SE2051177A1 - Size-adjustable woven fabric, wearable item and methods of resizing a fabric - Google Patents

Abstract

A size-adjustable woven fabric comprises a first set of threads (10a-10i), each formed of a heat-shrink polymer material, at least one conducting thread (20), formed of an electrically conducting material, wherein the first set of threads runs substantially parallel with each other, and wherein the conducting thread runs substantially across the first set of threads.There is further disclosed a wearable item comprising such a sizeadjustable fabric, as well as methods of expanding and reducing size of such a size-adjustable fabric.

Description

SIZE-ADJUSTABLE WOVEN FABRIC, WEARABLE ITEM AND METHODSOF RESIZING A FABRIC Technical field The present disclosure relates to a resizeable fabric, and in particularto a fabric which can be repeatedly resized and which can be resized to anysize within an interval of sizes.

The disclosure further relates to a wearable item, such as a garment, aharness or the like, which can be resized using such resizeable fabric.

The disclosure also relates to methods of resizing a fabric.

BackgroundThere are many applications, where it may be desirable to be able to resize an item made of textile in order to achieve an optimum fit to a wearer,or to achieve a one-size-fits-all item.

For example, various garments, such as suits, jackets, pants, etc. needto be produced in a large number of sizes. ln addition, they may frequentlyneed to be adjusted by a tailor to fit the wearer.

Some items may be provided with size adjustment mechanisms, suchas straps and buckles, hook-and-loop type fasteners, elastic insets, cuffs orsleeves, etc. ln particular for expensive wearable items, such as cooling vests, stab-proof vests, bullet proof vests, equipment harnesses, and similar equipment,which need to fit perfectly on the user to provide optimum function, there is aneed for improved size-adjustment devices.

For example, US20070042660A1, GB2441589A and EP3511454A1disclose various uses of shape memory alloys, which are integrated into thefabric in order to provide a fabric that is capable of changing size.

However, such solutions are adjustable between a few discretepositions, which limits their usefulness.

There is a need for improved solutions for changing the size ofgarments and other wearable items.

Summarylt is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved concept for size-adjustable garments and other wearable items. One particular objectis to provide a concept that enables improved one-size-fits-all items, or atleast “one-size-fits-many” items.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, withembodiments being set forth in the dependent claims, in the followingdescription and in the appended drawings.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a size-adjustable wovenfabric comprising a first set of threads, each formed of a heat-shrink polymermaterial, at least one conducting thread, formed of an electrically conductingmaterial, wherein the first set of threads runs substantially parallel with eachother, and wherein the conducting thread runs substantially across the firstset of threads.

The term “substantially parallel” means parallel, except for minorvariations.

The term “substantially across” means across, except for at areaswhere the conducting thread turns.

A heat-shrink polymer material may be a polymer material which duringproduction has been treated, e.g. by cross linking, typically by ionizingradiation, so as to provide an original state, and subsequently expandedduring heating to above its crystalline melting point, so as to create anexpanded state, and then rapidly cooled. The expanded heat-shrink polymermaterial has the ability to return to its original state when it is heated abovethe crystalline melting point.

Heat-shrink polymer materials are known as such.

Hence, unlike a shape memory polymer, which transforms betweentwo or three distinct configurations, a heat-shrink polymer is able to take onany configuration between its original state and an expanded state.

Hence, by using a heat-shrink polymer, it is possible to provide a size-adjustable fabric, which can be adjusted over a continuum of sizes. Moreover, it is possible to provide a size-adjustable fabric, which can be repeatedlyresized, either by reduction or expansion of the fabric.

A combination of threads formed from one or more heat-shrink polymermaterials can be heated by means of a conducting thread. By using a heat-shrink material, the length of the first set of threads can be extended andreduced by means of heating by the conducting thread while selectivelyapplying a load to the first set of threads.The first set of threads may form aset of warp threads, and the conducting thread may form a weft thread.

The conducting thread may, except for at its turns, extend at an angleof approximately 80-100 degs to the first set of threads.

Heat-shrink polymer materials can be made of a range of polymermaterials, including polyolefin, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),fluorocarbon-based synthetic rubber (such as Viton® by The ChemoursCompany), polychloroprene rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),elastomers, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF).

The heat-shrink polymer material may be a crosslinked andsubsequently expanded polymer material.

Such cross-linking may be achieved through irradiation.

As non-limiting examples, heat-shrink polyolefins may be operated at acontraction temperature of 90-120 deg C and at expansion temperatures of120-145 deg C.

As further non-limiting examples, heat-shrink polyvinylchlorides may beoperated at a contraction temperature of about 100 deg C and at anexpansion temperatures of about 120 deg C.

As further non-limiting examples, heat-shrink PVDF may be operatedat a contraction temperature of about 170 deg C and at expansiontemperatures of about 210 deg C.

The may further comprise at least one further non-conducting thread,which extends mainly parallel with the conducting thread.

The conducting thread may run may across the entire first set ofthreads.

Alternatively, the conducting thread may, at least at some sectionalong a length direction of the first set of threads, run across less than allthreads of the first set of threads.

The threads of the first set of threads may present at least two differentlengths.

The fabric may further comprise at least one expansion limiting thread,which extends parallel with the first set of threads, wherein the expansionlimiting thread, when the first set of threads are in a contracted state, presentcurved portions between crossing portions of the conducting thread.

Alternatively, the conducting thread may form a warp thread and thefirst set of threads may form weft threads.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a wearable item,comprising: a first flexible fixed-size fabric portion, a second flexible fixed-sizefabric portion, and a patch, formed of a size-adjustable fabric as claimed inany of the preceding claims, arranged between and connecting said first andsecond fixed-size fabric portions, wherein the first set of threads extend at agreater angle (ai) to an edge of at least one of the first and second fixed-sizefabric portions than the conducting thread.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of enlarging asize of a fabric as disclosed above. The method comprises supplying acurrent through the conducting thread, for a time sufficient to heat the first setof threads to an expansion temperature, said expansion temperature being inan interval from a melting temperature of the heat-shrink polymer material tothe melting temperature plus 200 degs, applying a tensile force in a directionsubstantially parallel with an extent of the first set of threads when saidexpansion temperature has been reached, expanding the fabric in saiddirection to a first desired degree of expansion, preferably 110-250 %, whilemaintaining said expansion temperature, and subsequently allowing theexpanded fabric to cool a temperature lower by at least 50 degs than themelting temperature of the heat-shrink polymer material.

The method may further comprise supplying a current through theconducting thread, for a time sufficient to heat the first set of threads to a contraction temperature, said contraction temperature being in an intervalfrom the melting temperature of the heat-shrink polymer material minus 50degs to the melting temperature plus 10 degs, allowing the fabric to shrinkwhile maintaining said contraction temperature, subsequently allowing theexpanded fabric to cool a temperature lower by at least 50 degs than themelting temperature of the heat-shrink polymer material, supplying a currentthrough the conducting thread, for a time sufficient to heat the first set ofthreads to the expansion temperature, applying a tensile force in a directionsubstantially parallel with an extent of the first set of threads when saidexpansion temperature has been reached, expanding the fabric in saiddirection to a desired second degree of expansion, preferably 110-250 %while maintaining said expansion temperature, and subsequently allowing theexpanded fabric to cool a temperature lower by at least 50 degs than themelting temperature of the heat-shrink polymer material, wherein said seconddegree of expansion is different from said first degree of expansion.

The expansion temperature may be in an interval selected from agroup consisting of of Tm + 0 degs to Tm + 5 degs; Tm + 5 degs to Tm + 10degs; Tm + 10 degs to Tm +15 degs; Tm + 15 degs to Tm + 20 degs; Tm + 20degs to Tm + 30 degs; Tm + 30 degs to Tm + 40 degs; Tm + 40 degs to Tm + 50degs; Tm + 50 degs to Tm + 60 degs; Tm + 60 degs to Tm + 80 degs; Tm + 80degs to Tm + 100 degs; Tm + 100 degs to Tm + 125 degs; Tm + 125 degs to Tm+ 150 degs; Tm + 150 degs to Tm + 175 degs; and Tm + 175 degs to Tm + 200degs.

The contraction temperature may be in a range selected from a groupconsisting of Tm - 50 degs to Tm - 40 degs; Tm - 40 degs to Tm -30 degs; Tm -30 degs to Tm - 20 degs; Tm - 20 degs to Tm - 10 degs; Tm - 10 degs to Tm; Tmto Tm + 5 degs; and Tm + 5 degs to Tm + 10 degs.

Hence, the contraction temperature may be slightly, such as no morethan 10 degs or no more than 5 degs, above the melting temperature of theheat-shrink polymer material. ln the shrinking step, the first set of thread should be practicallyunloaded, i.e. the force applied on the first set of threads should be lower thana shrink force achievable by the first set of threads.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of reducing asize a fabric as described above. The method comprises supplying a currentthrough the conducting thread, for a time sufficient to heat the first set ofthreads to a contraction temperature, allowing the fabric to shrink whilemaintaining said contraction temperature, and subsequently allowing theexpanded fabric to cool a temperature lower by at least 50 degs than thecrystalline melting point of the heat-shrink polymer material.

Brief description of the drawinds Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a size-adjustable woven fabric.

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a size-adjustable woven fabric.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a size-adjustable woven fabric.

Figs 4a and 4b schematically illustrate a size-adjustable woven fabricin an original state and in an expanded state, respectively.

Figs 5a and 5b schematically illustrate another embodiment of a size-adjustable woven fabric in an original state and in an expanded state,respectively.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an upper body garment back piecehaving a plurality of portions of size-adjustable woven fabrics.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an upper body garment front piecehaving a plurality of portions of size-adjustable woven fabrics.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an upper body garment sleeve piecehaving a plurality of portions of size-adjustable woven fabrics.

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a lower body garment front piece havinga plurality of portions of size-adjustable woven fabrics.

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a lower body garment back piecehaving a plurality of portions of size-adjustable woven fabrics.

Detailed descriptionFig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a size-adjustable woven fabric 1 according to a first embodiment.

The fabric illustrated in fig. 1 comprises a first set of threads, which inthe illustrated example form warp threads 10a-10f, which extend substantiallyparallel with each other in a first direction D1. The fabric further comprises aconducting thread 20, which in the illustrated example forms a weft thread, inthat it runs back and forth across the warp threads 10a-10f.

As seen in the first direction D1 and along one of the warp threads10a-10f, the weft thread 20 will alternatingly run above and below the warpthread.

Similarly, as seen in a second direction D2 and across the warpthreads 10a-10f, the weft thread 20 will alternatingly run above and below thewarp threads.

The first set of threads 10a-10f are formed from a heat-shrink polymermaterial.

Heat-shrink polymer materials are known as such, and can be formedbased on various types of polymers or polymer combinations. The heat-shrinkproperty may be achieved in two principal ways: by radiation induced crosslinking or by chemically induced crosslinking, with ionizing radiation typecrosslinking being the currently predominant method used.

Each of the threads 10a-1 Of may be formed from one or morefilaments.

A cross section of the threads may be circular, oval or polygonal, suchas rectangular. A major dimension of the cross section may be on the order of0.1-5 mm.

The conducting thread 20 is formed from a conductive and resistivematerial, i.e. a material which heats ups when an electric current is passedthrough it.

The conducting thread 20 may comprise a metallic material.

The conducting thread 20 may be formed from one or more filaments.

As another option, the conducting thread 20 may be formed from anon-conducting material, which is impregnated with a conducting material.

For example, it would be possible to impregnate a multifilament thread with ametallic or organic conducting material, including carbon based materials,such as graphite or graphene.

The conducting thread 20 may be electrically insulated, e.g. by beingcoated or by being spun with one or more non-conducting threads orfilaments. However, it is desirable that the conducting thread is in sufficientcontact with the first set of threads 10a-10f to enable heat conduction fromthe conducting thread to the first set of threads 10a-1 Of.

The conducting thread 20 extends continuously over at least a portionof the fabric 1. A voltage source 30 is connectable to the respective ends ofthe conducting thread 20, such that a voltage may be applied to theconducting thread.

A controller C may be connectable to the voltage source 30 forcontrolling the voltage applied by the voltage source 30.

The controller C may be configured to control the voltage source tosupply an expansion voltage, i.e. a voltage which heats the conducting threadsufficiently for it to provide an amount of heat that allows the heat-shrink toreach an expansion temperature at which the polymer material can beexpanded.

The expansion temperature Te is typically based on the meltingtemperature Tm of the polymer material(s) from which the first set of threads10a-10f is/are formed. ln particular, the expansion temperature Te is typically equal to orgreater than the melting temperature Tm of the polymer material.

For some thermoplastic materials, such as polyolefins, the expansiontemperature Te may be in an interval which is 0-60 degs greater than themelting temperature of the material, and preferably 20-60 degs or 20-40 degs,greater than the melting temperature.

However, for some materials, such as PTFE type materials, theexpansion temperature Te may be in an interval that is 100-200 degs greaterthan the melting temperature of the material, and preferably 150-200 degsgreater than the melting temperaure. ln various embodiments, the expansion temperature Te may be in aninterval that has a lower value and an upper value.

The table below lists lower and upper values for the expansiontemperature Te intervals, wherein the upper limit of the Te value will always behigher than the lower limit value of the Te value. From the table, the lower limitinterval may be selected from the left column and the upper limit interval maybe selected from the right column. The lower and upper limit intervals may befreely selected from the left and right columns, respectively.

The Te interval (from lower limit to upper limit) may be a range of lessthan 50 degs, preferably less than 40 degs, less than 30 degs, less than 20degs or less than 10 degs.

The expansion temperature Te may be in the interval Tm +0 degs to Tm+200 degs. ln particular embodiments, the expansion temperature Te may bein a range selected from a group consisting of Tm + 0 degs to Tm + 5 degs; Tm+ 5 degs to Tm +10 degs; Tm +10 degs to Tm +15 degs; Tm +15 degs to Tm+ 20 degs; Tm + 20 degs to Tm + 30 degs; Tm + 30 degs to Tm + 40 degs; Tm +40 degs to Tm + 50 degs; Tm + 50 degs to Tm + 60 degs; Tm + 60 degs to Tm +80 degs; Tm + 80 degs to Tm + 100 degs; Tm + 100 degs to Tm + 125 degs; Tm+125 degs to Tm + 150 degs; Tm + 150 degs to Tm + 175 degs; and Tm +175degs to Tm + 200 degs.

The contraction temperature Te is typically also based on the meltingtemperature Tm of the polymer material(s) from which the first set of threads10a-10f is/are formed. ln particular, the contraction temperature Te is typically approximatelyequal to or below the melting temperature Tm of the polymer material.

For some thermoplastic materials, such as polyolefins, the contractiontemperature Te may be in an interval which is 0-40 degs, preferably 0-30 degsor 0-20 degs, below the melting temperature of the material. However,contraction temperatures Te may be also in the interval 0-10 degs greaterthan the melting temperature, preferably 0-5 degs greater than the meltingtemperature Tm.

However, for some materials, such as PTFE type materials, thecontraction temperature TC may considerably higher than the meltingtemperture.

The TC interval (from lower limit to upper limit) may be a range of lessthan 50 degs, preferably less than 40 degs, less than 30 degs, less than 20degs or less than 10 degs. ln most cases, the contraction temperature TC may be in the interval Tm+50 degs to Tm +10 degs. ln particular embodiments, the contractiontemperature TC may be in a range selected from a group consisting of Tm - 50degs to Tm - 40 degs; Tm - 40 degs to Tm -30 degs; Tm - 30 degs to Tm - 20degs; Tm - 20 degs to Tm - 10 degs; Tm - 10 degs to Tm; Tm to Tm + 5 degs;and Tm + 5 degs to Tm + 10 degs.

The controller C may also be configured to control the voltage sourceto supply a contraction voltage, i.e. a voltage which heats the conductingthread sufficiently for it to provide an amount of heat that allows the heat-shrink polymer material to contract.

The contraction voltage may be lower than the expansion voltage.

The size of the fabric 1 may be expanded as follows.

From an original state of the heat-shrink polymer from which the warpthreads 10a-10f are formed, the voltage source is controlled to provide anexpansion voltage to the conducting thread 20, which is consequently heated.Once a sufficient temperature has been attained, a tension force F is appliedto the fabric 1 in a direction along the warp threads 10a-10f, and the fabric isdrawn to the desired length in the first direction D1.

The voltage source is then controlled to reduce or turn off the current.

The fabric is then allowed to cool sufficiently.

Optionally cooling may be provided by conduction or convection. Forexample, a cooling liquid, such as water, may be applied to the fabric and/or acooling gas stream, such as air, may be applied to the fabric.

The size of the fabric may be reduced as follows.

From an expanded state of the heat-shrink polymer from which thewarp threads 10a-10f are formed, the voltage source is controlled to provide acontraction voltage to the conducting thread 20, which is consequently 11 heated. Once a sufficient temperature has been attained, it is ensured thatthe warp threads are practically unloaded, such that the warp threads cancontract to the desired length. Once the desired contraction has beenattained, the voltage source is controlled to reduce or turn off the current.

The fabric is then allowed to cool sufficiently.

Optionally cooling may be provided by conduction or convection. Forexample, a cooling liquid may be applied to the fabric and/or a cool gasstream, such as air, may be applied to the fabric.

Optionally, one or more temperature sensors may be arranged on thefabric and operatively connected to the controller to provide feedback of thefabric's 1 temperature, such that the current supplied to the conducting threadmay be more accurately controlled.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a size-adjustablefabric 2, which is identical to that described with reference to Fig. 1, but whichincludes at least one, preferably several, additional weft threads 40.

The additional weft thread or weft threads 40, as the case may be, maybe formed of a material which is non-conducting, but which is capable ofwithstanding such temperatures as are typically generated by the conductingthread 20.

The additional weft thread or weft threads 40 may follow theconducting thread 20 completely or partially.

For example, the additional weft thread may extend (horizontally D2 asseen in fig. 2) over the same number of warp threads 10a-10f as theconducting thread 20.

Alternatively, the additional weft thread or weft threads 40 may extendover fewer warp threads 10a-10f than the conducting thread 20.

As yet another alternative, the additional weft thread or weft threads 40may extend over more warp threads 10a-10f than the conducting thread 20.

Moreover, as seen along the warp direction D1, the additional weftthread or weft threads' 40 extent in the cross direction D2 may vary.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a size-adjustable fabric 3, in which theextent of the conducting thread 20 varies in the direction D2 across the warpthreads 10a-10f. 12 For example, the conducting thread 20 may, in some rows 20a, 20eextend across all warp threads 10a-10f. ln other rows 20b, 20c, 20d, the conducting thread 20 may extend overa subset 10b-10e of the warp threads.

The size-adjustable fabric 3 illustrated in fig. 3 may otherwise beidentical with those illustrated and described with reference to figs 1 and 2.

Figs 4a and 4b schematically illustrate the operation of a size-adjustable fabric, such as the ones illustrated in any of figs 1-3. ln figs 4a-4b, there is schematically illustrated how the adjustable fabric4, 4' is attached to respective non-adjustable, fixed size, fabric portions 30a,30b, such that the adjustable fabric 4, 4' forms a connection between the non-adjustable fabric portions 30a, 30b.

Figs 4a-4b illustrate a size-adjustable fabric 4, 4' having eight warpthreads 10a-10i. Fig. 4a illustrates the fabric 4 in its original state and fig 4billustrates the fabric 4' in its expanded state, wherein the warp threads havebeen stretched and subsequently cooled, as described with reference to fig.1. ln figs 4a-4b, the warp threads 10a-10i extend at an angle of 80-100degs, preferably about 90 degs, to edges of the fabric portions 30a, 30b. ln figs 4a-4b, there is further illustrated an expansion-limiting thread 41,41', which may be included in the woven material such that it runs in parallelwith the warp threads 10a-10i, and such that it, in between weft thread 20crossings, presents slack portions.

With the expansion-limiting thread 41, 41' being formed from a non-heat-shrink material, or from a material that is less prone to heat expansion orheat shrinking than the warp material, once the fabric has been expanded, asillustrated in fig. 4b, to such an extent that the expansion-limiting thread 41,41' becomes stretched, there will be no further expansion of the fabric 4'.

A plurality of such expansion limiting threads 41,41' may be includedat regular intervals among the first set of threads 10a-10i. Figs 5a-5bschematically illustrate the operation of a size-adjustable fabric 5, 5', which isessentially as described with reference to fig. 3, i.e. where the extent of the 13 conducting thread 20 across the warp threads 10a-10i varies along the warpdirection D1. ln figs 5a-5b, there is schematically illustrated how the adjustable fabric5, 5' is attached to respective non-adjustable, fixed size, fabric portions 35a,35b, such that the adjustable fabric 5, 5' forms a connection between the non-adjustable fabric portions 35a, 35b.ln the size-adjustable fabric 5, 5' of figs5a-5b, the length of the warp threads 10a-10i also varies, such that the fabric5, 5' can be given a desired shape, such as triangular, as illustrated.

Expansion limiting threads, as illustrated in figs 4a-4b may also beincluded in the embodiment of figs 5a-5b. ln figs 5a-5b, edges of the fabric portions 35a-35b are non-parallel, andmay intersect, so as to form a wedge shape.

The adjustable fabric, 5, 5' may be arranged relative to edges of thefabric portions 35a, 35b such that an angle ai between the first set of threads10a-10i, 10a'-10i' and the fabric edge is greater than an angle ac between thefabric edge and the conducting threads 20.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a back part 50 of an upper bodygarment. ln fig. 6, there is illustrated a shoulder seam edge area 51, a side seamedge area 52, a bodice length seam edge area 53 and a center back seamedge area 54.

A size adjustable fabric portion 1, 2, 3 may be arranged at any one ormore of these edge areas 51, 52, 53, 54, such that the size-adjustable fabricportion is connected, e.g. by stitching, to the back part 50 at the respectiveedge area 51, 52, 53, 54, such that the warp threads extend at a greaterangle ai (see figs 5a-5b) to the respective edge of the back part 50 than theconducting thread 20 portions.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a front part 60 of an upper bodygarment. ln fig. 7, there is illustrated a shoulder seam edge area 61, a centerfront seam edge areas 62, a bodice length seam edge area 63 and a sideseam edge area 64. 14 A size adjustable fabric portion 1, 2, 3 may be arranged at any one ormore of these edge areas 61, 62, 63, 64, such that the size-adjustable fabricportion is connected, e.g. by stitching, to the front part 60 at the respectiveedge area 61, 62, 63, 64, such that the warp threads extend at a greaterangle to the respective edge of the front part 60 than the conducting thread20 portions.

Fig. 8 schematically i||ustrates a s|eeve part 70 of an upper bodygarment. ln fig. 8, there is i||ustrated a s|eeve cap seam edge area 71, s|eeve|ongitudina| seam edge areas 72, 74 and an elbow line seam area 73.

A size adjustable fabric portion 1, 2, 3 may be arranged at any one ormore of these areas 71, 72, 73, 74, such that the size-adjustable fabricportion is connected, e.g. by stitching, to the s|eeve part 70 at the respectiveedge area 71, 72, 73, 74, such that the warp threads extend at a greaterangle to the respective edge of the s|eeve part 70 than the conducting thread20 portions.

Hence, by arranging a size-adjustable fabric 1, 2, 3 portion havingappropriate shape and size, between and interconnecting two garment pieces50, 60, 70, it is possible to make the garment size-adjustable.

For example, size adjustable fabric portions 1, 2, 3 can be included inany vertically, as seen when the garment is worn by a standing wearer,running seam area 52, 54; 62, 64 to provide adjustability of chest and/or waistsize.

The position and/or width of a s|eeve may likewise be adjustable byinclusion of one or more adjustable-size fabric 1, 2, 3 portions in the s|eevecap seam edge area 71 and/or in the |ongitudina| seam edge area 72, 74.

The length of an arm may be adjustable by inclusion of one or moreadjustable-size fabric 1, 2, 3 portions running across the |ongitudina| directionof the arm, such as in the elbow line seam area 73.

Fig. 9 schematically i||ustrates a front part 80 of a pair of pants. ln fig. 9, there is i||ustrated a body rise seam area 81, a side seam area82, an inside leg seam area 83, an upper knee line seam area 84, a lower knee line seam area 85 and a lower cross seam area 86, closer to a lowerend of the pant leg than to the knee portion of the pant leg.

Likewise, fig. 10 schematically illustrates a back part 90 of a pair ofpants. ln fig. 10, there is illustrated a body rise seam area 91, a side seamarea 92, an inside leg seam area 93, an upper knee line seam area 94, alower knee line seam area 95 and a lower cross seam area 96, closer to alower end of the pant leg than to the knee portion of the pant leg.

Hence, by introducing a size-adjustable fabric portion 1, 2, 3 at thebody rise seam area 81, 91, with the warp threads 10a-10i extendingvertically, it is possible to adjust the vertical position of the waist of the pants.

By instead introducing a size-adjustable fabric portion 1, 2, 3 at thebody rise seam area 81, 91, with the warp threads 10a-10i extendinghorizontally, as seen when the garment is worn by a standing wearer, it ispossible to adjust the width of the waist of the pants.

By introducing a size-adjustable fabric portion 1, 2, 3 at all or part ofside seam area 82, 92, it is possible to adjust waist, hip and/or leg width ofthe pants.

By introducing a size-adjustable fabric portion 1, 2, 3 at an inside legseam area 83, 93, it is possible to adjust leg width of the pants.

By introducing a size-adjustable fabric portion 1, 2, 3 at a cross seamarea 84, 85, 86; 94, 95, 96, it is possible to adjust length of the of the pant leg.

By introducing size-adjustable fabric portions 1, 2, 3 at cross seamareas 84, 85; 94, 95 above and below the knee of the pants, it is possible toadjust a knee position of the pants, e.g. in order to optimize the position of aknee protector that is integrated with the pants. ln each of the embodiments disclosed above, it is possible to introduce two or more sections of conducting threads, which are separated, such thatdifferent fabric sections along the warp direction may be controlledseparately. ln various alternatives disclosed above, it is possible to introduce twoor more sections of conducting threads, which are separated, such that 16 different fabric sections across the warp direction may be controlledseparately. ln various alternatives disclosed above, it is possible to introduce twoor more conducting threads which can be separately controlled to providemore or less heat to the same fabric section.

A size-adjustable fabric may be included in various applications,examples of which will be provided in the following.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in clothing, such asfashion clothing/sports fashion clothing, in order to provide resizeability and/oradjustability. Example garments include trousers, jeans, jackets, blazers,shirts, shorts, dresses and skirts. Also leather goods, such as purses,handbags and shoes may include one or more size-adjustable fabric patches.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in sportswear, such asoutdoorjackets, skiing jackets/skiing suits, outdoor bags, tent textiles andprotective textile covers. Protective textile cover can be a cover to hide in upin the mountains/hill. A helicopter can throw it down to people to protectthemselves in meanwhile help is on the way.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in kidswear, such aspants, jackets, overalls, one-piece suits an bags.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in undervvear, such asin corsets, brassieres or boxer shorts.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in motorsportwear,such as in biking suits, motorcycle costumes, motorcycle jackets, motorcyclepants, etc.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in interior articles, suchas furniture or curtains. For example, covers for sofas or armchairs, curtains,bedding textiles, textile covers or carpets.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in industrialapplications, such as seat covers for cars, airplanes, boat cushions and in sailtextiles.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in workwear, e.g.workwear for carpenters in the form of dungarees or overalls. 17 Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in protective wear,such as in harnesses, gloves, cooling vests and protection gear for waterbiasting, bullet-proof garments, stab-proof garments, etc.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in footwear, such as inboots, sneakers or leather shoes.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in medical applications,such as in clothing worn by hospital staff, or in supporting garments, such asrehabilitation socks, etc.

Size-adjustable fabric patches may be included in military or similarwear, such as in pilot suits, diving suits, as well as in space suits.

Claims (17)

1. A size-adjustable woven fabric comprising: a first set of threads (10a-10i), each formed of a heat-shrink polymermaterial, at least one conducting thread (20), formed of an electricallyconducting material, wherein the first set of threads runs substantially parallel with eachother, and wherein the conducting thread runs substantially across the first set ofthreads.

2. The fabric as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of threads(10a-10i) forms a set of warp threads, and wherein the conducting thread (20)forms a weft thread.

3. The fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,wherein the conducting thread (20) extends at an angle of 80-100 degs to thefirst set of threads (10a-10i).

4. The fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,wherein the heat-shrink polymer material comprises as least one materialselected from a group consisting of a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyvinylchloride (PVC), a fluorocarbon-based synthetic rubber, a polychloroprenerubber, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), an elastomer, a fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP) and a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

5. The fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,wherein the heat-shrink polymer material is a crosslinked and subsequentlyexpanded polymer material. 19

6. The fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising at least one non-conducting thread (40), which extends mainlyparallel with the conducting thread (20).

7. The fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, whereinthe conducting thread (20) runs across the entire first set of threads (10a-10i).

8. The fabric as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein theconducting thread, at least at some section along a length direction of the firstset of threads (10a-10i), runs across less than all threads of the first set ofthreads.

9. The fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, whereinthe threads of the first set of threads (10a-10i) present at least two differentlengths.

10. The fabric as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising at least one expansion limiting thread (41, 41'), which extendsparallel with the first set of threads (10a-10i), wherein the expansion limitingthread (41, 41 '), when the first set of threads are in a contracted state,present curved portions between crossing portions of the conducting thread(20).

11. The fabric as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conducting thread(20) forms a warp thread and wherein the first set of threads (10a-10i) formweft threads.

12. A wearable item, comprising: a first flexible fixed-size fabric portion (3a, 3b, 30a, 30b, 35a, 35b, 50,60, 70, 80, 90), a second flexible fixed-size fabric portion (3a, 3b, 30a, 30b, 35a, 35b,50, 60, 70, 80, 90), and a patch, formed of a size-adjustable fabric (1, 2, 3, 4) as claimed in anyof the preceding claims, arranged between and connecting said first andsecond fixed-size fabric portions, wherein the first set of threads (10a-10i) extend at a greater angle to atleast one of the first and second fixed-size fabric portions (3a, 3b, 30a, 30b,35a, 35b, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) than the conducting thread.

13. A method of enlarging a size of a fabric as claimed in any one ofclaims 1-11, comprising: supplying a current through the conducting thread, for a time sufficientto heat the first set of threads (10a-10i) to an expansion temperature (Te) ofthe heat-shrink polymer material, said expansion temperature being in aninterval from a melting temperature (Tm) of the heat-shrink polymer material tothe melting temperature (Tm) plus 200 degs, applying a tensile force in a direction substantially parallel with anextent of the first set of threads when said expansion temperature (Te) hasbeen reached, expanding the fabric in said direction to a first desired degree ofexpansion, preferably 110-250 %, while maintaining said expansiontemperature (Te), and subsequently allowing the expanded fabric to cool a temperature lowerby at least 50 degs than the melting temperature (Tm) of the heat-shrinkpolymer material.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: supplying a current through the conducting thread, for a time sufficientto heat the first set of threads to a contraction temperature (TC) of the heat-shrink polymer material, said contraction temperature being in an intervalfrom the melting temperature (Tm) of the heat-shrink polymer material minus50 degs to the melting temperature (Tm) plus 10 degs, allowing the fabric to shrink while maintaining said contractiontemperature (TC), 21 subsequently allowing the expanded fabric to cool a temperature lowerby at least 50 degs than the melting temperature (Tm) of the heat-shrinkpolymer material, supplying a current through the conducting thread, for a time sufficientto heat the first set of threads to the expansion temperature (Te), applying a tensile force in a direction substantially parallel with anextent of the first set of threads when said expansion temperature (Te) hasbeen reached, expanding the fabric in said direction to a desired second degree ofexpansion, preferably 110-250 % while maintaining said expansiontemperature (Te), and subsequently allowing the expanded fabric to cool a temperature lowerby at least 50 degs than the melting temperature (Tm) of the heat-shrinkpolymer material, wherein said second degree of expansion is different from said firstdegree of expansion.

15.temperature (Te) is in an interval selected from a group consisting of of Tm + 0 The metod as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the expansion degs to Tm + 5 degs; Tm + 5 degs to Tm +10 degs; Tm +10 degs to Tm +15degs; Tm + 15 degs to Tm + 20 degs; Tm + 20 degs to Tm + 30 degs; Tm + 30degs to Tm + 40 degs; Tm + 40 degs to Tm + 50 degs; Tm + 50 degs to Tm + 60degs; Tm + 60 degs to Tm + 80 degs; Tm + 80 degs to Tm + 100 degs; Tm +100 degs to Tm + 125 degs; Tm + 125 degs to Tm + 150 degs; Tm + 150 degsto Tm + 175 degs; and Tm + 175 degs to Tm + 200 degs.

16.contraction temperature (Te) is in a range selected from a group consisting ofTm - 50 degs to Tm - 40 degs; Tm - 40 degs to Tm -30 degs; Tm - 30 degs to Tm- 20 degs; Tm - 20 degs to Tm - 10 degs; Tm - 10 degs to Tm; Tm to Tm + 5degs; and Tm + 5 degs to Tm + 10 degs. The method as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the 22

17. A method of reducing a size a fabric as claimed in any one ofclaims 1-11, comprising: supplying a current through the conducting thread, for a time sufficientto heat the first set of threads to a contraction temperature (TC) of the heat-shrink polymer material, said contraction temperature being in an interva|from a melting temperature (Tm) of the heat-shrink polymer material minus 50degs to the melting temperature (Tm) plus 10 degs, allowing the fabric to shrink while maintaining said contractiontemperature (TC), and subsequently allowing the expanded fabric to cool a temperature lowerby at least 50 degs than the melting point of the heat-shrink polymer material.