. Turning now to FIG. 17 , a back view of a sweatshirt 1600 illustrates a right back breathable insulated section 1620 and a left back breathable insulated section 1630, according to one aspect of the techniques described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 18 , an insulated zone within a sweatshirt 1800 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the techniques described herein. The sweatshirt 1800 includes a chest breathable insulation section 1810, right and left shoulder breathable insulation sections 1814, right and left upper arm breathable insulation sections 1816, right and left forearm breathable insulation sections 1812, and left and left forearm breathable insulation sections 1812. Each includes a right side breathable insulating section 1818 (only the left side breathable insulating section 1818 is shown in FIG. 18 ). Turning now to FIG. 19 , a back view of a sweatshirt 1800 also shows a back breathable insulating section 1820 and a right side breathable insulating section 1818, according to one aspect of the techniques described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 20 , an insulating zone within the fleece top/jacket 2000 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the techniques described herein. Fleece top/jacket 2000 includes a left chest breathable insulated section 2004 and a right chest breathable insulated section 2008. The body 2002 of the fleece top/jacket 2000 may include a breathable fleece material. A zipper 2006 may provide an entrance to a pocket (not shown). The pockets may be constructed of mesh or other breathable material that works in conjunction with the left chest breathable insulated section 2004 to facilitate transfer of heat and moisture through the fleece top/jacket 2000.

Turning now to FIG. 21 , an insulated zone within hooded jacket 2100 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the techniques described herein. The hooded jacket 2100 includes a left chest breathable insulating section 2112 and a right chest breathable insulating section 2110 . Hooded jacket 2100 may further include a hood 2118 . The hooded jacket 2100 also includes a right neck breathable insulating section 2114 and a left neck breathable insulating section 2116 that may also be aligned with the wearer's mouth region and/or nose region. As such, right neck breathable insulating section 2114 and left neck breathable insulating section 2116 help facilitate the movement of moisture, heat, and gases (e.g., carbon dioxide) away from the wearer's lower facial region. can give

Turning now to FIG. 22 , a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 2200 of making a breathable garment is provided. Breathable garments can be jackets, vests, trousers, full body suits, and the like, and can include any of the configurations herein. In step 2210 an outer panel, a corresponding middle panel, and an inner panel are cut out for a section of the breathable garment. In one aspect, this process is repeated for each section of the garment, and once step 2260 is complete, these sections are then connected to form the final breathable garment.

In step 2220, the outer and middle panels are attached together at a plurality of seams to form an insulated garment panel. A plurality of shims are spaced to define boundaries of a plurality of hollow chambers defined by the outer panel and the middle panel. The hollow chambers can be of different sizes and shapes to provide varying levels of thermal insulation.

In step 2230 an external opening is formed through the plurality of shims. The outer openings can have different numbers and/or different sizes as well as different shapes. The opening may be formed through, for example, laser cutting, water jet cutting, mechanical cutting, or the like. Alternatively, when the panels are formed through a designed weaving or knitting process, the openings may be formed through a weaving or knitting process. In step 2240, internal openings are optionally formed in the internal panel via any of the methods outlined above. The inner openings, if provided, can have different sizes and different shapes.

At step 2250, the plurality of hollow chambers defined by the seams are filled with an insulating material such as down or other synthetic fibers.

In step 2260, the inner panel is attached to the inward facing portion of the insulative garment panel in one or more areas to form an exhaust passage or space defined by the inward facing side of the insulative garment panel and the outward facing side of the inner panel. In an exemplary aspect, the individual inner openings, if provided, do not generally overlap the individual outer openings after the inner panel is attached to the insulative garment panel. In other words, the inner opening, if provided, is offset from the outer opening. The inner and outer openings, if provided, are connected by an exhaust passage or space between the inner and outer garment panels.

In one aspect, one or more portions of the breathable garment are constructed using a designed weaving or knitting process (eg, a weaving or knitting machine programmed to form these structures). For example, the outer and inner panels may be formed together through a knitting and weaving process, which may also be used to form seams and/or outer and inner openings. Any and all aspects, any variations thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure.

In an alternative manufacturing method, an outer panel and a corresponding inner panel may be cut out for a section of the garment. An outer opening may be formed in the outer panel, and an inner opening may be formed in the inner panel. The outer and inner panels may be bonded together at one or more seam areas to form an outer garment panel. The panels may be bonded to each other, for example by stitching or gluing an upper portion of the seam and stitching or gluing a lower portion of the seam, leaving the area between the stitched or glued portions unattached. or sorted

The one or more seam regions define and define one or more chambers that can be filled with natural or synthetic fillers. The spacing between adjacent shims thus defines the size of the chamber formed between these adjacent shims. As such, the spacing between the seams can be adjusted to provide varying levels of insulation to different parts of the garment. Additionally, the spacing, size, and/or number of the outer and inner openings may be adjusted to facilitate transport of greater or lesser amounts of water vapor and/or air. For example, the size and number of openings may be increased and the spacing between openings may be decreased to provide for greater transfer of water vapor and/or air, while less transfer of water vapor and/or air. The size and number of apertures may be reduced and the spacing between apertures increased to provide Additionally, these variables can be adjusted in response to where the openings are located on the resulting garment. For example, transport of water vapor and/or heat along the spine may occur overlying high heat and/or moisture generating areas of the body, such as the back torso, the wearer's flank area, chest area, thigh or shin area, the wearer's upper arm area, and the like. It may be larger in the clothing section. Continuing, the variables associated with the openings may also be adjusted depending on whether the resulting garment is to be used by men or women, as heat and/or moisture transfer needs may differ between men and women. Any and all aspects, and any variations thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 23 , a flow chart is provided illustrating an exemplary method 2300 of fabricating a breathable garment, which garment includes one or more breathable and insulative sections such as those shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-21 . . The method includes providing at step 2310 at least one garment base layer, wherein the garment base layer is fabricated for comfort and/or performance enhancement, such as moisture wicking fabric, stretch fabric, water resistant fabric, cotton fabric, or the like. may include knitted or woven synthetic fabrics or natural fabrics. Then, one or more breathable insulative sections constructed according to any of the foregoing aspects and having a specific shape and size predetermined for that specific location on the final garment are provided, as described in step 2320. The one or more breathable insulative sections are disposed adjacent an outer-facing surface of the garment base layer at a predetermined location on the garment base layer, as described in step 2330, and as described in step 2340. After the breathable insulating sections are assembled, they are attached to the garment base layer to assist in forming the outer surface of the garment. The final garment is then constructed from all individual garment base layers.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart describing an alternative construction method to that described in FIG. 23 in which at least one garment layer having one or more cutouts is provided in step 2410 . One or more cutouts have a shape and size corresponding to each one or more breathable insulating sections provided in step 2420. The one or more breathable insulative sections can be attached to the at least one garment layer at the corresponding one or more cutouts, thereby covering the one or more cutouts with the one or more breathable insulative sections as described in step 2430.

25A shows a front view of an exemplary upper body garment 2500, while FIG. 25B shows a back view of upper body garment 2500, according to additional aspects herein. As shown, upper body garment 2500 has at least a collar opening 2510, two armholes 2520A and 2020B, a waist opening 2540 (waist opening), and optionally, for example, a zipper, hooks. It is in the form of a vest that includes an opening/closing mechanism 2530, which can be a loop-and-loop system, a slider mechanism, or the like. As shown, upper garment 2500 can include a plurality of seams 2550, each of plurality of seams 2550 bounded by a perimeter. For example, seam 2551 is bounded by a perimeter 2519 that defines, for example, a width 2516 and a length 2518 of seam 2551 among the plurality of seams 2550 . In addition, at least one of the plurality of shims 2550 , for example, shim 2552 may have at least one opening 2560 on a portion of the at least one shim 2552 . The at least one opening 2560 is configured to provide a ventilation opening between an internal environment (proximate to the wearer's body when the upper garment 2500 is worn) and an external environment (proximate to environmental elements the garment is configured to protect the wearer). It may extend through at least one shim 2552. Although the at least one opening 2560 is shown as a circular vent opening, the at least one opening 2560 may be any alphanumeric shape, geometric shape, organic shape, or example It is envisioned that it may take any shape or form, such as any other suitable form, such as, for example, special designs, characters, and the like.

In addition, each of the plurality of seams 2550 according to an aspect of the present invention may be used for an adjacent or neighboring seam of the plurality of seams 2550, or, for example, when the upper body garment 2500 is worn, the upper body garment 2500 ) is oriented angularly (at an angle) with respect to an imaginary horizontal axis 2570 (ie, an axis extending along the x direction) that cuts across widthwise. For example, shim 2552 is oriented angularly relative to adjacent or adjacent shims 2554, 2556, and 2558. The term "adjacent" as used herein refers to shims belonging to a plurality of shims 2550 that are next to each other in any direction (up, down, side, etc.) without other shims intervening therebetween. The angle of the angular orientation of seams 2552 can be measured with respect to an imaginary horizontal axis 2570 cutting across upper garment 2500, for example. According to aspects of the invention, the angle of angular orientation may be any angle between 0° and 179°. For example, as shown in FIG. 25A , the angle of the angular orientation of each of the plurality of shims 2550 relative to the imaginary horizontal axis 2570 is, for example, shim 2552 and the imaginary horizontal axis 2570 It can be acute, such as angle 2580 formed between, or the angle of angular orientation can be obtuse, such as, for example, angle 2590 formed between seam 2553 and imaginary horizontal axis 2570. In addition, the orientation angle between each shim may also be measured for adjacent shims, for example as discussed further below with respect to FIG. 33 .

The angular orientation of each of the plurality of shims 2550 forms or defines a plurality of interconnected chambers 2501, for example. As noted above, the term “interconnected chambers” may be defined as two or more chambers that are interconnected to form a continuous open path between the two or more chambers. The angular orientation of plurality of shims 2550 is because the angular orientation of plurality of shims 2550 results in the formation of angular (angled) interconnected chambers (e.g., plurality of interconnected chambers 2501). It is important. A combination of angularly oriented seams (e.g., plurality of shims 2550) and angularly interconnected chambers (e.g., plurality of interconnected chambers 2501) may be, for example, down or synthetic fibers. A heat insulating material such as from one of the plurality of interconnected chambers 2501 (eg, one of 2502, 2504, 2506, and 2508) to another chamber (eg, one of 2502, 2504, 2506, and 2508) to prevent or minimize drift. In other words, the plurality of shims 2550 form or define a plurality of interconnected chambers 2501, but, for example, chamber 2502 is interconnected with at least chamber 2506 and chamber 2504 is interconnected with at least chamber ( 2508), but since no straight downward path is formed between the interconnected plurality of interconnected chambers 2501 (to upper body garment 2500), each of the plurality of interconnected chambers 2501 Movement of the insulating material contained within the chamber (eg, one of 2502, 2504, 2506, 2508) is prevented or minimized. Stated differently, due to the angular orientation of the plurality of seams 2550 and the lack of a straight (or substantially straight) vertical (or generally vertical) open chamber path through which the down or synthetic fibers can settle, sedimentation is avoided or reduced.

Continuing, drift of the insulation due to gravity (downward) or laterally (sideways) is prevented or minimized, which is a pattern followed by a plurality of seams 2550, and a plurality of interconnected chambers 2501 by extension. does not leave a straight open path at least along the y-axis (eg, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B). For example, a zigzag pattern in which the plurality of seams 2550 are followed in a vertical direction (ie, perpendicular to the imaginary horizontal axis 2570) extending from the collar opening 2510 to the waist opening 2540, for example. Avoid the formation of straight open paths (or generally vertical open paths). Optionally, plurality of seams 2550 may be provided in the vertical direction as well, for example, from a first garment side end 2541 to a second garment side end 2543 to also prevent or minimize lateral drift. ) in a pattern that can prevent the formation of straight open paths (or substantially straight open paths) in the horizontal direction (ie, parallel to the imaginary horizontal axis 2570) (see the drawing further below). as discussed).

Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention, plurality of shims 2550 are arranged in the illustrated zigzag pattern 2511, with each shim in a row of shims being separated from each adjacent one of plurality of shims 2550. It is located at a predetermined distance 2512. Each shim in a row of shims is positioned a distance 2514 from each adjacent shim of plurality of shims 2550 . These distances 2512 and 2514 define the size of each of the plurality of interconnected chambers 2501. The size of each chamber of plurality of interconnected chambers 2501 is also defined by, for example, width 2516 and length 2518 of each shim of plurality of shims 2550 . Also, in some exemplary aspects, plurality of shims 2550 can all include the same width 2516 and length 2518 (as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B ), or in other exemplary aspects , plurality of shims 2550 may include different widths and/or different lengths, depending on the pattern formed by plurality of shims 2550, as further described with respect to FIGS. 26A-28B.

Note that although in FIGS. 25A and 25B the zigzag pattern 2511 is shown extending throughout upper body garment 2500, it is also contemplated that the garment may include different seam configurations in different portions of the garment. Should be. For example, the zig-zag pattern 2511 (or any other pattern forming interconnected chambers) has continuous (uninterrupted) seams extending along an imaginary horizontal axis 2570 bordering the separations. positioned only at the top of the garment (e.g., the portion of the upper body garment 2500 above an imaginary horizontal axis 2570), with a condition preventing downward (i.e., vertical) movement of the insulation under the (not shown) It could be. The remainder of the insulative garment may then include other types of seam configurations that may or may not form interconnected chambers. In other words, individual garment or article portions may be bordered and provided with seam configurations different from the rest of the garment or article. For example, as will become clearer in connection with the description of the figures below, certain seam configurations may be provided where portions of a garment or article are bordered and have a plurality of openings on the seams within the border portion, while the border The plurality of shims outside the part may or may not have a plurality of holes. Alternatively, the seams separating the insulating chambers formed in the garment or article outside the border portion may be conventional stitched seams (i.e. seams that do not have a width exceeding that of the thread or yarn used for stitching). . Also, as noted above, individual air permeable insulating sections having, for example, interconnected chambers (eg, panel inserts) may not be otherwise insulated or configured (as illustrated in FIGS. 9-21 ). It may be provided on clothing or articles. Any and all possible combinations are within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

26A shows a front view of another exemplary upper body garment 2600, in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, while FIG. 26B shows a back view of upper body garment 2600. Like upper garment 2500, upper garment 2600 includes a collar opening 2610, a first armhole 2620A, a second armhole 2620B, a bottom opening 2640 (waist opening), and an optional closure enable mechanism. It is a vest containing (2630). Upper garment 2600 also includes a plurality of seams 2650 arranged in a pattern different from the zigzag pattern 2511 shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B (indicated generally by reference numeral 2611). Pattern 2611 forms a plurality of interconnected chambers 2680 . As with upper garment 2500, each seam of plurality of seams 2650 is positioned angularly (at an angle) from each adjacent or neighboring seam of plurality of seams 2650. However, unlike upper garment 2500 , plurality of seams 2650 include different sizes and orientation angles in pattern 2611 .

For example, the pattern 2611 shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B includes a first seam 2652 having a first length 2612, a second seam 2654 having a second length 2614, and a third length. third shim 2656 having 2616, fourth shim 2658 having a fourth length 2618, fifth shim 2660 having a fifth length 2632, sixth length 2734 having It is formed by repetition of a sixth shim 2662 , a seventh shim 2664 having a seventh length 2636 , and an eighth shim 2666 having an eighth length 2638 . first shim 2652, second shim 2654, third shim 2656, fourth shim 2658, fifth shim 2660, sixth shim 2662, seventh shim 2664, and Eighth shims 2666 together form interconnected chambers 2682, 2684, 2686, and 2688.

As shown above with reference to FIGS. 25A and 25B , although the plurality of interconnected chambers 2680 are interconnected, the pattern 2611 formed by the plurality of shims 2650 and, for example, relative to each other. The angular orientation (any angle between 0° and 179°) of the plurality of seams 2650 is such that the garment is in the worn configuration, providing thermal insulation from one of the plurality of interconnected chambers 2680 to the other. Prevents lateral drift and downward/upward drift of In other words, the lack of a straight path either in the lateral/horizontal direction or in the vertical direction helps prevent insulation from migrating between chambers 2682, 2684, 2686, and 2688, for example. Additionally, one or more of the plurality of shims 2650 may include one or more openings extending through one or more of the plurality of shims 2650 . For example, opening 2690 extends through shim 2694 within perimeter 2692 of shim 2694 . In other words, openings 2690 extend from seam 2694 through all of the layers forming the garment, so that when the garment is worn, there is a separation between the internal environment (close to the wearer's body) and the external environment (close to environmental elements). Ventilation holes are provided to allow exchange of fluids (eg air, steam, sweat).

27A shows a front view of another exemplary upper body garment 2700, while FIG. 27B shows a back view of upper body garment 2700, in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention. Like upper garments 2500 and 2600, upper garment 2700 has a collar opening 2710, a first armhole 2720A, a second armhole 2720B, a bottom opening 2740 (waist opening), and an optional closure. A vest that includes enabling mechanism 2730. In addition, upper garment 2700 includes a plurality of seams 2750 arranged in different patterns 2711 forming a plurality of interconnected chambers 2780 .

As with upper garments 2500 and 2600, each of plurality of seams 2750 is positioned angularly (at an angle) from each adjacent or neighboring seam of plurality of seams 2750. Also, like upper garment 2600 , plurality of seams 2750 include different sizes when forming pattern 2711 . For example, the pattern 2711 shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B includes a first seam 2752 having a first length 2712, a second seam 2754 having a second length 2714, a second length third shim 2756 having 2714, fourth shim 2758 having second length 2714, fifth shim 2760 having second length 2714, second length 2714 having It is formed by repetition of a sixth shim 2762, and a seventh shim 2764 also having a second length 2714. For example, first shim 2752, second shim 2754, third shim 2756, fourth 2758, fifth shim 2760, sixth 2762, and seventh shim. The repeating pattern formed by 2764 together forms a plurality of interconnected chambers 2780, such as, for example, interconnected chambers 2778, 2784, 2786, 2788, and 2789. As shown above, although the plurality of interconnected chambers 2780 are interconnected, the pattern 2711 formed by the plurality of shims 2750 and the angular orientation of the plurality of shims 2750 relative to each other (0°) to 179°) prevents or minimizes lateral drift and downward/upward drift of the insulation from one chamber of the plurality of interconnected chambers 2780 to another. In other words, the lack of a straight path in a lateral or up-and-down direction helps to prevent or minimize thermal insulation from moving, for example, between interconnected chambers 2782, 2784, 2786, and 2788.

Additionally, one or more of the plurality of shims 2750 may include one or more openings. For example, as shown in shim 2794, shim 2794 may include an opening 2790 formed in perimeter 2792 defined by the length and width of shim 2794. In other words, opening 2790 is located on seam 2794 and is configured to extend through all layers of upper garment 2700 that form seam 2797, so that the interior environment (proximate to the wearer's body) and the environment (environment) Provide vents to allow exchange of fluids (eg air, steam, sweat) between the external environment (proximate to the element).

Turning to FIGS. 28A and 28B , FIG. 28A shows a front view of another exemplary upper body garment 2800 , while FIG. 28B shows a back view of a upper body garment 2800 , in accordance with additional aspects of the present invention. Like upper garments 2500, 2600, and 2700, upper garment 2800 has a collar opening 2810, a first armhole 2820A, a second armhole 2820B, a bottom opening 2840 (waist opening), and Illustrated with a vest that includes an optional closure enable mechanism 2830. Upper garment 2800 also includes a plurality of seams 2850 arranged in a pattern 2811 forming a plurality of interconnected chambers 2880 . As with upper garments 2500, 2600, and 2700, each of plurality of seams 2850 is positioned angularly (at an angle) from each adjacent or neighboring seam of plurality of seams 2850.

In upper body garment 2800, plurality of seams 2850 are arranged such that adjacent or adjacent seams of plurality of seams 2850 are at right angles 2860A, 2860B, 2860C, and 2860D to each other, such that interconnected chambers 2880 are formed. , wherein each of the plurality of seams 2850 includes substantially the same length and width as in upper garment 2500. As shown above, although the plurality of interconnected chambers 2880 are interconnected, the pattern 2811 formed by the plurality of shims 2850 and the angular orientation of the plurality of shims 2850 relative to each other (in this example 90° in typical garments) helps prevent or minimize lateral drift and downward/upward drift of the insulation from one of the plurality of interconnected chambers 2880 to the other. In other words, the lack of a straight path in a lateral or up-down direction helps prevent the insulation from moving around.

Additionally, one or more of the plurality of shims 2850 may include one or more openings extending through one or more of the plurality of shims 2850 . For example, shim 2894 includes one or more openings 2890 within perimeter 2892 of shim 2894 . In other words, in seam 2894, one or more openings 2890 extend through all layers of seam 2894, between the internal environment (proximate to the wearer's body) and the external environment (proximate to environmental elements). Ventilation openings are provided to allow exchange of air, steam, perspiration).

29A, 29B, 30A, 30B, 31A, and 31B show another type of garment 2900, 3000, and 3100 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Garments 2900, 3000, and 3100 are merely examples for application of the techniques described herein. It is contemplated that the techniques described herein may be embodied in other types of clothing and articles that may be configured to provide thermal insulation to a user, such as shorts, t-shirts, hoodies, pullovers, body suits, sleeping bags, blankets, and the like. . 29A-31B are shown to include a seam pattern similar to the zigzag pattern 2511 described above with respect to FIGS. It is contemplated that it may contain suspicious patterns. It is also contemplated that many other shim patterns may be achieved in which a plurality of suitably sized individual shims may be provided angularly oriented relative to each other (any angle between 0° and 179°). As discussed above, the seam pattern and the angular orientation of the seams help prevent or minimize the movement of the insulation material, such as down or synthetic fibers, from its original position even when the chambers formed between the seams are interconnected.

The garment 2900 shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B is shown as a jacket/coat having a hood 2910 and a body portion 2950 having a first sleeve 2920A and a second sleeve 2920B. Specifically, FIG. 29A shows a front view and FIG. 29B shows a back view of a garment 2900 according to aspects of the present invention. Garment 2900 may optionally include an opening/closing mechanism 2930 such as, for example, a zipper, hook and loop mechanism, sliding mechanism, or the like. When in a closed configuration (as shown), the garment 2900 has a first opening 2940 (waist opening) formed by body portion 2950 and a second opening 2960 (facial opening) formed by hood 2910. opening), and the hood 2910 is configured to provide protection to the wearer's head when the garment 2900 is worn. Additionally, hood 2910 according to aspects of the present invention may also include a plurality of seams 2970 as in the remainder of garment 2900. As noted above, one or more of the plurality of shims 2970 may include one or more openings 2972 within the perimeter of one or more of the plurality of shims 2970 . The one or more openings are configured to allow fluid to flow between the internal environment of the garment 2900 and the external environment of the garment 2900 to provide a more comfortable fit to the wearer. Also, as described above, a plurality of interconnected chambers 2980 may be formed between the plurality of shims 2970 . Also, due to the angular orientation (between 0° and 179°) of the plurality of shims 2750 relative to each other, the insulation provided in the plurality of interconnected chambers 2980 can be prevented from moving from its original position.

The garment 3000 shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B has a body portion having a waist opening 3012 defined by a waistband 3010 and a length 3022 measured between the waistband and a bottom edge 3020 ( 3030) is shown as a skirt. Specifically, FIG. 30A shows a front view and FIG. 30B shows a back view of a garment 3000 according to aspects of the present invention. As shown, garment 3000 can include a plurality of seams 3050 oriented at an angle relative to each other (angle between 0° and 179°), wherein one or more seams of plurality 3050 are It may include one or more openings 3060 to allow fluid to flow between the inner environment and the outer environment. Also, a plurality of interconnected chambers 3040 may be formed between the plurality of shims 3050 .

The garment 3100 shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B has a waist opening 3112 defined by a waistband 3110 and a length 3132 measured between the waistband 3110 and a bottom edge 3120. It is shown as pants having a body portion 3130. Specifically, FIG. 31A shows a front view and FIG. 31B shows a back view of a garment 3100 according to aspects of the present invention. As shown, garment 3100 can include a plurality of seams 3150 oriented at an angle relative to each other (angles between 0° and 179°), wherein one or more of plurality of seams 3150 are It may include one or more openings 3160 to allow fluid flow between the interior environment and the exterior environment. Also, a plurality of interconnected chambers 3140 may be formed between the plurality of shims 3150 .

Garment 3200 shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B is shown as a jacket/coat that includes insulating regions 3250A and 3250B on the front and insulating regions 3254 on the back, with insulating regions [3250A, 3250B, and 3254 ( 32b)] can be configured in a similar manner to the ventilated and insulating sections or zones described above. Thermally insulating regions 3250A, 3250B, and 3254 of garment 3200 include one or more seams separating one or more thermally insulating chambers, at least one of the one or more seams having one or more openings or apertures located in the at least one seam. can include As noted above, the one or more openings or holes formed in one or more shims may include any desired shape and/or size suitable for fitting within the perimeter of a shim according to aspects of the techniques described herein. In garment 3200, for example, one or more openings or apertures are in the form of one or more alphanumeric characters, and may be formed to write a name, brand name, or message, for example. Also, as shown, the one or more seams need not include straight edges or even uniform widths. Alternatively, as shown, one or more seams may include irregular widths formed by curved perimeters forming symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes as required for a particular garment configuration.

33 shows an exemplary panel 3300 having an exemplary pattern and seam configuration in accordance with aspects of the present invention. For example, panel 3300 includes a plurality of angularly oriented shims 3310 forming a plurality of interconnected chambers 3350 between two or more of the plurality of angularly oriented shims 3310. do. Each shim of the plurality of angularly oriented shims 3310 is oriented at an angle between 0° and 179° relative to the neighboring shim, so that an open straight path is formed between the plurality of angularly oriented shims 3310. You can create patterns that prevent or minimize this. For example, in FIG. 33 , shim 3312 is positioned at an angle 3320 relative to neighboring shim 3314, shim 3314 is positioned at an angle 3222 relative to neighboring shim 3316, and , shim 3316 is positioned at an angle 3324 relative to shim 3318. Additionally, one or more shims, such as shims 3312 and 3316, may include one or more apertures 3340 in the form of alphanumeric characters located on shims 3312 and 3316, or such as shims 3314 and 3318. One or more shims may include one or more geometrically shaped openings or holes 3330. While a plurality of angularly oriented seams 3310 and one or more openings or apertures 3340 and 3330 are shown in a specific pattern 3360, pattern 3360 is exemplary only and is shown in FIG. Many other configurations of arranging a plurality of angularly oriented shims 3310 in many other configurations for one or more openings or holes 3330 and 3340 other than configurations are also available. This will become more apparent with respect to FIGS. 34A-34H as discussed further below.

For example, 34a illustrates a shim configuration 3400 in accordance with aspects of the present invention, wherein the openings formed through the shims are a combination of triangular openings and alphanumeric openings. 34B shows a shim configuration 3410 where the openings formed through the shims are a combination of circular openings that include alphanumeric openings and different sizes. 34C shows a shim configuration 3420 in which the shim includes only alphanumeric openings formed thereon. 34D shows a shim configuration 3430 with an alphanumeric shaped opening and a circular opening with a constant size. 34E shows a shim configuration 3440 where the openings formed through the shims are a combination of alphanumeric openings and diamond-shaped openings. 34F shows a shim configuration 3450 where the shim includes alphanumeric shaped openings formed thereon and a combination of diamond shaped openings and circular openings. 34G shows a shim configuration 3460 with alphanumeric shaped openings and square openings. FIG. 34H shows a shim configuration 3470 similar to the shim configuration 3410 shown in FIG. 34B , but shows how the openings can be spaced apart on the shim, e.g., the circular opening in FIG. 34H and the alphanumeric The gap 3472 between the merrick shaped openings is larger than the gap 3412 between the circular openings and the alphanumeric shaped openings in seam configuration 3410.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 35A to 35C show how the seam itself can be used to form different patterns, logos, etc. to generate special visual effects while still retaining its function of forming a chamber for accommodating insulation therein. do. For example, FIG. 35A illustrates a panel 3500 for an insulative garment or article in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. For example, seams or seam regions configured to separate chambers filled with insulating material as described above may be formed in any desired shape or pattern, such as, for example, linear, organic, curved, or the like. In FIG. 35A , for example, a plurality of seams or seam regions 3502 separating a plurality of chambers 3501 is a combination of linear seams or seam regions 3506 and 3508 and alphanumeric shaped seams or seam regions 3504. shown in combination. Seams or seam regions 3504 are shown in an alphanumeric shape in this example, but other designs such as logos, text, etc. are also contemplated. Also, as shown, one or more shims or shim portions of plurality of shims or shim regions 3502 may include one or more openings or holes 3503 while other of plurality of shims or shim regions 3502 The shim or shim portion may remain closed, such as shim region 3506 of shim 3505.

FIG. 35B shows another exemplary shim configuration 3510 wherein a linear seam or seam region (eg, 3518) or a linear portion of a plurality of seams or seam regions (eg, 3512 and 3516) has one or more openings. or hole 3513, while the alphanumeric shaped seam or seam region (eg, 3514) remains closed.

Finally, FIG. 35C shows another configuration 3520, wherein both linear seams or seam regions (eg, 3522 and 3524) and alphanumeric shaped seams or seam regions (eg, 3526) are It includes one or more openings or apertures 3523. As noted above, openings or apertures 3503, 3513, and 3523 are located on the seam, i.e. within the perimeter defining the seam area, and extend through all of the garment or article forming layers so as to maintain the internal environment of the garment or other insulative article. It promotes fluid exchange between the garment and the outer environment of the garment or insulated article. Fluid exchange may thus, for example, provide an insulated garment that provides thermal insulation while providing the user with the ability to regulate temperature and/or humidity within the garment. In other words, a garment or article according to an aspect of the present invention can provide comfortable thermal insulation by providing a heat and moisture release mechanism to prevent overheating and discomfort due to overheating.

It will be appreciated that certain features and subcombinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is envisioned and within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments can be made of the techniques described herein without departing from the scope of the invention, it is to be understood that everything described herein or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.

Claims (20)

A breathable garment comprising at least one breathable garment panel, comprising:
The breathable garment panel has a first layer and a second layer attached to each other in a plurality of angularly oriented discrete seams, wherein the plurality of angularly oriented discrete seams together define a plurality of interconnected chambers. ), wherein each angularly oriented individual shim in the plurality of angularly oriented individual shims forms an acute angle with respect to a horizontal axis extending parallel to the edge of the waist opening of the breathable garment, and the plurality of angularly oriented individual shims a first layer and a second layer preventing formation of a straight open path in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis;
an insulating material contained within a plurality of interconnected chambers; and
at least one opening on a portion of at least one angularly oriented discrete shim, extending through the portion of the at least one angularly oriented discrete shim, through the first layer, and through the second layer; opening
A breathable garment comprising a. 2. The breathable garment of claim 1, wherein the insulating material comprises at least one of down and synthetic fibers. The breathable garment of claim 1 wherein a plurality of angularly oriented individual seams are created from an adhesive tape that is activated by application of energy. 4. The breathable garment of claim 3, wherein the one or more angularly oriented individual seams are further reinforced by stitching. The breathable garment of claim 1 , wherein the one or more angularly oriented individual seams are created by stitching. The breathable garment of claim 1 wherein the plurality of angularly oriented individual seams are arranged together in a repeating pattern. 2. The breathable garment of claim 1, wherein said at least one opening comprises an alphanumeric shape. The breathable garment of claim 1 , wherein each seam in the plurality of angularly oriented discrete seams is the same length. The breathable garment of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of angularly oriented individual seams comprise different lengths. The breathable garment of claim 1 , wherein each seam in the plurality of angularly oriented discrete seams comprises an organic shape or geometric shape. As a method of manufacturing a breathable garment,
forming a first layer for at least one garment panel forming the breathable garment and forming a second layer;
forming said at least one garment panel;
(1) attaching a first layer to a second layer in a plurality of angularly oriented discrete seams to form a garment panel, wherein the plurality of angularly oriented discrete seams are arranged in a pattern to together form a plurality of interconnected chambers; wherein each angularly oriented individual seam in the plurality of angularly oriented individual seams forms an acute angle with respect to a horizontal axis extending parallel to the waist opening edge of the air permeable garment, and wherein the plurality of angularly oriented individual seams are perpendicular to the horizontal axis. attaching the first layer to the second layer, which prevents the formation of a straight open path in one direction;
(2) forming at least one opening on at least one of the plurality of angularly oriented discrete shims, the at least one opening through the at least one angularly oriented discrete shim, through the first layer; , and forming at least one opening configured to extend through the second layer, and
(3) filling the plurality of interconnected chambers with an insulating filler;
thereby forming at least one garment panel; and
forming the breathable garment using the at least one garment panel.
Including, how to produce a breathable garment. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the insulating filler is at least one of down and synthetic fibers. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first layer and the second layer are formed through a weaving process or a knitting process. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one opening comprises an alphanumeric shape or geometric shape. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein each angularly oriented individual seam in the plurality of angularly oriented individual seams has a width and a length, wherein the length is greater than the width. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein each angularly oriented individual seam in the plurality of angularly oriented individual seams is oriented angularly relative to adjacent angularly oriented individual seams in the plurality of angularly oriented individual seams. . 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the length of each angularly oriented individual shim in the plurality of angularly oriented individual shims is between 0° and 179° relative to neighboring angularly oriented individual shims in the plurality of angularly oriented individual shims. A method of making a breathable garment that is oriented. As a breathable garment panel for insulated garments,
a first layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to be exposed to an external environment;
a second layer having a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface being configured to proximate the wearer's body when the insulative garment is worn;
a plurality of angularly oriented discrete seams attaching the second surface of the first layer to the fourth surface of the second layer to together form two or more interconnected chambers between the first layer and the second layer; , wherein each angularly oriented individual shim of the plurality of angularly oriented individual shims is angularly oriented with respect to an adjacent one of the plurality of angularly oriented individual shims, and each angularly oriented individual shim in the plurality of angularly oriented individual shims wherein the seams form an acute angle with respect to a horizontal axis extending parallel to the waist opening edge of the insulating garment, wherein the plurality of angularly oriented individual seams prevent the formation of a straight open path in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis. individual shims with angular orientation;
thermal insulation within the two or more interconnected chambers; and
at least one opening extending through at least one angularly oriented individual shim of the plurality of angularly oriented individual shims, through the first layer, and through the second layer;
Including, a breathable garment panel. 19. The breathable garment panel of claim 18, wherein said insulation in said two or more interconnected chambers comprises at least one of down and synthetic fibers. 20. The method of claim 19 wherein a plurality of angularly oriented individual seams are adhesive applied to at least one of the second surface of the first layer or the fourth surface of the second layer, stitching the first layer and the second layer together A breathable garment panel that is created by either making or using adhesives and stitching.

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