ENERGY CONTROL SYSTEMS

An energy control system comprising one or more fibers, the one or more fibers each comprising strain-rate sensitive material. Wearable items comprising the energy control system. A method of manufacturing a strain-rate sensitive fiber, the method comprising: extruding strain-rate sensitive material to form one or more fibers; coating the extruded one or more fibers with a tackiness reducing powder; and applying the coated one or more fibers onto a storage component. A method of manufacturing a strain-rate sensitive fiber, the method comprising: extruding strain-rate sensitive material to form one or more fibers; reducing tension on the extruded one or more fibers; and applying the reduced tension one or more fibers onto a storage component. A protection element configured to at least partially enclose one or more elongate elements, the protection element comprising strain-rate sensitive material.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2023/050721, filed on Mar. 22, 2023, which claims priority to United Kingdom (GB) Application No. 2204108.1, filed on Mar. 23, 2022, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure concerns energy control systems. More particularly, but not exclusively, this disclosure concerns energy control systems comprising strain-rate sensitive (SRS) material. The disclosure also concerns wearable items comprising such energy control systems, methods of manufacturing a strain-rate sensitive fiber, and a protection element.

Description of Related Art

The present disclosure relates, at least in part, to body-close wearable items for use during exercise, sports, and other physical activities. Examples of such wearable items include compression garments, sports bras, and kinesiology tape.

Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are common in sports involving sprinting and jumping. During high speed running, the biceps femoris long head is the muscle most frequently injured, often where the muscle fibers join the tendon. The severity of the strain can vary from mild to a complete tear of the muscle. HSI often occur as a result of muscle overstretching and/or absorption of energy from the decelerating limb whilst the muscles are lengthening. It is accepted that injury severity can be reduced or prevented entirely by altering an athletes' range of motion (ROM), reducing the demands on muscles, or by reducing soft tissue oscillations and vibration during activity. Therefore, controlling the muscle to reduce the range of motion to just the axial direction may reduce the risk of injury, as the muscle will not swing in the circumferential/radial direction adding strain to the tendon and increasing the risk of tearing/snapping. Compression garments can help to prevent HSI and improve performance by exerting global and or local pressure on the soft tissue. The pressure limits ROM, reduces soft tissue oscillations and accelerates muscle oxygenation.

Compression garments, by virtue of their mode of operation, are also inherently difficult for a user to put on and take off, as they are designed to be narrower than the body part on which they are to be worn, such that the garment applies pressure to the body part when worn.

Kinesiology tapes (KT) and athletic tapes are used in therapy and to enhance sporting performance and are applied over injury-prone or rehabilitating areas of the body following kinesiology principles. Although physiological improvements are seen when kinesiology tape is worn, the exact physiological effect of the tape is not known. It has been found that kinesiology tape can have beneficial effects on oedema, muscular performance and facilitation, proprioception, balance, and pain. Kinesiology tape works in a similar manner to compression garments by limiting and controlling soft-tissue movement to reduce the risk of injury.

The present disclosure also relates to protection elements. Known protectors are applied to electrical cables in order to provide protection from external impact. Such cable protectors may be flexible in order to allow the cable to follow the path of the cable. However, it is often the case that the cable protector cannot be provided with greater flexibility without compromising the protection it affords.

The present disclosure seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an energy control system comprising one or more fibers, the one or more fibers each comprising strain-rate sensitive (SRS) material.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of manufacturing a strain-rate sensitive fiber, the method comprising: extruding strain-rate sensitive material to form one or more fibers; coating the extruded one or more fibers with a tackiness reducing powder; and applying the coated one or more fibers onto a storage component.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of manufacturing a strain-rate sensitive fiber, the method comprising: extruding strain-rate sensitive material to form one or more fibers; reducing tension on the extruded one or more fibers; and applying the reduced tension one or more fibers onto a storage component.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a protection element configured to at least partially enclose one or more elongate elements, the protection element comprising strain-rate sensitive material.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may be incorporated into other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, a method of the disclosure may incorporate any of the features described with reference to a system of the disclosure and vice versa.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows a shows a perspective view of a human lower leg;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a sports bra on a wearer;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a user 300 with kinesiology tape 301 applied to one of their legs;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show scanning electron microscope images of fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a graph of energy dissipation against strain rate of fiber comprising SRS material according to embodiments of the present disclosure and non-SRS elastane fiber;

FIG. 7 shows a graph of normalized force against strain rate of fiber comprising SRS material according to embodiments of the present disclosure and non-SRS elastane fiber;

FIG. 8 shows a graph of normalized energy dissipation against strain rate of woven SRS fiber textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure and woven non-SRS elastane textile;

FIG. 9 shows a graph of the normalized force at 75% extension against strain rate of woven SRS fiber textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure and woven non-SRS elastane textile;

FIG. 10 shows hysteresis curves of non-SRS elastane textile;

FIG. 11 shows hysteresis curves of SRS textiles according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a graph of energy dissipation against strain rate of crocheted SRS fiber textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure and crocheted non-SRS elastane textile;

FIG. 13 shows a graph of the normalized force at 75% extension against strain rate of crocheted SRS fiber textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure and crocheted non-SRS elastane textile;

FIG. 14 shows a graph of the normalized force at 200% extension against strain rate of SRS fiber textile braided around an SRS core, braided SRS fiber textile without a core, and SRS fibers braided with non-SRS fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows a graph of energy dissipation against strain rate of SRS fiber textile braided around an SRS core, braided SRS fiber textile without a core, and SRS fibers braided with non-SRS fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a graph of the normalized force at 75% extension against strain rate of woven and non-woven SRS fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a graph of the normalized force at 75% extension against strain rate of SRS fiber monofilament and crocheted SRS textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a chart of axial RMS displacement of the breast tissue of a user when wearing a sports bra of the prior art and sports bras according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a graph of the percentage reduction in axial RMS displacement of the breast tissue provided by a sports bra according to embodiments of the present disclosure compared to a sports bra of the prior art;

FIGS. 20 and 21 show images of crocheted textile including SRS fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 22 and 23 show images of knitted textile including SRS fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 shows images of SRS fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure at varying degrees of extensions;

FIG. 25 shows braided SRS fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 shows a schematic view of a production line for SRS fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 shows an image of a protection element according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 30 shows a chart of impact energy at failure of protection elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure and of the prior art.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an energy control system. The energy control system comprises one or more fibers. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that a fiber comprises an elongate element that is significantly longer than it is wide. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a length that is more than two times its width, more than three times its width, more than five times its width, or more than ten times its width. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the length of a fiber is measured in a longitudinal direction along its longitudinal axis. In embodiments, the one or more fibers are produced using extrusion techniques (for example, using a spinneret).

In embodiments, each of the one or more fibers is at least 10 microns thick, for example at least 25 microns thick, at least 50 microns thick, or at least 100 microns thick. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the thickness of a fiber is measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber. It will also be appreciated by the skilled person that a number of different directions are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber and that therefore the measured thickness may vary according to which of these directions is used. In such cases, the thickness of the fiber refers to an average thickness of the fiber. In embodiments, the thickness of the fiber at a given point is defined as the maximum extent of the fiber along a straight line intersecting the centroid of the cross-section of the fiber in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber. In embodiments, a cross-section of at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a maximum dimension (for example, along a straight line) of at least 10 microns, at least 25 microns, at least 50 microns, or at least 100 microns. In embodiments, a cross-section of at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers extends in any given direction at least 10 microns, at least 25 microns, at least 50 microns, or at least 100 microns. In embodiments, (for example, where the one or more fibers have a substantially circular cross-section) a cross-section of at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a diameter of at least 10 microns, at least 25 microns, at least 50 microns, or at least 100 microns.

Each of the one or more fibers comprises strain-rate sensitive material. A strain rate sensitive material is one which is flexible under low strain rates but, as motion (and therefore strain-rate) increases, becomes stiffer and more highly damping, such that it resists the motion. An energy control system incorporating SRS material can therefore be considered to be an “active” energy control system. In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises a solid strain-rate sensitive material. In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises a chemically strain-rate sensitive material. In such cases, it may be that the strain-rate sensitive material comprises a chemical dilatant.

In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises a polymer. In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises a liquid-castable polymer system, combined with a shear thickening additive, in the form of solid particles. In such embodiments, it may be that the shear thickening additive comprises one or more of (i) a dilatant, (ii) a silicone master batch, and (iii) a TPE/silicone blend. In embodiments, the liquid-castable polymer system is a castable liquid which solidifies to form a solid elastomeric polymer material. In embodiments, the solidification involves curing of the liquid-castable polymer system in which the components of the system react together (for example, in a crosslinking or polymerization reaction) to form an elastomeric polymer matrix. In embodiments, the shear thickening additive is in the form of the form of solid particles (i.e. particles which are solid at room temperature (25° C.)).

In embodiments, the energy control system comprises textile formed at least in part by interlocking fibers. In embodiments, the interlocking fibers comprise the one or more fibers. Thus, in embodiments, the energy control system comprises a textile formed at least in part by the one or more fibers. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers are woven into the textile. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers are knitted into the textile. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers are crocheted into the textile. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of one or more fibers are braided into the textile. In embodiments, the textile is formed of a plurality of monofilaments of strain-rate sensitive material. It will be understood by the skilled person that a textile formed of a plurality of monofilaments comprises a plurality of individual fibers of SRS material arranged substantially parallel to one another (for example, such that the plurality of fibers are not inter-woven). In embodiments, the textile (and therefore at least one of the one or more fibers) comprises one or more of warp knitted textile, circular knitted textile, jacquard textile, non-woven textile (for example, a felt structure), woven textile, and stretch woven textile. In embodiments, the one or more fibers are embroidered into the textile layer.

In embodiments, the textile comprises substantially only fibers formed of strain-rate sensitive material. Thus, in embodiments, the textile consists of the one or more fibers. In other embodiments, the textile comprises one or more further fibers not formed of strain-rate sensitive material. The one or more further fibers may, for example, comprise elastane. Thus, in embodiments, the textile is formed only in part by the one or more fibers. In embodiments, the one or more further fibers are rigid fibers (i.e. fibers which are configured not to stretch in use).

In embodiments, the textile is configured to provide at least one interstitial contact point where at least one of the one or more fibers is in contact with an adjacent fiber. In embodiments (for example, where the textile layer is knitted), the adjacent fiber comprises a different part of the at least one fiber. Thus, in embodiments, the textile is configured to provide at least one interstitial contact point where a first part of at least one of the one or more fibers is in contact with a second, different part of that fiber. Gaps between the fibers/interstitial contact points can be referred to as interstices. It will be understood by the skilled person that, in this context, an interstitial contact point refers to a point of physical contact between two fibers. In embodiments, friction between the fibers at the interstitial contact points provides enhanced energy control. It will also be appreciated by the skilled person that such interstitial contact points may arise by virtue of the construction (for example, the weaving or knitting) of the textile. In embodiments, the adjacent fiber comprises strain-rate sensitive material. In such cases, it may be that the adjacent fiber is a different one of the one or more fibers. Alternatively, it may be that the adjacent fiber does not comprise strain-rate sensitive material. In such cases, it may be that the adjacent fiber is one of the one or more further fibers. In embodiments, the textile is configured to provide a plurality of interstitial contact points. In embodiments, the textile is configured such that each of the one or more fibers is in contact with at least one adjacent fiber. Thus, it may be that each of the one or more fibers has at least one interstitial contact point.

In embodiments, the textile is configured to provide a predetermined number of interstitial contact points. In such cases, the predetermined number of interstitial contact points may be associated with a predetermined energy control parameter of the system. In embodiments, the predetermined energy control parameter comprises one or more of: energy absorption, stiffness, and interstitial friction.

In embodiments, the textile is configured to compress at least one of the one or more fibers. In such cases, it may be that the compression of the at least one fiber is provided by at least one further fiber in the textile (for example, at least one different fiber of the one or more fibers). Configuring the textile to compress a fiber increases the contact area between the fiber and the further fiber. This can give an increase is interstitial friction, which can enable improved energy control. The improved energy control arises in part due to the interstitial friction providing (i) increased stiffening of the textile with increasing strain rate, and (ii) increased damping as the strain rate increases.

In embodiments, at least one of the one or more fibers is shaped to provide a predetermined energy control parameter of the system (for example, one or more of energy absorption, stiffness, and interstitial friction). Different shapes of fiber provide different amounts of contact area between the adjacent fibers. Thus, by altering the shape of the one or more fibers it is possible to vary the amount of interstitial friction between the fibers, and thereby vary the amount of energy control provided by the energy control system. In embodiments, a perimeter to cross-sectional area ratio of at least one of the one or more fibers is configured to provide a predetermined energy control parameter of the system.

A normalized perimeter to cross-section ratio can be used to quantify the surface area provided by a given shape of fiber. The normalized perimeter to cross-section ratio (N) of a fiber can be calculated by use of the following equation:

N = Circumference Cross ⁢ sectional ⁢ area * Fibre ⁢ thickness

In embodiments, the one or more fibers have a normalized perimeter to cross-section ratio of more than 4, more than 4.2, more than 4.4, or more than 4.5. Textiles including fiber with a larger normalized perimeter to cross-section ratio can provide increased interstitial friction (and thereby increased energy control). A larger normalized perimeter to cross-section ratio can also provide improved moisture control (for example, where the textile is incorporated into a wearable item).

In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a substantially circular cross-section. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a substantially ovular cross-section. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a substantially square cross-section. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a cross-section shaped substantially as a quadrilateral. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a cross-section shaped substantially as a quadrilateral with one or more concave sides. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a cross-section shaped as a star. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a cross-section shaped as a polygon.

In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a non-smooth surface texture. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a cross section which varies (for example, substantially periodically) along a length of the fiber. In embodiments (for example, where the at least one fiber has a substantially circular cross section), the variation in the cross section comprises a variation in a diameter of the at least one fiber. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers has a ribbed texture (for example, in which the ribs run circumferentially around the fiber). In embodiments, the texture is provided at least in part by interaction of the at least one fiber with one or more adjacent fibers (for example, compressing of the at least one fiber by the one or more adjacent fibers). For example, a textile in which an SRS fiber is compressed by one or more adjacent rigid fibers can impart a ribbed texture to the at least one fiber. In embodiments, the texture of the at least one fiber is formed during manufacturing (for example, during extrusion) of the at least one fiber. In some such embodiments, one or more extrusion parameters are configured to produce a regular pattern on the surface of the at least one fiber. In embodiments, the one or more extrusion parameters (for example, the extrusion speed) may be configured to produce a ribbed texture (for example, a shark-skinned texture) on the surface of the at least one fiber. Shark-skinning in the context of fiber extrusion is known to the skilled person. In embodiments, the variation of the diameter of the fiber is configured such that it provides an increased contact area between the fiber and the adjacent fiber. By varying the contact area between adjacent fibers in a textile it is possible to vary the interstitial friction, and thereby also the stiffness and energy absorption of the textile.

In embodiments, a density of SRS material in the textile varies across the textile. In embodiments, the variation in the density of SRS material is provided at least in part by variation in the diameter of the one or more fibers. In embodiments, the variation in the density of SRS material is provided by variation in the weaving/knitting/crochet/braiding pattern of the textile. In embodiments, the textile comprises a plurality of zones, each of which is associated with a respective density of SRS material. In embodiments, a first zone in the plurality comprises a first density of SRS material and a second zone in the plurality comprises a second density (for example, different to the first density) of SRS material. By selectively varying the density of SRS material in the textile, it is possible to vary the amount of energy control provided by the energy control system according to the direction and position of applied strain.

In embodiments, the energy control system may be comprised in a wearable item. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a wearable item comprising an energy control system as described above.

In embodiments, the wearable item comprises a body-close wearable item. In such cases, it may be that the wearable item is configured such that, when the wearable item is worn by a user, at least part of the wearable item is positioned adjacent to the body of the user. It will be understood by the skilled person that “body close” refers to a characteristic of the wearable item of, when worn by a user, conforming to the shape of the user's body. Thus, the body-close wearable item can be said to be “skin-tight”. It should be understood that at least some, but not necessarily all, of the wearable item is body-close, i.e. one or more parts or portions of the wearable item are body-close but one or more parts or portions of the wearable item may not be body-close. The skilled person will also appreciate that “adjacent” does not, in this context, require that the wearable item be in direct contact with the wearer's skin. The wearable item may, for example, be worn over another item of clothing. In such cases, the wearable item will nonetheless be adjacent to the user's body by virtue of the wearable item being body-close. The requirement that the wearable item be adjacent to the user's body will therefore be understood by the skilled person to mean that the wearable item, when worn by a user, conforms to the shape of the user's body or part(s) thereof. The skilled person will understand the wearable item to be adjacent to the user's body even where there is a further substance or material positioned between the wearable item and the user.

In embodiments, the wearable item comprises one of: a pair of shorts (such as running shorts), a pair of tights (or leggings), a brassiere (such as a sports bra), a tape, a sock, and a sleeve or tube with an opening at both ends. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is also applicable to other wearable items.

In embodiments, the wearable item may be configured such that, after having been deformed (for example, by being stretched over/by a user's body), the wearable item returns to its original shape. Thus, in such embodiments, the wearable item may be body-close by virtue of its elastic properties. In embodiments, the wearable item comprises an elastic material and the wearable item returns to its original shape due to the elasticity of the elastic material.

In embodiments, the one or more fibers are configured to control (for example, to limit and/or damp) motion of one or more body parts of the user. In embodiments, controlling the motion encompasses controlling velocity and/or displacement and/or acceleration. In such embodiments, it may be that the one or more fibers are configured to control (for example, to limit and/or damp) the motion. Thus, the wearable item is flexible and easily stretched at low strain rates but is stiffer and more supportive at higher strain rates. This enables easier donning and doffing of the wearable item and also affords the user a normal range of motion (ROM) whilst also affording increased support when the user engages in athletic activity. The stiffness of the one or more fibers, being formed of SRS material, increases in relation to the applied strain-rate, providing more support as the user performs more vigorous physical activity. The damping coefficient of the SRS material also increases with strain rate. Therefore, in embodiments, the one or more fibers can provide motion control by at least two mechanisms: (i) by providing increased stiffness as strain rate increases, and (ii) by providing increased damping as the strain rate increases.

In embodiments, the one or more body parts comprise soft-tissue body parts. In embodiments, the one or more body parts comprise one or more of: a muscle (for example a hamstring muscle) and a breast. It will be appreciated that a wearable item according to the present disclosure may also be used on other body parts.

In embodiments, the controlling comprises controlling velocity of the soft-tissue body parts. In embodiments, the controlling comprises controlling displacement of the soft-tissue body parts. In embodiments, the controlling comprises controlling acceleration of the soft-tissue body parts. In embodiments, the controlling comprises controlling energy absorption (for example, by the wearable items and/or the one or more fibers). In embodiments, the controlling comprises controlling stiffness (for example, of the wearable items and/or the one or more fibers).

In embodiments, the controlling is dependent on the frequency of motion of the soft-tissue body parts. Thus, the controlling may comprise suppressing certain frequencies of movement. In such embodiments, the controlling is greater at relatively high frequencies of motion of the soft-tissue body parts compared to relatively low frequencies of motion of the soft-tissue body parts. Thus, the controlling may comprise suppressing relatively high frequencies of movement more than relatively low frequencies. In embodiments, the controlling comprises performing substantially zero control at relatively low frequencies of motion of the soft-tissue body parts. Thus, the controlling may comprise suppressing only the relatively high frequencies of movement. In embodiments, the relatively low frequencies comprise frequencies below 5 Hz, or between 1 Hz and 5 Hz. In embodiments, the relatively high frequencies comprise frequencies above 5 Hz, preferably between 10 Hz and 30 Hz. Embodiments in which the controlling is dependent on the frequency of motion can enable the wearable item to constrain undesirable movements of the soft-tissue body part without impeding the desired movement of the soft-tissue body part (for example, the contraction of a muscle) associated with performance of an activity. For example, a runner's muscles will contract with a frequency corresponding to the cadence of the running, but will also undergo higher frequency “wobble”. A wearable item that is configured to suppress specific frequencies of movement may suppress the muscle “wobble” frequencies without impeding the frequencies associated with the muscle contraction.

In embodiments, the one or more fibers are configured to control motion of the one or more body parts of the user in a given direction. Thus, the wearable item may be configured to suppress movement in one or more specific directions. For example, the one or more fibers may be configured to allow movement in a first direction (for example, axially along a bone—corresponding to the principal direction of muscle contraction) whilst suppressing movement in a second direction (for example, circumferentially around the bone).

In embodiments (for example, where the wearable item comprises a compression garment), the given direction comprises one or both of a radial direction from a bone of the user, and a circumferential direction around a bone. In embodiments where the wearable item comprises a pair of shorts, a tape, a sock, or a sleeve or tube with an opening at both ends, the bone of the user may comprise a femur. It will be appreciated that such wearable items may also be worn on other parts of the body. Such embodiments can constrain movement in the radial and/or circumferential directions, which is associated with an increased risk of injury. Thus, such embodiments may reduce the risk of injury to the user from their activity. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a human lower leg 100, illustrating the axial direction 101 (i.e. along the bone), the circumferential direction 103 (i.e. around the bone), and the radial direction 105 (i.e. towards/away from the bone).

In embodiments (for example, where the wearable item comprises a sports bra), the given direction comprises one or more of a radial direction from a given body part of the user (for example, the user's torso), an axial direction along the given body part, and a circumferential direction around the given body part. In embodiments where the wearable item comprises a brassiere, the given body part of the user may comprise the torso of the user. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a sports bra 200 on a wearer, illustrating the axial direction 201 (i.e. along the torso, in the cranial caudal plane), the circumferential direction 203 (i.e. around the torso, in the medial-lateral plane), and the radial direction 205 (i.e. towards/away from the torso, in the anterior-posterior plane).

In embodiments, the wearable item comprises kinesiology tape (or ‘motion control tape’). FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a user 300 with kinesiology tape 301 applied to one of their legs.

In embodiments, the one or more fibers are configured not to control motion of the one or more body parts of the user in a different, given direction. In embodiments, the different, given direction comprises an axial direction along a bone of the user. Such embodiments may allow motion in the axial direction, which is associated with muscle contraction, and therefore do not inhibit the physical activity of the user. Meanwhile, movement in the radial and/or circumferential directions, which is associated with an increased risk of injury, is inhibited, reducing the user's risk of injury. In embodiments, directional energy control may be achieved by selective use of strain-rate sensitive material in different components of the textile. In embodiments, where the energy control system comprises a woven textile, greater energy control is provided in a first direction than in a second direction by use of different quantities of strain-rate sensitive material in the warp and weft components of the woven textile. In embodiments, the warp component comprises a greater quantity of strain-rate sensitive material than the weft component (or vice versa). In embodiments, directional energy control is provided by controlling the distribution of interstitial contact points, such that different levels of interstitial friction result from strain in different directions.

In embodiments, the wearable item is formed of textile comprising one or more further fibers. In embodiments in which the one or more further fibers comprise elastane, the one or more further fibers may be configured to provide static compression (for example, to a body part of the user covered by the wearable item). In embodiments, a ratio of the one or more fibers (i.e. SRS fibers) to the one or more further fibers (i.e. non-SRS fibers) is associated with a predetermined energy control parameter of the energy control system (for example, one of energy absorption, stiffness, and interstitial friction). In embodiments, the one or more further fibers can be considered as providing dynamic compression. Thus, varying the ratio of the one or more fibers (i.e. SRS fibers) to the one or more further fibers (i.e. non-SRS fibers) can allow the ratio of static to dynamic compression provided by the wearable item to be varied.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that wearable items according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more further layers (for example fabric layers) in addition to the textile layer. In embodiments, such further layers comprise SRS material. In alternative embodiments, the further layers do not comprise SRS material. In embodiments, the wearable item comprises SRS film (for example, laminated onto a surface (for example, an exterior surface) of the wearable item). In embodiments, the SRS film is laminated onto only part of the wearable item. Laminating SRS film onto a surface of the wearable item can allow the wearable item to provide additional support in particular regions of the wearable item (for example, regions of the wearable item where more support is desirable).

FIGS. 4 and 5 show images of fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows an SRS fiber having a substantially circular cross-section. FIG. 5 shows an SRS fiber shaped substantially as a quadrilateral with one or more concave sides.

The following data was acquired using a stretch rig with a 2.5N load cell. Each fiber was tested at three strain rates (0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1 and 0.75 s−1). In the case of data relating to textiles (including braids) a 500N load cell was used instead of the 2.5N load cell. Braids were tested up to 200% extension instead of 75% extension. Woven textiles were tested at five strain rates and crocheted textiles were tested at four strain rates.

FIG. 6 shows a graph of energy dissipation against strain rate of fiber comprising SRS material according to embodiments of the present disclosure and non-SRS elastane fiber. The energy dissipation is determined by comparing the integral of the loading stage to the integral of the unloading stage, with the difference expressed a percentage. The SRS fiber used in this case has a circular cross section with a diameter of approximately 1000 microns. FIG. 6 shows that the SRS fiber dissipates 30-50% of the strain energy, while the elastane fiber only dissipates 5-12% of the strain energy. Additionally, the elastane fiber dissipates a decreasing percentage of the energy as strain rate increases, while the SRS fibers dissipate an increasing percentage of the energy.

FIG. 7 shows a graph of normalized force against strain rate of fiber comprising SRS material according to embodiments of the present disclosure and non-SRS elastane fiber. This data was obtained by performing stretch tests on a single fiber. The stiffening is demonstrated by performing this test at multiple strain rates. The lowest strain rate is considered quasi-static and is used to normalize the data at the higher strain rates, resulting in curves that show how many times stiffer a fiber gets as the strain rates increases. FIG. 7 shows that the SRS fiber stiffens significantly with increasing strain rate. By contrast, the stiffness of the elastane fiber is substantially independent of the strain rate.

FIG. 8 shows a graph of normalized energy dissipation against strain rate of SRS fiber textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure and woven non-SRS elastane textile. The curves each consist of five data points at strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 0.5 s−1, 2.5 s−1 and 5.0 s−1. The energy dissipation was normalized with respect to the energy dissipated at 0.01 s−1 (which in this experiment was considered to be a quasi-static strain rate). Thus, each curve shows how energy dissipation varies with strain rate. The two textiles have identical construction apart from the use of SRS fibers in the weft of the SRS textile. The SRS textile contains 700-micron diameter SRS fibers while the non-SRS textile contained commercially available elastane yarn. FIG. 8 shows that the SRS textile dissipates more energy as strain rate increases, while the non-SRS textile dissipates less energy as the strain rate increases.

FIG. 9 shows a graph of the normalized force against strain rate at 75% extension of woven SRS fiber textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure and woven non-SRS elastane textile. The curves each consist of five data points at strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 0.5 s−1, 2.5 s−1 and 5.0 s−1. The stress was normalized with respect to the stress at 0.01 s−1 (which in this experiment was considered to be a quasi-static strain rate). Thus, each curve shows the how stress varies with strain rate. The textiles used in this case were the same as those described in respect of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows that the SRS textile stiffens with increasing strain rates, while the non-SRS textile does not stiffen as much (particularly at high strain rates).

FIG. 10 shows hysteresis curves of non-SRS textile. FIG. 11 shows hysteresis curves of SRS textiles according to embodiments of the present disclosure at three different strain rates. The hysteresis curves were obtained by stretching the fibers from 0% extension to 75% extension and then allowing them to relax back to 0% extension. The loading and unloading cycles were performed at the same constant speed without any pause between them. FIGS. 10 and 11 show that the SRS textile dissipates more energy than the standard elastane fabric. FIG. 11 also shows that the SRS textile dissipates more energy at higher strain rates. Additionally, the SRS textile exhibits superior stiffening, shown by the increased gradient of the stress curve at higher strain rates.

FIG. 12 shows a graph of energy dissipation against strain rate of crocheted SRS fiber textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure and crocheted non-SRS elastane textile. The curves each consist of four data points at strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 0.5 s−1 and 2.5 s−1. The SRS and non-SRS textiles each used the same fabric construction, but with 500 micron SRS fibers in the weft of the SRS fabric. FIG. 12 shows that the crocheted SRS textile dissipates 40-60% of the strain energy. By contrast, the crocheted elastane textile only dissipates 2-12% of the energy.

FIG. 13 shows a graph of the normalized force at 75% extension against strain rate of crocheted SRS fiber textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure and crocheted non-SRS elastane textile. The curves each consist of four data points at strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 0.5 s−1 and 2.5 s−1. The stress was normalized with respect to the stress at 0.01 s−1 (which in this experiment was considered to be a quasi-static strain rate). Thus, each curve shows the how stress varies with strain rate. The textiles used in this case were the same as those described in respect of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows that the SRS textile stiffens significantly with increasing strain rate. By contrast, the elastane textile shows a minimal stiffening. For example, at a strain rate of 2.5 s−1 the SRS fabric has increased in stiffness (compared to the quasi-static strain rate) by 120% while the elastane fabric has increased in stiffness by only 25%.

FIG. 14 shows a graph of the normalized force at 200% extension against strain rate of SRS fiber textile braided around an SRS core, braided SRS fiber textile without a core, and SRS fibers braided with non-SRS fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The curves each consist of three data points at strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1 and 1.0 s−1. The stress was normalized with respect to the stress at 0.01 s−1 (which in this experiment was considered to be a quasi-static strain rate). Thus, each curve shows the how stress varies with strain rate. All three braids show a high level of dynamic stiffening with increasing strain-rate.

FIG. 15 shows a graph of energy dissipation against strain rate of SRS fiber textile braided around an SRS core, braided SRS fiber textile without a core, and SRS fibers braided with non-SRS fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The curves each consist of three data points at strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1 and 1.0 s−1. The construction of the braids in this case was the same as described in respect of FIG. 14. All three braids show high energy dissipation of between 23 and 37%.

FIG. 16 shows a graph of the normalized force at 75% extension against strain rate of woven and non-woven SRS fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The curves each consist of three data points at strain rates of 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1 and 0.5 s−1. The stress was normalized with respect to the stress at 0.01 s−1 (which in this experiment was considered to be a quasi-static strain rate). Thus, each curve shows the how stress varies with strain rate. FIG. 16 shows that the woven fibers stiffen more than the un-woven fibers. Hence, combining the fibers into a woven textile can result in interstitial fiber friction which gives an increase in strain-rate sensitivity.

FIG. 17 shows a graph of the normalized force at 75% extension against strain rate of SRS fiber monofilament and crocheted SRS textile according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The curves each consist of data points at strain rates between of 0.01 s−1 and 2.5 s−1. The stress was normalized with respect to the stress at 0.01 s−1 (which in this experiment was considered to be a quasi-static strain rate). FIG. 17 shows that the crocheted fibers stiffen more than the un-crocheted fibers. Hence, combining the fibers into a crocheted textile can result in interstitial fiber friction which gives an increase in strain-rate sensitivity.

Table 1 below shows, for a baseline sports bra (one not incorporating strain-rate sensitive material), a sports bra having an energy control system comprising SRS monofilaments, and a sports bra having an energy control system comprising an SRS composite yarn, at a number of different run speeds: (a) axial root mean square (RMS) displacement of the breast tissue of a user [mm], and (b) improvement in the axial RMS displacement compared to the baseline sports bra [%].

TABLE 1 6 kph 10 kph 13 kph Sample Name (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) Baseline Sports Bra 1.67 — 5.14 — 5.68 — SRS Monofilament Sports 1.38 17% 3.35 35% 3.51 38% Bra SRS Composite Yarn 1.08 35% 3.33 35% 3.68 35% Sports Bra

FIG. 18 shows a chart illustrating the data of Table 1. Table 1 and FIG. 18 show that the sports bras including SRS provide improved support for the user's breast tissue. Furthermore, the SRS fiber sports bra limits the soft tissue displacements more as the intensity of the exercise increases. This is due to (i) the increased stiffness of the SRS at higher strain rates, and (ii) the increased damping (energy absorption) provided by the SRS at higher strain rates. Table 1 and FIG. 18 also show that the SRS composite yarn sports bra provides increased support compared to the SRS monofilament sports bra.

FIG. 19 shows a graph of the percentage reduction in axial RMS displacement of the breast tissue provided by a SRS monofilament yarn sports bra according to embodiments of the present disclosure compared to the baseline sports bra. FIG. 19 shows that the SRS monofilament sports bra provides increased breast support as the intensity of the exercise increases.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show images of crocheted textile including SRS fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 shows a crocheted textile with SRS fibers in the weft (the dark fibers) and non-SRS fibers in the warp (the white fibers). FIG. 21 shows a crocheted textile with SRS fibers in the warp (the dark fibers) and non-SRS fibers in the weft (the white fibers).

FIGS. 22 and 23 show images of knitted textile including SRS fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this case, the knitted textile has been placed over a tube to hold the fabric in place for the purpose of capturing the images. FIG. 22 shows a knitted textile formed by SRS fiber (the grey fibers) interlaced with a stiff water-soluble non-SRS fiber (the white fibers). The soluble non-SRS fibers can be dissolved to leave only SRS fiber. FIG. 23 shows the knitted textile after the soluble yarn has been dissolved. Manufacturing textile in this way can allow the textile to be formed of yarn with very low stiffness. This can also allow the SRS fiber to be interwoven with the other yarns in the textile layer without stretching the SRS fiber, which can prevent manufacturing problems due to the long relaxation time of the SRS material.

FIG. 24 shows images of SRS fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure at varying degrees of extensions. FIG. 24 shows a textile formed of SRS fibers (the grey fibers) braided with non-SRS fibers (the white fibers). In such embodiments, use of stiff non-SRS fibers can allow production of a stretchable braid. The images show the braid in a progressively more extended state from left to the right. The images show that the stiff non-SRS fibers have freedom of movement as the braid is extended.

FIG. 25 shows braided SRS fibers according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a schematic view of a production line 2600 for SRS fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Production line 2600 can be used to manufacture strain-rate sensitive fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Production line 2600 comprises an extruder 2601. In embodiments, extruder 2601 comprises a spinneret 2603. Extruder 2601 and (optionally) spinneret 2603 operate to extrude strain-rate sensitive material to form one or more fibers.

In embodiments, the extruded one or more fibers are then passed through a quench bath 2605.

In embodiments, a first tensioner 2607 operates to draw the one or more fibers through quench bath 2605.

In embodiments, the quenched one or more fibers are then passed through a water draw bath and/or hot air oven 2609. This can relax and dry the one or more fibers and also draw the one or more fibers to a greater length. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that one or both of a water draw bath and a hot air oven may be present. It will also be appreciated by the skilled person that more than one water draw bath and/or hot air oven may also be present. Thus, in embodiments, the one or more fibers are passed through a water draw bath and/or hot air oven multiple times.

In embodiments, a second tensioner 2611 operates to draw the one or more fibers through water draw bath/hot air oven 2609.

In embodiments, the one or more fibers are then fed through a powder coating bath 2613. Powder coating bath 2613 operates to coat the one or more fibers in a tackiness reducing powder. In embodiments, the tackiness reducing powder comprises talcum powder. Coating the one or more fibers in a tackiness reducing powder reduces the risk of the fibers sticking to one another when stored.

In embodiments, a third tensioner 2615 operates to draw the one or more fibers through powder coating bath 2613.

In embodiments, the one or more fibers are then passed through a reduced tension zone 2617. The reduced tension zone 2617 operates to reduce the tension on the one or more fibers. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the reduced tension zone applies a tension to the one or more fibers which is less than that which they were under prior to entry into the reduced tension zone. In embodiments, prior to the reducing tension, the one or more fibers are under a first tension and the reduced tension zone operates to place the one or more fibers under a second tension. In some embodiments, the second tension is less than the first tension. In this example embodiment, passing the tensioned one or more fibers through a reduced tension zone comprises suspending at least one of the one or more fibers such that it droops (for example, under gravity). Reducing the tension on the one or more fibers allows the fibers to relax prior to being stored. This can reduce the risk of the fibers suffering damage during storage. This can also reduce the extent to which the fibers stick to one another when stored, which can facilitate textile manufacturing using the fibers (for example, by making them easier to unwind from a bobbin).

In embodiments, a fourth tensioner 2619 operates to draw the one or more fibers through reduced tension zone 2617. In this example embodiment, an operating speed of fourth tensioner 2619 is regulated on the basis of a depth of the droop of the one or more fibers in reduced tension zone 2617. In this case, the operating speed of fourth tensioner 2619 is regulated to maintain the droop at a substantially constant depth. In other embodiments, it may be that (alternatively or additionally) the operating speed of the preceding production line is regulated on the basis of the depth of the droop.

The one or more fibers are then applied to a storage component 2621. In this example, storage component 2621 comprises a bobbin. However, it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the storage component may comprise a cone, spool, or other suitable storage means.

FIG. 27 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method 2700 of manufacturing strain-rate sensitive fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

A first step of method 2700, represented by item 2701, comprises extruding strain-rate sensitive material to form one or more fibers. In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises silicone. In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises a siloxane.

An optional second step of method 2700, represented by item 2703, comprises quenching the one or more fibers.

An optional third step of method 2700, represented by item 2705, comprises tensioning the one or more fibers.

A fourth step of method 2700, represented by item 2707, comprises coating the extruded one or more fibers with a tackiness reducing powder. In embodiments, the tackiness reducing powder does not comprise silicone. Where the strain-rate sensitive material comprises silicone, coating the one or more fibers in a silicone based substance can cause an undesirable increase in tackiness. Thus, use of a tackiness reducing powder which does not comprise silicone can provide a reduction in tackiness of silicone based strain rate sensitive material. In embodiments, the tackiness reducing powder comprises talcum powder. In embodiments, the tackiness reducing powder comprises an anti-blocking agent. In embodiments, the tackiness reducing powder comprises a silicate (for example, a calcium or magnesium silicate).

An optional fifth step of method 2700, represented by item 2709, comprises reducing tension on the one or more fibers.

A sixth step of method 2700, represented by item 2711, comprises applying the coated one or more fibers onto a storage component. In embodiments, the storage component comprises one or more of: a bobbin, a cone, and a spool.

FIG. 28 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method 2800 of manufacturing strain-rate sensitive fiber according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

A first step of method 2800, represented by item 2801, comprises extruding strain-rate sensitive material to form one or more fibers. In embodiments, the extruding comprises operating a spinneret.

An optional second step of method 2800, represented by item 2803, comprises quenching the extruded one or more fibers.

An optional third step of method 2800, represented by item 2805, comprises tensioning the quenched one or more fibers. In embodiments, the tensioning comprises operating a tensioner (for example, to place the one or more fibers under a first tension).

An optional fourth step of method 2800, represented by item 2807, comprises coating the quenched one or more fibers with a tackiness reducing substance. In embodiments, the tackiness reducing substance comprises a tackiness reducing powder. In embodiments, the tackiness reducing powder comprises talcum powder

A fifth step of method 2800, represented by item 2809, comprises reducing tension on the extruded one or more fibers. In embodiments, reducing the tension comprises passing the tensioned one or more fibers through a reduced tension zone. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the reduced tension zone applies a tension to the one or more fibers which is less than that which they were under prior to entry into the reduced tension zone. In embodiments, it may be that, prior to the reducing tension, the one or more fibers are under a first tension and the reduced tension zone operates to place the one or more fibers under a second tension. In such cases, it may be that the second tension is less than the first tension. In embodiments, passing the tensioned one or more fibers through a reduced tension zone comprises suspending at least one of the one or more fibers such that it droops (for example, under gravity). In such embodiments, it may be that the reduced tension zone comprises a tensioner and passing the tensioned one or more fibers through the reduced tension zone comprises regulating the operating speed of the tensioner on the basis of a depth of the droop. In embodiments, the regulating comprises regulating the operating speed of the tensioner to maintain the droop at a substantially constant depth.

A sixth step of method 2800, represented by item 2811, comprises applying the reduced tension one or more fibers onto a storage component. In embodiments, the storage component comprises one or more of: a bobbin, a cone, and a spool.

The fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a protection element configured to at least partially enclose one or more elongate elements. It will be understood by the skilled person that an elongate element comprises an element that is significantly (for example, by more than 2, 5, or 10 times) longer than it is wide. The protection element thereby provides protection for the one or more elongate elements (for example, from impact). Thus, in embodiments, the protection element can be said to comprise an elongate element protector.

The protection element comprises strain-rate sensitive material. In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises a film of strain-rate sensitive material. Thus, the strain-rate sensitive material may have a planar structure. In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises one or more fibers of strain-rate sensitive material. In embodiments, the strain-rate sensitive material comprises extruded strain-rate sensitive material.

In embodiments, the one or more fibers are braided. In some embodiments, the one or more fibers are braided around at least one (for example, all) of the one or more elongate elements. In embodiments, the energy control system comprises a textile formed at least in part by the one or more fibers. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers are woven into the textile. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers are knitted into the textile. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers are crocheted into the textile. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more fibers are braided into the textile.

In embodiments, the protection element only partially encloses the one or more elongate elements. In some embodiments, the protection element has a substantially C-shaped cross-section. In embodiments, the protection element completely surrounds the one or more elongate elements along at least a part of their length. In embodiments, the protection element has a substantially tubular construction (for example, such that, in use, the protection element surrounds the one or more elongate elements). Such a protection element can be said to fully enclose the one or more elongate elements. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the protection element need not cover the ends of an elongate element in order to be considered as fully enclosing the elongate element. Indeed, the skilled person will understand that the ends of the elongate element can, in some cases, be left exposed in order to allow the use of the elongate element (for example, where the elongate element comprises an electrical cable, a fiber optic cable, a hose, or a pipe).

In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more elongate elements has a substantially cylindrical shape. Thus, in embodiments, the elongate elements comprise cylindrical elements. In embodiments, at least one (for example, all) of the one or more elongate elements has a substantially tubular shape. Thus, in embodiments, the elongate elements comprise tubular elements.

In embodiments, the one or more elongate elements comprise one or more of: an electrical cable, a fiber optic cable, a mechanical cable, a hose, and a pipe. However, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the protection element may also be used with other elongate elements.

FIG. 29 shows an image of an example protection element according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the protection element comprises 500-micron thick SRS fibers braided around a 6 mm diameter tube.

FIG. 30 shows a chart of impact energy at failure of protection elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure and of the prior art. The illustrated data was obtained by testing a cable harness to destruction when protected by a baseline cable protector (i.e. one not incorporating SRS material) and when protected by an SRS protection element according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The SRS protection element in this example comprises a 900-micron thick layer of SRS film. FIG. 30 shows that the SRS protection element performed 65% better than the baseline cable protector (i.e. that 65% more energy was required to destroy the cable harness when protected by the SRS protection element than when protected by the baseline cable protector).

Whilst the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosure lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

Although wearable items according to the present disclosure have been described embodied as a sports bra, shorts, and/or kinesiology tape, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that other wearable items are also possible. For example, the wearable item may comprise a sock, a sleeve (i.e. an open-ended tube), leggings, gloves, stockings, personal protective equipment (PPE), a helmet liner, a hat (for example, a scrum cap), a rucksack strap, a lanyard, rope (for example, a tow rope or climbing rope), ballistic armor, or body armor. The wearable item may, for example, comprise a shoe, with the motion control system acting as a substitute for shoelaces.

Similarly, although the benefits of such wearable items have been described primarily in a sporting context, it will be appreciated that garments providing active control of the motion of body parts also find use in other settings (for example, as medical compression garments for use in physical therapy, as shapewear, as personal protective equipment, or as body armor for use by military or law enforcement).

Whilst the illustrated methods of manufacturing each recite a step of forming one or more fibers of strain-rate sensitive material by extrusion, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that other well-known methods may also be used to form the one or more fibers. For example, the one or more fibers may alternatively be formed by wet spinning, pultrusion or co-extrusion. Alternatively, a non-woven textile could be created straight at the fiber extrusion process by using melt blowing.

Although methods of manufacturing described above coat the one or more fibers in a tackiness reducing powder, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that other tackiness reducing substances may alternatively be used. Furthermore, such alternative tackiness reducing substances may be added to the fibers externally or internally. Thus, in embodiments the methods of manufacturing described above comprise a step of adding a tackiness reducing substance to the extruded one or more fibers (for example, by externally coating the one or more fibers). In such embodiments, the tackiness reducing substances may comprise one or more of: paraffinic wax, a fatty acids or soap thereof, a fatty acid amide, silicone, silicates, and fluoropolymer particles as fillers.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present disclosure, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the disclosure that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the disclosure, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. An energy control system comprising one or more fibers, the one or more fibers each comprising strain-rate sensitive material.

2. The energy control system according to claim 1, wherein the strain-rate sensitive material comprises one or more of:

a solid strain-rate sensitive material,
a chemically strain-rate sensitive material,
a polymer,
a siloxane, and
a chemical dilatant.

3. The energy control system according to claim 1, wherein the energy control system comprises textile formed at least in part by interlocking fibers.

4. The energy control system according to claim 3, wherein the interlocking fibers comprise the one or more fibers.

5. The energy control system according to claim 3, wherein the textile comprises substantially only fibers formed of strain-rate sensitive material.

6. The energy control system according to claim 3, wherein the interlocking fibers comprise one or more further fibers not formed of strain-rate sensitive material.

7. The energy control system according to claim 6, wherein the textile is configured to provide a predetermined ratio of fiber formed of strain-rate sensitive material to fiber not formed of strain-rate sensitive material, the predetermined ratio being associated with a predetermined energy control parameter of the system.

8. The energy control system according to claim 3, wherein a density of strain-rate sensitive material in the textile varies according to position in the textile.

9. The energy control system according to claim 8, wherein the textile comprises a plurality of zones, each of the plurality of zones being associated with a respective density of strain-rate sensitive material.

10. The energy control system according to claim 9, wherein a first zone in the plurality comprises a first density of strain-rate sensitive material and a second zone in the plurality comprises a second different density of strain-rate sensitive material.

11. The energy control system according to claim 3, wherein the textile is configured to provide at least one interstitial contact point where at least one of the one or more fibers is in contact with an adjacent fiber.

12. The energy control system according to claim 11, wherein the adjacent fiber comprises strain-rate sensitive material.

13. The energy control system according to claim 11, wherein the adjacent fiber does not comprise strain-rate sensitive material.

14. The energy control system according to claim 11, wherein the textile is configured to provide a plurality of interstitial contact points.

15. The energy control system according to claim 14, wherein the textile is configured to provide a predetermined number of interstitial contact points, the predetermined number being associated with a predetermined energy control parameter of the system.

16. The energy control system according to claim 11, wherein the textile is configured to compress at least one of the one or more fibers.

17. The energy control system according to claim 1, wherein a perimeter to cross-sectional area ratio of at least one of the one or more fibers is configured to provide a predetermined energy control parameter of the system.

18. The energy control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more fibers has a cross-section shaped substantially as: a circle, an oval, a square, a quadrilateral, or a quadrilateral with one or more concave sides.

19. The energy control system according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined energy control parameter comprises one or more of: energy absorption, stiffness, and interstitial friction.

20. The energy control system according to claim 1, wherein a cross-section of at least one fiber of the one or more fibers varies along a length of the at least one fiber.

21. The energy control system according to claim 20, wherein the at least one fiber has a ribbed texture, the ribbed texture comprising a plurality of ribs running substantially circumferentially around the at least one fiber.

22. The energy control system according to claim 21, wherein the ribbed texture is imparted at least in part by compression of the at least one fiber by an adjacent fiber.

23. The energy control system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more fibers each have a thickness of at least 10 microns.

24. A wearable item comprising an energy control system comprising one or more fibers, the one or more fibers each comprising strain-rate sensitive material.

25. The wearable item according to claim 24, wherein:

the wearable item comprises a body-close wearable item configured such that, when the wearable item is worn by a user, at least part of the wearable item is positioned adjacent to a body of the user; and
the one or more fibers are configured to control motion of one or more body parts of the user.

26. The wearable item according to claim 25, wherein the one or more body parts comprise soft-tissue body parts.

27. The wearable item according to claim 26, wherein the motion of the one or more body parts comprises one or more of:

a velocity of the one or more body parts,
a displacement of the one or more body parts,
an acceleration of the one or more body parts,
an energy absorption of the one or more body parts, and
a stiffness of the one or more body parts.

28. The wearable item according to claim 26, wherein the controlling is dependent on a frequency of motion of the one or more body parts.

29. The wearable item according to claim 28, wherein the controlling is greater at relatively high frequencies of motion of the one or more body parts compared to relatively low frequencies of motion of the one or more body parts.

30. The wearable item according to claim 29, wherein the controlling comprises performing substantially zero control at relatively low frequencies of motion of the one or more body parts.

31. The wearable item according to claim 29, wherein the relatively low frequencies comprise frequencies below 5 Hz and the relatively high frequencies comprise frequencies above 5 Hz.

32. The wearable item according to claim 29, wherein the relatively low frequencies comprise frequencies between 1 Hz and 5 Hz and the relatively high frequencies comprise frequencies between 10 Hz and 30 Hz.

33. The wearable item according to claim 25, wherein the one or more fibers are configured to control motion of the one or more body parts of the user in a given direction.

34. The wearable item according to claim 33, wherein the given direction comprises one or more of:

a radial direction from a bone of the user, and
a circumferential direction around a bone of the user.

35. The wearable item according to claim 33, wherein the given direction comprises one or more of:

a radial direction from a given body part of the user,
an axial direction along a given body part of the user, and
a circumferential direction a given body part of the user.

36. The wearable item according to claim 35, wherein the given body part of the user comprises a torso of the user.

37. The wearable item according to claim 25, wherein the one or more fibers are configured not to control motion of the one or more body parts of the user in a different, given direction.

38. The wearable item according to claim 37, wherein the different, given direction comprises an axial direction along a bone of the user.

39. The wearable item according to claim 38, wherein the bone of the user comprises a femur.

40. The wearable item according to claim 24, wherein the wearable item comprises one or more of:

a pair of shorts,
a brassiere,
a sock, and
a sleeve or tube with an opening at both ends.
Patent History
Publication number: 20250009049
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 20, 2024
Publication Date: Jan 9, 2025
Inventors: Daniel James PLANT (Battersea), Thomas Paul SCHNEIDER (Battersea)
Application Number: 18/892,168
Classifications
International Classification: A41D 13/00 (20060101); D03D 15/283 (20060101); D03D 15/50 (20060101); D04B 1/16 (20060101); D04B 1/24 (20060101); D04B 21/20 (20060101); D04C 1/02 (20060101); D04H 1/4382 (20060101);