Patent Description:
With the desire to stay active year round, there is a need for breathable, insulating garments for use during physical activity in the cooler months of the year. Conventional cold-weather garments may not allow for moisture vapor from perspiration and/or sufficient body heat to escape from the inside of the garment. This is especially the case when the cold-weather garment includes insulation, because the insulation may significantly reduce the moisture-vapor transmission rate through the garment. The trapping of moisture from perspiration may be particularly problematic for garments constructed from water-resistant fabrics. For instance, garments with fill material such as down or fibers are generally constructed of textiles that are resistant to the fill material penetrating the textile, either partially or entirely. Such fill-proof textiles may be created using treatments such as a durable water repellant (DWR) or by weaving or knitting a textile of sufficient weight to retain the fill material. Although these approaches often render the textile water-resistant, they may trap moisture vapor inside of the garment, which may then lead to discomfort for the wearer and may make the garment less effective as a cold-weather insulating garment.

Garments with ventilation features are disclosed in the documents <CIT> (which discloses the preamble of claim <NUM>), <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The claimed invention is defined by the independent claims. Specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

The technology described herein generally relates to a vented garment that is insulating and breathable, which may facilitate the release of moisture vapor and heat from inside the garment. The vented garment in accordance with the technology described herein may be advantageous, for example, for a wearer undergoing physical exertion, such as aerobic activities (e.g., running, biking, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, etc.), physical labor, or other perspiration-inducing activities. When a person exercises, one possible physiological response is to cool down the body by releasing moisture in the form of perspiration. Perspiration still occurs in cold weather and might increase when a person wears heat-insulating garments. Therefore, an aspect of the technology described herein provides an insulating garment that may protect a wearer from external environmental conditions, while still allowing for moisture from perspiration to escape to the exterior environment. In addition, the technology may regulate an interior temperature of the garment by facilitating a transfer of heat through the garment.

The technology described herein allows moisture and/or heat to escape from the garment through a plurality of openings formed on one or more seams defined by seam boundaries comprising at least a first edge and a second edge. The seams, for instance, are configured to join exterior and interior garment layers, each garment layer comprising an interior and an opposite exterior surface. Each opening in the plurality of openings are configured to extend through at least one seam in the one or more seams, through the exterior and the interior garment layers, thereby allowing for ventilation between an interior and an exterior of the garment. The one or more seams may be formed by actively adhering the interior surfaces of the interior and exterior garment layers together with, for example, a suitable adhesive at predetermined portions of the interior and exterior garment layers. Alternatively, the one or more seams may be formed by stitching the interior and the exterior garment layers together to form seam boundaries for each seam. And in yet another aspect, the one or more seams may be formed by both adhering the interior surfaces of the interior and exterior garment layers and by adding stitching to the seam boundaries, thereby reinforcing each seam in the one or more seams. When the one or more seams joining the interior and exterior garment layers are formed, the one or more seams may define a discrete chamber between, for example, a pair of seams, in one aspect, where each chamber may be filled with thermally insulating materials such as synthetic fill material and/or down, for thermal insulation. In another aspect, as will become more apparent with respect to the description of the figures, a plurality of seams may be collectively configured to form or define a plurality of interconnected chambers. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "interconnected chambers" may be defined as two or more chambers that are connected to each other forming a continuous open path between the chambers (i.e., no seam or other structure interrupting or separating the two or more chambers from one another).

The technology described herein is further directed to insulated garments that comprise localized insulation, wherein the localized insulation comprises one or more vented-insulation panels that allow moisture and/or heat to escape from the garment through a plurality of openings formed on one or more seams formed on the vented-insulation panels. Each of the vented-insulation panels comprise exterior and interior layers, each of the exterior and interior layers comprise interior and opposite exterior surfaces. The vented-insulation panels comprise a plurality of openings formed on one or more seams joining, for instance, the exterior and interior layers of the vented-insulation panels. Each opening in the plurality of openings extends through the exterior and the interior layers of the vented-insulation panels in a similar manner as described above with respect with the first realization in accordance with aspects herein. The vented-insulation panels may be specifically localized to garment areas that correspond with areas of a wearer's body that are prone to faster heat loss by the production of perspiration and/or heat. Such areas of a wearer's body may comprise, for example, the chest region, thighs, armpits, upper back, and the like. Therefore, garments using the vented-insulation panels may have the vented-insulation panels localized to maximize the retention of heat while still allowing for moisture venting. The vented-insulation panels may also be located based on the comfort of the wearer when, for example, exercising.

The technology described herein allows moisture and/or heat to escape from a garment comprising, for example, at least a first continuous garment layer with one or more vented-insulation sections on the first continuous garment layer at predetermined locations configured to align with areas of a wearer's body that are prone to produce more perspiration, or in the alternative, areas of the wearer's body that are prone to release more heat, thereby providing thermal insulation to these areas, without the added bulk of a conventional, full coverage thermally insulating garment. The vented-insulation sections comprising a plurality of openings formed on one or more seams joining, for instance, exterior and interior layers of the vented-insulation sections, each opening in the plurality of openings extending through the exterior and the interior layers of the vented-insulation sections. Therefore, garments using the vented-insulation sections may maximize the retention of heat and comfort for a wearer, while still allowing for moisture venting.

The technology described herein allows moisture and/or heat to escape from the garment through a passage formed between, for instance, exterior and interior garment panels. In exemplary aspects, the interior garment panel may comprise an interior opening to the passage, and the exterior garment panel, which may be an insulated garment panel, may comprise an exterior opening from the passage. Each passage may have multiple interior openings and exterior openings. And each garment may have multiple passages. The technology described herein offsets the interior openings from the exterior openings to provide an indirect passage for moisture vapor and/or air to exit the garment. In other words, the offset openings cause the moisture vapor to traverse the passage when exiting the garment instead of passing directly through the interior opening to the exterior opening. Moreover, the offset openings also cause heat produced by the body to traverse the passage prior to exiting the garment thereby preventing rapid heat loss. Thus, an object of the technology described herein is to facilitate moisture transport out of the garment while maintaining an appropriate amount of heat loss.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the technology described herein.

The technology described herein is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:.

The aspects described throughout this specification are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. In addition, aspects of this technology are adapted to achieve certain features and possible advantages set forth throughout this disclosure, together with other advantages which are inherent. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.

This technology is generally directed to a garment structure that facilitates the passive transfer of moisture and/or body heat from an internal portion of the garment to an external portion of the garment. For example, a garment may have an internal layer (e.g., interior panel) and an external layer (e.g., exterior garment panel), and aspects of the present technology are directing to transferring moisture vapor and/or heat from the internal layer to the external layer. The moisture vapor and/or heat can then dissipate or be dispersed into the space outside the garment.

The insulating vented garments in accordance with aspects herein, may be manufactured from light-weight fabric and may comprise a number of insulating, down, or synthetic fiber-filled chambers, optionally separated by seams. In one aspect, the garments may be woven or knit to comprise chambers created without seams. When seams are included in the garment, the seams separating the chambers may be spaced at varying intervals and may have any orientation and/or shape. In one example, the vented garment may be a standalone garment. The garment may be in the form of a vest covering a person's body core area, a jacket or coat with sleeves, pants, a total body suit, shirts, tights, base layers, and the like.

In one exemplary aspect, the seams may be formed by, for instance, actively adhering two panels (such as an interior and an exterior panel) of woven/knit fabric together to form a garment panel or a vented-insulation section. The seams may be adhered together with, for example, a suitable adhesive material, by stitching or bonding the two panels of fabric together, or by both using the adhesive tape and stitching or bonding. In the case of certain fabrics, an adhesive may not be needed if the fabrics can be bonded without the use of adhesive.

In one example, the vented garments may be formed from one or more garment panels, each garment panel comprising an inner panel and a corresponding outer panel joined at one or more seams formed along predetermined sections to form chambers having a desired shape and size, where the seams may be formed by heat bonding, applying an adhesive to an interior face of at least one of the inner panel and outer panel and activating the adhesive, stitching along first and second seam defining edges, or using both bonding and stitching. Therefore, one or more chambers are formed between at least each pair of seams. The spacing of the seams may vary, as may the relative orientation of the seams and/or the shape of the seams, enabling the chambers to have different shapes and sizes. The chambers may be filled with down, or synthetic insulating materials. The seams may comprise a plurality of openings extending through the inner panel and the outer panel to form vents that allow heat and moisture from perspiration to escape from an interior of the garment to an exterior of the garment.

In another example, interior openings may be formed in the interior panel at the seam area, exterior openings may or may not be offset from the interior openings may be formed in the exterior panel at the seam area, and a passage may be formed connecting the interior openings with the exterior openings at the seam area. When the interior openings and exterior openings are both located in the seam area, then the seam may be formed by a method that does not seal the interior and exterior panels together within the seam area where the openings are located, such as by two parallel tracks of stitching or bonding thereby creating a passage that connects the interior openings to the exterior openings.

In another exemplary aspect, the insulating vented garment may comprise an additional interior panel that is affixed at one or more areas to an exterior garment panel having the chambers separated by seams. In this aspect, the additional interior panel may or may not comprise additional openings formed in the additional interior panel and the exterior openings may be formed in the seam area between the chambers. If provided, the interior openings may be offset from the exterior openings. A passage may then be formed in the space between the additional interior panel and the exterior garment panel having the chambers separated by the seams. Alternatively, if not provided, the additional interior panel may be a continuous interior panel that does not comprise any openings or voids. Or in other words, the fabric or textile of the interior panel comprises unbroken or uninterrupted threads throughout the interior panel. In a further aspect, the technology described herein, when provided, the interior openings are offset from the exterior openings to provide an indirect passage for moisture vapor and/or heat to pass from the interior panel to the exterior panel. In other words, the offset interior and exterior openings create passages that may include one or more changes in direction and that is not completely perpendicular to the respective planes of the interior panel and the exterior panel. The indirect passage may also provide resistance to air movement and moisture that helps regulate the amount of air and moisture leaving the garment. In one exemplary aspect, the materials of construction and the length of the indirect passages can be used in a garment to provide an appropriate amount of resistance to achieve the desired moisture and heat transmission. Thus, an object of the technology described herein is to facilitate moisture transport out of the garment while minimizing heat loss.

The openings may be positioned in various portions of the interior and exterior garment portions. For example, in one aspect the openings are located in seam areas within a perimeter of the seam areas. The openings might be created in seams using various techniques. For instance, after the seams are formed, the seams may then be perforated/cut with a laser cutter, an ultrasonic cutting wheel, a water-jet cutter, a mechanical cutter, or the like to form the openings. With certain types of equipment, the affixing and perforating/cutting steps may be performed simultaneously, for example by using a welding and cutting wheel. The plurality of openings cut on the seams may be of different shapes and sizes and may create different patterns. The plurality of openings may be continuous along the seams, or may be intermittently placed along the seams. In addition, the plurality of openings may be placed strategically on seams located close to higher-perspiration areas (e.g., along the back of a wearer or under the arms of a wearer). The size and number of the plurality of openings may be optimized to allow a desired level of ventilation, while still maintaining heat insulation close to the body of the wearer.

Vented garments in accordance with the technology described herein may be constructed using woven or knit fabrics. The woven or knit fabrics may be optionally treated with down-proofing chemical treatments, and/or water repellants that may also act as down-proofing treatments, such chemical treatments referred to as DWR (durable water repellant). Although DWR is a waterproofing chemical treatment, in addition to waterproofing the fabric, it is also very useful for down-proofing fabrics, especially light and ultra-light weight fabrics. For example, fabrics that may particularly benefit from DWR treatment for down proofing are light fabrics (<NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>) and ultra-light fabrics (<NUM>/m<NUM> or lighter). In some instances, down can have sharp shafts that can poke holes through light-weight fabrics, making the fabric more susceptible to tearing or down loss over time. Other types of fill material, such as polyester fibers, may lack the sharp shafts of down but are still challenging to contain within a light-weight textile. Heavier fabrics, such as fabrics with weights in the range of <NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM> or even <NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM> or higher, may be inherently more resistant to down and may or may not need a down-proofing treatment depending on the specific type of fabric/textile. Both heavy and light-weight fabrics may be used in garments in accordance with the technology described herein. Lighter weight fabrics may be more desirable in the manufacture of athletic and/or high aerobic activity insulating garments to minimize the garment weight.

In exemplary aspects, the insulating garment may be manufactured from a light-weight fabric and may comprise a number of insulating, down, or synthetic fiber-filled chambers, separated by seams. Seams separating chambers may be located at various areas of the garment, spaced at varying intervals, and may have any orientation and/or shape. The seams may be formed by actively adhering an exterior or outer panel and an interior or inner panel of fabric together with a suitable adhesive tape material to form an exterior garment panel, by stitching the two panels of fabric together, or by both using the adhesive tape and stitching. In the case of certain fabrics, a tape may not be needed if the fabrics can be bonded without the use of tape.

In one aspect, one or more portions of the insulating zones and/or the vented garment may be constructed using a weaving or knitting process (e.g., a weaving or knitting machine may be programmed to form various structures or constructions described herein). For example, such weaving or knitting processes may be used to form a seamless or nearly seamless garment or portions thereof.

The vented insulated garment described herein can take several forms. In one example of the garment in accordance with the technology described herein, the garment may be a standalone garment. The garment may be in the form of a vest covering a person's body core area, a jacket or coat with sleeves, pants, a skirt, a total body suit, ski pants, short pants, capri pants, long pants, a clothing liner, and the like. In other aspects, the technology described herein may be used in non-garment type articles such as sleeping bags, sacks, backpacks, purses, and the like, where thermal insulation and breathability may be needed or advantageous.

Alternatively, the garment in accordance with the technology described herein may be used as a removable interior-insulating panel having an exterior shell which may or may not be weather proof. This interior-insulating panel may also be worn as a standalone garment when detached from the exterior shell. Like in the previous example, the removable interior-insulating panel may be presented as a vest, a jacket, a body suit, and the like, depending on the type of garment and protection desired. For example, if the exterior shell is a long sleeved jacket, the interior-insulating panel may be presented as a vest, a jacket, or a jacket with removable sleeves to convert into a vest, depending on the amount of insulation desired. The interior-insulating panel may be fastened to the exterior shell by a zipper mechanism, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other suitable fastening mechanism or combination of fastening mechanisms.

Further, the vented garment may be engineered into an exterior shell. In other words, instead of being removable, an interior insulating and breathable panel in accordance with the technology described herein may be permanently attached to the exterior shell. This may be achieved by permanently affixing the exterior shell to the interior insulating and breathable panel at one or more areas using, for instance, stitching, bonding, welding, adhesives, and the like. Alternatively, an interior insulating and breathable panel may be integrated into an exterior shell panel by, for instance, integrally forming the interior insulating and breathable panel with the exterior shell using an engineered knitting and/or weaving process. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

Exterior panel: As used herein the phrase "exterior panel" describes a panel on the exterior of the garment. The exterior panel may be exposed to the external environment, or may not be exposed to the environment, for example, if the garment is worn under another garment or layer.

Exterior opening: As used herein the phrase "exterior opening" describes an opening in the exterior panel.

Interior panel: As used herein the phrase "interior panel" describes a panel inside of or interior to the exterior panel. A garment may have multiple interior panels.

Interior opening: As used herein the phrase "interior 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 aspects, the term "water-resistant fabric" may be defined as a fabric that has greater than <NUM>,<NUM> of water resistance, which is the amount of water, in mm, which can be suspended above the fabric before water seeps through. However, values above and below this threshold are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

Non-breathable Fabric: As used herein "non-breathable fabric" is fabric that exhibits a low rate of moisture vapor transmission. In some exemplary aspects, a fabric may be defined as being non-breathable when it has a moisture vapor transmission rate less than <NUM> (g/m<NUM>/d), which is the rate at which water vapor passes through the fabric, in grams of water vapor per square meter of fabric per <NUM>-hour period (g/m<NUM>/d). However, values above and below this threshold are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

Weather-Resistant Fabric: As used herein "Weather-Resistant Fabric" is a fabric that is generally resistant to water and/or wind. In some instances, a weather-resistant fabric may comprise a fabric that is substantially impervious to water and exhibits a low rate of moisture vapor transmission.

Passage: As used herein the term "passage" is a space between garment layers where the garment layers are not directly connected. The passage is configured to and allows for the passage of moisture or moisture vapor and/or air.

Vented-insulation section: As used herein refers to a pod-type construction wherein a first/interior layer of pliable material and a second/exterior layer of pliable material are affixed to each other at one or more seams, wherein 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 chambers contain a thermally insulating material and the one or more seams comprise, at least in part, one or more openings on the one or more seams through the first layer of pliable material and through the second layer of material. The pod type construction is configured to cover only a portion of an exterior surface of the garment, for example, less than <NUM>% of an exterior surface of the garment.

First/interior layer/panel: As used herein refers to a layer of material comprising a first/exterior surface and an opposite second/interior surface and, wherein the first/exterior surface is configured to face toward a body surface of a wearer when the garment is worn, and wherein the second/interior surface is configured to face toward the thermally insulating material contained within the chamber.

Second/exterior layer/panel: As used herein refers to a layer of material comprising a first/exterior surface and an opposite second/interior surface and, wherein the first/exterior surface is configured to face toward an external environment, away from the body surface of a wearer when the garment is worn, and wherein the second/interior surface is configured to face toward the thermally insulating material contained within the chamber.

<FIG> and <FIG> are a front view <NUM> and a back view <NUM> of a vented garment <NUM> in accordance with the technology described herein. The vented garment <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> may be made from conventional synthetic or natural fabrics. The fabrics may be knit or woven to make the down or fill proof, the fabrics may be water-repellent and/or fill proof fabrics, or alternatively, such as in the case of, for example, light-weight fabrics, they may be treated with waterproofing and/or down-proofing chemicals such as, for example, the chemical treatments referred to as DWR (durable water repellent). Since insulated garments may be down or synthetic thermal fiber filled, these fabrics, whether chemically treated or not, can prevent the fill from poking through the fabric and help prevent water moisture from the environment from entering inside of the garment. However, as noted earlier, a downside of these fill proof fabrics or chemical treatments on fabrics is that these treatments may decrease the ability for moisture vapor to evaporate from an environment that is internal to the garment, when the garment is worn by a wearer.

In an exemplary aspect, the vented garment <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> may be constructed by providing an interior panel and a corresponding exterior panel, for each section of the vented garment <NUM>, the interior panel(s) and the corresponding exterior panel(s) may be cut out from a fabric piece(s) (not shown). An adhesive tape suitable for the particular type of fabric may be placed on the interior surface of one of the panels along predetermined sections of the panel to form chambers with a desired shape when the interior and the exterior panel(s) are affixed to each other. This affixing step can be achieved by, for example, aligning the panel without the adhesive tape on top of the panel with the adhesive tape, with its interior face facing the adhesive tape, once the adhesive tape is set in place. Then, the two panels may be pressed together with sufficient force and/or energy applied, to activate the adhesive tape to create a bond(s) between the two panels. The adhesive tape may be activated by, for instance, heat, or ultrasonic energy, or any other type of applied energy. Once the fabrics are bonded, seams, such as seam <NUM> are formed where the seams <NUM> define or delineate chambers, such as chamber <NUM>, in between each pair of seams <NUM>. In exemplary aspects, the interior panel and the exterior panel adhered together at the seams <NUM> form an exterior garment panel as shown in <FIG>.

The chambers <NUM> may then be filled with down, or synthetic-insulating fibers. Depending on the size and/or shape of the chambers <NUM> formed, the chambers <NUM> may be filled with down or thermal-insulating fibers either manually or mechanically.

In a different example of the vented garment, depending on the fabric material used, the seams may be created without the use of an adhesive tape. For example, the fabric may be formed from fibers that are reactive to different stimuli such as heat, sound waves, mechanical pressure, chemicals, water, and the like. Upon application of the stimulus to the fabric, the fibers may undergo a transformation that causes the fibers to adhere or bond to each other. In this aspect, the stimulus could be applied to only those portions of the fabric where seams are desired. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

In exemplary aspects, the seams <NUM> may be spaced apart in a generally horizontal orientation on the vented garment <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Or the seams <NUM> may be spaced apart in a generally vertical orientation on the vented garment <NUM>. The spacing of seams <NUM> may vary, as may the relative orientation of the seams <NUM> and/or the shape of the seams <NUM>, enabling the chambers <NUM> to be different shapes and/or sizes. In some aspects, the seams <NUM> may be spaced such that there is minimal space between the seams <NUM> thereby resulting in a smaller-sized chamber <NUM> with less insulating fill. In other aspects, the seams <NUM> may be spaced more widely apart to create a larger-sized chamber <NUM> with greater amounts of insulating fill. In some exemplary aspects, spacing between the seams <NUM> may be greater than the width of the seam <NUM>. In other exemplary aspects, spacing between the seams <NUM> may be greater than twice the width of the seam <NUM>, and so on. Exemplary distances between adjacent seams <NUM> may comprise, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, and/or between <NUM> and <NUM>, although ranges above and below these values are contemplated herein. In aspects, the spacing between adjacent seams <NUM> may be variable depending upon the desired amount of insulation needed at different portions of the vented garment <NUM>.

The seams <NUM> may be perforated to form one or more openings during bonding, after bonding, and/or after filling the chambers <NUM>. In exemplary aspects, openings <NUM> in the seams <NUM> may be formed using, for instance, a laser, an ultrasonic cutter, a water-jet cutter, a mechanical cutter, and the like. Provided the proper equipment, the seams <NUM> may be simultaneously formed and perforated in a single step to form the openings <NUM>, although the seams <NUM> and the openings <NUM> may be formed in separate steps without departing from the scope of the technology described herein. In other aspects, the openings <NUM> may be integrally formed in the seams <NUM> during a knitting or a weaving process. As well, the seams <NUM> themselves may be formed during the knitting or weaving process. For example, a Jacquard head may be used to integrally knit the seams <NUM> and the chambers <NUM>. Moreover, this same knitting or weaving process may be used to integrally fill the chambers <NUM> using float yarns at the time they are created. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

The openings <NUM> may provide ventilation and moisture management by allowing moisture vapor from perspiration and/or heat to escape to the exterior environment. The location of the openings <NUM> in the interior and exterior panels can vary in different aspects. For example, the openings <NUM> may penetrate both panels in the seam <NUM> (e.g., penetrate the exterior panel, the adhesive (if used) and the interior panel within the seam <NUM>). In another aspect, an additional interior panel may be provided, where the additional interior panel may or may not comprise openings. If openings are provided in the additional interior panel, the openings may or may not be offset from the openings <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and as discussed below. In another example, in a two-panel garment (e.g., in a garment comprising just the exterior garment panel without the additional interior panel), the holes or openings <NUM> in the exterior panel in the seam <NUM> can be offset from openings in the interior panel at the seam <NUM> as shown and discussed below with respect to, for example, <FIG>.

<FIG> is a close-up view of one of the seams <NUM>. The seam <NUM> may be formed as described above (e.g., adhering an exterior panel to an interior panel at the seam <NUM> to form an insulated garment panel), and may be presented in a straight line (as shown), in a curved line, in a wavy line, or any other shape that may be useful, for example in forming and defining the chamber <NUM> and being visually appealing at the same time. The openings <NUM> may be of the same size, or different sizes (as shown). The openings <NUM> may be of different shapes such as circular (as shown), triangular, rectangular, or any other shape desired. The openings <NUM> may be evenly spaced in a straight line, curvy line, zig-zag, or any other suitable shape for placing the openings <NUM> on the seam <NUM>. Additionally, depending on the size of the individual openings, there may be multiple rows of openings <NUM> on each seam <NUM>. The plurality of openings <NUM> may be presented continuously along the seam <NUM> (as shown), or may be presented intermittently along the seam <NUM>, or may be strategically placed on only a portion of the seam <NUM>, for example, in the areas of high perspiration such as along the back of a wearer, under the arms of a wearer, between the legs of a wearer, and the like.

The garment construction may become more apparent in reference to <FIG>, where an angled cross-sectional view <NUM> of a small section of the vented garment <NUM> is shown. The vented garment <NUM> in accordance with the technology described herein may be constructed from an exterior panel <NUM> and a middle panel <NUM> that together form an insulated garment panel <NUM>, and an interior panel <NUM>. In exemplary aspects, one or more of the panels <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> may be formed from a fabric that is substantially impervious to water and/or a fabric that exhibits a low rate of moisture vapor transmission. Moreover, in exemplary aspects, the interior panel <NUM> may comprise a mesh material, or a material having moisture-wicking or moisture-management properties. Including a mesh material or a material having moisture-wicking or moisture-management properties as the interior panel <NUM> may increase wearer comfort, where the moisture management fabric is configured to move moisture from an inner-facing surface to an outer-facing surface of the garment.

The seam <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> may be created as described above in reference to <FIG> and <FIG> (e.g., adhering the exterior panel <NUM> to the middle panel <NUM> at the seams <NUM> to form the insulated garment panel <NUM>). The edges of the chambers <NUM> are formed by the seam <NUM>. In other words, the seam <NUM> delineates and defines the chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> may then be filled with a fill material <NUM>, such as down or synthetic fibers. In aspects, once filled, the vapor transmission rate of the vented garment <NUM> may be reduced even when the fabric used to form the vented garment <NUM> comprises a breathable material because the chambers <NUM> may hinder the transmission of moisture vapor through the vented garment <NUM>. The openings <NUM> extending through the seam <NUM> of the insulated garment panel <NUM> may comprise exterior openings in that they open to the external environment.

In exemplary aspects, the interior panel <NUM> may be somewhat loosely affixed to the insulated garment panel <NUM> at one or more locations such that the interior panel <NUM> may be spaced apart from the insulated garment panel <NUM> at areas where it is not affixed. In other words, a void or space <NUM> may be formed between the interior panel <NUM> and the inner-facing surface of the middle panel <NUM>, where the space <NUM> may function as a passage for transmission of moisture vapor and/or air.

In accordance with another aspect herein, the interior panel <NUM> comprises a continuous panel/layer of material, wherein there are no breaks and/or deviations in the weaving/knitting patterns and/or yarns in the case of knit or woven textile materials, or there are no breaks/voids formed through the surface of a non-woven materials, as shown in <FIG>, or the interior panel <NUM> may comprises a plurality of interior openings, such as interior opening <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The openings <NUM> may be thought of as interior openings in that they do not directly communicate with the external environment in contrast to the exterior openings <NUM>. The interior openings <NUM> on the interior panel <NUM> are configured such that the interior openings <NUM> are offset from the exterior openings <NUM>. In other words, there is not a direct communication path between the exterior openings <NUM> and the interior openings <NUM>. This is indicated in <FIG> by the arrow <NUM> which indicates the route that moisture vapor and/or air would traverse when traveling, namely: from the wearer's body, through the interior opening <NUM>, into the space <NUM>, and out the exterior opening <NUM> where the moisture vapor may be discharged into the external environment.

The interior openings <NUM> in the interior panel <NUM> may be distributed throughout the interior panel <NUM> and/or may be localized in certain areas depending on the level of ventilation and/or breathability needed in a certain area. In one exemplary aspect, the interior openings <NUM> on the interior panel <NUM> are configured to not overlap with the exterior openings <NUM> associated with the insulated garment panel <NUM>. In another exemplary aspect, the distribution of the interior openings <NUM> in the interior panel <NUM> may be configured such that a majority of the interior openings <NUM> (e.g., greater than <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>%) do not overlap with the exterior openings <NUM>.

The size and number of the openings <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be adjusted to provide different ventilation and breathability characteristics, while still maintaining the structural integrity of the fabric, and maintaining a high level of thermal insulation. For instance, a larger size and greater number of openings <NUM> and/or <NUM> in portions of the vented garment <NUM> may provide a higher degree of ventilation and breathability characteristics to these portions. In another example, a smaller size and a fewer number of openings <NUM> and/or <NUM> in other portions of the vented garment <NUM> may provide for a lower degree of ventilation and breathability characteristics. Thus, by adjusting the size and/or number of the openings <NUM> and/or <NUM>, different ventilation and breathability characteristics may be imparted to different portions of the vented garment <NUM>. In exemplary aspects, the width size of each individual opening <NUM> and/or <NUM> may range anywhere from <NUM> to <NUM>, and the spacing between each individual opening <NUM> and/or <NUM> measured from edge to edge, may range anywhere from <NUM> to <NUM>. Other sizes and/or spacing of openings <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be used without departing from the scope of the technology described herein.

Now, in reference generally to <FIG>, and particularly to <FIG>, a front view of another different garment <NUM> is shown in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. With respect to the garment <NUM>, the garment <NUM> may comprise an exterior panel adhered to an interior panel at seams <NUM> to form an insulated garment panel, where the seams <NUM> define chambers <NUM> that may be filled with a fill material. But the garment <NUM> may or may not have an additional interior panel as described for the vented garment <NUM>. The garment <NUM> in <FIG> may be constructed in a fashion similar to that described above with regard to the vented garment <NUM> shown in <FIG> to form the seams <NUM>. Moreover, the seams <NUM> may be further reinforced by adding stitching <NUM> along their upper seam boundary <NUM> and/or lower seam boundary <NUM>, as can be seen in the close up view of <FIG>. Although stitching is shown in <FIG>, other methods of selectively affixing the seam <NUM> are contemplated herein such as use of adhesives, bonding, spot welding, and the like. Stitching <NUM> may be applied mechanically and/or by hand, and may use any type of thread, whether natural or synthetic. Likewise, stitching <NUM> may be applied before or after openings <NUM> are formed and/or before or after the chambers <NUM> are filled. In one aspect, the part of the seam <NUM> between the upper seam boundary <NUM> and the lower seam boundary <NUM> is configured to remain open (i.e. no adhesive or other bonding in between upper seam boundary <NUM> and lower seam boundary <NUM>) to form a passage for moisture vapor and/or air to pass between the exterior and interior panels.

The garment <NUM> may be vented using through openings such as those describe in reference to vented garment <NUM> where the openings <NUM> on the seams <NUM> extend through the interior and exterior panels, or in the alternative, garment <NUM> may be vented using offset openings within the seams <NUM>. In other words, the exterior openings <NUM> in the garment's exterior panel may be offset from openings in the garment's interior panel (better shown in <FIG>) at the seams <NUM>. The offset openings force moisture to pass through a passage within the seam <NUM> formed between the interior and exterior panels. The arrangement of the exterior and interior openings is illustrated with more detail in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an angled cross-sectional view <NUM> of a small section of the garment <NUM>. The garment <NUM> in accordance with the technology described herein may be constructed from an interior panel <NUM> and an exterior panel <NUM>, where the interior panel <NUM> is affixed to the exterior panel <NUM> at the seam <NUM> to form an exterior garment panel <NUM>. The seam <NUM> delineates and defines in part the chambers <NUM>. The chambers <NUM> may then be filled with fill <NUM>, such as down or synthetic fibers.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the seam <NUM> comprises both exterior openings <NUM> and interior openings <NUM> (shown as dashed circles) that are offset from the exterior openings <NUM>. The exterior openings <NUM>, in some exemplary aspects, are formed just through the exterior panel <NUM> and may be open to or in communication with the external environment, while the interior openings <NUM> are formed just through the interior panel <NUM> and are not in direct communication with the external environment. As used herein, the term "offset" means the interior area of an exterior opening <NUM> does not overlap with the interior area of the interior opening <NUM>. The offsetting of the exterior openings <NUM> from the interior openings <NUM> forces moisture and/or heat exiting the garment <NUM> to traverse a passage within the seam <NUM> connecting the interior openings <NUM> and exterior openings <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> provides a cross-section of the seam <NUM> to illustrate the offset nature of the exterior openings <NUM> and the interior openings <NUM> according to an aspect. As previously described and as shown in <FIG>, the seam <NUM> is formed by affixing in part the exterior panel <NUM> and the interior panel <NUM> at the upper seam boundary <NUM> and the lower seam boundary <NUM>. By just affixing the panels <NUM> and <NUM> at the upper seam boundary <NUM> and the lower seam boundary <NUM>, a passage or space <NUM> is maintained between the exterior panel <NUM> and the interior panel <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Thus, as shown by the arrow <NUM>, moisture vapor and/or air would leave the wearer's body by traveling through the interior opening <NUM>, traversing the passage or space <NUM>, and exiting via the exterior opening <NUM> where it can be dissipated into the external environment. The exterior openings <NUM> and the interior openings <NUM> are shown as evenly spaced and/or sized in <FIG>, but other arrangements are possible as described herein.

Like the vented garment <NUM> of <FIG>/<FIG>, the garment <NUM> in <FIG> may be made from conventional synthetic or natural woven or knit fabrics. The fabrics may be water repellent and/or engineered to be down proof/fill proof, or alternatively, such as in the case of ultra-light fabrics (<NUM>/m<NUM> or lower) and light-weight fabrics (<NUM>/m<NUM> - <NUM>/m<NUM>), the fabrics may need to be treated with waterproofing and down-proofing chemicals, such as, for example, the chemical treatments referred to as DWR (durable water repellent).

In some exemplary aspects, the insulating chambers in the vented garment in accordance with the technology described herein may be formed by welding separate pieces of fabric at each seam, or as discussed earlier, may be formed by pressing two whole panels with adhesive tape in strategic places in between the two panels. In the example where the chambers may be formed by welding separate pieces of fabric at each seam, this would allow for the introduction of different textures, colors, or functionalities by introducing different types of fabrics at different sections of the garment. Further, as described earlier, in one aspect, one or more portions of the insulating zones and/or the vented garments are constructed using an engineered weaving or knitting process (e.g., program a weaving or knitting machine to form these structures).

Further, the vented insulating garment examples shown in the examples of <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG> are vented cold-weather jackets or coats. However, the insulating vented garments in accordance with the technology described herein may also be constructed in the form of vests, pants, overalls, gloves, hats, and the like. <FIG> is an example of a vest <NUM> in accordance with the technology described herein. As seen in <FIG>, the vest <NUM> may have seams <NUM> with a plurality of openings <NUM>, forming thermally insulating chambers <NUM>, which may be filled with down, or any other thermally-insulating material, such as polyester fibers. In exemplary aspects, the insulating portions of the vest <NUM> may be formed as shown in <FIG> and/or 3B and/or the insulating portions of the vest <NUM> may be formed as shown in <FIG>, any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein. The vest <NUM> may be used as a light-weight, breathable, thermal-insulation garment, for example by a runner. The vest <NUM> may comprise a mesh vent area <NUM> to provide additional ventilation.

In various embodiments, the vented-insulation sections or zones as described herein may be located in parts of the garment instead of throughout the garment. <FIG> shows a garment <NUM> with a right-chest vented insulation section <NUM>, a left-chest vented insulation section <NUM>, a left-arm vented insulation section <NUM>, and a right-arm vented insulation section <NUM>. The vented insulation sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be located to maximize the retention of heat while still allowing for moisture venting. For example the vented insulation sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be located in areas of the body that produce more perspiration or areas that produce more heat or need an increased amount of vapor escape, such as the chest region, thighs, and the like. Another example is that the vented insulation sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be located in regions of the body that are more sensitive to cold. The vented-insulation sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may also be located based on the comfort of the wearer when exercising.

Turning now to <FIG>, a cross-section of the right-chest vented-insulation section <NUM> is provided. The right-chest vented-insulation section <NUM> can be installed within the garment <NUM> by, for instance, cutting out a portion of the garment <NUM> and adding the vented-insulation section <NUM> in place of the cutout area, or the vented-insulation section <NUM> may be placed over and joined to a garment layer (garment base layer) <NUM>. The vented-insulation section <NUM> is joined to the garment <NUM> at seam <NUM> and seam <NUM>. The vented-insulation section <NUM> comprises chambers <NUM> formed by joining an interior panel <NUM> and an exterior panel <NUM> at one or more seams <NUM> to form the vented insulation section <NUM>. In one exemplary aspect, the seams <NUM> comprise offset exterior openings <NUM> formed on exterior panel <NUM> and interior openings <NUM> formed on interior panel <NUM>. This configuration is similar to that shown in, for example, <FIG>. Alternatively, the seams <NUM> may comprise openings <NUM> that extend straight through the interior panel <NUM> and the exterior panel <NUM> (i.e., the openings in the interior panel <NUM> and the exterior panel <NUM> are axially aligned with respect to one another). Additional interior openings may or may not be formed in a garment layer <NUM> that faces the interior-facing side (next to the wearer) of the interior panel <NUM> of the vented-insulation section <NUM>, where a passage or space <NUM> is formed between the garment layer <NUM> and the interior panel <NUM> of the vented insulation section <NUM>. This configuration would be similar to that shown in <FIG>. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

<FIG>, shows an exploded view of <FIG>. The vented-insulation section <NUM> as briefly described above, is formed by joining an interior panel <NUM> and an exterior panel <NUM> at one or more seams <NUM> to form the vented-insulation section <NUM>. A thermally insulating material <NUM> is contained between the interior panel <NUM> and the exterior panel <NUM> within chambers <NUM> divided by the one or more seams <NUM>. In one aspect, and as shown in <FIG>, the garment layer <NUM> may not comprise openings and may be continuous throughout. In a different aspect, the garment layer <NUM> may be provided with one or more openings in the area provided with (covered by) the vented-insulation section <NUM>. In yet another aspect, the garment layer <NUM> may be provided with a cutout corresponding in shape and size with the shape and size of the vented-insulation section <NUM> such that there is no garment layer <NUM> beneath the vented-insulation section <NUM> (not shown). The garment layer <NUM> may comprise a mesh 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 garment layer <NUM> to form the garment, may increase wearer comfort.

Turning now to <FIG>, a number of exemplary configurations of insulation zones are depicted in accordance with aspects herein. The insulation zones shown in these figures comprise the vented-insulation sections having a configuration similar to that shown in, for example, <FIG>, and/or <FIG>. For example, <FIG> depicts insulation zones within pants <NUM>. The right insulation zone <NUM> and the left insulation zone <NUM> are located in the shin areas, although aspects are not limited to these locations. Insulation zones may be located in other desired/suitable locations.

<FIG> depicts insulation zones within an athletic top <NUM> in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. As shown in the perspective view of <FIG>, the athletic top <NUM> comprises a chest vented-insulation section <NUM>, right and left-shoulder vented-insulation sections <NUM>, and upper right and left-arm vented-insulation sections <NUM>. <FIG> depicts another perspective view of the athletic top <NUM> and illustrates more clearly the right-shoulder vented-insulation section <NUM> and the upper right-arm vented-insulation section <NUM> in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. The garment/garment base layer may be constructed from a mesh material, or a material having moisture-wicking or moisture-management properties. The construction of a garment, for example, as shown in garment <NUM>, will increase comfort for a wearer as the need for layering multiple garments together may be eliminated by providing thermal insulation to only those areas in the garment configured to cover thermally sensitive or most exposed areas of the wearer's body that would benefit from having a thermally protective layer. Another advantage of a garment construction with zonal thermal insulation is that there is no bulkiness impeding motion (as in conventional thermally insulated garments) and therefore, the wearer is afforded to have greater range of motion, especially when provided in garments that are configured to conform to the wearer's body when worn, such as garment <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, insulation zones within compression pants <NUM> are shown, in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. The compression pants <NUM> are another example of garments that are configured to conform to the wearer's body when worn, and comprise a right-thigh vented-insulation section <NUM> and a left-thigh vented-insulation section <NUM>. The compression pants <NUM> also comprise a right-shin vented-insulation section <NUM>, and a left-shin vented-insulation section <NUM>. In exemplary aspect, the compression pants <NUM> may comprise just the right-thigh vented-insulation section <NUM> and the left-thigh vented-insulation section <NUM>. This aspect is shown in <FIG> which depicts compression pants <NUM> having a right-thigh vented-insulation section <NUM> and a left-thigh vented-insulation section <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, insulation zones within an athletic top <NUM> are shown, in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. The athletic top <NUM> comprises a right-chest vented-insulation section <NUM> and a left-chest vented-insulation section <NUM>. The athletic top <NUM> also comprises a left and right-shoulder vented-insulation sections <NUM>, upper left and right-arm vented-insulation sections <NUM>, and left and right-forearm vented-insulation sections <NUM>. Turning now to <FIG>, a rear-view of the athletic top <NUM> illustrates a right-back vented-insulation section <NUM> and a left-back vented-insulation section <NUM>, in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein.

Turning now to <FIG>, insulation zones within an athletic top <NUM> are shown, in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. The athletic top <NUM> comprises a chest vented-insulation section <NUM>, right and left-shoulder vented-insulation sections <NUM>, upper right and left-arm vented-insulation sections <NUM>, right and left-arm forearm vented-insulation sections <NUM>, and left and right-side vented-insulation sections <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively (only the left-side vented-insulation section <NUM> is shown in <FIG>). Turning now to <FIG>, a rear-view of the athletic top <NUM> further shows a back vented-insulation section <NUM> and the right-side vented-insulation section <NUM> in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein.

Turning now to <FIG>, insulation zones within a fleece top/jacket <NUM> are shown, in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. The fleece top/jacket <NUM> comprises a left-chest vented-insulation section <NUM> and a right-chest vented-insulation section <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the fleece top/jacket <NUM> may comprise a breathable fleece material. A zipper <NUM> can provide entrance to a pocket (not shown). The pocket can be constructed of mesh or another breathable material that works with the left-chest vented-insulation section <NUM> to facilitate the transfer of heat and moisture through the fleece top/jacket <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, insulation zones within a hooded jacket <NUM> are shown, in accordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. The hooded jacket <NUM> comprises a left-chest vented-insulation section <NUM> and a right-chest vented-insulation section <NUM>. The hooded jacket <NUM> may further comprise a hood <NUM>. The hooded jacket <NUM> also comprises a right-neck vented-insulation section <NUM> and a left-neck vented-insulation section <NUM>, which might also align with a mouth and/or nose region of a wearer. As such, the right-neck vented-insulation section <NUM> and the left-neck vented-insulation section <NUM> might help to facilitate transfer of moisture, heat, and gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) away from a lower-face region of the wearer.

Turning now to <FIG>, a flow chart showing an exemplary method <NUM> of making a vented garment is provided. The vented garment could be a jacket, a vest, pants, full body suit, and the like and may comprise any of the configurations as described herein. At step <NUM> an exterior panel, a corresponding middle panel, and an interior panel are cut out for a section of the vented garment. In an aspect, this process is repeated for each section of the garment and the sections, once completed at step <NUM>, are then connected to form the final vented garment.

At step <NUM> the exterior panel and the middle panel are attached together at multiple seams to form an insulated garment panel. The multiple seams are spaced to define boundaries of a plurality of hollow chambers defined by the exterior panel and the middle panel. The hollow chambers can be different sizes and shapes to provide varying levels of insulation.

At step <NUM> exterior openings through the multiple seams are formed. The exterior openings may have varying numbers as well as different sizes and/or different shapes. The openings can be formed via, for example, laser cutting, water jet cutting, mechanical cutting, and the like. Alternatively, when the panels are formed though an engineered weaving or knitting process, the openings may be formed through the weaving or knitting process. At step <NUM>, interior openings are optionally formed in the interior panel through any of the methods outlined above. The interior openings if, provided, can have different sizes and different shapes.

At step <NUM> the plurality of hollow chambers defined by the seams are filled with a thermally-insulating material, such as down or other synthetic fibers.

At step <NUM> the interior panel is attached to an inward-facing portion of the insulated garment panel at one or more areas to form an exhaust passage or space defined by the interior-facing side of the insulated garment panel and an exterior-facing side of the interior panel. In an exemplary aspect, individual interior openings, when provided, generally do not overlap with individual exterior openings after the interior panel is affixed to the insulated garment panel. In other words, the interior openings, when provided, are offset from the exterior openings. The exterior and interior openings, when provided, are connected by the exhaust passages or space between the interior panel and the exterior garment panel.

In one aspect, one or more portions of the vented garment are constructed using an engineered weaving or knitting process (e.g., program a weaving or knitting machine to form these structures). For example, the exterior panels and the interior panels may be formed together through the knitting and weaving process, where the knitting or weaving process may be used to form the seams and/or the exterior and interior openings. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

In an alternative method of manufacture, an exterior panel and a corresponding interior panel may be cut out for a section of a garment. Exterior openings may be formed in the exterior panel and interior openings may be formed in the interior panel. The exterior panel and the interior panel may be joined together at one or more seam areas to form an exterior garment panel. The panels may be joined together by, for example, stitching or bonding or upper part of the seam and stitching or bonding a lower part of the seam, where the areas between the stitched or bonded portions remain unaffixed. The exterior panel and the interior panel are positioned or aligned prior to the stitching or bonding process so that the interior openings are offset from the exterior openings at the seam areas and so that the interior openings and the exterior openings are in communication with each other via the unaffixed areas between the stitched or bonded areas.

The one or more seam areas define and delineate one or more chambers which may be filled with a natural or synthetic fill material. The spacing between adjacent seams, in turn, defines the size of the chamber formed between the adjacent seams. As such, the spacing between seams may be adjusted to provide varying levels of insulation for different portions of the garment. Moreover, the spacing, size, and/or number of the exterior openings and the interior openings may be adjusted to facilitate greater or lesser amounts of moisture vapor and/or air transport. For example, the size and number of openings may be increased, and the spacing between openings decreased, to provide a greater amount of moisture vapor and/or air transport, while the size and number of openings may be decreased, and the spacing between openings increased, to provide a lesser amount of moisture vapor and/or air transport. Further, these variables may be adjusted corresponding to where the openings are positioned on the resultant garment. For example, moisture vapor and/or heat transport may be greater on portions of the garment that overlay high heat and/or moisture producing areas of the body such as the back torso along the spine, the flank areas of the wearer the chest area, the thigh or shin areas, the upper arm areas of the wearer, and the like. Continuing, the variables associated with the openings may also be adjusted depending on whether the resultant garment will be used for a male or a female as heat and/or moisture transport needs may differ between males and females. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

Turning now to <FIG>, a flow chart showing an exemplary method <NUM> of making a vented garment is provided where the garment comprises one or more vented-insulation sections, such as those shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. The method comprises providing at least one garment base layer at step <NUM>, where the garment base layer may comprise knit or woven synthetic or natural fabrics made for comfort and/or performance enhancement such as moisture wicking fabrics, stretch fabrics, water-resistant fabrics, cotton fabrics, etc. Then, one or more vented-insulation sections constructed according to any of the aspects described above, and having specific shapes and sizes predetermined for their specific location on the finalized garment are provided, as described at step <NUM>. The one or more vented-insulation sections are placed adjacent to an outer-facing surface of the garment base layer at predetermined locations on the garment base layer as described at step <NUM>, and are affixed to the garment base layer such that the vented-insulation sections help form an exterior face of the garment once assembled, as described at step <NUM>. The finalized garment is then constructed from all respective garment base layers.

<FIG> is a flow chart that describes an alternative method of construction to the one described in <FIG>, where the at least one garment layer is provided having one or more cutouts at step <NUM>. The one or more cutouts have a shape and size corresponding to the respective one or more vented-insulation sections provided at step <NUM>. The one or more vented-insulation sections may be affixed 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 vented-insulation sections, as described at step <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a frontal view of an exemplary upper body garment <NUM>, while <FIG> depicts a back view of the upper body garment <NUM>, in accordance with the claimed invention. As depicted, the upper body garment <NUM> is in the form of a vest that comprises at least a collar opening <NUM>, two armholes 2520A and 2520B, a waist opening <NUM> (waist opening), and optionally an opening and closing mechanism <NUM> that can be, for example, a zipper, a hook and loop system, a slider mechanism, and the like. As shown, the upper body garment <NUM> comprises a plurality of seams <NUM>, where each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> is bound by a perimeter. For example, seam <NUM> is bound by perimeter <NUM> defining, for instance, a width <NUM> and a length <NUM> for seam <NUM> in the plurality of seams <NUM>. Further, at least one seam, for example, seam <NUM> in the plurality of seams <NUM> has at least one opening <NUM> on a portion of the at least one seam <NUM>. The at least one opening <NUM> extends through the at least one seam <NUM> to provide a vent opening between an interior environment (proximal to a wearer's body when the upper body garment <NUM> is worn) and an exterior environment (proximal to environmental elements that the garment is configured to protect the wearer from). The at least one opening <NUM>, although shown as being a circular vent opening, it is envisioned that the at least one opening <NUM> may take on any shape or form such as any alphanumeric form, geometric form, organic form, or any other suitable form such as, for example, a special design, character, and the like.

Furthermore, each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> in accordance with the claimed invention, is angularly oriented with respect to an adjacent or neighboring seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> or with respect to an imaginary horizontal axis <NUM> (i.e. and axis extending along the x-direction) cutting the upper body garment <NUM> widthwise across, for example, when the upper body garment <NUM> is an as-worn configuration. For example, seam <NUM> is angularly oriented with respect to adjacent or neighboring seams <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The term "adjacent" as used herein means seams in the plurality of seams <NUM> that are beside one another in any direction (above, below, side-to-side, and the like) without another seam interposed therebetween. The angle of the angular orientation of seam <NUM> for example, may be measured with respect to the imaginary horizontal axis <NUM> cutting across the upper body garment <NUM>. In accordance with aspects herein, the angle of the angular orientation may be any angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the angle of the angular orientation of each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> with respect to the imaginary horizontal axis <NUM> may be an acute angle as, for example, the angle <NUM> formed between seam <NUM> and the imaginary horizontal axis <NUM>, or the angle of the angular orientation may be an obtuse angle as, for example, the angle <NUM> formed between seam <NUM> and the imaginary horizontal axis <NUM>. As well, the angle of orientation between each seam may be further measured with respect to an adjacent seam as will be further discussed below, for example, with respect to <FIG>.

The angular orientation of each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> forms or defines, for example, the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>. As described above, the term "interconnected chamber" may be defined as two or more chambers that are connected to each other forming a continuous open path between the two or more chambers. The angular orientation of the plurality of seams <NUM> is important because the angular orientation of the plurality of seams <NUM> causes the formation of angular interconnected chambers (e.g., plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>). The combination of angularly oriented seams (e.g., plurality of seams <NUM>) and angular interconnected chambers (e.g., plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>) prevent or minimize the drift of the thermally insulating materials such as, for example, down or synthetic fibers from one chamber (e.g., one of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to another chamber (e.g., one of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>. In other words, even though the plurality of seams <NUM> form or define a plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>, the travel of the insulating material contained within each chamber (e.g., one of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> is prevented or minimized because, for example, although chamber <NUM> is interconnected with at least chamber <NUM> and chamber <NUM> is interconnected with at least chamber <NUM>, there is no straight downward path (i.e., relative to the upper body garment <NUM>) formed between the interconnected plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>. To put it yet another way, by the angular orientation of the plurality of seams <NUM> and the lack of a straight (or generally straight) vertical (or generally vertical) open chamber path that would allow the down or synthetic fibers to settle, the settling of the down or synthetic fiber is avoided or reduced.

Continuing, drift of the thermally insulating material due to gravity (downward) or in a lateral direction (side-to-side) is prevented or minimized because the pattern that is followed by the plurality of seams <NUM>, and, by extension, the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>, does not leave a straight open path along at least a y axis (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). For example, zig-zag pattern <NUM> followed by the plurality of seams <NUM> prevents the formation of a straight open path (or generally straight open path) in a vertical direction (i.e., perpendicular to the imaginary horizontal axis <NUM>) that extends, for example, from the collar opening <NUM> to the waist opening <NUM>. Optionally, the plurality of seams <NUM> may be placed in a pattern (as further discussed with reference to the figures below) that may prevent the formation of a straight open path (or generally straight open path) in a horizontal direction (i.e., parallel to the imaginary horizontal axis <NUM>) that extends, for example, from a first garment lateral end <NUM> to a second garment lateral end <NUM>, as well as in the vertical direction, to further prevent or minimize lateral drift.

Thus, in accordance with aspects herein, the plurality of seams <NUM> are arranged in the zig-zag pattern <NUM> shown, where each seam in a row of seams is located at a distance <NUM> from each adjacent seam in the plurality of seams <NUM>. And each seam in a column of seams is located at a distance <NUM> from each adjacent seam in the plurality of seams <NUM>. The distances <NUM> and <NUM> define a size of each chamber in the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>. Further, the size of each chamber in the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> is further defined by, for example, the width <NUM> and the length <NUM> of each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM>. Further, in some exemplary aspects, the plurality of seams <NUM> may all comprise the same width <NUM> and length <NUM> (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), or, in another exemplary aspect, the plurality of seams <NUM> may comprise different widths and/or different lengths, depending on the pattern formed by the plurality of seams <NUM>, as will be further described with respect to <FIG>.

It is to be noted that although the zig-zag pattern <NUM>, is shown as extending throughout the whole upper body garment <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, it is envisioned that a garment may comprise different seam configurations at different portions of the garment. For example, the zig-zag pattern <NUM> (or any other pattern forming interconnected chambers) may be located only at a top portion of the garment (e.g., the portion of the upper body garment <NUM> that is above the imaginary horizontal axis <NUM>) with a continuous (uninterrupted) seam extending along the imaginary horizontal axis <NUM> demarcating the separation and preventing the downward (i.e., vertical) shift of the insulating material below the demarcating seam (not shown). The remaining portions of the insulated garment may then comprise a different type of seam configuration that may or may not form interconnected chambers. In other words, discrete garment or article portions may be demarcated and provided with a seam configuration that is different than the rest of the garment or article. For instance, as will become more apparent with respect to the description of the figures below, portions of a garment or article may be demarcated and provided with a specific seam configuration having a plurality of openings on the seams that are within the demarcated portion, while the plurality of seams that are outside of the demarcated portion may or may not have the plurality of perforations. Alternatively, the seams separating insulated chambers that are formed in the garment or article outside of the demarcated portion may be traditional stitched seams (i.e., seams that do not have a width beyond the width of the thread or yarn used for stitching). Further, as described above, for example, discrete vented-insulation sections having the interconnected chambers (e.g., panel inserts) may be provided in garments or articles that are otherwise not insulated or constructed in a different manner, (as described in <FIG>). Any and all possible combinations are within the scope of the aspects described herein.

<FIG> depicts a frontal view of another exemplary upper body garment <NUM>, while <FIG> depicts a back view of the upper body garment <NUM>, in accordance with the claimed invention. Like the upper body garment <NUM>, the upper body garment <NUM> is a vest comprising a collar opening <NUM>, a first armhole 2620A, a second armhole 2620B, a bottom opening <NUM> (waist opening), and an optional closable mechanism <NUM>. Further, the upper body garment <NUM> comprises a plurality of seams <NUM> arranged in a pattern (indicated generally by the reference numeral <NUM>) that is different from the zig-zag pattern <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The pattern <NUM> forms a plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>. Like upper body garment <NUM>, each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> is located at an angle from each adjacent or neighboring seam in the plurality of seams <NUM>. However, unlike the upper body garment <NUM>, the plurality of seams <NUM> comprise different sizes and angles of orientation in the pattern <NUM>.

For example, the pattern <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is formed by a repetition of a first seam <NUM> having a first length <NUM>, a second seam <NUM> having a second length <NUM>, a third seam <NUM> having a third length <NUM>, a fourth seam <NUM> having a fourth length <NUM>, a fifth seam <NUM> having a fifth length <NUM>, a sixth seam <NUM> having a sixth length <NUM>, a seventh seam <NUM> having a seventh length <NUM>, and an eighth seam <NUM> having an eight length <NUM>. The first seam <NUM>, the second seam <NUM>, the third seam <NUM>, the fourth seam <NUM>, the fifth seam <NUM>, the sixth seam <NUM>, the seventh seam <NUM>, and the eighth seam <NUM>, collectively form, for example, interconnected chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

As presented above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, despite the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> being interconnected, the pattern <NUM> formed by the plurality of seams <NUM>, and the angular orientation (any angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°) of the plurality of seams <NUM> with respect to each other, for example, prevents the lateral and downward/upward drift of the thermally insulating material from one chamber to another chamber in the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>, when the garment is in an as-worn configuration. In other words, the lack of a straight path in the lateral/horizontal direction or in the vertical direction, helps prevent the thermally insulating material from traveling to and from, for example, chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Further, one or more of the plurality of seams <NUM> comprise one or more openings extending through the one or more of the plurality of seams <NUM>. For example, opening <NUM> extends through seam <NUM> within the perimeter <NUM> of seam <NUM>. In other words, the opening <NUM> extends through all layers forming the garment at seam <NUM> to provide a vent to allow a fluid exchange (e.g., air, vapor, perspiration) between an interior environment (proximal to a wearer's body) and an exterior environment (proximal to environmental elements), when the garment is worn.

<FIG> depicts a frontal view of a further exemplary upper body garment <NUM>, while <FIG> depicts a back view of the upper body garment <NUM>, in accordance with the claimed invention. Like the upper body garments <NUM> and <NUM>, the upper body garment <NUM> is a vest comprising a collar opening <NUM>, a first armhole 2720A, a second armhole 2720B, a bottom opening <NUM> (waist opening), and an optional closable mechanism <NUM>. Further, the upper body garment <NUM> comprises a plurality of seams <NUM> arranged in a different pattern <NUM> forming a plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>.

Like upper body garments <NUM> and <NUM>, each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> is located at an angle from each adjacent or neighboring seam in the plurality of seams <NUM>. Further, like the upper body garment <NUM>, the plurality of seams <NUM> comprise different sizes when forming the pattern <NUM>. For example, the pattern <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is formed by a repetition of a first seam <NUM> having a first length <NUM>, a second seam <NUM> having a second length <NUM>, a third seam <NUM> having the second length <NUM>, a fourth seam <NUM> having the second length <NUM>, a fifth seam <NUM> having the second length <NUM>, a sixth seam <NUM> having the second length <NUM>, and a seventh seam <NUM> also having the second length <NUM>. The repeated pattern formed from, for example, the first seam <NUM>, the second seam <NUM>, the third seam <NUM>, the fourth seam <NUM>, the fifth seam <NUM>, the sixth seam <NUM>, and the seventh seam <NUM>, collectively form, for example the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> such as interconnected chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As presented above, despite the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> being interconnected, the pattern <NUM> formed by the plurality of seams <NUM>, and the angular orientation (any angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°) of the plurality of seams <NUM> with respect to each other, prevents or minimizes the lateral and downward/upward drift of the thermally insulating material from one chamber to another chamber in the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>. In other words, the lack of a straight path in the lateral direction or in the up/down direction, helps prevent or minimize the thermally insulating material from traveling to and from, for example, interconnected chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Further, one or more of the plurality of seams <NUM> comprise one or more openings. For example, as shown in seam <NUM>, seam <NUM> may comprise an opening <NUM> formed within a perimeter <NUM> defined by a length and a width of the seam <NUM>. In other words, the opening <NUM> is located on the seam <NUM> and is configured extend through all layers of the upper body garment <NUM> forming the seam <NUM>, to provide a vent to allow for a fluid exchange (e.g. air, vapor, perspiration) between an interior environment (proximal to a wearer's body) and an exterior environment (proximal to environmental elements).

Moving on to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> depicts a frontal view of a further exemplary upper body garment <NUM>, while <FIG> depicts a back view of the upper body garment <NUM>, in accordance with the claimed invention. Like the upper body garments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the upper body garment <NUM> is depicted as a vest comprising a collar opening <NUM>, a first armhole 2820A, a second armhole 2820B, a bottom opening <NUM> (waist opening), and an optional closable mechanism <NUM>. Further, the upper body garment <NUM> comprises a plurality of seams <NUM> arranged in a pattern <NUM> forming a plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>. Like upper body garments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> is located at an angle from each adjacent or neighboring seam in the plurality of seams <NUM>.

In the upper body garment <NUM>, the plurality of seams <NUM> are arranged so that adjacent or neighboring seams in the plurality of seams <NUM> are at right angles 2860A, 2860B, 2860C, and 2860D with each other, thereby forming the pattern <NUM> with interconnected chambers <NUM>, where each seam in the plurality of seams <NUM> comprises generally the same length and width like in the upper body garment <NUM>. As presented above, despite the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> being interconnected, the pattern <NUM> formed by the plurality of seams <NUM> and the angular orientation (in this exemplary garment being <NUM>°) of the plurality of seams <NUM> with respect to each other, prevents or helps minimize the lateral and downward/upward drift of the thermally insulating material from one chamber to another chamber in the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM>. In other words, the lack of a straight path in the lateral direction or in the up/down direction helps prevent the thermally insulating material from shifting around.

Further, one or more of the plurality of seams <NUM> comprise one or more openings extending through one or more of the plurality of seams <NUM>. For example, seam <NUM> comprises one or more openings <NUM> within a perimeter <NUM> of the seam <NUM>. In other words, at the seam <NUM>, the one or more openings <NUM> extend through all layers of the seam <NUM> to provide a vent opening to allow for a fluid exchange (e.g. air, vapor, perspiration) between an interior environment (proximal to a wearer's body) and an exterior environment (proximal to environmental elements).

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> depict yet other types of garments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in accordance with the claimed invention. Garments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are only exemplary for the application of the technology described herein. It is contemplated that the technology described herein may be implemented in other types of garments 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. Although <FIG> are depicted as comprising a seam pattern similar to the zig-zag pattern <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, it is contemplated that garments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise any seam pattern that is in accordance with aspects herein. As well, it is contemplated that many other seam patterns may be attained where a plurality of suitably sized discrete seams angularly oriented (any angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°) with respect to each other may be provided. As described above, the seam pattern and the angular orientation of the seams prevent or help minimize thermally insulating materials such as down or synthetic fibers from migrating from their original location even if the chambers formed between the seams are interconnected.

Garment <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is depicted as a jacket/coat having a hood <NUM>, a body portion <NUM> with a first sleeve 2920A and a second sleeve 2920B. Specifically, <FIG> depicts a front view and <FIG> depicts a back view of the garment <NUM>, in accordance with aspects herein. The garment <NUM> may optionally comprise an opening and closing mechanism <NUM> such as, for example, a zipper, a hook and loop mechanism, a sliding mechanism, and the like. When in a closed configuration (as shown), garment <NUM> may further comprise a first opening <NUM> (waist opening) formed by the body portion <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> (face opening) formed by the hood <NUM>, wherein the hood <NUM> is configured to provide protection to a wearer's head when the garment <NUM> is worn. As well, the hood <NUM> in accordance with aspects herein may also comprise a plurality of seams <NUM> as in the rest of the garment <NUM>. As discussed previously, one or more seams of the plurality of seams <NUM> may comprise one or more openings <NUM> within the seam perimeter of the one or more seams in the plurality of seams <NUM>. The one or more openings being configured to allow for a fluid to flow between an interior environment of the garment <NUM> to an exterior environment of the garment <NUM> to provide a more comfortable wear for the wearer. Further, as described above, a plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> may be formed between the plurality of seams <NUM>. Further, because of the angular orientation (between <NUM>° and <NUM>°) of the plurality of seams <NUM> with respect to each other, the insulating material provided in the plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> may be prevented from migrating away from its original location.

Garment <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is depicted as a skirt having a waist opening <NUM> defined by a waistband <NUM>, a body portion <NUM> having a length <NUM> measured between the waistband to a bottom edge <NUM>. Specifically, <FIG> depicts a front view and <FIG> depicts a back view of the garment <NUM>, in accordance with the claimed invention. As shown, the garment <NUM> comprises a plurality of seams <NUM> that are angularly oriented with respect to each other (angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°) where one or more seams in the plurality of seams <NUM> comprise one or more openings <NUM> for allowing a fluid to flow between an inner and an outer environment. As well, a plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> are formed between the plurality of seams <NUM>.

Garment <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is depicted as a pair of pants having a waist opening <NUM> defined by a waistband <NUM>, a body portion <NUM> having a length <NUM> measured between the waistband <NUM> to a bottom edge <NUM>. Specifically, <FIG> depicts a front view and <FIG> depicts a back view of the garment <NUM>, in accordance with the claimed invention. As shown, the garment <NUM> comprises a plurality of seams <NUM> that are angularly oriented with respect to each other (angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°) where one or more seams in the plurality of seams <NUM> comprise one or more openings <NUM> for allowing a fluid flow between an inner and an outer environment. As well, a plurality of interconnected chambers may be <NUM> are formed between the plurality of seams <NUM>.

Garment <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is depicted as a jacket/coat comprising insulated areas 3250A and 3250B on the front, and <NUM> on the back, where the insulated areas 3250A, 3250B, and <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be constructed in a similar manner as the vented-insulation sections or zones described above. Insulated areas 3250A, 3250B, and <NUM> of garment <NUM> comprise one or more seams separating one or more insulated chambers, where at least one seam in the one or more seams comprises one or more openings or perforations located on the at least one seam. As described above, the one or more openings or perforations formed on the one or more seams, in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein may comprise any desired shape and/or size suitable to fit within the boundaries of the seams. In the garment <NUM>, for example, the one or more openings or perforations are in the form of one or more alphanumerical characters and may be formed to spell, for example, a name, a brand name, or a message. Further, as shown, the one or more seams do not have to comprise straight edges or an even uniform width. Rather, as shown, the one or more seams may comprise irregular widths defined by curvilinear perimeters forming symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes, as necessary for a particular garment configuration.

<FIG> shows an exemplary panel <NUM> with an exemplary pattern and seam configuration in accordance with aspects herein. For example, panel <NUM> comprises a plurality of angularly oriented seams <NUM> forming a plurality of interconnected chambers <NUM> between two or more of the plurality of angularly oriented seams <NUM>. Each seam in the plurality of angularly oriented seams <NUM> may be oriented at an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° with respect to a neighboring seam to produce a pattern that prevents or minimizes an open straight path from forming between the plurality of angularly oriented seams <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, seam <NUM> is located at an angle <NUM> with respect to neighboring seam <NUM>, seam <NUM> is located at an angle <NUM> with respect to neighboring seam <NUM>, and seam <NUM> is located at an angle <NUM> with respect to seam <NUM>. Further, one or more seams, such as seams <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise one or more perforations <NUM> in the form of alphanumeric characters located on the seams <NUM> and <NUM>, or one or more seams, such as seams <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise one or more geometrically shaped openings or perforations <NUM>. Although the plurality of angularly oriented seams <NUM> and one or more openings or perforations <NUM> and <NUM> are depicted in a certain specific pattern <NUM>, pattern <NUM> is only exemplary and many more configurations for arranging the plurality of angularly oriented seams <NUM> are available, as well, with many more different configurations for the one or more openings or perforations <NUM> and <NUM>, other than what is shown in <FIG>. This will become more apparent with respect to <FIG>, as further discussed below.

For example, 34A shows a seam configuration <NUM> in accordance with aspects herein, where the openings formed through the seams are a combination of triangular openings and alphanumeric openings. <FIG> shows a seam configuration <NUM> where the openings formed through the seams are a combination of alphanumeric openings with circular openings comprising different sizes. <FIG> shows a seam configuration <NUM> where the seam only comprises alphanumeric openings formed thereon. <FIG> shows a seam configuration <NUM> with alphanumerically shaped openings and circular openings comprising a consistent size. <FIG> shows a seam configuration <NUM> where the openings formed through the seams are a combination of alphanumeric openings with diamond shaped openings. <FIG> shows a seam configuration <NUM> where the seam comprises alphanumerically shaped openings and a combination of diamond shaped openings and circular openings formed thereon. <FIG> shows a seam configuration <NUM> with alphanumerically shaped openings and square shaped openings. <FIG> shows a seam configuration <NUM> similar to the seam configuration <NUM> shown in <FIG> but, showing how the openings can be spaced apart on the seam, where for example, in <FIG>, the gap <NUM> between the circular openings and the alphanumerically shaped openings is bigger than the gap <NUM> between the circular openings and the alphanumerically shaped openings in the seam configuration <NUM>.

<FIG>, on the other hand, show how the seams themselves may be used to form different patterns, logos, and the like to create special visual effects while still maintaining their function of forming chambers for containing thermally insulating materials, therein. For example, <FIG> shows a panel <NUM> for the thermally insulating garments or articles in accordance with aspects herein. For example, the seams or seam areas configured to separate the chambers filled with insulating materials, as discussed earlier, may be formed into any desired shape or pattern such as, for example, linear, organic, curvilinear, and the like. In <FIG>, for example, the plurality of seams or seam areas <NUM> separating the plurality of chambers <NUM> are shown as a combination of linear seams or seam areas <NUM> and <NUM> with alphanumerically shaped seams or seam areas <NUM>. Although the seams or seam areas <NUM> in the present example are shown as being alphanumerically shaped, other designs such as logos, characters, and the like are also contemplated. Further, as shown, one or more seams or seam portions in the plurality of seams or seam areas <NUM> may comprise one or more openings or perforations <NUM>, while other seams or seam portions in the plurality of seams or seam areas <NUM> may remain closed, such as seam area <NUM> of seam <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another exemplary seam configuration <NUM>, where the linear seams or seam areas (e.g. <NUM>) or linear portions of the plurality of seams or seam areas (e.g. <NUM>, and <NUM>) comprise one or more openings or perforations <NUM>, while the alphanumerically shaped seams or seam areas (e.g., <NUM>) remain closed.

Claim 1:
A vented garment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising at least one vented garment panel (<NUM>), the vented garment panel comprising: a first layer and a second layer affixed to each other at a plurality of seams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the plurality of seams are collectively configured to define a plurality of interconnected chambers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); a thermally insulating material (<NUM>, <NUM>) contained within the plurality of interconnected chambers; and at least one opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) on a portion of at least one seam, the at least one opening extending through the portion of the at least one seam, through the first layer, and through the second layer,
characterized in that each seam (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the plurality of seams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises an angular orientation such that the each seam (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is angularly oriented with respect to an adjacent seam (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the plurality of seams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the angular orientation of the plurality of seams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) forms or defines the plurality of interconnected chambers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).