DYNAMIC MATERIALS INTEGRATED INTO ARTICLES FOR ADJUSTABLE PHYSICAL DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods of integrating dynamic materials into articles for adjustable physical characteristics (e.g., aesthetic, functional). For example, in response to a human's body heat, a dynamic material may change shape to allow additional permeability in an article of clothing. Similarly, in response to the presence of moisture, an article of clothing may close a vent to prevent the introduction of rain into an internal portion of the article. The shape changing material may change shape that merely affects a feature formed by the shape changing material. Additionally, it is contemplated that the shape changing material may change shape that affects a geometric structure of the article as a whole (e.g., protrusions, dimples, vents, etc.).

主权项

1. An article of apparel comprising:
a carrier material that is flexible; a plurality of dynamic material portions physically associated with the carrier material such that the carrier material and the plurality of dynamic material portions form an auxetic structure geometrically responsive to a stimulus; and the auxetic structure extending in an X-Y plane and being convertible between a first state and a second state in response to a transition from a first stimulus to a second stimulus, wherein, in response to the transition from the first stimulus to the second stimulus, the plurality of dynamic material portions responds by extending in an x-direction of the X-Y plane to cause the auxetic structure lengthen in a y-direction of the X-Y plane.