U.S. patent application number 12/948333 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-17 for pants with a weight-distributing waistband.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nike, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sherry D. Hawkins, Saundra L. Lennartz.
Application Number | 20120117705 12/948333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46046442 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120117705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hawkins; Sherry D. ; et
al. |
May 17, 2012 |
Pants With A Weight-Distributing Waistband
Abstract
A pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband is
provided. The pants comprise a waistband with a first plurality of
rigidity segments located within the waistband, and a second
plurality of belt loops. At least a portion of the second plurality
of belt loops is affixed to the waistband corresponding to a first
rigidity segment of the first plurality of rigidity segments. In
addition, the pants may have a posterior stretch panel located
below the lower margin of the waistband, a seat panel made of
abrasion resistant material, and a groin stretch panel. As well,
the pants may have a posterior knee stretch panel and an anterior
knee panel of abrasion resistant material.
Inventors: |
Hawkins; Sherry D.;
(Portland, OR) ; Lennartz; Saundra L.; (Portland,
OR) |
Assignee: |
Nike, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
46046442 |
Appl. No.: |
12/948333 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/23 ; 2/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 9/00 20130101; A41D
13/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/23 ; 2/236 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/06 20060101
A41D013/06; A41F 9/00 20060101 A41F009/00 |
Claims
1. A pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband,
comprising: an upper portion with a waistband, the waistband
comprising a first end, a second end, an outer band portion, and an
inner band portion, the inner band portion secured to the outer
band portion at an upper and a lower margin to form a sleeve; a
first plurality of rigidity segments situated in a linear
orientation within the sleeve and affixed at predetermined
locations along the sleeve; a second plurality of belt loops, the
second plurality of belt loops comprising a piece of material with
a first end and a second end, at least a portion of the second
plurality of belt loops affixed to the outer band portion
corresponding to a first rigidity segment of the first plurality of
rigidity segments; a posterior stretch panel affixed proximately
and caudally to the lower margin of the waistband; a seat panel of
abrasion resistant material affixed proximately and caudally to the
posterior stretch panel; a groin stretch panel affixed proximately
to the seat panel and extending caudally; and two leg portions with
each of the leg portions having a posterior knee stretch panel
corresponding to the knee of a wearer's body in an as-worn position
and affixed proximately to the groin stretch panel, and an anterior
knee panel of abrasion resistant material corresponding to the knee
of a wearer's body in an as-worn position affixed proximately to
the groin stretch panel and proximately to the posterior knee
stretch panel.
2. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1,
further comprising slant pockets on the anterior portion below the
waistband, the slant pockets being reinforced on the exterior,
lateral portion by reinforcing material.
3. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 2,
wherein the reinforcing material is webbing.
4. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1,
wherein the stretch panels comprise a material that stretches along
a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and a diagonal axis.
5. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1,
wherein the pants are made of a durable material in all areas not
corresponding to panels made of stretch material or abrasion
resistant material.
6. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1,
wherein the anterior knee panel contains a pocket on its interior
aspect, wherein the pocket contains a kneepad.
7. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 6,
wherein the kneepad is made of rubber.
8. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1,
wherein the diameter of the leg openings is adjustable.
9. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 8,
wherein the leg openings are adjustable by the use of a tab with a
hook-and-loop fastener on one surface that can be affixed to an
opposing hook-and-loop fastener on the pant leg.
10. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1,
further comprising a plurality of cargo pockets.
11. A weight-distributing waistband, comprising: a waistband for a
garment that encircles the waist of a wearer's body in an as-worn
position, the waistband comprising a first end, a second end, an
outer band portion, and an inner band portion, the inner band
portion secured to the outer band portion at an upper and a lower
margin to form a sleeve; a first plurality of rigidity segments
affixed in a linear orientation within the sleeve; and a second
plurality of belt loops, the second plurality of belt loops
comprising a piece of material with a first end and a second end,
at least a portion of the second plurality of belt loops affixed to
the outer band portion corresponding to a first rigidity segment of
the first plurality of rigidity segments.
12. The weight-distributing waistband of claim 11, wherein the
second plurality of belt loops are affixed to the outer band
portion corresponding to a first rigidity segment of the first
plurality of rigidity segments.
13. A pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband,
comprising: a waistband for a garment that encircles the waist of a
wearer's body in an as-worn position, the waistband comprising a
first end, a second end, an outer band portion, and an inner band
portion, the inner band portion secured to the outer band portion
at an upper and a lower margin to form a sleeve having an interior
space; a first plurality of polyurethane foam segments each having
a height, a length and a thickness situated within the interior
space and oriented in a linear fashion substantially parallel to
the waistband, wherein the first plurality is between 10 and 14 in
number, the height of each foam segment is between 3 and 6
centimeters, the length of each foam segment is between 3 and 6
centimeters, and the thickness of each foam segment is between 0.5
and 1.0 centimeters; an elongated polyurethane foam segment of a
predetermined height of between 3 and 6 centimeters, a
predetermined length of between 11 and 14 centimeters, and a
predetermined thickness of between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeters, located
within the interior space and substantially equidistant from the
first end and the second end and oriented between two of the first
plurality of foam segments and substantially parallel to the
waistband; a second plurality of belt loops, each of the second
plurality of belt loops comprising a piece of fabric with a first
end and a second end, the first end affixed to the top margin of
the outer band portion, the piece of fabric extending toward the
bottom margin and affixed to the bottom margin of the outer band
portion, the piece of fabric extending beyond the bottom margin of
the outer band portion to form a loop with the second end affixed
to the bottom margin of the outer band portion, wherein at least
one of the second plurality of belt loops is affixed to the outer
band portion corresponding to a first foam segment of the first
plurality of foam segments, and at least one of the second
plurality of belt loops is affixed to the outer band portion
corresponding to the elongated foam segment; a posterior stretch
panel affixed proximately and caudally to the lower margin of the
waistband; a seat panel of abrasion resistant material affixed
proximately and caudally to the posterior stretch panel; a groin
stretch panel affixed proximately to the seat panel and extending
caudally; and two leg portions with each of the leg portions having
a posterior knee stretch panel corresponding to the knee of a
wearer's body in an as-worn position and affixed proximately to the
groin stretch panel, and an anterior knee panel of abrasion
resistant material corresponding to the knee of a wearer's body in
an as-worn position affixed proximately to the groin stretch panel
and proximately to the posterior knee stretch panel.
14. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13,
wherein the first plurality of polyurethane foam segments are of a
high resiliency (HR) foam type having a commercial density between
1.5 pounds per cubic foot and 6.0 pounds per cubic foot.
15. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13,
wherein the first plurality of foam segments comprises individual
pieces of foam.
16. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13,
wherein the first plurality of foam segments comprises twelve foam
segments.
17. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13,
wherein the height of each foam segment in the first plurality of
foam segments is 5 centimeters, the length of each foam segment in
the first plurality of foam segments is 5 centimeters, and the
thickness of each foam segment in the first plurality of foam
segments is 0.8 centimeters.
18. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13,
wherein the elongated polyurethane foam segment comprises a high
resiliency (HR) foam type having a commercial density between 1.5
pounds per cubic foot and 6.0 pounds per cubic foot.
19. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13,
wherein the elongated foam segment has a height of 5 centimeters, a
length of 13 centimeters, and a thickness of 0.8 centimeters.
20. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13,
wherein the elongated foam segment is positioned over the lumbar
spine region of a wearer's body in an as-worn position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to pants. More particularly,
the present invention relates to pants with a weight-distributing
waistband.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Although pants are often worn to make a fashion statement,
many people require that their pants serve a useful function as
well. For example, many people hang implements off of the belt
loops of their pants, or off of a belt or a holster attached to the
waistband. When an implement is hung off of a belt loop, however,
the weight of the instrument causes the waistband to roll over not
only at the point where the implement is hung, but also along
adjacent points. In addition, pants are often put through a great
deal of wear-and-tear and stress. The result is knee areas and seat
areas that thin and wear out, tears and rips in the groin area and
the area below the waistband, and torn pockets.
SUMMARY
[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter. The present invention is defined by the
claims.
[0006] The present invention relates to a pair of pants with a
weight-distributing waistband. The pants may have an upper portion
with a waistband, where the waistband has a first end, a second
end, an outer band portion, and an inner band portion secured to
the outer band portion at an upper and lower margin to form a
sleeve. A plurality of rigidity segments may be located within the
sleeve and oriented in a linear fashion. In addition, there may be
a plurality of belt loops that comprise a piece of material with a
first end and a second end. At least a portion of the belt loops
may be attached to the outer band portion so that they correspond
to a first rigidity segment of the plurality of rigidity segments.
In addition, the pants may have a posterior stretch panel located
below the lower margin of the waistband, a seat panel made of
abrasion resistant material, and a groin stretch panel. As well,
the pants may have a posterior knee stretch panel and an anterior
knee panel of abrasion resistant material.
[0007] Examples of the present invention may be directed toward a
weight-distributing waistband. The waistband may have a first end
and a second end, an outer band portion, and an inner band portion
secured to the outer band portion at an upper and lower margin to
form a sleeve. A plurality of rigidity segments may be located
within the sleeve and oriented in a linear fashion. In addition,
there may be a plurality of belt loops comprising a piece of
material with a first end and a second end. At least a portion of
the belt loops may be affixed to the outer band so that they
correspond to a first rigidity segment of the plurality of rigidity
segments.
[0008] Yet another example of the invention comprises a pair of
pants with a waistband with a first end, a second end, an outer
band portion, and an inner band portion secured to the outer band
portion at an upper and lower margin to form a sleeve having an
interior space. A first plurality of polyurethane foam segments may
be situated within the interior space and oriented in a linear
fashion. The first plurality of foam segments may be generally
square in shape with dimensions generally between 3 and 6
centimeters in height, and between 3 and 6 centimeters in length,
and have a thickness between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeter. In addition,
the invention may have an elongated polyurethane foam segment that
is situated within the interior space and substantially equidistant
from the first end and the second end. As well, the elongated foam
segment may be oriented between two of the first plurality of
polyurethane foam segments. The elongated foam segment may have
dimensions generally between 3 and 6 centimeters in height, 11 and
14 centimeters in length, and between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeter in
thickness.
[0009] The invention may also comprise a second plurality of belt
loops, between three and seven in number, which may be constructed
in such a way to form a belt loop plus an additional loop that
hangs below the lower margin of the waistband. At least one of this
second plurality of belt loops may be attached to the outer band
portion corresponding to a first foam segment of the first
plurality of foam segments, and at least one of the second
plurality of belt loops may be attached to the outer band portion
corresponding to the elongated foam segment. In addition, the pants
may have a posterior stretch panel located below the lower margin
of the waistband, a seat panel made of abrasion resistant material,
and a groin stretch panel. As well, the pants may have a posterior
knee stretch panel and an anterior knee panel of abrasion resistant
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Examples are described in detail below with reference to the
attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0011] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C depict a wearer wearing the pants in an
as-worn position;
[0012] FIG. 2A depicts a front view of the pants embodying features
of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2B depicts a rear view of the pants embodying features
of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a hidden and cut-away view of the anterior
knee panel embodying features of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4A depicts a front view of the waistband of the pants
embodying features of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4B depicts a cross-section of the waistband of the
pants embodying features of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4C depicts an anterior cut-away view of the waistband
of the pants embodying features of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4D depicts a posterior cut-away view of the waistband
of the pants embodying features of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 4E depicts a hidden view of the waistband of the pants
embodying features of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The subject matter of the present invention is described
with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However,
the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this
patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed
subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include
different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones
described in this document, in conjunction with other present or
future technologies. Moreover, although the terms "step" and/or
"block" might be used herein to connote different elements of
methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying
any particular order among or between various steps herein
disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is
explicitly stated.
[0021] The present invention relates to pants having a
weight-distributing waistband containing a plurality of rigidity
segments. When an implement, such as a tool, a mobile communication
device holster, etc., is hung on a belt loop of the waistband or
off of a belt or holster attached to the waistband, the weight of
the implement is distributed to the corresponding rigidity segment
instead of along the whole waistband. Additionally, the pants may
have stretch panels in areas subject to movement-related stress,
such as below the waistband, in the groin area, and behind the
knee. The pants may also have abrasion resistant panels in areas
subject to a disproportionate amount of wear-and-tear such as in
the seat of the pants and the front part of the knee area.
[0022] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate a wearer wearing the pants
in an as-worn position. With respect to a wearer in this position,
cranial 102 refers to portions of the body extending above an
imaginary horizontal plane bisecting the midsection of the wearer's
body. Likewise, caudal 104 refers to portions of the body extending
below the imaginary plane bisecting the midsection of the wearer's
body. Medial 106 refers to portions of the body closer to the
midline of the wearer's body, while lateral 108 refers to portions
of the body further away from the midline of the wearer's body. In
addition, anterior 110 refers to the front side of the wearer's
body, and posterior 112 refers to the back side of the wearer's
body.
[0023] FIG. 2A illustrates an anterior view of a pair of pants 200
with a waistband 202. In an example of the present invention,
material 208 of pants 200 might be any type of durable material
suitable for heavy wear such as, but not limited to, cotton, nylon,
twill, canvas or blends. Material 208 relates generally to all
areas of the pants not corresponding to panels made of stretch
material or abrasion-resistant material (discussed in more depth
below). Pants 200 may have a waistband 202. Waistband 202 may
contain a plurality of rigidity segments (not shown in FIG. 2A)
situated in a linear fashion within the waistband. In addition,
waistband 202 may have a plurality of belt loops 204 formed in such
a way that a loop of material 206 extends below waistband 202.
[0024] Pants 200 may also have slant pockets 210 situated on the
anterior portion of the pants below waistband 202. To prevent
ripping or tearing of the pockets along their lateral aspect, slant
pockets 210 may be reinforced along the exterior, lateral portion
by reinforcing material 212. Such material may be, but is not
limited to, webbing. Continuing along the anterior aspect of pants
200, the present invention may have a groin stretch panel 214 that
is located along the inner margin of the pants and extends from the
zipper area caudally to the knee area. The stretch panel of groin
stretch panel 214 may be made from a material such as, but not
limited to, a stretch material that stretches along a horizontal
axis, a vertical axis and a diagonal axis. Pants 200 may also have
an anterior knee panel 216 corresponding to the anterior aspect of
the knee of a wearer's body in an as-worn position. Because the
anterior knee area of pants is an area subject to a high amount of
wear-and-tear, anterior knee panel 216 may be made from a
heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant material. Pants 200 may also have a
tab 218 that may be used to adjust a diameter of the opening of a
pant leg. Tab 218 may have a fastening-type material on its
posterior aspect that can be fastened to the pant leg along its
posterior aspect. Such fastening-type material may be, but is not
limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners. Although not discussed, it
should be understood that pants 200 may also possess a variety of
pockets in different configurations and styles and with various
types of closures.
[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates the posterior aspect of pants 200 with
waistband 202. Along with waistband 202 discussed above, pants 200
may possess a posterior stretch panel 220 affixed proximately and
caudally to the lower margin of waistband 202. The stretch panel of
posterior stretch panel 220 may be made from a material such as,
but not limited to, a stretch material that stretches along a
horizontal axis, a vertical axis and a diagonal axis. Continuing in
a caudal direction on the posterior aspect of pants 200, pants 200
may have a seat panel 222 that is affixed proximately and caudally
to the posterior stretch panel 220. Because the seat area of a
wearer's body is an area subject to a high amount of wear-and-tear,
the material of seat panel 222 may be made from a heavy-duty,
abrasion-resistant material. FIG. 2B also illustrates a posterior
view of groin stretch panel 214. Groin stretch panel 214 may be
affixed proximately to the seat panel 222 and may extend caudally
to terminate in the knee region of the wearer's body. In addition,
FIG. 2B illustrates a posterior knee stretch panel 224
corresponding to the posterior knee area of a wearer's body in an
as-worn position. The stretch panel of posterior knee stretch panel
224 may be made from a material such as, but not limited to, a
stretch material that stretches along a horizontal axis, a vertical
axis and a diagonal axis. Finally, pants 200 may have a fastening
area 226 that is designed to fasten to tab 218 to allow the wearer
to adjust the diameter of the opening of the pants leg. Fastening
area 226 may use any type of fastening material designed to couple
with tab 218 such as, but not limited to, hook-and-loop
fasteners.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a hidden and cut-away view of anterior knee panel
216 and illustrates an example of the present invention with a
kneepad 302 enclosed in a fabric sleeve on the interior of the
pants leg 300. Kneepad 302 may be made from a variety of materials
designed to cushion a wearer's knee when weight is placed upon the
knee. Such materials may comprise, but are not limited to, rubber,
foam or plastic.
[0027] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E present a more detailed view of
waistband 202. FIG. 4A illustrates that waistband 202 comprises a
first end 402 and a second end 404. FIG. 4B is a cross-section of
waistband 202 and illustrates that waistband 202 also comprises an
outer band portion 414, and an inner band portion 416 that is
secured to outer band portion 414 at an upper margin 410 and a
lower margin 412 to form a sleeve having an interior space.
[0028] FIG. 4C is a cut-away view of waistband 202 and illustrates
a plurality of rigidity segments 418 located within the interior
space. In one example of the present invention, rigidity segments
418 may be polyurethane foam segments. Even more specifically, the
polyurethane foam segments may be of a high resiliency (HR) foam
type having a commercial density range between 1.5 pounds per cubic
foot and 6.0 pounds per cubic foot. In an example of the invention,
rigidity segments 418 may be between 10 and 14 in number, 3 and 6
centimeters in height, 3 to 6 centimeters in length, and between
0.5 and 1.0 centimeter in thickness. In yet another example of the
invention, twelve rigidity segments 418 are 5 centimeters in
height, 5 centimeters in length, and 0.8 centimeters in
thickness.
[0029] FIG. 4D is a cut-away view of waistband 202 from a posterior
aspect and illustrates an elongated rigidity segment 420. In one
example of the invention, elongated rigidity segment 420 is located
within the interior space of waistband 202 and is substantially
equidistant from first end 402 and second end 404. In addition,
elongated rigidity segment 420 is situated between two of rigidity
segments 418. In one example, elongated rigidity segment 420 is
positioned over a lumbar spine region of a wearer's body in an
as-worn position. In an example of the invention, elongated
rigidity segment 420 is a polyurethane foam segment. The
polyurethane foam segment may be of a high resiliency (HR) foam
type having a commercial density range between 1.5 pounds per cubic
foot and 6.0 pounds per cubic foot. In an example of the invention,
elongated rigidity segment 420 may be between 3 and 6 centimeters
in height, between 11 and 14 centimeters in length, and between 0.5
and 1.0 centimeter in thickness. In yet another example, elongated
rigidity segment 420 is 5 centimeters in height, 13 centimeters in
length, and 0.8 centimeters in thickness.
[0030] FIG. 4A illustrates a plurality of belt loops 204 with a
first end 406 and a second end 408. FIG. 4B illustrates that first
end 406 is affixed to upper margin 410 of outer band portion 414
and extends toward bottom margin 412 of outer band portion 414.
Belt loop 204 is affixed to bottom margin 412 and extends beyond
bottom margin 412 to form a loop 206 with second end 408 affixed to
bottom margin 412 of outer band portion 414. FIG. 4B also
illustrates how in one example of the invention, belt loop 204 is
affixed to outer band portion 414 so that belt loop 204 overlies
rigidity segments 418 and/or elongated rigidity segment 420. In
another example, belt loop 204 may correspond to at least one of
rigidity segments 418 and elongated rigidity segment 420. Still
further, belt loop 204 may be between three and seven in number, or
belt loop 204 may be five in number.
[0031] FIG. 4E is a hidden view of waistband 202 in which waistband
202 is extended along its horizontal axis. FIG. 4E illustrates how
in one example of the invention, belt loop 204 is affixed to outer
band portion 414 so that belt loop 204 overlies rigidity segments
418 and elongated rigidity segment 420. FIG. 4E also illustrates,
in one example of the invention, intervening area 422. Intervening
area 422 corresponds to the area between adjacent rigidity segments
418 or the area between rigidity segment 418 and elongated rigidity
segment 420. Intervening area 422 is generally between 3
centimeters and 6 centimeters in height, and between 0.5
centimeters and 3 centimeters in width.
[0032] The present invention has been described in relation to
particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the
present invention pertains without departing from its scope.
Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be
employed without reference to other features and subcombinations
and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *