ATHLETIC UNDERGARMENT AND RIDING BREECHES HAVING SAME

Abstract

Featured is an athletic undergarment that provides compressive support in the legs and lower torso of a person and which is composed of a breathable material appropriate for athletic use so as to facilitate wicking of moisture away from the body and also facilitating heat transfer from the body. In particular embodiments, the athletic undergarment includes a first garment portion that joins with itself to form a first leg support portion, a second garment portion that joins with itself to form a second leg support portion, a third portion that joins the first and second portions to form a gusset, and the first and second portions join with each other to form a torso support portion. Also featured is a riding garment including riding breeches in which is securedly disposed the undergarment of the present invention.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/141,125 filed Dec. 29, 2008, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to feminine athletic garments, more specifically feminine athletic garments for equestrian use and more particularly to feminine athletic garments being worn under riding breeches or tights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Riding breeches are articles of clothing that are specifically designed for equestrian activities. Typically, breeches were designed to cover a rider's body from the waist down and stop about halfway down the calf. Traditional breeches were tight to the legs in the calf section and some also may have included buckles or laces in the calf section. They also had a loose-fitting flare along the thighs that allowed freedom of movement for the rider. With the advent of modern stretch materials. (e.g., spandex) modern breeches are made so it does not have the flare, but instead fit tightly on the body along the entire length of the article. Also, zippers and Velcro fastenings have been used in modern breeches instead of the laces and buckles in the calf section.

There also are a number of different types of breeches in use today such as knee patch breeches and full seat breeches. Full seat breeches (see FIGS. 1A, B for an illustrative example) are designed so as to include a grippy material (e.g., grippy leather or a grippy synthetic material) that extends from the knee, up the inner thigh, and across the buttocks. These types of breeches are primarily seen in dressage competition, where the “sticky” seat helps riders stay quiet and deep in the saddle as they sit the gaits of their horses. However, they are also worn by eventers and other riders. They also are designed to be worn with tall boots or half chaps.

Knee patch breeches (see FIGS. 2A, B for an illustrative example) are generally designed so as to be worn with tall boots, which come up to the knee, or with half chaps and short paddock boots. They also are designed so a grippy material, usually leather or a “grippy” synthetic, is located on the inside of the knee area. Hunt seat riders use this type of breeches but they also may be worn by show jumpers, eventers, show hunters, as well as some endurance riders, and pleasure riders also often use this type of breeches.

Because of the fit of modern breeches, riders of all types and sizes have a general concern with their appearance when riding. In particular, women riders of all sizes have concerns about the looks of modern breeches because the tightly worn stretch material does not conceal the appearance of cellulite and, therefore, creates an unsmooth outline to the physical profile.

Some women riders have gone out of their way to wear clothes that hide the lumps and bumps that can be seen underneath the breeches. Unfortunately for women riders, riding breeches and tights are constructed in such a way that the hiding of such imperfections becomes nearly impossible. Thus, many women ride with control top panty hose or similar garments under their breeches so as to provide a smoothing effect and to also hold in their tummies.

These garments, however, are not designed for athletic activities. They retain body heat and moisture and are extremely uncomfortable when worn for this purpose. As they are not designed for athletic activities, they are not durable and run and tear after limited wear.

It thus would be desirable to provide an undergarment that is suitable for use with equestrian breeches or equestrian tights and which also are more suitable for use when riding as compared to the use of non-athletic undergarments. It also would be desirable to adapt riding breeches or riding tights so that they embody such undergarments to facilitate their use and the riders comfort. Such undergarments preferably would be simple in construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features an athletic garment, an athletic garment for use in combination with breeches and/or riding tights, and breeches or riding tights embodying such an athletic garment. Such an athletic garment provides compressive support for the legs and lower torso of a rider and includes a torso support portion, a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a third portion. The torso support portion, the first and second leg portions and the third portion are joined together so as to from a unitary structure generally corresponding to the anatomical structure of the rider. The torso support portion and the first and second leg portions are composed of a material configured and arranged so as to provide a compressive force to the rider's opposed body parts and that wicks away moisture and heat from the rider's body.

In further embodiments, each of the first and second leg support portions are formed by joining a garment portion along a seam on a proximal side of the leg support portions. It is within the skill of those knowledgeable in the arts to use any of a number joining techniques known of hereinafter developed for joining the various garment portions as well as being within the skill of those knowledgeable in the arts to locate seams at appropriate locations for rider comfort and strength considerations.

In yet further embodiments, the torso support portion is further provided with a resilient waistband configured and arranged to hold the torso support portion around a waist region of the lower torso of the rider. In addition, the first and second leg support portions are configured and arranged so as to extend to at least a calf region of the legs of the rider.

In yet further embodiments, the resilient waistband is configured and sized so that the waistband of the undergarment does not roll down when worn. Also, the torso portion is configured and arranged so that the compressive support in the torso support portion is more intense so as to give the appearance of a flatter stomach area. In addition, the material comprising the torso support portion is oriented to provide more compressive support along a vertical direction. In alternative embodiments, the torso portion is configured and arranged so as to include a waist region having different compressive strength or resiliency characteristics so the region can be used to replace the elastic waistband. Also, the material making up the torso support portion and the first and second leg portions comprises a blend of nylon and polyester material (e.g., a wicking nylon and/or polyester material) such that the material wicks moisture away from the legs and the lower torso.

In yet further embodiments, a distal end of the first and second leg support portions is configured and arranged so as to prevent the respective leg portion from slipping up the legs. In one embodiment, the distal ends include a gripper, such as those known in the art, that is secured to each leg portion distal end, which gripper is configured and arranged to prevent the respective leg portion from slipping up the legs. In more particular embodiments, the gripper is secured inside of the respective leg portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the distal ends of the first and second leg portions are configured and arranged so as to include a region, a gripping region, that has different compressive strength or resiliency characteristics as compared to other regions of the leg portions. The gripping region is configured and arranged so the compressive strength or resiliency characteristics of the material making up the gripping region are such as to prevent the respective leg portion from slipping up the legs, when the garment is being worm. In further embodiments, the gripping region is a separate garment portion that is secured to the other garment portion(s) of the first and second legs so as to form a unitary structure.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is featured a riding garment including a pair of breeches or breeches having a waistband and a leg portions and an athletic garment such as that described herein. The torso support portion waistband is secured to the waistband of the breeches and a section of the first leg portion and a second leg portion are secured to an opposing section of the breeches leg portions.

The torso portion can be further configured so as to include a vertical extending open seam segment so as to allow a rider to open up the pair of breeches in the normal fashion and to put the pair of breeches on. In further embodiments, the securing of the first leg portion and second leg portions to the opposing section of the breeches leg portions, can be accomplished using any of a number of techniques (e.g., sewing, adhesives) known to those skilled in the art. Also the first and second leg portions can be secured to the breeches leg portions about the circumference of the first and second leg portions, can be secured at discrete locations about the circumference of the first and second leg portions, or can be secured at a specific area of the first and second leg portions.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an athletic garment that provides compressive support in the legs and lower torso of a person, includes a first garment portion that joins with itself to form a first leg support portion, a second garment portion that joins with itself to form a second leg support portion, a third portion that joins the first and second portions to form a gusset. The first and second portions also are joined with each other to form a torso support portion. Each of the leg support portions of the athletic garment preferably are formed by joining each of the garment portions along a seam on a proximal side of the leg support portions (e.g., inseam).

The torso support portion preferably is provided with an elastic band for holding the garment around a waist region of the lower torso. Also, the leg support portions extends to at least a calf region of the legs and further comprises a band of grippers to prevent the leg portions from slipping up the legs.

Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

Definitions

The instant invention is most clearly understood with reference to the following definitions:

As used in the specification and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “comprising” or “including” is intended to mean that the compositions, methods, devices, apparatuses and systems include the recited elements, but do not exclude other elements. “Consisting essentially of”, when used to define compositions, devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods, shall mean excluding other elements of any essential significance to the combination. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of this invention.

USP shall be understood to mean U.S. Patent Number, namely a U.S. patent granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIGS. 1A, B are illustrative views of an illustrative example of full seat breeches.

FIGS. 2A, B are illustrative views of an illustrative example of knee patch full seat breeches.

FIGS. 3A, B are front and rear views, respectively of an athletic garment according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A, B are front and rear views, respectively of an athletic garment according to another aspect of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in FIGS. 3A, B, front and rear views, respectively of an athletic undergarment or garment 100 according to an aspect of the present invention. Such an athletic garment 100 is particularly suitable for use by a horse rider when worn as an undergarment underneath the outer clothing (e.g., pants, breeches, jodhpurs, riding tights) of the rider. As described further herein such an athletic garment 100 is particularly advantageous in that it is designed so as to wick away heat and moisture from the body during the riding experience.

In particular embodiments, the athletic garment 100 is configured and arranged so to include a torso support portion 115, a first leg support portion 112b and a second leg support portion 114b that are joined together in any of a number of means known to those skilled in the art (e.g., sewing, adhesives) to form an unitary structure or garment. In particular embodiments, such an athletic garment 100 is further configured and arranged so that it extends from about the waist to about the lower calf of a rider.

The torso support portion 115, the first leg support portion 112b and the second leg support portion 114b are each composed of any of a number of materials known to those skilled in the art that allows wicking of moisture and heat away from the torso and legs as well as providing the desired compressive support so as to suppress any unflattering images of the rider which otherwise might occur when wearing breeches without such an athletic garment (e.g., suppress the unwanted appearance of cellulite). In more particular embodiments, the torso support portion 115, the first leg support portion 112b and the second leg support portion 114b are composed of a breathable blend of nylon and polyester that allows wicking of moisture and improved heat convection away from the torso and legs.

In further embodiments, the torso portion 115 is configured and arranged, more specifically the fabric composing the torso portion is configured and arranged (e.g., fabric is orientated) so that the fabric and thus the torso support portion provides more compressive support in the vertical direction. In this way, the compression in the area of the tummy is more intense so as to give the rider the appearance of having a flatter stomach. Having the fabric provide more compressive support in the vertical direction and thus can stretch comparatively more laterally also is advantageous as it allows makes it easier for the rider to put on and take off the garment.

In yet further embodiments, the torso support portion 115 includes a waistband 115a that in particular embodiments includes an elastic or resilient material that is composed, configured and arranged so as to hold the waistband, and thus the torso support portion at and about the waist or waist region of the rider. In more particular embodiment, such a waistband is configured and arranged so that it does not roll down while the rider is wearing the athletic garment 100 and thus also holds the torso support portion 115 up in the waist region. In more particular embodiments, the elastic or resilient material of the waistband 115a has a width that is at least 1 inch, more particular a width of at least 1½ inches and yet more particularly a width of at least 2 inches. In yet further embodiments, the torso portion 115 is configured and arranged so the waistband 115a is one of an elastic band or a region of material similar to other regions of the torso portion but which is configured and arranged so as to having compressive strength or resiliency characteristics so this region functions as the waistband 115a.

In yet further embodiments, each of the first and second leg support portions 112b, 114b includes a cuff 112c, 114c and a leg segment that extends along the legs of the rider from the torso portion 115 to a cuff 112c, 114c. Each cuff 112c, 114c is configured and arranged so as to prevent the leg support portions 112b, 114b from moving or slipping upwards along the calf of the rider. In particular embodiments, the cuffs 112c, 114c are configured and arranged so as to include rubber-like grippers as is known to those skilled in the art, which gripper are configured and arranged so as to prevent the leg support portions 112, 114 from moving or slipping upwards along the calf of the rider. In particular embodiments, a gripper is secured to a distal end of each leg support portion 112b, 114b and more specifically the gripper is secured inside of the respective leg portion.

In further embodiments, the first and second leg support portions 112b, 114b are configured and arranged so as to extend to a region of a rider's leg that is below the largest part of the calf. In this way, the distal end of the leg support portions 112b, 114b (which includes the cuffs 112,114c) should be located so as to not create a bulge at the largest part of the calf, which typically also corresponds to the tightest point of the boots or half chaps of the rider. In more particular embodiments, the first and second leg support portions 112b, 114b are configured and arranged so the leg support portions 112b, 114b extend to at least a calf region of the legs of the rider. In yet more specific embodiments, the first and second leg support portions 112b, 114b are configured and arranged so as to extend to a lower calf region of the legs of the rider.

In more particular embodiments, the athletic garment 100 is formed by joining a first garment portion 112 and a second garment portion 114 along a seam 16 in the front and back of the garment to form the torso support portion 15. Further, the first garment portion 112 is joined with itself along a seam 112a on the proximal side of the left leg to form the first leg support portion 112b. Similarly, the second garment portion 114 is joined with itself along a seam 114a on the proximal side of the right leg to form the second leg support portion 114b. The leg support portions are further joined by a gusset 118 formed by a third garment portion that joins with both the first and second garment portions.

As indicated herein, such joining is accomplished using any of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art such as by sewing, adhesives or fusing ends of materials using heat energy. The gusset 118 is configured and arranged so that when it is joined as described herein, it prevents sagging and helps the garment to fit better.

In more particular embodiments, the gusset 118 is cotton lined or uses any of a number of other materials known to those skilled in the art and appropriate for the intended use. In yet further embodiments, the seams joining the gusset to the other garment portions of the athletic garment 100, are configured and arranged so as to extend the distance between these seams such as for rider comfort. In more particular embodiments, the athletic garment 100 of the present invention is intended to be worn by a rider with or without other under garments.

Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in FIGS. 4A, B, front and rear views, respectively of an athletic undergarment or garment 200 according to another aspect of the present invention. Reference shall be made to the discussion for FIGS. 3A, B for details of features having common reference numerals. Reference also should be made to the foregoing for the first and second garment parts 112, 114 and the first and second leg support portions 112b, 114b for details of the first and second garment parts 212, 214 and the first and second leg support portions 212b, 214b except as otherwise described below.

According to this aspect of the present invention the first and second leg support portions 212b, 214b includes a gripping region cuff 212c, 214c and a leg segment that extends along the legs of the rider from the torso portion 115 to the gripping region 212c, 214c. In this way, the distal ends of the first and second leg portions 212b, 214b include the gripping region. The gripping region 212c, 214c is configured and arranged so as to have different compressive strength or resiliency characteristics as compared to other regions of the leg portions. In more particular embodiments, the gripping region 212c, 214c is configured and arranged so the compressive strength or resiliency characteristics of the material making up the gripping region are such as to prevent the respective leg portion 212b, 214b from slipping up the legs of the rider when the garment is being worm. In further embodiments, the gripping region 212c, 214c is a separate garment portion that is secured to the other garment portion(s) of the first and second leg portions 212b, 214b using any of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art s so as to form a unitary structure.

In further embodiments, the first and second leg support portions 212b, 214b are configured and arranged so as to extend to a region of a rider's leg that is below the largest part of the calf. In this way, the distal end of the leg support portions 212b, 214b (which includes the gripping region 212, 214c) should be located so as to not create a bulge at the largest part of the calf, which typically also corresponds to the tightest point of the boots or half chaps of the rider. In more particular embodiments, the first and second leg support portions 212b, 214b are configured and arranged so the leg support portions extend to at least a calf region of the legs of the rider. In yet more specific embodiments, the first and second leg support portions 212b, 214b are configured and arranged so as to extend to a lower calf region of the legs of the rider.

In more particular illustrative embodiments, the athletic garment 200 is formed by joining the first garment portion 212 and the second garment portion 214 along a seam 16 in the front and back of the garment to form the torso support portion 15. Further, the first garment portion 212 is joined with itself along a seam 112a on the proximal side of the left leg to form the first leg support portion 212b. Similarly, the second garment portion 214 is joined with itself along a seam 114a on the proximal side of the right leg to form the second leg support portion 214b.

As also shown in FIGS. 4A, B, the gripping sections 212c, 214c are joined to the leg segments of the first and leg support portion 212b, 214b along a seam. The leg support portions are further joined by a gusset 118 formed by a third garment portion that joins with both the first and second garment portions. As indicated herein, such joining is accomplished using any of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art such as by sewing, adhesives or fusing ends of materials using heat energy.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a riding garment composed of a pair of breeches as are known to those skilled in the art and an athletic garment 100, 200 as described herein. According to this aspect of the invention, the waistband 115a of the athletic garment is secured to the pair of breeches (e.g., waistband thereof) using any of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art (e.g., sewing) and appropriate for the intended use. The torso portion 115 can be further configured so as to include a vertical extending opening so as to form an opening in the waistband 115a, so as to allow a rider to open up the pair of breeches and to put the pair of breeches on in a customary fashion.

In addition, a side portion that extends along the length of each leg portion 112b, 114b; 212b, 214b is secured to an opposing portion of the leg or calf portion of the breeches also using any of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art (e.g., sewing) and appropriate for the intended use. In further embodiments, the first leg portion and second leg portions are securable to the breeches leg portions about the circumference of the first and second leg portions, securable at discrete locations about the circumference of the first and second leg portions, or securable at a specific area of the first and second leg portions. For example, the side portion that extends along the length of each leg portion is secured to an opposing portion of the leg or calf portion of the breeches using a simple stitch.

Such securing of the athletic garment 100, 200 within the breeches is advantageous from a number of respects. When a rider pulls on the riding garment, the breeches and the athletic garment 100, 200 are put on at the same time. Thus the rider does not have to pull on two different articles of clothing but gains the benefit of the athletic garment nonetheless. Also, tacking the athletic garment to the breech along one side of the calf potion should prevent pulling of the breech leg underneath the riding boots. As the athletic garment 100,200 is secured at the waistband and along a side of the calf portion, the athletic garment in effect floats inside of the breeches thereby minimizing stress and rubbing points.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All patents, published patent applications and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties by reference.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. An athletic garment that provides aesthetic benefit by providing compressive support in a person's legs and lower torso, comprising:

a first garment portion that joins with itself to form a first leg support portion;

a second garment portion that joins with itself to form a second leg support portion;

a third portion that joins the first and second portions to form a gusset; and

wherein the first and second portions join with each other to form a torso support portion.

2. The athletic garment of claim 1, wherein each of the leg support portions are formed by joining each of the garment portions along a seam on a proximal side of the leg support portions.

3. The athletic garment of claim 2, wherein the torso support portion is further provided with an elastic band for holding the garment around a waist region of the lower torso.

4. The athletic garment of claim 3, wherein the leg support portions extends to at least a calf region of the legs.

5. The athletic garment of claim 4, wherein the leg support portions further include a band of grippers, one for each leg support portion, to prevent the leg portions from slipping up the legs.

6. The athletic garment of claim 5, wherein the first second and third portions are made from a blend of a wicking nylon and polyester material such that the garment wicks moisture away from the legs and the lower torso.

7. The athletic garment of claim 3, wherein the elastic band is configured and sized so that the waistband of the undergarment does not roll down when worn.

8. The athletic garment of claim 1, wherein the compressive support in the lower torso is more intense so as to give the appearance of a flatter stomach area.

9. The athletic garment of claim 6, wherein the first and second garment portions are formed by orienting the material to provide more compressive support along one of a horizontal or an axial direction.

10. An athletic garment that provides compressive support in legs and lower torso of a rider, comprising:

a torso support portion;

a first leg portion and a second leg portion;

a third portion;

wherein the torso support portion, the first and second leg portions and the third portion are joined together so as to from a unitary structure generally corresponding to the anatomical structure of the rider; and

wherein the torso support portion and the first and second leg portions are composed of a material configured and arranged so as to provide a compressive force to the rider's opposed body parts and that wicks away moisture and heat from the rider's body.

11. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second leg support portions are formed by joining a garment portion along a seam on a proximal side of the leg support portions.

12. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the torso support portion is further provided with a resilient waistband configured and arranged to hold the torso support portion around a waist region of the lower torso of the rider.

13. The athletic garment of claim 12, wherein the first and second leg support portions are configured and arranged so as to extend to at least a calf region of the legs of the rider.

14. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein a distal end of the first and second leg support portions is configured and arranged so as to prevent the respective leg portion from slipping up the legs.

15. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the material making up the torso support portion and the first and second leg portions comprises a blend of nylon and polyester material such that the material wicks moisture away from the legs and the lower torso.

16. The athletic garment of claim 12, wherein the resilient waistband is configured and sized so that the waistband of the undergarment does not roll down when worn.

17. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the compressive support in the torso support portion is more intense so as to give the appearance of a flatter stomach area.

18. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the material comprising the torso support portion is oriented to provide more compressive support along a vertical direction.

19. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the material comprising the first and second leg portions is oriented to provide more compressive support along one of a horizontal or axial direction.

20. A riding garment comprising:

breeches having a waistband and leg portions;

an athletic garment including: a torso support portion having a waistband, a first leg portion and a second leg portion, a third portion, wherein the torso support portion, the first and second leg portions and the third portion are joined together so as to from a unitary structure generally corresponding to the anatomical structure of the rider, and wherein the torso support portion and the first and second leg portions are composed of a material configured and arranged so as to provide a compressive force to the rider's opposed body parts and that wicks away moisture and heat from the rider's body;

wherein the torso support portion waistband is secured to the waistband of the breeches; and

wherein a first section of the first leg portion and a first section of a second leg portion are secured to a respective opposing section of the breeches leg portions.