WO2017027735A1

WO2017027735A1 - Liquid-actuated fabric for body temperature and moisture level management

Info

Publication number: WO2017027735A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/046615
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tingrui Pan; Yahui YANG
Original assignee: The Regents Of The University Of California
Priority date: 2015-08-12
Filing date: 2016-08-11
Publication date: 2017-02-16

Abstract

A specially treated fabric that, when it absorbs liquid and becomes wet, bends from a flat state to an arcuate state. The fabric retains the curvature as long as the fabric is wet. When the fabric dries, it recovers its original flat shape. By incorporating patterned elements (e.g., flaps) of the fabric in an article of clothing, the patterned elements will open and allow the article of clothing to "breathe" when the wearer perspires.

Description

LIQUID-ACTUATED FABRIC FOR BODY TEMPERATURE

AND MOISTURE LEVEL MANAGEMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62/204,347 filed on August 12, 2015, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF

COMPUTER PROGRAM APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable

NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

[0004] A portion of the material in this patent document is subject to

copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1 .14.

BACKGROUND

[0005] 1 . Technical Field

[0006] The technology of this disclosure pertains generally to methods of cooling a person wearing a garment, and more particularly to garments that respond to changes in moisture levels.

[0007] 2. Background Discussion

[0008] Traditional apparels and garments cover nearly constant body areas regardless of body surface temperature and moisture level. This may cause certain discomfort especially when the wearers are undergoing extreme physical activities and producing large amounts of perspiration.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] This disclosure describes a fabric/polymer liquid-actuated element that can bend from a flat state to a curved state when it absorbs liquid.

The liquid-actuated element retains the curvature as long as the fabric is wet, and can provide windows or vents in garments for cooling; e.g., sportswear worn on a perspiring body. In the absence of external liquid (i.e., after sportive activities), the fabric dries out due to evaporation and the liquid-actuated element recovers its original flat shape.

[0010] Further aspects of the technology described herein will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the technology without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011] The technology described herein will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a fabric substrate with one

patterned liquid-actuated element according to an embodiment of the presented technology.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the structure of FIG. 1 taken

through line 2-2, according to an embodiment of the presented technology.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic view in cross-section showing the layers of the liquid-actuated element along with a cover layer and adhesive according to an embodiment of the presented technology. [0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of photographs of different configurations of liquid-actuated elements in the dry (normal) state according to embodiments of the presented technology.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of photographs of different configurations of liquid-actuated elements in the wetted actuated state according to embodiments of the presented technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] General Embodiments

[0018] Referring first to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, in one non-limiting

embodiment, a section of a hydrophilic fabric substrate material 10 is partially cut into a desired shape. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , a cut 12 in the substrate material forms a flap section 14 with a "U"-shape that resembles a partial ellipse (e.g., half ellipse), with a first end 16 detached from the substrate material (e.g., a free end), detached (free) sides 18a, 18b, and a second end 20 that remains attached. This particular shape is shown only by way of illustration and other shapes can be used. Examples of shapes include rectangles, squares, semi-circles, triangles, and other shapes provided that they are configured as described herein with a free (detached) end, at least one free (detached) side, and an attached end.

[0019] A strip of polymer film 22, cut to a desired shape, is attached to the cut section of fabric at a plurality of attachment points 24. In a preferred embodiment, iron-on tape 26 (see FIG. 3) is used as an adhesive material to attach the polymer film to the fabric at the attachment points. Other types of adhesive materials could be used as well, but any adhesive material used should be sufficiently thin that the opposing faces of the fabric layer and the polymer layer are not held apart but can contact each other.

[0020] As can be seen, therefore, a layered element is formed wherein the cut section of substrate material forms a first layer, the polymer film forms a second layer, and the adhesive material attaches the two layers at several locations. This layered structure will function as a dynamic element in the substrate material which serves as a carrier material for the dynamic element. Note also that attachment between the two layers should not be continuous, but should only be at spaced apart locations as illustrated. This configuration is designed to maximize the contact area between the opposing faces of the fabric layer and the polymer layer.

[0021] In the preferred mode of use, a garment having one or more of the above-described liquid-actuated elements would be worn such that it directly contacts the skin of the wearer. Alternatively, the article of clothing could contact an under-layer garment. As used in this disclosure, the term "garment" is intended to encompass any article of clothing, including shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, undergarment, socks, headwear, and hand wear.

[0022] In any of the embodiments, when liquid (e.g., water, perspiration) in the form of streams or droplets is deposited onto (e.g., absorbed by) the fabric layer 14, the liquid spreads out quickly through the hydrophilic fabric and a thin liquid film is formed between the fabric layer 14 and the strip of polymer film 22. The thin liquid film helps to adhere the two layers 14, 22 together, which ensures that one side of the polymer film is in complete contact with liquid. The side of the polymer material facing the fabric layer absorbs liquid to a certain extent and expands, whereas no expansion occurs to the other side of the polymer that faces outward and which stays dry.

[0023] This asymmetric expansion leads to the bending of the strip of

polymer film. Since the fabric layer is adhered to the strip of polymer film not only by the attachment points but by the liquid interface, the fabric moves in the direction of movement of the strip of polymer film. That is, when the fabric is wetted, the strip of polymer film pulls the fabric layer away from the plane in which the fabric layer lies. Generally speaking, more movement of the free end is expected than of the sides.

[0024] If no more liquid is deposited, the multilayer liquid-actuated element dries through evaporation of the liquid. As a result, the liquid-actuated element bends back and recovers its original shape. The process is repeatable and it is actuated by absorbing liquid. [0025] Smart" Garments

[0026] In one embodiment, one or more of the above-described

fabric/polymer film liquid-actuated elements is incorporated into an article of clothing by sewing one or more fabric sections with the liquid-actuated element into the article of clothing. In another embodiment, the article of clothing is made from fabric having one or more of the above-described liquid-actuated elements. Accordingly, the present technology

encompasses both components of articles of clothing as well as articles of clothing themselves, having one or more patterns embodying the above- described liquid-actuated element.

[0027] These liquid-actuated fabric patterns can be manufactured on

garments for them to have special functionalities, or to create "smart" garments. When worn on the body, these patterns are flat and cover the body surface in the initial (non-actuated) condition. This helps to keep the body warm as would any garment. However, when the wearer produces perspiration due to internal or external stimuli, the fabric patterns are wetted through absorption of the perspiration. In response, these patterns then bend up and open "small windows" or vents in the garment. With less body surface covered, the evaporation of perspiration is enhanced and moisture can be released directly to the atmosphere without permeating through the fabric layer. Therefore, the wearer will not feel too hot or too damp when perspiring. If such a garment is worn by athletes during fast movements (e.g., running, cycling, etc), the opening of the fabric "windows" allows air to flow over skin surface and enable forced convection. This further cools down the body surface and removes more perspiration through enhanced evaporation. When the person is no longer perspiring, these fabric patterns dry up and recover the flat shape, which again ensure the warmth of body. In summary, the opening and closing of the patterns are automatically regulated, and the temperature and dampness of body surface can be adjusted thereby within a comfort range.

[0028] Methods and Materials

[0029] Bulk fabric substrate is the major material of a garment, and may be in direct contact with the skin or an under-layer garment. This fabric layer can be made of natural or synthetic materials, or mixtures of them, as long as the material can absorb liquid such as water, perspiration, etc. The material can be, for example, woven, knit, or non-woven material.

[0030] The fabric material needs to be hydrophilic, which is not a problem since most of the existing woven and non-woven fabrics used for garments absorb liquids to some extent. This favorably ensures numerous material options, avoids the need to create custom hydrophilic materials.

[0031] The thinner and softer the fabric material, the better the

curving performance will be realized. Materials of thickness of up to about

300 microns have been tested to function, but suitable materials are not limited to that thickness.

[0032] Patterns can be designed and laser-cut into the bulk fabric substrate.

In a dry state, these patterns serve the same purpose as the non-patterned areas of the fabric substrate; namely, to cover the body surface and maintain the body temperature. In a wet state, these patterns bend outward and upward, thereby opening windows or vents for better perspiration evaporation and air ventilation.

[0033] The soft fabric layer does not bend when wetted. It is the polymer film that actuates the bending. Accordingly, the polymer film is the key functional component of the liquid-actuated element. The polymer film should absorb liquid (e.g., water/perspiration) and expand in volume.

[0034] In one embodiment, transparent cellulose di-acetate film with a

thickness of 100 microns is used for the polymer film. The thickness of the polymer film was found to be important, and performance of the liquid- actuated element was better with a polymer film thickness of around 100 microns than that at thicknesses smaller than 50 microns or larger than 300 microns.

[0035] Other materials can be used for the polymer layer provided that they meet the following requirements: (1 ) the material should be very light to be integrated onto garments; (2) the material is not rigid or sharp so that it does not cut through the fabric; (3) the material is water absorbent and expands (even very slightly) after it absorbs water; (4) the film has a combination of strength and pliability, so it can bend upon asymmetric expansion. In addition, in order to ensure successful bending, the absolute length and the length-to-width ratio should be greater than minimum values. These values were experimentally determined for the above stated cellulose di-acetate film to be a minimum length-to-width ratio of about 1 .5 and the smallest length of about 20 mm for the pattern to be actuatable. It will be appreciated that these values may vary upon different film thickness or different materials, and can be experimentally determined.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Segments of polymer film are carefully applied to the fabric flaps 14.

Preferably the polymer film is laser-cut into small pieces having a desired geometric shape. This does not mean that the segments of polymer film should be cut into exactly the same size and shape as the fabric layers 14. Preferably the polymer film is cut into segments (e.g., geometric strips) that function as "frames" for the fabric patterns. The polymer film can be creatively designed into various patterns as long as the pattern can "roll up" the whole piece of fabric pattern during bending stage.

[0038] The patterned polymer film is carefully aligned and attached to the fabric patterns through small pieces of iron-on tape or other suitable adhesive material. The partial "point" attachment ensures that the major area of the polymer layer is in direct contact with the fabric layer and can become wetted when the fabric layer absorbs liquid. The iron-on tape attaches the two layers together, but it also blocks the transportation of liquid from the fabric layer to the polymer film. Therefore, only small patches of iron-on tape are used to bond the fabric layers and polymer layers together. Preferably the tape is thinner than about 100 microns. At such a small thickness, it pulls and bonds the two flexible layers together instead of creating a gap. This also ensures the good contact between the two layers even when they are curved, and enhances the wetting of one side of polymer layer when the fabric layer is primed with liquid. [0039] Example 2

[0040] The polymer layer optionally can be covered by an decorative

material so that the liquid-actuated element appears all-fabric.

Alternatively, the cover material does not have to be decorative. As shown in FIG. 3, iron-on tape 28, or other suitable flexible and moisture resistant adhesive, can be used to attach an outer cover 30 of fabric or other flexible material to the polymer layer. The iron-on tape 28 and cover 30 should be sufficiently thin and flexible as not to impede bending of the polymer film.

[0041] The iron-on tape blocks liquid from reaching the polymer film even when the cover material gets wet. Therefore, the upper surface of the polymer film always stays dry while the lower surface can be wetted and expand. This helps to ensure the maximum asymmetry in expansion, which makes the bending one-directional, easy to actuate and sensitive to stimulus.

[0042] In one embodiment of a fabrication process, an outer fabric cover layer is firstly bonded to a polymer layer. Next, those bonded layers are laser-cut into the designed patterns. Finally, the cut patterns of polymer film with the fabric covers are attached to the bottom fabric layers as described above.

[0043] Example 3

[0044] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show schematic representations of photographs of a prototype with several different configurations of liquid-actuated elements according to the present technology. Note that the different patterns are depicted as cover layers 30 on fabric layers 14. Since the cover layers only need to cover the polymer layers, the figures illustrate the fact that the polymer film 22 does not need to match the shape of the fabric layers. FIG. 4 illustrates the liquid-actuated elements in their dry, or normal state, where the fabric layers 14 and polymer film 22 are flat and lying in the plan of the substrate material 10. FIG. 5 illustrates what was observed when those same elements were actuated by wetting, where they bend to establish windows or vents 32 in the substrate material. Note that bending of the fabric layers 14 can occur even if the polymer layers have substantially different shapes. We also note that in actual application in a garment, the density of the elements would not need to be so high and the density could be any desirable density.

[0045] Accordingly, we have developed an effective method to dynamically adjust the coverage of fabric on body surface, in which patterned fabric pieces curve up form bulk fabric when wetted. In this way, the body temperature and moisture level can be controlled by enhanced evaporation and convection, and a high level of comfort can be maintained when wearing such patterned fabric, especially during extreme physical activities.

[0046] Advantages of the technology may include:

[0047] (a) The liquid-actuated elements help control and manage body temperature and moisture level by actuating the opening of small windows or vents. Garments can be made which function similar to air-conditioning, in which body surface temperature and moisture level can be controlled from being too high. This can improve the overall comfort of the wearing experience, but can also enhance the wearer's performance under physically demanding activities.

[0048] (b) The liquid-actuated elements are naturally actuated by body perspiration. No external power or heat source is required. This greatly reduces the overall weight, cost and manufacturing complexity.

[0049] (c) The liquid-actuated elements are able to autonomously recover their initial shapes, which will keep the body warm when the liquid-actuated elements dry out in non-perspiring or lower temperate environments. The liquid-actuated elements can bend and recover repetitively.

[0050] (d) The liquid-actuated elements are highly integratable and

customizable.

[0051] (e) The liquid-actuated elements can be used for fashion design of garments by converting two-dimensional patterns to three-dimensional structures (similar to origami) when actuated.

[0052] (f) The liquid-actuated elements are lightweight and low cost.

[0053] (g) The liquid-actuated elements do not require the use of materials that have a negative Poisson's ratio, and therefore, do not require a auxetic feature to function.

[0054] From the description herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses multiple embodiments which include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0055] 1 . A material for use in a garment, the material comprising: (a) a hydrophilic fabric substrate material; (b) a hydrophilic fabric layer formed from a section of the substrate material; (c) wherein the fabric layer is partially attached to the substrate material and movable in relation to the substrate material; and (d) a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer; (e) wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer: (i) the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer; (ii) the first side of the polymer film absorbs at least a portion of the liquid and expands; (iii) the second side of the polymer film remains dry and does not expand; (iv) asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer in relation to the substrate material; and (v) wherein an opening is formed in the substrate material when the fabric layer is wetted by a liquid.

[0056] 2. The material of any preceding embodiment: wherein a thin liquid film is formed between the fabric layer and the polymer film when the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer; wherein the thin liquid film functions to adhere the fabric layer to the polymer film; and wherein the first side of the polymer film contacts the thin liquid film.

[0057] 3. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein if additional wetting ceases and the fabric layer dries, the fabric layer and polymer film bend back and recover their original shape.

[0058] 4. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein the bending and shape recovery process is repeatable.

[0059] 5. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein the material is a component of a garment.

[0060] 6. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, undergarment, socks, headwear, and hand wear. [0061] 7. The material of any preceding embodiment, further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.

[0062] 8. In a garment formed from a fabric substrate material, the

improvement comprising: (a) a hydrophilic fabric layer formed from a section of the substrate material; (b) wherein the fabric layer is partially attached to the substrate material and movable in relation to the substrate material; and (c) a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer; (d) wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer: (i) the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer; (ii) the first side of the polymer film absorbs at least a portion of the liquid and expands; (iii) the second side of the polymer film remains dry and does not expand; (iv) asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer in relation to the substrate material; and (v) wherein an opening is formed in the substrate material when the fabric layer is wetted by a liquid.

[0063] 9. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment: wherein a thin liquid film is formed between the fabric layer and the polymer film when the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer; wherein the thin liquid film functions to adhere the fabric layer to the polymer film; and wherein the first side of the polymer film contacts the thin liquid film.

[0064] 10. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein if additional wetting ceases and the fabric layer dries, the fabric layer and polymer film bend back and recover their original shape.

[0065] 1 1 . The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein the bending and shape recovery process is repeatable.

[0066] 12. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein the material is a component of a garment.

[0067] 13. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, undergarment, socks, headwear, and hand wear.

[0068] 14. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.

[0069] 15. A garment having a dynamic structure, comprising: (a) a carrier material of flexible fabric; and (b)a plurality of dynamic material portions physically associated with the carrier material; (c) wherein each of the dynamic material portions is physically responsive to a liquid stimulus; and (d) wherein each said dynamic material portion comprises: (i) a hydrophilic fabric layer formed from a section of the carrier material; (ii) wherein the fabric layer is partially attached to the carrier material and movable in relation to the carrier material; and (iii) a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer; (e) wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer: (i) the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer; (ii) the first side of the polymer film absorbs at least a portion of the liquid and expands; (iii) the second side of the polymer film remains dry and does not expand; (iv) asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer in relation to the carrier material; and (v) wherein an opening is formed in the carrier material when the fabric layer is wetted by a liquid.

[0070] 16. The garment of any preceding embodiment: wherein a thin liquid film is formed between the fabric layer and the polymer film when the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer; wherein the thin liquid film functions to adhere the fabric layer to the polymer film; and wherein the first side of the polymer film contacts the thin liquid film.

[0071] 17. The garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein if additional wetting ceases and the fabric layer dries, the fabric layer and polymer film bend back and recover their original shape.

[0072] 18. The garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein the

bending and shape recovery process is repeatable.

[0073] 19. The garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein the

garment is selected from the group consisting of shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, undergarment, socks, headwear, and hand wear.

[0074] 20. The garment of any preceding embodiment, further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.

[0075] 21 . A multilayer material, comprising: a hydrophilic fabric layer; and a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer; wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer, the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer and a thin liquid film is formed between the fabric layer and the polymer film.

[0076] 22. The material of any preceding embodiment: wherein the thin liquid film functions to adhere the fabric layer to the polymer film; wherein one side of the polymer film is in contact with the thin liquid film; wherein the first side of the polymer film absorbs at least a portion of the liquid and the first side of the polymer film expands; and wherein the second side of the polymer film remains dry and wherein no expansion occurs on the second side.

[0077] 23. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer.

[0078] 24. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein said

bending results in the fabric layer bending when it is wetted by the liquid.

[0079] 25. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein if additional wetting ceases and the multilayer material dries, the multilayer material bends back and recover its original shape.

[0080] 26. The material of any preceding embodiment: wherein the bending and shape recovery process is repeatable; and wherein bending is actuated by absorbing liquid.

[0081] 27. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein the material is a component of a garment.

[0082] 28. The material of any preceding embodiment, wherein the

[0083] 29. The material of any preceding embodiment, further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.

[0084] 30. In a garment, the improvement comprising: a hydrophilic fabric layer; and a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer; wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer, the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer and a thin liquid film is formed between the fabric layer and the polymer film.

[0085] 31 . The improved garment of any preceding embodiment: wherein the thin liquid film functions to adhere the fabric layer to the polymer film; wherein one side of the polymer film is in contact with the thin liquid film; wherein the first side of the polymer film absorbs at least a portion of the liquid and the first side of the polymer film expands; and wherein the second side of the polymer film remains dry and wherein no expansion occurs on the second side.

[0086] 32. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer.

[0087] 33. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein said bending results in the fabric layer bending when it is wetted by the liquid.

[0088] 34. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein if additional wetting ceases and the multilayer material dries, the multilayer material bends back and recover its original shape.

[0089] 35. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment: wherein the bending and shape recovery process is repeatable; and wherein bending is actuated by absorbing liquid.

[0090] 36. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, undergarment, socks, headwear, and hand wear.

[0091] 37. The improved garment of any preceding embodiment, further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.

[0092] 38. A garment having a dynamic structure, comprising: a carrier material of flexible material; a plurality of dynamic material portions physically associated with the carrier material; the plurality of dynamic material portions being geometrically responsive to a liquid stimulus;

wherein each said dynamic material portion comprises: (a) a hydrophilic fabric layer; and (b) a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer; (c) wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer, the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer and a thin liquid film is formed between the fabric layer and the polymer film.

[0093] 39. The garment of any preceding embodiment: wherein the thin liquid film functions to adhere the fabric layer to the polymer film; wherein one side of the polymer film is in contact with the thin liquid film; wherein the first side of the polymer film absorbs at least a portion of the liquid and the first side of the polymer film expands; and wherein the second side of the polymer film remains dry and wherein no expansion occurs on the second side.

[0094] 40. The garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer.

[0095] 41 . The garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein said

bending results in the fabric layer bending when it is wetted by the liquid.

[0096] 42. The garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein if additional wetting ceases and the multilayer material dries, the multilayer material bends back and recover its original shape.

[0097] 43. The garment of any preceding embodiment: wherein the

bending and shape recovery process is repeatable; and wherein bending is actuated by absorbing liquid.

[0098] 44. The garment of any preceding embodiment, wherein the

[0099] 45. The garment of any preceding embodiment, further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.

[00100] Although the description herein contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art.

[00101] In the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the disclosed embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed as a "means plus function" element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for". No claim element herein is to be construed as a "step plus function" element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "step for".

Claims

What is claimed is 1 . A material for use in a garment, the material comprising:

(a) a hydrophilic fabric substrate material;

(b) a hydrophilic fabric layer formed from a section of the substrate material;

(c) wherein the fabric layer is partially attached to the substrate material and movable in relation to the substrate material; and

(d) a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer;

(e) wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer:

(i) the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer;

(ii) the first side of the polymer film absorbs at least a portion of the liquid and expands;

(iii) the second side of the polymer film remains dry and does not expand;

(iv) asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer in relation to the substrate material; and

(v) wherein an opening is formed in the substrate material when the fabric layer is wetted by a liquid.

2. The material of claim 1 :

wherein a thin liquid film is formed between the fabric layer and the polymer film when the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer;

wherein the thin liquid film functions to adhere the fabric layer to the polymer film; and

wherein the first side of the polymer film contacts the thin liquid film.

3. The material of claim 1 , wherein if additional wetting ceases and the fabric layer dries, the fabric layer and polymer film bend back and recover their original shape.

4. The material of claim 3, wherein the bending and shape recovery process is repeatable.

5. The material of claim 1 , wherein the material is a component of a garment.

6. The material of claim 5, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, undergarment, socks, headwear, and hand wear.

7. The material of claim 1 , further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.

8. In a garment formed from a fabric substrate material, the

improvement comprising:

(a) a hydrophilic fabric layer formed from a section of the substrate material;

(b) wherein the fabric layer is partially attached to the substrate material and movable in relation to the substrate material; and

(c) a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer;

(d) wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer:

(i) the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer;

(iii) the second side of the polymer film remains dry and does not expand; (iv) asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer in relation to the substrate material; and

9. The improved garment of claim 8:

wherein the first side of the polymer film contacts the thin liquid film.

10. The improved garment of claim 8, wherein if additional wetting ceases and the fabric layer dries, the fabric layer and polymer film bend back and recover their original shape.

1 1 . The improved garment of claim 10, wherein the bending and shape recovery process is repeatable.

12. The improved garment of claim 8, wherein the material is a component of a garment.

13. The improved garment of claim 12, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, undergarment, socks, headwear, and hand wear.

14. The improved garment of claim 8, further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.

15. A garment having a dynamic structure, comprising:

(a) a carrier material of flexible fabric; and

(b) a plurality of dynamic material portions physically associated with the carrier material;

(c) wherein each of the dynamic material portions is physically responsive to a liquid stimulus; and

(d) wherein each said dynamic material portion comprises:

(i) a hydrophilic fabric layer formed from a section of the carrier material;

(ii) wherein the fabric layer is partially attached to the carrier material and movable in relation to the carrier material; and

(iii) a polymer film having first and second sides with the first side partially attached to the fabric layer;

(e) wherein when liquid is deposited onto the fabric layer:

(i) the liquid spreads out through the fabric layer;

(iii) the second side of the polymer film remains dry and does not expand;

(iv) asymmetric expansion of the polymer film results in bending of the polymer film and the fabric layer in relation to the carrier material; and

(v) wherein an opening is formed in the carrier material when the fabric layer is wetted by a liquid.

16. The garment of claim 15:

wherein the first side of the polymer film contacts the thin liquid film.

17. The garment of claim 15, wherein if additional wetting ceases and the fabric layer dries, the fabric layer and polymer film bend back and recover their original shape.

18. The garment of claim 17, wherein the bending and shape recovery process is repeatable.

19. The garment of claim 15, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, undergarment, socks, headwear, and hand wear.

20. The garment of claim 15, further comprising an outer cover layer attached to the second side of the polymer film with a liquid-resistant adhesive material.