THE
`
`NATIONAUTEM UM HOMINI
`
`US009949518B2
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Toronjo
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`* Apr . 24 , 2018
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 54 ) ARTICLES OF APPAREL INCLUDING
`AUXETIC MATERIALS
`( 71 ) Applicant : Under Armour , Inc . , Baltimore , MD
`( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Alan Toronjo , Baltimore , MD ( US )
`@ @
`( 73 ) Assignee : Under Armour , Inc . , Baltimore , MD
`( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis
`claimer .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 386 , 975
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Dec . 21 , 2016
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2017 / 0099900 A1 Apr . 13 , 2017
`Related U . S . Application Data
`Continuation of application No . 14 / 137 , 038 , filed on
`Dec . 20 , 2013 , now Pat . No . 9 , 538 , 798 , which is a
`( Continued )
`
`( 63 )
`
`( 51 ) Int . CI .
`B32B 3 / 24
`A410 31 / 00
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( Continued )
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . A411 31 / 0016 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; A41B 1 / 08
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; A42B 1 / 041 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; A42B 1 / 08
`( 2013 . 01 ) ;
`( Continued )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A43B 23 / 027 ; A41D 2400 / 82 ; Y10T
`428 / 24273
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4 , 668 , 557 A
`5 / 1987 Lakes
`3 / 1989 Bouyssi
`4 , 809 , 690 A
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`28768794 / 2006
`10072719 A
`3 / 1998
`( Continued )
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`European Search Report from EU Application No . 13179068 , dated
`Nov . 20 , 2013
`
`FR
`JP
`
`Primary Examiner — William P Watkins , III
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Maginot , Moore & Beck
`LLP
`
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`An article of apparel includes at least one panel including a
`first edge and an opposing second edge . The at least one
`panel includes an auxetic structure defining a primary elon
`gation direction and a secondary elongation direction . A
`plurality of lace coupling pairs are positioned along the first
`edge and the second edge of the at least one panel . Each lace
`coupling pair defines a lace pull direction that is perpen
`dicular to a line extending through two adjacent lace cou
`plings of the lace coupling pair . Each lace pull direction is
`defined by the plurality of lace couplings substantially in
`alignment with either the primary elongation direction or the
`secondary elongation direction of the auxetic structure
`between the two adjacent lace couplings of the lace coupling
`pair .
`
`19 Claims , 21 Drawing Sheets
`
`EYLA
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 1
`
`

`

`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`Related U . S . Application Data
`continuation - in - part of application No . 13 / 838 , 827 ,
`filed on Mar . 15 , 2013 , now Pat . No . 9 , 629 , 397 .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 61 / 695 , 993 , filed on Aug .
`31 , 2012 .
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`A41B 1 / 08
`( 2006 . 01 )
`A42B 1 / 22
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`A42B 1 / 08
`( 2006 . 01 )
`A42B 1 / 04
`( 2006 . 01 )
`A43B 23 / 04
`A43B 23 / 02
`( 2006 . 01 )
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A42B 1 / 22 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; A43B 23 / 026
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; A43B 23 / 027 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; A43B
`23 / 028 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; A43B 23 / 042 ( 2013 . 01 ) ;
`A41D 2400 / 38 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; A410 2400 / 82
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; Y10T 428 / 24273 ( 2015 . 01 )
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5 , 334 , 903 A
`8 / 1994 Smith
`5 , 661 , 854 A
`9 / 1997 March
`5 , 937 , 441 A
`8 / 1999 Raines
`2 / 2000 Cass
`6 , 029 , 376 A
`6 / 2001 Hirsch
`6 , 247 , 181 B1
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`4 / 2003 Barker
`8 / 2004 Swager
`6 , 783 , 814 B2
`6 , 878 , 320 B1
`4 / 2005 Alderson
`1 / 2006 Kao
`6 , 989 , 075 B1
`D521 , 191 S
`5 / 2006 Berger
`7 , 160 , 621 B2
`1 / 2007 Chaudhari
`7 , 247 , 265 B2
`7 / 2007 Alderson
`7 , 252 , 870 B2
`8 / 2007 Anderson
`7 , 350 , 851 B2
`4 / 2008 Barvosa - Carter
`7 , 455 , 567 B2
`11 / 2008 Bentham et al .
`7 , 650 , 648 B2
`1 / 2010 Roberts
`6 / 2010 Lee
`7 , 858 , 055 B2
`7 , 824 , 763 B2
`11 / 2010 Namburi
`3 / 2011 Dittrich
`7 , 896 , 294 B2
`7 , 910 , 193 B2
`3 / 2011 Ma
`7 , 989 , 057 B2
`8 / 2011 Alderson
`12 / 2011 Thiagarajan
`8 , 074 , 418 B2
`8 , 084 , 117 B2
`12 / 2011 Lalvani
`8 , 304 , 355 B2
`11 / 2012 Baldauf
`8 , 436 , 508 B2
`5 / 2013 Kornbluh
`2002 / 0132543 AL
`9 / 2002 Baer
`
`2005 / 0035031 A1 2 / 2005 Alderson
`2005 / 0159066 A1
`7 / 2005 Alderson
`2006 / 0129227 Al 6 / 2006 Hengelmolen
`2007 / 0031667 A1 2 / 2007 Hook
`2007 / 0093768 A1 4 / 2007 Roe
`2007 / 0213838 Al 9 / 2007 Hengelmolen
`2007 / 0286987 Al 12 / 2007 Anderson
`2008 / 0011021 Al
`1 / 2008 Starbuck
`2008 / 0032598 AL 2 / 2008 Bentham
`2008 / 0248710 A
`10 / 2008 Wittner
`2009 / 0041978 A1
`2 / 2009 Sogard
`2009 / 0119820 Al
`5 / 2009 Bentham
`2009 / 0239049 Al
`9 / 2009 Hook
`2009 / 0265839 Al 10 / 2009 Young
`2010 / 0029796 A1 2 / 2010 Alderson
`2010 / 0107317 Al 5 / 2010 Wang
`2010 / 0305535 A1 12 / 2010 Leeming
`2010 / 0306904 Al 12 / 2010 Neid
`2011 / 0029063 Al 2 / 2011 Ma
`2011 / 0039088 Al 2 / 2011 Lee
`2011 / 0046715 Al 2 / 2011 Ugbolue
`2011 / 0059291 A1
`3 / 2011 Boyce
`2011 / 0144417 Al 6 / 2011 Jagger
`2011 / 0155137 Al 6 / 2011 Martin
`2011 / 0156314 Al 6 / 2011 Alberg
`2011 / 0159758 Al
`6 / 2011 Martin
`2011 / 0168313 A1
`7 / 2011 Ma et al .
`2011 / 0209557 Al 9 / 2011 Burns
`2011 / 0214560 A1
`9 / 2011 Skertchly
`2011 / 0236519 AL
`9 / 2011 Skertchly
`2011 / 0247240 A1 *
`10 / 2011 Eder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A43B 1 / 0009
`36 / 133
`2011 / 0250383 A1 10 / 2011 Summers et al .
`2011 / 0252544 Al 10 / 2011 Abernethy
`2011 / 0265714 Al 11 / 2011 Lee
`2011 / 0281481 AL 11 / 2011 Alderson
`2011 / 0282452 A1 11 / 2011 Koerner
`2012 / 0029537 A1
`2 / 2012 Mortarino
`2012 / 0055187 Al
`3 / 2012 Raines
`2012 / 0060991 Al 3 / 2012 Mun
`2012 / 0066820 Al
`3 / 2012 Fresco
`2012 / 0129416 A1
`5 / 2012 Anand
`2013 / 0071583 A1 3 / 2013 Evans
`2013 / 0134992 Al 5 / 2013 Zhu
`2016 / 0174661 A1 *
`6 / 2016 Nonogawa
`
`. . . . . .
`
`A43B 1 / 04
`36 / 88
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2007138320 A
`6 / 2007
`JP
`WO
`2010082537 Si
`7 / 2010
`wo
`2012069787
`5 / 2012
`* cited by examiner
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 2
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 1 of 21
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`| US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`
`lbs
`
`\
`
`110
`
`-
`
`.
`
`FIG . 1A
`
`0 ?? ?
`?
`
`HHHH ? HHH | Efff
`
`d2 >
`
`FIG . 18
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 3
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`

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`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 2 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`
`24a
`
`-
`
`.
`
`18
`
`A
`
`un
`
`1
`
`X
`
`24b
`
`28
`FIG . 2B
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 4
`
`

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`atent
`
`Apr . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 3 of 21
`
`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`22 20
`?
`
`?????? ??? 28 ??
`24
`?????????
`FIG . 20
`
`14
`
`" 24
`
`/ 28
`???
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`22 20
`??
`FIG . 2D
`
`?
`
`4
`
`24 )
`
`28
`
`???? ?????
`
`36
`
`20
`
`FIG . 2E
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 5
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`

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`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 4 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`_ 20 _ 32
`?????????????
`24
`_ 22 /
`_ 28 /
`FIG . 2F
`
`14
`?
`20 _
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`24
`28 _
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`FIG . 26
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`22 -
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`? ??
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`_ 20
`22
`28 _
`?? 24 _ 247
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`??? FIG . 2M
`
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`28 _ 24
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`_ 36 _ 20
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`_ FIo . 2T
`
`1436
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`28
`
`36
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`00
`
`FIG . 2 ]
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 6
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`

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`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 5 of 21
`
`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`- 20
`
`FIG . 3A
`44 .
`
`20
`
`??
`
`??
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`??
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`AAN Ay
`WWW
`
`WWWWWWWMWAKTU
`
`FIG . 3B
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 7
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`

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`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 6 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`
`FIG . 4A
`
`LTH2412
`
`# E
`
`SI 46
`FIG . 4B
`
`FIG . 4C
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 8
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`

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`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 7 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`52
`14 ma
`
`59
`
`5614795455
`
`55
`
`FIG . 5A
`
`52
`
`WIZE
`
`R
`55
`FIG . 5B
`
`a
`
`la
`
`www
`
`FIG . 50
`
`50
`
`KURZEZZA
`775227 SZZ 7227
`
`55ko
`
`58 FIG . 50
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 9
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`

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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 8 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`FIG . 6A
`
`ZZZ26
`
`FIG . 6B
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 10
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`

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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 9 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`56
`
`FIG . 7A
`
`56
`
`FIG . 7C
`
`?
`
`FIG . ZB
`
`. . .
`
`14
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 11
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`

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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 10 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`
`UNVAN
`
`u
`
`FIG . 84 50
`
`LYLLY AR
`
`150
`
`FIG . 8B
`
`J
`
`172272
`
`???????????????
`
`FIG . 8C
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 12
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`

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`atent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 11 of 21
`
`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`82716
`
`FIG . 9C
`
`77777747
`
`FIG . 9A
`
`XANXML .
`
`N
`
`AXA
`
`24431979
`
`FIG . 9B
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 13
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`

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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 12 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`117
`
`1
`
`994
`109400HA
`WIW4444
`# 4444444
`TUTTE
`UIHIN GEHAAN9267
`til til
`MIT
`
`FIG . 10B
`
`FIG . 10A
`
`NASS - 701
`3492129
`
`FIG . 10C
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 14
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`

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`atent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 13 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`&
`
`90
`
`FIG . 11A
`
`000
`poco
`0000
`000
`
`14
`
`FIG . 11C
`
`Luso
`FIG . 11B
`ro
`
`. . . . . . . . .
`
`FIG . 12
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 15
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`

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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 14 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`102
`
`WIDER
`
`108
`
`106
`LOAD
`
`104
`
`108
`
`WIDER
`FIG . 13A
`
`LOAD
`
`104
`
`- 102
`
`105
`100 l
`
`104
`
`no
`
`4
`
`- 104
`har 100
`
`105
`
`FIG . 13B
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 16
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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 15 of 21
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`US 9 . 949 , 518 B2
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`114
`
`104
`
`116 116
`- 102
`
`102
`
`? 106
`
`??
`
`pm
`
`LOAD FIG 140
`
`FIG 144 1
`
`104
`
`- 24
`28
`- 24
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`
`12 ? 112
`110 /
`FIG 148
`
`W IT 104
`
`10
`
`100 ~
`
`FIG 14D
`
`104 w Arm
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 17
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`

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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 16 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`150
`
`(
`
`1840
`
`148
`
`1820
`
`178 174 1
`182 1
`
`22
`
`84
`
`- 164
`- 156 FIG . 154
`
`20 22
`
`152 ) |
`
`16
`
`- 1810
`
`184 ?m
`
`148
`
`FIG . 15B
`
`.
`
`162
`
`1816
`1846
`
`"
`
`160 -
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 18
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`

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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 17 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`2029
`
`2026
`
`198
`
`FIG . 16A
`
`r 202e
`
`164
`
`202d
`
`2020
`
`202b
`
`2020
`
`166
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`22
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`20
`
`2 Nov
`
`961
`
`182
`
`152a 1520
`
`194
`
`182b
`178
`1820
`
`150
`
`160 160
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 19
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`

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`US , Patent
`
`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`_ Sheet 18 0f 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`204
`
`186
`
`11 - 02
`1 - 202 .
`
`2 +
`
`? s
`
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`182
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`172
`174
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`
`FIG 168
`
`186
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 20
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`

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`U . S . Patent
`
`A
`
`pr . 24 , 2018
`
`Sheet 19 of 21
`
`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`
`14
`
`11
`
`1520
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`
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`
`FIG16
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`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 21
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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 20 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
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`146
`
`141 141
`
`KIK
`
`140
`
`FIG . 17
`
`el
`
`X2 ANNEN
`OUTTUU
`THAT FIG . 18
`
`UUTUU FIG 18
`
`210
`
`42
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 22
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`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 24 , 2018
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`Sheet 21 of 21
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`US 9 , 949 , 18 B2
`
`???????
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`y
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`FIG . 19
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`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 23
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`

`

`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`
`ARTICLES OF APPAREL INCLUDING
`AUXETIC MATERIALS
`
`addition , it would be desirable for such a garment or article
`of apparel to be relatively inexpensive and easy to manu
`facture .
`
`FIELD
`
`CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`This application is a continuation of U . S . patent applica -
`tion Ser . No . 14 / 137 , 038 , filed Dec . 20 , 2013 , which is a
`continuation - in - part of U . S . patent application Ser . No .
`ch claims priority from
`13 / 838 , 827 , filed Mar . 15 , 2013 , which claims priority from
`U . S . Provisional Patent Application No . 61 / 695 , 993 , filed
`Aug . 31 , 2012 . The disclosure of each of the aforementioned
`applications is incorporated herein by reference in
`its
`entirety .
`
`SUMMARY
`In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the
`disclosure , there is provided an article of apparel having at
`least one panel including a first edge and an opposing second
`10 edge . The at least one panel includes an auxetic structure
`defining a primary elongation direction and a secondary
`elongation direction . The article of apparel also has plurality
`of coupling members positioned along the first edge and the
`second edge of the at least one panel . The plurality of
`15 coupling members include a plurality of coupling pairs , each
`coupling pair including two adjacent coupling members
`positioned along either the first edge or the second edge of
`the at least one panel . Each coupling pair defines a pull
`This document relates to the field of apparel , and particu
`direction that is perpendicular to a line extending through
`larly to garments , footwear , padding , bags or other products 20 the coupling pair . Each pull direction is substantially in
`configured to be worn or carried on the body .
`alignment with either the primary elongation direction or the
`secondary elongation direction of the auxetic structure of the
`BACKGROUND
`at least one panel .
`Pursuant to another exemplary embodiment of the disclo
`Many garments and other articles of apparel are designed 25 sure , there is provided an article of apparel including at least
`one panel having a first edge and an opposing second edge .
`to fit closely to the human body . When designing an article
`of apparel for a close fit to the human body , different body
`The at least one panel includes a first layer connected to a
`shapes and sizes must be considered . Different individuals
`second layer , the second layer including a plurality of
`within a particular garment size will have different body
`segments defining an array of cells with a repeating pattern
`shapes and sizes . For example , two individuals wearing the 30 of voids , the array of cells defining a primary elongation
`same shoe size may have very differently shaped heels . As direction and a secondary elongation direction for the sec
`another example , two individuals wearing the same shirt
`ond layer . The article of apparel further includes a plurality
`size may have very different chest to abdomen dimensions
`of coupling members positioned along the first edge and the
`These variable measurements between similarly sized indi
`second edge of the at least one panel , the plurality of
`viduals makes proper design of closely fitting garments 35 coupling members including a plurality of coupling pairs .
`Each coupling pair includes two adjacent coupling members
`difficult .
`positioned along either the first edge or the second edge of
`In addition to accounting for different body measurements
`the at least one panel . The plurality of coupling members
`for different individuals within a size , various contours of
`define a pull direction , each pull direction substantially in
`the human body must also be considered when designing
`40 alignment with either the primary elongation direction or the
`closely fitting articles of apparel . These contours of the
`secondary elongation direction of the second layer .
`human body often include various double curvature sur
`In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of
`faces . Spheroids , bowls , and saddle - backs are all examples
`the disclosure , there is provided a footwear article compris
`of surfaces having double curvatures . If a garment is not
`ing a sole and an upper connected to the sole . The upper
`IS no
`properly sized for a particular wearer , the wearer may 45 includes at least one panel including a first laver connected
`experience undesirable tightness or looseness at various
`to a second layer , the first layer comprising a fabric stretch
`locations . Such an improper fit may result in discomfort ,
`material and the second layer comprising at least one of an
`excessive wear , buckling , bending or creasing of the gar
`auxetic structure defining a repeating pattern of voids or a
`ment at the poorly fitting locations .
`near auxetic structure defining a repeating pattern of voids .
`The contour and fit of a particular of apparel may be 50
`The above described features and advantages , as well as
`others , will become more readily apparent to those of
`further complicated by fastening arrangements such as zip -
`pers , buttons and lacing arrangements which draw opposing
`ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed
`seams toward one another and couple them together . In
`description and accompanying drawings . While it would be
`particular , because fastening arrangements draw two oppos -
`desirable to provide an article of apparel that provides one
`ing sides together , there is often buckling and creasing in the 55 or more of these or other advantageous features , the teach
`area of the fastening arrangement when the sides are drawn
`ings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which
`together , and this can lead to discomfort and undesirable
`fall within the scope of the appended claims , regardless of
`tightness to the wearer .
`whether they accomplish one or more of the above - men
`In view of the foregoing , it would be desirable to provide
`tioned advantages .
`a garment or other article of apparel capable of conforming 60
`to various body shapes within a given size range . It would
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`also be desirable to provide a garment or other article of
`apparel that is capable of conforming to various double
`FIG . 1A shows a plan view of an auxetic structure
`curvatures on the human body . Furthermore , it would be
`including segments and voids forming a plurality of reen
`advantageous for such an article to include a fastening 65 trant shapes ;
`arrangement adapted to reduce buckling and discomfort to a
`FIG . 1B shows a plan view of the auxetic structure of FIG .
`wearer when the fastening arrangement is drawn together . In
`1A in an expanded position ;
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 24
`
`

`

`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`
`FIG . 8B shows a front perspective view of the article of
`FIG . 2A shows a panel of an article of apparel including
`footwear of FIG . 8A ;
`an auxetic arrangement with the auxetic structure of FIG .
`FIG . 8C shows a rear view of the article of footwear of
`1A ;
`FIG . 8A ;
`FIG . 2B shows an enlarged , schematic view of the auxetic
`FIG . 9A shows a front view of an article of apparel
`arrangement of FIG . 2A , showing dimensions of the 5
`showing a shirt incorporating an auxetic arrangement ;
`arrangement ;
`FIG . 9B shows a rear view of the article of apparel of FIG .
`FIG . 2C shows a cross - sectional view of an exemplary
`embodiment of the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A ;
`9A ;
`FIG . 9C shows a side view of an article of apparel
`FIG . 2D shows a cross - sectional view of an exemplary
`embodiment of the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A further 10 showing an arm sleeve incorporating an auxetic arrange
`including a foam sublayer ;
`ment ;
`FIG . 2E shows a cross - sectional view of another exem -
`FIG . 10A shows a front view of an article of apparel
`plary embodiment of the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A
`showing shorts incorporating an auxetic arrangement ;
`further including a foam sublayer ;
`FIG . 10B shows a side view of the article of apparel of
`FIG . 2F shows a cross - sectional view of another exem - 15 FIG . 10A ;
`plary embodiment of the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A
`FIG . 10C shows a front view of an article of apparel
`showing a leg sleeve incorporating an auxetic arrangement ;
`further including a second elastic layer ;
`FIG . 2G shows a cross - sectional view of another exem -
`FIG . 11A shows a front view of an article of apparel
`plary embodiment of the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A
`showing a chest protector incorporating an auxetic arrange
`further including a second elastic layer with interconnec - 20 ment ;
`tions of the elastic layers in the voids of the auxetic
`FIG . 11B shows a front perspective view of an article of
`apparel showing a shin guard incorporating an auxetic
`structure ;
`m -
`FIG . 2H shows a cross - sectional view of another exem
`arrangement ;
`!
`plary embodiment of the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A
`FIG . 11C shows a side perspective view of an article of
`25 apparel showing a protective pad incorporating an auxetic
`further including a dual layer auxetic arrangement ;
`FIG . 21 shows a cross - sectional view of another exem
`arrangement ;
`plary embodiment of the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A
`FIG . 12 shows a front perspective view of an article of
`further including a foam layer extending into voids in the
`apparel showing a backpack incorporating an auxetic
`arrangement ;
`auxetic structure ;
`FIG . 2J shows a cross - sectional view of another exem - 30
`FIG . 13A shows a plan view of an article of apparel
`plary embodiment of the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A
`showing a shoulder pad incorporating an auxetic arrange
`further including a foam layer extending into voids in the
`ment ;
`auxetic structure and forming a substantially smooth outer
`FIG . 13B shows a side view of the shoulder pad of FIG .
`surface with the segments of the auxetic layer ;
`13A and an associated strap ;
`FIG . 3A shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment 35
`FIG . 14A shows a plan view of an article of apparel
`showing a shoulder pad incorporating an auxetic arrange
`of the auxetic structure of FIG . 1A ;
`FIG . 3B shows a plan view of another alternative embodi
`ment ;
`FIG . 14B shows a cross - sectional view of the shoulder
`ment of the auxetic structure of FIGS . 3A and 3B ;
`FIG . 4A shows a perspective view of an article of apparel
`pad of FIG . 14A configured for use with a shoulder strap ;
`incorporating the auxetic arrangement of FIG . 2A in a cap ; 40
`FIG . 14C shows a front perspective view of the shoulder
`FIG . 4B shows a side view of the cap of FIG . 4A ;
`FIG . 4C shows a bottom perspective view of the cap of
`FIG . 14D shows a side view of the shoulder pad of FIG .
`FIG . 4B ;
`14A and an associated strap ;
`FIG . 5A shows a side view of an article of footwear
`FIG . 15A shows a side view of an article of footwear
`showing an upper incorporating an auxetic arrangement ;
`45 showing a high - top shoe incorporating an auxetic structure ;
`FIG . 5B shows a front perspective view of the article of
`FIG . 15B shows a front view of the article of footwear of
`footwear of FIG . 5A ;
`FIG . 15A ;
`FIG . 5C shows a side perspective view of the article of
`FIG . 16A shows a plan view of a panel of an upper of the
`shoe of FIG . 15A prior to assembly of the upper on a sole
`footwear of FIG . 5A ;
`FIG . 5D shows a rear view of the article of footwear of 50 of the shoe ;
`FIG . 16B shows a plan view of a front portion of the panel
`FIG . 5A ;
`FIG . 6A shows an isolated , side perspective view of the
`of FIG . 16A showing a primary elongation direction of the
`shoe upper of the article of footwear of FIG . 5A , showing
`auxetic structure in substantial alignment with a lace pull
`the upper in a flexed position ;
`direction of the shoe ;
`FIG . 6B shows a front perspective view of the shoe upper 55
`FIG . 16C shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment
`of the base layer of the panel of FIG . 16A , wherein the base
`of the article of footwear in FIG . 6A ;
`FIG . 7A shows a side perspective view of an article of
`layer is comprised of a plurality of sheets of two way stretch
`footwear showing an upper incorporating an auxetic
`fabric with the stretch direction of the sheets differently
`arrangement ;
`oriented ;
`FIG . 7B shows a rear view of an article of footwear 60
`FIG . 17 shows an article of apparel in the form of a shirt
`incorporating the auxetic structure of FIG . 1A ;
`showing an upper incorporating an auxetic arrangement ;
`FIG . 7C shows a side perspective view of an article of
`FIG . 18 shows a coupling arrangement for the shirt of
`footwear showing an upper incorporating an auxetic
`FIG . 17 , wherein the coupling arrangement is provided as a
`zipper ; and
`arrangement ;
`FIG . 8A shows a side perspective view of an article of 65
`FIG . 19 illustrates a side view of an article of footwear
`including an auxetic arrangement , showing the operation of
`footwear showing an upper incorporating an auxetic
`the arrangement .
`arrangement in an ankle portion ;
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2157
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 25
`
`

`

`US 9 , 949 , 518 B2
`
`DESCRIPTION
`such a structure including a reentrant shape . As shown , angle
`a possesses a measurement of greater than 180° .
`Auxetic structures may be defined by two different elon
`As described herein , an article of apparel includes a base
`gation directions , namely , a primary elongation direction
`layer and an auxetic layer coupled to the base layer . The term
`5 and a secondary elongation direction . The primary elonga
`" article of apparel ” as used herein refers to any garment ,
`tion direction is a first direction along which the cells of the
`footwear or accessory configured to be worn on or carried by
`auxetic structure are generally arranged , and the secondary
`a human . Examples of articles of apparel include helmets ,
`elongation direction is the direction perpendicular to the first
`hats , caps , shirts , pants , shorts , sleeves , knee pads , elbow
`direction , the cells of the auxetic structure also being
`pads , shoes , boots , backpacks , duffel bags , cinch sacks , and
`straps , as well as numerous other products configured to be 10 arranged along this second direction . For example , in FIGS .
`1A and 1B , the horizontal arrows 12 ( from the viewpoint of
`worn on or carried by a person .
`The term “ auxetic ” as used herein generally refers to a
`FIG . 1B define the primary elongation direction , while
`material or structure possessing a negative Poisson ' s ratio .
`vertical arrows 13 ( from the viewpoint of FIG . 1B ) define
`In other words , when stretched , auxetic materials become
`the secondary elongation direction . When a tension force
`thicker ( as opposed to thinner ) or expand in
`a direction 15 elongates the auxetic structure 10 in the primary elongation
`perpendicular to the applied force . This occurs due to
`direction , the auxetic structure is also elongated in the
`inherent hinge - like structures within the materials which flex
`secondary elongation direction . Similarly , applying tension
`when stretched . In contrast , materials with a positive Pois -
`to the auxetic structure 10 in the secondary elongation
`son ' s ratio contract in
`a direction perpendicular to the
`direction causes elongation in the primary elongation direc
`applied force .
`20 tion .
`The total number of cells , the shape of each shell , and the
`Exemplary Auxetic Structures
`One exemplary auxetic structure 10 is shown in FIGS . 1A
`overall arrangement of the cells within the structure generate
`the expansion pattern of the auxetic structure . That is , the
`and 1B . The auxetic structure 10 is provided by a plurality
`of generally - polygon - shaped cells ( e . g . , hourglass or bow
`arrangement and shape of the cells determine whether the
`tie shaped cells , which may also be referred to as " auxetic 25 auxetic structure 10 expands a greater amount in the primary
`hexagons ” ) . The cells are oriented in an array , being posi -
`elongation direction or the secondary elongation direction .
`tioned in horizontal rows and vertical columns . FIG . 1A
`It is worth noting that the phrases " primary elongation
`shows the auxetic structure 10 in its normal , unstretched
`direction ” and “ secondary elongation direction ” as used
`state . The thickness ( or width ) of the auxetic structure in the
`herein do not necessarily indicate that the auxetic structure
`unstretched state is indicated as dl . FIG . 1B shows the 30 10 elongates further in one direction or the other , but is
`auxetic structure 10 stretched in the direction of arrows 12 .
`merely used to indicate the two directions of elongation for
`The thickness of the auxetic structure in the stretched state
`the auxetic structure as defined by the cells , with one
`is indicated by d2 . As can be seen in FIG . 1B , when tension
`direction being perpendicular to the other . For auxetic struc
`is applied along a first direction ( indicated by arrows 12 ) , the
`tures having polygon shaped cells with two or more sub
`auxetic structure is stretched , expanding ( becoming thicker ) 35 stantially parallel opposing edges ( e . g . , edges 11a and 11b in
`in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction 12
`FIGS . 1A and 1B ) , the primary elongation direction may be
`( indicated by arrows 13 ) such that , in the stretched state
`considered to be a line that extends perpendicularly through
`d2 > d1 . This is the result of the pivoting / rotation that occurs
`the substantially parallel opposing edges ( e . g . , edges 11a
`along the vertices of the shape , i . e . , where the corners of the
`and 11b ) of the cells . Thus , in the auxetic structure of FIGS .
`polygon intersect .
`40 1A and 1B , the primary elongation direction is defined by
`It will be recognized that whether a structure has a
`arrows 12 .
`negative Poisson ' s ratio , may depend upon the degree to
`Auxetic Arrangements Including Auxetic Layer Disposed
`which the structure is stretched . Structures may have a
`on Base Layer
`negative Poisson ' s ratio up to a certain stretch threshold , but
`In at least one embodiment , an auxetic arrangement 14
`when stretched past the threshold may have a positive 45 includes an auxetic structure 10 mounted on a flexible ,
`Poisson ' s ratio . For example , it is possible that when the
`resilient substrate . The auxetic structure 10 is an open
`auxetic structure 10 in FIG . 1A is stretched in the direction
`framework capable of supporting the substrate and directing
`of arrows 12 past a threshold expansion position ( e . g . , past
`the substrate ' s expansion under a load . Accordingly , the
`the state shown in FIG . 1B ) , the cells and segments of the
`auxetic structure , though flexible , may be more stiff than the
`auxetic structure 10 may be stretched to an extent that the 50 substrate ( i . e . , the segments forming the auxetic structure 10
`auxetic structure 10 becomes slightly thinner ( in the direc -
`possess a higher elastic modulus than the substrate ) . The
`tion perpendicular to arrows 12 ) before the structure is torn
`substrate , moreover , is generally more elastic than the aux
`apart or otherwise damaged . Accordingly , the term “ auxetic ”
`etic structure in order to return the structure to its original
`as used herein refers to structures or materials that possess
`state upon removal of the tensile strain .
`or exhibit a negative ( below zero ) Poisson ' s ratio at some 55
`With reference now to FIGS . 2A and 2B , in at least one
`point during stretch . Preferably , the structure or material
`exemplary embodiment , an article of apparel 16 includes an
`possesses a negative Poisson ' s ratio during the entirety of
`auxetic arrangement 14 incorporated into at least one panel
`the stretch . The term
`“ near auxetic , ” moreover , is used
`18 or other portion with of the article of apparel . The auxetic
`herein to refer to a structure having a Poisson ' s ratio of
`arrangement 14 is comprised of a first or auxetic layer 20
`approximately zero and , in particular , less than + 0 . 15 .
`60 coupled to a second or resilient layer 22 ( the second layer 22
`Auxetic structures are formed from a plurality of inter -
`is shown under the first layer 20 in FIG . 2A ) . The second
`connected segments forming an array of cells , and each cell
`layer 22 may also be referred to as a " substrate layer " or a
`having a reentrant shape . In the field of geometry , a reentrant
`“ bas