Patent Description:
Various articles of clothing are known in the art. In some instances, articles of clothing may be worn for stylistic purposes. In other situations, articles of clothing may provide protection from the elements (e.g., protection from ultraviolet rays of light from the sun). It some examples, articles of clothing may enhance an athletic experience (e.g., the article of clothing may conform to wearer's body thereby reducing wind resistance or drag).

In most applications, an article of clothing may include at least one material. The at least one material may yield one or more desired functions (e.g., promoting style, providing protection from the elements, and enhancing an athletic experience).

While known articles of clothing have proven acceptable for various applications, such conventional articles of clothing are nevertheless susceptible to improvements that may enhance their overall performance and cost. Therefore, a need exists for improved articles of clothing and methodologies for forming the same.

Document <CIT>describes a flocked material and an article of apparel incorporating the flocked materia according to the preamble of claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

The flocked material includes a substrate and a plurality of flocking fibers. The substrate is formed from a two-dimensional material and has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The flocking fibers are secured to the second surface. In addition, the flocking fibers may form a plurality of apertures that expose at least a portion of the second surface of the substrate. When incorporated into the article of apparel, the flocking fibers may face inward to form at least a portion of an interior surface of the article of apparel. Accordingly, the flocking fibers may be positioned to contact an individual wearing the article of apparel.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which is defined by the claims.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Referring to <FIG>, an article of clothing is shown generally at <NUM>. The article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by a wearer <NUM> for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing <NUM> may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing <NUM> may include a substrate material <NUM> and a flocking material <NUM>.

The flocking material <NUM> may include a plurality of small fiber particles <NUM> (i.e., flock), as illustrated in <FIG>. In a worn state (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by the wearer <NUM> such that the substrate material <NUM> and/or the flocking material <NUM> engages the wearer <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may engage a wearer's skin <NUM>. In this regard, the flocking material <NUM> may enhance the substrate material <NUM> in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material <NUM> may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material <NUM>. Such use of flocking material <NUM> may be well-suited for use in wet conditions. For example, the flocking material <NUM> may be disposed as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by substrate material <NUM>. In this regard, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow in a gap <NUM> defined by and between the wearer's skin <NUM> and the substrate material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the substrate material <NUM> with an intervening material <NUM> such as an adhesive, for example. In other examples, the flocking material <NUM> may be coupled to the substrate material <NUM> without the use of the intervening material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the substrate material <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM>, and plurality of side surfaces <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> may oppose the outer surface <NUM> such that the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> join the inner surface <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM>. In an example, as seen in <FIG>, the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> include a first side surface 24a, a second side surface 24b, a third side surface 24c and a fourth side surface 24d.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> forms a plurality of openings <NUM> through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer <NUM> may extend. Referring to <FIG>, in an example, the plurality of openings <NUM> include a first opening 26a, a second opening 26b, a third opening 26c and a fourth opening 26d. Referring to <FIG>, each opening 26a-26d of the plurality of openings <NUM> may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and a side surface 24a-24d of the plurality of side surfaces <NUM>. For example, (<NUM>) the first opening 26a may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the first side surface 24a; (<NUM>) the second opening 26b may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the second side surface 24b; (<NUM>) the third opening 26c may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the third side surface 24c; and (<NUM>) the fourth opening 26d may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the fourth side surface 24d.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> may include a body-receiving portion <NUM> and at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> (e.g., a sleeve) extending from the body-receiving portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> includes a first sleeve portion 75a and a second sleeve portion 75b.

The body-receiving portion <NUM> is sized for arrangement about a torso T of the wearer <NUM>. The first sleeve portion 75a is sized for arrangement about a right arm of the wearer <NUM>. The second sleeve portion 75b is sized for arrangement about a left arm of the wearer <NUM>. Collectively, the body-receiving portion <NUM>, the first sleeve portion 75a, and the second sleeve portion 75b are sized for use as a shirt (such as, e.g., a short-sleeve shirt).

The first opening 26a is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing a neck N of the wearer <NUM>. The second opening 26b is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing an abdominal region A (e.g., a region generally bounded by the diaphragm and pelvis) of the wearer <NUM>. The third opening 26c is formed by the first sleeve portion 75a and is sized for circumscribing a right arm of the wearer <NUM> above the right elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a bicep region) of the wearer <NUM>. The fourth opening 26d is formed by the second sleeve portion 75b and is sized for circumscribing a left arm of the wearer <NUM> above the left elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a bicep region) of the wearer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>. In some examples, as seen in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at the opening 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d). In some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> near the opening 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d).

In implementations where the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at or near the opening 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, the flocking material <NUM>, including the fiber particles <NUM>, may be arranged in the form of a loop <NUM> or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop <NUM>. The loop <NUM> or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop <NUM> may directly oppose the wearer's skin <NUM> to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing <NUM> about the plurality of openings <NUM> in order to retain the article of clothing <NUM> to the wearer <NUM>.

In other examples, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> away from the plurality of openings <NUM>; in such instances, the flocking material <NUM> is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left shoulder region S and a right shoulder region S) of the wearer. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, according to the claimed invention, the flocking material <NUM> is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of a wearer, and the flocking material <NUM> is arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments <NUM> that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material <NUM> may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments <NUM>. The plurality of line segments <NUM> includes a first group of line segments 30a (see also, e.g., <FIG>), a second group of line segments 30b (see also, e.g., <FIG>) and a third group of line segments 30c (see also, e.g., <FIG>).

According to the claimed invention, the first group of line segments 30a includes an array of downwardly U-shaped line segments. In an example, the first group of line segments 30a includes a first (inner-most) line segment 30ai, a second line segment 30a<NUM>, a third line segment 30as, a fourth line segment 30a<NUM> and a fifth (outer-most) line segment 30as that may be concentric with one another. Each line segment 30a of the first group of line segments 30a may be substantially parallel (+/- <NUM> degrees) to one or more of the other line segments 30a along at least a portion of a length of the line segment 30a, such that the array of line segments 30a defines a plurality of gaps 31a (e.g., areas in which the flocking material <NUM> is not disposed) between consecutive line segments 30a and a plurality of intersections 33a (e.g., locations at which one of the line segments 30a intersects another of the line segments 30a) of consecutive line segments 30a.

According to the claimed invention, the second group of line segments 30b includes an array of downwardly U-shaped, non-intersecting line segments. In an example, the second group of line segments 30b includes a first (inner-most) line segment 30b<NUM> and a second (outermost) line segment 30b<NUM> that may be concentric with one another. The first line segment 30bi may be substantially parallel (+/- <NUM> degrees) to the second line segment 30b<NUM> along at least a portion of a length of the first line segment 30bi, such that the array of line segments 30b defines a plurality of gaps 31b (e.g., areas in which the flocking material <NUM> is not disposed) between consecutive line segments 30b.

According to the claimed invention, the third group of line segments 30c includes an array of upwardly U-shaped, non-intersecting line segments. In an example, the third group of line segments 30c includes a first (inner-most) line segment 30ci, a second line segment 30c<NUM>, a third line segment 30c<NUM> and a fourth (outer-most) line segment 30c<NUM> that may be concentric with one another and with the line segments 30a<NUM>, 30a<NUM>, 30a<NUM>, 30a<NUM>, 30a<NUM> of the first group of line segments 30a and/or the line segments 30b<NUM>, 30b<NUM> of the second group of line segments 30b. Each line segment 30c of the first group of line segments 30c may be substantially parallel (+/- <NUM> degrees) to one or more of the other line segments 30c along at least a portion of a length of the line segment 30c, such that the array of line segments 30c defines a plurality of gaps 31c (e.g., areas in which the flocking material <NUM> is not disposed) between consecutive line segments 30c.

As seen in <FIG>, when the plurality of line segments <NUM> are connected in an intersecting relationship, the first group of line segments 30a may join one or more portions of the second group of line segments 30b to the third group of line segments 30c. Furthermore, a portion of a length of the inner-most line segment 30ai of the first group of line segments 30a including an array of downwardly U-shaped, non-intersecting and intersecting line segments and a portion of a length of the inner-most line segment 30ci of the third group of line segments 30c including an array of upwardly U-shaped, non-intersecting line segments may define a generally pentagonally-shaped gap or opening <NUM> (see dashed line) that is sized for substantially circumscribing a joint or point of articulation region of the wearer. While the gap <NUM> is described and shown as having a similar shape as a pentagon, the gap <NUM> could include a different shape such as, for example, a circular shape. The plurality of line segments <NUM> defined by the flocking material <NUM> may directly oppose the wearer's skin <NUM> to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing <NUM> about the joint or point of articulation region of the wearer in order to retain the article of clothing <NUM> about the joint or point of articulation region of the wearer.

Referring to <FIG>, an article of clothing is shown generally at <NUM>. The article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by the wearer <NUM> for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing <NUM> may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing <NUM> may include a substrate material <NUM> and a flocking material <NUM>.

The flocking material <NUM> may include the plurality of small fiber particles <NUM> (i.e., flock), as illustrated in <FIG>. In the worn state (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by the wearer <NUM> such that the substrate material <NUM> and/or the flocking material <NUM> engages the wearer <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may engage the wearer's skin <NUM>. In this regard, the flocking material <NUM> may enhance the substrate material <NUM> in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material <NUM> may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material <NUM>. Such use of flocking material <NUM> may be well-suited for use in wet conditions. For example, the flocking material <NUM> may be disposed as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by the substrate material <NUM>. In this regard, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow between the wearer's skin <NUM> and the substrate material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the substrate material <NUM> with, an intervening material <NUM>, such as an adhesive. In other examples, the flocking material <NUM> may be coupled to the substrate material <NUM> without the use of the intervening material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the substrate material <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM>, and a plurality of side surfaces <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> may oppose the outer surface <NUM> such that the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> join the inner surface <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM>. In an example, seen in <FIG>, the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> include a first side surface 124a, a second side surface 124b and a third side surface 124c.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> forms a plurality of openings <NUM> through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer <NUM> may extend. Referring to <FIG>, in an example, the plurality of openings <NUM> include a first opening 126a, a second opening 126b and a third opening 126c. Referring to <FIG>, each opening 126a-126c of the plurality of openings <NUM> may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and a side surface 124a-124c of the plurality of side surfaces <NUM>. For example, (<NUM>) the first opening 126a may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the first side surface 124a; (<NUM>) the second opening 126b may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the second side surface 124b; and (<NUM>) the third opening 126c may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the third side surface 124c.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> may include a body-receiving portion <NUM> and at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> (e.g., a leg-receiving portion) extending from the body-receiving portion <NUM>. The at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> may include a first sleeve portion 175a and a second sleeve portion 175b.

The body-receiving portion <NUM> is sized for arrangement about a waist or groin of the wearer <NUM>. The first sleeve portion 175a is sized for arrangement about a right leg of the wearer <NUM>. The second sleeve portion 175b is sized for arrangement about a left leg of the wearer <NUM>. Collectively, the body-receiving portion <NUM>, the first sleeve portion 175a and the second sleeve portion 175b are sized for use as a pair of pants (such as, e.g., a pair of shorts).

The first opening 126a is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing a waist region (e.g., a region generally below the ribs and above the hips H) of the wearer <NUM>. The second opening 126b is formed by the first sleeve portion 175a and is sized for circumscribing a right leg of the wearer <NUM> above the right knee K (e.g., at approximately about a thigh region) of the wearer <NUM>. The third opening 126c is formed by the second sleeve portion 175b and is sized for circumscribing a left leg of the wearer <NUM> above the left knee K (e.g., at approximately about a thigh region) of the wearer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>. In some examples, as seen in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at the opening 126a, 126b, 126c (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface 124a, 124b, 124c). In some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> near the opening 126a, 126b, 126c (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface 124a, 124b, 124c).

In implementations where the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at or near the opening 126a, 126b, 126c, the flocking material <NUM>, including the fiber particles <NUM>, may be arranged in the form of a loop <NUM> or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop <NUM>. The loop <NUM> or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop <NUM> may directly oppose the wearer's skin <NUM> to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing <NUM> about the plurality of openings <NUM> in order to retain the article of clothing <NUM> to the wearer <NUM>.

In other examples, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> away from the plurality of openings <NUM>. In such instances, the flocking material <NUM> is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left hip region H and a right hip region H) of the wearer <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the flocking material <NUM> is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of the wearer <NUM>, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments <NUM> that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material <NUM> may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments <NUM>. The plurality of line segments <NUM> may include the first group of line segments 30a (see also, e.g., <FIG>), the second group of line segments 30b (see also, e.g., <FIG>) and the third group of line segments 30c (see also, e.g., <FIG>).

The flocking material <NUM> may include a plurality of the small fiber particles <NUM> (i.e., flock), as illustrated in <FIG>. In the worn state (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by the wearer <NUM> such that the substrate material <NUM> and/or the flocking material <NUM> engages the wearer <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may engage the wearer's skin <NUM>. In this regard, the flocking material <NUM> may enhance the substrate material <NUM> in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material <NUM> may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material <NUM>. Such use of flocking material <NUM> may be well-suited for use in wet conditions. For example, the flocking material <NUM> may be disposed as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by the substrate material <NUM>. In this regard, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow in the gap <NUM> defined by between a wearer's skin <NUM> and the substrate material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the substrate material <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM>, and a plurality of side surface <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> may oppose the outer surface <NUM> such that the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> join the inner surface <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM>. In an example, seen in <FIG>, the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> include a first side surface 224a, a second side surface 224b, a third side surface 224c and a fourth side surface 224d.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> forms a plurality of openings <NUM> through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer <NUM> may extend. Referring to <FIG>, in an example, the plurality of openings <NUM> include a first opening 226a, a second opening 226b, a third opening 226c and a fourth opening 226d. Referring to <FIG>, each opening 226a-226d of the plurality of openings <NUM> may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and a side surface 224a-224d of the plurality of side surfaces <NUM>. For example, (<NUM>) the first opening 226a may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the first side surface 224a; (<NUM>) the second opening 226b may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the second side surface 224b; (<NUM>) the third opening 226c may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the third side surface 224c; and (<NUM>) the fourth opening 226d may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the fourth side surface 224d.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> may include a body-receiving portion <NUM> and at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> extending from the body-receiving portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> includes a first sleeve portion 275a and a second sleeve portion 275b.

The body-receiving portion <NUM> is sized for arrangement about a torso of the wearer <NUM>. The first sleeve portion 275a is sized for arrangement about a right arm of the wearer <NUM>. The second sleeve portion 275b is sized for arrangement about a left arm of the wearer <NUM>. Collectively, the body-receiving portion <NUM>, the first sleeve portion 275a and the second sleeve portion 275b are sized for use as a shirt (such as, e.g., an approximately three-quarter length sleeve shirt).

The first opening 226a is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing a neck N of the wearer <NUM>. The second opening 226b is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing an abdominal region A (e.g., a region generally bounded by the diaphragm and pelvis) of the wearer <NUM>. The third opening 226c is formed by the first sleeve portion 275a and is sized for circumscribing a right arm of the wearer <NUM> slightly beyond the right elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a forearm region) of the wearer. The fourth opening 226d is formed by the second sleeve portion 275b and is sized for circumscribing a left arm of the wearer <NUM> slightly beyond the left elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a forearm region) of the wearer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>. In some examples, as seen in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at the opening 226a, 226b, 226c, 226d (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d). In some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> near the opening 226a, 226b, 226c, 226d (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d).

In implementations where the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at or near the opening 226a, 226b, 226c, 226d, the flocking material <NUM>, including the fiber particles <NUM>, may be arranged in the form of a loop <NUM> or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop <NUM>. The loop <NUM> or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop <NUM> may directly oppose the wearer's skin <NUM> to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing <NUM> about the plurality of openings <NUM> in order to retain the article of clothing <NUM> to the wearer <NUM>.

In other examples, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> away from the plurality of openings <NUM>; in such instances, the flocking material <NUM> is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left shoulder region S, a right shoulder region S, a left elbow region E and a right elbow region E) of the wearer. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the flocking material <NUM> is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of a wearer, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments <NUM> that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material <NUM> may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments <NUM>. The plurality of line segments <NUM> may include a first group of line segments 30a (see also, e.g., <FIG>), a second group of line segments 30b (see also, e.g., <FIG>) and a third group of line segments 30c (see also, e.g., <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, an article of clothing is shown generally at <NUM>. The article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by a wearer for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing <NUM> may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing <NUM> is formed by at least two materials including a substrate material <NUM> and a flocking material <NUM>.

The flocking material <NUM> may include a plurality of the small fiber particles <NUM> (i.e., flock), as illustrated in <FIG>. In the worn state (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by the wearer <NUM> such that the substrate material <NUM> and/or the flocking material <NUM> engages the wearer <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may engage the wearer's skin <NUM>. In this regard, the flocking material <NUM> may enhance the substrate material <NUM> in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material <NUM> may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material <NUM>. Such use of flocking material <NUM> may be well-suited for use in wet conditions such as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by substrate material <NUM>. In this regard, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow in the gap <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the substrate material <NUM> with an intervening material <NUM> such as an adhesive material <NUM>, for example. In other examples, the flocking material <NUM> may be coupled to the substrate material <NUM> without the intervening material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the substrate material <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM>, and a plurality of side surface <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> may oppose the outer surface <NUM> such that the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> join the inner surface <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM>. In an example, seen in <FIG>, the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> include a first side surface 324a, a second side surface 324b and a third side surface 324c.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> forms a plurality of openings <NUM> through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer <NUM> may extend. Referring to <FIG>, in an example, the plurality of openings <NUM> include a first opening 326a, a second opening 326b and a third opening 326c. Referring to <FIG>, each opening 326a-326c of the plurality of openings <NUM> may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and a side surface 324a-324c of the plurality of side surfaces <NUM>. For example, (<NUM>) the first opening 326a may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the first side surface 324a; (<NUM>) the second opening 326b may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the second side surface 324b; and (<NUM>) the third opening 326c may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the third side surface 324c.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> may include a body-receiving portion <NUM> and at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> extending from the body-receiving portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> includes a first sleeve portion 375a and a second sleeve portion 375b.

The body-receiving portion <NUM> is sized for arrangement about a groin of the wearer <NUM>. The first sleeve portion 375a is sized for arrangement about a right leg of the wearer <NUM>. The second sleeve portion 375b is sized for arrangement about a left leg of the wearer <NUM>. Collectively, the body-receiving portion <NUM>, the first sleeve portion 375a and the second sleeve portion 375b are sized for use as a pair of pants (such as, e.g., a pair of capris).

The first opening 326a is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing a waist region (e.g., a region generally below the ribs and above the hips H) of the wearer <NUM>. The second opening 326b is formed by the first sleeve portion 375a and is sized for circumscribing a right leg of the wearer <NUM> slightly beyond the right knee K (e.g., at approximately about an upper calf region) of the wearer <NUM>. The third opening 326c is formed by the second sleeve portion 375b and is sized for circumscribing a left leg of the wearer <NUM> slightly beyond the left knee K (e.g., at approximately about an upper calf region) of the wearer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>. In some examples, as seen in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at the opening 326a, 326b, 326c (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface 324a, 324b, 324c). In some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> near the opening 326a, 326b, 326c (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface 324a, 324b, 324c).

In implementations where the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at or near the opening 326a, 326b, 326c, the flocking material <NUM>, including the fiber particles <NUM>, may be arranged in the form of a loop <NUM> or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop <NUM>. The loop <NUM> or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop <NUM> may directly oppose the wearer's skin <NUM> to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing <NUM> about the plurality of openings <NUM> in order to retain the article of clothing <NUM> to the wearer <NUM>.

In other examples, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> away from the plurality of openings <NUM>; in such instances, the flocking material <NUM> is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation (e.g., a left hip region H, a right hip region H, a left knee region K and a right knee region K) of the wearer. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the flocking material <NUM> is selectively sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of a wearer, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments <NUM> that are connected in an intersecting relationship. For example, the flocking material <NUM> may be disposed between, and bounded by, a plurality of the line segments <NUM>. The plurality of line segments <NUM> may include a first group of line segments 30a (see also, e.g., <FIG>), a second group of line segments 30b (see also, e.g., <FIG>) and a third group of line segments 30c (see also, e.g., <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, an article of clothing is shown generally at <NUM>. The article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by a wearer for utilization in any number of athletic activities including, but not limited to surfing, skiing and bicycling. In this regard, in some implementations, the article of clothing <NUM> may include a wetsuit or portion thereof. The article of clothing <NUM> may include a substrate material <NUM> and a flocking material <NUM>.

The flocking material <NUM> may include a plurality of the small fiber particles <NUM> (i.e., flock), as illustrated in <FIG>. In the worn state (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by the wearer <NUM> such that the substrate material <NUM> and/or the flocking material <NUM> engages the wearer <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may engage the wearer's skin <NUM>. In this regard, the flocking material <NUM> may enhance the substrate material <NUM> in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material <NUM> may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material <NUM>. Such use of flocking material <NUM> may be well-suited for use in wet conditions such as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by the substrate material <NUM>. In this regard, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may permit a fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow in the gap <NUM> between the wearer's skin <NUM> and the substrate material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the substrate material <NUM> with, an intervening material <NUM>, such as an adhesive, for example. In other examples, the flocking material <NUM> may be coupled to the substrate material <NUM> without the use of the intervening material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the substrate material <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM>, and a plurality of side surfaces <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> may oppose the outer surface <NUM> such that the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> join the inner surface <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM>. In an example, seen in <FIG>, the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> include a first side surface 424a, a second side surface 424b, a third side surface 424c and a fourth side surface 424d.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> forms a plurality of openings <NUM> through which a portion (e.g., arm, leg, waist, neck) of the wearer <NUM> may extend. Referring to <FIG>, in an example, the plurality of openings <NUM> include a first opening 426a, a second opening 426b, a third opening 426c and a fourth opening 426d. Referring to <FIG>, each opening 426a-426d of the plurality of openings <NUM> may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and a side surface 424a-424d of the plurality of side surfaces <NUM>; for example, (<NUM>) the first opening 426a may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the first side surface 424a; (<NUM>) the second opening 426b may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the second side surface 424b; (<NUM>) the third opening 426c may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the third side surface 424c; and (<NUM>) the fourth opening 426d may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the fourth side surface 424d.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> may include a body-receiving portion <NUM> and at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> extending from the body-receiving portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> includes a first sleeve portion 475a and a second sleeve portion 475b.

The body-receiving portion <NUM> is sized for arrangement about a torso of a wearer. The first sleeve portion 475a is sized for arrangement about a right arm of the wearer <NUM>. The second sleeve portion 475b is sized for arrangement about a left arm of the wearer <NUM>. Collectively, the body-receiving portion <NUM>, the first sleeve portion 475a and the second sleeve portion 475b are sized for use as a shirt (such as, e.g., a long-sleeve shirt).

The first opening 426a is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing a neck N of the wearer <NUM>. The second opening 426b is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing an abdominal region A (e.g., a region generally bounded by the diaphragm and pelvis) of the wearer <NUM>. The third opening 426c is formed by the first sleeve portion 475a and is sized for circumscribing a right arm of the wearer 11beyond the right elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a wrist region) of the wearer <NUM>. The fourth opening 426d is formed by the second sleeve portion 475b and is sized for circumscribing a left arm of the wearer 11beyond the left elbow E (e.g., at approximately about a wrist region) of the wearer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>. In some examples, as seen in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at the opening 426a, 426b, 426c, 426d (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d). In some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> near the opening 426a, 426b, 426c, 426d (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d).

In implementations where the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at or near the opening 426a, 426b, 426c, 426d, the flocking material <NUM>, including the fiber particles <NUM>, may be arranged in the form of a loop <NUM> or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop <NUM>. The loop <NUM> or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop <NUM> may directly oppose the wearer's skin <NUM> to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing <NUM> about the plurality of openings <NUM> in order to retain the article of clothing <NUM> to the wearer <NUM>.

The flocking material <NUM> may include a plurality of the small fiber particles <NUM> (i.e., flock), as illustrated in <FIG>. In the worn state (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the article of clothing <NUM> may be worn by the wearer <NUM> such that the substrate material <NUM> and/or the flocking material <NUM> engages the wearer <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may engage the wearer's skin <NUM>. In this regard, the flocking material <NUM> may enhance the substrate material <NUM> in terms of tactile sensation (e.g., the flocking material <NUM> may provide a soft and comfortable feel), aesthetics, color and appearance while providing insulation and slip-or-grip friction to the substrate material <NUM>. Such use of flocking material <NUM> may be well-suited for use in wet conditions. For example, the flocking material <NUM> may be disposed as a primary or base layer of clothing under a wetsuit formed by the substrate material <NUM>. In this regard, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may permit fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to flow between the wearer's skin <NUM> and the substrate material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the substrate material <NUM> with an intervening material <NUM>, such as an adhesive, for example. In other examples, the flocking material <NUM> may be coupled to the substrate material <NUM> without the use of the intervening material <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the substrate material <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM>, and a plurality of side surfaces <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> may oppose the outer surface <NUM> such that the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> join the inner surface <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM>. In an example, seen in <FIG>, the plurality of side surfaces <NUM> include a first side surface 524a, a second side surface 524b and a third side surface 524c.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> forms a plurality of openings <NUM> through which a portion (e.g., arm, let waist, neck) of the wearer <NUM> may extend. Referring to <FIG>, in an example, the plurality of openings <NUM> include a first opening 526a, a second opening 526b and a third opening 526c. Referring to <FIG>, each opening 526a-526c of the plurality of openings <NUM> may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and a side surface 524a-524c of the plurality of side surfaces <NUM>; for example, (<NUM>) the first opening 526a may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the first side surface 524a; (<NUM>) the second opening 526b may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the second side surface 524b; and (<NUM>) the third opening 526c may be defined by the intersection of the inner surface <NUM> and the third side surface 524c.

Referring to <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> may include a body-receiving portion <NUM> and at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> extending from the body-receiving portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the at least one limb-receiving portion <NUM> includes a first sleeve portion 575a and a second sleeve portion 575b.

The body-receiving portion <NUM> is sized for arrangement about a groin of the wearer <NUM>. The first sleeve portion 575a is sized for arrangement about a right leg of the wearer <NUM>. The second sleeve portion 575b is sized for arrangement about a left leg of the wearer <NUM>. Collectively, the body-receiving portion <NUM>, the first sleeve portion 575a and the second sleeve portion 575b are sized for use as a pair of pants (such as, e.g., a pair of trousers).

The first opening 526a is formed by the body-receiving portion <NUM> and is sized for circumscribing a waist region (e.g., a region generally below the ribs and above the hips H) of the wearer <NUM>. The second opening 526b is formed by the first sleeve portion 575a and is sized for circumscribing a right leg of the wearer 11beyond the right knee K (e.g., at approximately about an ankle region) of the wearer <NUM>. The third opening 526c is formed by the second sleeve portion 575b and is sized for circumscribing a left leg of the wearer 11beyond the left knee K (e.g., at approximately about an ankle region) of the wearer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>. In some examples, as seen in <FIG>, the flocking material <NUM> is arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at the opening 526a, 526b, 526c (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to zero from the side surface 524a, 524b, 524c). In some instances, the flocking material <NUM> may be arranged upon the inner surface <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> near the opening 526a, 526b, 526c (i.e., the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at a distance D approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero from the side surface 524a, 524b, 524c).

In implementations where the flocking material <NUM> is arranged at or near the opening 526a, 526b, 526c, the flocking material <NUM>, including the fiber particles <NUM>, may be arranged in the form of a loop <NUM> or a plurality of segments forming an interrupted loop <NUM>. The loop <NUM> or plurality of segments forming the interrupted loop <NUM> may directly oppose the wearer's skin <NUM> to provide a soft or comfortable feel while concurrently restricting movement (e.g., sliding) of the article of clothing <NUM> about the plurality of openings <NUM> in order to retain the article of clothing <NUM> to the wearer <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An article of clothing (<NUM>) comprising:
a substrate material (<NUM>) including an inner surface (<NUM>) and an outer surface (<NUM>) disposed on an opposite side of the substrate material than the inner surface, the substrate material forming a body-receiving portion (<NUM>) and a limb-receiving portion (<NUM>) extending from the body-receiving portion, the body-receiving portion (<NUM>) including a first opening (26a) sized for circumscribing a neck of a wearer, the limb-receiving portion (<NUM>) including a second opening (26c, 26d) sized for circumscribing a limb of the wearer, and a flocking material (<NUM>) arranged adjacent the inner surface (<NUM>) of the substrate material (<NUM>) proximate at least one of the first opening (26a) and the second opening (26c, 26d), the limb-receiving portion (<NUM>) including a joint portion operable to oppose a joint of the wearer;
characterized in that
the flocking material (<NUM>) is arranged upon the inner surface (<NUM>) of the substrate material (<NUM>) away from the first opening (26a) and the second opening (26c, 26d) such that the flocking material (<NUM>) is sized for arrangement about joints or points of articulation of the wearer,
wherein the flocking material is arranged in the form of a pattern of a plurality of line segments (<NUM>) that are connected in an intersecting relationship,
wherein the plurality of line segments includes a first group of line segments (30a), a second group of line segments (30b) and a third group of line segments (30c),
wherein the first group of line segments (30a) includes an array of downwardly U-shaped line segments,
wherein the second group of line segments (30b) includes an array of downwardly U-shaped non-intersecting line segments and,
wherein the third group of line segments (30c) includes an array of upwardly U-shaped non-intersecting line segments.