Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to articles of apparel formed from a base textile and including a plurality of discrete overlay film structures affixed to the base textile at one or more locations on the article of apparel. When exposed to an external stimulus, the film structures undergo an increase in dimension in at least the z-direction and the base textile undergoes a change in dimension in at least the z-direction to produce stand-off nodes.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a strap system having an adjustable stretch that is suitable for upper body garments, lower body garment, and articles such as bags and articles of footwear. The strap system includes a pair of straps that are coupled together in a face sharing relationship by a coupling mechanism. One of the straps in the pair of straps has greater stretch properties than the other strap. A total stretch of the strap system is adjustable by moving the coupling mechanism along a length of the strap system.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an article of apparel having a vent opening formed by overlapping the edges of a first panel and a second panel. A plurality of discrete overlay film structures are applied to the second panel adjacent to the vent opening. When the article of apparel is exposed to an external stimulus, the film structures undergo a reversible increase in dimension in at least the z-direction which cause the second panel of material to undergo a reversible decrease in dimension in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vent opening thereby causing the vent opening to dynamically transition from a closed state to an open state.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an article of apparel having a vent opening formed by overlapping the edges of a first panel and a second panel. A plurality of discrete overlay film structures are applied to the second panel adjacent to the vent opening. When the article of apparel is exposed to an external stimulus, the film structures undergo a reversible increase in dimension in at least the z-direction which cause the second panel of material to undergo a reversible decrease in dimension in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vent opening thereby causing the vent opening to dynamically transition from a closed state to an open state.

Abstract: Three-dimensional molds for use in liquid spray deposition techniques, and methods and systems for manufacturing articles of apparel using the same are provided. In one aspect, the three-dimensional molds comprise a base surface and a plurality of protrusions. Each protrusion extends from the base surface to a tip or an edge of the respective protrusion, and each tip or edge forms an overhang over the base surface such that the article of apparel includes a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of overhangs formed by the plurality of protrusions. In another aspect, the methods of manufacturing an article of apparel comprises depositing a first layer of a first liquid material onto a three-dimensional mold including a plurality of openings and drying or curing the first liquid material on the three-dimensional mold to form the article of apparel.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an article of apparel having a vent opening formed by overlapping the edges of a first panel and a second panel. A plurality of discrete overlay film structures are applied to the second panel adjacent to the vent opening. When the article of apparel is exposed to an external stimulus, the film structures undergo a reversible increase in dimension in at least the z-direction which cause the second panel of material to undergo a reversible decrease in dimension in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vent opening thereby causing the vent opening to dynamically transition from a closed state to an open state.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a breast-supporting structure that provides adjustable fit and support to a wearer's breasts. The breast-supporting structure includes an adjustment mechanism that is slidably coupled to a shoulder strap of the bra. A first end and a second end of a continuous cable structure are fixedly secured to the adjustment mechanism. An intervening portion of the continuous cable structure repeatedly extends between the adjustment mechanism and a plurality of spaced-apart pulley structures located at a lower portion of the breast-supporting structure to form a plurality of spaced-apart cable segments. The cable segments slidably engage with both the adjustment mechanism and the pulley structures such that the cable segments are freely movable with respect to the adjustment mechanism and the pulley structures.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an article of apparel having a vent opening formed by overlapping the edges of a first panel and a second panel. A plurality of discrete overlay film structures are applied to the second panel adjacent to the vent opening. When the article of apparel is exposed to an external stimulus, the film structures undergo a reversible increase in dimension in at least the z-direction which cause the second panel of material to undergo a reversible decrease in dimension in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vent opening thereby causing the vent opening to dynamically transition from a closed state to an open state.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining a valve passage and a valve seat disposed within the valve body. The valve assembly also includes a valve actuator moveable between a closed position in which the valve actuator is sealed against the valve seat to close the valve passage and an open position in which the valve actuator is spaced apart from the valve seat to open the valve passage. The valve assembly includes a valve seat retainer disposed within the valve body in contact with the valve seat. The valve seat retainer is configured to impart both an axial support force and a lateral support force on the valve seat to prevent extrusion of the valve seat when the valve actuator is sealed against the valve seat in the closed position.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a support structure for a breast-covering portion of a support garment. The support structure includes a plurality of discrete cable structures. At least a portion of the discrete cable structures have a first shape configuration in an un-tensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining a valve passage and a valve seat disposed within the valve body. The valve assembly also includes a valve actuator moveable between a closed position in which the valve actuator is sealed against the valve seat to close the valve passage and an open position in which the valve actuator is spaced apart from the valve seat to open the valve passage. The valve assembly includes a valve seat retainer disposed within the valve body in contact with the valve seat. The valve seat retainer is configured to impart both an axial support force and a lateral support force on the valve seat to prevent extrusion of the valve seat when the valve actuator is sealed against the valve seat in the closed position.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a composite textile having a substrate layer (e.g., knit, woven, nonwoven, etc.) and a film layer that is secured or bonded to the substrate layer. A plurality of slits extend through both the substrate layer and the film layer. The film layer is formed of a material that dimensionally transforms when exposed to an external stimulus such as moisture. When exposed to moisture the film layer swells, which causes flaps formed by the plurality of slits to extend in a z-direction away from the film layer. The opening of the flaps creates through-passages that extend through the thickness of the composite structure.