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Article of apparel incorporating a pleated structureRelated Patent Categories: Apparel, General Structure, TrimmingsArticle of apparel incorporating a pleated structure description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060162050, Article of apparel incorporating a pleated structure. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to apparel. The invention concerns, more particularly, an article of apparel that incorporates a pleated structure with secondary elements secured to and extending along at least one fold of the pleated structure. 2. [0003] Description of Background Art [0004] An article of apparel generally flexes, stretches, or otherwise deforms to accommodate movements of an individual wearing the article of apparel. Factors that contribute to the degree to which an article of apparel accommodates specific movements of the individual include the materials forming the article of apparel, the relative shapes of the article of apparel and the individual, and the various structural features incorporated into the article of apparel. Accordingly, the process of designing an article of apparel that accommodates specific movements of the individual involves considering each of these factors, as well as the intended use and desired aesthetics of the article of apparel. [0005] Materials, relative shapes, and structural features cooperatively determine the degree to which an article of apparel accommodates movements of the individual. Many articles of apparel incorporate textiles, and the specific textile selected for a particular apparel application may be selected based upon the inherent drape and stretch properties of the textile, for example. In general, textiles with greater drape and stretch properties will accommodate the greatest range of motion in the individual. With regard to relative shapes, an article of apparel with dimensions that are similar to or greater than the dimensions of the individual will generally accommodate the greatest range of motion in the individual. Finally, structural features may also be utilized to enhance the degree to which an article of apparel accommodates movements of the individual. For example, articles of apparel may be designed to increase in length through an extension structure, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,717 to Tolton. In addition, an article of apparel may be structured to effectively expand by incorporating pleated structures into defined areas of the article of apparel. Although materials, relative shapes, and structural features individually enhance the range of motion provided by an article of apparel, the process of designing an article of apparel generally involves considering the cooperative effect of various factors. That is, materials, relative shapes, and structural features cooperatively define the range of motion provided by an article of apparel. [0006] The range of motion provided by an article of apparel is of particular interest to athletes when utilizing the article of apparel during athletic activities, whether practice or competition. For example, the game of golf requires that the arms of the individual freely move relative the torso of the individual, and that the torso rotate relative the legs of the individual. That is, an article of apparel, such as a shirt or jacket, that is suitable for the game of golf permits a wide range of motion in the upper body of the individual. Similarly, articles of apparel for sports such as running, biking, tennis, football, soccer, and baseball also permit a wide range of motion in areas of the individual that are utilized during those particular athletic activities. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention relates to an article of apparel having a pleated structure with a material element and a bonding element. The material element is formed from a two-dimensional material and has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The material element also has at least one fold. Portions of the first surface positioned adjacent to the fold and on opposite sides of the fold are placed in an overlapping configuration. The bonding element is secured to the first surface, and the bonding element is positioned adjacent to the fold and extends along the fold. [0008] The two-dimensional material forming the material element may be a textile or polymer sheet, for example. One of the first surface and the second surface may form an exterior surface of the article of apparel, and another of the first surface and the second surface may form an interior surface of the article of apparel. In other embodiments, the fold may form a portion of a pleated structure in the article of apparel, and the pleated structure may be positioned in the article of apparel to extend along a back area of the torso region when worn. [0009] The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [0011] FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of an article of apparel having a first pleated structure in accordance with the present invention. [0012] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the first pleated structure in a non-expanded configuration. [0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first pleated structure in the non-expanded configuration, as defined by section line 3-3 in FIG. 2. [0014] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the first pleated structure in an expanded configuration. [0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first pleated structure in the expanded configuration, as defined by section line 5-5 in FIG. 4. [0016] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of an article of apparel having a second pleated structure in accordance with the present invention. [0017] FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the second pleated structure in a non-expanded configuration. [0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second pleated structure in the non-expanded configuration, as defined by section line 8-8 in FIG. 7. [0019] FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the second pleated structure in an expanded configuration. [0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second pleated structure in the expanded configuration, as defined by section line 10-10 in FIG. 9. [0021] FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of another article of apparel incorporating either the first or second pleated structure. Continue reading about Article of apparel incorporating a pleated structure... Full patent description for Article of apparel incorporating a pleated structure Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Article of apparel incorporating a pleated structure patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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