Ventilated And Protective Articles Of Apparel

A system may include an article of apparel and a fluid source. The article of apparel incorporates a plurality of fluid channels, and the apparel includes a fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channels. A fluid source is configured to join with the fluid connector and supply a fluid to the fluid channels. The article of apparel may include a pad component formed from a polymer foam material, which defines the fluid channels. A pair of material elements may be secured to opposite sides of the pad component, with one of the material elements being fluid permeable adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various configurations of a ventilated and protective article of apparel, as well as a system that includes the apparel. As an example, the apparel is disclosed as having a configuration of a vest, but may also be a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, or jacket. Concepts associated with the apparel may also be incorporated into a variety of other types of apparel, including headwear, pants, shorts, footwear, and full-body coverings, for example. Accordingly, the configuration disclosed in the following discussion and accompanying figures is intended to provide an example of a ventilated and protective article of apparel.

System Configuration

A ventilation and protection system100is depicted inFIG. 1as being utilized by an individual. System100has an advantage of providing both ventilation and protection to the individual or another wearer. The primary elements of system100are a fluid source200and an article of apparel300, each of which are depicted separate from the individual inFIGS. 2 and 3. With regard to ventilation, fluid source200joins with apparel300and supplies a constant or steady current of fluid (e.g., air, water) to apparel300, which distributes the flow of fluid to various areas of the individual. As the fluid passes over the surface area or skin of the individual, the fluid cools, heats, or otherwise moderates the body temperature (i.e., at least one of the core temperature and the surface temperature) of the individual. With regard to protection, apparel300includes features that impart padding, provide cushioning, or otherwise attenuate impact forces. More particularly, apparel300incorporates materials (e.g., polymer foam materials) or structures that protect the individual from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground.

Fluid source200may be any device or fluid delivery system that joins with apparel300and supplies a fluid, likely a pressurized fluid, to apparel300. Examples of a suitable fluid source200are an air compressor or any of the various fluid sources disclosed in (a) U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2006/0003688, entitled Air Delivery Apparatus and Method and (b) U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0125928, entitled Pneumatic Cooling Apparel System, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Fluid source200includes a conduit210, which may be tube, pipe, or other structure that channels the fluid to apparel300. Although conduit210is depicted as being joined with apparel300, conduit210may also be disconnected or detached from apparel300. As such, apparel300may be separated from fluid source200and used independent of fluid source200. Fluid source200is depicted as being spaced away from apparel300and the individual, but fluid source200may also be incorporated into apparel300in some configurations. Depending upon the intended purpose and conditions in which system100will be utilized, fluid source200may include (a) a refrigeration element that cools the fluid, (b), a heating element that heats the fluid (c) a dehumidifying element that removes water vapor, (d) an oxygenation unit that increases oxygen levels in the fluid, or (e) an aromatic element that adds specific aromas or scents to the fluid, for example.

Although the individual is depicted as only wearing apparel300inFIG. 1, apparel300may be worn under other articles of apparel. As an example, a shirt may be worn over apparel300. In some athletic activities, such as American football, shoulder pads or other protective elements, as well as a shirt, may be worn over apparel300. Accordingly, apparel300may be worn alone or in conjunction with various other types of apparel.

Apparel Configuration

Apparel300is depicted inFIGS. 4-6as having the configuration of a vest, which is worn upon a torso of the individual or another wearer. In this configuration, apparel300covers at least an upper area of the torso, as depicted inFIG. 1. Apparel300includes a front region301, a back region302, and a pair of shoulder regions303. Front region301covers and generally corresponds with a chest area of the individual when apparel300is worn. Back region302covers and generally corresponds with a back area of the individual when apparel300is worn. Shoulder regions303are located between regions301and302and extend over shoulders of the individual when apparel300is worn. Regions301-303are not intended to be precise areas of apparel300. Rather, regions301-303are intended to represent general areas of apparel300that provide a frame of reference in the following discussion. In order to secure apparel300to the individual, apparel300also incorporates a pair of straps310.

Apparel300includes a fluid connector320, which provides a connection point for conduit210or another structure that supplies the fluid from fluid source200. Although the configuration may vary considerably, fluid connector320may be a tube, valve, threaded pipe, or any other structure that couples with and provides fluid communication with fluid source200. In this configuration of apparel300, fluid connector320is located in back portion302and positioned proximal to a neck opening of apparel300. When utilized during American football, for example, this location for fluid connector320corresponds with a space or gap in shoulder pads that may be worn over apparel300. In addition to obtaining protection from the shoulder pads, an advantage of positioning fluid connector320in back portion302and adjacent to the neck opening relates to access by the individual. More particularly, this position for fluid connector320provides the individual with access to freely (a) connect apparel300to fluid source200and (b) disconnect apparel300from fluid source200. In further configurations of apparel300, fluid connector320may be located in various other portions of apparel300, including front region301.

A plurality of fluid channels330extend outward from fluid connector320and provide pathways for the fluid that is supplied by fluid source200. Fluid channels330extend throughout apparel300. More particularly, fluid channels330extend through back portion302, over shoulder portions303, and also through front portion301. Although the fluid supplied by fluid source200enters apparel300at the position of fluid connector320, the fluid is distributed throughout each of regions301-303by fluid channels330. That is, the fluid passes through fluid channels330and is directed to various areas of apparel300. The specific locations of fluid channels330may vary significantly and may be selected to distribute the fluid to particular areas of the individual.

The structure of apparel300will now be discussed in greater detail. Referring toFIGS. 7-9C, portions of apparel300includes a first or outer material element410, a second or inner material element420, and a pad component430. Outer material element410is located to form at least a portion of an outer surface of apparel300, which faces away from the individual when apparel300is worn. Inner material element420is located to form at least a portion of an inner surface of apparel300, which faces toward and may contact the individual when apparel300is worn. Material elements410and420are spaced from each other, and pad component430is located between and secured to each of material elements410and420. That is, pad component430is located within a space between outer material element410and the inner material element420. Moreover, fluid connector320is secured to and extends through outer material element420.

Each of material elements410and420may be formed from a variety of materials, including various textiles, polymer sheets, leather, or synthetic leather, for example. Combinations of these materials (e.g., a polymer sheet bonded to a textile) may also be utilized for each of material elements410and420. Although material elements410and420may be formed from the same material, each of material elements410and420may also be formed from different materials. Moreover, each of material elements410and420may have a multi-layer structure that includes multiple layers of material, such as three overlapping layers of a textile, a polymer sheet, and synthetic leather. Material elements410and420may be non-stretch, may exhibit stretch in one direction, or may exhibit multi-directional stretch.

Although a variety of materials are suitable for outer material element410and inner material element420, the fluid permeability of outer material elements410may be less than the fluid permeability of inner material element420. That is, the fluid supplied by fluid source200may readily pass through areas of inner material element420, while outer material element410prevents or limits the degree to which the fluid may exit pad region401. In some configurations, inner material element420may be formed from a perforated or mesh material to readily permit the fluid to pass through inner material element420. This configuration permits the fluid within fluid channels330to exit apparel300through inner material element420or otherwise pass over the surface area or skin of the individual. Although outer material element410may be substantially impermeable to the fluid, outer material element410may also allow the fluid to pass through in some configurations or in some locations. In general, however, the fluid permeability of outer material element410is less than the fluid permeability of inner material element420, and the fluid may readily pass through areas of inner material element420.

Pad component430has a first surface431and an opposite second surface432. Whereas first surface431is secured to outer material element410, second surface432is secured to inner material element420. As such, pad component430is located within a space between material elements410and420and secured to each of material elements410and420. Pad component430is primarily responsible for forming the various fluid channels330. More particularly, fluid channels330are formed as various elongate grooves and elongate voids in pad component430. When fluid channels330are formed as grooves, fluid channels330are indentations or depressions in pad component430that extend through a portion of a thickness of pad component430. Although the grooves are depicted as being formed in second surface432, grooves may also be formed in first surface431. When fluid channels330are formed as voids, fluid channels330extend through the entire thickness of pad component430and from first surface431to second surface432. The various fluid channels330may, therefore, be formed as grooves, voids, or combinations of grooves and voids. Additional details relating to forming fluid channels330, the configuration of pad component430, and other apparel configurations may be found with reference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/485,739, which is entitled Articles Of Apparel Incorporating Cushioning Elements and was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on 31 May 2012.

The manner in which the fluid passes through fluid channels330and provides ventilation will now be discussed. Referring to schematic illustrations inFIGS. 10A and 10B, various arrows are depicted to show the path of fluid flow. The fluid is supplied to apparel300by fluid source200, specifically conduit210that is connected to fluid connector320. The fluid flows through fluid connector320and into the space between material elements410and420, thereby passing into fluid channels330. Given that inner material element420is permeable to the fluid, a portion of the fluid passes through inner material element420to provide ventilation. That is, the surface area or skin of the individual generally lays against inner material element420, and fluid that passes through inner material element420also passes over the surface area or skin of the individual. Given that outer material element410is impermeable to the fluid, however, outer material element410traps the fluid within fluid channels330.

Fluid channels330, whether formed as groves or voids, distribute the fluid to various areas of the individual. By selecting the overall configuration for fluid channels330, the quantity of air delivered to areas of the individual may be varied. Whereas grooves are indentations or depressions in pad component430, voids extend through the entire thickness of pad component430. As such, voids may carry a greater flow rate of the fluid than grooves when both have comparable widths. By increasing the width or changing the shape of the grooves, however, the grooves may carry a greater flow rate of the fluid. Referring again toFIG. 7, for example, fluid channels330formed as grooves and voids extending outward from fluid connector320. In order to provide sufficient ventilation in front region301, the voids may carry the fluid that is distributed to front region301. The grooves, however, may be utilized to distribute the fluid to areas that are proximal to fluid connector320, such as back portion302. Accordingly, by configuring fluid channels330to be either voids or grooves, and by varying other properties of fluid channels320, the volume of fluid that is distributed to different areas of the individual may be varied.

The manner in which apparel300provides protection will now be discussed. A variety of materials may be utilized for pad component430, including various polymer foam materials that compress and return to an original shape after being compressed. Referring toFIG. 10C, an object500is depicted as pressing into outer material element410, which compresses pad component430. The polymer foam material forming pad component430attenuates impact forces, thereby providing protection. By selecting from various thicknesses, materials, and densities for pad component430, the degree of impact force attenuation may be varied to impart a desired degree of protection from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground. Examples of suitable polymer foam materials for pad component430include polyurethane, ethylvinylacetate, polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene foams. Moreover, both thermoplastic and thermoset polymer foam materials may be utilized. In some configurations, pad component430may be formed from a polymer foam material with a varying density, or solid polymer or rubber materials may be utilized. Fluid-filled chambers may also be utilized as pad component430. Also, different pad components430may be formed from different materials, or may be formed from similar materials with different densities.

Various features of apparel300may vary from the configuration discussed above. As an example,FIG. 11Adepicts fluid channels330as being formed as grooves in first surface431. Although fluid channels330may have the same dimensions,FIG. 11Bdepicts a configuration wherein grooves extend to different depths in pad component430. The shape of fluid channels330may also vary to include square, triangular, or various other shapes, as depicted inFIGS. 11C and 11D. In some configurations, as depicted inFIG. 11E, one or both of material elements410and420may have a layered structure formed from different materials. Moreover, outer material element410may be absent in some configurations, as depicted inFIG. 11F. Pad component430may also have a non-uniform or tapered thickness, as depicted inFIG. 11G, or pad component430may have a layered structure incorporating multiple materials, as depicted inFIG. 11H. Accordingly, numerous aspects of apparel300may vary considerably.

Ventilation And Protection

An example of manner in which system100may be utilized by the individual will now be discussed. Prior to engaging in an athletic activity, the individual may perform a warm-up routine that involves running, stretching, and other activities. Purposes of the warm-up routine may be to elevate body temperature and ensure that the individual is prepared for the athletic activity. Frequently, a period of time passes between the end of the warm-up routine and the start of the athletic activity. In order to ensure that the body temperature of the individual remains elevated during this period of time, system100may be employed. More particularly, the individual may connect fluid source200to apparel300using fluid connector330, and a heated fluid (e.g., heated air) may pass into fluid channels330. Accordingly, ventilation aspects of system100may be utilized to ensure that the body temperature of the individual remains at a proper level following the warm-up routine.

Immediately prior to engaging in the athletic activity, the individual may disconnect fluid source200from apparel300. During the athletic activity, apparel300is used independent of fluid source200and imparts padding, provides cushioning, or otherwise attenuates impact forces. That is, pad component430protects the individual from contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground. Accordingly, protective aspects of system100may be utilized to provide protection to the individual during the athletic activity.

At various points during the athletic activity, the individual may have an opportunity to recover and cool down from the physical activity. For example, the athletic activity may stop during time-outs, between quarters, and at half-time. In order to assist with recovery and cool down, system100may be employed. More particularly, the individual may connect fluid source200to apparel300, and a cooled fluid (e.g., refrigerated air) may pass into fluid channels330. As noted in the Background section above, the athletic performance of the individual begins to decrease once the core temperature increases above a threshold temperature. Utilizing system100at various times during the athletic activity may assist with lowering the body temperature below the threshold temperature. Accordingly, ventilation aspects of system100may be utilized to lower the body temperature of the individual.

In various team sports, a limited number of athletes are competing at any given time. When engaging in one of these sports or similar athletic activities, the individual may spend relatively long periods of time waiting for an opportunity to compete. During relatively cold weather, for example, the individual may utilize system100to supply a heated fluid and remain warm while waiting for an opportunity to compete. Similarly, during relatively hot weather, the individual may utilize system100to supply a cooled fluid and remain cool while waiting for an opportunity to compete.

Based upon the above discussion, the individual may utilize system100multiple times during an athletic activity. At some points, the individual may take advantage of ventilation aspects to raise, lower, or maintain body temperature. At other points, the individual may take advantage of protection aspects to guard against contact with other athletes, equipment, or the ground.

Attachment Element Configuration

Various articles of apparel (e.g., a shirt) or pieces of equipment (e.g., shoulder pads) may be worn over apparel300. In some configurations, protective plates, electronic devices, or other attachment elements may be secured to apparel300. Referring toFIG. 12A, for example, two attachment elements440, which have the configuration of plates, are joined with outer material element410and form a portion of an exterior surface of apparel300in shoulder regions303. A similar configuration is depicted inFIG. 12Bwhere attachment elements440are detachable from apparel300. More particularly, a hook and loop fastener system may be utilized to secure attachment elements440to any area of apparel300. In this configuration, outer material element410may include a first part411of a hook and loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO), and attachment elements440may include a second part412of the hook and loop fastener. First part411may be joined to second part412, thereby detachably-securing attachment element440to outer material element410.