LOW FRICTION GARMENT

Abstract

Garments are disclosed for use on the lower body, e.g., as an undergarment or athletic shorts or tights. The garments include a plurality of panels made of different materials that together help to protect the wearer and that are designed to enhance the wearer's comfort and performance. In some cases the panels are selected and configured to match the requirements of various body regions and contours.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/655,290, filed on Jun. 4, 2012. The complete disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Skin-to-skin contact, specifically inner thigh contact, can be uncomfortable and in certain instances, for example during endurance sports events, can cause abrasions, blisters or bleeding. In addition, excessive lower-body sweat, particularly when retained close to the skin by the fabric of an undergarment, can add to discomfort, increase fatigue and lead to possible injury, for example painful chafing.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure relates to a garment for use on the lower body, e.g., an undergarment or athletic shorts or tights. The garment includes a plurality of panels made of different materials that together help to protect the wearer and that are designed to enhance the wearer's comfort and performance. In some cases, the panels are selected and configured to match the requirements of various body regions and contours. The multi-paneled design increases comfort by allowing the garment to better accommodate movement of the leg muscles and hip joint, and by reducing friction and sweat build-up during activity.

In one aspect, the invention features a garment comprising a garment body, configured to be worn on the lower body and having legs configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's thigh, the garment body comprising a plurality of panels. The panels include a pair of protective panels, disposed in an inner thigh region of the garment body, the protective panels comprising a fabric having a coefficient of friction that is lower than that of the rest of the garment body. In some cases, the protective panels are constructed of a material that is more durable than that of the rest of the garment body, to minimize or eliminate premature material break down.

Some implementations of this aspect of the invention include one or more of the following features.

The panels may further include a central panel, covering the wearer's stomach, pelvis and seat, referred to herein as the “pelvic panel.” This panel may be formed of a fabric having a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate that is greater than that of the rest of the garment body. In preferred implementations the pelvic panel constitutes a single panel extending from the waistband at the front of the garment to the waistband at the rear of the garment, and may be configured to cradle the wearer's genitalia. The panels may also further include a pair of thigh panels, joined to a portion of the pelvic panel, which, together with the protective panels, define at least a portion of the legs of the garment body. The thigh panels may have a fabric weight that is greater than the fabric weight of the rest of the garment body.

As will be described in further detail below, the panels are sewn together in a manner that creates an ergonomic shape that enhances wearer comfort, particularly during endurance sports, and have seams that are configured to reduce stress on the material at the seams thereby improving garment durability.

In some cases, the legs are dimensioned to stop above the wearer's knees, and the garment body further includes thigh bands disposed at a distal end of the legs. These thigh bands, together with the tapered shape of the legs, prevent the legs from riding up. Alternatively, the legs may be dimensioned to extend below the wearer's knees, e.g., in the case of knickers or tights.

The garment body further may further include a waistband, e.g., having a width of at least 1 inch and no more than 1.5 inches, which preferably includes a flat no-roll elastic.

In another aspect, the invention features a garment comprising a pelvic panel configured to cover at least the pelvic region of a wearer, and a pair of legs configured to cover at least a portion of the thighs of the wearer, the legs being joined to the pelvic panel such that a portion of the pelvic panel is seamed together front-to-back, defining a protective pocket that extends below the junctions of the pelvic panel with the legs. This configuration provides a generally M-shaped profile in the groin area of the garment when the garment is viewed from the front, with recessed junctions between the pelvic panel and legs that are configured to prevent skin-to-skin and in some cases also fabric-to-fabric contact at the junction area.

Implementations of this aspect may include any of the features described herein, in any desired combination. For example, in some implementations of this aspect, the legs include protective panels and thigh panels, as discussed above. The panels may be made of different materials to match body contours and requirements, e.g., of the various fabrics discussed herein.

In yet a further aspect, the invention features a garment comprising a garment body defining a pair of legs, the legs including inner thigh panels and outer thigh panels, wherein the outer thigh panels comprise a fabric having two way stretch, and the inner thigh panels comprise a fabric having four way stretch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front planar view of the assembled garment.

FIG. 2 is a view of a protective panel of the garment.

FIG. 3 is a view of a pelvic panel of the garment.

FIG. 4 is a view of a thigh panel of the garment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view of area A of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, the garments described herein utilize panels of multiple types of synthetic materials. These panels are shaped and sewn together in such a manner that the characteristics of the paneling and shape of the garment matches body types and body contours, enhancing fit and wearer comfort, and so that the durability of the garment is maximized.

An example of a garment 5 is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The garment 5 may be an undergarment, or may be worn on its own, e.g., as shorts for athletic activities such as running.

Garment Shape

Referring to FIG. 1, garment 5 is made up of five panels: one protective panel 20 (FIG. 2) covering each inner thigh area, one thigh panel 25 (FIG. 4) covering the remainder of each leg, and one central pelvic panel 10 (FIG. 3) covering the stomach, pelvic area and seat (buttocks) of the wearer. The top edges of the thigh panels are sewn to the pelvic panel, as will be discussed below, the top edge of which defines a waistband 15.

The panels are assembled in a manner that enhances the durability of the garment, with seams being located and shaped to enhance wearer comfort and avoid breakdown of the seams and/or surrounding fabric due to excessive stress on the seam areas during use. For example, the bottom edge of each protective panel 20 is curved (see FIG. 2), so that the seam between the bottom edge of the protective panel and the thigh panel is also curved, minimizing the stress on this seam that can result, e.g., from sharp corners. Additionally, the curvature of these seams allows for the smooth flow of material on material, with little to no resistance, due to not having sharp stitching or corners to grab or get caught on.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the pelvic seam area 30, where the pelvic panel 10 is joined to itself front-to-back, defines a recessed fabric junction that lightly interfaces with the skin of the hip joint. Referring to FIG. 5, on each side of the crotch area of the garment the junction of the thigh panel 25 with the protective panel 20 is sewn to the flap of material referred to as the pelvic seam area 30, creating a unique, generally “M”-shaped profile when the garment is viewed from the front. (By “generally ‘M’-shaped,” we mean that the lower edge of the garment body resembles an “M” in which the middle portion is curved rather than angular.)

This “M” shaped profile creates a barrier between the genitals and the legs, which eliminates all skin-to-skin contact in this area. With this profile, the lower portion of the pelvic panel (middle of the “M”) provides a protective “bridge” or pocket 42 that is contoured to the shape of the pelvic and under-carriage region of the wearer's body, and which supports the male and female genitalia and keeps the thighs from being able to make skin-on-skin contact with the genitalia, as well as skin-to-skin contact with each other. As will be discussed below, the fabric used in the pelvic panel is soft against the skin, in addition to the material having the primary property of sweat management to help keep the skin dry.

The thigh panel 25 is joined to the pelvic panel 10 by an outer thigh-pelvic panel seam 40, which is a flatlock seam. Preferably this seam type, flatlock, will be used throughout the garment to ensure a low profile construction, which aids in minimizing fabric-seam abrasion and resulting premature fabric breakdown. The anterior thigh-pelvic panel seams are angled at approximately 45 degrees from the vertical to allow junction of the materials in the crease of the leg to pelvic region, while the posterior thigh-pelvic seams are cut at an approximate 65-degree angle to the vertical. This orientation avoids placing the posterior seams across the seating region of the buttocks, which increases wearer comfort and reduces premature seam breakdown caused by increased pressure while the wearer is in the seated position. Additionally, this particular seam placement allows the fabric of the pelvic panel to cover a larger area, which enhances sweat management of the pelvic region.

The protective panels 20 and thigh panels 25 are configured for wearer comfort and mobility and to provide support for the wearer's muscles via compression. The protective panels should be sufficiently large so as to provide good coverage and protection for the sensitive inner thigh area, while being small enough so that it does not interfere with natural leg motion. In preferred implementations the thigh panels are sufficiently long so as to provide good muscle support via compression, while being short enough to avoid discomfort and chafing in the very sensitive area of skin located behind the knee. The legs defined by the protective panels and thigh panels have a tapered shape, helping to prevent the legs from riding up during use.

In some cases, the legs terminate in a thigh band 27 (FIG. 4), which is preferably about ⅜″ to ⅝″ inches wide. Soft, non-roll elastic may be encased in the thigh band 27, e.g., measuring approximately ½ inch. Preferably the thigh band is sufficiently wide so as to minimize discomfort by dispersing compression over a large surface area. Additionally, the configuration of the thigh band 27 in concert with the tapered shape of the thigh panel 25 and the inherent characteristics of the fabric prevent the outer thigh panel 25 from creeping up during repetitive motion, such as running The inner thigh-outer thigh panel seam 35 is flat for wearer comfort.

The length of the waistband 15 is approximately equal to the waist size of the wearer, and the width is preferably at least 1 inch, e.g., from about 0.75 to 1.5 inches. The advantage of this width is that it reduces or eliminates rolling of the fabric and provides sufficient surface area to allow for even dispersion of compression. These features enhance wearer comfort, particularly if the wearer has a large or sensitive abdomen or if the user will be wearing the garment for a long period of time, e.g., in an endurance event.

Panel Materials

The pelvic panel 10 is formed of a material that has very good moisture management properties, which allow sweat to be quickly and efficiently transported away from the skin. This allows for easier temperature regulation and decreases discomfort associated with excess moisture retention and movement in the pelvic area. A suitable material for this panel is High Performance Spandex, which is 88% Perfo nylon and 12% Spandex and which has four-way stretch. The fabric weight of this material is 8.8 oz/sq. yard.

The waistband 15 is formed of the same material as the pelvic panel, and may in some cases be integral with the pelvic panel. Non-roll elastic is sewn into the waistband fold to hold the garment to the body. The elasticity of the materials allow for a percentage of expansion. The percentage of expansion is derived from the fabric's specifications and is automatically accounted for by the types of equipment used to cut and sew synthetic types of materials, i.e. Gerber laser cutting machine.

The protective panels 20 utilize a material that is configured to reduce the friction that occurs when the inner thighs rub together during activity, e.g., while the wearer is running. The material of the inner thigh panels has a coefficient of friction that is relatively lower than that of the other panels and utilizes a far more durable material to reduce premature material breakdown, e.g., due to use in endurance sports. In preferred embodiments, the fabric is ultra-smooth, low-friction, abrasion resistant, and highly durable.

The protective panel 20 is formed of a material that is ultra-smooth, low friction and non-abrasive, to prevent chafing of the wearer's inner thighs. It is also preferred that this material be durable and resistant to snagging and pilling because of the fabric-to-fabric contact that will occur during activity. The material is also selected to provide sweat management and compressive support to the wearer's muscles. A suitable material is Rough Moleskin, which is a nylon spandex fabric with a four-way stretch direction, weighing 8 oz/sq yard and being comprised of 87% Nylon and 13% Spandex. The placement of the Rough Moleskin on the inner thighs of the garment 5 is advantageous because this fabric inherently resists snagging and generally eliminates all chafing caused by inner thigh, skin-to-skin contact.

The thigh panels 25 (FIG. 4) are comprised of a material that is relatively lighter weight than the material of the protective panels, but which is flexible and has considerably more inherent stretch to assist with contouring of the fabric to the thigh. The material also preferably has fewer directions of stretch, e.g., two way stretch rather than four-way. Additionally, it is preferred that the fabric be very smooth to minimize snagging when in contact with other materials thereby reducing uncomfortable fabric binding and premature material breakdown. A suitable material is Jumbo Spandex (Super stretch) fabric, which features two-way stretch and which is comprised of 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex and weighs 10 oz/sq yard.

The 2-way stretch of the material used in the thigh panels 25 will only allow for stretch in the vertical direction (toward the knee or toward the hip joint. Preferably, the fabric weave of the thigh panels is oriented so that the 2-way stretch is parallel to the femur.

In preferred implementations, the fabrics described above are formed of fibers that are resistant to oils, stain, sweat and other fluids, allowing the fabrics to be readily cleaned with a light detergent.

Sizing

Preferably, the garments are sized, and sizing is identified to the purchaser, by gender and at least three measurements: (a) waist measurement (e.g., in inches or centimeters), (b) thigh girth (e.g., in inches or as small, medium, large, XL, etc.), and (c) length (e.g., in inches or as short, regular and long). This system of sizing will provide a near-custom fit, much better tailored to the individual than a simple Small/Medium/Large or numbered size system.

Other Embodiments

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

For example, other embodiments may include a lengthened panel of fabric attached to or integral with the upper portion of the pelvic panel that would cover the lower to upper abdomen. This additional panel would further enhance the undergarment by providing additional support and sweat management. This feature could be particularly beneficial for individuals with larger amounts of abdominal adipose tissue. In some cases, this panel is configured to be easily rolled up or down by the wearer to cover more or less of the abdomen as desired.

Another embodiment could include the addition of two abrasion resistant panels made of rough moleskin, or similar, placed on the seat for added protection, as well as to decrease material breakdown during specific activities, such as rowing.

Other embodiments could utilize scaled sizes and/or shapes of the panels and bands of the undergarment to allow for customization for a specific sport, activity or function. Additionally, some embodiments could utilize different materials.

Moreover, while single-layer panels have been described above, multi-layer panels may be used in some instances as dictated by the particular application. For example, in some cases a liner layer can be provided in the genital area, and/or a windproof layer may be provided in the front pelvic region, e.g., for a men's windbrief or shorts or tights to be used in cold conditions.

While shorts are shown in the figures, as noted above the garment may be in the form of pants or tights, in which case the thigh bands described above would be replaced by ankle bands (for tights) or a simple hem (for pants.)

Moreover, any or all of the features described herein may be incorporated into cycling shorts or tights, in which case a chamois or other padding may be provided in the pelvic panel as is well known in the cycling garment art.

While it is preferred that the features be used in combination, as described above, any of the features described herein may be used independently, without the other features. For example, the inner thigh panels may be used in a garment body in which the other panels have characteristics different from those described above. For instance, protection of the inner thighs may be desired in a garment that has lesser requirements for sweat management, e.g., an undergarment or tights designed for use in cold weather activities.

The various panels may be of different colors or the same color, as desired.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A garment comprising:

a garment body, configured to be worn on the lower body and having legs configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's thigh, the garment body comprising a plurality of panels,

wherein the panels include a pair of protective panels, disposed in an inner thigh region of the garment body, the protective panels comprising a fabric having a coefficient of friction than is lower than that of the rest of the garment body.

2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the panels further include a pelvic panel comprising a fabric having a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate that is greater than that of the rest of the garment body.

3. The garment of claim 2 wherein the panels further include a pair of outer thigh panels, joined to a portion of the pelvic panel, which, together with the protective panels, define at least a portion of the legs of the garment body.

4. The garment of claim 3 wherein the outer thigh panels have a fabric weight that is greater than the fabric weight of the rest of the garment body.

5. The garment of claim 3 wherein a groin area of the garment body has a generally M-shaped profile when viewed from the front.

6. The garment of claim 1 wherein the protective panels comprise Rough Moleskin fabric.

7. The garment of claim 2 wherein the pelvic panel comprises a High Performance Spandex fabric.

8. The garment of claim 3 wherein the outer thigh panels comprise a Jumbo Spandex fabric.

9. The garment of claim 3 wherein the outer thigh panels comprise a fabric having two way stretch, and the inner thigh panels comprise a fabric having four way stretch.

10. The garment of claim 1 wherein the legs are dimensioned to stop above the wearer's knees, and the garment body further includes thigh bands disposed at a distal end of the legs.

11. The garment of claim 1 wherein the legs are dimensioned to extend below the wearer's knees.

12. The garment of claim 1 wherein the garment body further comprises a waistband having a width of at least 0.75 inches.

13. A garment comprising:

a pelvic panel configured to cover at least the pelvic region of a wearer, and

a pair of legs configured to cover at least a portion of the thighs of the wearer,

the legs being joined to the pelvic panel such that a portion of the pelvic panel is seamed together front-to-back, defining a protective pocket that extends below the junctions of the pelvic panel with the legs.

14. The garment of claim 13 wherein a groin area of the garment has a generally M-shaped profile when the garment is viewed from the front.

15. The garment of claim 13 wherein the garment includes recessed junctions between the pelvic panel and legs that are configured to prevent skin-to-skin contact in the wearer's groin area.

16. The garment of claim 15 wherein the legs include protective panels, disposed in an inner thigh region of the garment body, and outer thigh panels.

17. The garment of claim 16 wherein the pelvic panel, protective panels and outer thigh panels meet at the recessed junctions.

18. A garment comprising a garment body defining a pair of legs, the legs including inner thigh panels and outer thigh panels, wherein the outer thigh panels comprise a fabric having two way stretch, and the inner thigh panels comprise a fabric having four way stretch.

19. The garment of claim 16 wherein the inner thigh panels are formed of Rough Moleskin and the outer thigh panels are formed of Jumbo Spandex.