DETACHABLE LOWER BODY UNDERGARMENT

Abstract

The present disclosure is an undergarment having a fabric panel having a first surface and a second surface; a first fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel and a second fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel; a pocket panel coupled to the fabric panel and having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the fabric panel and the interior surface of the pocket panel; wherein the reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in a reversed pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the fabric panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/271,308, filed Dec. 27, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to articles of clothing worn on the lower body. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a detachable lower body undergarment and a lower body outer garment which also detaches from one another. The undergarment may utilizes an attachment method to allow for attachment to the outer garment, however, the attachment method allows it to be worn as normal stand-alone underwear which may be put on or removed from a user's body without removal of the outer garment, other pant like articles of clothing, or the user's shoes.

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise produces bodily activities such as sweat and can make a person feel un-fresh. When exercising, people generally prefer to wear workout clothing, which is often made from lightweight breathable material. For women (and some men), one of the most popular types of workout clothing worn on the lower body are yoga pants. Yoga pants are lightweight, stretchable, breathable, and relatively tight against the body when worn. Due to natural bodily functions, such as sweating, it becomes problematic for individuals as they feel less “fresh” when wearing yoga pants, shorts, or other leg worn articles of clothing for extended periods of time. To fix this, it is common for the wearer to change their underwear or wear panty liners. However, doing this can often be a difficult task depending on the setting, as well as the fact that it requires removal of wearer's shoes and pants or frequent change of the panty liners.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the disclosure is to be bound.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include an undergarment comprising a fabric panel having a first surface and a second surface; a first fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel and a second fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel; a pocket panel coupled to the fabric panel and having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the fabric panel and the interior surface of the pocket panel; wherein the reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in a reversed pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the fabric panel.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a lower body garment comprising a fabric panel having a first surface and a second surface; a pocket panel coupled to the first surface of the fabric panel and having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a flap, the flap having a first surface and a second surface; a reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the first surface of the fabric panel, the interior surface of the pocket panel, and the second surface of the flap; wherein the reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in a reversed pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the second surface of the fabric panel.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of using an undergarment, the method comprising wearing adjacent to a user's body a detachable undergarment having a fabric panel and a pocket panel with an interior surface and an exterior surface; adjusting the location of a lower body garment to expose the detachable undergarment; disengaging a first fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel; disengaging a second fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel; removing the undergarment from the user's body; forming the undergarment into a compact container comprising an opening and an exterior surface formed by the fabric panel of the undergarment and an interior surface of the pocket panel.

This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of examples of the present disclosure as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the disclosure and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a lower undergarment.

FIG. 2 is front isometric view of the undergarment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of a first fastener assembly of the undergarment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the first fastener assembly and a second fastener assembly of the undergarment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front isometric view of the undergarment of FIG. 1 configured in a first position.

FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of the undergarment of FIG. 1 configured in a second position.

FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of the undergarment of FIG. 1 configured in a third position.

FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of the undergarment of FIG. 1 configured in a fourth position.

FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 1 configured in a compact container.

FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the compact container of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a top isometric view of the compact container of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a rear isometric view of a second embodiment of an undergarment.

FIG. 11 is a front isometric view of a third embodiment of an undergarment.

FIG. 12 is a rear isometric view of a fourth embodiment of an undergarment.

FIG. 13A is a partial front elevation view of a first embodiment of a pocket assembly of an undergarment.

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly along line 13B-13B of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 13A configured in a stored position to form a compact container.

FIG. 13D is a side elevation view of the compact container of FIG. 13C.

FIG. 13E is a top isometric view of the compact container t of FIG. 13C.

FIG. 14A is a partial front elevation view of a second embodiment of a pocket assembly of an undergarment.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly along line 14B-14B of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 14A configured in a stored position to form a compact container.

FIG. 14D is a side elevation view of the compact container of FIG. 14C.

FIG. 14E is a top isometric view of the compact container of FIG. 14C.

FIG. 14F is a side elevation view of the compact container of FIG. 14C with a flap in a second position.

FIG. 15A is a partial front elevation view of a third embodiment of a pocket assembly of an undergarment.

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly along line 15B-15B of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 15A configured in a stored position to form a first compact container.

FIG. 15D is a side elevation view of the first compact container of FIG. 15C.

FIG. 15E is a top isometric view of the first compact container of FIG. 15C.

FIG. 15F is a top isometric view of the first compact container of FIG. 15C.

FIG. 15G is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 15A configured in a stored position to form a second compact container.

FIG. 15H is a side elevation view of the second compact container of FIG. 15G.

FIG. 15I is a top isometric view of the second compact container of FIG. 15G.

FIG. 15J is a top isometric view of the second compact container of FIG. 15G.

FIG. 16A is a partial front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a pocket assembly of an undergarment.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly along line 16B-16B of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 16A configured in a first stored position to form a first compact container.

FIG. 16D is a side elevation view of the first compact container of FIG. 16C.

FIG. 16E is a top isometric view of the first compact container of FIG. 16C.

FIG. 16F is a top isometric view of the first compact container of FIG. 16C.

FIG. 16G is a side elevation view of the compact container of FIG. 16C with a flap in a second position.

FIG. 16H is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 16A configured in a second stored position to form a second compact container.

FIG. 16I is a side elevation view of the second compact container of FIG. 16F.

FIG. 16J is a top isometric view of the undergarment of FIG. 16F.

FIG. 16K is a top isometric view of the undergarment of FIG. 16F.

FIG. 16K is a side elevation view of the compact container of FIG. 16H with a flap in a second position.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a method to manufacture a detachable undergarment with a pocket panel.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a method to use an undergarment.

FIG. 19 is a top view of an outer garment.

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is related to a detachable lower body undergarment. In some examples, the undergarment may include a reversible storage pocket. In some examples, the undergarment may include a non-continuous waistband broken at the hips, with fasteners which allow the undergarment to be put on or removed from a user's body, under a lower body worn outer garment, without complete removal of said outer garment or a user's shoes. In some examples, an outer garment may have its own fasteners which correspond to those located on the undergarment. With this, the undergarment may be worn like normal underwear or be connected to the outer garment.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a lower undergarment. FIG. 1 shows a user 102 wearing an undergarment 100. The undergarment 100 may have a front panel 104, and a rear panel 106 (shown in FIG. 2). A bottom edge of the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106 may be coupled together by a seam. A top edge of the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106 may form a non-continuous waistband 110. The front panel 104 and the rear panel 106 may be coupled by way of a first fastener assembly 112 and a second fastener assembly 114. In some examples, the undergarment 100 may also have a pocket panel 108. In some examples, as that shown in FIG. 1-4, the pocket panel 108 may be adjacent the front panel 104. In other examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 11-13, the pocket panel 108 may be located in an alternate location.

FIG. 2 is front isometric view of the undergarment 100. The front panel 104 has an exterior surface 124 and an interior surface 126, The rear panel 106 has an exterior surface 128 and an interior surface 130. The top portion of the rear panel 106 is connected to the top portion of the front panel by the first fastener assembly 112 and the second fastener assembly 114. The pocket panel 108 is adjacent the exterior surface 124 of the front panel 104.

FIGS. 3-8 are views of the undergarment 100 of FIG. 1 shown in a variety of configurations that may be used to convert the undergarment 100 from a use position where it may be worn adjacent to a user's skin, to a stored position, where it is not worn by the user. FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the first fastener assembly 112 of the undergarment 100. FIG. 3 is an example of how a user 102 may begin detaching the top edge of the front panel 104 from the top edge of the rear panel 106 at the fastener assembly 112. FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the first fastener assembly 112 and the second fastener assembly 114 of the undergarment 100. FIG. 4 shows that the top edges of the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106 may be disconnected from each other at the first fastener assembly 112 and the second fastener assembly 114.

The first fastener assembly 112 may have a first fastener 116 coupled to the front panel 104, and first fastener 118 coupled to the rear panel 106. The second fastener assembly 114 may have a second fastener 120 coupled to the front panel 104, and a second fastener 122 coupled to the rear panel 106. The fastener assemblies 112, 114 may be used to adjustably couple the non-continuous waistband 110 and the top edges of the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106.

In some examples, the fastener assemblies 112, 114 may each be a hook and eye assembly. In other examples, the fastener assemblies 112, 114 may each be a hook and loop assembly, a button assembly, a snap assembly, an interlocking hook assembly, a magnetic assembly, or something similar. In some examples, the first fastener assembly 112 is similar to that of the second fastener assembly 114. In other examples, the first fastener assembly 112 is dissimilar to that of the second fastener assembly 114. In some examples, the first fastener 116 is similar to the second fastener 120, and the first fastener 118 is similar to the second fastener 122. In other examples, the first fastener 116 is dissimilar from the second fastener 120, and the first fastener 118 is dissimilar from the second fastener 122.

In some examples, the first fastener 116 is a loop and the first fastener 18 is a hook. In other examples, the first fasteners 116, 118 may both be hooks configured to adjustably couple to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the pocket panel 108 may be coupled to the exterior surface 124 of the front panel 104. FIGS. 5-8 show an example procedure to convert the undergarment 100 to a stored position in a compact container so that the undergarment 100 is stored in a reversible pocket FIG. 5 is a front isometric view of the undergarment 100 of FIG. 1 configured in a first position, when the user 102 is not wearing the undergarment 100. The pocket panel 108 and exterior surface 124 of the front panel 104 may be coupled together to form a reversible pocket 132. A portion of a perimeter of the pocket panel 108 may be coupled the exterior surface 124 of the first panel 104. The non-coupled portion of the perimeter of the pocket panel 108 and the exterior surface 124 may then form an opening in the pocket 132. The pocket 132 may also be a storage compartment, pouch, bag, or sack or the like. Additional views of a pocket similar to pocket 132 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13B.

As shown in FIG. 5, a user 102 may access the pocket 132 by grasping the pocket panel 108 with the user's fingers. The user 102 may have thumbs 138, index fingers 140, middle fingers 140, ring fingers 142, and pinky fingers 144. In some examples, the user 102 position their thumbs 138 within the pocket 132, adjacent an interior surface of the pocket panel 108, and positions their index fingers 140 adjacent an exterior surface 134 of the pocket panel 108, thus pulling the pocket panel 108 away from the exterior surface 124 of the front panel 104.

FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of the undergarment of FIG. 1 configured in a second position, showing the user 102 beginning the process to reverse the pocket 132 and store the remainder of the undergarment 100 within the compact container. With the user's thumbs 138 positioned within the pocket 132, the user may then use his or her finger's to begin to gather the remainder of the front panel 104 not coupled to the pocket panel 108 and the rear panel 106.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are a front isometric views of the undergarment 100 of FIG. 1 configured in a third position and a fourth position, showing the user 102 continuing to reverse the pocket 132 and storing a larger portion of the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106 within a pocket 150 formed by the exterior surface 134 of the pocket panel 108 and an interior surface 126 of the front panel 104. In some examples, the outside of the pocket 150 is formed by the interior surface 136 of the pocket panel 108 and the exterior surface 124 of the front panel A seam 148 connected the pocket panel 108 to the front panel 104 may also be shown. The user 102 may place his or her thumbs 138 adjacent the interior surface 136 of the pocket panel 108 or the exterior surface 124 of front panel 104 and continue to engage the user's remaining fingers to feed the remainder of the front panel 104 and the rear panel 108 into the pocket 150.

FIGS. 94-9C show various views of the undergarment 100 in a stored position. FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of an undergarment 100 in a stored position to form a compact container 999. FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the compact container 999, and FIG. 9C is a top isometric view of the compact container 999. In some examples, the stored undergarment 100 may be stored within a pocket 150 formed by the interior surface 126 of the front panel 104 and the exterior surface 134 of the pocket panel 108. The exterior of the compact container 999 may be formed by the interior surface 136 of the pocket panel 108 and the exterior surface 124 of the front panel 104. In some examples, the compact container 999 may be desirable so potentially soiled portions of the undergarment 100 are encapsulated within the storage pocket 150. In some examples, the compact container 999 may be desirable so that the undergarment 100 appears in an innocuous form similar to a rolled pair of socks or hose.

FIG. 10 is a rear isometric view of a second embodiment of an undergarment. In some examples, the undergarment 1000 is similar to the undergarment 100 of FIGS. 1-9C, such that it has a reversible pocket and can be converted to a stored position within the reversible pocket. The undergarment 1000 may differ from undergarment 100 in that the pocket panel 108 may be positioned adjacent the interior surface 126 of the front panel 104.

FIG. 11 is a front isometric view of a third embodiment of an undergarment. In some examples, the undergarment 1100 is similar to the undergarment 100, 1000 of FIGS. 1-10. In other examples, the undergarment 1100 may differ in that the pocket panel 108 is positioned adjacent the interior surface 130 of the rear panel 106.

FIG. 12 is a rear isometric view of a sixth embodiment of an undergarment 1200. In some examples, the undergarment 1200 is similar to the undergarment 100, 1000, 1100 of FIGS. 1-11. In other examples, the undergarment 1100 may differ in that the pocket panel 108 is positioned adjacent the exterior surface 128 of the rear panel 106.

FIGS. 13A-13E show a first embodiment of a pocket assembly. FIG. 13A is a partial front elevation view of a pocket assembly 1301, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly 1301 along line 13B-13B of FIG. 13A. FIGS. 13A and 13B show a pocket assembly 1301 in a first position having a fabric panel 1300 with a first surface 1302 and a second surface 1304. In some examples, the pocket panel 1306 may have an exterior surface 1308 and an interior surface 1310. A seam 1312 may connect a portion of the perimeter of the pocket panel 1306 to the fabric panel 1300. A pocket 1314 may be formed by the interior surface 1310 of the pocket panel 1306 and the first surface 1302 of the fabric panel. The pocket 1314 may be accessed by separating the unconnected portion of the pocket panel 1306 from the first surface 1302 of the fabric panel 1300.

The fabric panel 1300 of the pocket assembly 1301 may form a portion of the detachable undergarment 100, 1000, 1100, 1200. In some examples, the components of FIGS. 13A-13B may be similar to those shown with respect to undergarment 100, 1000, 1100, 1200 of FIGS. 1-12. The views shown of the pocket assembly 1301 in FIGS. 13-13B may be similar to the unstored position of the undergarments 100, 1000, 1100, 1200 shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 10-12.

FIGS. 13C-13E show an undergarment having the pocket assembly 1301 and positioned in a stored position to form a compact container 1399. FIG. 13C is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 13A formed into the compact container 1399. FIG. 13D is a side elevation view of the compact container 1399. FIG. 13E is a top isometric view of the compact container 1399. In some examples, the pocket assembly 1301 of FIGS. 13A-139 may be reversed, similar to that process shown in FIGS. 5-8, so that a compact container 1399 with a pocket 1315 may be formed (similar to 9A-9C). The exterior of the compact container 1399 may be formed by the interior surface 1310 of the pocket panel 1306 and the first surface 1302 of the fabric panel 1300. The pocket 1315 may be formed from the exterior surface 1308 of the pocket panel 1306, and the second surface 1304 of the fabric panel 1300.

FIGS. 14A-14F show a second embodiment of a pocket assembly. FIGS. 14A-14B show a pocket assembly 1401 of an undergarment in an unstored position. FIG. 14A is a partial front elevation view of a second embodiment of a pocket assembly 1401, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly 1401 along line 14B-14B of FIG. 14A. In some examples, the pocket assembly 1401 may be used with the undergarments 100, 1000, 1100, 1200 shown in FIGS. 1-8, and 10-12. As shown in FIG. 14B, the pocket assembly 1401 may be similar to pocket assembly 1301, with a difference being that the pocket assembly 1401 has a lip or flap 1430 of material. The lip or flap 1430 may have a first surface 1432 and a second surface 1434. The pocket assembly 1401 may have a fabric panel 1400 with a first surface 1402 and a second surface 1404. A pocket panel 1406 may have an exterior surface 1408 and an interior surface 1410. The pocket panel 1406 may be coupled to the fabric panel 1400 by a seam 1412. As shown in FIG. 14B, the flap 1430 may be positioned adjacent the interior surface 1410 of the fabric panel 1400. A pocket 1414 may be formed by the second surface 1434 of the lip 1430, the interior surface 1410 of the pocket panel 1406, and the first surface 1402 of the fabric panel.

FIGS. 14C-14F show the pocket assembly 1401 of an undergarment in stored position forming a compact container 1499. FIG. 14C is a front elevation view of the undergarment of FIG. 14A configured in a stored position to form a compact container 1499. FIG. 14D is a side elevation view of the compact container 1499 of FIG. 14C. FIG. 14E is a top isometric view of the compact container 1499 of FIG. 14C. The pocket assembly 1401 of FIGS. 14A-14B may be reversed, similar to the process shown in FIGS. 5-8, so that the compact container 1499 with a pocket 1415 may be formed. In some examples, the exterior of the compact container 1499 may be formed by the interior surface 1410 of the pocket panel 1406, the second surface 1434 of the lip 1430, and the first surface 1402 of the fabric panel 1400. The interior of pocket 1415 may be formed from the exterior surface 1408 of the pocket panel 1406, and the second surface 1404 of the fabric panel 1400.

FIG. 14F shows a side elevation view of the undergarment in its stored position forming a compact container 1499 with the flap or lip 1430 in a second position. Once the undergarment with the pocket assembly 1401 is configured into the stored position to form the compact container 1499, the pocket 1415 may be closed or covered when the flap 1430 is moved into the second position. In this second position, the first surface 1432 of lip or flap 1430 is adjacent the first surface surface 1402 of the fabric panel 1400. In some examples, it may be desirable position the flap 1430 in this second position so that the stored undergarment forms a relatively sealed compact container 1499. The lip or flap 1430 in the second position may also help prevent the stored undergarment from unrolling from the stored position. The flap 1430 in the second position may also help the stored undergarment to appear as a small article of clothing that may be less offensive than an undergarment, such as a pair of rolled up socks, in case it is viewed by someone other than the user.

FIGS. 15A-15B show a third embodiment of a pocket assembly 1501. FIG. 15A is a partial front elevation view of a third embodiment of a pocket assembly 1501, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly 1501 along line 15B-15B of FIG. 15A, FIGS. 15A and 159 show the pocket assembly 1501 that may be used with an undergarment as viewed in an unstored position. In some examples, the pocket assembly 1501 may have a fabric panel 1500 with a first surface 1502 and a second surface 1504. A pocket panel 1506 may have an exterior surface 1508 and an interior surface 1510. A pocket 1514 may be formed by the interior surface 1510 of the pocket panel 1506 and the first surface 1502 of the fabric panel 1500.

Unlike the pocket assembly 1401 of FIGS. 14A-14G, the pocket assembly 1501 may have a second pocket panel 1516 with an exterior surface 1518 and an interior surface 1520. A second pocket 1522 may be formed by the exterior surface 1508 of the pocket panel 1506 and the interior surface 1520 of the second pocket panel 1516.

The fabric panel 1500 of the pocket assembly 1501 may form a portion of the detachable undergarment 100, 1000, 1100, 1200. In some examples, the components of FIGS. 15A-15B may be similar to those shown with respect to undergarment 100, 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300 of FIGS. 1-8, and 10-13. The views shown of the pocket assembly 1501 in FIGS. 15A-15B may be similar to the unstored position of the undergarments 100, 1000, 1100, 1200 shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 10-12.

The pocket assembly 1501 may be reversed, similar to that process shown in FIGS. 4-8, so that a compact container may be formed, similar to that shown in FIG. 9. Unlike the compact container of FIG. 9, the pocket assembly 1501 may be configured to form a first compact container 1598 or a second compact container 1599. As shown in FIGS. 15C-15F, the first compact container 1598 may be formed by reversing the pocket 1514, and may have an exterior surface formed by the interior surface 1510 of the pocket panel 1506 and the first surface 1502 of the fabric panel. In some examples, the first compact container 1598 may have two pockets inside of it. The first pocket 1515, as shown in FIG. 15F, may have an internal surface formed from the second surface 1504 of the fabric panel 1500 and the exterior surface 1518 of the second pocket panel 1516. The second pocket 1517, as shown in FIG. 15E, may have an internal surface formed by the exterior surface 1508 of the pocket panel 1506 and the interior surface 1520 of the second pocket panel 1516.

The second compact container 1599 may be formed by reversing the pocket 1522, and may have an exterior surface formed by the exterior surface 1508 of the pocket panel 1506 and the interior surface 1520 of the second pocket panel 1516, as shown in FIGS. 15G-15J. Similar to the first compact container 1598, the second compact container 1599 may have two pockets inside of it. As shown in FIG. 15.1, the first pocket 1523 may be formed by the exterior surface 1518 of the second pocket panel 1516 and the second surface 1504 of the fabric panel 1500. As shown in FIG. 15I, the second pocket 1524 may be formed the first surface 1502 of the fabric panel 1500 and the interior surface 1510 of the pocket panel 1506.

In some examples, it may be desired to have the two different pocket panels for an undergarment for a variety of reasons. In some examples, a user may store an undergarment in the form of the first compact container when the undergarment is unused or clean, and may store the undergarment in the form of the second compact container when the undergarment is used, or vice versa. Storing an unused undergarment in the form of the compact container may make it easier for storage in a drawer or gym bag. Storage of the undergarment, either used or unused, in the compact container may also be desired so that the undergarment does not become tangled or mixed with other items within a drawer or bag. Storage of the undergarment in the compact container may also form a hygienic method of transporting a used undergarment.

FIGS. 16A-16M show a fourth embodiment of a pocket assembly. FIG. 16A is a partial front elevation view of a pocket assembly 1601, and FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly 1601 along line 16B-16B of FIG. 16A. Similar to pocket assembly 1501, pocket assembly 1601 may have a fabric panel 1600 with a first surface 1602 and a second surface 1604. A pocket panel 1606 may have an exterior surface 1608 and an interior surface 1610. A seam 1612 may couple the pocket panel 1606 to the fabric panel 1600. A pocket 1614 may be formed by the first surface 1602 of the fabric panel 1600 and the interior surface 1610 of the pocket panel 1606. In some examples, the pocket panel 1606 may be positioned between the fabric panel 1600 and a second pocket panel 1616. The second pocket panel 1616 may have an exterior surface 1618 and an interior surface 1620. A second pocket 1622 may be formed by the exterior surface 1608 of the pocket panel 1606 and the interior surface 1620 of the second pocket panel 1616.

Pocket assembly 1601 may be similar to pocket assembly 1501 of FIGS. 15A-15B, with a difference being that each pocket panel 1606, 1616 has a lip 1630, 1636. Similar to the pocket assembly 1601 of FIGS. 16A-16B, the pockets 1614, 1622 may be reversed to form a compact container that stores the detachable undergarment. The lips 1630, 1636 may be used to form an enclosed compact container when the undergarment is stored.

As shown in FIGS. 16C-16G, the first compact container 1698 may be formed by reversing the pocket 1614, and may have an exterior surface formed by the interior surface 1610 of the pocket panel 1606, the second surface 1634 of the flap 1630, and the first surface 1602 of the fabric panel. The first compact container 1698 may have two pockets inside of it. The first pocket 1615, as shown in FIG. 16F, may have an internal surface formed from the second surface 1604 of the fabric panel 1600 and the exterior surface 1618 of the second pocket panel 1616. The second pocket 1617, as shown in FIG. 16E, may have an internal surface formed by the exterior surface 1608 of the pocket panel 1606, the interior surface 1620 of the second pocket panel 1616, and the second surface 1640 of the lip or flap 1636 coupled to the second pocket panel 1616.

As shown in FIG. 16G, similar to the compact container 1499 of FIG. 14F, the lip or flap 1630 coupled to the first pocket panel 1606 may be moved into a second position, where the second surface 1634 may be positioned adjacent the first surface 1602 of the fabric panel 1600. The exterior of the compact container 1698 is then formed by the interior surface 1610 of the pocket panel 1606, the first surface 1632 of the flap 1630, and the first surface 1602 of the fabric panel 1600.

As shown in FIGS. 16H-16M, the second compact container 1699 may be formed by reversing the pocket 1622, and may have an exterior surface formed by the exterior surface 1608 of the pocket panel 1606, the second surface 1640 of the lip 1636, and the interior surface 1620 of the second pocket panel 1616. Similar to the first compact container 1698, the second compact container 1699 may have two pockets inside of it. As shown in FIG. 16L, the first pocket 1523 may be formed by the interior surface 1610 of pocket panel 1606, the second surface 1634 of lip 1630, and first surface 1602 of fabric panel 1600. As shown in FIG. 16K, the second pocket 1624 may be formed by the second surface 1604 of the fabric panel 1600 and the exterior surface 1618 of the second pocket panel 1616.

As shown in FIG. 16M, and similar to the compact container 1698 of FIG. 16G and compact container 1499 of FIG. 14F, the lip of flap 1636 coupled to the second pocket panel 1620 may be moved into a second position, where the second surface 1640 may be positioned adjacent the exterior surface 1608 of the fabric panel 1600. The exterior of the compact container 1699 is then formed by the interior surface 1620 of the second pocket panel 1616, the exterior surface 1608 of the pocket panel 1606, and the first surface 1638 of the flap 1636.

While FIGS. 15A-16M describe an undergarment having two pocket panels that may be adjacent one another, in other examples, the pocket panels may be positioned on opposite side of the same fabric panel, or positioned on different fabric panels.

FIG. 17 shows an example method 1700 for manufacturing a detachable undergarment with a pocket panel. Block 1705 includes forming a front panel and a rear panel with a non-continuous waistband. The front panel, the rear panel and non-continuous waistband may be similar to the front panel 104, rear panel 106, and non-continuous waistband 110 of FIGS. 1-8, and the fabric panel 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600 of FIGS. 13-16. The front panel, rear panel, and non-continuous waistband may be formed from a single piece of material, or may be formed from multiple pieces of material coupled together. The front panel may be shaped to cover the front pelvic and partial waist region of a user. The rear panel may be shaped to cover the rear pelvic and partial waist region of a user.

Block 1710 includes forming a first pocket panel. The first pocket panel may be similar to the pocket panel 108 of FIGS. 1-8, and pocket panel 1306, 1406, 1506, 1606 of FIGS. 13-16. In some examples, the first pocket panel may also have a lip or flap coupled to it. The lip or flap may be similar to the lip or flap 1430, 1630 of FIGS. 14B and 16B. In some examples, the lip or flap may be a separate component that is coupled to the first pocket panel.

Block 1715 includes forming a pocket by coupling the first pocket panel to either the front panel or the rear panel while keeping one edge of the pocket panel uncoupled from the front panel or rear panel. In some examples, the uncoupled edge serves to allow access to the pocket formed by an interior surface of the pocket panel and a surface of the front panel or the rear panel.

In some examples where the pocket panel include a lip or a flap, block 1715 may also include positioning the lip or flap adjacent the surface of the front or rear panel prior to forming the pocket.

Block 1720 includes coupling a first fastener assembly to the non-continuous waistband. In some examples, the first fastener assembly may be similar to the first fastener assembly 112 of FIGS. 1-8. Examples of faster assemblies include a hook and eye assembly, a hook and loop assembly, a button assembly, a snap assembly, an interlocking hook assembly, magnets, or something similar. Block 1725 includes coupling a second fastener assembly to the non-continuous waistband. In some examples, the second fastener assembly may be similar to the second fastener assembly 114 of FIGS. 1-8, and/or to the fastener assembly recited in Block 1720. Each fastener assembly may have multiple components which are coupled to the non-continuous waistband.

FIG. 18 shows an example method 1800 of using an undergarment. Block 1805 includes wearing adjacent to a user's body a detachable undergarment having a fabric panel and a pocket panel with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The detachable undergarment of block 1805 may be similar to the detachable undergarment 100, 1000, 1100, or 1200 of FIGS. 1-12. Block 1810 includes adjusting the location of a lower body garment to expose the undergarment. This may include adjusting the location of a user's pants, shorts, or other coverings to expose the pelvic and waist region that are covered by the detachable undergarment.

Block 1815 includes disengaging a first fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel. This may be similar to the image shown in FIG. 3. The first fastener assembly may be similar to fastener assembly 112 shown in FIGS. 1-4. Disengaging the first fastener assembly may include disengaging a first fastener coupled to a front panel and a first fastener coupled to a rear panel. In some examples, the fastener assembly may include a hook and eye assembly, a hook and lop assembly, clips, snaps, magnets, or similar. Block 1820 includes disengaging a second fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel. The second fastener assembly may be similar to the fastener assembly 114 shown in FIGS. 1-2, and 4. Disengaging the second fastener assembly may include disengaging a second fastener coupled to the front panel and a second fastener coupled to the rear panel.

Block 1825 includes removing the undergarment from a user's body. Once the fastener assemblies are disengaged, the undergarment should not wrap around the user's legs or appendages. This would allow the undergarment to be removed from the user's body without the user having to further adjust the location of any outer lower garments.

Block 1830 includes forming the undergarment into a compact container with an exterior surface having the fabric panel of the undergarment and an interior surface of a pocket panel. This may include inserting a user's thumbs into a pocket formed by the pocket panel and the fabric panel, and reversing or turning the pocket inside out. This can be accomplished when the user uses his or her fingers to gather up the material of the undergarment that does create the pocket, and then separating his or her thumbs to stretch the pocket while the pocket and at or near the same time, using his or her fingers to press against a bottom of the external surface of the pocket with the gathered material. The user can then reverse the pocket “inside out” to and force the remaining gathered material in to the newly reversed pocket. Block 1830 may be similar to the images shown in FIGS. 5-8.

In some examples, block 1830 may also include moving a flap positioned on the exterior surface of the compact container to cover or seal the opening of the compact container where the remainder of the undergarment is stored. This may be similar to the images shown in FIGS. 14D and 14F.

FIG. 19 shows an example lower body garment 1900 configured to couple with a detachable lower body undergarment. The undergarment may be worn on a user's lower body, under the outer garment 1900 and connected to the outer garment 1900. In some examples, the outer garment 1900 has a front portion 1902, a rear portion 1904, and a continuous waist band 1906. The front portion 1902 and the rear portion 1904 are connected, forming a pair of stretchable pants (yoga pants) or shorts, with a left leg section 1908, a right leg section 1910, a crotch section 1912, a left hip section 1914, and a right hip section 1916. The continuous waist band 1906 is located around the top edge of the front portion 1902 and rear portion 1904, forming a loop. In some examples, the continuous waist band 1906 may be elastic, semi elastic, or made from a stretchable material with spandex fiber or such. The outer garment 1900 may be worn on a user's legs, over the undergarment.

The outer garment 1900 may include a first fastener assembly 1918 and a second fastener assembly 1920. The fastener assemblies 1918, 1920 may be similar to the fastener assemblies 112, 114 of FIGS. 1-4, in some examples, the fastener assemblies 1918, 1920 are configured to adjustably couple with the components of fastener assemblies 112, 114 to adjustably couple the undergarment 100 or similar to the outer garment 1900. At any time, the user may detach the undergarment from the outer garment 1900 and wear the undergarment as a normal pair of underwear, in the configuration described, at a minimum, in FIGS. 1-4.

In some examples, the undergarment will form a pair of men's underwear (boxers, briefs, etc.). As well, the outer garment 1900 may or may not be a pair of yoga pants, but instead may be a pair of jeans, slacks, sweat pants, or other type of lower body worn outer garment well known by those skill in the art.

In conclusion, the apparatus and methods described herein may relate to a detachable undergarment. The undergarment may have at least one pouch or pocket which may be reversed to allow the undergarment to be formed into a compact container.

It should be noted that any of the features in the various examples and embodiments provided herein may be interchangeable and/or replaceable with any other example or embodiment. As such, the discussion of any component or element with respect to a particular example or embodiment is meant as illustrative only.

It should be noted that although the various examples discussed herein have been discussed with respect to lower body undergarments, the devices and techniques may be applied in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, clothing, sports, and fitness apparel and sports and fitness equipment.

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the examples of the disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosure unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described by reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their point of connection with other parts. Thus the term “end” should be broadly interpreted, in a manner that includes areas adjacent rearward, forward of or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation but those skilled in the art will recognize the steps and operation may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An undergarment comprising:

a fabric panel having a first surface and a second surface;

a first fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel and a second fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel;

a pocket panel coupled to the fabric panel and having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the fabric panel and the interior surface of the pocket panel;

wherein the reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in a reversed pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the fabric panel.

2. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein:

the first surface of the fabric panel is an interior surface;

the second surface of the fabric panel is an exterior surface;

and the pocket panel is positioned adjacent the interior surface of the fabric panel, such that the inner surface of the reversed pocket is formed by the exterior surface of the fabric panel and the exterior surface of the pocket panel.

3. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein:

the fabric panel has an interior surface and an exterior surface and the pocket panel is positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the fabric panel, such that the inner surface of the reversed pocket is formed by the interior surface of the fabric panel and the exterior surface of the pocket panel.

4. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the fabric panel further comprises:

a front panel with a top section and a bottom section;

a rear panel with a top section and a bottom section; wherein

the first fastener assembly couples the top section of the front panel with the top section of the rear panel, and the second fastener assembly couples the top section of the front panel with the top section of the rear panel.

5. The undergarment of claim 4, wherein the inner surface of the reversible pocket is formed by the front panel and the interior of the pocket panel.

6. The undergarment of claim 4, wherein the inner surface of the reversible pocket is formed by the rear panel and the interior of the pocket panel.

7. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising:

a second pocket panel coupled to the fabric panel and having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a second reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the interior surface of the second pocket panel; and

wherein the reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in the reversed pocket with the inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the interior surface of the second pocket panel.

8. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising:

a second pocket panel coupled to the fabric panel and having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a second reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the interior surface of the second pocket panel; and

wherein the reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in the reversed pocket with the inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the second pocket panel and the second surface of the fabric panel.

9. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising:

a second pocket panel coupled to the fabric panel and having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a second reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the interior surface of the second pocket panel; and

wherein the second reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in a second reversed pocket with an inner surface formed by the first surface of the fabric panel and the interior surface of the first pocket panel.

10. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising:

a second pocket panel coupled to the fabric panel and having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a second reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the interior surface of the second pocket panel; and

wherein the second reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in a second reversed pocket with an inner surface formed by the second surface of the fabric panel and the exterior surface of the second pocket panel.

11. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising:

a flap having a first surface and a second surface;

wherein the inner surface of the reversible pocket is formed by the fabric panel, the interior surface of the pocket panel, and the second surface of the flap; and

the reversed pocket forms a compact container with an opening and an exterior surface formed by the first surface of the fabric panel, the interior surface of the pocket panel, and the second surface of the flap.

12. The undergarment of claim 11, wherein the compact container is configured so that the second surface of the flap may be moved to cover the opening and the exterior surface of the compact container is formed by the first surface of the fabric panel, the interior surface of the pocket panel, and the first surface of the flap.

13. A lower body garment comprising

a fabric panel having a first surface and a second surface;

a pocket panel coupled to the first surface of the fabric panel and having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a flap, the flap having a first surface and a second surface;

a reversible pocket with an inner surface formed by the first surface of the fabric panel, the interior surface of the pocket panel, and the second surface of the flap;

wherein the reversible pocket is configured to be reversed so that the undergarment is stored in a reversed pocket with an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the second surface of the fabric panel.

14. The lower body garment of claim 13, further comprising a first fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel and a second fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel.

15. The lower body garment of claim 13, wherein a compact container is formed with an opening and an exterior surface formed by the interior surface of the pocket panel, the first surface of the fabric panel, and the second surface of the flap when the lower body garment is stored in the first pocket.

16. The lower body garment of claim 15, wherein the compact container is configured so that the second surface of the flap may be moved to cover the opening and the exterior surface of the compact container is formed by the interior surface of the pocket panel, the first surface of the fabric panel, and the first surface of the flap.

17. The lower body garment of claim 13, wherein the garment is underwear configured to be worn adjacent a user's skin.

18. A method of using an undergarment, the method comprising

wearing adjacent to a user's body a detachable undergarment having a fabric panel and a pocket panel with an interior surface and an exterior surface;

adjusting the location of a lower body garment to expose the detachable undergarment;

disengaging a first fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel;

disengaging a second fastener assembly coupled to the fabric panel;

removing the undergarment from the user's body;

forming the undergarment into a compact container comprising an opening and an exterior surface formed by the fabric panel of the undergarment and an interior surface of the pocket panel.

19. The method of claim 18; wherein forming the undergarment into a compact container comprises reversing a reversible pocket to form a reversed pocket, wherein the reversible pocket has an inner surface formed by the fabric panel and the interior surface of the pocket panel and the reversed pocket formed within the compact container has an inner surface formed by the exterior surface of the pocket panel and the fabric panel.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising sealing the compact container by moving a flap to cover the opening.