Thermoplastic Non-Woven Textile Elements

BACKGROUND

0001A variety of products are at least partially formed from textiles. As examples, articles of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, jackets, undergarments, footwear), containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and upholstery for furniture (e.g., chairs, couches, car seats) are often formed from various textile elements that are joined through stitching or adhesive bonding. Textiles may also be utilized in bed coverings (e.g., sheets, blankets), table coverings, towels, flags, tents, sails, and parachutes. Textiles utilized for industrial purposes are commonly referred to as technical textiles and may include structures for automotive and aerospace applications, filter materials, medical textiles (e.g. bandages, swabs, implants), geotextiles for reinforcing embankments, agrotextiles for crop protection, and industrial apparel that protects or insulates against heat and radiation. Accordingly, textiles may be incorporated into a variety of products for both personal and industrial purposes.

0002Textiles may be defined as any manufacture from fibers, filaments, or yarns having a generally two-dimensional structure (i.e., a length and a width that are substantially greater than a thickness). In general, textiles may be classified as mechanically-manipulated textiles or non-woven textiles. Mechanically-manipulated textiles are often formed by weaving or interlooping (e.g., knitting) a yarn or a plurality of yarns, usually through a mechanical process involving looms or knitting machines. Non-woven textiles are webs or mats of filaments that are bonded, fused, interlocked, or otherwise joined. As an example, a non-woven textile may be formed by randomly depositing a plurality of polymer filaments upon a surface, such as a moving conveyor. Various embossing or calendaring processes may also be utilized to ensure that the non-woven textile has a substantially constant thickness, impart texture to one or both surfaces of the non-woven textile, or further bond or fuse filaments within the non-woven textile to each other. Whereas spunbonded non-woven textiles are formed from filaments having a cross-sectional thickness of 10 to 100 microns, meltblown non-woven textiles are formed from filaments having a cross-sectional thickness of less than 10 microns.

0003Although some products are formed from one type of textile, many products may also be formed from two or more types of textiles in order to impart different properties to different areas. As an example, shoulder and elbow areas of a shirt may be formed from a textile that imparts durability (e.g., abrasion-resistance) and stretch-resistance, whereas other areas may be formed from a textile that imparts breathability, comfort, stretch, and moisture-absorption. As another example, an upper for an article of footwear may have a structure that includes numerous layers formed from various types of textiles and other materials (e.g., polymer foam, leather, synthetic leather), and some of the layers may also have areas formed from different types of textiles to impart different properties. As yet another example, straps of a backpack may be formed from non-stretch textile elements, lower areas of a backpack may be formed from durable and water-resistant textile elements, and a remainder of the backpack may be formed from comfortable and compliant textile elements. Accordingly, many products may incorporate various types of textiles in order to impart different properties to different portions of the products.

0004In order to impart the different properties to different areas of a product, textile elements formed from the materials must be cut to desired shapes and then joined together, usually with stitching or adhesive bonding. As the number and types of textile elements incorporated into a product increases, the time and expense associated with transporting, stocking, cutting, and joining the textile elements may also increase. Waste material from cutting and stitching processes also accumulates to a greater degree as the number and types of textile elements incorporated into a product increases. Moreover, products with a greater number of textile elements and other materials may be more difficult to recycle than products formed from few elements and materials. By decreasing the number of elements and materials utilized in a product, therefore, waste may be decreased while increasing the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability.

0005<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US4265954A"><text>US Patent 4,265,954</text></patcit> discloses a method of fusing or perforating a sheet or web of non-woven fibres at preselected points or areas by exposing a flat body of said fibres to a heat source. Sheets are produced in which fibres are fused or consolidated in preselected areas, or the sheet can be fused to a sheet or web of another material.

0006<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US3617417A"><text>US Patent 3,617,417</text></patcit> discloses a process for making a spot-bonded nonwoven fabric by supporting a web of fibres containing some thermo-retractile fibres on a screen. A screening member containing a pattern of apertures is applied to the other surface of the web of fibres, the fibres then being heated through the screening member and subsequently bonded together in a tensioned rectilinear configuration.

0007<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="GB1353183A"><text>GB Patent 1,353,183</text></patcit> discloses a method and apparatus for the production of a pattern upon the upper side of a textile web containing a mixture of thermo-retractable fibres, in which hot air is blown through apertures formed in a stencil that is placed over a textile material.

SUMMARY

0008A non-woven textile and products incorporating the non-woven textile are disclosed below. The non-woven textile may be formed from a plurality of filaments that are at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. In some configurations of the non-woven textile, the filaments or the thermoplastic polymer material may be elastomeric or may stretch at least one-hundred percent prior to tensile failure.

0009The non-woven textile may have a first region and a second region, with the filaments of the first region being fused to a greater degree than the filaments of the second region. Depending upon the degree of fusing in the first region, the thermoplastic polymer material from the filaments may remain filamentous, become non-filamentous, or take an intermediate form that is partially filamentous and partially non-filamentous. Fusing within the first region may alter properties such as permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance.

0010A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear), may incorporate the non-woven textile. In some of these products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element or component to form a seam. More particularly, an edge area of the non-woven textile may be heatbonded with an edge area of the other textile element or component at the seam. In other products, a surface the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element or component (e.g., a polymer sheet, a polymer foam layer, or various strands) to form a composite element.

0011The advantages and features of novelty characterizing aspects of the 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 figures that describe and illustrate various configurations and concepts related to the invention.

FIGURE DESCRIPTIONS

0012The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> is a perspective view of a non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 2</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the non-woven textile, as defined by section line 2-2 in</li><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> is a perspective view of the non-woven textile with a plurality of fused regions.</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figures 4A-4C</figref> are cross-sectional views, as defined by section line 4-4 in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>, depicting different configurations of the fused regions in the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">Figures 5A-5H</figref> are perspective views of further configurations of the fused regions in the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Figures 6A-6F</figref> are cross-sectional views corresponding with <figref idref="f0002">Figures 4A-4C</figref> and depicting further configurations of the fused regions in the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010">Figures 7A-7C</figref> are perspective views of a first process for forming the fused regions in the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0011 f0012 f0013">Figures 8A-8C</figref> are perspective views of a second process for forming the fused regions in the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0014">Figure 9</figref> is a perspective view of a third process for forming the fused regions in the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0015">Figure 10</figref> is a perspective view of a first composite element that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0015">Figure 11</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the first composite element, as defined by section line 11-11 in <figref idref="f0015">Figure 10</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 12A-12C</figref> are perspective views of a process for forming the first composite element.</li><li><figref idref="f0019">Figure 13</figref> is a schematic perspective view of a another process for forming the first composite element.</li><li><figref idref="f0020">Figure 14</figref> is a perspective view of a second composite element that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0020">Figure 15</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the second composite element, as defined by section line 15-15 in <figref idref="f0020">Figure 14</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0021">Figure 16</figref> is a perspective view of a third composite element that includes the non-woven.</li><li><figref idref="f0021">Figure 17</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the third composite element, as defined by section line 17-17 in <figref idref="f0021">Figure 16</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0022 f0023">Figures 18A-18C</figref> are perspective views of further configurations of the third composite element.</li><li><figref idref="f0024">Figure 19</figref> is a perspective view of a fourth composite element that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0024">Figure 20</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the fourth composite element, as defined by section line 20-20 in <figref idref="f0024">Figure 19</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0025">Figure 21</figref> is a perspective view of a fifth composite element that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0025">Figure 22</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the fifth composite element, as defined by section line 22-22 in <figref idref="f0025">Figure 21</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0026 f0027 f0028">Figures 23A-23F</figref> are perspective views of further configurations of the fifth composite element.</li><li><figref idref="f0029">Figure 24</figref> is a perspective view of two elements of the non-woven textile joined with a first seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0029">Figure 25</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the first seam configuration, as defined by section line 25-25 in <figref idref="f0029">Figure 24</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0030 f0031">Figures 26A-26D</figref> are side elevational views of a process for forming the first seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0032">Figure 27</figref> is a perspective view of another process for forming the first seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0033">Figures 28A</figref> and <figref idref="f0034">28B</figref> are perspective views of elements of the non-woven textile joined with other elements to form the first seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0035">Figures 29A-29C</figref> are cross-sectional views corresponding with <figref idref="f0029">Figure 25</figref> and depicting further examples of the first seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0036">Figure 30</figref> is a perspective view of two elements of the non-woven textile joined with a second seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0036">Figure 31</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the second seam configuration, as defined by section line 31-31 in <figref idref="f0036">Figure 30</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0037">Figures 32A-32C</figref> are side elevational views of a process for forming the second seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0038">Figure 33</figref> is a perspective view of another process for forming the second seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0039">Figures 34A-34C</figref> are cross-sectional views corresponding with <figref idref="f0036">Figure 31</figref> and depicting further configurations of the second seam configuration.</li><li><figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042 f0043 f0044 f0045 f0046 f0047">Figures 35A-35H</figref> are front elevational views of various configurations of a shirt that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0048 f0049 f0050 f0051">Figures 36A-36H</figref> are cross-sectional views of the configurations of the shirt, as respectively defined by section lines 36A-36A through 36H-36H in <figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042 f0043 f0044 f0045 f0046 f0047">Figures 35A-35H</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0052 f0053 f0054">Figures 37A-37C</figref> are front elevational views of various configurations of a pair of pants that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0055">Figure 38</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the pair of pants, as defined by section line 38-38 in</li><li><figref idref="f0038">Figure 33A.</figref></li><li><figref idref="f0056 f0057 f0058 f0059 f0060 f0061 f0062">Figures 39A-39G</figref> are side elevational views of various configurations of an article of footwear that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0063 f0064 f0065 f0066">Figures 40A-40D</figref> are cross-sectional views of the configurations of the article of footwear, as respectively defined by section lines 40A-40A through 40D-40D in <figref idref="f0056 f0057 f0058 f0059">Figures 39A-39D</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0067">Figure 41</figref> is a perspective view of a lace loop for the article of footwear that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0068 f0069">Figures 42A-42C</figref> are perspective views of three-dimensional configurations of the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0070 f0071 f0072">Figures 43A-43C</figref> are perspective views of a process for forming the three-dimensional configurations of the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0073 f0074">Figures 44A-44D</figref> are perspective views of textured configurations of the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0075 f0076 f0077">Figures 45A-45C</figref> are perspective views of a process for forming the textured configurations of the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0078 f0079 f0080">Figures 46A-46F</figref> are perspective views of stitched configurations of the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0081">Figure 47</figref> is a perspective view of an element of tape that includes the non-woven textile.</li><li><figref idref="f0081">Figure 48</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the tape, as defined by section line 48-48 in <figref idref="f0081">Figure 47</figref>.</li><li><figref idref="f0082">Figures 49A-49C</figref> are perspective views of additional configurations of the element of tape.</li><li><figref idref="f0083">Figure 50</figref> is a schematic view of a recycling process.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0013The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a non-woven textile 100 and various products incorporating non-woven textile 100. Although non-woven textile 100 is disclosed below as being incorporated into various articles of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear) for purposes of example, non-woven textile 100 may also be incorporated into a variety of other products. For example, non-woven textile 100 may be utilized in other types of apparel, containers, and upholstery for furniture. Non-woven textile 100 may also be utilized in bed coverings, table coverings, towels, flags, tents, sails, and parachutes. Various configurations of non-woven textile 100 may also be utilized for industrial purposes, as in automotive and aerospace applications, filter materials, medical textiles, geotextiles, agrotextiles, and industrial apparel. Accordingly, non-woven textile 100 may be utilized in a variety of products for both personal and industrial purposes.

I - Non-Woven Textile Configuration

0014Non-woven textile 100 is depicted in <figref idref="f0001">Figures 1 and 2</figref> as having a first surface 101 and an opposite second surface 102. Non-woven textile 100 is primarily formed from a plurality of filaments 103 that include a thermoplastic polymer material. Filaments 103 are distributed randomly throughout non-woven textile 100 and are bonded, fused, interlocked, or otherwise joined to form a structure with a relatively constant thickness (i.e., distance between surfaces 101 and 102). An individual filament 103 may be located on first surface 101, on second surface 102, between surfaces 101 and 102, or on both of surfaces 101 and 102. Depending upon the manner in which non-woven textile 100 is formed, multiple portions of an individual filament 103 may be located on first surface 101, different portions of the individual filament 103 may be located on second surface 102, and other portions of the individual filament 103 may be located between surfaces 101 and 102. In order to impart an interlocking structure, the various filaments 103 may wrap around each other, extend over and under each other, and pass through various areas of non-woven textile 100. In areas where two or more filaments 103 contact each other, the thermoplastic polymer material forming filaments 103 may be bonded or fused to join filaments 103 to each other. Accordingly, filaments 103 are effectively joined to each other in a variety of ways to form a cohesive structure within non-woven textile 100.

0015Fibers are often defined, in textile terminology, as having a relatively short length that ranges from one millimeter to a few centimeters or more, whereas filaments are often defined as having a longer length than fibers or even an indeterminate length. As utilized within the present document, the term "filament" or variants thereof is defined as encompassing lengths of both fibers and filaments from the textile terminology definitions. Accordingly, filaments 103 or other filaments referred to herein may generally have any length. As an example, therefore, filaments 103 may have a length that ranges from one millimeter to hundreds of meters or more.

0016Filaments 103 include a thermoplastic polymer material. In general, a thermoplastic polymer material melts when heated and returns to a solid state when cooled. More particularly, the thermoplastic polymer material transitions from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to sufficient heat, and then the thermoplastic polymer material transitions from the softened or liquid state to the solid state when sufficiently cooled. As such, the thermoplastic polymer material may be melted, molded, cooled, re-melted, re-molded, and cooled again through multiple cycles. Thermoplastic polymer materials may also be welded or heatbonded, as described in greater detail below, to other textile elements, plates, sheets, polymer foam elements, thermoplastic polymer elements, thermoset polymer elements, or a variety of other elements formed from various materials. In contrast with thermoplastic polymer materials, many thermoset polymer materials do not melt when heated, simply burning instead. Although a wide range of thermoplastic polymer materials may be utilized for filaments 103, examples of some suitable thermoplastic polymer materials include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, and polyolefin. Although any of the thermoplastic polymer materials mentioned above may be utilized for non-woven textile 100, an advantage to utilizing thermoplastic polyurethane relates to heatbonding and colorability. In comparison with various other thermoplastic polymer materials (e.g., polyolefin), thermoplastic polyurethane is relatively easy to bond with other elements, as discussed in greater detail below, and colorants may be added to thermoplastic polyurethane through various conventional processes.

0017Although each of filaments 103 may be entirely formed from a single thermoplastic polymer material, individual filaments 103 may also be at least partially formed from multiple polymer materials. As an example, an individual filament 103 may have a sheath-core configuration, wherein an exterior sheath of the individual filament 103 is formed from a first type of thermoplastic polymer material, and an interior core of the individual filament 103 is formed from a second type of thermoplastic polymer material. As a similar example, an individual filament 103 may have a bi-component configuration, wherein one half of the individual filament 103 is formed from a first type of thermoplastic polymer material, and an opposite half of the individual filament 103 is formed from a second type of thermoplastic polymer material. In some configurations, an individual filament 103 may be formed from both a thermoplastic polymer material and a thermoset polymer material with either of the sheath-core or bi-component arrangements. Although all of filaments 103 may be entirely formed from a single thermoplastic polymer material, filaments 103 may also be formed from multiple polymer materials. As an example, some of filaments 103 may be formed from a first type of thermoplastic polymer material, whereas other filaments 103 may be formed from a second type of thermoplastic polymer material. As a similar example, some of filaments 103 may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, whereas other filaments 103 may be formed from a thermoset polymer material. Accordingly, each filaments 103, portions of filaments 103, or at least some of filaments 103 may be formed from one or more thermoplastic polymer materials.

0018The thermoplastic polymer material or other materials utilized for non-woven textile 100 (i.e., filaments 103) may be selected to have various stretch properties, and the materials may be considered elastomeric. Depending upon the specific product that non-woven textile 100 will be incorporated into, non-woven textile 100 or filaments 103 may stretch between ten percent to more than eight-hundred percent prior to tensile failure. For many articles of apparel, in which stretch is an advantageous property, non-woven textile 100 or filaments 103 may stretch at least one-hundred percent prior to tensile failure. As a related matter, thermoplastic polymer material or other materials utilized for non-woven textile 100 (i.e., filaments 103) may be selected to have various recovery properties. That is, non-woven textile 100 may be formed to return to an original shape after being stretched, or non-woven textile 100 may be formed to remain in an elongated or stretched shape after being stretched. Many products that incorporate non-woven textile 100, such as articles of apparel, may benefit from properties that allow non-woven textile 100 to return or otherwise recover to an original shape after being stretched by one-hundred percent or more.

0019A variety of conventional processes may be utilized to manufacture non-woven textile 100. In general, a manufacturing process for non-woven textile 100 includes (a) extruding or otherwise forming a plurality of filaments 103 from a thermoplastic polymer material, (b) collecting, laying, or otherwise depositing filaments 103 upon a surface, such as a moving conveyor, (c) joining filaments 103, and (d) imparting a desired thickness through compressing or other processes. Because filaments 103 may be relatively soft or partially melted when deposited upon the surface, the polymer materials from filaments 103 that contact each other may become bonded or fused together upon cooling.

0020Following the general manufacturing process discussed above, various post-processing operations may be performed on non-woven textile 100. For example, embossing or calendaring processes may be utilized to ensure that non-woven textile 100 has a substantially constant thickness, impart texture to one or both of surfaces 101 and 102, or further bond or fuse filaments 103 to each other. Coatings may also be applied to non-woven textile 100. Furthermore, hydrojet, hydroentangelment, needlepunching, or stitchbonding processes may also be utilized to modify properties of non-woven textile 100.

0021Non-woven textile 100 may be formed as a spunbonded or meltblown material. Whereas spunbonded non-woven textiles are formed from filaments having a cross-sectional thickness of 10 to 100 microns, meltblown non-woven textiles are formed from filaments having a cross-sectional thickness of less than 10 microns. Non-woven textile 100 may be either spunbonded, meltblown, or a combination of spunbonded and meltblown. Moreover, non-woven textile 100 may be formed to have spunbonded and meltblown layers, or may also be formed such that filaments 103 are combinations of spunbonded and meltblown.

0022In addition to differences in the thickness of individual filaments 103, the overall thickness of non-woven textile 100 may vary significantly. With reference to the various figures, the thickness of non-woven textile 100 and other elements may be amplified or otherwise increased to show details or other features associated with non-woven textile 100, thereby providing clarity in the figures. For many applications, however, a thickness of non-woven textile 100 may be in a range of 0.5 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters, but may vary considerably beyond this range. For many articles of apparel, for example, a thickness of 1.0 to 3.0 millimeters may be appropriate, although other thicknesses may be utilized. As discussed in greater detail below, regions of non-woven textile 100 may be formed such that the thermoplastic polymer material forming filaments 103 is fused to a greater degree than in other regions, and the thickness of non-woven textile 100 in the fused regions may be substantially reduced. Accordingly, the thickness of non-woven textile 100 may vary considerably.

II - Fused Regions

0023Non-woven textile 100 is depicted as including various fused regions 104 in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>. Fused regions 104 are portions of non-woven textile 100 that have been subjected to heat in order to selectively change the properties of those fused regions 104. Non-woven textile 100, or at least the various filaments 103 forming non-woven textile 100, are discussed above as including a thermoplastic polymer material. When exposed to sufficient heat, the thermoplastic polymer material transitions from a solid state to either a softened state or a liquid state. When sufficiently cooled, the thermoplastic polymer material then transitions back from the softened state or the liquid state to the solid state. Non-woven textile 100 or regions of non-woven textile 100 may, therefore, be exposed to heat in order to soften or melt the various filaments 103. As discussed in greater detail below, exposing various regions (i.e., fused regions 104) of non-woven textile 100 to heat may be utilized to selectively change the properties of those regions. Although discussed in terms of heat alone, pressure may also be utilized either alone or in combination with heat to form fused regions 104, and pressure may be required in some configurations of non-woven textile 100 to form fused regions 104.

0024Fused regions 104 may exhibit various shapes, including a variety of geometrical shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular) or a variety of non-defined, irregular, or otherwise non-geometrical shapes. The positions of fused regions 104 may be spaced inward from edges of non-woven textile 100, located on one or more edges of non-woven textile 100, or located at a corner of non-woven textile 100. The shapes and positions of fused regions 104 may also be selected to extend across portions of non-woven textile 100 or between two edges of non-woven textile 100. Whereas the areas of some fused regions 104 may be relatively small, the areas of other fused regions 104 may be relatively large. As described in greater detail below, two separate elements of non-woven textile 100 may be joined together, some fused regions 104 may extend across a seam that joins the elements, or some fused regions may extend into areas where other components are bonded to non-woven textile 100. Accordingly, the shapes, positions, sizes, and other aspects of fused regions 104 may vary significantly.

0025When exposed to sufficient heat, and possibly pressure, the thermoplastic polymer material of the various filaments 103 of non-woven textile 100 transitions from a solid state to either a softened state or a liquid state. Depending upon the degree to which filaments 103 change state, the various filaments 103 within fused regions 104 may (a) remain in a filamentous configuration, (b) melt entirely into a liquid that cools into a non-filamentous configuration, or (c) take an intermediate configuration wherein some filaments 103 or portions of individual filaments 103 remain filamentous and other filaments 103 or portions of individual filaments 103 become non-filamentous. Accordingly, although filaments 103 in fused regions 104 are generally fused to a greater degree than filaments 103 in other areas of non-woven textile 100, the degree of fusing in fused regions 104 may vary significantly.

0026Differences between the degree to which filaments 103 may be fused in fused regions 104 are depicted in <figref idref="f0002">Figures 4A-4C</figref>. Referring specifically to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 4A</figref>, the various filaments 103 within fused region 104 remain in a filamentous configuration. That is, the thermoplastic polymer material forming filaments 103 remains in the configuration of a filament and individual filaments 103 remain identifiable. Referring specifically to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 4B</figref>, the various filaments 103 within fused region 104 melted entirely into a liquid that cools into a non-filamentous configuration. That is, the thermoplastic polymer material from filaments 103 melted into a non-filamentous state that effectively forms a solid polymer sheet in fused region 104, with none of the individual filaments 103 being identifiable. Referring specifically to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 4C</figref>, the various filaments 103 remain in a partially-filamentous configuration. That is, some of the thermoplastic polymer material forming filaments 103 remains in the configuration of a filament, and some of the thermoplastic polymer material from filaments 103 melted into a non-filamentous state that effectively forms a solid polymer sheet in fused region 104. The configuration of the thermoplastic polymer material from filaments 103 in fused regions 104 may, therefore, be filamentous, non-filamentous, or any combination or proportion of filamentous and non-filamentous. Accordingly, the degree of fusing in each of fused regions 104 may vary along a spectrum that extends from filamentous on one end to non-filamentous on an opposite end.

0027A variety of factors relating to the configuration of non-woven textile 100 and the processes by which fused regions 104 are formed determine the degree to which filaments 103 are fused within fused regions 104. As examples, factors that determine the degree of fusing include (a) the particular thermoplastic polymer material forming filaments 103, (b) the temperature that fused regions 104 are exposed to, (c) the pressure that fused regions 104 are exposed to, and (d) the time at which fused regions 104 are exposed to the elevated temperature and/or pressure. By varying these factors, the degree of fusing that results within fused regions 104 may also be varied along the spectrum that extends from filamentous on one end to non-filamentous on an opposite end.

0028The configuration of fused regions 104 in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> is intended to provide an example of the manner in which the shapes, positions, sizes, and other aspects of fused regions 104 may vary. The configuration of fused regions 104 may, however, vary significantly. Referring to <figref idref="f0003">Figures 5A</figref>, non-woven textile 100 includes a plurality of fused regions 104 with generally linear and parallel configurations. Similarly, <figref idref="f0003">Figure 5B</figref> depicts non-woven textile 100 as including a plurality of fused regions 104 with generally curved and parallel configurations. Fused regions 104 may have a segmented configuration, as depicted in <figref idref="f0004">Figure 5C</figref>. Non-woven textile 100 may also have a plurality of fused regions 104 that exhibit the configuration of a repeating pattern of triangular shapes, as in <figref idref="f0004">Figure 5D</figref>, the configuration of a repeating pattern of circular shapes, as in <figref idref="f0005">Figure 5E</figref>, or a repeating pattern of any other shape or a variety of shapes. In some configurations of non-woven textile 100, as depicted in <figref idref="f0005">Figure 5F</figref>, one fused region 104 may form a continuous area that defines discrete areas for the remainder of non-woven textile 100. Fused regions 104 may also have a configuration wherein edges or corners contact each other, as in the checkered pattern of <figref idref="f0006">Figure 5G</figref>. Additionally, the shapes of the various fused regions 104 may have a non-geometrical or irregular shape, as in <figref idref="f0006">Figure 5H</figref>. Accordingly, the shapes, positions, sizes, and other aspects of fused regions 104 may vary significantly.

0029The thickness of non-woven textile 100 may decrease in fused regions 104. Referring to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 4A-4C</figref>, for example, non-woven textile 100 exhibits less thickness in fused region 104 than in other areas. As discussed above, fused regions 104 are areas where filaments 103 are generally fused to a greater degree than filaments 103 in other areas of non-woven textile 100. Additionally, non-woven textile 100 or the portions of non-woven textile 100 forming fused regions 104 may be compressed while forming fused regions 104. As a result, the thickness of fused regions 104 may be decreased in comparison with other areas of non-woven textile 100. Referring again to <figref idref="f0002">Figures 4A-4C</figref>, surfaces 102 and 103 both exhibit a squared or abrupt transition between fused regions 104 and other areas of non-woven textile 100. Depending upon the manner in which fused regions 104 are formed, however, surfaces 102 and 103 may exhibit other configurations. As an example, only first surface 101 has a squared transition to fused regions 104 in <figref idref="f0007">Figure 6A</figref>. Although the decrease in thickness of fused regions 104 may occur through a squared or abrupt transition, a curved or more gradual transition may also be utilized, as depicted in <figref idref="f0007">Figures 6B and 6C</figref>. In other configurations, an angled transition between fused regions 104 and other areas of non-woven textile 100 may be formed, as in <figref idref="f0007">Figure 6D</figref>. Although a decrease in thickness often occurs in fused regions 104, no decrease in thickness or a minimal decrease in thickness is also possible, as depicted in <figref idref="f0007">Figure 6E</figref>. Depending upon the materials utilized in non-woven textile 100 and the manner in which fused regions 104 are formed, fused regions 104 may actually swell or otherwise increase in thickness, as depicted in <figref idref="f0007">Figure 6F</figref>. In each of <figref idref="f0007">Figures 6A-6F</figref>, fused regions 104 are depicted as having a non-filamentous configuration, but may also have the filamentous configuration or the intermediate configuration discussed above.

0030Based upon the above discussion, non-woven textile 100 is formed from a plurality of filaments 103 that include a thermoplastic polymer material. Although filaments 103 are bonded, fused, interlocked, or otherwise joined throughout non-woven textile 100, fused regions 104 are areas where filaments 103 are generally fused to a greater degree than filaments 103 in other areas of non-woven textile 100. The shapes, positions, sizes, and other aspects of fused regions 104 may vary significantly. In addition, the degree to which filaments 103 are fused may also vary significantly to be filamentous, non-filamentous, or any combination or proportion of filamentous and non-filamentous.

III - Properties Of Fused Regions

0031The properties of fused regions 104 may be different than the properties of other regions of non-woven textile 100. Additionally, the properties of one of fused regions 104 may be different than the properties of another of fused regions 104. In manufacturing non-woven textile 100 and forming fused regions 104, specific properties may be applied to the various areas of non-woven textile 100. More particularly, the shapes of fused regions 104, positions of fused regions 104, sizes of fused regions 104, degree to which filaments 103 are fused within fused regions 104, and other aspects of non-woven textile 100 may be varied to impart specific properties to specific areas of non-woven textile 100. Accordingly, non-woven textile 100 may be engineered, designed, or otherwise structured to have particular properties in different areas.

0032Examples of properties that may be varied through the addition or the configuration of fused regions 104 include permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance. By forming one of fused regions 104 in a particular area of non-woven textile 100, the permeability of that area generally decreases, whereas both durability and stretch-resistance generally increases. As discussed in greater detail below, the degree to which filaments 103 are fused to each other has a significant effect upon the change in permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance. Other factors that may affect permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance include the shapes, positions, and sizes of fused regions 104, as well as the specific thermoplastic polymer material forming filaments 103.

0033Permeability generally relates to ability of air, water, and other fluids (whether gaseous or liquid) to pass through or otherwise permeate non-woven textile 100. Depending upon the degree to which filaments 103 are fused to each other, the permeability may vary significantly. In general, the permeability is highest in areas of non-woven textile 100 where filaments 103 are fused the least, and the permeability is lowest in areas of non-woven textile 100 where filaments 103 are fused the most. As such, the permeability may vary along a spectrum depending upon the degree to which filaments 103 are fused to each other. Areas of non-woven textile 100 that are separate from fused regions 104 (i.e., non-fused areas of non-woven textile 100) generally exhibit a relatively high permeability. Fused regions 104 where a majority of filaments 103 remain in the filamentous configuration also exhibit a relatively high permeability, but the permeability is generally less than in areas separate from fused regions 104. Fused regions 104 where filaments 103 are in both a filamentous and non-filamentous configuration have a lesser permeability. Finally, areas where a majority or all of the thermoplastic polymer material from filaments 103 exhibits a non-filamentous configuration may have a relatively small permeability or even no permeability.

0034Durability generally relates to the ability of non-woven textile 100 to remain intact, cohesive, or otherwise undamaged, and may include resistances to wear, abrasion, and degradation from chemicals and light. Depending upon the degree to which filaments 103 are fused to each other, the durability may vary significantly. In general, the durability is lowest in areas of non-woven textile 100 where filaments 103 are fused the least, and the durability is highest in areas of non-woven textile 100 where filaments 103 are fused the most. As such, the durability may vary along a spectrum depending upon the degree to which filaments 103 are fused to each other. Areas of non-woven textile 100 that are separate from fused regions 104 generally exhibit a relatively low durability. Fused regions 104 where a majority of filaments 103 remain in the filamentous configuration also exhibit a relatively low durability, but the durability is generally more than in areas separate from fused regions 104. Fused regions 104 where filaments 103 are in both a filamentous and non-filamentous configuration have a greater durability. Finally, areas where a majority or all of the thermoplastic polymer material from filaments 103 exhibits a non-filamentous configuration may have a relatively high durability. Other factors that may affect the general durability of fused regions 104 and other areas of non-woven textile 100 include the initial thickness and density of non-woven textile 100, the type of polymer material forming filaments 103, and the hardness of the polymer material forming filaments 103.

0035Stretch-resistance generally relates to the ability of non-woven textile 100 to resist stretching when subjected to a textile force. As with permeability and durability, the stretch-resistance of non-woven textile 100 may vary significantly depending upon the degree to which filaments 103 are fused to each other. As with durability, the stretch-resistance is lowest in areas of non-woven textile 100 where filaments 103 are fused the least, and the stretch-resistance is highest in areas of non-woven textile 100 where filaments 103 are fused the most. As noted above, the thermoplastic polymer material or other materials utilized for non-woven textile 100 (i.e., filaments 103) may be considered elastomeric or may stretch at least one-hundred percent prior to tensile failure. Although the stretch-resistance of non-woven textile 100 may be greater in areas of non-woven textile 100 where filaments 103 are fused the most, fused regions 104 may still be elastomeric or may stretch at least one-hundred percent prior to tensile failure. Other factors that may affect the general stretch properties of fused regions 104 and other areas of non-woven textile 100 include the initial thickness and density of non-woven textile 100, the type of polymer material forming filaments 103, and the hardness of the polymer material forming filaments 103.

0036As discussed in greater detail below, non-woven textile 100 may be incorporated into a variety of products, including various articles of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear). Taking a shirt as an example, non-woven textile 100 may form a majority of the shirt, including a torso region and two arm regions. Given that moisture may accumulate within the shirt from perspiration, a majority of the shirt may be formed from portions of non-woven textile 100 that do not include fused regions 104 in order to provide a relatively high permeability. Given that elbow areas of the shirt may be subjected to relatively high abrasion as the shirt is worn, some of fused regions 104 may be located in the elbow areas to impart greater durability. Additionally, given that the neck opening may be stretched as the shirt is put on an individual and taken off the individual, one of fused regions 104 may be located around the neck opening to impart greater stretch-resistance. Accordingly, one material (i.e., non-woven textile 100) may be used throughout the shirt, but by fusing different areas to different degrees, the properties may be advantageously-varied in different areas of the shirt.

0037The above discussion focused primarily on the properties of permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance. A variety of other properties may also be varied through the addition or the configuration of fused regions 104. For example, the overall density of non-woven textile 100 may be increased as the degree of fusing of filaments 103 increases. The transparency of non-woven textile 100 may also be increased as the degree of fusing of filaments 103 increases. Depending upon various factors, the darkness of a color of non-woven textile 100 may also increase as the degree of fusing of filaments 103 increases. Although somewhat discussed above, the overall thickness of non-woven textile 100 may decrease as the degree of fusing of filaments 103 increases. The degree to which non-woven textile 100 recovers after being stretched, the overall flexibility of non-woven textile 100, and resistance to various modes of failure may also vary depending upon the degree of fusing of filaments 100. Accordingly, a variety of properties may be varied by forming fused regions 104.

IV - Formation Of Fused Regions

0038A variety of processes may be utilized to form fused regions 104. Referring to <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010">Figures 7A-7C</figref>, an example of a method is depicted as involving a first plate 111 and a second plate 112, which may be platens of a press. Initially, non-woven textile 100 and an insulating element 113 are located between plates 111 and 112, as depicted in <figref idref="f0008">Figure 7A</figref>. Insulating element 113 has apertures 114 or other absent areas that correspond with fused regions 104. That is, insulating element 113 exposes areas of non-woven textile 100 corresponding with fused regions 104, while covering other areas of non-woven textile 100.

0039Plates 111 and 112 then translate or otherwise move toward each other in order to compress or induce contact between non-woven textile 100 and insulating element 113, as depicted in <figref idref="f0009">Figure 7B</figref>. In order to form fused regions 104, heat is applied to areas of non-woven textile 100 corresponding with fused regions 104, but a lesser heat or no heat is applied to other areas of non-woven textile 100 due to the presence of insulating element 113. That is, the temperature of the various areas of non-woven textile 100 corresponding with fused regions 104 is elevated without significantly elevating the temperature of other areas. In this example method, first plate 111 is heated so as to elevate the temperature of non-woven textile 100 through conduction. Some areas of non-woven textile 100 are insulated, however, by the presence of insulating element 113. Only the areas of non-woven textile 100 that are exposed through apertures 114 are, therefore, exposed to the heat so as to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer material within filaments 103. The material utilized for insulating element 113 may vary to include metal plates, paper sheets, polymer layers, foam layers, or a variety of other materials (e.g., with low thermal conductivity) that will limit the heat transferred to non-woven textile 100 from first plate 111. In some processes, insulating element 113 may be an integral portion of or otherwise incorporated into first plate 111.

0040Upon separating plates 111 and 112, as depicted in <figref idref="f0010">Figure 7C</figref>, non-woven textile 100 and insulating element 113 are separated from each other. Whereas areas of non-woven textile 100 that were exposed by apertures 114 in insulating element 113 form fused regions 104, areas covered or otherwise protected by insulating element 113 remain substantially unaffected. In some methods, insulating element 113 may be structured to allow some of fused regions 104 to experience greater temperatures than other fused regions 104, thereby fusing the thermoplastic polymer material of filaments 103 more in some of fused regions 104 than in the other fused regions 104. That is, the configuration of insulating element 113 may be structured to heat fused regions 104 to different temperatures in order to impart different properties to the various fused regions 104.

0041Various methods may be utilized to apply heat to specific areas of non-woven textile 100 and form fused regions 104. As noted above, first plate 111 may be heated so as to elevate the temperature of non-woven textile 100 through conduction. In some processes, both plates 111 and 112 may be heated, and two insulating elements 113 may be located on opposite sides of non-woven textile 100. Although heat may be applied through conduction, radio frequency heating may also be used, in which case insulating element 113 may prevent the passage of specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. In processes where chemical heating is utilized, insulating element 113 may prevent chemicals from contacting areas of non-woven textile 100. In other processes where radiant heat is utilized, insulating element 113 may be a reflective material (i.e., metal foil) that prevents the radiant heat from raising the temperature of various areas of non-woven textile 100. A similar process involving a conducting element may also be utilized. More particularly, the conducting element may be used to conduct heat directly to fused regions 104. Whereas insulating element 113 is absent in areas corresponding with fused regions 104, the conducting element would be present in fused regions 104 to conduct heat to those areas of non-woven textile 100.

0042An example of another process that may be utilized to form fused regions 104 in non-woven textile 100 is depicted in <figref idref="f0011 f0012 f0013">Figures 8A-8C</figref>. Initially, non-woven textile 100 is placed adjacent to or upon second plate 112 or another surface, as depicted in <figref idref="f0011">Figure 8A</figref>. A heated die 115 having the shape of one of fused regions 104 then contacts and compresses non-woven textile 100, as depicted in <figref idref="f0012">Figure 8B</figref>, to heat a defined area of non-woven textile 100. Upon removal of die 115, one of fused regions 104 is exposed. Additional dies having the general shapes of other fused regions 104 may be utilized to form the remaining fused regions 104 in a similar manner. An advantage to this process is that die 115 and each of the other dies may be heated to different temperatures, held in contact with non-woven textile 100 for different periods of time, and compressed against non-woven textile 100 with different forces, thereby varying the resulting properties of the various fused regions 104.

0043An example of yet another process that may be utilized to form fused regions 104 in non-woven textile 100 is depicted in <figref idref="f0014">Figure 9</figref>. In this process, non-woven textile 100 is placed upon second plate 112 or another surface, and a laser apparatus 116 is utilized to heat specific areas of non-woven textile 100, thereby fusing the thermoplastic polymer material of filaments 103 and forming fused regions 104. By adjusting any or all of the power, focus, or velocity of laser apparatus 116, the degree to which fused regions 104 are heated may be adjusted or otherwise varied. Moreover, different fused regions 104 may be heated to different temperatures to modify the degree to which filaments 103 are fused, thereby varying the resulting properties of the various fused regions 104. An example of a suitable laser apparatus 116 is any of a variety of conventional CO₂ or Nd:YAG laser apparatuses.

V - Composite Elements

0044Non-woven textile 100 may be joined with various textiles, materials, or other components to form composite elements. By joining non-woven textile 100 with other components, properties of both non-woven textile 100 and the other components are combined in the composite elements. An example of a composite element is depicted in <figref idref="f0015">Figures 10 and 11</figref>, in which a component 120 is joined to non-woven textile 100 at second surface 102. Although component 120 is depicted as having dimensions that are similar to dimensions of non-woven textile 100, component 120 may have a lesser or greater length, a lesser or greater width, or a lesser or greater thickness. If, for example, component 120 is a textile that absorbs water or wicks water away, then the combination of non-woven textile 100 and component 120 may be suitable for articles of apparel utilized during athletic activities where an individual wearing the apparel is likely to perspire. As another example, if component 120 is a compressible material, such as a polymer foam, then the combination of non-woven textile 100 and component 120 may be suitable for articles of apparel where cushioning (i.e., attenuation of impact forces) is advantageous, such as padding for athletic activities that may involve contact or impact with other athletes or equipment. As a further example, if component 120 is a plate or sheet, then the combination of non-woven textile 100 and component 120 may be suitable for articles of apparel that impart protection from acute impacts. Accordingly, a variety of textiles, materials, or other components maybe joined with a surface of non-woven textile 100 to form composite elements with additional properties.

0045The thermoplastic polymer material in filaments 103 may be utilized to secure non-woven textile 100 to component 120 or other components. As discussed above, a thermoplastic polymer material melts when heated and returns to a solid state when cooled sufficiently. Based upon this property of thermoplastic polymer materials, heatbonding processes may be utilized to form a heatbond that joins portions of composite elements, such as non-woven textile 100 and component 120. As utilized herein, the term "heatbonding" or variants thereof is defined as a securing technique between two elements that involves a softening or melting of a thermoplastic polymer material within at least one of the elements such that the materials of the elements are secured to each other when cooled. Similarly, the term "heatbond" or variants thereof is defined as the bond, link, or structure that joins two elements through a process that involves a softening or melting of a thermoplastic polymer material within at least one of the elements such that the materials of the elements are secured to each other when cooled. As examples, heatbonding may involve (a) the melting or softening of two elements incorporating thermoplastic polymer materials such that the thermoplastic polymer materials intermingle with each other (e.g., diffuse across a boundary layer between the thermoplastic polymer materials) and are secured together when cooled; (b) the melting or softening of a first textile element incorporating a thermoplastic polymer material such that the thermoplastic polymer material extends into or infiltrates the structure of a second textile element (e.g., extends around or bonds with filaments or fibers in the second textile element) to secure the textile elements together when cooled; and (c) the melting or softening of a textile element incorporating a thermoplastic polymer material such that the thermoplastic polymer material extends into or infiltrates crevices or cavities formed in another element (e.g., polymer foam or sheet, plate, structural device) to secure the elements together when cooled. Heatbonding may occur when only one element includes a thermoplastic polymer material or when both elements include thermoplastic polymer materials. Additionally, heatbonding does not generally involve the use of stitching or adhesives, but involves directly bonding elements to each other with heat. In some situations, however, stitching or adhesives may be utilized to supplement the heatbond or the joining of elements through heatbonding. A needlepunching process may also be utilized to join the elements or supplement the heatbond.

0046Although a heatbonding process may be utilized to form a heatbond that joins non-woven textile 100 and component 120, the configuration of the heatbond at least partially depends upon the materials and structure of component 120. As a first example, if component 120 is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, then the thermoplastic polymer materials of non-woven textile 100 and component 120 may intermingle with each other to secure non-woven textile 100 and component 120 together when cooled. If, however, the thermoplastic polymer material of component 120 has a melting point that is significantly higher than the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100, then the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 may extend into the structure, crevices, or cavities of component 120 to secure the elements together when cooled. As a second example, component 120 may be formed from a textile that does not include a thermoplastic polymer material, and the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 may extend around or bond with filaments in component 120 to secure the textile elements together when cooled. As a third example, component 120 may be a polymer foam material, polymer sheet, or plate that includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the thermoplastic polymer materials of non-woven textile 100 and component 120 may intermingle with each other to secure non-woven textile 100 and component 120 together when cooled. As a fourth example, component 120 may be a polymer foam material, polymer sheet, or plate that does not include a thermoplastic polymer material, and the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 may extend into or infiltrate crevices or cavities within component 120 to secure the elements together when cooled. Referring to <figref idref="f0015">Figure 11</figref>, a plurality of heatbond elements 105 (e.g., the thermoplastic polymer material from one or both of non-woven textile 100 and component 120) are depicted as extending between non-woven textile 100 and component 120 to join the elements together. Accordingly, a heatbond may be utilized to join non-woven textile 100 and component 120 even when component 120 is formed from a diverse range of materials or has one of a variety of structures.

0047A general manufacturing process for forming a composite element will now be discussed with reference to <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 12A-12C</figref>. Initially, non-woven textile 100 and component 120 are located between first plate 111 and second plate 112, as depicted in <figref idref="f0016">Figure 12A</figref>. Plates 111 and 112 then translate or otherwise move toward each other in order to compress or induce contact between non-woven textile 100 and component 120, as depicted in <figref idref="f0017">Figure 12B</figref>. In order to form the heatbond and join non-woven textile 100 and component 120, heat is applied to non-woven textile 100 and component 120. That is, the temperatures of non-woven textile 100 and component 120 are elevated to cause softening or melting of the thermoplastic polymer material at the interface between non-woven textile 100 and component 120. Depending upon the materials of both non-woven textile 100 and component 120, as well as the overall configuration of component 120, only first plate 111 may be heated, only second plate 112 may be heated, or both plates 111 and 112 may be heated so as to elevate the temperatures of non-woven textile 100 and component 120 through conduction. Upon separating plates 111 and 112, as depicted in <figref idref="f0018">Figure 12C</figref>, the composite element formed from both non-woven textile 100 and component 120 may be removed and permitted to cool.

0048The manufacturing process discussed relative to <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 12A-12C</figref> generally involves (a) forming non-woven textile 100 and component 120 separately and (b) subsequently joining non-woven textile 100 and component 120 to form the composite element. Referring to <figref idref="f0019">Figure 13</figref>, a process wherein filaments 103 are deposited directly onto component 120 during the manufacture of non-woven textile 100 is depicted. Initially, component 120 is placed upon plate 112, which may also be a moving conveyor. An extrusion nozzle 121 then extrudes or otherwise forms a plurality of filaments 103 from a thermoplastic polymer material. As filaments 103 fall upon component 120, filaments 103 collect, lie, or otherwise deposit upon a surface of component 120, thereby forming non-woven textile 100. Once cooled, non-woven textile 100 is effectively joined to component 120, thereby forming the composite element. Accordingly, filaments 103 may be deposited directly upon component 120 during the manufacture of non-woven textile 100. As a similar manufacturing process, material (e.g., foam, molten polymer, a coating) may be sprayed, deposited, or otherwise applied to a surface of non-woven textile 100 to form the composite element. Moreover, a composite element that includes two or more layers of non-woven textile 100 may be formed by repeatedly depositing layers of filaments 103. When each of the layers of filaments 103 have different properties or are formed from different polymer materials, the resulting composite element may have the combined properties of the various layers.

0049Although the general processes discussed above may be utilized to form a composite element from non-woven textile 100 and component 120, other methods may also be utilized. Rather than heating non-woven textile 100 and component 120 through conduction, other methods that include radio frequency heating or chemical heating may be utilized. In some processes, second surface 102 and a surface of component 120 may be heated through radiant heating prior to being compressed between plates 111 and 112. An advantage of utilizing radiant heating to elevate the temperature of only the surfaces forming the heatbond is that the thermoplastic polymer material within other portions of non-woven textile 100 and component 120 are not heated significantly. In some processes, stitching or adhesives may also be utilized between non-woven textile 100 and component 120 to supplement the heatbond.

0050Non-woven textile 100 is depicted in <figref idref="f0015 f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 10-12C</figref> as having a configuration that does not include fused regions 104. In order to impart varying properties to a composite element, fused regions 104 may be formed in non-woven textile 100. In some processes fused regions 104 may be formed prior to joining non-woven textile 100 with another component (e.g., component 120). In other processes, however, fused regions 104 may be formed during the heatbonding process or following the heatbonding process. Accordingly, fused regions 104 may be formed at any stage of the various manufacturing process for composite elements.

VI - Composite Element Configurations

0051Concepts relating to the general structure of composite elements and processes for forming the composite elements were presented above. As more specific examples, the following discussion discloses various composite element configurations, wherein non-woven textile 100 is joined with each of a mechanically-manipulated textile 130, a sheet 140, a foam layer 150, and a plurality of strands 160.

0052An example of a composite element that includes non-woven textile 100 and mechanically-manipulated textile 130 is depicted in <figref idref="f0020">Figures 14 and 15</figref>. Whereas non-woven textile 100 is formed from randomly-distributed filaments 103, textile 130 is formed by mechanically-manipulating one or more yarns 131 to form a woven or interlooped structure. When manufactured with an interlooped structure, textile 130 may be formed through a variety of knitting processes, including flat knitting, wide tube circular knitting, narrow tube circular knit jacquard, single knit circular knit jacquard, double knit circular knit jacquard, warp knit jacquard, and double needle bar raschel knitting, for example. Accordingly, textile 130 may have a variety of configurations, and various weft-knitting and warp-knitting techniques may be utilized to manufacture textile 130. Although yarns 131 of textile 130 may be at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, many mechanically-manipulated textiles are formed from natural filaments (e.g., cotton, silk) or thermoset polymer materials. In order to form a heatbond between non-woven textile 100 and textile 130, the thermoplastic polymer material from non-woven textile 100 extends around or bonds with yarns 131 or extends into the structure of yarns 131 to secure non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 together when cooled. More particularly, various heatbond elements 105 are depicted in <figref idref="f0020">Figure 15</figref> as extending around or into yarns 131 to form the heatbond. A process similar to the process discussed above relative to <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 12A-12C</figref> may be utilized to form the heatbond between non-woven textile 100 and textile 130. That is, the heatbond between non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 may be formed, for example, by compressing and heating the elements between plates 111 and 112.

0053The combination of non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 may impart some advantages over either of non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 alone. For example, textile 130 may exhibit one-directional stretch, wherein the configuration of yarns 131 allows textile 130 to stretch in one direction, but limits stretch in a perpendicular direction. When non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 are joined, the composite element may also exhibit a corresponding one-directional stretch. As another example, the composite element may also be incorporated into various articles of apparel, with textile 130 being positioned to contact the skin of an individual wearing the apparel, and the materials selected for textile 130 and the structure of textile 130 may impart more comfort than non-woven textile 100 alone. In addition to these advantages, various fused regions 104 may be formed in non-woven textile 100 to impart different degrees of permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance to specific areas of the composite element. Accordingly, the composite element may have a configuration that imparts a combination of properties that neither non-woven textile 100 nor textile 130 may impart alone.

0054Another example of a composite element, which includes non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140, is depicted in <figref idref="f0021">Figures 16 and 17</figref>. Sheet 140 may be formed from a sheet or plate of a polymer, suede, synthetic suede, metal, or wood material, for example, and may be either flexible or inflexible. In order to form a heatbond between non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140, the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 may extend into or infiltrate crevices or cavities within sheet 140 to secure the elements together when cooled. In circumstances where sheet 140 is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, then the thermoplastic polymer materials of non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 may intermingle with each other (e.g., diffuse across a boundary layer between the thermoplastic polymer materials) to secure non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 together when cooled. A process similar to the process discussed above relative to <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 12A-12C</figref> may be utilized to form the heatbond between non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140. As an alternative, stitching or adhesives may be utilized, as well as a needle punching process to push filaments 103 into or through sheet 140 to join non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 or to supplement the heatbond.

0055The combination of non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 may be suitable for articles of apparel that impart protection from acute impacts, for example. A lack of stitching, rivets, or other elements joining non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 forms a relatively smooth interface. When incorporated into an article of apparel, the lack of discontinuities in the area joining non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 may impart comfort to the individual wearing the apparel. As another example, edges of sheet 140 are depicted as being spaced inward from edges of non-woven textile 100. When incorporating the composite element into a product, such as apparel, the edges of non-woven textile 100 may be utilized to join the composite element to other textile elements or portions of the apparel. In addition to these advantages, various fused regions 104 may be formed in non-woven textile 100 to impart different degrees of permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance to areas of the composite element.

0056Although sheet 140 is depicted as having a solid or otherwise continuous configuration, sheet 140 may also be absent in various areas of the composite element. Referring to <figref idref="f0022">Figure 18A</figref>, sheet 140 has the configuration of various strips of material, that extend across non-woven textile 100. A similar configuration is depicted in <figref idref="f0022">Figure 18B</figref>, wherein sheet 140 has the configuration of a grid. In addition to imparting strength and tear-resistance to the composite element, the strip and grid configurations of sheet 140 expose portions of non-woven textile 100, thereby allowing permeability in the exposed areas. In each of <figref idref="f0021 f0022">Figures 16-18B</figref>, sheet 140 is depicted as having a thickness that is comparable to the thickness of non-woven textile 100. In <figref idref="f0023">Figure 18C</figref>, however, sheet 140 is depicted as having a thickness that is substantially less than the thickness of non-woven textile 100. Even with a reduced thickness, sheet 140 may impart strength and tear-resistance, while allowing permeability.

0057A further example of a composite element that includes two layers of non-woven textile 100 and foam layer 150 is depicted in <figref idref="f0024">Figures 19 and 20</figref>. Foam layer 150 may be formed from a foamed polymer material that is either thermoset or thermoplastic. In configurations where foam layer 150 is formed from a thermoset polymer material, the thermoplastic polymer material from the two layers of non-woven textile 100 may extend into or infiltrate crevices or cavities on opposite sides of foam layer 150 to form heatbonds and secure the elements together. In configurations where foam layer 150 is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, the thermoplastic polymer materials of the two layers of non-woven textile 100 and foam layer 150 may intermingle with each other to form heatbonds and secure the elements together.

0058A process similar to the process discussed above relative to <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 12A-12C</figref> may be utilized to form the heatbonds between the two layer of non-woven textile 100 and foam layer 150. More particularly, foam layer 150 may be placed between the two layers of non-woven textile 100, and these three elements may be located between plates 111 and 112. Upon compressing and heating, heatbonds may form between the two layers of non-woven textile 100 and the opposite sides of foam layer 150. Additionally, the two layers of non-woven textile 100 may be heatbonded to each other around the perimeter of foam layer 150. That is, heatbonds may also be utilized to join the two layers of non-woven textile 100 to each other. In addition to foam layer 150, other intermediate elements (e.g., textile 130 or sheet 140) may be bonded between the two layers of non-woven textile 100. A needle punching process may also be utilized to push filaments 103 into or through foam layer 150 to join non-woven textile 100 and foam layer 150 or to supplement the heatbond, as well as stitching or adhesives.

0059The combination of the two layers of non-woven textile 100 and foam layer 150 may be suitable for articles of apparel where cushioning (i.e., attenuation of impact forces) is advantageous, such as padding for athletic activities that may involve contact or impact with other athletes or equipment. The lack of discontinuities in the area joining the layers of non-woven textile 100 and foam layer 150 may impart comfort to the individual wearing the apparel. The edges of the two layers of non-woven textile 100 may also be utilized to join the composite element to other textile elements or portions of the apparel. In addition to these advantages, various fused regions 104 may be formed in non-woven textile 100 to impart different degrees of permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance to the composite element.

0060An example of a composite element that includes non-woven textile 100 and a plurality of strands 160 is depicted in <figref idref="f0025">Figures 21 and 22</figref>. Strands 160 are secured to non-woven textile 100 and extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to either of surfaces 101 and 102. Referring to the cross-section of <figref idref="f0025">Figure 22</figref>, the positions of strands 160 relative to surfaces 101 and 102 may vary significantly. More particularly, strands 160 may be located upon first surface 101, strands 160 may be partially embedded within first surface 101, strands 160 may be recessed under and adjacent to first surface 101, strands 160 may be spaced inward from first surface 101 and located between surfaces 101 and 102, or strands 160 may be adjacent to second surface 102. A heatbonding process may be utilized to secure strands 160 to non-woven textile 100. That is, thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 may be softened or melted to form a heatbond that joins strands 160 to non-woven textile 100. Depending upon the degree to which the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 is softened or melted, strands 160 may be positioned upon first surface 101 or located inward from first surface 101.

0061Strands 160 may be formed from any generally one-dimensional material exhibiting a length that is substantially greater than a width and a thickness. Depending upon the material utilized and the desired properties, strands 160 may be individual filaments, yarns that include a plurality of filaments, or threads that include a plurality of yarns. As discussed in greater detail below, suitable materials for strands 160 include rayon, nylon, polyester, polyacrylic, silk, cotton, carbon, glass, aramids (e.g., para-aramid fibers and meta-aramid fibers), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer, for example. In some configurations, strands 160 may also be metal wires or cables.

0062In comparison with the thermoplastic polymer material forming non-woven textile 100, many of the materials noted above for strands 160 exhibit greater tensile strength and stretch-resistance. That is, strands 160 may be stronger than non-woven textile 100 and may exhibit less stretch than non-woven textile 100 when subjected to a tensile force. The combination of non-woven textile 100 and strands 160 imparts a structure wherein the composite element may stretch in one direction and is substantially stretch-resistant and has more strength in another direction. Referring to <figref idref="f0025">Figure 21</figref>, two perpendicular directions are identified with arrows 161 and 162. When the composite element is subjected to a tensile force (i.e., stretched) in the direction of arrow 161, non-woven textile 100 may stretch significantly. When the composite element is subjected to a tensile force (i.e., stretched) in the direction of arrow 162, however, strands 160 resist the force and are more stretch-resistant than non-woven textile 100. Accordingly, strands 160 may be oriented to impart strength and stretch-resistance to the composite element in particular directions. Although strands 160 are discussed herein as imparting stretch-resistance, strands 160 may be formed from materials that stretch significantly. Strands 160 may also be utilized to impart other properties to the composite element. For example, strands 160 may be electrically-conductive to allow the transmission of power or data, or strands 160 may be located within non-woven textile 100 to impart a particular aesthetic.

0063Strands 160 are depicted as being substantially parallel to each other in <figref idref="f0025">Figure 21</figref>, and ends of strands 160 are depicted as being spaced inward from edges of non-woven textile 100. In other composite element configurations, strands 160 may be arranged in other orientations and may extend entirely or only partially across non-woven textile 100. Referring to <figref idref="f0026">Figure 23A</figref>, strands 160 are depicted as crossing each other. Given the angle that strands 160 are oriented relative to each other, strands 160 may only partially limit the stretch in the direction of arrow 161, but the composite element may be substantially stretch-resistant in the direction of arrow 162. A similar configuration is depicted in <figref idref="f0026">Figure 23B</figref>, wherein strands 160 cross each other at right angles. In this configuration, strands 160 may impart stretch-resistance in the directions of both arrows 161 and 162. That is, the composite element may be stretch-resistant in all directions due to the orientation of strands 160. As another matter, whereas ends of strands 160 are spaced inward from edges of non-woven textile 100 in <figref idref="f0026">Figure 23A</figref>, the ends of strands 160 extend to the edges of non-woven textile 100 in <figref idref="f0026">Figure 23B</figref>. Strands 160 are depicted as having a wave-like or non-linear configuration in <figref idref="f0027">Figure 23C</figref>. In this configuration, strands 160 may permit some stretch in the direction of arrow 162. Once strands 160 straighten due to the stretch, however, then strands 160 may substantially resist stretch and provide strength in the direction of arrow 162. Another configuration is depicted in <figref idref="f0027">Figure 23D</figref>, wherein strands 160 are arranged in a non-parallel configuration to radiate outward.

0064In some configurations of the composite element, fused regions 104 may be added to further affect the properties of the composite element. Referring to <figref idref="f0028">Figure 23E</figref>, a single fused region 104 extends across non-woven textile 100 in the direction of arrow 161. Given that fused regions 104 may exhibit more stretch-resistance than other areas of non-woven textile 100, the fused region in <figref idref="f0028">Figure 23E</figref> may impart some stretch-resistance in the direction of arrow 161, and strands 160 may impart stretch-resistance to the direction of arrow 162. In some configurations, fused regions may extend along strands 160 and in the direction of arrow 162, as depicted in <figref idref="f0028">Figure 23F</figref>. Accordingly, fused regions 104 may be utilized with strands 160 to impart specific properties to a composite element.

0065The material properties of strands 160 relate to the specific materials that are utilized within strands 160. Examples of material properties that may be relevant in selecting specific materials for strands 160 include tensile strength, tensile modulus, density, flexibility, tenacity, and durability. Each of the materials noted above as being suitable for strands 160 exhibit different combinations of material properties. Accordingly, the material properties for each of these materials may be compared in selecting particular materials for strands 160. Tensile strength is a measure of resistance to breaking when subjected to tensile (i.e., stretching) forces. That is, a material with a high tensile strength is less likely to break when subjected to tensile forces than a material with a low tensile strength. Tensile modulus is a measure of resistance to stretching when subjected to tensile forces. That is, a material with a high tensile modulus is less likely to stretch when subjected to tensile forces than a material with a low tensile modulus. Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. That is, a particular volume of a material with a high density has more weight than the same volume of a material with a low density.

0066Nylon has a relatively low tensile strength, a relatively low tensile modulus, and an average density when compared to each of the other materials. Steel has an average tensile strength, a moderately high tensile modulus, and a relatively high density when compared to the other materials. While nylon is less dense than steel (i.e., lighter than steel), nylon has a lesser strength and a greater propensity to stretch than steel. Conversely, while steel is stronger and exhibits less stretch, steel is significantly more dense (i.e., heavier than nylon). Each of the engineering fibers (e.g., carbon fibers, aramid fibers, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer) exhibit tensile strengths and tensile moduli that are comparable to steel. In addition, the engineering fibers exhibit densities that are comparable to nylon. That is, the engineering fibers have relatively high tensile strengths and tensile moduli, but also have relatively low densities. In general, each of the engineering fibers have a tensile strength greater than 0.60 gigapascals, a tensile modulus greater than 50 gigapascals, and a density less than 2.0 grams per centimeter cubed.

0067In addition to material properties, the structural properties of various configurations of strands 160 may be considered when selecting a particular configuration for a composite element. The structural properties of strands 160 relate to the specific structure that is utilized to form strands 160. Examples of structural properties that may be relevant in selecting specific configurations for strands 160 include denier, number of plies, breaking force, twist, and number of individual filaments, for example.

0068Based upon the above discussion, non-woven textile 100 may be heatbonded or otherwise joined (e.g., through stitching or adhesive bonding) to a variety of other components to form composite elements. An advantage of joining non-woven textile 100 to the other components is that the composite elements generally include combined properties from both non-woven textile 100 and the other components. As examples, composite elements may be formed by joining non-woven textile 100 to any of textile 130, sheet 140, foam layer 150, and strands 160.

VII - Seam Formation

0069In order to incorporate non-woven textile 100 into a product, non-woven textile 100 is often joined with other elements of the product to form a seam. For example, non-woven textile 100 may be joined with other non-woven textile elements, various mechanically-manipulated textile elements, or polymer sheets. Although stitching and adhesive bonding may be utilized to join non-woven textile 100 to the other elements of the product, the seam may also be formed through a heatbonding process.

0070As an example of the manner in which non-woven textile 100 may be joined to another element, <figref idref="f0029">Figures 24 and 25</figref> depict a pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 that are joined to form a seam 106. That is, an edge area of one non-woven textile 100 is joined with an edge area of the other non-woven textile 100 at seam 106. More particularly, seam 106 is formed by heatbonding first surface 101 of one non-woven textile 100 with first surface 101 of the other non-woven textile 100. As with some conventional stitched seams, first surfaces 101 from each non-woven textile 100 are turned inward at seam 106 to face each other, and first surfaces 101 are joined to each other. In contrast with some conventional stitched seams, a heatbond is utilized to join first surfaces 101 from each non-woven textile 100 to each other. In some configurations, however, stitching or adhesive bonding may also be utilized to reinforce seam 106.

0071A general manufacturing process for forming seam 106 will now be discussed with reference to <figref idref="f0030 f0031">Figures 26A-26D</figref>. Initially, the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 are located between a first seam-forming die 117 and a second seam-forming die 118, as depicted in <figref idref="f0030">Figure 26A</figref>. Seam-forming dies 117 and 118 then translate or otherwise move toward each other in order to compress or induce contact between edge areas of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100, as depicted in <figref idref="f0030">Figure 26B</figref>. In order to form the heatbond and join the edge areas of the elements of non-woven textile 100, seam-forming dies 117 and 118 apply heat to the edge areas. That is, seam-forming dies 117 and 118 elevate the temperatures of the edge areas of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 to cause softening or melting of the thermoplastic polymer material at the interface between the edge areas. Upon separating seam-forming dies 117 and 118, as depicted in <figref idref="f0031">Figure 26C</figref>, seam 106 is formed between the edge areas of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100. After being permitted to cool, the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 may be unfolded, as depicted in <figref idref="f0031">Figure 26D</figref>. After forming, seam 106 may also be trimmed to limit the degree to which the end areas of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 extend downward at seam 106.

0072Although the general process discussed above may be utilized to form seam 106, other methods may also be utilized. Rather than heating the edge areas of elements of non-woven textile 100 through conduction, other methods that include radio frequency heating, chemical heating, or radiant heating may be utilized. In some processes, stitching or adhesives may also be utilized between the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 to supplement the heatbond. As an alternate method, the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 may be placed upon a surface, such as second plate 112, and a heated roller 119 may form seam 106, as depicted in <figref idref="f0032">Figure 27</figref>.

0073As with the formation of fused regions 104, the formation of seam 106 involves softening or melting the thermoplastic polymer material in various filaments 103 that are located in the area of seam 106. Depending upon the degree to which filaments 103 change state, the various filaments 103 in the area of seam 106 may (a) remain in a filamentous configuration, (b) melt entirely into a liquid that cools into a non-filamentous configuration, or (c) take an intermediate configuration wherein some filaments 103 or portions of individual filaments 103 remain filamentous and other filaments 103 or portions of individual filaments 103 become non-filamentous. Referring to <figref idref="f0029">Figure 25</figref>, filaments 103 are depicted as remaining in the filamentous configuration in the area of seam 106, but may be melted into a non-filamentous configuration or may take the intermediate configuration. Accordingly, although filaments 103 in the area of seam 106 are generally fused to a greater degree than filaments 103 in other areas of non-woven textile 100, the degree of fusing may vary significantly.

0074In forming seam 106 between the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100, the thermoplastic polymer materials from the various filaments 103 intermingle with each other and are secured together when cooled. Non-woven textile 100 may also be joined with other types of elements to form a similar seam 106. As a first example, non-woven textile 100 is depicted as being joined with mechanically-manipulated textile 130 at seam 106 in <figref idref="f0033">Figure 28A</figref>. Although yarns 131 of textile 130 may be at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, many mechanically-manipulated textiles are formed from natural filaments (e.g., cotton, silk) or thermoset polymer materials. In order to form a heatbond between non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 at seam 106, the thermoplastic polymer material from non-woven textile 100 extends around or bonds with yarns 131 or extends into the structure of yarns 131 to secure the non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 together at seam 106 when cooled. As a second example, non-woven textile 100 is depicted as being joined with sheet 140 at seam 106 in <figref idref="f0034">Figure 28B</figref>. In some configurations, sheet 140 may be a flexible polymer sheet. In order to form a heatbond between non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 at seam 106, the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 may extend into or infiltrate crevices or cavities within sheet 140 to secure the elements together when cooled. In circumstances where sheet 140 is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, then the thermoplastic polymer materials of non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 may intermingle with each other to secure non-woven textile 100 and sheet 140 together at seam 106 when cooled.

0075The thicknesses of elements of non-woven textile 100 are depicted as being substantially uniform, even in the areas of seam 106. Depending upon the temperature and pressure used to form seam 106, the configuration of seam 106 may vary to include a variety of other configurations. Referring to <figref idref="f0035">Figure 29A</figref>, elements of non-woven textile 100 exhibit reduced thicknesses in the areas of seam 106, and the thermoplastic polymer material of filaments 103 is depicted as being in a non-filamentous configuration. Seam 106 may also exhibit a pointed configuration, as depicted in <figref idref="f0035">Figure 29B</figref>. The temperature and pressure used to form seam 106 may also impart a stepped structure, as depicted in <figref idref="f0035">Figure 29C</figref>. Accordingly, the configuration of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 at seam 106 may vary significantly. Moreover, similar configurations for seam 106 may result when non-woven textile 100 is joined with other elements, such as textile 130 or sheet 140.

0076As another example of the manner in which non-woven textile 100 may be joined to another element, <figref idref="f0036">Figures 30 and 31</figref> depict a pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 that are joined to form a seam 107. In this configuration, an edge area of one non-woven textile 100 overlaps and is joined with an edge of the other non-woven textile 100 at seam 107. Although a heatbond is utilized to join the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 to each other, stitching or adhesive bonding may also be utilized to reinforce seam 107. Moreover, a single non-woven textile 100 may also be joined with other types of elements, including textile 130 and sheet 140, to form a similar seam 107.

0077A general manufacturing process for forming seam 107 will now be discussed with reference to <figref idref="f0037">Figures 32A-32C</figref>. Initially, the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 are positioned in an overlapping configuration between first seam-forming die 117 and second seam-forming die 118, as depicted in <figref idref="f0037">Figure 32A</figref>. Seam-forming dies 117 and 118 then translate or otherwise move toward each other in order to compress or induce contact between edge areas of the pair of non-woven textile elements 100, as depicted in <figref idref="f0037">Figure 32B</figref>. In order to form the heatbond and join the edge areas of the elements of non-woven textile 100, seam-forming dies 117 and 118 apply heat to the edge areas. That is, seam-forming dies 117 and 118 elevate the temperatures of the edge areas of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 to cause softening or melting of the thermoplastic polymer material at the interface between the edge areas. Upon separating seam-forming dies 117 and 118, as depicted in <figref idref="f0037">Figure 32C</figref>, seam 107 is formed between the edge areas of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100.

0078Although the general process discussed above may be utilized to form seam 107, other methods may also be utilized. Rather than heating the edge areas of elements of non-woven textile 100 through conduction, other methods that include radio frequency heating, chemical heating, or radiant heating may be utilized. In some processes, stitching or adhesives may also be utilized between the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 to supplement the heatbond. As an alternate method, the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 may be placed upon a surface, such as second plate 112, and heated roller 119 may form seam 107, as depicted in <figref idref="f0038">Figure 33</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="f0036">Figure 31</figref>, filaments 103 are depicted as remaining in the filamentous configuration in the area of seam 107, but may be melted into a non-filamentous configuration or may take the intermediate configuration. Accordingly, although filaments 103 in the area of seam 107 are generally fused to a greater degree than filaments 103 in other areas of non-woven textile 100, the degree of fusing may vary significantly.

0079First surfaces 101 of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 are depicted as being coplanar or flush with each other in <figref idref="f0036">Figures 30 and 31</figref>. Similarly, second surfaces 102 of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 are also depicted as being coplanar or flush with each other. Depending upon the temperature and pressure used to form seam 107, the configuration of seam 107 may vary to include a variety of other configurations. Referring to <figref idref="f0039">Figure 34A</figref>, surfaces 101 and 102 bow inward at seam 107, and the thermoplastic polymer material is depicted as having a non-filamentous configuration. Surfaces 101 and 102 angle inward more-abruptly in <figref idref="f0039">Figure 34B</figref>, which may be caused from pressure exerted by seam-forming dies 117 and 118. As another configuration, <figref idref="f0039">Figure 34C</figref> depicts the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 as being joined at 107 in a non-coplanar configuration. Accordingly, the configuration of the pair of elements of non-woven textile 100 at seam 107 may vary significantly. Moreover, similar configurations for seam 107 may result when non-woven textile 100 is joined with other elements, such as textile 130 or sheet 140.

VI II - General Product Configurations

0080Non-woven textile 100, multiple elements of non-woven textile 100, or various composite element configurations may be utilized in articles of apparel (e.g., shirts, jackets and other outerwear, pants, footwear), containers, and upholstery for furniture. Various configurations of non-woven textile 100 may also be utilized in bed coverings, table coverings, towels, flags, tents, sails, and parachutes, as well as industrial purposes that include automotive and aerospace applications, filter materials, medical textiles, geotextiles, agrotextiles, and industrial apparel. Accordingly, non-woven textile 100 may be utilized in a variety of products for both personal and industrial purposes.

0081Although non-woven textile 100 may be utilized in a variety of products, the following discussion provides examples of articles of apparel that incorporate non-woven textile 100. That is, the following discussion demonstrates various ways in which non-woven textile 100 may be incorporated into a shirt 200, a pair of pants 300, and an article of footwear 400. Moreover, examples of various configurations of shirt 200, pants 300, and footwear 400 are provided in order to demonstrate various concepts associated with utilizing non-woven textile 100 in products. Accordingly, while the concepts outlined below are specifically applied to various articles of apparel, the concepts may be applied to a variety of other products.

IX - Shirt Configurations

0082Various configurations of shirt 200 are depicted in <figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042 f0043 f0044 f0045 f0046 f0047">Figures 35A-35H</figref> as including a torso region 201 and a pair of arm regions 202 that extend outward from torso region 201. Torso region 201 corresponds with a torso of a wearer and covers at least a portion of the torso when worn. An upper area of torso region 201 defines a neck opening 203 through which the neck and head of the wearer protrude when shirt 200 is worn. Similarly, a lower area of torso region 201 defines a waist opening 204 through which the waist or pelvic area of the wearer protrudes when shirt 200 is worn. Arm regions 202 respectively correspond with a right arm and a left arm of the wearer and cover at least a portion of the right arm and the left arm when shirt 200 is worn. Each of arm regions 202 define an arm opening 205 through which the hands, wrists, or arms of the wearer protrude when shirt 200 is worn. Shirt 200 has the configuration of a shirt-type garment, particularly a long-sleeved shirt. In general, shirt-type garments cover a portion of a torso of the wearer and may extend over arms of the wearer. In further examples, apparel having the general structure of shirt 200 may have the configuration of other shirt-type garments, including short-sleeved shirts, tank tops, undershirts, jackets, or coats.

0083A first configuration of shirt 200 is depicted in <figref idref="f0040">Figures 35A</figref> and <figref idref="f0048">36A</figref>. A majority of shirt 200 is formed from non-woven textile 100. More particularly, torso region 201 and each of arm regions 202 are primarily formed from non-woven textile 100. Although shirt 200 may be formed from a single element of non-woven textile 100, shirt 200 is generally formed from multiple joined elements of non-woven textile 100. As depicted, for example, at least a front area of torso region 201 is formed one element of non-woven textile 100, and each of arm regions 202 are formed from different elements of non-woven textile 100. A pair of seams 206 extends between torso region 201 and arm regions 202 in order to join the various elements of non-woven textile 100 together. In general, seams 206 define regions where edge areas of the elements of non-woven textile 100 are heatbonded with each other. Referring to <figref idref="f0048">Figure 36A</figref>, one of seams 206 is depicted as having the general configuration of seam 106, but may also have the configuration of seam 107 or another type of seam. Stitching and adhesive bonding may also be utilized to form or supplement seams 206.

0084A second configuration of shirt 200 is depicted in <figref idref="f0041">Figures 35B</figref> and <figref idref="f0048">36B</figref>. As with the configuration of <figref idref="f0040">Figure 35A</figref>, a majority of shirt 200 is formed from non-woven textile 100. In order to impart different properties to specific areas of shirt 200, various fused regions 104 are formed in non-woven textile 100. More particularly, fused regions 104 are formed around neck opening 203, waist opening 204, and each of arm openings 205. Given that each of openings 203-205 may be stretched as shirt 200 is put on an individual and taken off the individual, fused regions 104 are located around openings 203-205 in order to impart greater stretch-resistance to these areas. Filaments 103 in fused regions 104 of shirt 200 are generally fused to a greater degree than filaments 103 in other areas of shirt 200 and may exhibit a non-filamentous configuration, as depicted in <figref idref="f0048">Figure 36B</figref>. Filaments 103 in fused regions 104 of shirt 200 may also exhibit a filamentous configuration or the intermediate configuration. In addition to providing greater stretch-resistance, fused regions 104 impart enhanced durability to the areas around openings 203-205.

0085A third configuration of shirt 200 is depicted in <figref idref="f0042">Figures 35C</figref> and <figref idref="f0049">36C</figref> as including further fused regions 104. Given that elbow areas of shirt 200 may be subjected to relatively high abrasion as shirt 200 is worn, some of fused regions 104 may be located in the elbow areas to impart greater durability. Also, backpack straps that extend over shoulder areas of shirt 200 may abrade and stretch the shoulder areas. Additional fused regions 200 are, therefore, located in the shoulder areas of shirt 200 to impart both durability and stretch-resistance. The areas of non-woven textile 100 that are located in the shoulder areas and around seams 206 effectively form both seams 206 and the fused regions 104 in the shoulder areas, as depicted in <figref idref="f0049">Figure 36C</figref>. Two separate processes may be utilized to form these areas. That is, a first heatbonding process may form seams 206, and a second heating process may form the fused regions 104 in the shoulder areas. As an alternative, however, seams 206 and the fused regions 104 in the shoulder areas may be formed through a single heatbonding/heating process.

0086Although the size of fused regions 104 in shirt 200 may vary significantly, some of fused regions 104 generally have a continuous area of at least one square centimeter. As noted above, various embossing or calendaring processes may be utilized during the manufacturing process for non-woven textile 100. Some embossing or calendaring processes may form a plurality of relatively small areas (i.e., one to ten square millimeters) where filaments 103 are somewhat fused to each other. In contrast with the areas formed by embossing or calendaring, some of fused regions 104 have a continuous area of at least one square centimeter. As utilized herein, "continuous area" or variants thereof is defined as a relatively unbroken or uninterrupted region. As examples, and with reference to <figref idref="f0042">Figure 35C</figref>, the fused region 104 around neck opening 203 individually forms a continuous area, each of the fused regions 104 in the elbow areas of shirt 200 individually form a continuous area, and each of the fused regions 104 in the shoulder areas of shirt 200 individually form a continuous area. All of fused regions 104 (i.e., around neck openings 203-205 and in the shoulder and elbow areas) are not collectively one continuous area because portions of non-woven textile 100 without significant fusing extend between these fused regions 104.

0087A fourth configuration of shirt 200 is depicted in <figref idref="f0043">Figures 35D</figref> and <figref idref="f0049">36D</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="f0041">Figures 35B</figref> and <figref idref="f0048">36B</figref>, fused regions 104 are utilized to provide stretch-resistance to the areas around openings 203-205. Another structure that may be utilized to provide stretch-resistance, as well as a different aesthetic, involves folding non-woven textile 100 and heatbonding or otherwise securing non-woven textile 100 to itself at various bond areas 207, as generally depicted in <figref idref="f0049">Figure 36D</figref>. Although this structure may be utilized for any of openings 203-205, bond areas 207 where textile 100 is heatbonded to itself are depicted as extending around waist opening 204 and arm openings 205.

0088A fifth configuration of shirt 200 is depicted in <figref idref="f0044">Figures 35E</figref> and <figref idref="f0050">36E</figref>. Whereas the configurations of shirt 200 depicted in <figref idref="f0040 f0041 f0042 f0043">Figures 35A-35D</figref> are primarily formed from non-woven textile 100, arm regions 202 in this configuration of shirt 200 are formed from textile 130, which is a mechanically-manipulated textile. As discussed above, seams having the configuration of seams 106 and 107 may join non-woven textile 100 with a variety of other materials, including textile 130. Seams 206 join, therefore, non-woven textile from torso region 201 with elements of textile 130 from arm regions 202. Utilizing various types of textile materials within shirt 200 may, for example, enhance the comfort, durability, or aesthetic qualities of shirt 200. Although arm regions 202 are depicted as being formed from textile 130, other areas may additionally or alternatively be formed form textile 130 or other materials. For example, a lower portion of torso region 201 may be formed from textile 130, only an area around neck opening 203 may be formed from textile 130, or the configuration of <figref idref="f0044">Figure 35E</figref> may be reversed such that torso region 201 is formed from textile 130 and each of arm regions 202 are formed from non-woven textile 100. Although textile 130 is utilized as an example, elements formed from the materials of sheet 140 or foam layer 150 may also be incorporated into shirt 200 and joined with non-woven textile 100. Accordingly, an article of apparel, such as shirt 200, may incorporate both non-woven textile 100 and various other textiles or materials. Various fused regions 104 are also formed in the non-woven textile 100 of torso region 201 in order to impart different properties to specific areas of shirt 200 that incorporate non-woven textile 100.

0089A sixth configuration of shirt 200 is depicted in <figref idref="f0045">Figures 35F</figref> and <figref idref="f0050">36F</figref>, in which a majority of shirt 200 is formed from a composite element of non-woven textile 100 and textile 130. More particularly, the material forming shirt 200 has a layered structure including an outer layer of non-woven textile 100 and an inner layer of textile 130. The combination of non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 may impart some advantages over either of non-woven textile 100 and textile 130 alone. For example, textile 130 may exhibit one-directional stretch that imparts one-directional stretch to the composite element. Textile 130 may also be positioned to contact the skin of an individual wearing shirt 200, and the materials selected for textile 130 and the structure of textile 130 may impart more comfort than non-woven textile 100 alone. As an additional matter, the presence of non-woven textile 100 permits elements to be joined through heatbonding. Referring to <figref idref="f0050">Figure 36F</figref>, surfaces of the composite material that include non-woven textile 100 are heatbonded to each other to join elements from torso region 201 and one of arm regions 202. Various fused regions 104 are also formed in regions 201 and 202 in order to impart different properties to specific areas of shirt 200.

0090A seventh configuration of shirt 200 is depicted in <figref idref="f0046">Figures 35G</figref> and <figref idref="f0051">36G</figref>. In order to provide protection to a wearer, various sheets 140 and foam layers 150 are heatbonded to an interior surface of non-woven textile 100. More particularly, two sheets 140 are located in the shoulder areas of shirt 200, two sheets 140 are located in arm regions 202, and two foam layers 150 are located on sides of torso region 201. Various fused regions 104 are also formed in non-woven textile 100. More particularly, a pair of fused regions 104 extend around the areas where foam layers 150 are located in torso region 201, and a pair of fused regions 104 extend over the areas where sheets 140 are located in arm regions 202. These fused regions 104 may be utilized to reinforce or add stretch-resistance to areas surrounding foam layers 150 or provide greater durability to areas over sheets 140, for example.

0091An eighth configuration of shirt 200 is depicted in <figref idref="f0047">Figures 35H</figref> and <figref idref="f0051">36H</figref>. In addition to various fused regions 104 that are formed in non-woven textile 100, a plurality of strands 160 are also embedded within non-woven textile 100 to, for example, impart stretch-resistance or additional strength to specific areas of shirt 200. More particularly, seven strands 160 radiate outward and downward from a point in an upper portion of torso region 201, two strands 160 extend in parallel along each of arm regions 202, and at least one strand 160 extends across seams 206 in shoulder areas of shirt 200. Some of strands 160 extend through various fused regions 104 that may impart additional stretch-resistance or durability, for example, to the areas surrounding strands 160. In torso region 201, each of strands 160 pass through one of fused regions 104, while two of strands 160 extend along a pair of fused regions 104. In the shoulder areas of shirt 200, a pair of strands 160 are located entirely within fused regions 104. Accordingly, strands 160 may be utilized alone or coupled with fused regions 104.

0092Based upon the above discussion, non-woven textile 100 may be utilized in an article of apparel, such as shirt 200. In some configurations, seams 206 having the configuration of either of seams 106 or 107 may be used to join textile elements, including elements of non-woven textile 100. In order to impart different properties to areas of shirt 200, various fused regions 104 may be formed, different types of textiles may be incorporated into shirt 200, and composite elements may be formed by joining one or more of textile 130, sheet 140, foam layer 150, strands 160, or various other components to non-woven textile 100. By forming fused regions 104 in non-woven textile 100 and combining non-woven textile 100 with other components to form composite elements, various properties and combinations of properties may be imparted to different areas of shirt 200. That is, the various concepts disclosed herein may be utilized individually or in combination to engineer the properties of shirt 200 and tailor shirt 200 to a specific purpose. Given that non-woven textile 100 incorporates a thermoplastic polymer material, seams 206 and the composite elements may be formed through heatbonding.

X - Pants Configurations

0093Various configurations of pants 300 are depicted in <figref idref="f0052 f0053 f0054">Figures 37A-37C</figref> as including a pelvic region 301 and a pair of leg regions 302 that extend downward from pelvic region 301. Pelvic region 301 corresponds with a lower torso and pelvis bone of a wearer and covers at least a portion of the lower torso when worn. An upper area of pelvic region 301 defines a waist opening 303 through which the torso extends when pants 300 are worn. Leg regions 302 respectively correspond with a right leg and a left leg of the wearer and cover at least a portion of the right leg and the left leg when pants 300 are worn. Each of leg regions 302 define an ankle opening 304 through which the ankle and feet of the wearer protrude when pants 300 are worn. Pants 300 have the configuration of a pants-type garment, particularly a pair of athletic pants. In general, pants-type garments cover the lower torso of the wearer and may extend over legs of the wearer. In further examples, apparel having the general structure of pants 300 may have the configuration of other pants-type garments, including shorts, jeans, briefs, swimsuits, and undergarments.

0094A first configuration of pants 300 is depicted in <figref idref="f0052">Figure 37A</figref>. A majority of pants 300 is formed from non-woven textile 100. More particularly, pelvic region 301 and each of leg regions 302 are primarily formed from non-woven textile 100. Although pants 300 may be formed from a single element of non-woven textile 100, pants 300 is generally formed from multiple joined elements of non-woven textile 100. Although not depicted, seams similar to seams 106, 107, or 206 may be utilized to join the various elements of non-woven textile 100 together. Stitching and adhesive bonding may also be utilized to form or supplement the seams.

0095A pocket 305 is formed in pants 300 and may be utilized to hold or otherwise contain relatively small objects (e.g., keys, wallet, identification card, mobile phone, portable music player). Two overlapping layers of non-woven textile 100 are utilized to form pocket 305, as depicted in <figref idref="f0055">Figure 38</figref>. More particularly, a bond area 306 is utilized to heatbond the layers of non-woven textile 100 to each other. A central area of one of the layers of non-woven textile 100 remains unbonded, however, to form the areas within pocket 305 for containing the objects. A pocket similar to pocket 305 may also be formed in other products and articles of apparel, including shirt 200.

0096A second configuration of pants 300 is depicted in <figref idref="f0053">Figure 37B</figref>. As with the configuration of <figref idref="f0052">Figure 37A</figref>, a majority of pants 300 is formed from non-woven textile 100. In order to impart different properties to specific areas of pants 300, various fused regions 104 are formed in non-woven textile 100. More particularly, fused regions 104 are formed around waist opening 303 and each of leg openings 304. Another fused region 104 is formed at an opening for pocket 305. Given that each of openings 303 and 304, as well as the opening to pocket 305, may be stretched, fused regions 104 may be utilized to impart greater stretch-resistance to these areas. That is, filaments 103 in fused regions 104 of pants 300 are generally fused to a greater degree than filaments 103 in other areas of pants 300 and may have any of the filamentous, non-filamentous, or intermediate configurations discussed above. In addition to providing greater stretch-resistance, fused regions 104 impart enhanced durability. Given that knee areas of pants 300 may be subjected to relatively high abrasion as pants 300 are worn, additional fused regions 104 may be located in the knee areas to impart greater durability.

0097A third configuration of pants 300 is depicted in <figref idref="f0054">Figure 37C</figref>. As with shirt 200, fused regions 104, textile 130, sheet 140, foam layer 150, and strands 160 may be utilized to impart properties to various areas of pants 300. In leg regions 302, for example, textile 130 is heatbonded to an interior surface of non-woven textile 100. A pair of sheets 140 are heatbonded to pants 300 in side areas of pelvic region 301, and portions of the fused region 104 around waist opening 303 extend under sheets 140. A pair of foam layers 150 are also located in the knee areas of pants 300, and strands 160 that extend along leg regions 302 extend under foam layers 150 (e.g., between non-woven textile 100 and foam layers 150). End areas of strands 160 also extend into fused regions 104 in lower areas of leg regions 302. Accordingly, fused regions 104, textile 130, sheet 140, foam layer 150, and strands 160 may be utilized or combined in a variety of ways to impart properties to different various areas of pants 300. Whereas various elements of sheet 140 and foam layer 150 are heatbonded with an interior surface of shirt 200 in <figref idref="f0046">Figure 35G</figref>, various elements of sheet 140 and foam layer 150 are heatbonded with an exterior surface of pants 300 in <figref idref="f0054">Figure 37C</figref>. Depending upon various structural and aesthetic factors, composite elements and apparel including the composite elements may be formed with components (e.g., textile 130, sheet 140, foam layer 150, strands 160) located on an exterior or an interior of non-woven textile 100.

0098Based upon the above discussion, non-woven textile 100 may be utilized in an article of apparel, such as pants 300. Seams of various types may be used to join textile elements, including elements of non-woven textile 100. In order to impart different properties to areas of pants 300, various fused regions 104 may be formed, different types of textiles may be incorporated into shirt 200, and composite elements may be formed by joining one or more of textile 130, sheet 140, foam layer 150, strands 160, or various other components to non-woven textile 100. By forming fused regions 104 in non-woven textile 100 and combining non-woven textile 100 with other components to form composite elements, various properties and combinations of properties may be imparted to different areas of pants 300. That is, the various concepts disclosed herein may be utilized individually or in combination to engineer the properties of pants 300 and tailor pants 300 to a specific purpose. Given that non-woven textile 100 incorporates a thermoplastic polymer material, the seams and composite elements may be formed through heatbonding.

XI - Footwear Configurations

0099Various configurations of footwear 400 are depicted in <figref idref="f0056 f0057 f0058 f0059 f0060 f0061 f0062">Figures 39A-39G</figref> as including a sole structure 410 and an upper 420. Sole structure 410 is secured to upper 420 and extends between the foot of a wearer and the ground when footwear 400 is placed upon the foot. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 410 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. As depicted, sole structure 410 includes a fluid-filled chamber 411, a reinforcing structure 412 that is bonded to and extends around an exterior of chamber 411, and an outsole 413 that is secured to a lower surface of chamber 411, which is similar to a sole structure that is disclosed in <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US7086179B"><text>U.S. Patent Number 7,086,179 to Dojan, et al.</text></patcit>, which is incorporated by reference herein. The configuration of sole structure 410 may vary significantly to include a variety of other conventional or nonconventional structures. As an example, sole structure 410 may incorporate a polymer foam element in place of chamber 411 and reinforcing structure 412, and the polymer foam element may at least partially encapsulate a fluid-filled chamber, as disclosed in either of <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US7000335B"><text>U.S. Patent Numbers 7,000,335 to Swigart, et al.</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US7386946B"><text>7,386,946 to Goodwin</text></patcit>, which are incorporated by reference herein. As another example, sole structure 410 may incorporate a fluid-filled chamber with an internal foam tensile member, as disclosed in <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US7131218B"><text>U.S. Patent Number 7,131,218 to Schindler</text></patcit>, which is incorporated by reference herein. Accordingly, sole structure 410 may have a variety of configurations.

0100Upper 420 defines a void within footwear 400 for receiving and securing the foot relative to sole structure 410. More particularly, upper 420 is structured to extend along a lateral side of the foot, along a medial side of the foot, over the foot, and under the foot, such that the void within upper 420 is shaped to accommodate the foot. Access to the void is provided by an ankle opening 421 located in at least a heel region of footwear 400. A lace 422 extends through various lace apertures 423 in upper 420 and permits the wearer to modify dimensions of upper 420 to accommodate the proportions of the foot. Lace 422 also permits the wearer to loosen upper 420 to facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the void. Although not depicted, upper 420 may include a tongue that extends under lace 422 to enhance the comfort or adjustability of footwear 400.

0101A first configuration of footwear 400 is depicted in <figref idref="f0056">Figures 39A</figref> and <figref idref="f0063">40A</figref>. Portions of upper 420 that extend along sides of the foot, over the foot, and under the foot may be formed from various elements of non-woven textile 100. Although not depicted, seams similar to seams 106 and 107 may be used to join the elements of non-woven textile 100. In many articles of footwear, stitching or adhesives are utilized to join the upper and sole structure. Sole structure 410, however, may be at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. More particularly, chamber 411 and reinforcing structure 412 may be at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material that joins to upper 420 with a heatbond. That is, a heatbonding process may be utilized to join sole structure 410 and upper 420. In some configurations, stitching or adhesives may be utilized to join sole structure 410 and upper 420, or the heatbond may be supplemented with stitching or adhesives.

0102A relatively large percentage of footwear 400 may be formed from thermoplastic polymer materials. As discussed above, non-woven textile 100, chamber 411, and reinforcing structure 412 may be at least partially formed from thermoplastic polymer materials. Although lace 422 is not generally joined to upper 420 through bonding or stitching, lace 422 may also be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. Similarly, outsole 413 may also be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. Depending upon the number of elements of footwear 400 that incorporate thermoplastic polymer materials or are entirely formed from thermoplastic polymer materials, the percentage by mass of footwear 400 that is formed from the thermoplastic polymer materials may range from thirty percent to one-hundred percent. In some configurations, at least sixty percent of a combined mass of upper 420 and sole structure 410 may be from the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 and thermoplastic polymer materials of at least one of (a) other elements of upper 420 (i.e., lace 422) and (b) the elements of sole structure 410 (i.e., chamber 411, reinforcing structure 412, outsole 413). In further configurations, at least eighty percent or even at least ninety percent of a combined mass of upper 420 and sole structure 410 may be from the thermoplastic polymer material of non-woven textile 100 and thermoplastic polymer materials of at least one of (a) other elements of upper 420 and (b) the elements of sole structure 410. Accordingly, a majority or even all of footwear 400 may be formed from one or more thermoplastic polymer materials.

0103A second configuration of footwear 400 is depicted in <figref idref="f0057">Figures 39B</figref> and <figref idref="f0064">40B</figref>, in which three generally linear fused regions 104 extend from a heel area to a forefoot area of footwear 400. As discussed in detail above, the thermoplastic polymer material forming filaments 103 of non-woven textile 100 is fused to a greater degree in fused regions 104 than in other areas of non-woven textile 100. The thermoplastic polymer material from filaments 103 may also be fused to form a non-filamentous portion of non-woven textile 100. The three fused regions 104 form, therefore, areas where filaments 103 are fused to a greater degree than in other areas of upper 420. Fused regions 104 have generally greater stretch-resistance than other areas of non-woven textile 100. Given that fused regions 104 extend longitudinally between the heel area and the forefoot area of footwear 400, fused regions 104 may reduce the amount of longitudinal stretch in footwear 400. That is, fused regions 104 may impart greater stretch-resistance to footwear 400 in the direction between the heel area and the forefoot area. Fused regions 104 may also increase the durability of upper 420 and decrease the permeability of upper 420.

0104A third configuration of footwear 400 is depicted in <figref idref="f0058">Figures 39C</figref> and <figref idref="f0065">40C</figref>. Various fused regions 104 are formed in non-woven textile 100. One of fused regions 104 extends around and is proximal to ankle opening 421, which may add greater stretch-resistance to the area around ankle opening 421 and assists with securely-retaining the foot within upper 420. Another fused region 104 is located in the heel region and extends around a rear area of the footwear to form a heel counter that resists movement of the heel within upper 420. A further fused region 104 is located in the forefoot area and adjacent to the sole structure, which adds greater durability to the forefoot area. More particularly, the forefoot area of upper 420 may experience greater abrasive-wear than other portions of upper 420, and the addition to fused region 104 in the forefoot area may enhance the abrasion-resistance of footwear 400 in the forefoot area. Additional fused regions 104 extend around some of lace apertures 423, which may enhance the durability and stretch-resistance of areas that receive lace 422. Fused regions 104 also extend downward from an area that is proximal to lace apertures 423 to an area that is proximal to sole structure 410 in order to enhance the stretch-resistance along the sides of footwear 400. More particularly, tension in lace 422 may place tension in the sides of upper 420. By forming fused regions 104 that extend downward along the sides of upper 420, the stretch in upper 420 may be reduced.

0105The size of fused regions 104 in footwear 400 may vary significantly, but fused regions 104 generally have a continuous area of at least one square centimeter. As noted above, various embossing or calendaring processes may be utilized during the manufacturing process for non-woven textile 100. Some embossing or calendaring processes may form a plurality of relatively small areas (i.e., one to ten square millimeters) where filaments 103 are somewhat fused to each other. In contrast with the areas formed by embossing or calendaring, fused regions 104 have a continuous area, as defined above, of at least one square centimeter.

0106Although a majority of upper 420 may be formed from a single layer of non-woven textile 100, multiple layers may also be utilized. Referring to <figref idref="f0065">Figure 40C</figref>, upper 420 includes an intermediate foam layer 150 between two layers of non-woven textile 100. An advantage to this configuration is that foam layer imparts additional cushioning to the sides of upper 420, thereby protecting and imparting greater comfort to the foot. In general, the portions of upper 420 that incorporate foam layer 150 may be formed to have the general configuration of the composite element discussed above relative to <figref idref="f0024">Figures 19 and 20</figref>. Moreover, a heatbonding process similar to the process discussed above relative to <figref idref="f0016 f0017 f0018">Figures 12A-12C</figref> may be utilized to form the portions of upper 420 that incorporate foam layer 150. As an alternative to foam layer 150, textile 130 or sheet 140 may also be heatbonded to non-woven textile 100 in footwear 400. Accordingly, incorporating various composite elements into footwear 400 may impart a layered configuration with different properties.

0107A fourth configuration of footwear 400 is depicted in <figref idref="f0059">Figures 39D</figref> and <figref idref="f0066">40D</figref>, in which various strands 160 are embedded within non-woven textile 100. In comparison with the thermoplastic polymer material forming non-woven textile 100, many of the materials noted above for strands 160 exhibit greater tensile strength and stretch-resistance. That is, strands 160 may be stronger than non-woven textile 100 and may exhibit less stretch than non-woven textile 100 when subjected to a tensile force. When utilized within footwear 400, therefore, strands 160 may be utilized to impart greater strength and stretch-resistance than non-woven textile 100.

0108Strands 160 are embedded within non-woven textile 100 or otherwise bonded to non-woven textile 100. Many of strands 160 extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to a surface of non-woven textile 100 for a distance of at least five centimeters. An advantage to forming at least some of strands 160 to extend through the distance of at least five centimeters is that tensile forces upon one area of footwear 400 may be transferred along strands 160 to another area of footwear 400. One group of strands 160 extends from the heel area to the forefoot area of footwear 400 to increase strength and reduce the amount of longitudinal stretch in footwear 400. That is, these strands 160 may impart greater strength and stretch-resistance to footwear 400 in the direction between the heel area and the forefoot area. Another group of strands 160 extends downward from an area that is proximal to lace apertures 423 to an area that is proximal to sole structure 410 in order to enhance the strength and stretch-resistance along the sides of footwear 400. More particularly, tension in lace 422 may place tension in the sides of upper 420. By positioning strands 160 to extend downward along the sides of upper 420, the stretch in upper 420 may be reduced, while increasing the strength. A further group of strands 160 is also located in the heel region to effectively form a heel counter that enhances the stability of footwear 400. Additional details concerning footwear having a configuration that includes strands similar to strands 160 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication <patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US20070271821A"><text>US2007/0271821 to Meschter</text></patcit>, which is incorporated by reference herein.

0109A fifth configuration of footwear 400 is depicted in <figref idref="f0060">Figures 39E</figref>. In contrast with the configuration of <figref idref="f0059">Figures 39D</figref> and <figref idref="f0066">40D</figref>, various fused regions 104 are formed in non-woven textile 100. More particularly, fused regions 104 are located in the areas of the groups of strands 160 that (a) extend downward from an area that is proximal to lace apertures 423 to an area that is proximal to sole structure 410 and (b) are located in the heel region. At least a portion of strands 160 extend through the fused regions 104, which imparts additional stretch-resistance and greater durability to the areas of upper 420 that incorporate strands 160, thereby providing greater protection to strands 160. Fused regions 104 may have a continuous area of at least one square centimeter, and the thermoplastic polymer material from filaments 103 within fused regions 104 may be either, filamentous, non-filamentous, or a combination of filamentous and non-filamentous.

0110A sixth configuration of footwear 400 is depicted in <figref idref="f0061">Figure 39F</figref>. Three fused regions 104 in the side of footwear 400 have the shapes of the letters "A," "B," and "C." As discussed above, fused regions 104 may be utilized to modify various properties of non-woven textile 100, including the properties of permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance. In general, various aesthetic properties may also be modified by forming fused regions 104, including the transparency and the darkness of a color of non-woven textile 100. That is, the color of fused regions 104 may be darker than the color of other portions of non-woven textile 100. Utilizing this change in aesthetic properties, fused regions 104 may be utilized to form indicia in areas of footwear 400. That is, fused regions 104 may be utilized to form a name or logo of a team or company, the name or initials of an individual, or an esthetic pattern, drawing, or element in non-woven textile 100. Similarly, fused regions 104 may be utilized to form indicia in shirt 200, pants 300, or any other product incorporating non-woven textile 100.

0111Fused regions 104 may be utilized to form indicia in the side of footwear 400, as depicted in <figref idref="f0061">Figure 39F</figref>, and also in shirt 200, pants 300, or a variety of other products incorporating non-woven textile 100. As a related matter, elements of non-woven textile 100 may be heatbonded or otherwise joined to various products to form indicia. For example, elements of non-woven textile 100 having the shapes of the letters "A," "B," and "C" may be heatbonded to the sides of an article of footwear where the upper is primarily formed from synthetic leather. Given that non-woven textile 100 may be heatbonded to a variety of other materials, elements of non-woven textile 100 may be heatbonded to products in order to form indicia.

0112Seams similar to seams 106 and 107 may be used to join the elements of non-woven textile 100 in any configuration of footwear 400. Referring to <figref idref="f0061">Figure 39F</figref>, a pair of seams 424 extend in a generally diagonal direction through upper 420 to join different elements of non-woven textile 100. Although heatbonding may be utilized to form seams 424, stitching or adhesives may also be utilized. As noted above, sole structure 410 may also have various structures, in addition to the structure that includes chamber 411 and reinforcing structure 412. Referring again to <figref idref="f0061">Figure 39F</figref>, a thermoplastic polymer foam material 425 is utilized in place of chamber 411 and reinforcing structure 412, and upper 420 may be heatbonded to foam material 425 to join sole structure 410 to upper 420. Heatbonds may also be utilized when a thermoset polymer foam material is utilized within sole structure 410.

0113A seventh configuration of footwear 400 is depicted in <figref idref="f0062">Figure 39G</figref>, wherein non-woven textile 100 is utilized to form a pair of straps 426 that replace or supplement lace 422. In general, straps 426 permit the wearer to modify dimensions of upper 420 to accommodate the proportions of the foot. Straps 426 also permit the wearer to loosen upper 420 to facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the void. One end of straps 426 may be permanently secured to upper 420, whereas a remainder of straps 426 may be joined with a hook-and-loop fastener, for example. This configuration allows straps to be adjusted by the wearer. As discussed above, non-woven textile 100 may stretch and return to an original configuration after being stretched. Utilizing this property, the wearer may stretch straps 426 to impart tension, thereby tightening upper 420 around the foot. By lifting straps, the tension may be released to allow entry and removal of the foot.

0114In addition to forming the portion of upper 420 that extends along and around the foot to form the void for receiving the foot, non-woven textile 100 may also form structural elements of footwear 400. As an example, a lace loop 427 is depicted in <figref idref="f0067">Figure 41</figref>. Lace loop 427 may be incorporated into upper 420 as a replacement or alternative for one or more of the various lace apertures 423. Whereas lace apertures 423 are openings through upper 420 that receive lace 422, lace loop 427 is a folded or overlapped area of non-woven textile 100 that defines a channel through which lace 422 extends. In forming lace loop 427, non-woven textile 100 is heatbonded to itself at a bond area 428 to form the channel.

0115Based upon the above discussion, non-woven textile 100 may be utilized in apparel having the configuration of an article of footwear, such as footwear 400. In order to impart different properties to areas of footwear 400, various fused regions 104 may be formed, different types of textiles may be incorporated into footwear 400, and composite elements may be formed by joining one or more of textile 130, sheet 140, foam layer 150, strands 160, or various other components to non-woven textile 100. Given that non-woven textile 100 incorporates a thermoplastic polymer material, a heatbonding process may be utilized to join upper 420 to sole structure 410.

XII - Forming, Texturing, and Coloring The Non-Woven Textile

0116The configuration of non-woven textile 100 depicted in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> has a generally planar configuration. Non-woven textile 100 may also exhibit a variety of three-dimensional configurations. As an example, non-woven textile 100 is depicted as having a wavy or undulating configuration in <figref idref="f0068">Figure 42A</figref>. A similar configuration with squared waves is depicted in <figref idref="f0068">Figure 42B</figref>. As another example, non-woven textile may have waves that extend in two directions to impart an egg crate configuration, as depicted in <figref idref="f0069">Figure 42C</figref>. Accordingly, non-woven textile 100 may be formed to have a variety of non-planar or three-dimensional configurations.

0117A variety of processes may be utilized to form a three-dimensional configuration in non-woven textile 100. Referring to <figref idref="f0070 f0071 f0072">Figures 43A-43C</figref>, an example of a method is depicted as involving first plate 111 and second plate 112, which each have surfaces that correspond with the resulting three-dimensional aspects of non-woven textile 100. Initially, non-woven textile 100 is located between plates 111 and 112, as depicted in <figref idref="f0070">Figure 43A</figref>. Plates 111 and 112 then translate or otherwise move toward each other in order to contact and compress non-woven textile 100, as depicted in <figref idref="f0071">Figure 43B</figref>. In order to form the three-dimensional configuration in non-woven textile 100, heat from one or both of plates 111 and 112 is applied to non-woven textile 100 so as to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer material within filaments 103. Upon separating plates 111 and 112, as depicted in <figref idref="f0072">Figure 43C</figref>, non-woven textile 100 exhibits the three-dimensional configuration from the surfaces of plates 111 and 112. Although heat may be applied through conduction, radio frequency or radiant heating may also be used. As another example of a process that may be utilized to form a three-dimensional configuration in non-woven textile 100, filaments 103 may be directly deposited upon a three-dimensional surface in the process for manufacturing non-woven textile 100.

0118In addition to forming non-woven textile 100 to have three-dimensional aspects, a texture may be imparted to one or both of surfaces 101 and 102. Referring to <figref idref="f0073">Figure 44A</figref>, non-woven textile 100 has a configuration wherein first surface 101 is textured to include a plurality of wave-like features. Another configuration is depicted in <figref idref="f0073">Figure 44B</figref>, wherein first surface 101 is textured to include a plurality of x-shaped features. Textures may also be utilized to convey information, as in the series of alpha-numeric characters that are formed in first surface 101 in <figref idref="f0074">Figure 44C</figref>. Additionally, textures may be utilized to impart the appearance of other materials, such as the synthetic leather texture in <figref idref="f0074">Figure 44D</figref>.

0119A variety of processes may be utilized to impart a texture to non-woven textile 100. Referring to <figref idref="f0075 f0076 f0077">Figures 45A-45C</figref>, an example of a method is depicted as involving first plate 111 and second plate 112, which each have textured surfaces. Initially, non-woven textile 100 is located between plates 111 and 112, as depicted in <figref idref="f0075">Figure 45A</figref>. Plates 111 and 112 then translate or otherwise move toward each other in order to contact and compress non-woven textile 100, as depicted in <figref idref="f0076">Figure 45B</figref>. In order to impart the textured configuration in non-woven textile 100, heat from one or both of plates 111 and 112 is applied to non-woven textile 100 so as to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer material within filaments 103. Upon separating plates 111 and 112, as depicted in <figref idref="f0077">Figure 45C</figref>, non-woven textile 100 exhibits the texture from the surfaces of plates 111 and 112. Although heat may be applied through conduction, radio frequency or radiant heating may also be used. As another example of a process that may be utilized to form textured surfaces in non-woven textile 100, a textured release paper may be placed adjacent to non-woven textile 100. Upon compressing and heating, the texture from the release paper may be transferred to non-woven textile 100.

0120Depending upon the type of polymer material utilized for non-woven textile 100, a variety of coloring processes may be utilized to impart color to non-woven textile 100. Digital printing, for example, may be utilized to deposit dye or a colorant onto either if surfaces 101 and 102 to form indicia, graphics, logos, or other aesthetic features. Instructions, size identifiers, or other information may also be printed onto non-woven textile 100. Moreover, coloring processes may be utilized before or after non-woven textile 100 is incorporated into a product. Other coloring processes, including screen printing and laser printing, may be used to impart colors or change the overall color of portions of non-woven textile 100.

0121Based upon the above discussion, three-dimensional, textured, and colored configurations of non-woven textile 100 may be formed. When incorporated into products (e.g., shirt 200, pants 300, footwear 400), these features may provide both structural and aesthetic enhancements to the products. For example, the three-dimensional configurations may provide enhanced impact force attenuation and greater permeability by increasing surface area. Texturing may increase slip-resistance, as well as providing a range of aesthetic possibilities. Moreover, coloring non-woven textile 100 may be utilized to convey information and increase the visibility of the products.

XIII - Stitch Configurations

0122Stitching may be utilized to join an element of non-woven textile 100 to other elements of non-woven textile 100, other textiles, or a variety of other materials. As discussed above, stitching may be utilized alone, or in combination with heatbonding or adhesives to join non-woven textile 100. Additionally, stitching, embroidery, or stitchbonding may be used to form a composite element and provide structural or aesthetic elements to non-woven textile 100. Referring to <figref idref="f0078">Figure 46A</figref>, a thread 163 is stitched into non-woven textile 100 to form a plurality of parallel lines that extend across non-woven textile 100. Whereas strands 160 extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to either of surfaces 101 and 102, thread 163 repeatedly extends between surfaces 101 and 102 (i.e., through non-wove textile 100) to form a stitched configuration. Like strand 160, however, thread 163 may impart stretch-resistance and enhance the overall strength of non-woven textile 100. Thread 163 may also enhance the overall aesthetics of non-woven textile 100. When incorporated into products having non-woven textile 100 (e.g., shirt 200, pants 300, footwear 400), thread 163 may provide both structural and aesthetic enhancements to the products.

0123Thread 163 may be stitched to provide a variety of stitch configurations. As an example, thread 163 has the configuration of a zigzag stitch in <figref idref="f0078">Figure 46B</figref> and the configuration of a chain stitch in <figref idref="f0079">Figure 46C</figref>. Whereas thread 163 forms generally parallel lines of stitches in <figref idref="f0078">Figures 46A and 46B</figref>, the stitches formed by thread 163 are non-parallel and cross each other in <figref idref="f0079">Figure 46C</figref>. Thread 163 may also be embroidered to form various configurations, as depicted in <figref idref="f0079">Figure 46D</figref>. Stitching may also be utilized to form more complicated configurations with thread 163, as depicted in <figref idref="f0080">Figure 46E</figref>. Non-woven textile 100 may also include various fused regions 104, with the stitches formed by thread 163 extending through both fused and non-fused areas of non-woven textile 100, as depicted in <figref idref="f0080">Figure 46F</figref>. Accordingly, thread 163 may be utilized to form a variety of stitch types that may impart stretch-resistance, enhance strength, or enhance the overall aesthetics of non-woven textile 100. Moreover, fused regions 104 may also be formed in non-woven textile 100 to modify other properties.

XIV - Adhesive Tape

0124An element of tape 170 is depicted in <figref idref="f0081">Figures 47 and 48</figref> as having the configuration of a composite elements that includes non-woven textile 100 and an adhesive layer 171. Tape 170 may be utilized for a variety of purposes, including as packing tape, as painting tape, or as medical or therapeutic tape. An advantage to utilizing tape 170 as medical or therapeutic tape, for example, is that the permeability and stretch-resistance, among other properties, may be controlled. With regard to permeability, when tape 170 to be adhered to the skin of an individual (i.e., with adhesive layer 171), air and water may pass through tape 170 to impart breathability and allow the underlying skin to be washed or otherwise cleansed. Tape 170 may also resist stretch when adhered to the skin of the individual to provide support for surrounding soft tissue. Examples of suitable materials for adhesive layer 171 include any of the conventional adhesives utilized in tape-type products, including medical-grade acrylic adhesive.

0125A variety of structures that be utilized to impart specific degrees of stretch-resistance to tape 170. As an example, the stretch-resistance to tape 170 may be controlled though the thickness of non-woven textile 100 or the materials forming filaments 103 in non-woven textile 100. Referring to <figref idref="f0082">Figure 49A</figref>, fused regions 104 may also be formed in tape 170 to control stretch-resistance. Strands 160 may also be incorporated into tape 170 to impart a higher level of stretch-resistance, as depicted in <figref idref="f0082">Figure 49B</figref>. Additionally, some configurations of tape 170 may include both fused regions 104 and strands 160, as depicted in <figref idref="f0082">Figure 49C</figref>.

XV - Recycling The Non-Woven Textile

0126Filaments 103 of non-woven textile 100 include a thermoplastic polymer material. In some configurations of non-woven textile 100, a majority or substantially all of filaments 103 are formed from the thermoplastic polymer material. Given that many configurations of shirt 200 and pants 300 are primarily formed from non-woven textile 100, then a majority or substantially all of shirt 200 and pants 300 are formed from the thermoplastic polymer material. Similarly, a relatively large percentage of footwear 400 may also be formed from thermoplastic polymer materials. Unlike many articles of apparel, the materials of shirt 200, pants 300, and footwear 400 may be recycled following their useful lives.

0127Utilizing shirt 200 as an example, the thermoplastic polymer material from shirt 200 may be extracted, recycled, and incorporated into another product (e.g., apparel, container, upholstery) as a non-woven textile, a polymer foam, or a polymer sheet. This process is generally shown in <figref idref="f0083">Figure 50</figref>, in which shirt 200 is recycled in a recycling center 180, and thermoplastic polymer material from shirt 200 is incorporated into one or more of another shirt 200, pants 300, or footwear 400. Moreover, given that a majority or substantially all of shirt 200 is formed from the thermoplastic polymer material, then a majority or substantially all of the thermoplastic polymer material may be utilized in another product following recycling. Although the thermoplastic polymer material from shirt 200 was initially utilized within non-woven textile 100, for example, the thermoplastic polymer material from shirt 200 may be subsequently utilized in another element of non-woven textile 100, another textile that includes a thermoplastic polymer material, a polymer foam, or a polymer sheet. Pants 300, footwear 400, and other products incorporating non-woven textile 100 may be recycled through a similar process. Accordingly, an advantage of forming shirt 200, pants 300, footwear 400, or other products with the various configurations discussed above relates to recyclability.

XVI - Conclusion

0128Non-woven textile 100 includes a plurality of filaments 103 that are at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. Various fused regions 104 may be formed in non-woven textile 100 to modify properties that include permeability, durability, and stretch-resistance. Various components (textiles, polymer sheets, foam layers, strands) may also be secured to or combined with non-woven textile 100 (e.g., through heatbonding) to impart additional properties or advantages to non-woven textile 100. Moreover, fused regions 104 and the components may be combined to impart various configurations to non-woven textile 100.

0129The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying figures with reference to a variety of configurations. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the configurations described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.