U.S. patent application number 12/648989 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-01 for athletic undergarment and riding breeches having same.
This patent application is currently assigned to SmartPak Equine LLC. Invention is credited to Melissa Hamlet.
Application Number | 20100167626 12/648989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42285530 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100167626 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamlet; Melissa |
July 1, 2010 |
ATHLETIC UNDERGARMENT AND RIDING BREECHES HAVING SAME
Abstract
Featured is an athletic undergarment that provides compressive
support in the legs and lower torso of a person and which is
composed of a breathable material appropriate for athletic use so
as to facilitate wicking of moisture away from the body and also
facilitating heat transfer from the body. In particular
embodiments, the athletic undergarment includes a first garment
portion that joins with itself to form a first leg support portion,
a second garment portion that joins with itself to form a second
leg support portion, a third portion that joins the first and
second portions to form a gusset, and the first and second portions
join with each other to form a torso support portion. Also featured
is a riding garment including riding breeches in which is securedly
disposed the undergarment of the present invention.
Inventors: |
Hamlet; Melissa; (Whitman,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Assignee: |
SmartPak Equine LLC
Plymouth
MA
|
Family ID: |
42285530 |
Appl. No.: |
12/648989 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61141125 |
Dec 29, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/95 ; 2/237;
2/406 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2400/38 20130101;
A41C 1/003 20130101; A41D 31/12 20190201; A41D 1/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/95 ; 2/237;
2/406 |
International
Class: |
A41C 1/00 20060101
A41C001/00; A41D 1/08 20060101 A41D001/08; A41B 9/04 20060101
A41B009/04 |
Claims
1. An athletic garment that provides aesthetic benefit by providing
compressive support in a person's legs and lower torso, comprising:
a first garment portion that joins with itself to form a first leg
support portion; a second garment portion that joins with itself to
form a second leg support portion; a third portion that joins the
first and second portions to form a gusset; and wherein the first
and second portions join with each other to form a torso support
portion.
2. The athletic garment of claim 1, wherein each of the leg support
portions are formed by joining each of the garment portions along a
seam on a proximal side of the leg support portions.
3. The athletic garment of claim 2, wherein the torso support
portion is further provided with an elastic band for holding the
garment around a waist region of the lower torso.
4. The athletic garment of claim 3, wherein the leg support
portions extends to at least a calf region of the legs.
5. The athletic garment of claim 4, wherein the leg support
portions further include a band of grippers, one for each leg
support portion, to prevent the leg portions from slipping up the
legs.
6. The athletic garment of claim 5, wherein the first second and
third portions are made from a blend of a wicking nylon and
polyester material such that the garment wicks moisture away from
the legs and the lower torso.
7. The athletic garment of claim 3, wherein the elastic band is
configured and sized so that the waistband of the undergarment does
not roll down when worn.
8. The athletic garment of claim 1, wherein the compressive support
in the lower torso is more intense so as to give the appearance of
a flatter stomach area.
9. The athletic garment of claim 6, wherein the first and second
garment portions are formed by orienting the material to provide
more compressive support along one of a horizontal or an axial
direction.
10. An athletic garment that provides compressive support in legs
and lower torso of a rider, comprising: a torso support portion; a
first leg portion and a second leg portion; a third portion;
wherein the torso support portion, the first and second leg
portions and the third portion are joined together so as to from a
unitary structure generally corresponding to the anatomical
structure of the rider; and wherein the torso support portion and
the first and second leg portions are composed of a material
configured and arranged so as to provide a compressive force to the
rider's opposed body parts and that wicks away moisture and heat
from the rider's body.
11. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein each of the first and
second leg support portions are formed by joining a garment portion
along a seam on a proximal side of the leg support portions.
12. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the torso support
portion is further provided with a resilient waistband configured
and arranged to hold the torso support portion around a waist
region of the lower torso of the rider.
13. The athletic garment of claim 12, wherein the first and second
leg support portions are configured and arranged so as to extend to
at least a calf region of the legs of the rider.
14. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein a distal end of the
first and second leg support portions is configured and arranged so
as to prevent the respective leg portion from slipping up the
legs.
15. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the material making
up the torso support portion and the first and second leg portions
comprises a blend of nylon and polyester material such that the
material wicks moisture away from the legs and the lower torso.
16. The athletic garment of claim 12, wherein the resilient
waistband is configured and sized so that the waistband of the
undergarment does not roll down when worn.
17. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the compressive
support in the torso support portion is more intense so as to give
the appearance of a flatter stomach area.
18. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the material
comprising the torso support portion is oriented to provide more
compressive support along a vertical direction.
19. The athletic garment of claim 10, wherein the material
comprising the first and second leg portions is oriented to provide
more compressive support along one of a horizontal or axial
direction.
20. A riding garment comprising: breeches having a waistband and
leg portions; an athletic garment including: a torso support
portion having a waistband, a first leg portion and a second leg
portion, a third portion, wherein the torso support portion, the
first and second leg portions and the third portion are joined
together so as to from a unitary structure generally corresponding
to the anatomical structure of the rider, and wherein the torso
support portion and the first and second leg portions are composed
of a material configured and arranged so as to provide a
compressive force to the rider's opposed body parts and that wicks
away moisture and heat from the rider's body; wherein the torso
support portion waistband is secured to the waistband of the
breeches; and wherein a first section of the first leg portion and
a first section of a second leg portion are secured to a respective
opposing section of the breeches leg portions.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/141,125 filed Dec. 29, 2008, the teachings
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject invention relates to feminine athletic garments,
more specifically feminine athletic garments for equestrian use and
more particularly to feminine athletic garments being worn under
riding breeches or tights.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Riding breeches are articles of clothing that are
specifically designed for equestrian activities. Typically,
breeches were designed to cover a rider's body from the waist down
and stop about halfway down the calf. Traditional breeches were
tight to the legs in the calf section and some also may have
included buckles or laces in the calf section. They also had a
loose-fitting flare along the thighs that allowed freedom of
movement for the rider. With the advent of modern stretch
materials. (e.g., spandex) modern breeches are made so it does not
have the flare, but instead fit tightly on the body along the
entire length of the article. Also, zippers and Velcro fastenings
have been used in modern breeches instead of the laces and buckles
in the calf section.
[0004] There also are a number of different types of breeches in
use today such as knee patch breeches and full seat breeches. Full
seat breeches (see FIGS. 1A, B for an illustrative example) are
designed so as to include a grippy material (e.g., grippy leather
or a grippy synthetic material) that extends from the knee, up the
inner thigh, and across the buttocks. These types of breeches are
primarily seen in dressage competition, where the "sticky" seat
helps riders stay quiet and deep in the saddle as they sit the
gaits of their horses. However, they are also worn by eventers and
other riders. They also are designed to be worn with tall boots or
half chaps.
[0005] Knee patch breeches (see FIGS. 2A, B for an illustrative
example) are generally designed so as to be worn with tall boots,
which come up to the knee, or with half chaps and short paddock
boots. They also are designed so a grippy material, usually leather
or a "grippy" synthetic, is located on the inside of the knee area.
Hunt seat riders use this type of breeches but they also may be
worn by show jumpers, eventers, show hunters, as well as some
endurance riders, and pleasure riders also often use this type of
breeches.
[0006] Because of the fit of modern breeches, riders of all types
and sizes have a general concern with their appearance when riding.
In particular, women riders of all sizes have concerns about the
looks of modern breeches because the tightly worn stretch material
does not conceal the appearance of cellulite and, therefore,
creates an unsmooth outline to the physical profile.
[0007] Some women riders have gone out of their way to wear clothes
that hide the lumps and bumps that can be seen underneath the
breeches. Unfortunately for women riders, riding breeches and
tights are constructed in such a way that the hiding of such
imperfections becomes nearly impossible. Thus, many women ride with
control top panty hose or similar garments under their breeches so
as to provide a smoothing effect and to also hold in their
tummies.
[0008] These garments, however, are not designed for athletic
activities. They retain body heat and moisture and are extremely
uncomfortable when worn for this purpose. As they are not designed
for athletic activities, they are not durable and run and tear
after limited wear.
[0009] It thus would be desirable to provide an undergarment that
is suitable for use with equestrian breeches or equestrian tights
and which also are more suitable for use when riding as compared to
the use of non-athletic undergarments. It also would be desirable
to adapt riding breeches or riding tights so that they embody such
undergarments to facilitate their use and the riders comfort. Such
undergarments preferably would be simple in construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention features an athletic garment, an
athletic garment for use in combination with breeches and/or riding
tights, and breeches or riding tights embodying such an athletic
garment. Such an athletic garment provides compressive support for
the legs and lower torso of a rider and includes a torso support
portion, a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a third
portion. The torso support portion, the first and second leg
portions and the third portion are joined together so as to from a
unitary structure generally corresponding to the anatomical
structure of the rider. The torso support portion and the first and
second leg portions are composed of a material configured and
arranged so as to provide a compressive force to the rider's
opposed body parts and that wicks away moisture and heat from the
rider's body.
[0011] In further embodiments, each of the first and second leg
support portions are formed by joining a garment portion along a
seam on a proximal side of the leg support portions. It is within
the skill of those knowledgeable in the arts to use any of a number
joining techniques known of hereinafter developed for joining the
various garment portions as well as being within the skill of those
knowledgeable in the arts to locate seams at appropriate locations
for rider comfort and strength considerations.
[0012] In yet further embodiments, the torso support portion is
further provided with a resilient waistband configured and arranged
to hold the torso support portion around a waist region of the
lower torso of the rider. In addition, the first and second leg
support portions are configured and arranged so as to extend to at
least a calf region of the legs of the rider.
[0013] In yet further embodiments, the resilient waistband is
configured and sized so that the waistband of the undergarment does
not roll down when worn. Also, the torso portion is configured and
arranged so that the compressive support in the torso support
portion is more intense so as to give the appearance of a flatter
stomach area. In addition, the material comprising the torso
support portion is oriented to provide more compressive support
along a vertical direction. In alternative embodiments, the torso
portion is configured and arranged so as to include a waist region
having different compressive strength or resiliency characteristics
so the region can be used to replace the elastic waistband. Also,
the material making up the torso support portion and the first and
second leg portions comprises a blend of nylon and polyester
material (e.g., a wicking nylon and/or polyester material) such
that the material wicks moisture away from the legs and the lower
torso.
[0014] In yet further embodiments, a distal end of the first and
second leg support portions is configured and arranged so as to
prevent the respective leg portion from slipping up the legs. In
one embodiment, the distal ends include a gripper, such as those
known in the art, that is secured to each leg portion distal end,
which gripper is configured and arranged to prevent the respective
leg portion from slipping up the legs. In more particular
embodiments, the gripper is secured inside of the respective leg
portion.
[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
distal ends of the first and second leg portions are configured and
arranged so as to include a region, a gripping region, that has
different compressive strength or resiliency characteristics as
compared to other regions of the leg portions. The gripping region
is configured and arranged so the compressive strength or
resiliency characteristics of the material making up the gripping
region are such as to prevent the respective leg portion from
slipping up the legs, when the garment is being worm. In further
embodiments, the gripping region is a separate garment portion that
is secured to the other garment portion(s) of the first and second
legs so as to form a unitary structure.
[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention
there is featured a riding garment including a pair of breeches or
breeches having a waistband and a leg portions and an athletic
garment such as that described herein. The torso support portion
waistband is secured to the waistband of the breeches and a section
of the first leg portion and a second leg portion are secured to an
opposing section of the breeches leg portions.
[0017] The torso portion can be further configured so as to include
a vertical extending open seam segment so as to allow a rider to
open up the pair of breeches in the normal fashion and to put the
pair of breeches on. In further embodiments, the securing of the
first leg portion and second leg portions to the opposing section
of the breeches leg portions, can be accomplished using any of a
number of techniques (e.g., sewing, adhesives) known to those
skilled in the art. Also the first and second leg portions can be
secured to the breeches leg portions about the circumference of the
first and second leg portions, can be secured at discrete locations
about the circumference of the first and second leg portions, or
can be secured at a specific area of the first and second leg
portions.
[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
athletic garment that provides compressive support in the legs and
lower torso of a person, includes a first garment portion that
joins with itself to form a first leg support portion, a second
garment portion that joins with itself to form a second leg support
portion, a third portion that joins the first and second portions
to form a gusset. The first and second portions also are joined
with each other to form a torso support portion. Each of the leg
support portions of the athletic garment preferably are formed by
joining each of the garment portions along a seam on a proximal
side of the leg support portions (e.g., inseam).
[0019] The torso support portion preferably is provided with an
elastic band for holding the garment around a waist region of the
lower torso. Also, the leg support portions extends to at least a
calf region of the legs and further comprises a band of grippers to
prevent the leg portions from slipping up the legs.
[0020] Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed
below.
Definitions
[0021] The instant invention is most clearly understood with
reference to the following definitions:
[0022] As used in the specification and claims, the singular form
"a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise.
[0023] As used herein, the term "comprising" or "including" is
intended to mean that the compositions, methods, devices,
apparatuses and systems include the recited elements, but do not
exclude other elements. "Consisting essentially of", when used to
define compositions, devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods,
shall mean excluding other elements of any essential significance
to the combination. Embodiments defined by each of these transition
terms are within the scope of this invention.
[0024] USP shall be understood to mean U.S. Patent Number, namely a
U.S. patent granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0025] For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects
of the present invention, reference is made to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing figures wherein like reference character denote
corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:
[0026] FIGS. 1A, B are illustrative views of an illustrative
example of full seat breeches.
[0027] FIGS. 2A, B are illustrative views of an illustrative
example of knee patch full seat breeches.
[0028] FIGS. 3A, B are front and rear views, respectively of an
athletic garment according to an aspect of the present
invention.
[0029] FIGS. 4A, B are front and rear views, respectively of an
athletic garment according to another aspect of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein
like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in
FIGS. 3A, B, front and rear views, respectively of an athletic
undergarment or garment 100 according to an aspect of the present
invention. Such an athletic garment 100 is particularly suitable
for use by a horse rider when worn as an undergarment underneath
the outer clothing (e.g., pants, breeches, jodhpurs, riding tights)
of the rider. As described further herein such an athletic garment
100 is particularly advantageous in that it is designed so as to
wick away heat and moisture from the body during the riding
experience.
[0031] In particular embodiments, the athletic garment 100 is
configured and arranged so to include a torso support portion 115,
a first leg support portion 112b and a second leg support portion
114b that are joined together in any of a number of means known to
those skilled in the art (e.g., sewing, adhesives) to form an
unitary structure or garment. In particular embodiments, such an
athletic garment 100 is further configured and arranged so that it
extends from about the waist to about the lower calf of a
rider.
[0032] The torso support portion 115, the first leg support portion
112b and the second leg support portion 114b are each composed of
any of a number of materials known to those skilled in the art that
allows wicking of moisture and heat away from the torso and legs as
well as providing the desired compressive support so as to suppress
any unflattering images of the rider which otherwise might occur
when wearing breeches without such an athletic garment (e.g.,
suppress the unwanted appearance of cellulite). In more particular
embodiments, the torso support portion 115, the first leg support
portion 112b and the second leg support portion 114b are composed
of a breathable blend of nylon and polyester that allows wicking of
moisture and improved heat convection away from the torso and
legs.
[0033] In further embodiments, the torso portion 115 is configured
and arranged, more specifically the fabric composing the torso
portion is configured and arranged (e.g., fabric is orientated) so
that the fabric and thus the torso support portion provides more
compressive support in the vertical direction. In this way, the
compression in the area of the tummy is more intense so as to give
the rider the appearance of having a flatter stomach. Having the
fabric provide more compressive support in the vertical direction
and thus can stretch comparatively more laterally also is
advantageous as it allows makes it easier for the rider to put on
and take off the garment.
[0034] In yet further embodiments, the torso support portion 115
includes a waistband 115a that in particular embodiments includes
an elastic or resilient material that is composed, configured and
arranged so as to hold the waistband, and thus the torso support
portion at and about the waist or waist region of the rider. In
more particular embodiment, such a waistband is configured and
arranged so that it does not roll down while the rider is wearing
the athletic garment 100 and thus also holds the torso support
portion 115 up in the waist region. In more particular embodiments,
the elastic or resilient material of the waistband 115a has a width
that is at least 1 inch, more particular a width of at least 11/2
inches and yet more particularly a width of at least 2 inches. In
yet further embodiments, the torso portion 115 is configured and
arranged so the waistband 115a is one of an elastic band or a
region of material similar to other regions of the torso portion
but which is configured and arranged so as to having compressive
strength or resiliency characteristics so this region functions as
the waistband 115a.
[0035] In yet further embodiments, each of the first and second leg
support portions 112b, 114b includes a cuff 112c, 114c and a leg
segment that extends along the legs of the rider from the torso
portion 115 to a cuff 112c, 114c. Each cuff 112c, 114c is
configured and arranged so as to prevent the leg support portions
112b, 114b from moving or slipping upwards along the calf of the
rider. In particular embodiments, the cuffs 112c, 114c are
configured and arranged so as to include rubber-like grippers as is
known to those skilled in the art, which gripper are configured and
arranged so as to prevent the leg support portions 112, 114 from
moving or slipping upwards along the calf of the rider. In
particular embodiments, a gripper is secured to a distal end of
each leg support portion 112b, 114b and more specifically the
gripper is secured inside of the respective leg portion.
[0036] In further embodiments, the first and second leg support
portions 112b, 114b are configured and arranged so as to extend to
a region of a rider's leg that is below the largest part of the
calf. In this way, the distal end of the leg support portions 112b,
114b (which includes the cuffs 112,114c) should be located so as to
not create a bulge at the largest part of the calf, which typically
also corresponds to the tightest point of the boots or half chaps
of the rider. In more particular embodiments, the first and second
leg support portions 112b, 114b are configured and arranged so the
leg support portions 112b, 114b extend to at least a calf region of
the legs of the rider. In yet more specific embodiments, the first
and second leg support portions 112b, 114b are configured and
arranged so as to extend to a lower calf region of the legs of the
rider.
[0037] In more particular embodiments, the athletic garment 100 is
formed by joining a first garment portion 112 and a second garment
portion 114 along a seam 16 in the front and back of the garment to
form the torso support portion 15. Further, the first garment
portion 112 is joined with itself along a seam 112a on the proximal
side of the left leg to form the first leg support portion 112b.
Similarly, the second garment portion 114 is joined with itself
along a seam 114a on the proximal side of the right leg to form the
second leg support portion 114b. The leg support portions are
further joined by a gusset 118 formed by a third garment portion
that joins with both the first and second garment portions.
[0038] As indicated herein, such joining is accomplished using any
of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art such as
by sewing, adhesives or fusing ends of materials using heat energy.
The gusset 118 is configured and arranged so that when it is joined
as described herein, it prevents sagging and helps the garment to
fit better.
[0039] In more particular embodiments, the gusset 118 is cotton
lined or uses any of a number of other materials known to those
skilled in the art and appropriate for the intended use. In yet
further embodiments, the seams joining the gusset to the other
garment portions of the athletic garment 100, are configured and
arranged so as to extend the distance between these seams such as
for rider comfort. In more particular embodiments, the athletic
garment 100 of the present invention is intended to be worn by a
rider with or without other under garments.
[0040] Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein
like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in
FIGS. 4A, B, front and rear views, respectively of an athletic
undergarment or garment 200 according to another aspect of the
present invention. Reference shall be made to the discussion for
FIGS. 3A, B for details of features having common reference
numerals. Reference also should be made to the foregoing for the
first and second garment parts 112, 114 and the first and second
leg support portions 112b, 114b for details of the first and second
garment parts 212, 214 and the first and second leg support
portions 212b, 214b except as otherwise described below.
[0041] According to this aspect of the present invention the first
and second leg support portions 212b, 214b includes a gripping
region cuff 212c, 214c and a leg segment that extends along the
legs of the rider from the torso portion 115 to the gripping region
212c, 214c. In this way, the distal ends of the first and second
leg portions 212b, 214b include the gripping region. The gripping
region 212c, 214c is configured and arranged so as to have
different compressive strength or resiliency characteristics as
compared to other regions of the leg portions. In more particular
embodiments, the gripping region 212c, 214c is configured and
arranged so the compressive strength or resiliency characteristics
of the material making up the gripping region are such as to
prevent the respective leg portion 212b, 214b from slipping up the
legs of the rider when the garment is being worm. In further
embodiments, the gripping region 212c, 214c is a separate garment
portion that is secured to the other garment portion(s) of the
first and second leg portions 212b, 214b using any of a number of
techniques known to those skilled in the art s so as to form a
unitary structure.
[0042] In further embodiments, the first and second leg support
portions 212b, 214b are configured and arranged so as to extend to
a region of a rider's leg that is below the largest part of the
calf. In this way, the distal end of the leg support portions 212b,
214b (which includes the gripping region 212, 214c) should be
located so as to not create a bulge at the largest part of the
calf, which typically also corresponds to the tightest point of the
boots or half chaps of the rider. In more particular embodiments,
the first and second leg support portions 212b, 214b are configured
and arranged so the leg support portions extend to at least a calf
region of the legs of the rider. In yet more specific embodiments,
the first and second leg support portions 212b, 214b are configured
and arranged so as to extend to a lower calf region of the legs of
the rider.
[0043] In more particular illustrative embodiments, the athletic
garment 200 is formed by joining the first garment portion 212 and
the second garment portion 214 along a seam 16 in the front and
back of the garment to form the torso support portion 15. Further,
the first garment portion 212 is joined with itself along a seam
112a on the proximal side of the left leg to form the first leg
support portion 212b. Similarly, the second garment portion 214 is
joined with itself along a seam 114a on the proximal side of the
right leg to form the second leg support portion 214b.
[0044] As also shown in FIGS. 4A, B, the gripping sections 212c,
214c are joined to the leg segments of the first and leg support
portion 212b, 214b along a seam. The leg support portions are
further joined by a gusset 118 formed by a third garment portion
that joins with both the first and second garment portions. As
indicated herein, such joining is accomplished using any of a
number of techniques known to those skilled in the art such as by
sewing, adhesives or fusing ends of materials using heat
energy.
[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a riding garment composed of a pair of breeches as are
known to those skilled in the art and an athletic garment 100, 200
as described herein. According to this aspect of the invention, the
waistband 115a of the athletic garment is secured to the pair of
breeches (e.g., waistband thereof) using any of a number of
techniques known to those skilled in the art (e.g., sewing) and
appropriate for the intended use. The torso portion 115 can be
further configured so as to include a vertical extending opening so
as to form an opening in the waistband 115a, so as to allow a rider
to open up the pair of breeches and to put the pair of breeches on
in a customary fashion.
[0046] In addition, a side portion that extends along the length of
each leg portion 112b, 114b; 212b, 214b is secured to an opposing
portion of the leg or calf portion of the breeches also using any
of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art (e.g.,
sewing) and appropriate for the intended use. In further
embodiments, the first leg portion and second leg portions are
securable to the breeches leg portions about the circumference of
the first and second leg portions, securable at discrete locations
about the circumference of the first and second leg portions, or
securable at a specific area of the first and second leg portions.
For example, the side portion that extends along the length of each
leg portion is secured to an opposing portion of the leg or calf
portion of the breeches using a simple stitch.
[0047] Such securing of the athletic garment 100, 200 within the
breeches is advantageous from a number of respects. When a rider
pulls on the riding garment, the breeches and the athletic garment
100, 200 are put on at the same time. Thus the rider does not have
to pull on two different articles of clothing but gains the benefit
of the athletic garment nonetheless. Also, tacking the athletic
garment to the breech along one side of the calf potion should
prevent pulling of the breech leg underneath the riding boots. As
the athletic garment 100,200 is secured at the waistband and along
a side of the calf portion, the athletic garment in effect floats
inside of the breeches thereby minimizing stress and rubbing
points.
[0048] Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been
described using specific terms, such description is for
illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes
and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the following claims.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0049] All patents, published patent applications and other
references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference in their entireties by reference.
EQUIVALENTS
[0050] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described
herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the
following claims.
* * * * *