RIDING PANTS
A pair of riding pants with integrated lower leg compression sleeves is provided. The pants can be made of a flexible durable material, can include a knee relief or knee break portion at each knee region. The pants can comprise a waist portion comprising a waist band with an adjustment mechanism and a stretch panel.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/110,236, filed Nov. 5, 2020. All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe field of the invention is riding pants having a lower leg compression portion.
BACKGROUNDEquestrian sports such as dressage, jumping and cross country require a rider to sit in a saddle and be able to wrap their legs part way around the horse with the lower legs tightly gripping and the upper body sitting firmly in the saddle and the hips moving with the horse. Some known riding pants have been designed to resist wear which would otherwise damage another type of pant. However, they generally do not provide adequate flexibility where needed or desired. Some riding pants have inlay patches at the knees or extending down the entire inside of the legs, however in-setting inlay patches at the knee region or entire inner leg region can decrease the flexibility of the pants as these patches generally do not stretch and move appreciably and thus the knee regions of the pants are stiff and are not conducive to the continuous position adjustments that the rider needs to maintain to effectively guide the horse with their legs over fences or through complex dressage movements.
Furthermore, traditional riding pants are not made to energize and support the wearer's legs properly while riding, or to minimize soreness or swelling post ride. Thus, circulation in the lower legs is often compromised and riders are often left with swollen ankles. Additionally, traditional riding pants generally have multiple seams and sometimes even a thicker cuff at the end of the pant legs, which can cause additional discomfort to the wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure is directed towards one or more improved featured identified below, and to pants, especially riding pants, that address some or all the above-mentioned problems.
The inventive subject matter provides riding pants (e.g., equestrian riding pants) for a wearer, comprising a waist portion, a first upper leg portion and a second upper leg portion, a first lower leg compression portion coupled to the first upper leg portion, a second lower leg compression portion coupled to the second upper leg portion, and wherein the first lower leg compression portion is configured to provide a first compression pressure to a first leg of the wearer. The second lower leg compression portion can also be configured to provide a second compression pressure to a second leg of the wearer. The second compression pressure can be the same as, or different from, the first compression pressure.
In some aspects, the lower leg compression portion can comprise a sleeve sized and dimensioned to extend from at least one of a knee portion and an upper leg portion to an ankle portion of the wearer, thereby removing some or all seams and distractions. The knee portion can comprise a knee break portion between the upper leg portion and the lower leg compression portion, and the knee break portion can in some embodiments be made of a material different from the lower leg compression portion. In some embodiments, the knee portion can comprise a knee break portion that is made from a material other than that of the breech or the lower leg compression portion.
In some aspects the waist portion can comprise an adjustment mechanism, including for example, a belt with an adjustable band, two D rings and strip of fabric, multiple hook and eye closures, or another mechanical means for tightening the waist band or waist portion.
Additionally or alternatively the waist portion can comprise a stretch panel, for example one that is positioned entirely on the backside (or on the backside and side portions) of the wearer.
In some aspects the first or second compression pressure can be between 1-15 mmHg, between 5-150 mmHg, between 5-100 mmHg, between 5-75 mmHg, between 5-50 mmHg, between 10-30 mmHg, between 20-45 mmHg, or any other suitable compression pressure. It is contemplated that the first and second compression pressures provided by the lower leg compression portions can be greater than compression pressures, if any, provided by some or all of the other portions of the riding pants. It is contemplated that the first and second compression pressures provided by the lower leg compression portions can be equal or within about ±50%, within about ±25%, or within about ±15%, or within about ±10% of a compression pressure provided by a stretch panel, for example, one that wraps around the tummy portion of a wearer when the riding pants are worn.
The first and second lower leg compression portions can be made of any suitable material(s), including for example, an elastane (e.g., Spandex, Lycra), a nylon, a cotton, a cotton blend, a cotton-polyester blend, or any combinations thereof. In some aspects, a lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of an elastane material (e.g., at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, or even 25% or more elastane). In some aspects, a lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of a nylon and an elastane.
The compression portions can comprise a gradient of elasticity, for example, being more elastic at a bottom portion and less elastic at a top portion, or being more elastic at a top portion and less elastic at a bottom portion. The compression portions can be made using any suitable technique(s), including for example, by circular knitting or flat knitting.
Other advantages and benefits of the disclosed compositions and methods will be apparent to one of ordinary skill with a review of the following drawings and detailed description.
The structure and operation of the present invention will be understood from a review of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:
The detailed description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent that those skilled in the art will be able to understand the disclosure without these specific details.
The inventive subject matter is generally directed towards equestrian riding pants for a wearer, comprising a waist portion, a first upper leg portion and a second upper leg portion, a first lower leg compression portion coupled to the first upper leg portion, a second lower leg compression portion coupled to the second upper leg portion, and wherein one or both of the first and second lower leg compression portion are configured to provide compression pressures to the legs of the wearer.
In some embodiments, a pair of riding pants with a built-in compression sock or sleeve areas is provided. The pants can promote the contact and communication between the horse and rider. The pants can be flexible, stretchable or otherwise suitable in certain areas to allow the rider to comfortably bend and move with the horse. The lower leg area of the pants can be especially thin, sleek and tight fitting to the rider's legs as the equestrian boots, worn by riders in the English disciplines of dressage and jumping, fit very tight so as increase the feel between the rider's legs and the horse's side. This tight fit of the boots during the strenuous exercise of riding often limits the circulation to the rider's lower leg. As such it will be extremely beneficial to have a riding pant with a built-in lower leg compression portion on the lower leg beneath the tight-fitting equestrian boots. The lower leg compression portion area can assist in improved circulation during the rider's exercise which can in turn facilitate the removal of metabolites such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid in the legs and increase oxygenation of the leg muscles.
The lower leg compression portion, which may also referred to herein as compression sleeves or compression socks, can be footless or can include foot covering sock portions. For footless embodiments, it is contemplated the lower leg compression portion can be sized and dimensioned to extend above, at or below the wearer's ankle when the riding pants are worn. Each lower leg compression portion can have any suitable size and shape. For example, each lower leg compression portion may have a top-to-bottom length when upright/worn of between 5-25 inches, between 5-20 inches, between 8-15 inches, or any other suitable length. As another example, the lower leg compression portion can have a top-to-bottom length that is equal to, shorter, or longer than the top-to-bottom length of the upper leg portion. As yet another example, the lower leg compression portion can have a top-to-bottom length that is between 10-50%, between 10-40%, between 10-30%, between 20-40%, between 20-30% of the top-to-bottom length of the riding pants. As yet another example, the lower leg compression portion may be sized and dimensioned to extend from right above a wearer's calf to below the wearer's calf, for example, to right near the rider's ankle (e.g., to end within 6 inches, within 5 inches, within 4 inches, within 3 inches, within 2 inches, or within an inch of the rider's ankle).
The compression sleeves increase pressure in the tissue beneath the skin. This helps to reduce fluid leakage and improve circulation. Our legs are particularly prone to blood-related issues because they're far away from our heart and the blood has to work against gravity when circulating. Thus it is common for blood to pool in the legs, especially when a person sits for long periods (e.g., when horse riding for long periods of time).
It should be appreciated that the built-in compression portions can provide significant advantages over simply wearing compression socks over typical riding pants. For example, wearing compression socks over or under riding pants means another layer must be worn over the calves and between the rider's leg and boot, which can be uncomfortable and painful, for example, due to the multiple seams being tightly pressed into the rider's skin. Wearing compression socks under riding pants further makes it difficult to adjust and they can shift when putting on the riding pants. Further, with the flexibility desired at the ankle to allow riders to move with the horse, it can be beneficial to have the compression sleeve end at or near (e.g., above) the ankle and be footless. Still further, the compression portions are built-in which means there is one less component the rider must pack, carry, and change in and out of.
In some aspects the first or second compression pressure can be suitable to provide additional support to the muscles and circulatory systems, aid with shock absorption, alleviating muscle strain, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the first or second compression pressure can be between 1-15 mmHg, between 5-200 mmHg, between 5-155 mmHg, between 5-100 mmHg, between 5-75 mmHg, between 5-50 mmHg, between 10-30 mmHg, between 20-40 mmHg, or any other suitable compression pressure. In some aspects, the compression provided by the compression sleeves may be graduated or apply universal pressure.
In some aspects, a lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of an elastane material (e.g., at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, or even 25% or more elastane). In some aspects, a lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of a nylon and an elastane. In some aspects, a lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of a nylon and spandex. In some aspects, a lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of one or more of lycra, polyester, nylon, and spandex. In some aspects, a lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of one or more of cotton, cotton blend, viscose, and rayon. The lower leg compression portion may be made of a material that is thicker or thinner than the pant portion above it, or may be of the same thickness as the pant portion above it. In some aspects, the lower leg compression portion can comprise between 75-98% nylon and between 2-25% spandex (or elastane) and provide a suitable blend of stretch and comfort. In some aspects, the lower leg compression portion can comprise between 2-100% spandex (or elastane).
The upper leg portions of the riding pants can also be made of any suitable materials, including, for example, synthetic and natural materials and blends, a polyester, a nylon, a wool, a 4 way stretch material, a cotton, a cotton blend, microfibers, a lycra, a spandex, an elastane, a viscose, a rayon, a microfiber, a polyamide, a polyurethane, or any combination(s) thereof, including, but not limited to, polyester/spandex, polyester/nylon/spandex, nylon/spandex, nylon/elastane, polyester/rayon, polyester microfiber/lycra, polyamide/elastane, polyester/viscose/spandex, 4-way stretch cotton blend knit fabric, polyamide/polyurethane, polyester/viscose/lycra, wool/nylon/spandex, nylon/polyester/lycra, nylon/polyurethane, polyester/elastane, cotton/nylon/elastane, cotton/elastane, polyamide/elastane/polyurethane, polyamide/elastane, cotton/nylon/spandex, nylon/viscose/spandex. In some aspects, the riding pants may include a silicone or other gripping material applied thereon (e.g., printed), leather patch, faux suede or other material at one or more of the seat to mid-inner calf area, the inner knee area, or other area to facilitate a wearer's stability on the horse.
In some aspects, each of the lower leg compression portions can comprise a sleeve sized and dimensioned to extend from at least one of a knee portion and an upper leg portion to an ankle of the wearer. The knee portion can optionally comprise a knee break portion in some embodiments, between the upper leg portion and the lower leg compression portion, and the knee break portion can be made of a material different from the lower leg compression portion. Additionally or alternatively the knee break portion can be made of the same or different material(s) from the upper leg portion (e.g., the knee break can comprise a more stretchable material). The knee break portion can advantageously allow the pants to stretch more freely around the knee, or be looser than other portions of the pants when worn to more freely allow the rider to bend and move at the knees. As the knee break portions can comprise separate pieces of material attached (e.g., sewn) to the other portions of the pants, the knee break portions can avoid pulling on the rest of the pants when the rider bends or moves. Often times, pants shift down with wear and if the wearer squats down, and extra pressure is applied at the knees when the wearer bends and that can pull on the pants. The knee break portions could advantageously break up the tension running down the whole body of the riding pants. Viewed from another perspective, riding pants described herein can include a knee break region which allows increased flexibility at the knee joint region of the rider. The knee break portion can start above the knee where it meets with the bottom of the upper leg portion, and extend to just below the knee where it meets with the top of the lower leg compression portion. It should be appreciated that in some contemplated embodiments, the riding pants do not include a knee break.
In some aspects the waist portion can comprise an adjustment mechanism, including for example, a belt or belt portions with an adjustable band, a waistband adjuster with loop holes and a fastener sized and dimensioned to fit within the different loop holes to provide different waist sizes, a rachet buckle and strap or straps, or a slider buckle and strap or straps. The adjustment mechanism can be positioned anywhere along the waist portion, including the front, side, or back of the waist portion. Such adjustment mechanism can be advantageous to fit riders with varying waist sizes. Additionally or alternatively the waist portion can comprise a stretch panel below a waist band that can advantageously provide elasticity beneath an less elastic or inelastic waist band. The stretch panel can be of any suitable size, shape and material (e.g., in whole or in part of a lycra, a spandex, an elastane, or other elastic material(s)). In some embodiments, the stretch panel is made of a material different than the waist band and the upper leg portions, and provide greater elasticity than the waist band and the upper leg portions. The stretch panel can have a side-to-side length that extends across the back of the riding pants and a portion of the sides of the riding pants when worn. The stretch panel can have top-to-bottom height that is greatest at a mid portion of the side-to-side length. The top-to-bottom height can gradually get smaller from the mid portion to each of the right and left end portions of the side-to-side length.
The knee break portions and the stretch panel at the back of the waist (and in some embodiments extending across the back of the wearer's waist and over the wearer's hips) can allow for give at areas of the rider's body that need to bend during riding. These features can also result in less stress on a belt or the rider's hips. The adjustable waist band can enable the pants to be adjusted for riders who might have a smaller waist so that the pants do not slip uncomfortably when riding and will remove the gap at the back some people experience with pants.
In some aspects, the riding pants can comprise a graduated compression region provided at the lower region of the leg just below the knee extending to the ankle area. This compression region can provide beneficial circulation for the rider. The riding pants can be made of expandable and retractable fabric to fit the lower torso, hip region and the legs of the rider snuggly. The riding pants can include a waistband cinching mechanism and inlays, for example, at the inside of the knee region of the pants or from the inside of the upper leg extending down just past the knee region. Having a compression sock or sleeve at the lower leg area instead of the traditional pant style can be more adaptable for different sized and shaped calves as well as giving more flexibility to riders of different shapes and sizes.
Having an integrated compression sleeve in a riding pant is a great solution for people on their feet and in their boots for extended periods throughout the day. Such pants can offer lower leg support to keep legs feeling fresh all day. Compression is known to increase circulation so the legs are supported in and out of a tall boot. By integrating a compression sock/sleeve in with a riding breech, more flexibility with how the sock is produced is provided. The sock/sleeve can integrate ribbing and mesh for increased airflow. The sock can be made of a slick material replacing the need for tall boot socks if so desired. The rider could instead wear an ankle sock, or other socks of their choosing, and they would avoid needing to spend extra money on tall boot socks.
The integrated lower leg compression portions 14(a) and 14(b) are a great solution for riders on their feet and in their boots all day. These lower leg compression portions can offer leg support and increased circulation so that the legs are supported in and out of the tall boots. The lower leg compression portions 14(a) and 14(b) can be made of nylon, spandex or other elastic material. The lower leg compression portions can provide compressive pressure against the rider's legs thus increasing the velocity of blood flow in the legs and minimizing the pooling of blood in the lower legs. The lower leg compression portions can improve venous circulation without reducing circulation by over compressing. The lower leg compression portions can be thin and sleek so that the boots fit snuggly on the rider's legs. The lower leg compression portions can integrate ribbing and mesh for increased airflow. The lower leg compression portions can replace the need for tall boot socks so that the rider can just use a foot or ankle sock along with the pants which alleviates the need for tall boot socks. In some embodiments the lower leg compression portions 14(a) and 14(b) can also have integrated pain relief therapies such as copper or ceramic for additional therapeutic support.
In some embodiments, the riding pants can include a waist band (e.g., 18) that sits slightly lower in the front and a higher rise in the back. This waist band 18 can be of any suitable size and shape. For example, the waist band can be between 1-5, between 1-4, between 1-3, or between 2-3 inches wide (from top to bottom) and can be made with stretchy and compressive material for tummy support. Just below and adjacent to the waist band an extra panel 22 of stretchy material can be added to the pants to create give when the rider sits on the horse. In some embodiments this panel 22 can be between 1-4, between 1-3 or between 1-2 inches wide (from top to bottom) and can have a width that varies along its side-to-side length. The panel can be included on any portion of the pants, including in the back of the pants below the waist band, or wrapping around the rider's entire waist or hips. The panel 20 can allow for stretch/elasticity down the backside of the rider's body when they sit in the saddle so the breeches will not pull on the rider's hips or pull down the pants. Additionally, the panel can prevent the pants from pulling on a belt which the rider might be wearing to keep the pants tight around the waist.
The riding pants can also have knee break portions 16(a) and 16(b) on each leg, and each knee break portion can have any suitable size and shape. In some aspects, the knee break portion can have a top-to-bottom height of between 3-8, between 4-8, or between 4-6 inches. As used herein, a top-to-bottom height or top-to-bottom length of X refers to the length from top to bottom of X when the riding pants are upright with the waist portion on top and the lower leg compression portions at the bottom (e.g., as shown in
The knee break portion can start at the upper calf and be a separate patch of fabric inserted into the pants. The knee break portion could end above the knee. The knee break portion 16(a) and 16(b) can allow for increased flexibility at the knee joint. The lower seam or edge of the knee break portions 16(a) and 16(b) can be connected to the upper seam or edge of the lower leg compression sleeves 14(a) and 14(b). The upper seam or edge of the knee break portions 16(a) and 16(b) can be connected to the lower seam or edge of the upper leg portions 12(a) and 12(b). It should be appreciated that the upper leg portion, the knee break portion, and the lower leg compression portion can comprise different and separate pieces of material coupled to one another (e.g., sewn, removably coupled). It should be appreciated that the waist portion, the upper leg portion, the knee break portion, and the lower leg compression portion can comprise different and separate pieces of material coupled to one another (e.g., sewn, removably coupled). It should be appreciated that the waist band, the stretch panel, the upper leg portion, the knee break portion, and the lower leg compression portion can comprise different and separate pieces of material coupled to one another (e.g., sewn, removably coupled). It should be appreciated that the upper leg portion, the knee break portion, and the lower leg compression portion can comprise separate pieces of material coupled to one another (e.g., sewn, removably coupled). It should be appreciated that the waist portion, the upper leg portion, the knee break portion, and the lower leg compression portion can comprise separate pieces of material coupled to one another (e.g., sewn, removably coupled). It should be appreciated that the waist band, the stretch panel, the upper leg portion, the knee break portion, and the lower leg compression portion can comprise separate pieces of material coupled to one another (e.g., sewn, removably coupled).
Thus, specific examples of riding pants have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. While the disclosure largely relates to riding pants for equestrians, it should be appreciated that the pants described herein may be used by non-equestrians, for example, as everyday wear pants, as motorcycle riding pants, or as exercise pants. While examples and variations of the many aspects of the invention have been disclosed and described herein, such disclosure is provided for purposes of explanation and illustration only. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment or implementation. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or a single exclusive embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or one or more implementations.
Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.
Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C.
All structural and functional equivalents to the components of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.
Claims
1. Riding pants for a wearer, comprising:
- a waist portion;
- a first upper leg portion and a second upper leg portion;
- a first lower leg compression portion coupled to the first upper leg portion;
- a second lower leg compression portion coupled to the second upper leg portion; and
- wherein the first lower leg compression portion is configured to provide a first compression pressure to a first leg of the wearer.
2. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the second lower leg compression portion is configured to provide a second compression pressure to a second leg of the wearer.
3. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the first compression pressure of between 5-50 mmHg.
4. The riding pants of claim 3, wherein the first compression pressure of between 10-30 mmHg.
5. The riding pants of claim 3, wherein the first compression pressure of between 20-45 mmHg.
6. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the first lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of an elastane material.
7. The riding pants of claim 6, wherein the first lower leg compression portion is made at least in part of a nylon and an elastane material.
8. The riding pants of claim 6, wherein the first lower leg compression portion comprises at least 15% elastane.
9. The riding pants of claim 6, wherein the first lower leg compression portion comprises at least 25% elastane.
10. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the first lower leg compression portion has a gradient of elasticity.
11. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the first lower leg compression portion is made by circular knitting.
12. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the first lower leg compression portion is made by flat knitting.
13. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the first lower leg compression portion comprises a sleeve sized and dimensioned to extend from at least one of a first knee portion and the first upper leg portion to a first ankle of the wearer.
14. The riding pants of claim 1, further comprising a first knee break portion between the first upper leg portion and the first lower leg compression portion, wherein the first knee break portion is made of a material different than the first lower leg compression portion.
15. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the waist portion comprises an adjustment mechanism.
16. The riding pants of claim 1, wherein the waist portion comprises a stretch panel.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 5, 2021
Publication Date: May 5, 2022
Inventor: Amanda BARD (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 17/520,337
