Multifunctional Support Garment

Abstract

A multifunctional support garment for support of a pelvic region and abdomen of a wearer having an open torso portion extending into a respective pair of integral hollow leg members, a waistband configured for supporting the abdomen region, a gusset member adjoined to corresponding upper edges of the pair of hollow leg members configured for providing an adaptive pelvic support junction and a hammock member that may be detachable having a pair of opposed elongate detached side edges disposed between an anterior terminus and a posterior terminus, wherein the hammock member bolsters the pelvic support junction and providing a platform for adhering an absorbent pad.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This continuation in part application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/132,854, filed on Dec. 23, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/121,634filed on Dec. 4, 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to support garments. More particularly, the invention provides a support garment having a pelvic support junction configured to support the pelvic floor and a platform for incorporating or attaching an absorbent matrix such as an absorbent pad, for shielding bodily secretions or discharges from leaking, and has particular efficacy during pregnancy and exercise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Strain and resulting adverse symptoms and effects associated with intense and endurance exercise, such as, for example, injuries, weakened or compromised conditions, as well as, pregnancy impacting the lower torso, including weakened or injured spinal, circulatory or musculature or other anatomical dysfunction are becoming increasingly prevalent as lifestyles and work of the modern populace has become increasingly sedentary. Such conditions are often caused and/or exacerbated by overuse caused by wear and tear, pelvic floor dysfunction weakness such as, for example, in lichen sclerosus characterized by thin and highly reactive skin, obesity, pregnancy, menses and incontinence sometimes resulting in embarrassing leakage of bodily fluids A confluence of factors, such as, for example, sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, poor posture and physical labor involving handling and lifting heavy objects, may exert pressure placing strain on the pelvic floor and adjacent muscles, skeletal framework and organs that may devolve into debilitating pain and injury. As a result of the adverse impact of such lifestyle habits and resulting weakening of the body core musculature, dysfunction associated with weight and strain imposed on the pelvic floor and lower torso region is common.

Exacerbation of conditions imposing pelvic floor and lower torso strain as a woman's body undergoes pronounced anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy is a particular concern. The additional weight and strain of a growing fetus in the uterus imposes increasing weight and associated strain on the prenatal woman's pelvic floor and surrounding anatomical and circulatory systems as the pregnancy progresses. Potential adverse impacts from the weight gain and added pressure on the pelvic region during pregnancy include, for example, impeding blood flow and associated fluid retention manifested as swelling in her lower limbs, varicose veins, and skeletal and joint injuries, as well as, debilitating pain, often worsening during the latter stages of the pregnant.

An additional problem, particularly prevalent following natural childbirth through the birth canal, in post-natal women is heavy uterine discharge and incontinence, particularly during exercise. In the past, women have resorted to using large, thick absorbent pads and undergarments for securing them in the crotch area.

Unfortunately, several drawbacks are attendant to such conventional piecemeal support garments, including bulky layers, unsightly bulges, lines, or crevices associated with uneven peripheries and seams of multiple layers of garments, e.g., underpants, girdles, hosiery and/or outerwear. Hence, although various undergarments and support accessories have been devised and combined to support the lumbar region of the spine and shield discharged bodily fluids from leakage, conventional apparel and accessories fall short of addressing prevalent and widespread problems associated with pelvic floor and lower torso strain, that may be exacerbated by prenatal weight gain. That is, conventional support garments lack sufficient compression and support for the pelvic floor and region and associated skeletal structure and abdominal organs. A further drawback for conventional support accessories and protective undergarments includes the bulk of multiple layers are uncomfortable and may detract from the smooth appearance of the wearer's outerwear. Hence, there is a persisting need for a streamlined, facile, comfortable and adaptive support garment with improved support to counteract the pressure and strain on the pelvic floor and lower torso region, particularly for prenatal women, and thereby reduce the attendant adverse impacts such as described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Addressing such and other unsolved problems and persisting needs, the invention described and claimed herein provides a multifunctional support garment having features providing flexible, adaptive and firm support of the pelvic and abdominal regions of a wearer, particularly the pelvic floor and lower abdomen. A particularly advantageous feature of the present invention is a pelvic support junction configured and oriented to bolster the pelvic support junction while simultaneously providing a platform for adhering absorbent pads in a versatile garment that can be worn alone, as an undergarment, or as outerwear. According to various embodiments of the present invention, this multifunctional support garment has an open torso portion having an upper portion configured for fitted conformance about a lower torso of the wearer and a unitary lower portion bifurcating along a midline to form symmetrical hollow leg members.

An inner top periphery of the open torso portion along an upper portion at the bifurcating split of the hollow leg members is spaced back from at least a rear portion of a crotch region extends back toward a rear side of the upper torso portion and merge to form a symmetrically centered concavity in a rear side of the open torso portion. The inner top periphery including the symmetrically centered concavity is adjoined along a continuous seam to a corresponding gusset member configured to adaptively provide pelvic support junction. Embodiments of the present invention further feature a waistband having a broader front portion configured for spanning at least a portion of the wearer's abdomen and tapering to a rear portion configured for spanning at least a portion of the wearer's lower back, wherein a bottom periphery of the waistband is adjoined to a corresponding upper periphery of the open torso portion so as to support at least a portion of the wearer's pelvic region. A yet further feature of embodiment of the present invention includes a hammock member having detached opposing side edges disposed between an anterior terminus and a posterior terminus. In various embodiments of the present invention, the anterior terminus and the posterior terminus are respectively centered on a midline of a front side of the open torso portion and a midline of a rear side of the open torso portion.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the anterior terminus of the hammock member is adjoined between upper edge of the front side of the open torso portion and a lower edge of the front portion of the waistband such that the hammock member is centered at a midline of the front of the open torso portion and the posterior terminus of the hammock member is affixed between an upper edge of the rear of the open torso portion and a corresponding posterior edge of the gusset member such that the hammock member is centered at a midline of the rear of the open torso portion. Embodiments of the present multifunctional support garment thus simultaneously provides a pelvic support junction configured to support the pelvic floor and a platform for incorporating or attaching an absorbent matrix such as an absorbent pad. Various embodiments further feature a detachable hammock member having fasteners for attaching the anterior terminus and posterior terminus to respective portions of the open torso portion adjoined or adjacent to middle portions of the bottom edge of front and rear sides of the waistband.

Such embodiments feature adjoining the gusset member to corresponding uppermost inner top peripheries of the pair of hollow leg members, wherein the gusset member is configured and oriented to adaptively cradle the pelvic support junction. The overlaying hammock member posterior terminus is conjoined to a rear edge of the gusset member along a middle portion of the rear side of the open torso portion spaced back from a crotch region of the multifunctional support garment to thereby conjunctively provide an adaptively compressive platform of the wearer's pelvic floor. In various embodiments of the present invention, the gusset member is configured to line at least a portion of a wearer's inner thighs and may also extend toward the front side of the open torso portion. The gusset member may extend to the upper edge of the open torso portion in some embodiments.

According to the various embodiments of the present invention, the hammock member anterior terminus is adjoined between an upper edge of the front side of the open torso portion and a lower edge of the front portion of the waistband. The posterior terminus of the hammock member is adjoined between a corresponding posterior edge of the gusset member and the inner top periphery of an upper portion of the leg member. Thus disposing the hammock member provides firm support of the pelvic support junction and securely positions the hammock member along the pubic crease where bodily waste is discharged. Open side edges between the anterior terminus and posterior terminus of the hammock member configure a sling providing a snug and secure platform for detachable attachment of an absorbent pad.

The pelvic support junction provided by the present invention, as illustrated in the various figures and described herein includes a hammock member that may have various shapes, compositions, and linings providing analogous functions and advantages as described herein. As used herein, “hammock member” and “sling” refers to an open-sided platform attached to an interior of this multifunctional support garment so as to line the crotch region extending along a region underlying at least the pubic crease and adjacent pelvic region between an area proximate to the pelvic bone in the anterior of the open torso portion and an area proximate to the anal area when worn providing functionalities as described in detail below. Features of the illustrated embodiment are especially efficacious for support of a developing fetus and the abdominal organs of a maternal woman, and the large muscles of the core and legs during intense or sustained endurance exercise.

As used herein, “gusset member”, refers to a piece of fabric of the multifunctional garment including leggings of the present invention that may be provided in various configurations and sizes dimensioned and adjoined to corresponding inner seams of leg members whereby the gusset member spans at least a portion of a crotch region and may be expanded to also abut at least a portion of a weaer's abdomen, lower rear torso, inner thighs and inner calves. The gusset member imparts flexibility and reduces constriction such that the garment conformably hugs the abutted portions of the wearer's body. n. The gusset member according to various embodiments of the present invention may be seamlessly elongated into a frontal panel and/or a rear panel configured for covering the wearer's respective front and/or rear lower torso. The gusset member may in various embodiments of the present invention be seamlessly elongated to form inner leg panels configured for abutting at least a portion of a wearer's inner thigh. In some embodiments, the gusset member be configured to abut at least a portion of the wearer's inner calf as well as the inner thigh.

As used herein, “edge” or “periphery” encompasses an outer border of a garment piece extending to and including a seam adjoining pieces or members of the multifunctional support garment of the present invention. Accordingly, an adjoined or conjoined “edge” or periphery” includes the border of the material from the seam to the outer edge of the member or piece of the garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 2 illustrates pattern pieces for cutting the multifunctional support garment shown in FIGS. 1-1C from a double layer of fabric.

FIG. 3 illustrates the multifunctional support garment with phantom lines showing the hammock member in use supporting an absorbent pad.

FIG. 3A illustrates the back of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIG. 3

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a close-up of the hammock member broken out from the multifunctional support garment according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment having leg members without outer side seams.

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a side exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment having a rear edge of gusset member and hammock member in the rear panel extended toward the waistband.

FIG. 7B illustrates a rear exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates a side exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 8A illustrates a front exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment having a gusset member extended downwardly between inner faces of the leg members.

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear exterior surface of the multifunctional support garment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C illustrates a cutaway showing an exterior surface of the inner right leg member of FIGS. 8A-8B.

FIG. 9A illustrates an interior surface of the front side of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9B illustrates an interior surface of the rear side of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9C illustrates an exterior side surface of the multifunctional support garment shown in Figs. with the concealed hammock member and gusset member depicted in phantom lines.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along lines 10-10 shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 11 illustrates the detachable hammock member shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 1-11 depicting the multifunctional support garments 10, 10′, 10″ and 20 in the form of leggings featuring a gusset member and a hammock member juxtapositioned to support a wearer's pelvic floor and abdomen and further providing a platform for absorbent pads while facilitating a wide range of movement are detailed below.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, more specific aspects of some of the illustrated embodiments include a waistband 6 configured as a continuous loop including a front side and a rear side. In some embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 1-6C, the waistband has a broader front portion configured to span about and thereby support a wearer's abdomen that tapers to a rear portion for fitted conformance about the lower back. Such support may be further enhanced by folding the waistband downwardly toward the pubic bone to increase the upward pressure. The resulting gird is particularly efficacious during the latter maternal stages and for providing post-delivery-compression and support of the wearer's abdominal organs and pelvic floor and facilitating bonding of the skin and healing of a Cesarian section incision site.

Now referring to FIG. 2 illustrating unassembled pattern pieces together with FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C respectively illustrating front, back and side views of assembled multifunctional support garment 10, the juxtaposition of the pattern pieces cut from a doubled single length of fabric is shown. As shown, front panel 2F includes a front side of open torso portion 2 bifurcating in a lower portion at crotch region 2C to form a front side of leg members 4. A rear panel 2R includes a rear side of open torso portion 2 bifurcating at crotch region 2C to form a rear side of leg members 4. Perpendicularly disposed from opposing ends of the respective top edges of front panel 2F and rear panel 2R are an opposed pair of outer side edges. A pair of inner side edges 21 extend from crotch region 2C of front panel 2F. A pair of corresponding inner side edges 21 in rear panel 2R extend below an inner top periphery and merge in a substantially transverse seam 2T spaced back from crotch region 2C toward a rear side of waistband 6. Adjoining corresponding pair of rear outer side edges 20 and corresponding pair of inner side edges 21 of front panel 2F and rear panel 2R to form an aligned top edge as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C configures upper torso portion 2 adjoined at seam 8 toward a bottom edge of waistband 6 and unitary leg members 4 for fitted conformance to at least a portion of the wearer's legs. Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, gusset member 12 configured for adaptive cradling of a crotch region of the wearer and is adjoined in alignment to a corresponding upper portion of inner side edges 21 of front panel 2F and rear panel 2R merging to form a continuous inner top periphery along a substantially transverse seam 2T of the upper torso portion 2 at a bifurcating juncture of hollow leg enclosures 4 spaced away from a crotch region 2C.

Hammock member 14 has an anterior terminus 14A adjoined toward a bottom edge of waistband 6 at middle portion of lower edge 6A and a posterior terminus 14B adjoined together with a posterior edge 12B of gusset member 12 by a substantially transverse seam 2T along an inner top periphery of the adjoined pair of inner seams 21 such that at least a rear portion of gusset member 12 forms a middle portion disposed in rear panel 2R whereto a respective corresponding posterior edge 12B of gusset member 12 and posterior terminus 14B of hammock member 14 are adjoined.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-2, such adjoined alignment of corresponding inner side edges 21 and outer side edges 20 of the front panel 2F and the rear panel 2R forms a pair of symmetrical hollow leg members 4 configured for fitted conformance with at least a portion of the wearer's legs bifurcating from crotch region 2C of an open torso portion 2 configured for fitted conformance with the wearer's lower torso. A lower edge 6A disposed in a middle portion of waistband 6 is adjoined to a corresponding top edge of a middle portion of the open torso portion 2 where the anterior terminus 14A of hammock member 14 is simultaneously adjoined in seam 8 along a middle portion toward the lower edge 6A of waistband 6 and the top edge of the lower torso portion 2 such that anterior terminus 14A is centered on the front of the waistband 6 and front panel 2F and the posterior terminus 14B is adjoined between a posterior edge 12B of gusset member 12 and substantially transverse seam 2T of the concave inner periphery of adjoined rear leg portions of rear panel 2R such that the posterior terminus 14B is disposed in a middle portion spaced back from the crotch region of the rear panel 2R. A front edge 12A of gusset member 12 is attached along seams adjoining a corresponding upper portion of inner side edges 21 and top inner periphery 2T of the rear side of open torso portion 2.

A particular advantageous feature of-various embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7C, is that side edges of hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ are detached and thereby form a sling for underlying the pubic crease and adjacent pelvic region imparting pelvic floor support region for a wearer. As may be most clearly depicted in FIGS. 2A, 6A, 7A anterior terminus 14A, 14A′, 14A″ of hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ are adjoined, e.g., by sewing, to a respective middle portion the open torso portion 2, 2′, 2″ so as to orient the front portion of hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ proximal to the pubic bone of a wearer. Now referring to FIGS. 2B, 6B, 6C, 7B and 7C, posterior terminus 14B, 14B′, 14B″ of hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ are adjoined proximate to a rear edge of gusset member 12, 12′,12″ and substantially transverse inner top periphery seam 2T such that opposed side edges of the hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ are left detached. Thus adjoining hammock member 14, gusset member 12, 12′, 12″, waistband 6, 6′, 6″ and upper torso portion 2, 2′, 2″ such as depicted in the illustrated configurations provides a nexus of pelvic floor support. In embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 1- 7C, opposing anterior and posterior terminuses of the hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ respectively sewn along seam 8 conjoining a middle portion of the front side of the open torso portion 2, 2′, 2″ toward a middle portion of the bottom edge 6A of waistband 6 and the corresponding top edge of the rear side of open torso portion 2, 2′, 2″ whereto a back edge of gusset member 12, 12′, 12″ is adjoined along a middle portion of the rear side of seam 8. Opposing side edges of hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ are detached to simultaneously provide adaptive support and a platform for attachment of absorbent pad 16.

Attachment of the anterior terminus of the hammock member 14 and 14D to an upper edge of the front side of the open torso portion toward lower edge 6A of the waistband 6 so the attachment seam 8 is proximal to the pelvic bone when worn and posterior terminus 14B toward a rear edge of gusset member 12 comfortably orients hammock member 14 along the sensitive perineum region of the pubic crease and leverages compressive pressure imparted by the pelvic support junction and supporting the pelvic floor when properly fitted about a wearer. The configuration and juxtaposition of gusset member 12, hammock member 14, waistband 6 and open torso portion 2 imparts upward compression for support of the pelvic floor and organs thereby enhancing lifting action to thereby support a wearer's pelvic floor and surrounding musculature, as well as, associated skeletal structure, circulatory system and organs.

FIGS. 8A-11 illustrate exemplary configuring of the pelvic support junction components of the present multifunctional support garment whereby an elongated gusset member 12L extends downward from a transverse seam 2T in a rear side of open torso portion 22 extending upward to within about 3-4 inches of waistband 26 to seamlessly line the inner thighs of a wearer with particular utility for equestrian, bicycling or motor sports applications. As best shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, gusset member 12L extends around an elongated area of the inner portions of leg members 22 between opposed parallel seams extending from a front portion of seam 26S adjoined to a bottom edge of waistband 26 to a top edge of open torso portion 22 to form an inner leg panel extending from opposed seams in the front and rear sides of leg members 24. In various embodiments of this multifunctional support garment 20 as illustrated, the lower portion of open torso portion 22 bifurcated along a pair of inner seams defining a pair of leg members 24 is spaced back from crotch region 2C and are adjoined to gusset member 12L along a pair of opposed seams disposed longitudinally along corresponding front and rear sides of leg members 24 that descend to converge to form inner seams 121 along a portion of the inner seams configured to fit about a lower portion of the wearer's legs, preferably below the knees. As best shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B, seams adjoining gusset member 12L and leg members 24 ascend to open torso portion 22. The rear panel seams merge in the rear side of open torso portion 22 to form substantially transverse seam 22T. The front panel seams extend along a longitudinal axis and are perpendicularly adjoined between a corresponding bottom edge of waistband 26 and top edge of open torso portion 22. In various embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8A-9C, substantially transverse seam 22T is spaced no more than one half of a distance between top edge seam 26S of the open torso portion and the posterior edge 12A of crotch region 22C, as shown in FIG. 8. In various embodiments, substantially transverse seam 26T is less than five inches and, in some embodiment, is less than three or four inches from seam 26S adjoining the bottom edge of the waistband 26.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9C, various embodiments of the multifunctional support leggings according to the present invention further include a pair of leg members 24 having a top edge adjoined to opposed left and right sides of the bottom edge of the waistband 26 wherein each of the pair of leg members has a front side edge and a rear side edge longitudinally disposed between the front top edge and the bottom edge. As further exemplified in FIGS. 8B and 9B, an uppermost portion of the rear side edges of the open torso portion 22 adjacent to the bottom periphery of the rear portion of the waistband 26 are adjoined along a substantially perpendicular axis in an upper vertical seam substantially centered on a rear side of the open torso portion, and the rear sides of the pair of leg members have opposed substantially transverse edges perpendicularly disposed along a bottom edge of the upper vertical seam and the rear side edges descend downwardly to form a rear opening having symmetrical sides, and wherein the rear side edges are disposed along a substantially longitudinal axis As shown in the latter embodiment, gusset member 12L may be bifurcated to form a pair of elongate side panels continuously adjoined to at least an upper portion of the front side edge and the rear side edge of the leg members. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A, gusset member 12L may be further elongated to form an integral front panel configured for abutting at least a portion of the wearer's front lower torso that has a front edge adjoined to a middle portion of the bottom edge of the front side of the waistband so as to abut at least portion of the wearer's abdomen. As further depicted in FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9C, gusset member 12L may be elongated and configured for abutting at least a portion a wearer's rear lower torso 22 to form an integral rear panel attached along a substantially transverse seam 22T of the rear side of open torso portion 22. As shown in FIG. 8C, the front side seam and the rear side seam of the leg members of various embodiments may be adjoined along a lower portion extending to the bottom edge.

As with other embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 1-7, embodiments exemplified in FIGS. 8A-8C and FIGS. 9A-9C include hammock member having opposed elongate side edges disposed between an anterior terminus and a posterior terminus, wherein the anterior terminus is attached to a middle portion of an upper edge of the front panel or a lower edge of the front portion of the waistband to thereby form a detachable sling configured for underlying a pubic crease and adjacent pelvic region of the wearer, wherein the gusset member and the hammock member are juxtapositioned so as to provide a pelvic support junction configured to support the pelvic floor of the wearer.

In various embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C and 11, hammock member 14D may be attached b one of more detachable fasteners. As shown, detachable hammock member 14D includes anterior terminus which is detachably adjoined to a middle section of the top edge of the open torso portion 22 and a corresponding bottom edge of the front side 26S of waistband 26 by detachable fasteners 14F of which corresponding snaps and closures are affixed on an aligned back surface proximate to an anterior edge of hammock member 14L and an aligned respective interior surface on the front side of the open torso portion proximate to a bottom seam of waistband 26. An aligned snap and closure of rear fastener 14R affixed proximate to a posterior terminus of hammock member 14D is adjoined to an interior surface of rear side of the open torso portion 22 proximate or along a bottom edge of waistband 26.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C and 11, the detachable fasteners are schematically depicted as snaps 14F and 14R. However, various alternative commercially available fasteners may be used to detachably affix hammock member 14D. Such detachable fasteners may include, without limitation, are snaps, buttons and holes, and hook and loop material. In various configurations exemplified by hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ such as illustrated in FIGS. 3-3C, 6-6C, 7A-7C and 8A-8C may also be provided in a detachable configuration.

A yet further advantage imparted by the conjoined configuration and orientation of gusset member 12, 12′, 12″ and 12L, hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ and 14D, open torso portion 2, 2′, 2″ and 22 and waistband 6, 6′, 6″ and 26 of support garment 10, 10″, 10′″, 10″″ and 20 is an expanded range of motion enabled by the added flexibility of the sling configuration and seam configuration, as detailed in the following paragraph, of the pelvic support junction depicted as a hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ and 14D in the accompanying figures whereby the crotch region 2C, 22C of the support garment comfortably moves with the wearer without constricting pressure being exerted to localized portions including the side edges of the hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ and 14D. It can therefore be seen that when properly fitted, the configuration of gusset member 12, 12′, 12″ and 12L, and hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ and 14D, together with their tethered conjunction to waistband 6, 6′, 6″ and 26 and open torso portion 2, 2′, 2″ and 22 enhances freedom of movement and averts clinging to the pubic crease, including the sensitive perineum region and adjacent pelvic surface. Hence, the pelvic support junction of the present support garment exemplified by the illustrated embodiment provides a flexible and durable yet comfortable sling platform readily adaptable to a wearer's motion.

In addition to adaptively conforming and thereby enhancing a wearer's range of motion, the adjoined orientation and juxtaposition of the gusset member, hammock member relative to waistband and open torso portion as shown in the various embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 imparts a yet further advantage of improving adaptive strength and durability by distributing pressure or strain exerted in the crotch region by hip and pelvic motion along the curvilinear seams converging at opposed anterior terminus 14A and posterior terminus 14B junctions. This configuration disperses the strain that is imposed on a single point where four seams—inner seams of the leg members and front and back lower torso seams—converge in a corner rendering the crotch region of such conventional designs prone to splitting and tearing due to the focused strain of a wearer's movement. In contrast, the multifunctional support garment according to the various embodiments of the present invention distributes such strain of movement across dual seams between the gusset member and inner hollow leg portion of the open torso portion and the fabric therebetween attenuates wear and tear exerted on the crotch region by leg, hip and pelvic motion associated with walking, bending, stretching and any movement involving the lower body. Hence, in addition to providing enhanced range of motion, the configuration of the gusset member enhances the strength and durability of the multifunctional support garment of the present invention as compared to conventional leggings and pant designs having four corners joining four seams together in the crotch region which are prone to splitting and tearing.

Among the multifarious efficacies and advantages provided by the open-sided sling configuration of the hammock member and juxtaposition of the gusset member is the unconstrained range of movement about the pelvic region facilitated thereby. That is, the dual point attachment of the anterior terminus to waistband and the posterior terminus of the hammock member to the posterior edge of the gusset member thereby harnessing the pelvic support junction imparts a firmly supportive yet adaptable fit that comfortably accommodates wide range of motion of the wearer.

Another advantage of the hammock member of the present invention such as exemplified the accompanying illustrated embodiments is provision of an adaptive platform for attaching an absorbent pad. The open sides of the hammock member are particularly adaptable and facile as a platform for comfortably securing a bulky postpartum absorbent pad 16 such as illustrated in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the open sides are configured to enable adhering wing tabs extending from opposed sides of an absorbent pad 16 to an underlying portion of the hammock member. In obviating the need for multiple garments or layers for lower torso support and attaching absorbent pads or shields to protect against inadvertent leakage of bodily fluids, the various embodiments of the present invention provide a support garment provide a streamlined single layered garment without bulky layers or unsightly bulges, lines, or crevices associated with uneven peripheries and seams of multiple layers of garments.

An additional efficacy imparted by the detached side edges of hammock member enables attaching adhesive backed wing tabs to the underside of the hammock member. By thus adhering wing tabs of an absorbent pad around the opposed side of edges to the bottom surface of the hammock member imparts advantages of enhancing the secure bonding and shielding from leakage of bodily fluids of a wearer in a single garment thereby affording the efficacies afforded by the support garment of the present invention including, without limitation, convenience and streamlined appearance.

In addition to simultaneously providing compressive support of the pelvic floor abdomen that simultaneously enhances range of motion and comfort, as well as, a platform for attaching absorbent pads for shielding bodily fluid discharges from leakage, a yet further advantage of the gusset member and hammock member configuration of the present invention is the capability of sizing the support junction in accordance with the size of the leggings and a particular application. In particular, the parameters of the support junction may be conformed to a wearer's anatomy, activity or application by adapting the parameters of the gusset member and hammock member to the size grading of the leggings or other support garment according to various embodiments of the present invention. Hence, the configuration and orientation of the gusset member provides enhanced convenience, comfort, range of movement, smooth appearance and enables attachment of protective absorbent pads without additional undergarments.

It can therefore readily be seen that multiple efficacies and advantages are provided by the sling configuration and juxtaposition of the hammock member and gusset member in the pelvic support junction and waistband of the support garment according to the present invention. As described in detail and illustrated herein, the various embodiments of the present invention simultaneously provide in a single garment, durable and adaptable fit that optimizes range of motion while maintaining firm pelvic floor and abdominal support without the inconvenience, unsightly lines, bulk and/or potential discomfort of an added layer of underwear or support bands or accessories, or undergarments.

Suitable materials for the present support garment include any flexible fabric or textile having a smooth, comfortable surface and texture adaptable to the contour of a wearer, and are preferably stretchable, durable, wicking and/or absorbent. It is particularly preferred to include an absorbent material in the various embodiments of the hammock member of the present invention. Exemplary fabrics include may be synthetic and include, for example, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, spandex and blends thereof. Suitable textiles also include natural fibers including cotton, bamboo, wools, silks and blends of synthetic materials and/or natural fibers. Preferred embodiments also include elasticized or stretchable components such as, for example, spandex, polyester, neoprene, rubber and blends thereof. The waistband 6 of the current invention is preferably composed of highly expandable compression material including, for example, commercially available spandex and polyester blends.

Embodiments including the illustrated design may utilize expandable seams that may be sewn with slack capable of expanding when pulled and/or configured with commercially available elasticized thread. Some preferred embodiments may employ triple stitching in adjacent parallel lines are sewn such as illustrated in the figures to thereby provide flat, even, durable and flexible or expandable seams. Alternatively, zig zag stitching, laser or heat welding or other suitable mode for affixing the seams of this invention may be employed.

The waistband, gusset member, hammock member, and open torso portion combination providing the pelvic support junction and associated advantages may be incorporated in variously designed garments, patterns and designs exemplified in, but not limited to, FIGS. 1-11.

Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A-11, it is readily seen that multifunctional support garment 10′, 10″, and 20 includes a waistband 6′, 6″ and 26 having a bottom periphery that is adjoined to a top edge of open torso portion 2′, 2″ and 22 configured for fitted conformance about at least a lower torso of the wearer bifurcating at a midline at a crotch region 2S to form leg members 4, 4′, 4″ and 24. As shown in FIGS. 1-10, an inner top periphery of inner seams 2I and 22I of leg members 4, 4′, 4′ and 24 curve or angle inwardly toward a middle portion of a rear side of open torso portion 2′, 2″ and 22 so as to merge along substantially transverse seam 2T′, 2T″ and 22T. At a crotch region 2S inner seams 2I and 22I of leg members 4, 4′, 4′ and 24 are adjoined to corresponding edges of gusset member 12′, 12″ and 12L to enable adaptive motion while simultaneously bolstering pelvic support junction for the muscles, skeletal components and adjacent organs of the lower abdomen as exemplified in the various embodiments of the multifunctional support garment shown in FIGS. 1-7C.

A particularly efficacious feature providing adaptive compression for the pelvic support junction, as shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 6B, 6C, 7B, 7C, and 9B, 9C, of the illustrated embodiments is gusset member 12, 12′, 12″ and 12L, which is configured to correspond with inner edges of hollow leg members 4, 4′, 4″ and 24 and a rear portion of open torso portion 2, 2′, 2″ and 22 so as to form an adaptive matrix extending between the crotch region 2C and 22C and the rear side of upper torso portion 2, 2′, 2″ and 22. Affixing the posterior terminus 14B, 14B′, 14B″ and 14L of hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ and 14L to a portion of the rear edge of the gusset member 12, 12′, 12″ and 12L within or proximate to a seam 6A, 26S thereby snugly seats hammock member 14, 14′, 14″ and 14L along the length of a wearer's pubic crease extending between a lower edge-of waistband 6, 6′, 6″ and 26 to the substantially transverse seam 6A, 26S on the rear side of open torso portion 2′, 2″ and 22 imparts compressive support to the pelvic floor. As best shown in FIGS. 3A, 7B-7C, 8B, 8C, 9B, 9C gusset member 12, 12′, 12″ and 12L corresponding inner top periphery 2T, 2T′ and 22T on the rear side of upper torso 2, 2′, 2″ and 22 may be variously dimensioned.

In various embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9C, leg members 22 have a front side with a front side edge and a rear side having a rear side edge with aligned top edges adjoined to a bottom periphery 26S on the left side and the right side of waistband 26. An uppermost portion of the rear side edges of the open torso portion of leg members 22 adjacent to the bottom periphery of the rear portion of the waistband are adjoined along a substantially perpendicular axis in an upper vertical seam substantially centered on a rear side of the open torso portion. The rear sides of the pair of leg members have opposed substantially transverse edges perpendicularly disposed along a bottom edge of the upper vertical seam and the rear side edges descend downwardly to form a rear panel having rear side edges extended from the substantially transverse edges toward a crotch region, and wherein the rear side edges are disposed in substantially parallel alignment along a substantially longitudinal axis in a direction toward a crotch region so as to orient the substantially transverse edges at least three inches from the bottom periphery of the rear portion of the waistband.

In such latter embodiments, gusset member 12L spanning a crotch region has an integral front panel adjoined to at least an upper portion of the front side edge and an integral rear panel adjoined to an upper portion of the rear side edge of the leg member 24. As shown, gusset member 12L is elongated to form an integral front panel for abutting at least a portion of a wearer's abdomen, wherein the integral front panel has a front edge that is adjoined to a middle portion of the bottom edge 26S of the front side of the waistband 26 so as to abut at least portion of the wearer's abdomen. The integral rear panel of gusset member 12L is adjoined along the substantially transverse edge of the integral rear panel to form a substantially transverse seam 22T along at least a portion of a rear side of the lower open torso portion 22. As further illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9C, gusset member 14L is bifurcated into elongate inner leg panels adjoined to corresponding front side edges of leg members 24 along front side seams and adjoined to corresponding rear side edges of the leg members 22 along rear side seams and configured for abutting at least a portion of an inner thighs of the wearer, and wherein a lower portion of the front side edges and the rear side edges of leg members 22 merge to form a pair of opposing inner seams 12I of the pair of inner leg panels of gusset member 12L adjoining the front panels and rear panels of leg members 24, as shown in FIG. 8C.

In order to protect a wearer's skin from irritation, chafing, soreness and abrasions particularly prevalent in endurance and high impact sports, a particularly advantageous feature of the various embodiments is provided by including in at least a portion of the gusset member and/or hammock member of the various embodiments, particularly such as exemplified in FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9C, an absorbent or wicking and/or resilient material for cushioning and absorbing friction and impact force. Providing such a material combined with compressive support of the wearer's abdominal, pelvic and leg musculature and skeletal systems and adjacent organs provides the additional advantage of containing the movement of organs and muscles during vigorous and extended exercise or movement thereby reducing risk of strains and pulls renders the depicted leggings embodiments of the present invention well suited for activities and exercises involving repetitive and continuous bumping, jostling and rubbing such as equestrian and endurance sports.

In sum, the multifunctional support garment of the present invention simultaneously provides comfortable, streamlined, adaptable, reliable and durable support of the pelvic floor and lower abdomen and a well-positioned platform along the pubic crevice and pelvic region for absorbing body fluids and free range of motion in the crotch region while imparting a pelvic support junction. By so providing compressive pelvic floor support together with abdominal support, a platform for incorporating and/or attaching absorbent feminine or adult outerwear shields in a comfortable in a flexibly adaptive pelvic support junction enabling free range of motion in the crotch region, the present multifunctional support garment integrates functionalities of undergarments, support accessories and absorbent pads and shield mounting systems in a single, streamlined and versatile garment that can be worn as a single layer or overlaid by outerwear.

The description herein is not intended to delimit the scope of this invention which extends to various embodiments of the support garment of the present invention. For example, the pelvic support junction could be integrated with the open torso portion and hollow leg members of the present invention. In alternative embodiments, the pelvic support junction could extend downwardly and be joined along a seam in the upper portion of the leg members. Other embodiments may employ a waistband disposed about the waist or upper abdomen or may gird the rib cage of the wearer. In further alternative embodiments, the gusset member 14 may alternatively be tacked onto upper edges of the hollow leg members in spaced intervals or along seams, that may be configured in a mirrored parabolic shaped along opposed peripheral edges of the gusset member.

It is therefore contemplated that other embodiments not illustrated in the drawings or described herein are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, configurations and combinations shown and described not specifically shown may diverge from those claimed and specified herein. The scope of the present invention thus includes any equivalent configuration or combination of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A multifunctional support garment, comprising:

a waistband configured to envelop and adaptively support an abutting portion of the wearer's torso, wherein the waistband has a front portion and a rear portion;

an open torso portion configured for fitted conformance with an abutting portion of the wearer's lower torso, wherein the open torso portion has an upper portion with a front side and a rear side having an aligned top edge, and wherein a bottom edge of the waistband and a top edge of the open torso portion are adjoined, and wherein a lower portion of the open torso portion is bifurcated at a crotch region along a pair of inner edges to form a pair of leg members extending downwardly along a substantially longitudinal axis from the front side and the rear side of the open torso portion, and wherein the rear side of the open torso portion has a substantially transverse edge extended back from the crotch region;

a gusset member configured for fitted correspondence with at least a portion of a wearer's lower torso, wherein the gusset member is continuously adjoined to an upper portion of the pair of inner edges of the leg members to form a pair of inner seams that merge in a substantially transverse seam adjoining the substantially transverse edge of the rear side of the open torso portion to a posterior edge of the gusset member; and

a hammock member having opposed elongate side edges disposed between an anterior terminus and a posterior terminus, wherein the anterior terminus is adjoined to a front portion of the waistband and a front side of the open torso portion such, and wherein the posterior terminus is adjoined to a corresponding rear edge of the gusset member and rear side of the open torso portion such that the hammock member provides a sling extending from a bottom portion of a front side of the waistband to the posterior end of the gusset member in the rear side of the open torso portion, and wherein the elongate side edges of the hammock member form a sling configured for underlying a pubic crease and adjacent pelvic region of the wearer to thereby bolster a pelvic floor of the wearer.

2. The multifunctional garment of claim 1, wherein the front portion of the waistband has a middle portion that widens between the bottom edge and a top edge of the waistband and wherein the waistband tapers toward the rear portion, wherein the rear portion is less wide between the bottom edge and the top edge than the front portion of the waistband.

3. The multifunctional support garment of claim 1, wherein an uppermost section of the substantially transverse seam of the rear side of the open torso portion is disposed less than half the distance between a front edge of the gusset member and the bottom edge of the waistband.

4. The multifunctional support garment of claim 1, where an uppermost section of the substantially transverse seam of the rear side of the open torso portion is spaced no more than five inches from the lower edge of the waistband.

5. The multifunctional support garment of claim 1, wherein the gusset member is bifurcated at the crotch region and elongated to form inner leg panels, and wherein the inner leg panels has outer edges adjoined to at least a portion of the pair of inner seams of the leg members so as to abut at least a portion of the wearer's inner thighs and wherein a lower portion of the front side edges and the rear side edges of the pair of leg members merge to form a descended inner seam extending below a bottom juncture of the gusset member with the front side edges and the rear side edges of the pair of leg members such that the descended inner seam extends toward the bottom edge of the pair of leg members.

6. The multifunctional support garment of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the gusset member includes a resilient material.

7. The multifunctional support garment of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the gusset member includes an absorbent material.

8. The multifunctional support garment of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the hammock member is an absorbent matrix.

9. The multifunctional support garment of claim 1, wherein the hammock member is configured for detachable attachment of an absorbent pad.

10. The multifunctional support garment of claim 1, wherein the pair of leg members comprise leggings configured for fitted conformance with at least a portion of the wearer's legs.

11. Multifunctional support leggings, comprising:

a waistband having a front portion and a rear portion continuously disposed between a left side and a right side disposed between a top periphery and a bottom periphery that are coterminous, wherein the waistband is configured for adaptive support of at least a portion of the wearer's lower torso;

a pair of leg members having an open torso portion with a front side and a rear side having respective top edges adjoined to a bottom periphery on the left side and the right side of the waistband, wherein each of the pair of leg members has a front portion with a front side edge and a rear portion with a rear side edge and the front side edges of the respective pair of leg members, wherein an uppermost portion of the rear side edges of the open torso portion adjacent to the bottom periphery of the rear portion of the waistband are adjoined along a substantially perpendicular axis in an upper vertical seam substantially centered on a rear side of the open torso portion, and the rear sides of the pair of leg members have opposed substantially transverse edges perpendicularly disposed along a bottom edge of the upper vertical seam and the rear side edges descend downwardly to form a rear panel having rear side edges extended from the substantially transverse edges toward a crotch region, and wherein the rear side edges are disposed in substantially parallel alignment along a substantially longitudinal axis in a direction toward the crotch region such that the substantially transverse edges are spaced downwardly a set distance from the bottom periphery of the rear portion of the waistband;

a gusset member spanning a crotch region and elongated to form an integral front panel configured for abutting at least a portion of the wearer's front lower torso, wherein the integral front panel has a top edge that is adjoined to a middle portion of the bottom periphery of the front side of the waistband so as to abut at least portion of the wearer's abdomen, wherein a pair of opposed side edges of the integral front panel are adjoined to at least an upper portion of the front side edges of the pair of side panels and wherein the gusset member has an integral rear panel adjoined to an upper portion of the rear side edges of the pair of leg members and wherein a back edge of the gusset member is adjoined along the opposed substantially transverse edges in a substantially transverse seam along at least a portion a rear side of the lower open torso portion, wherein the gusset member is bifurcated at the crotch region and elongated to form a pair of inner leg panels, and wherein the pair of inner leg panels have outer edges adjoined to at least a portion of the pair of inner seams of the leg members so as to abut at least a portion of the wearer's inner thighs and wherein a lower portion of the front side edges and the rear side edges of the pair of leg members merge to form a pair of opposing inner seams of the pair of inner leg panels of the gusset member, and wherein the opposing inner seams adjoin front panel and the side panel of each of the pair of leg members proximate to the bottom edges of the pair of leg members; and

a hammock member having opposed elongate side edges disposed between an anterior terminus and a posterior terminus, wherein the anterior terminus is attached to a middle portion of an upper edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the front portion of the waistband and wherein the posterior terminus is attached along a middle portion of a substantially transverse seam adjoining an upper edge of the rear panel and a posterior edge of the gusset member to thereby form a sling configured for underlying a pubic crease and adjacent pelvic region of the wearer, wherein the gusset member and the hammock member are juxtapositioned so as to provide a pelvic support junction configured to support the pelvic floor of the wearer.

12. The multifunctional support leggings of claim 11, wherein the set distance of an uppermost section of the substantially transverse seams are disposed less than half the distance between the crotch region and the lower edge of the rear side of the waistband.

13. The multifunctional support leggings of claim 11, wherein the set distance of an uppermost section of the substantially transverse seams are spaced no more than five inches from the lower edge of the waistband.

14. The multifunctional support leggings of claim 11, wherein the anterior terminus and posterior terminus of the hammock member are attached by detachable fasteners.

15. The multifunctional support garment of claim 14, wherein the corresponding detachable fasteners are members of the group consisting of snaps and snap closures, buttons and button holes, and hook and loop material.

16. The multifunctional support leggings of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the gusset member includes an absorbent material.

17. The multifunctional support leggings of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the gusset member includes a resilient material.

18. The multifunctional support leggings of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the hammock member includes an absorbent material.

19. The multifunctional support leggings of claim 18, wherein the absorbent material is an absorbent pad.

20. The multifunctional support leggings of claim 11, wherein the hammock member is configured for detachable attachment of an absorbent pad.