Adaptive Thermo-Regulatory Smart Apparel Technology

Publication ID: 24-11857003_0001_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Thermo-Regulatory Smart Apparel Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857003_0001_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857003_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,003.

Background and Problem Solved

Traditional athletic apparel items often struggle to balance insulation and heat dissipation, leading to inadequate thermo-regulation. The original patent, 'Apparel thermo-regulatory system,' addressed this issue by introducing a surface treatment that biases a portion of the textile material in a tensioned state. However, the original design had limitations in terms of adaptability to changing environmental conditions and wearer needs. The present invention solves this problem by incorporating advanced materials, sensors, and algorithms to create a real-time, adaptive thermo-regulatory system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in thermo-regulatory apparel by incorporating real-time data-driven adaptation, advanced materials, and integrated sensors. The dynamic insulation layer, venting structures, and phase-change material work in concert to provide an unparalleled level of thermo-regulatory control, surpassing the original patent's capabilities. The wearable device integration and microclimate control system further differentiate the present invention from existing solutions.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the Intelligent Thermo-Regulatory Apparel System could include varying the type and placement of sensors, using different phase-change materials or integration methods, or incorporating additional features such as moisture-wicking or antimicrobial properties. Variations could also include adapting the system for specific athletic disciplines or environmental conditions, such as high-altitude or extreme-weather sports.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The Intelligent Thermo-Regulatory Apparel System has vast commercial potential in the athletic apparel industry, particularly in high-performance and professional sports. Target markets include elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and outdoor enthusiasts who require optimal thermo-regulation for peak performance and comfort. The system's adaptability and real-time feedback capabilities also make it an attractive solution for military, first responder, and occupational safety applications.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A41 A41D13/0015
A A41 A41D13/002
A A41 A41D27/28
A A41 A41D27/285
A A41 A41D31/145
A A41 A41D31/185
A A41 A41D2400/10
A A41 A41D2500/10
A A41 A41D2500/20

Field of Art

Textile engineering and athletic apparel design, focusing on thermal management systems for performance garments, with expertise in material science, sensor integration, and biomechanical performance optimization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degree in textile engineering or materials science, experienced in designing performance apparel, familiar with thermal regulation techniques, sensor technologies, and adaptive material properties

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core thermo-regulatory principles, leveraging known techniques in sensor integration, phase-change materials, and dynamic thermal management to enhance the original apparel system's functionality.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Textile material with tension-based surface treatment for thermal regulation
PTD Variation
Dynamic insulation layer with adjustable thermal conductivity based on environmental data
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to incorporate real-time data modulation into an existing thermal regulation system, as adaptive material technologies are well-established in performance apparel design
Source Patent Element
Venting structures positioned based on air flow and pressure maps
PTD Variation
Venting structures optimized for sweat production areas and exercise intensity
Obviousness Reasoning
Optimizing vent placement based on physiological data represents a predictable design improvement using known biomechanical mapping techniques
Source Patent Element
Textile material with surface treatments for thermal management
PTD Variation
Phase-change material integrated into textile with temperature-specific latent heat storage
Obviousness Reasoning
Selecting phase-change materials with specific temperature ranges is a routine design choice for a PHOSITA seeking to enhance thermal performance
Source Patent Element
Apparel item configured for thermo-regulation
PTD Variation
Integrated sensor system for real-time thermo-regulatory performance monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding sensor-based feedback to performance garments is a predictable technological progression using standard IoT and wearable technology approaches
Source Patent Element
Textile material with tension-based thermal regulation mechanisms
PTD Variation
Microclimate control system adjusting local temperature and humidity around skin
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending thermal regulation from material-level to microclimate-level control represents an obvious technological evolution for a skilled practitioner
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857003's teachings of thermo-regulatory apparel systems, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent predictable combinations of known techniques in adaptive textile engineering, sensor integration, and thermal management technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,003
TitleApparel thermo-regulatory system
Assignee(s)NIKE, Inc.