GIRLS' MODESTY GARMENTS

A young girl's modesty garment substantially covering a wearer's pelvic region and a relatively short length of the wearer's upper thighs, may include a fitted panty portion including a main panty body partially bounded by a left leg opening and a right leg opening, and a crotch portion disposed at a lower vertical edge of the main panty body and laterally centered between the left and right leg openings. The modesty garment further comprises right and left fitted leg bodies permanently affixed to and contiguous with the panty portion at a seam disposed at the right and left leg openings, respectively. The right and left leg bodies extend downward from the right and left leg openings respectively. The right and left leg bodies each have a lower end disposed below the crotch portion, such that the right and left fitted leg bodies at least partially cover the upper thighs of a user when worn.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/712,341, filed Oct. 11, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates general to modesty garments, and more particularly to modesty garments for young girls.

BACKGROUND

Young girls often wear conventional panties beneath a skirt or similar article of clothing. Often times, due to their young age they have a complete lack of modesty. Accordingly, it not uncommon for young girls wearing skirts and similar articles of clothing to inadvertently expose themselves when they are playing, etc. This can attract unwanted attention and is, otherwise, an undesirable state for parents. As a result, many parents are hesitant to allow their young daughters to wear skirts or dresses. Parents may also choose to allow their young daughters to wear skirts, but require their daughters to wear shorts or leggings over the underwear and underneath the skirt; however, this solution provides many drawbacks. The shorts or leggings may not be aesthetically pleasing because they may not match the skirt; the leggings may be longer than the skirt and therefore may need to be rolled up or otherwise be exposed during normal use; the shorts or leggings may be uncomfortable, cumbersome, or too hot for the child to wear in addition to conventional underwear; and there are additional costs associated with purchasing shorts and leggings for that purpose.

Various types of alternative undergarments, such as athletic undergarments and women's undergarments with attached stockings or pantyhose are known. However, due primarily to the fact that these are generally designed for adults and/or designed for a different use (e.g., exercising/sports activity, combination pantyhose carrying undergarment), they are not designed or structured to be comfortably worn by young girls as underwear on a day-to-day basis. For example, stockings and many alternative undergarments have uncomfortable seams that extend up the center of the garment, including the crotch area, and are made of elastic material that tends to pull the garments down and away from the crotch area during use, also known as “riding down.” Moreover, these types of garments are not made of breathable materials, rendering them uncomfortable.

As another example, fabrics and designs chosen for athletic undergarments are highly specialized to meet the specific needs of an athletic wearer; such highly specialized fabrics and designs are often not desirable or appropriate for everyday use by a child. Many athletic undergarments, such as those designed for exercising, yoga, dancing, cycling, and other sports are designed to be tight-fitting and provide a resilient compressive fit. This is typically achieved by creating garments that are made of fabrics having resilient fibers. These types of garments are typically sized to be smaller than the user's body, such that, when worn, the fabric must stretch to accommodate the user's body, thereby providing a tight-fitting, compressive, and supportive fit. As is known in the art, resilient fabrics provide more resistance to movement, and have a tendency to bounce or spring back to their relaxed shape. Such a tight fit is also insulating, which slows heat transfer, thereby keeping muscles warm to prevent strains and injury during workouts. Moreover, such a tight-fitting supportive fit can be critical for exercise purposes to prevent chaffing. These highly specialized design features for athletic undergarments, are however, uncomfortable and not desirable nor appropriate for young children.

Body shaping or slimming undergarments are also known in the art. For example, body shaping garments sold under the brand Spanx® are well known and worn by both men and women under outer garments to eliminate visible undergarment seam lines (e.g. so called “panty lines”) and to smooth out unwanted/undesired features of the wearer's body, such as cellulite or fat bulges. Like the athletic undergarments described above, body shaping undergarments utilize resilient fabrics that provide a tight, compressive, supportive fit that compresses and “shapes” the user's body into a desired aesthetic condition. Accordingly, body shaping undergarments also suffer from the same heat and comfort related drawbacks.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with a general implementation of the present invention, a modesty garment is provided which comprises: a fitted panty portion including a main panty body partially bounded by a left leg opening and a right leg opening, and a crotch portion disposed at a lower vertical edge of the main panty body and laterally centered between the left and right leg openings. The modesty garment further comprises right and left fitted leg bodies permanently affixed to and contiguous with the panty portion at a seam disposed at the right and left leg openings, respectively. The right and left leg bodies extend downward from the right and left leg openings respectively. The right and left leg bodies each have a lower end disposed below the crotch portion, such that the right and left fitted leg bodies at least partially cover the upper thighs of a user when worn.

In another aspect, the modesty garment may be an undergarment having a fitted panty portion bounded by an upper waist opening, a left leg opening and a right leg opening, and a crotch portion disposed at a lower vertical edge of the main panty body and laterally centered between the left and right leg openings. A right fitted leg body may be permanently affixed to and contiguous with the panty portion along a seam disposed at the right leg opening, the right leg body extending downward from the right leg opening. The right leg body may comprise a lower end, the lower end being disposed below the crotch portion such that the right fitted leg body at least partially covers a right upper thigh of a user when worn. A left fitted leg body may be permanently affixed to and contiguous with the panty portion along a seam disposed at the left leg opening, the left leg body extending downward from the left leg opening. The left fitted leg body may comprise a lower end, the lower end being disposed below the crotch portion such that the left fitted leg body at least partially covers a left upper thigh of a user when worn. The panty portion and the leg bodies may be made of substantially non-resilient to low-resilient fibers and or fabrics. The panty portion may be made of one of the group of a cotton and cotton-blend fabric.

In yet another aspect, the modesty garment may comprise: a fitted panty portion covering a wearer's pelvic region, the panty portion including a main panty body bounded by a left leg opening and a right leg opening, and a crotch portion disposed at a lower vertical edge of the main panty body and laterally centered between the left and right leg openings; a right fitted leg body permanently affixed to and contiguous with the panty portion along a seam disposed at the right leg opening, the right leg body extending downward from the right leg opening, the right leg body comprising a lower end that is disposed below the crotch portion such that the right fitted leg body at least partially covers a right upper thigh of a user when worn; and a left fitted leg body permanently affixed to and contiguous with the panty portion along a seam disposed at the left leg opening, the left leg body extending downward from the left leg opening, the left fitted leg body comprising a lower end, that is disposed below the crotch portion such that the left fitted leg body at least partially covers a left upper thigh of a user when worn; and a torso portion connected in a continuous manner with an upper end of the panty portion.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 presents a front plan view of a panty portion of an embodiment of a modesty garment;

FIG. 2 presents a rear plan view of the panty portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 presents a front plan view of left and right leg body portions of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 presents a rear plan view of left and right leg body portions of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 presents a front plan view of the panty portion of FIG. 1 and the right and left leg portions of FIG. 3, prior to attachment;

FIG. 6 presents a rear plan view of the panty portion of FIG. 2 and the right and left leg portions of FIG. 4, prior to attachment;

FIG. 7 presents a front plan view of the embodiment of the modesty garment of FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 8 presents a rear plan view of the embodiment of the modesty garment of FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 9 presents a front plan view of a second embodiment of a modesty garment in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 10 presents a rear plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 11 presents a front plan view of third embodiment of a modesty garment in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 12 presents a rear plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 13 presents a front plan view of a lower portion of a fourth embodiment of a modesty garment in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 14 presents a rear plan view of the lower portion of the embodiment of FIG. 13 in a fully assembled configuration; and

FIG. 15 presents a front plan view of the entire, fully assembled embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14.

Throughout the figures and this specification, like reference numerals refer to like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations or embodiments. All of the implementations and embodiments described below are exemplary and provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the embodiments as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific embodiments and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Turning to the figures, FIGS. 7 and 8, depict an embodiment of a modesty garment. The modesty garment is shown fully assembled as reference number 400 and generally includes three main components: a panty portion 100; a right leg portion 200; and a left leg portion 300. In the fully assembled state, the modesty garment 400 forms a unitary article that can be easily donned and removed by a user.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2, the modesty garment preferably incorporates a panty portion 100, including a front body portion, shown generally as 110, and a rear body portion, shown generally as 130. The panty portion 100 is disposed in a substantially laterally centered position of the modesty garment 400. The panty portion 100 includes a contiguous waistband, including a front body portion length 118 and a rear body portion length 138, together defining a waist opening 150. A contiguous right leg band is provided, including a right leg band front body portion length 120 and a right leg band rear body portion length 140, together defining a right leg opening 152. A contiguous elastic left leg band is provided, including a left leg band front body portion length 122 and a left leg band rear body portion length 142, together defining a left leg opening 154. The waistband, right leg band, and left leg band may be made from materials having elastic properties or incorporate elastic members as known in the art to assist in retention on a user's waist or legs, respectively, when worn. The panty portion 100 may be constructed of substantially non-resilient or low-resilient fibers or fabric. The substantially non-resilient or low-resilient fibers are preferably lightweight, non-compressive, and breathable, and may be made from natural materials such as cotton, or cotton blended fabrics.

The front body portion 110 is partially bounded by a front body portion upper edge 112, a front body portion right edge 114, and a front body portion left edge 116. The front body portion 110 includes a front body right hip portion 126, a front body left hip portion 128 and front body crotch portion 124. The front body right and left hip portions 126, 128 may be unbounded and extend in a contiguous manner to the rear body right and left hip portions 146, 148, respectively. The fabric of the front body portion upper edge 112 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the waist band front body portion length 118. The fabric of the front body portion right edge 114 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the right leg band front body portion length 120, and the fabric of the front body portion left edge 116 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the left leg band front body portion length 122.

The rear body portion 130 is partially bounded by a rear body portion upper edge 132, a rear body portion right edge 134 and a rear body portion left edge 136. The unbounded portions of the rear body portion 130 include rear body right hip portion 146, rear body left hip portion 148 and rear body crotch portion 144. The rear body portion upper edge 132 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the waist band rear body portion length 138. The rear body portion right edge 134 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the right leg band rear body portion length 140, and the rear body portion left edge 136 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the left leg band rear body portion length 142.

The front body right hip portion 126 may be contiguous with the rear body right hip portion 146. The front body left hip portion 128 may be contiguous with the rear body left hip portion 148. In alternative embodiments, the front body right and left hip portions 126, 128 may be separate from the rear body left and right hip portions 146, 148, respectively and joined together by a seam that extends vertically along their intersection. The front body crotch portion 124 may be contiguous with rear body crotch portion 144, and the crotch portion may widen from the front body portion 124 toward the rear body portion 144. Preferably, the panty portion 100 does not include any seams in the front or rear crotch portions 124, 144 that could contact or irritate the user's genital areas. The panty portion 100 may comprise a lining or gusset on the interior surface of the crotch portion, for added protection, comfort, and moisture management. The lining may be sewn in at the rear body portion 130, creating a seam at the rear body portion 130 that is visible on a rear exterior surface of the rear body portion 130 of the panty portion 100, as depicted in FIG. 2. For aesthetic purposes and for comfort, the lining may not be sewn in at the front body portion 110 of the panty portion 100 so that the seam is not visible on a front exterior surface of the panty portion 100, as is depicted in FIG. 1.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 3 and 4, the modesty garment 400 preferably incorporates lightweight, breathable form-fitting right and left leg bodies, shown generally as reference numbers 200 and 300, respectively. The right and left leg bodies 200, 300 are preferably relatively short in length. For example and without limitation, in one embodiment the length of the right and left leg bodies 200, 300 may extend between about two (2) and about fifteen (15) centimeters below a lower laterally edge of the front and rear body crotch portions 124, 144. In another embodiment, the right and left leg bodies 200, 300 may extend between about two (2) and about ten (10) centimeters below the lower laterally extending edge of the front and rear body crotch portions 124, 144. In a preferred embodiment, the right and left leg bodies 200, 300 may extend between about three (3) and about six (6) centimeters below the lower laterally extending edge of the front and rear body crotch portions 124, 144. In some embodiments, the right and left leg bodies 200, 300 may extend the full length of the leg to the foot, thereby providing maximum coverage.

The right leg body 200 may be fabricated from a unitary right leg panel 202 having ends attached along a right leg panel longitudinal seam 204 to form a contiguous tubular structure, having a right leg panel rear portion 210 and a right leg panel front portion 212. The right leg panel 202 is bounded above by a right leg panel upper edge 206 and below by a right leg panel lower band 220. The right leg panel upper edge 206 is further defined by a right leg panel front upper edge length 207, and a right leg panel rear upper edge length 208.

The left leg body 300 may be fabricated from a unitary left leg panel 302 having ends attached along a left leg panel longitudinal seam 304 to form a contiguous tubular structure, having a left leg panel rear portion 310 and a left leg panel front portion 312. The left leg panel 302 is bounded above by a left leg panel upper edge 306 and below by a left leg panel lower band 320. Left leg panel upper edge 306 is further defined by a left leg panel front upper edge length 307, and a left leg panel rear upper edge length 308.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 5-8, during assembly the right leg body 200 is permanently attached to the panty portion 100 by attaching the right leg panel upper edge 206 to the panty right leg band, for example, by sewing an uppermost portion of the right leg panel 202 (adjacent upper edge 206) to an elastic interface disposed at a right leg panel interconnection seam 250 and sewing the right leg band to the elastic interface, thereby attaching the two materials via an elastic interface. Significantly, the right leg panel front and rear upper edge lengths, 206 and 207, respectively, are particularly contoured to match the contours of the panty right leg band front and rear body portion lengths, 120 and 140, respectively. In this manner, the right leg body 200 is attached to the panty portion 100 such that the panty right leg opening 152 and right leg body opening 209 are coextensive.

Likewise, during assembly the left leg body 300 is permanently attached to the panty portion 100 by attaching the left leg panel upper edge 306 to the panty left leg band, for example, by sewing an uppermost portion of the left leg panel 302 (adjacent upper edge 306) to an elastic interface disposed at a left leg panel interconnection seam 350 and sewing the left leg band to the elastic interface, thereby attaching the two materials via an elastic interface. Significantly, the left leg panel front and rear upper edge lengths, 306 and 307, respectively, are particularly contoured to match the contours of the panty left leg band front and rear body portion lengths, 122 and 142, respectively. In this manner, the left leg body 300 is attached to the panty portion 100 such that the panty left leg opening 154 and left leg body opening 309 are coextensive.

While the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a “bikini” or “high-cut” style panty portion 100, it should be understood that it is not limited thereto and other traditionally shaped panty portion styles are contemplated. For example and without limitation, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in one alternative embodiment the panty portion 100a may be a “hipster” style panty having a hip portion/body that extends farther in the vertically downward direction along the side portion of the front body right and left hip portions 126a, 128a to fully cover the hip area, thereby increasing the vertical distance (and therefore the amount of coverage in the hip area of the user when worn) between the waistband 118, 138 and the left and right leg panel lower bands 220, 320.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, in another alternative embodiment, the panty portion 100b may be a “boy short” style panty having a body that extends in the vertically downward direction along the side portion of the front body right and left hip portions 126, 128 to substantially the same vertical position of the lower edge of the front and rear crotch portions 124, 144, thereby further increasing the vertical distance between the waistband 118, 138 and the left and right leg panel lower bands 220, 320 (as compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 and the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10), and maximizing the amount of coverage in the pelvic area of the user when worn. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the panty portion 100b does not contain any upward or vertically extending seams in the front or rear body crotch portions 124, 144.

The alternative embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, and 11 and 12, respectively, comprise substantially the same components having substantially the same connections, assembly, and function as the embodiments as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 and are therefore not described again.

The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-12 and described above may be configured as undergarments intended to be worn under outer garments where a girls' undergarments may be inadvertently exposed, such as dresses or skirts. The embodiments may include stylistic embellishments such as lace disposed at the lower end of the leg portions 200, 300. The embellishments may be connected the lower leg bands or may form the lower leg bands themselves.

The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-12 may also be configured as outer garments such as, for example, the lower portion of two-piece bathing suits or the like. For example, in the case of outer garments, it may be preferable to use the embodiments in combination with a tank top (e.g., a so-called “tankini”) or long/short sleeve t-shirt style swimming top that provides sufficient coverage of a young girls' body to be appropriate for use in public. In this manner, the embodiments of FIGS. 1-12 provide significant benefits over traditional bathing suits or as they provide more coverage than traditional “bottoms,” but allow for easier donning and removal because they provide a two-piece configuration.

It should be understood that any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-12 may be configured in a high waisted or low waisted configuration, and are preferably devoid of any seams in the crotch area. Moreover, it should be understood that the right and left leg portions 200, 300 may be the same color as the panty portions 100, 100a, 100b to deemphasize the shape and seams of a traditional panty undergarment or bikini style bottom. In other embodiments, the right and left leg portions 200, 300 may have a different color than the panty portion 100, 100a, 100b to give the appearance of two garments. Regardless of the color combination/configuration, all the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1-12, provide the comfort and simplicity of traditional undergarments or bikini style bottom outer garments while providing additional coverage of the thighs of the user in a single, unitary garment.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the modesty garment 400a. The modesty garment 400c, includes four main components; a torso portion 500, a panty portion 100c, a right leg portion 200, and a left leg portion 300. In the fully assembled state, the modesty undergarment 400c forms a unitary article that can be easily donned and removed by a user.

Turning to FIGS. 13 and 14, the panty portion 100c, includes a front body portion, shown generally as 110, and a rear body portion, shown generally as 130. The panty portion 100c is disposed in a substantially laterally centered position of the modesty garment 400c. The panty portion 100c includes a contiguous right leg band, including a right leg band front body portion length 120 and a right leg band rear body portion length 140, together defining a right leg opening 152. A contiguous elastic left leg band is provided, including a left leg band front body portion length 122 and a left leg band rear body portion length 142, together defining a left leg opening 154. The right leg band, and left leg band may be made from materials having elastic properties or incorporate elastic members as known in the art to assist in retention on a user's legs when worn. The panty portion 100c may be constructed of substantially non-resilient or low-resilient fibers or fabric. The substantially non-resilient or low-resilient fibers are preferably lightweight, non-compressive, and breathable, and may be made from natural materials such as cotton, or cotton blended fabrics.

The front body portion 110 is partially bounded by a front body portion right edge 114 and a front body portion left edge 116. A front body right hip portion 126, a front body left hip portion 128 and front body crotch portion 124 of the front body portion 110 may be unbounded and connect in a seamless, contiguous manner. The front body right and left hip portions 126, 128 are unbounded and extend in a contiguous manner to the rear body right and left hip portions 146, 148, respectively. The fabric of the front body portion right edge 114 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the right leg band front body portion length 120, and the fabric of the front body portion left edge 116 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the left leg band front body portion length 122.

Rear body portion 130 is partially bounded by a front body portion right edge 134 and a front body portion left edge 136. The right hip portion 146, rear body left hip portion 148 and rear body crotch portion 144 of the rear body portion 130 are unbounded and connect in a seamless, contiguous manner. The rear body portion right edge 134 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the right leg band rear body portion length 140, and the rear body portion left edge 136 slightly overlaps with and is sewn into the left leg band rear body portion length 142.

The front body right hip portion 126 may be contiguous with the rear body right hip portion 146. The front body left hip portion 128 may be contiguous with the rear body left hip portion 148. In alternative embodiments, the front body right and left hip portions 126, 128 may be separate from the rear body left and right hip portions 146, 148, respectively and joined together by a seam that extends vertically along their intersection. The front body crotch portion 124 may be contiguous with rear body crotch portion 144, and the crotch portion may widen from the front body portion 124 toward the rear body portion 144. Preferably, the panty portion 100c does not include any seams in the front or rear crotch portions 124, 144 that could contact or irritate the user's genital areas. The panty portion 100c may comprise a lining on the interior surface of the crotch portion, for added protection, comfort, and moisture management. The lining may be sewn in at the rear body portion 130, creating a seam at the rear body portion 130 that is visible on a rear exterior surface of the rear body portion 130 of the panty portion 100c, as depicted in FIG. 14. For aesthetic purposes and for comfort, the lining may not be sewn in at the front body portion 110 of the panty portion 100c such that the seam is not visible on a front exterior surface of the panty portion 100c, as is depicted in FIG. 13.

Notably, the upper portion of the panty portion 100c is unbounded and continues in a contiguous manner up to the torso portion 500 (FIG. 15). The torso portion 500 includes a neck opening 520 to receive a user's neck. The neck opening 520 may be formed from an elastic, stretchable fabric or fibers to allow the insertion of a user's legs and facilitate donning of the modesty garment 400c through the neck opening 520. In some embodiments, the torso portion 500 may include sleeves 510. In other embodiments, the torso portion 500 may be sleeveless to form a so-called “tank top” configuration.

Returning to FIGS. 13 and 14, the modesty undergarment 400c incorporates lightweight, breathable form-fitting right and left leg bodies, shown generally as reference numbers 200 and 300, respectively. The right and left leg bodies 200, 300 are preferably relatively short in length. For example and without limitation, in one embodiment the length of the right and left leg bodies 200, 300 may extend between about two (2) and about fifteen (15) centimeters below the lower laterally edge of the front and rear body crotch portions 124, 144. In another embodiment, the right and left leg bodies 200, 300 may extend between about two (2) and about ten (10) centimeters below the lower laterally extending edge of the front and rear body crotch portions 124, 144. In a preferred embodiment, the right and left leg bodies 200, 300 may extend between about three (3) and about six (6) centimeters below the lower laterally extending edge of the front and rear body crotch portions 124, 144. In some embodiments, the right and left leg bodies 200, 300 may extend the full length of the leg to the foot, thereby providing maximum coverage.

The right leg body 200 may be fabricated from a unitary right leg panel 202 having ends attached along a right leg panel longitudinal seam 204 to form a contiguous tubular structure, having a right leg panel rear portion 210 and a right leg panel front portion 212. The right leg panel 202 is bounded above by a right leg panel upper edge 206 and below by a right leg panel lower band 220. The right leg panel upper edge 206 is further defined by a right leg panel front upper edge length 207, and a right leg panel rear upper edge length 208.

The left leg body 300 may be fabricated from a unitary left leg panel 302 having ends attached along a left leg panel longitudinal seam 304 to form a contiguous tubular structure, having a left leg panel rear portion 310 and a left leg panel front portion 312. The left leg panel 302 is bounded above by a left leg panel upper edge 306 and below by a left leg panel lower band 320. The left leg panel upper edge 306 is further defined by a left leg panel front upper edge length 307, and a left leg panel rear upper edge length 308.

During assembly the right leg body 200 is permanently attached to the panty portion 100c by attaching the right leg panel upper edge 206 to the panty right leg band, for example, by sewing an uppermost portion of the right leg panel 202 (adjacent upper edge 206) to an elastic interface disposed at a right leg panel interconnection seam and sewing the right leg band to the elastic interface, thereby attaching the two materials via an elastic interface. Significantly, the right leg panel front and rear upper edge lengths, 206 and 207, respectively, are particularly contoured to match the contours of the panty right leg band front and rear body portion lengths, 120 and 140, respectively. In this manner, the right leg body 200 is attached to the panty portion 100c such that the panty right leg opening 152 and right leg body opening are coextensive.

Likewise, during assembly the left leg body 300 is permanently attached to the panty portion 100c by attaching the left leg panel upper edge 306 to the panty left leg band, for example, by sewing an uppermost portion of the left leg panel 302 (adjacent upper edge 306) to an elastic interface disposed at a left leg panel interconnection seam and sewing the left leg band to the elastic interface, thereby attaching the two materials via an elastic interface. Significantly, the left leg panel front and rear upper edge lengths, 306 and 307, respectively, are particularly contoured to match the contours of the panty left leg band front and rear body portion lengths, 122 and 142, respectively. In this manner, the left leg body 300 is attached to the panty portion 100c such that the panty left leg opening 154 and left leg body opening are coextensive.

The right and left leg portions 200, 300 of the modesty garment 400c may have a different color than the panty portion 100c to give the appearance of two garments (e.g., a leotard worn in conjunction with tights). The modesty garment 400c may include stylistic embellishments such as lace disposed at the lower end of the leg portions 200, 300. The embellishments may be connected to the lower leg bands or may form the lower leg bands themselves.

As shown in FIG. 15, the modesty garment 400c may be configured for use in activities young girls typically participate in, such as dance or gymnastics. The modesty garment 400c may also be configured as a one-piece swim suit. Regardless of the specific style/configuration or use case, the modesty garment 400c provides coverage of a user's upper legs/thighs and a more modest aesthetic as compared to traditional dance, gymnastic, and swim wear. Additionally, the modesty garment 400c provides significant benefits over using a conventional dance/gym wear in conjunction with tights or standard shorts, which tend to be hot, uncomfortable, and bunch up due to the layered configuration in which they must be worn. Further, the modesty garment 400c may provide young girls with increased comfort as compared with conventional garments, such as tights for activities where they sweat but need bare feet, such as gymnastics and dance.

Generally speaking, heretofore, young girls' garments, including both undergarments and over garments having upper-leg covering portions have not been designed with an eye toward creating comfortable, modest garments that can be worn by young girls. Instead, the known art is fraught with exercise shorts and pantyhose combination garments that necessarily incorporate structural and design features that are not conducive to the modesty needs of young girls. For example, exercise garments may provide very tight form-fitting leg portions intentionally designed to compress the legs and slow heat transfer from the upper legs during exercise. Additionally, exercise garments often utilize fabrics made of resilient fibers that provide a tight, compressive, supportive fit, having a tendency to resist movement primarily for providing support and insulation for the wearer. Such design features in the known art are neither desirable nor appropriate in a young girl's undergarment, which is preferably fitted but not too tight; more stretchable than resilient; utilizing a soft comfortable fabric, such as cotton; and providing moisture management, breathability, and removal of heat build-up. Other undergarments including upper-leg covering portions do not incorporate a crotch lining; place seams in undesirable locations on the panty, particularly in the crotch area; and/or do not provide an elastic interface at the leg openings. Moreover, children, and particularly young girls are often very reluctant to try new things, including clothing. This is particularly the case for tight fitting articles of clothing such as undergarments, bathing suits, and dance/gym wear that are designed to come in direct contact with the skin and/or genitals. As illustrated in embodiments depicted the Figures, the panty portions 100, 100a, 100b, 100c are specifically configured to provide a standard, familiar and comfortable fit, particularly in the crotch portion, that is substantially similar to traditional undergarments, bathing suits, and dance/gymnastics wear, respectively. Accordingly, children are more likely to accept and wear the garments described above in connection with the embodiments of the present invention as they provide a familiar feel when worn. The embodiments described in this specification do not incorporate unfamiliar or uncomfortable seams, for example, seams that extend vertically through the crotch area. The embodiments do not have a compressive, stretch fit making them hot and uncomfortable or that causes them to ride down during active use.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A young girl's unitary modesty garment comprising:

a fitted panty portion substantially covering a wearer's pelvic region, said panty portion including a main panty body partially bounded by a left leg opening and a right leg opening, and a crotch portion disposed at a lower vertical edge of said main panty body and laterally centered between said left and right leg openings;
a right fitted leg body permanently affixed to and contiguous with said panty portion along a seam disposed at said right leg opening, said right leg body extending downward from said right leg opening, said right leg body comprising a lower end, said lower end being disposed below said crotch portion such that said right fitted leg body at least partially covers a right upper thigh of a user when worn; and
a left fitted leg body permanently affixed to and contiguous with said panty portion along a seam disposed at said left leg opening, said left leg body extending downward from said left leg opening, said left fitted leg body comprising a lower end, said lower end being disposed below said crotch portion such that said left fitted leg body at least partially covers a left upper thigh of a user when worn.

2. The modesty garment recited in claim 1, wherein said panty portion is made of substantially non-resilient to low-resilient fibers.

3. The modesty garment recited in claim 1, wherein said leg bodies are made of non-resilient to low-resilient fibers.

4. The modesty garment recited in claim 1, wherein said panty portion is made of one of the group of a cotton and cotton-blend fabric.

5. The modesty garment recited in claim 1, wherein said leg bodies are made of one of the group of a cotton and cotton-blend fabric.

6. The modesty garment recited in claim 1, wherein said panty portion is made of a non-elastomeric material.

7. The modesty garment recited in claim 1, wherein said leg bodies are made of a non-elastomeric material.

8. The modesty garment recited in claim 1, wherein said panty portion is bounded on an upper end by an upper waist opening, said panty portion further comprising:

a main panty body front portion partially bounded by a front upper edge partially defining a waist opening, a left front edge partially defining said left leg opening, and a right front edge partially defining said right leg opening, said front body portion narrowing downward between said left and right front edges into a front body crotch portion, said front body portion narrowing to said upper right between said top and right front edges into a front body right hip portion, and said front body portion narrowing to said upper left between said top and left front edges into a front body left hip portion; and
a main panty body rear portion partially bounded by a rear upper edge partially defining said waist opening, a left rear edge partially defining said left leg opening, and a right rear edge partially defining said right leg opening, said front body portion narrowing downward between said left and right front edges into a rear body crotch portion, said front body portion narrowing to said upper right between said top and right front edges into a rear body right hip portion, and said rear body portion narrowing to said upper left between said top and left front edges into a left hip portion.

9. The modesty garment recited in claim 8, wherein said right and left fitted leg portions extend below said front and rear body crotch portion of said panty portion by between about 2 centimeters and about 15 centimeters.

10. The modesty garment recited in claim 9, wherein said panty portion further comprises a lining attached to said interior surface of said front and rear body crotch portions and a seam visible on a rear exterior surface of said rear body portion.

11. The modesty garment recited in claim 10, wherein said lining of said panty portion is not sewn into said front body portion such that a seam is not visible on a front exterior surface of said front body portion.

12. The modesty garment recited in claim 11, wherein said modesty garment is an undergarment.

13. The modesty garment recited in claim 1, further comprising a torso portion connected in a contiguous manner with an upper end of said panty portion.

14. The modesty garment recited in claim 13, wherein said torso portion includes right and left sleeves.

15. The modesty garment recited in claim 13, wherein said torso portion is sleeveless.

16. The modesty garment recited in claim 8, wherein said right fitted leg body further comprises:

a unitary left leg panel formed into a tubular body bounded by an upper edge and a lower band, said upper edge having a front upper edge length curvature defined by a downward arc from an exterior lateral left leg panel portion to an interior lateral left leg panel seam, and said upper edge having a rear upper edge length curvature defined by a downward arc from said exterior lateral left leg panel portion to said interior lateral left leg panel seam, said rear upper edge length having a steeper curvature than said front upper edge length.

17. The modesty garment recited in claim 16, wherein said left fitted leg body further comprises:

a unitary right leg panel formed into a tubular body bounded by an upper edge and a lower band, said upper edge having a front upper edge length curvature defined by a downward arc from an exterior lateral right leg panel portion to an interior lateral right leg panel seam, and said upper edge having a rear upper edge length curvature defined by a downward arc from said exterior lateral right leg panel portion to said interior lateral right leg panel seam, said rear upper edge length having a steeper curvature than said front upper edge length.

18. The modesty garment recited in claim 12, further comprising:

a first elastic interface permanently attaching said left fitted leg body to said panty portion left leg opening such that an upper tubular body opening of said left leg panel is contiguous with said panty portion left leg opening; and
a second elastic interface permanently attaching said right fitted leg body to said panty portion right leg opening such that an upper tubular body opening of said right leg panel is contiguous with said panty portion right leg opening.

19. A young girl's unitary modesty undergarment comprising:

a fitted panty portion covering a wearer's pelvic region, said panty portion including a main panty body bounded by an upper waist opening, a left leg opening and a right leg opening, and a crotch portion disposed at a lower vertical edge of said main panty body and laterally centered between said left and right leg openings;
a right fitted leg body permanently affixed to and contiguous with said panty portion along a seam disposed at said right leg opening, said right leg body extending downward from said right leg opening, said right leg body comprising a lower end, said lower end being disposed below said crotch portion such that said right fitted leg body at least partially covers a right upper thigh of a user when worn; and
a left fitted leg body permanently affixed to and contiguous with said panty portion along a seam disposed at said left leg opening, said left leg body extending downward from said left leg opening, said left fitted leg body comprising a lower end, said lower end being disposed below said crotch portion such that said left fitted leg body at least partially covers a left upper thigh of a user when worn;
wherein said panty portion and said leg bodies are made of substantially non-resilient to low-resilient fibers; and
wherein said panty portion is made of one of the group of a cotton and cotton-blend fabric.

20. A young girl's unitary modesty garment comprising:

a fitted panty portion covering a wearer's pelvic region, said panty portion including a main panty body bounded by a left leg opening and a right leg opening, and a crotch portion disposed at a lower vertical edge of said main panty body and laterally centered between said left and right leg openings;
a right fitted leg body permanently affixed to and contiguous with said panty portion along a seam disposed at said right leg opening, said right leg body extending downward from said right leg opening, said right leg body comprising a lower end, said lower end being disposed below said crotch portion such that said right fitted leg body at least partially covers a right upper thigh of a user when worn; and
a left fitted leg body permanently affixed to and contiguous with said panty portion along a seam disposed at said left leg opening, said left leg body extending downward from said left leg opening, said left fitted leg body comprising a lower end, said lower end being disposed below said crotch portion such that said left fitted leg body at least partially covers a left upper thigh of a user when worn; and
a torso portion connected in a contiguous manner with an upper end of said panty portion.
Patent History
Publication number: 20140101826
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 7, 2013
Publication Date: Apr 17, 2014
Inventor: Sandra Nearman (Park City, UT)
Application Number: 14/047,016
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Leg Portion (2/407)
International Classification: A41B 9/04 (20060101);