Adaptive Thermo-Regulatory Apparel System Innovation
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
Traditional athletic apparel items often struggle to balance thermal insulation and heat dissipation, leading to discomfort and decreased performance. The original patent addressed this issue with a textile material having surface treatments and slits for air flow. However, this design is limited to specific environmental conditions and lacks adaptability to changing wearer needs. The present invention overcomes these limitations by introducing a dynamically adjustable, adaptive insulation layer that selectively retains or dissipates heat in response to real-time environmental conditions and the wearer's physiological data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present invention's adaptive insulation layer, which dynamically adjusts its thermal properties in response to real-time environmental and physiological data, represents a significant departure from the original patent's design. The integration of advanced technologies, such as shape-memory alloys and phase-change materials, and the use of micro-sensors and micro-actuators to dynamically adjust the fabric's properties, introduce a new level of sophistication and adaptability to the field of thermo-regulatory apparel.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention may include the use of different materials, such as graphene or nanomaterials, to enhance thermal conductivity or insulation. The system may also be integrated into various types of apparel, including footwear, headwear, or accessories. Additionally, the invention could be adapted for use in non-athletic applications, such as medical or military contexts, where optimal thermal regulation is critical.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive thermo-regulatory apparel system has significant commercial potential in the athletic and outdoor apparel markets, where optimal thermal comfort and performance are critical. The invention may also find applications in medical, military, or industrial contexts, where thermal regulation is essential for safety and performance. The market for smart, high-performance apparel is growing rapidly, and the present invention is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Textile engineering and athletic apparel design, focusing on thermal management systems, with expertise in material science, sensor integration, and adaptive clothing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degree in textile engineering or materials science, familiar with thermal regulation techniques, smart textile technologies, and performance apparel design principles
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental approach to dynamic textile thermal management provides a clear technological foundation for further adaptive innovations. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the existing thermal regulation concept, utilizing known materials and sensor technologies to enhance the original patent's core principles. The incremental improvements in dynamic thermal adaptation are consistent with standard design optimization strategies in performance apparel engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,003 |
|---|---|
| Title | Apparel thermo-regulatory system |
| Assignee(s) | NIKE, Inc. |