Patent Description:
Traditional articles of apparel generally have a static level of fit across different environmental conditions.

<CIT> describes a textile fabric that includes a smooth surface with one or more regions having a bound coating of hydrogel exhibiting expansion or contraction in response to change in relative humidity or exposure to liquid sweat or a combination thereof, adjusting insulation performance, air movement, and/or liquid management of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.

<CIT> describes an active self-transformable material comprising a flexible base material with an active material disposed on or within the flexible base material in a specific pattern. More particularly, the active material and the flexible base material differ in properties such that the active material is reactive to an external stimulus trigger that to cause an automatic transformation of the active self-transformable material into a predetermined <NUM>-dimensional transformed shape.

The claimed invention is defined by independent claim <NUM>. Additional embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. The subject matter of the claimed invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways.

Traditional articles of apparel generally include a static level of fit across different environmental conditions. Aspects herein provide for an article of apparel formed from a base textile and having one or more overlay film structures affixed to the base textile that swell or increase in dimension in response to an external stimulus such as moisture. The change in dimension of the overlay film structures causes the base textile to also undergo a change in dimension resulting in an adjustment in the level of fit of the article of apparel.

At a high level, aspects herein are directed to an article of apparel formed of a base textile that includes a plurality of discrete overlay film structures affixed to the base textile in one or more locations on the article of apparel. When the overlay film structures are exposed to an external stimulus, such as moisture, the film structures undergo a change in dimension such as, for example, an increase in height in the z-direction, an increase in length in the y-direction, and/or an increase in width in the x-direction. Because the film structures are fully adhered to the base textile, the change in dimension of the film structures causes the base textile to also undergo a change in dimension, such as a decrease in width in the x-direction and/or a decrease in length in the y-direction due to the base textile "puckering" or being tensioned in the z-direction in areas underlying the overlay film structures.

The combination of the change in dimension of the overlay film structures and the base textile can be utilized to change the level of fit of the article of apparel. For example, when the overlay film structures are applied circumferentially around, for instance, a sleeve portion, a leg portion, and/or a torso portion of an article of apparel and the article of apparel is exposed to an external stimulus, such as moisture, the circumference of the sleeve portion, the leg portion, and/or the torso portion of the article may decrease due to the cumulative effect of the puckering of the base textile. This may be advantageous in situations where a tighter fit is desired to, for instance, reduce drag such as in swimming, surfing, or running. In another example, a tighter fit may be desired to reduce movement between the base textile and the wearer's skin surface. When the external stimulus is removed, the overlay film structures transition back to their pre-exposure state, the puckering or deformation of the base textile relaxes, and the circumference of the sleeve portion, the leg portion, and/or the torso portion reverts to its baseline circumference. Using a surfer wearing a board short as an example, when the surfer begins surfing, the board short tightens around, for instance, the surfer's legs reducing drag, and when the surfer is done surfing and the board short dries, the board short reverts to its pre-surfing appearance which may be a desirable aesthetic for the surfer.

As used herein, the term "article of apparel" encompasses any number of products meant to be worn by a wearer including upper-body garments (e.g., shirts, jackets, hoodies, pullovers), lower-body garments (e.g., pants, shorts, leggings), articles of footwear such as shoes or socks, articles of headwear (e.g., hats), gloves, sleeves (e.g., arm sleeves, calf sleeves), and the like, but the claimed invention relates to a lower-body garment.

Positional terms used when describing the article of apparel such as front, back, inner-facing surface, outer-facing surface, proximal, distal, medial, lateral, and the like are with respect to the article of apparel being worn as intended with the wearer standing upright. As such, when the article of apparel is in the form of an upper-body garment or a lower-body garment, the front of the article of apparel is configured to cover, for instance, a front torso area, a front arm area, or a front leg area of the wearer, and the back of the article of apparel is configured to cover the back torso area, the back arm area, or the back leg area of the wearer. Similarly, the inner-facing surface of the article of apparel is configured to be in face-sharing contact (defined as a surface of a first material that is in contact or near contact with a surface of a second material) with a wearer's skin surface or a base layer, and the outer-facing surface of the article of apparel is configured to face toward the external environment.

The term "x-direction" when referring to, for instance, an upper-body garment means a direction extending along the horizontal width of the upper-body garment from one sleeve to the opposite sleeve. When referring to lower-body garments, the x-direction extends from one leg portion to the opposite leg portion. The term "y-direction" when referring to an upper-body garment means a direction extending along the vertical length of the upper-body garment from a neck opening to a waist opening or from a sleeve opening to the neck opening. When referring to lower-body garments, the y-direction extends from a waist opening to a leg opening. The term "z-direction" means a direction that extends away from the surface of the upper- or lower-body garments in a positive or negative direction and that is orthogonal to the x- and y-directions.

The term "external stimulus" as used herein encompasses any number of stimuli such as temperature, pressure, moisture, electrical energy, magnetic energy, light, sound, and the like. In one example aspect, the external stimulus is moisture where the moisture can be in the form of liquid water, water vapor, perspiration, and the like.

The term "base textile" as used herein means any material or fabric that is used to form, at least in part, an article of apparel. In example aspects, the degree of puckering or movement of the base textile in the z-direction may be dependent on a number of factors associated with the base textile. For example, the degree of movement of the base textile in the z-direction may be dependent on the moisture regain value of the yarn(s) used to form the base textile where moisture regain is defined as the percentage of moisture an oven-dry fiber or filament will absorb from the air when at standard temperature and relative humidity. As an example, when the base textile is formed from yarns having a low moisture regain, such as polyester or nylon, the base textile may undergo a greater degree of deformation or puckering compared to when the base textile is formed from yarns having a high moisture regain, such as cotton. This is because yarns having a high moisture regain will typically absorb moisture causing the yarn to swell or expand which counteracts the tensioning forces generated by the swelling of the overlay film structures and results in a lesser degree of puckering of the base textile.

Another factor that influences the degree of movement of the base textile in the z-direction is its weight. In aspects, the base textile may comprise a lightweight fabric (e.g., from about <NUM> grams per square meter (gsm) to about <NUM> gsm) or an ultra-lightweight fabric (e.g., from about <NUM> gsm to about <NUM> gsm) although heavier weight fabrics are contemplated herein. Lightweight and ultra-lightweight fabric may pucker to a greater degree than heavier weight fabrics. In further example aspects, the degree of movement of the base textile in the z-direction may be dependent on the presence of elastomeric yarns that exhibit stretch and recovery properties such as, for example, Spandex®. When, for example, textile types, textile weights, and textile constructions (e.g., knit or woven) are the same, base textiles that include elastomeric yarns may exhibit a greater degree of movement in the z-direction than textiles that do not include elastomeric yarns. Thus, the degree of movement of the base textile in the z-direction may be adjusted based on the type of yarn used to form the base textile, the weight of the base textile, and/or the use of elastomeric yarns in the base textile.

The term "discrete overlay film structure" as used herein refers to a film application on the base textile where each film structure is spaced apart from (i.e., discrete from) an adjacent film structure by an expanse or portion of the base textile. In example aspects, the film may be applied to the base textile using an intermediate adhesive layer that fully adheres the film to the base textile. Aspects herein contemplate that the film may comprise any film that expands in one or more of the x-direction, the y-direction, and/or the z-direction when exposed to an external stimulus such as moisture while remaining affixed or adhered to the base textile. In an example aspect, the film may comprise a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), and more specifically a poly-butylene terephthalate based (PBT-based) TPEE film that is configured to transport or diffuse moisture from one surface of the film to a second opposite surface of the film. The transport of the moisture may be facilitated by the presence of hydrophilic molecules (molecules that attract or have an affinity for water) within the film where a greater number of hydrophilic molecules may result in a greater transport of moisture. The movement of moisture through the film may be measured using a water vapor transmission test such as ASTM E96 B, and in example aspects, the water vapor transmission rate of the film may be from about <NUM>/m<NUM>/day to about <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>/day, from about <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>/day to about <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>/day, from about <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>/day to about <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>/day, from about <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>/day to about <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>/day, or about <NUM>,<NUM>/m<NUM>/day. As used herein, the term "about" means ± <NUM>% of an indicated value. An example PBT-based TPEE film is TPEE48 manufactured by Far Eastern New Century Corporation in Taipei, Taiwan.

The amount of movement of the underlying base textile in the z-direction caused by the film structures may be dependent on the thickness of the film structures and on the surface area of the film structures. Aspects herein contemplate the film structures having a thickness from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns, from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns, from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns, from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns, from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns, or about <NUM> microns. In general, a thicker film structure will cause more movement of the base textile in the z-direction than a thinner film structure dependent on the film structure's thickness being such that moisture is able to diffuse through the film structure within a reasonable time frame. Additionally, a film structure with a greater surface area will cause more deformation of the base textile than a film structure with a smaller surface area.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a first surface <NUM> of a base textile <NUM> used to form an article of apparel before the base textile <NUM> is exposed to an external stimulus. The base textile <NUM> has a width <NUM> in the x-direction and a length <NUM> in the y-direction. The base textile <NUM> includes a plurality of discrete overlay film structures <NUM>. As shown in the magnified view of <FIG>, the discrete overlay film structures <NUM> have a generally oval shape with a long axis <NUM> of each of the film structures <NUM> oriented in the y-direction and a short axis <NUM> of each of the film structures <NUM> oriented in the x-direction; the long axis <NUM> is longer than the short axis <NUM>. The dimensions of the long axis <NUM> and the short axis <NUM> are variable and dependent upon the intended use of the overlay film structures <NUM>. The shape and the orientation of the discrete overlay film structures <NUM> are illustrative only, and other shapes and orientations are contemplated herein. Using multiple, discrete overlay film structures as opposed to a continuous film allows for more exposure of the base textile <NUM> which can provide functional advantages based on the characteristics of the base textile <NUM> such as moisture wicking, permeability, breathability, and the like. Also, use of discrete overlay film structures as opposed to a continuous film allows for fine-tuning of where deformation of the base textile <NUM> is desired.

The discrete overlay film structures <NUM> are shown as being applied in a gradient pattern with a greater concentration of the overlay film structures <NUM> in a first location <NUM> of the base textile <NUM> compared to a second location <NUM> of the base textile. The difference in concentration may be due to, for instance, a decrease in the number of film structures <NUM> per unit area and/or a change in the size or surface area of the individual film structures <NUM> per unit area. Applying the film structures <NUM> in a gradient pattern allows for a customization of the degree of deformation of the base textile <NUM> when the base textile <NUM> is exposed to an external stimulus. For instance, more deformation of the base textile <NUM> may occur in the first location <NUM> compared to the second location <NUM>. In example aspects, and as shown, the overlay film structures <NUM> are applied in a grid pattern having generally linear columns and rows of film structures <NUM>. Applying the film structures <NUM> in a grid pattern enables the base textile <NUM> to linearly bend or fold in areas between adjacent columns and/or rows of film structures <NUM> which, for example, improves pliability of the base textile <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a second opposite surface <NUM> of the base textile <NUM> before the base textile <NUM> is exposed to the external stimulus. As shown, the second surface <NUM> is generally planar or smooth. In example aspects, the second surface <NUM> may not include any film structures <NUM> although it is contemplated herein that film structures <NUM> may additionally be applied to the second surface <NUM> of the base textile <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the base textile <NUM> in the x-direction (cut line 1C-1C of <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the base textile <NUM> in the y-direction (cut line 1D-1D of <FIG>). The film structures <NUM> have a thickness <NUM> before being exposed to an external stimulus. In aspects, the film structures <NUM> are affixed to the first surface <NUM> of the base textile <NUM> using an intermediate adhesive layer that fully adheres the film structures <NUM> to the base textile <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the first surface <NUM> of the base textile <NUM> after the base textile <NUM> is exposed to an external stimulus. Upon exposure to the external stimulus, the film structures <NUM> swell and/or increase in dimension primarily in, for example, the positive z-direction but may also increase in dimension in the positive and/or negative x-direction and/or the positive and/or negative y-direction (i.e., the film structures <NUM> omnidirectionally expand). When the external stimulus is moisture, and the film structures <NUM> are formed from a PBT-based TPEE film, the swelling of the film structures <NUM> may be due to the water molecules diffusing through the film. Because the film structures <NUM> are adhered to the base textile <NUM>, as the film structures <NUM> increase in dimension, the film structures <NUM> may "lift" the base textile <NUM> in the areas underlying the film structures <NUM> or cause the base textile <NUM> to move in the positive z-direction in the areas underlying the film structures <NUM>. The result is that the base textile <NUM> "puckers" to form debossed regions <NUM> that extend concavely away from the second surface <NUM> of the base textile <NUM> and toward the first surface <NUM>. This aspect is shown in <FIG> which is a depiction of the second surface <NUM> of the base textile <NUM> after the base textile <NUM> has been exposed to the external stimulus.

In example aspects, when exposed to the external stimulus, the film structures <NUM> may fold or bend more along their long axes <NUM> and/or parallel to the long axes <NUM> compared to their short axes <NUM> resulting in a greater deformation of the base textile <NUM> in the x-direction compared to the y-direction. The greater folding or bending along the long axis <NUM> may be because there is less volume of the base textile <NUM> to be moved as measured across the short axis <NUM> of the film structures <NUM> compared to along the long axis <NUM> of the film structures <NUM>. This is shown in <FIG> which is a cross-sectional view of the base textile <NUM> in the x-direction of the base textile <NUM> (cut line 2C-2C of <FIG> which is a cross-sectional view of the base textile <NUM> in the y-direction (cut line 2D-2D of <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, after exposure to the external stimulus, the film structures <NUM> have a thickness <NUM> where the thickness <NUM> is greater than the thickness <NUM>. <FIG> further depicts the film structures <NUM> folding or bending along their long axis <NUM> causing the underlying base textile <NUM> to also fold or bend in the x-direction which creates the debossed regions <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, there is less folding or bending of the film structures <NUM> along their short axis <NUM> and thus less deformation of the base textile <NUM> in the y-direction. Based on the cumulative effect of the debossed regions <NUM>, the overall width <NUM> of the base textile <NUM> may decrease to a new width <NUM>, and there may also be a decrease in the overall length <NUM> of the base textile <NUM> to a new length <NUM>. In example aspects, because of the orientation of the film structures <NUM>, there may be a greater decrease in the width of the base textile <NUM> compared to the length of the base textile <NUM>. To describe this more generally, to achieve a desired decrease of the base textile <NUM> in a specified direction, the film structures <NUM> may be oriented such that their long axes are perpendicular to the specified direction.

When the film structures <NUM> are no longer exposed to, for example, moisture, the film structures <NUM> undergo a decrease in swelling due to a reduction or cessation of water molecules moving through the film structures <NUM>. The film structures <NUM> return to their pre-exposure, planar state, the debossed regions <NUM> relax, and the base textile <NUM> reverts to its pre-exposure width <NUM> and length <NUM>. Thus, use of the film structures <NUM> enables a reversible change in dimension of the base textile <NUM>.

The use of film structures to achieve a decrease in the width and/or length of a base textile may be used to adjust the fit of a garment. For example, <FIG> depict front and back views respectively of a lower-body garment <NUM> being worn by a wearer <NUM> before the lower-body garment <NUM> is exposed to an external stimulus. The lower-body garment <NUM> is formed from a base textile <NUM> and includes a front torso area <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and a back torso area <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that define a waist opening <NUM> having a waist circumference <NUM>. The lower-body garment <NUM> also includes a first leg portion <NUM> having a first leg opening <NUM>, and a second leg portion <NUM> having a second leg opening <NUM>. The first leg portion <NUM> and the second leg portion <NUM> may each have a circumference <NUM>. Although shown as a short, it is contemplated herein that the lower-body garment <NUM> may be a pant, a three-quarter pant, a tight, and the like. In one example aspect, the lower-body garment <NUM> may be a board short used for swimming and/or surfing. With respect to this aspect, the base textile <NUM> may be a tightly woven construction formed from polyester yarns and/or nylon yarns and optionally including elastomeric yarns. The use of a tightly woven construction along with yarns having a low moisture regain (e.g., polyester and/or nylon) helps to prevent the yarns forming the base textile from absorbing excess water and helps to prevent water from accumulating in the spaces between the yarns forming the base textile.

In an optional aspect, the lower-body garment <NUM> includes a first plurality of discrete overlay film structures <NUM> that extend circumferentially around the front torso area <NUM> and the back torso area <NUM> adjacent to (e.g., within about <NUM> to about <NUM>) the waist opening <NUM>. Although shown as being positioned adjacent to the waist opening <NUM>, it is contemplated herein that the film structures <NUM> may be positioned uniformly on the front torso area <NUM> and the back torso area <NUM>. The lower-body garment <NUM> also includes a second plurality of discrete overlay film structures <NUM> that extend circumferentially around the first leg portion <NUM> and a third plurality of discrete overlay film structures <NUM> that extend circumferentially around the second leg portion <NUM>. The film structures <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned adjacent to (e.g., within about <NUM> to about <NUM>) from the first leg opening <NUM> and the second leg opening <NUM> respectively. The film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are shown applied to the outer-facing surface of the lower-body garment <NUM>, but aspects herein contemplate the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> being applied to the inner-facing surface of the lower-body garment <NUM>.

The location and number of film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are illustrative and it is contemplated that the lower-body garment <NUM> may include just the film structures <NUM> or just the film structures <NUM> and/or <NUM>. The lower-body garment <NUM> may include additional film structures (not shown) to achieve an adaptive fit in other locations on the lower-body garment <NUM>. For example, the lower-body garment <NUM> may include film structures that are positioned just on the front torso area <NUM> or the front of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM>, or just on the back torso area <NUM> or the back of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> such that the film structures do not extend circumferentially around the respective torso area or leg portions. Positioning the film structures as described may cause a change in dimension of the base textile that is limited to the front or back of the lower-body garment <NUM> (e.g., a localized change in dimension). Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

To achieve the desired adaptive fit, and as explained below, the first, second, and third pluralities of discrete overlay film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are oriented with each of their long axes extending along the length of the lower-body garment <NUM> (the y-direction) and each of their short axes extending along the width of the lower-body garment <NUM> (the x-direction). To further achieve the desired adaptive fit with respect to the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM>, there is a greater concentration of the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> at the distal ends of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> (closer to the respective first and second leg openings <NUM> and <NUM>) compared to the proximal ends of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The greater concentration of the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> at the distal ends of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> compared to the proximal ends of the leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be due to a decrease in number of the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> when moving from the distal end to the proximal end and/or a decrease in the size of the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> when moving from the distal end to the proximal end. Having a greater concentration of the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> at the distal ends of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> facilitates a greater decrease in circumference of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> in this area resulting in a close fit of the lower-body garment <NUM> in the lower thigh/knee area of the wearer. As well, in optional aspects, there may be a greater concentration of the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> on the lateral aspects of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> compared to the medial aspects of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Concentrating the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> more on the lateral aspects than the medial aspects of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> may reflect the construction of a typical short where there may be a greater volume of material on the lateral sides of the leg portions compared to the inseam area and may also reduce opportunities for chafing between the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> and the sensitive skin at the inner thigh area of a wearer especially when the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned on the inner-facing surface of the lower-body garment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower-body garment <NUM> may not be closely adherent to the wearer's waist or legs to achieve a more casual aesthetic. In other words, there may be some extra space between, for instance, the wearer's waist and the waist opening <NUM> of the lower-body garment <NUM> and between the wearer's legs and the first and second leg openings <NUM> and <NUM> of the lower-body garment <NUM>. This may be desirable in some situations, but in other situations, the wearer may desire a closer fit in these areas to, for example, reduce drag.

<FIG> depict front and back views respectively of the lower-body garment <NUM> after the garment <NUM> has been exposed to an external stimulus such as moisture or water. As explained with respect to the base textile <NUM>, exposure of the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to the external stimulus causes the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to expand, for instance, at least in the positive z-direction and/or in the x-direction and the y-direction, and to fold or bend at least along their long axes. Because each of the long axes of the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is oriented along the length (or y-direction) of the lower-body garment <NUM>, the folding or bending of the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> along their long axes causes the base textile <NUM> to shorten in the x-direction based on movement of the base textile <NUM> in the positive z-direction by the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Due to the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> being applied circumferentially around the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the waist opening <NUM> of the lower-body garment <NUM>, the cumulative shortening of the base textile <NUM> in the x-direction in these areas causes the circumference of the waist opening <NUM> and the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> to decrease. For instance, after exposure to the external stimulus, the waist opening <NUM> may have a waist circumference <NUM> that is less than the waist circumference <NUM>, and the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> have a circumference <NUM> that is less than the circumference <NUM> of the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> before the lower-body garment <NUM> is exposed to the external stimulus. When the film structures <NUM> are applied uniformly to the front torso area <NUM> and the back torso area <NUM> of the lower-body garment <NUM>, the circumference of the entire torso portion of the lower-body garment <NUM> may decrease.

This decrease in circumference is shown in <FIG> which is a cross-sectional view of the first leg portion <NUM> of <FIG> taken along cut line 3E-3E, and <FIG> which is a cross-sectional view of the first leg portion <NUM> of <FIG> taken along cut line 3F-3F. <FIG> illustrates the first leg portion <NUM> having the circumference <NUM> before the lower-body garment <NUM> is exposed to the external stimulus. <FIG> illustrates the first leg portion <NUM> having the circumference <NUM> after the lower-body garment <NUM> is exposed to the external stimulus where the circumference <NUM> is less than the circumference <NUM>. The second leg portion <NUM> and the waist opening <NUM> would exhibit a similar decrease in circumference. In example aspects, the decrease in circumference of the respective portions may be about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% although values less than and greater than these are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

The tightening of the waist opening <NUM> and the first and second leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> may create a more aerodynamic or hydrodynamic profile for the lower-body garment <NUM> and reduce potential drag points. This may be beneficial in sports such as swimming, running, surfing, and the like. When the lower-body garment <NUM> is no longer exposed to the external stimulus, the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> transition back to flattened state, the deformation of the base textile <NUM> relaxes, and the circumferences <NUM> and <NUM> revert to the circumferences <NUM> and <NUM> respectively.

In an aspect, not forming part of the claimed invention, the film structures may also be used to adjust the fit of an upper-body garment such as upper-body garment <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> depict front and back views respectively of the upper-body garment <NUM> being worn by a wearer <NUM> before the upper-body garment <NUM> is exposed to an external stimulus. The upper-body garment <NUM> is formed from a base textile <NUM> and includes a front torso area <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and a back torso area <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that define a waist opening <NUM> having a waist circumference <NUM>. The upper-body garment <NUM> also includes a first sleeve portion <NUM> having a first sleeve opening <NUM>, and a second sleeve portion <NUM> having a second sleeve opening <NUM>. The first sleeve opening <NUM> and the second sleeve opening <NUM> may each have a circumference <NUM>. Although shown as a pull-over shirt, it is contemplated herein that the upper-body garment <NUM> may comprise a jacket, a long-sleeved shirt, a three-quarter sleeve shirt, a tank top, a hoodie, and the like.

The upper-body garment <NUM> is depicted as including three sets of overlay film structures including a first plurality of discrete overlay film structures <NUM> that extend circumferentially around the front torso area <NUM> and the back torso area <NUM> adjacent to (e.g., within about <NUM> to about <NUM>) the waist opening <NUM>. This positioning is illustrative only, and it is contemplated herein that the film structures <NUM> may be positioned uniformly between a neck opening of the upper-body garment <NUM> and the waist opening <NUM> to facilitate an overall decrease in circumference of the torso portion of the upper-body garment <NUM> when the upper-body garment <NUM> is exposed to an external stimulus.

The upper-body garment <NUM> also includes a second plurality of discrete overlay film structures <NUM> that extend circumferentially around the first sleeve portion <NUM> and a third plurality of discrete overlay film structures <NUM> that extend circumferentially around the second sleeve portion <NUM>. The film structures <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned adjacent to (e.g., within about <NUM> to about <NUM>) the first sleeve opening <NUM> and the second sleeve opening <NUM> respectively although it is contemplated herein that the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be applied uniformly to the first sleeve portion <NUM> and the second sleeve portion <NUM>. The film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are shown as applied to the outer-facing surface of the upper-body garment <NUM>, but aspects herein contemplate the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> being applied to the inner-facing surface of the upper-body garment <NUM>. The location and number of the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is illustrative and it is contemplated that the upper-body garment <NUM> may include just the film structures <NUM> or just the film structures <NUM> and/or <NUM>. The upper-body garment <NUM> may include additional film structures (not shown) to achieve an adaptive fit in other locations on the upper-body garment <NUM> such as film structures located on just the front torso area <NUM> or the front of the first and/or second sleeve portions <NUM> and/or <NUM>, or film structures located on just the back torso area <NUM> or the back of the first and/or second sleeve portions <NUM> and/or <NUM>. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

To achieve a desired adaptive fit, the first, second, and third pluralities of discrete overlay film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are oriented with each of their long axes extending along the length of the upper-body garment <NUM> (the y-direction) and each of their short axes extending along the width of the upper-body garment <NUM> (the x-direction). In example aspects, to further achieve the desired adaptive fit with respect to the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM>, there may be a greater concentration of the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> at the distal ends of the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM> (closer to the first and second sleeve openings <NUM> and <NUM>) compared to the proximal ends of the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM> (farther away from the first and second sleeve openings <NUM> and <NUM>). Although not shown, there may also be a greater concentration of the film structures <NUM> and <NUM> on the lateral aspects of the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM> compared to the medial aspects of the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the upper-body garment <NUM> may not be closely adherent to the wearer's waist or arms to provide a more casual aesthetic.

<FIG> depict front and back views respectively of the upper-body garment <NUM> after the garment <NUM> has been exposed to an external stimulus such as moisture or water. Exposure of the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to the external stimulus causes the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to expand, for instance, at least in the positive z-direction and/or in the x-direction and the y-direction, and to fold or bend at least along their long axes. Because each of the long axes of the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are oriented along the length (or y-direction) of the upper-body garment <NUM> or along the length of the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM>, the folding or bending of the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> along their long axes causes the base textile <NUM> to shorten in the x-direction based on movement of the base textile <NUM> in the positive z-direction by the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Due to the film structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> being applied circumferentially around the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the waist opening <NUM> of the upper-body garment <NUM>, the cumulative shortening of the base textile <NUM> in the x-direction in these areas causes the circumference of the waist opening <NUM> and the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM> to decrease. For instance, after exposure to the external stimulus, the waist opening <NUM> may have a waist circumference <NUM> that is less than the waist circumference <NUM>, and the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM> may have a circumference <NUM> that is less than the circumference <NUM> of the first and second sleeve portions <NUM> and <NUM> before the upper-body garment <NUM> is exposed to the external stimulus.

The film structures described with respect to the lower-body garment <NUM> and the upper-body garment <NUM> may be oriented in different directions than shown. For example, if a decrease in the length of a garment is desired (e.g., a shortening of a pant leg length or an arm sleeve length), the film structures may be oriented so that each of their long axes extend in the x-direction and each of their short axes extend in the y-direction. If shortening of the garment is desired along a diagonal axis (an axis skewed from the x-direction and the y-direction), each of the long axes of the film structures may be oriented perpendicular to the desired diagonal axis. When a generally equal decrease in the length and the width of a garment is desired, film structures that have a uniform axis along their length and width (e.g., circular film structures, square film structures) may be used at a desired location on the garment. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

In another aspect, not forming part of the claimed invention, the film structures described herein may be applied to other articles of apparel besides garments. <FIG> depicts an article of footwear in the form of a shoe <NUM> formed of a base textile <NUM>. A first plurality of overlay film structures <NUM> are shown applied to a forefoot portion of a shoe upper <NUM> with the long axes of the film structures <NUM> oriented in a toe-to-heel direction and the short axes of the film structures <NUM> oriented in a medial-to-lateral direction. Although shown as being applied to the outer-facing surface of the shoe upper <NUM>, it is contemplated herein that the film structures <NUM> may be applied to the inner-facing surface of the shoe upper <NUM>. When the film structures <NUM> are exposed to an external stimulus, such as moisture, the film structures <NUM> may swell and/or fold along their long axes causing a tightening of the shoe upper <NUM> in a medial-to-lateral direction. This may be useful to create a tighter fit and prevent a wearer's foot from sliding when the shoe <NUM> is exposed to, for example, water. Once the external stimulus is removed, the shoe <NUM> reverts to a more loose fit. The location and shape of the film structures <NUM> on the upper <NUM> is illustrative, and it is contemplated herein that the shoe <NUM> may include additional film structures with different orientations to achieve a desired fit. For example, the long axes of the film structures <NUM> may be oriented in a medial-to-lateral direction to cause a shortening of the shoe upper <NUM> in a toe-to-heel direction. In another example, the film structures <NUM> may have a uniform axis (e.g., a circle shape), and when the shoe upper <NUM> is exposed to the external stimulus, the shoe upper <NUM> may undergo a shortening in the medial-to-lateral direction and the toe-to-heel direction.

In further aspects, not forming part of the claimed invention, the film structures may be applied to other articles of footwear such as socks to create a tighter fit when the sock is exposed to, for example, moisture, which may prevent the sock from shifting with respect to the wearer's skin surface. The film structures may also be applied to other articles of apparel such as, for example, hats. <FIG> illustrates a hat <NUM> having a plurality of discrete overlay film structures <NUM> applied circumferentially around a lower edge <NUM> of the hat <NUM> with the long axes of the film structures <NUM> oriented perpendicular to the lower edge <NUM>. When the hat <NUM> is exposed to, for instance, moisture, the circumference of the hat <NUM> may tighten thus helping the hat <NUM> remain securely seated on the head of the wearer. Although the film structures <NUM> are shown as applied to an outer-facing surface of the hat <NUM>, it is contemplated herein that the film structures <NUM> may be applied to an inner-facing surface of the hat <NUM>. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

The oval shape depicted for the film structures is just one example of different shape configurations for the film structures. <FIG> depict example alternative shapes for the film structures. <FIG> depicts a base textile <NUM> having film structures <NUM> with a circular shape. Because a circular shape has a fixed diameter, swelling of the film structures <NUM> would cause a generally equal decrease in both the width and length of the base textile <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a base textile <NUM> having film structures <NUM> with a diamond shape. Because a diamond shape has a generally equal length and width, swelling of the film structures <NUM> would also cause a generally equal decrease in both the width and length of the base textile <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a base textile <NUM> having film structures <NUM> with a quadrilateral shape having two pairs of equal length sides that are adjacent to each other. Similar to the oval shape, the film structures <NUM> have a long axis and a short axis and thus would generally cause an unequal change in dimension of the base textile <NUM> when the base textile <NUM> is exposed to an external stimulus. Additional shapes for the film structures are contemplated herein including asymmetric shapes such as crescents, organic shapes, half-circle shapes, alphanumeric shapes, and the like. As well, it is contemplated herein that the base textile may include a number of different shaped film structures and/or film structures with different sizes and/or surface areas. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

The film structures that are applied to a base textile may have different thicknesses. <FIG> depicts a base textile <NUM> before the base textile <NUM> is exposed to an external stimulus, The base textile <NUM> includes a first film structure <NUM> with a first thickness <NUM> and a second film structure <NUM> with a second thickness <NUM> that is less than the first thickness <NUM> of the first film structure <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the base textile <NUM> after being exposed to an external stimulus, such as moisture. The first film structure <NUM> increases in dimension in at least the z-direction to thickness <NUM>, and the second film structure <NUM> increases in dimension in at least the z-direction to thickness <NUM>, where the thickness <NUM> is less than the thickness <NUM>. Because the first film structure <NUM> is thicker than the second film structure <NUM>, it may cause a greater movement of the base textile <NUM> in the z-direction when exposed to the external stimulus as shown by the first film structure <NUM> having a greater offset <NUM> than an offset <NUM> associated with the second film structure <NUM> after the base textile <NUM> is exposed to the external stimulus.

<FIG> depicts a flow diagram of an example method of manufacturing an article of apparel with a tubular structure, which does not form part of the claimed invention, and is referenced generally by the numeral <NUM>. At a step <NUM>, a plurality of discrete overlay film structures, such as the film structures <NUM>, are affixed to a base textile, such as the base textile <NUM>, that forms a tubular structure. In aspects, the tubular structure may include a leg portion, a sleeve portion, and/or a torso portion of an article of apparel. The plurality of discrete overlay film structures may be applied to have a greater concentration of film structures at a distal end of the tubular structure compared to a proximal end to achieve a greater decrease in dimension of the base textile in this area. For instance, when the tubular structure is a leg portion or a sleeve portion, the film structures may be affixed adjacent to a distal leg opening or a distal sleeve opening. In further example aspects, when the tubular structure is a leg portion or a sleeve portion, the film structures may be applied to have a greater concentration on a lateral aspect of the respective leg or sleeve portion compared to a medial aspect of the respective leg or sleeve portion to achieve a greater decrease in dimension on the lateral aspect of the leg or sleeve portion compared to the medial aspect. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

In one example method of construction, a sheet of the film material described herein (e.g., the TPEE film) may be affixed to an adhesive film, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive film, having a carrier sheet applied to its opposite surface. The film material may then be cut to form the discrete film structures, and the excess material may be removed. When the film structures are ready to be applied to the article of apparel, the carrier sheet may be removed, and the film structures may be affixed to the base textile using, for instance, pressure. This is just one example method of construction and other methods of applying the film structures to the apparel item are contemplated herein.

Claim 1:
A lower-body garment (<NUM>) having a torso portion, a first leg portion (<NUM>), and a second leg portion (<NUM>), the lower-body garment (<NUM>) comprising:
a base textile (<NUM>) forming the first leg portion (<NUM>) and the second leg portion (<NUM>); and
a plurality of discrete overlay film structures (<NUM>, <NUM>) affixed to the base textile (<NUM>) and extending circumferentially around the first leg portion (<NUM>) and the second leg portion (<NUM>),
wherein upon exposure to moisture the plurality of discrete overlay film structures (<NUM>, <NUM>) undergo a change in dimension in at least a direction that extends away from a surface of the lower-body garment (<NUM>) in a positive or negative direction, and the first leg portion (<NUM>) and the second leg portion (<NUM>) undergo a decrease in circumference.