Vacuum Locking for Article of Apparel

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/572,956, filed on Apr. 2, 2024. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to a locking device for an article of apparel.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of apparel, such as garments, support articles, and headwear, and articles of footwear, such as shoes and boots, typically include a receptacle for receiving a body part of a wearer. For example, an article of apparel may include a band that operates to form a receptacle for receiving a torso of a wearer. Likewise, garments and headwear may include one or more pieces of material formed into a receptacle for receiving a torso of a wearer.

Articles of apparel are typically adjustable and/or include a relatively flexible material to allow the article of apparel to accommodate various sizes of wearers, or to provide different fits on a single wearer. While conventional articles of apparel are adjustable, such articles do not typically allow a wearer to conform the size or shape of the article to a body part of the wearer. Accordingly, an optimum fit of an article of apparel is difficult to achieve.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

In one configuration, a locking structure for an article of apparel includes a bladder having a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber including an interior void, at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void, and a plurality of locking elements disposed within the interior void and each attached to the at least one elastic element, each of the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements.

The locking structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the at least one elastic element may include a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements. The first and second attachment regions of each of the plurality of locking elements may be defined along an outer edge of each of the plurality of locking elements and may be asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions. Additionally or alternatively, the first attachment region may be offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

In one configuration, each of the plurality of locking elements may define an opening at a central region of each locking element. The first and second attachment regions may be disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element. Further, the at least one elastic element may include an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the plurality of locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the plurality of locking elements.

At least one elastic element may comprise a locking strip that defines a locking system with the plurality of locking elements, the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element. Additionally or alternatively, each of the locking elements may include a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element. The interface surfaces of the locking elements may be in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer. A support garment may include the locking structure.

In another configuration, a locking structure for an article includes a bladder having a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, and a locking system including locking elements each attached to at least one elastic element and including at least one interface surface, the interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.

The locking structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the at least one elastic element may include a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the locking elements. The first and second attachment regions of each of the locking elements may be defined along an outer edge of each of the locking elements and may be asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions. Additionally or alternatively, the first attachment region may be offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

In one configuration, each of the locking elements may define an opening at a central region of each locking element. The first and second attachment regions may be disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element. The at least one elastic element may include an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the locking elements.

The at least one elastic element may comprise a locking strip that defines a locking system with the locking elements, the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element. Additionally or alternatively, each of the locking elements may include a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element. The interface surfaces of the locking elements may be in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer. A belt for an article of apparel may include the locking structure.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Referring to, an article of apparelis provided and includes a bodyextending between a first endand a second end, the first endbeing selectively and operably coupled to the second end. The article of apparelis illustrated and referenced herein as a support garment or belt. However, the article of apparelmay include various articles including, but not limited to, suspenders, bras, sports bras, shirts, and any other practicable article. A longitudinal axis of the beltextends along a length of the beltfrom the first endto the second endwhen the beltis extended and the first endis detached from the second end. The longitudinal axis generally divides the beltinto a first edgeand a second edge. Accordingly, the first edgeand the second edgerespectively correspond with opposite edges of the beltand extend from the first endto the second end. As used herein, a longitudinal direction (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) refers to a direction extending from the first endto the second end, while a lateral direction refers to a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the first edgeto the second edge.

The article of apparelmay be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include an anterior, attachment region, a posterior region, and side regions. The anterior regionis associated with an abdomen of a wearer when the beltis worn. The posterior regionmay correspond with a back of the wearer when the beltis worn. Finally, the side regionsextend between the first regionand the second regiongenerally around the abdomen when the beltis worn. The beltmay expand and contract through each of the regions-. The regions-may vary in size depending on placement of the beltrelative to the anatomical regions of the wearer. For example, the wearer may position the beltin a manner that the anterior, attachment regionis directionally positioned on a back or side of the wearer. Thus, the regions-are described with respect to the anterior, attachment regioncorresponding to placement along the abdomen of the wearer, but is contemplated to be worn in a variety of manners.

The bodyincludes side panelsand attachment featuresat the first endand the second end, which cooperate to secure the beltaround the wearer. The body, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. In some configurations, the attachment featuresmay include a buckle and fastening apertures configured to receive a prong of the buckle, such that the buckle may be positioned at one of the first endand the second endand the fastening apertures may be defined at the other of the first endand the second end. In other configurations, the attachment featuresmay include a clasp. The attachment featuresmay include any practicable method of securing the first endand the second endwithin the attachment regionof the belt. The side panelsextend from the first endto the second endon opposite sides of the body.

In the example of, the bodyincludes a locking structure, described in more detail below, incorporated into the side panels. By incorporating the locking structureinto the body, the article of apparelis operable to transition between an unlocked or relaxed state and a locked or constricted state. In use, the bodyis moved between the unlocked or relaxed state and the locked or constricted state by adjusting a pressure of the locking structure. For example, the wearer positions the beltaround a waist of the wearer when the beltis in the relaxed state. Once in position, the wearer may apply negative pressure (e.g., vacuum, external force, etc.,) to transition the locking structureincorporated into the bodyto the locked and constricted state to conform the bodyto the wearer's waist, as discussed below with respect to the examples of.

With particular reference to, another example of a configuration of an article of apparelhaving a locking structureincorporated into a bodyis provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of apparelwith respect to the article of apparel, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In the example shown in, the locking structureis selectively incorporated into the bodyof the article of apparelsuch as a belt. As shown, the locking structureis placed in zonesthat facilitate the locked state of the article of apparel, while also maintaining bandswithout the locking structureto provide the bodywith greater flexibility when accommodating a wearer's waist during use. For example, the zonestransition between an unlocked state (e.g., when putting on or taking off the belt), and a locked state (e.g., when wearing the belt). Once the wearer has placed the article of apparelaround the waist of the wearer, a negative pressure (e.g., vacuum, external force, etc.) may be applied to the bodyto transition the zonesof the locking structureinto a locked state while allowing the bandsto stay in an unlocked state.

With reference to, the articles of apparel,each include a port, which is in fluid communication with a pump. As described in more detail below, the pumpand the portcooperate to define the negative, vacuum pressure within a bladderof the locking structure. The pumpmay be incorporated with the belt,or, alternatively, may be a separate device external to the belt,. The bladderdefines an interior void, and the locking structureis moved between the unlocked or relaxed state and the locked or constricted state by adjusting the fluid pressure within the interior voidof the bladder. For example, the pressure within the interior voidmay be reduced by drawing fluid from within the interior voidthrough the port, which is attached to the bladder. In other words, a vacuum may be applied to the interior voidto remove fluid from the interior void. The drawing of the vacuum within the interior voidselectively transitions an interior pressure of the interior voidbetween a first pressure and a second pressure. It is generally contemplated that the first pressure of the interior voidmay be greater than the second pressure. For example, the first pressure may be greater than or equal to ambient pressure, and the second pressure of the interior voidmay be less than ambient pressure. The pumpmay be used to move the bladderbetween the relaxed state and the constricted state to move the locking structurebetween the unlocked or relaxed state and the locked or constricted state. It is contemplated that the portmay be configured with a valve, such as a spring valve, for releasing the negative pressure to transition the locking structurefrom the locked state back to the unlocked state. For example, a wearer may compress the valvewhen desired to release or otherwise remove the negative pressure within the article of apparel,by allowing a fluid, such as air, to enter the interior voidvia the valve.

Referring still to, the locking structureincludes a locking system, described below, attached to the bladder. In this configuration, the bladderincludes a first barrier layer(e.g., a first barrier element) attached to a second barrier layer(e.g., a second barrier element) formed on an opposite side of the bladderfrom the first barrier layer. A distance between the first barrier layerand the second barrier layerdefines a thickness of the bladderand serves to define a chamberthat defines the interior void.

As used herein, the term “barrier layer” (e.g., barrier layers,) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers,are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers,are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

One or both of the barrier layers,can be independently transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term “transparent” for a barrier layer and/or a chamber means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

The barrier layers,can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

As used herein, “polyurethane” refers to a copolymer (including oligomers) that contains a urethane group (—N(C═O)O—). These polyurethanes can contain additional groups such as ester, ether, urea, allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocynaurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like, in addition to urethane groups. In an aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (—N(C═O)O—) linkages.

Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3′-dimethyldiphenyl-4, 4′-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4′-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

In particular aspects, the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatics, and combinations thereof. In an aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

The barrier layers,may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,141 and Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,065, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where the barrier layers,include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in Bonk et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments, the barrier layers,may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers,includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

The chambercan be produced from the barrier layers,using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, the barrier layers,can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber.

The chamberdesirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the chamberhas a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, chamberhas a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic-centimeter/square-meter·atmosphere·day (cm/m·atm·day) or less for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of the barrier layers,). In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm/m·atm·day or less, 5 cm/m·atm·day or less, or 1 cm/m·atm·day or less.

In some implementations, the first barrier layerand the second barrier layercooperate to define a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the chamber. In some examples, the barrier layers,may include the same materials to provide the chamberwith a homogenous barrier construction, such that both sides of the locking structurewill contract and relax at the same rate when pressure within the chamberis adjusted. Alternatively, a first one of the barrier layers,may be at least partially constructed of a different barrier material and/or configuration than the other one of the barrier layers,to selectively impart a contour as the locking structuretransitions between the relaxed state and the locked state. For example, one of the barrier layers,may be at least partially formed with a different modulus of elasticity and/or stiffness than the other barrier layer,, such that when the locking structuretransitions from the relaxed state to the locked state, the first one of the barrier layers,contracts at a different rate than the other barrier layer,to cause the locking structureto curl.

Referring again to, the locking systemmay include at least one elastic elementand a plurality of locking elements. The plurality of locking elementsare coupled to the elastic element. The plurality of locking elementsmay be disposed within the interior voidof the chamber, and the elastic elementmay be attached to at least one of the first barrier layerand the second barrier layerto form the locking system. As depicted in, the locking system, including the locking elementsand elastic element, is coupled to the bladderwithin the interior void. As discussed in greater detail below, the locking elementsare operable to transition the locking systemof the locking structurebetween an unlocked state, where the bladderis free to stretch and conform around a wearer, and a locked state, where the bladderis restricted or locked from stretching.

are illustrated with a generic representation of a locking structureand locking system, but may include any one or more of the locking systems-as provided in. The locking systemof the locking structureis operable between the locked and unlocked state in response to an at least partial vacuum defined within the interior voidof the chamber, as described in more detail below. Optionally, the locking systemmay be provided in a force-responsive configuration that does not utilize a vacuum to move the locking systemfrom the unlocked state to the locked state. For example, the locking systemmay be configured to lock in response to reactive forces applied to the locking systemby the wearer. For example, during low-energy movements (e.g., walking) the elastic forces of the elastic elementmay bias the locking systemtowards a contracted, unlocked state. However, during high-energy movements (e.g., cutting, stopping, starting), the barrier layers,and the elastic elementmay stretch in response to forces applied to the body(). As the barrier layers,and the elastic elementare stretched around the waist of the wearer, the locking elementsare collapsed upon each other to form a locking layer, thereby limiting the amount of stretch in the elastic elementand, consequently, the barrier layers,. Thus, unlike applications including a vacuum locking configuration, in which the locking systemis continuously locked under the force of a vacuum, force-responsive configurations are tuned to lock in response to threshold forces caused by movements of the wearer. The threshold forces for locking and unlocking the locking systemmay be tuned by modifying the spacing, quantity, size, shape, and/or surface textures of the locking elements.

With reference to, an example of a locking systemis illustrated and may be incorporated into the locking structuredescribed above. The locking systemincludes an elastic elementand a plurality of locking elementscoupled to the elastic element. Each locking elementin the plurality of locking elementsincludes at least one interface surfaceconfigured to cooperate with an opposing interface surfaceof an adjacent one of the locking elementsto maintain the locking systemin the locked state. The interface surfacemay be formed from a tacky material, such that the material of adjacent interface surfacesmay be coupled in the locked state of the locking elements. Namely, when the interface surfacesof adjacent locking elementsare in contact with one another, the frictional engagement therebetween causes the adjacent locking elementsto be fixed for movement with one another. Because the adjacent locking elementsare fixed for movement with the elastic elementwhich, in turn is fixed for movement with the barrier layers,, relative movement between the barrier layers,is restricted and the overall structure helps to lock in an article of apparel (i.e., shorts, pants, shirts, etc.) to a body part of the wearer (i.e., at a waist).

As discussed in greater detail below, the interface surfacesof the locking elementsmay include textured and/or high-friction materials configured to restrict or prevent relative movement between opposing interface surfaceswhen pressed into contact with one another (i.e., when a vacuum is drawn and fluid is removed from the chamber). Accordingly, when the interface surfaceof one locking elementin the plurality of locking elementsis in contact with an interface surfaceof a second locking elementin the plurality of locking elements, the locking elementscooperate to create a relatively rigid locking layer.

In this example, the plurality of locking elementsare coupled to a single elastic element. In some implementations, the plurality of locking elementsare integrally formed with the elastic element. In other implementations, the plurality of locking elementsare mechanically attached to the elastic element(e.g., individually welded and/or attached via a suitable adhesive). As shown in, the plurality of locking elementsare coupled to the elastic elementvia a central regionof each of the plurality of locking elements. Each of the plurality of locking elementsmay define an openingat the central regionthrough which the elastic elementextends. Each of the locking elementshas first and second attachment regions,generally defined at the central regionwhere each of the plurality of locking elementsis coupled to the elastic element. For example, the first attachment regionand the second attachment regionmay be aligned with the openingalong a longitudinal axis Aof the elastic element. In some examples, the first attachment regionand the second attachment regionare formed at opposite ends of the opening

The elastic elementillustrated inincludes at least one first or outer fastening portionand at least one second or inner fastening portion. For example, the elastic elementillustrated inincludes two outer fastening portionsand a single inner fastening portion. It is contemplated that the inner fastening portionmay selectively translate independent of the outer fastening portions, which may assist in drawing the locking elementstogether, as described below. For example, the inner fastening portionmay contract in a first direction D, while the outer fastening portionsmay contract in a second direction Dto flatten the locking elementsalong one another to define the locked state (). The first attachment regionof each of the locking elementsmay be coupled to the outer fastening portionand the second attachment regionof the locking elementsmay be coupled to the inner fastening portion. For example, the first attachment regionis depicted as having two attachment pointsat the outer fastening portions, and the second attachment regionis depicted as having a single attachment pointat the inner fastening portion

The elastic elementcontracts as the locking systemtransitions from the unlocked state () to the locked state (), such that there is an increase in the overlap of adjacent ones of the locking elements, as described in more detail below. While in the relaxed state (), the interface surfacesof each the first plurality of locking elementsare spaced apart and separated from the interface surfacesof the adjacent locking elements. When the pressure in the interior void() is reduced from a first pressure (e.g., at or above ambient) to a second pressure (e.g., at or below ambient), the barrier layers,() move toward one another to bring the interface surfacesof the plurality of locking elementsinto direct contact with the opposing interface surfacesof the adjacent locking elements. Once the first plurality of locking elementsare in direct contact with the interface surfacesof the adjacent locking elements, the resulting friction between the interface surfacesforms a locking layerthat maintains the locking systemin the locked state of.

While in the locked state, tensile forces Fapplied along the lengths of the elastic elementare opposed by the frictional forces between the interface surfacesof the locking elements. The bladder() is thus restricted from stretching or deforming around the wearer when the locking systemis in the locked state. When the wearer unlocks the locking system, to loosen the article, the wearer increases the pressure within the interior voidof the bladder() to move the interface surfacesof the plurality of locking elementsaway from one another to define a space therebetween (). Consequently, the interface surfacesof the respective locking elementsdisengage from each other to allow the barrier layers,() to stretch and deform. For example,show the transition between the unlocked state () and the locked state () with an intermediate or partially locked state () in between. The intermediate state may correspond to the transition of the plurality of locking elementstoward and/or away from one another. In one example, the pressure within the interior void() is such that the locking elementsare in the intermediate or partially locked state, such that the interface surfacespartially engage with one another to restrain and otherwise restrict movement of the bladder().

Referring still to, the locking elementsof the present example include a pair of the interface surfacesdisposed on opposite sides of each of the locking elements. The interface surfacesengage to retain the locking systemin the locked state while the locking systemis under the at least partial vacuum. Stated differently, the locking elementsfrictionally engage at the interface surfacesunder the second pressure of the locking systemto compress the elastic elementand define the locked state to minimize movement of the bladder() and create a rigid and supportive fit of the article. While in the relaxed state (), the locking elementsof adjacent ones of the plurality of locking elementsdisposed on the elastic elementare arranged in a spaced apart manner to prevent direct contact between the interface surfacesof the plurality of locking elements. In this relaxed state, the locking systemis relatively flexible and can conform and stretch to fit a variety of geometries.

With particular reference to, a locking systemis provided and may be incorporated in the locking structureand/or bladderdescribed above. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the locking system, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The locking systemincludes a plurality of locking elementsoperably coupled to an elastic element. Unlike the locking systemdepicted in, the plurality of locking elementsare coupled to the elastic elementat an outer edgeof the plurality of locking elements. As depicted, the outer edgeattached to the elastic elementhas a first attachment regionand a second attachment region, in. The first attachment regionis coupled to a first fastening portionof the elastic element, and the second attachment regionis coupled to a second fastening portionof the elastic element. As illustrated in, the first and second fastening portions,of the elastic elementare adjacent to one another, such that the outer edgeof the locking elementsis asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions,at the first and second attachment regions,, respectively. For example, the first attachment regioncoupled to the first fastening portionof the elastic elementis offset from the second attachment regionof the locking elementrelative to a longitudinal axis Aof the elastic element. In other words, the first attachment regionis disposed on a first side of the longitudinal axis Aand the second attachment regionis disposed on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis Afrom the first attachment region. The asymmetrical configuration of the first and second attachment regions,may assist in providing an adaptive fit, such that one of the locking elementsmay have a greater degree of flexion at one end compared to the other. Additionally or alternatively, the locking elementsmay have an equal degree of flexion across the interface surface. It is also contemplated that the asymmetrical configuration defines an overlap between the interface surfacesthat maximizes the locking capabilities of the locking elementsby defining a degree of friction between the interface surfaces.

The locking elementsmay be coupled to the elastic elementat the outer edgeto provide additional flexibility to the locking systemin the unlocked state, such that a free endof the locking elementsmay have a greater degree of flexion than the retained outer edge. The free endof each of the locking elementsmay overlap, such that the interface surfacesof each adjacent locking elementmay overlap to define a locking layer. The free endsmay also conform and have an increased degree of flexibility and pliability with respect to the wearer, as the free endsare free from attachment with the elastic element. While the free endsof the locking elementsmay have an increased level of flexibility and/or mobility relative to the outer edge, it is contemplated that in the locked state the free endsare generally contained and restrained via the frictional engagement between the interface surfacesto form the locking layer. The locking systemoperates in a similar manner as described with respect to the locking system(), such that an interface surfaceof each of the plurality of locking elementsmay overlap to be in direct contact with an interface surfaceof an adjacent locking elementwhen the second pressure is defined within the interior void(). As described above, the resulting friction between the interface surfacesforms the locking layerthat maintains the locking systemin the locked state.