U.S. patent application number 13/374843 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for article of clothing with waist assembly.
Invention is credited to Ron Wilson.
Application Number | 20120210495 13/374843 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46651197 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120210495 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Ron |
August 23, 2012 |
Article of clothing with waist assembly
Abstract
An article of clothing is provided, the article comprising a
garment having upper and lower portions, the upper portion
comprising at least one opening defining a waistband, the lower
portion comprising at least two openings defining two leg openings,
the waistband comprising an inner side and an outer side, the
garment comprising a front side and a rear side; a waist assembly
situated on the inner and rear sides of the garment; and at least
two end fasteners attached to the waist assembly.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Ron; (Solana Beach,
CA) |
Family ID: |
46651197 |
Appl. No.: |
13/374843 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12405188 |
Mar 16, 2009 |
8122520 |
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13374843 |
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29395169 |
Dec 8, 2011 |
D661464 |
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12405188 |
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29333871 |
Mar 16, 2009 |
D652199 |
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29395169 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 9/025 20130101;
A41D 1/089 20180101; A41D 1/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/236 |
International
Class: |
A41F 9/00 20060101
A41F009/00 |
Claims
1. An article of clothing comprising: a garment having upper and
lower portions, said upper portion comprising at least one opening
defining a waistband, said lower portion comprising at least two
openings defining two leg openings, said waistband comprising an
inner side and an outer side, said garment comprising a front side
and a rear side; a waist assembly comprising an elongated member
having a top, a bottom, a front and a back sides, said top portion
of said elongated member is attached to said inner side of said
waistband and on said rear side of said garment wherein said
attachment of said top portion of said elongated member inhibits a
longitudinal movement of said waist assembly relative to said
waistband, at least one portion of said bottom side of said
elongated member is secured to said inner side of said waistband
and on said rear side of said garment wherein said securement of at
least a portion of said bottom side of said elongated member
inhibits a latitudinal movement of said waist assembly relative to
said waistband, at least a portion of bottom side of said elongated
member is free from attachment to said garment, said elongated
material extends across a length of said inner side of said
waistband and said rear side of said garment, said front side of
said elongated material is designed to contact a backside of a
wearer; and at least two end fasteners attached to opposing ends of
said elongated member, said fasteners designed to secure said waist
assembly around the wearer.
2. The article of claim 1 further comprising at least one grip
portion attached to a portion of said front side of said elongated
member, said grip portion designed to assist in preventing movement
of said waist assembly.
3. The article of claim 1 wherein each of the two end fasteners
comprises at least two draw strings, each of said draw strings
being attached to opposing ends of said elongated member.
4. The article of claim 1 further comprising a foldable flap, said
flap having opposing ends, at least one end of said flap being
attached to an inner side of said waistband and a front side of
said garment, said flap is designed to fold over an upper edge of
said waistband and be attached to a portion of said outer side of
said garment during use of said garment.
5. The article of claim 2 wherein said grip portion is constructed
of a material selected from a group comprising of rubber, plastic,
silicone, thermoplastic rubber and mixtures thereof.
6. The article of claim 3 further comprising at least two apertures
situated on said waistband at said front side of said garment, said
draw strings are of a length to allow each of said draw strings to
pass through said apertures on said waistband and are designed to
allow a wearer to tie said draw strings to tighten said garment
around the wearer's waist.
7. The article of claim 1 at least two end fastener covers, at
least a portion of said end fastener covers are secured to opposing
ends of said waist assembly, at least one of said end fastener are
attached to at least a portion of said inner side of said
waistband, at least a portion of said end fasteners are situated
within at least a portion of said end fastener covers.
8. The article of claim 1 wherein at least one set of vertical
stitching is applied to a portion of said elongated member to
thereby restrict latitudinal movement of said waist assembly
relative to said waistband.
9. The article of claim 1 wherein said elongated member comprised
at least one extended portion, said extended portion is attached to
an interior side of said garment.
10. The article of claim 7 wherein at least one of said end
fasteners is attached to at least a portion of said end fastener
covers.
11. The article of claim 10 wherein said at least a portion of said
end fastener covers are attached to at least a portion of said
inner side of said waistband.
12. The article of claim 1 further comprising a patch of material
situated within an interior of and at said front side of said
garment, said patch designed to provide frontal support for the
wearer.
13. The article of claim 1 further comprising at least one pocket
situated on an interior of said garment.
14. An article of clothing comprising: a garment having upper and
lower portions, said upper portion comprising at least one opening
defining a waistband, said lower portion comprising at least two
openings defining two leg openings, said waistband comprising an
inner side and an outer side, said garment comprising a front side
and a rear side; a waist assembly comprising an elongated member
having a top, a bottom, a front and a back sides, said top portion
of said elongated member is attached to said inner side of said
waistband and on said rear side of said garment wherein said
attachment of said top portion of said elongated member inhibits a
longitudinal movement of said waist assembly relative to said
waistband, at least one portion of said bottom side of said
elongated member is secured to said inner side of said waistband
and on said rear side of said garment wherein said securement of at
least a portion of said bottom side of said elongated member
inhibits a latitudinal movement of said waist assembly relative to
said waistband, at least a portion of bottom side of said elongated
member is free from attachment to said garment, said elongated
material extends across a length of said inner side of said
waistband and said rear side of said garment, said front side of
said elongated material is designed to contact a backside of a
wearer; and at least one grip portion attached to a portion of said
front side of said elongated member, said grip portion designed to
assist in preventing movement of said waist assembly.
16. The article of claim 15 wherein said grip portion is
constructed of a material selected from a group comprising of
rubber, plastic, silicone, thermoplastic rubber and mixtures
thereof.
17. The article of claim 15 wherein said elongated member comprised
at least one extended portion, said extended portion is attached to
an interior side of said rear side of said garment.
18. The article of claim 15 wherein at least one set of vertical
stitching is applied to a portion of said elongated member to
thereby restrict latitudinal movement of said waist assembly
relative to said waistband.
19. An article of clothing comprising a garment having upper and
lower portions, said upper portion comprising at least one opening
defining a waistband, said lower portion comprising at least two
openings defining two leg openings, said waistband comprising an
inner side and an outer side, said garment comprising a front side
and a rear side; and an extended portion protruding from said rear
side of said garment, said extended portion providing a space for
advertisement.
20. An article of clothing comprising a garment having upper and
lower portions, said upper portion comprising at least one opening
defining a waistband, said lower portion comprising at least two
openings defining two leg openings, said waistband comprising an
inner side and an outer side; and a foldable flap having opposing
ends, at least one end of said flap being attached to an inner side
of said waistband and at a front side of said garment, said flap is
designed to fold over an upper edge of said waistband and be
attached to a portion of said outer side of said garment during use
of said garment.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION:
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/405,188 filed on Mar. 16, 2009 entitled
"Lower Body Garment Having a Secure Waist Assembly" and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/395,169 filed
on Dec. 8, 2011 entitled "Article of Clothing" which is a is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/333.871 filed
on Mar. 16, 2009 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. D652,199.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to garments for the
lower body and, more particularly, such garments having a waist
assembly configured for a secure and comfortable fit.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The fit of a garment around the waist of the wearer is an
important design consideration. This is particularly true for
garments used in sports. A proper fit can contribute to an
athlete's performance, whereas an improper fit can hamper
performance.
[0006] Certain activities such as combat sports such as mixed
martial arts (MMA) and water sports such as surfing can be
particularly challenging for the design of the garment having a
secure waist fit. In situations encountered while participating in
such activities, tugging, water currents, or other forces tend to
pull the garment downward, risking inadvertent removal of the
garment or otherwise challenge a secure waist fit. Moreover,
exposure to water or perspiration can adversely influence the waist
fit, exacerbating the risk.
[0007] Current approaches for a secure waist fit typically require
substantial, bulky material around the waist, which can be
uncomfortable and unsightly. Thus, the wearer must often time
sacrifice a secure waist fit for comfort and better looking fit or
sacrifices the comfort and look for a secure waist fit.
[0008] It should be appreciated that there remains a need for a
garment that addresses these concerns. The present invention
fulfills this need and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one embodiment, the invention discloses a garment having
an outer shell and a waist assembly. The outer shell includes a
waistband that defines a waist opening. The waist assembly is
attached to the interior side of the waistband at a prescribed
location on the waist assembly with the remaining portions of the
waist assembly being free of the outer shell. The waist assembly
includes an intermediate section, end sections, and end fasteners,
which cooperate to promote a secure and comfortable waist fit. When
secured in place, the waist assembly wraps snuggly against the
waist of the wearer.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the waist assembly
is coupled to the inner side of the waistband of the outer shell.
The waist assembly includes an intermediate section disposed in an
intermediate region of the waist assembly positioned to be
proximate to the backside of the wearer's when worn, a grip portion
secured to the intermediate section and positioned to contact the
wearer, and end fasteners coupled to opposing sides of the
intermediate section, the end fasteners configured to attach to
each other in the front side of the wearer inside the waist band,
to secure the waist assembly around the waist of the wearer.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the attachment between the outer
shell and the waist assembly can be confined to an upper region of
the intermediate portion, proximate to the upper edge thereof. In
such configurations, stitching can be used that extends
substantially the entire length of the intermediate section.
Alternatively, attachment means can be interspersed along the
length of the intermediate section, proximate to the upper
edge.
[0012] In still another embodiment, the intermediate section has
sufficient length to extend across a substantial portion of the
wearer's back along the waist area and preferably between about 60
degrees to 300 degrees and, more preferably at least 160 degrees
about the wearer. In still yet another embodiment, the length of
the intermediate section extends at least about 180 degrees about
the wearer.
[0013] In a further embodiment, the waist assembly includes an
intermediate section formed of stretch material, such as two-way
stretch material, and two end sections formed of non-stretch
material disposed on opposing side ends of the intermediate
section. The intermediate section is positioned proximate to the
backside of the wearer, with the end sections proximate to the
sides of the wearer. End fasteners, such as tie strings, extend
from each of the end sections and secure to each other in front of
the wearer.
[0014] In another further embodiment, grip portions are disposed on
the intermediate section to contact the wearer. The grip portion
can be formed of material such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or
silicone material. In still a further embodiment, the grip portion
is formed by silicone material printed onto the intermediate
section.
[0015] In yet a further embodiment, a garment worn on the lower
body is provided having an outer shell having a waistband and
defining a pair of leg openings and an interior pocket disposed on
an interior side the outer shell proximate to one of the leg
openings of the outer shell such that the interior pocket can be
accessed through the leg opening, while worn.
[0016] In still a further embodiment, an opening to the interior
pocket spaced apart from a bottom edge of the outer shell and
includes a flap that extends over the pocket opening.
[0017] In still yet a further embodiment, the pocket is disposed on
a front half of the outer shell. In another embodiment, the pocket
can be disposed on a rear half of the outer shell.
[0018] In another embodiment, the present invention provides for an
article of clothing comprising: a garment having upper and lower
portions, said upper portion comprising at least one opening
defining a waistband, and the lower portion comprising at least two
openings defining two leg openings, and the waistband comprising an
inner side and an outer side, the garment comprising a front side
and a rear side; a waist assembly comprising an elongated member
having a top, a bottom, a front and a back sides, the top portion
of the elongated member is attached to the inner side of the
waistband and on the rear side of the garment wherein the
attachment of the top portion of the elongated member inhibits a
longitudinal movement of the waist assembly relative to the
waistband, at least one portion of the bottom side of the elongated
member is secured to the inner side of the waistband and on the
rear side of the garment wherein the securement of at least a
portion of the bottom side of the elongated member inhibits a
latitudinal movement of the waist assembly relative to the
waistband, at least a portion of bottom side of the elongated
member is free from attachment to the garment, and the elongated
material extends across a length of the inner side of the waistband
and the rear side of the garment, the front side of the elongated
material is designed to contact a backside of a wearer; and at
least two end fasteners attached to opposing ends of the elongated
member, and the fasteners designed to secure the waist assembly
around the wearer. For purposes of this invention, the terms
"intermediate section" and "elongated member" may be the same. In
some but not all embodiments, the term "outer shell" may also be
the same as the term "garment".
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the article of clothing further
comprises at least one grip portion attached to a portion of the
front side of the elongated member, and the grip portion is
designed to assist in preventing movement of the waist
assembly.
[0020] In still another embodiment, each of the two end fasteners
comprises at least two draw strings, each of the draw string being
attached to opposing ends of the elongated member.
[0021] In still yet another embodiment, the article of clothing
further comprises a foldable flap having opposing ends, at least
one end of the flap is attached to an inner side of the waistband
and a front side of the garment, and the flap is designed to fold
over an upper edge of the waistband and be attached to a portion of
said outer side of said garment during use of said garment. In
another embodiment, the one side of the flap comprises space for
advertising.
[0022] In a further embodiment, the grip portion is constructed of
a material selected from a group comprising of rubber, plastic,
silicone, thermoplastic rubber and mixtures thereof.
[0023] In another further embodiment, the article of clothing
further comprises at least two apertures situated on the waistband
at the front side of said garment, the draw strings are of a length
to allow each of the draw strings to pass through the apertures on
the waistband and are designed to allow a wearer to tie the draw
strings to tighten the garment around the wearer's waist.
[0024] In yet a further embodiment, the article of clothing further
comprises at least two end fastener covers, at least a portion of
the end fastener covers are secured to opposing ends of the waist
assembly, at least one of the end fastener are attached to at least
a portion of the inner side of the waistband, at least a portion of
the end fasteners are situated within at least a portion of the end
fastener covers.
[0025] In still a further embodiment, at least one set of vertical
stitching is applied to a portion of the elongated member to
thereby restrict latitudinal movement of the waist assembly
relative to the waistband.
[0026] In still yet a further embodiment, the elongated member
comprised at least one extended portion, and the extended portion
is attached to an interior side of the garment.
[0027] In another embodiment, at least one of the end fasteners is
attached to at least a portion of the end fastener covers.
[0028] In still another embodiment, at least a portion of the end
fastener covers is attached to at least a portion of the inner side
of the waistband.
[0029] In yet another embodiment, the article of clothing further
comprises a patch of material situated within an interior of and at
the front side of the garment, and the patch designed to provide
frontal support for the wearer.
[0030] In still yet another embodiment, the article of clothing
further comprises at least one pocket situated on an interior of
the garment.
[0031] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides for
an article of clothing comprising: a garment having upper and lower
portions, the upper portion comprising at least one opening
defining a waistband, the lower portion comprising at least two
openings defining two leg openings, the waistband comprising an
inner side and an outer side, the garment comprising a front side
and a rear side; a waist assembly comprising an elongated member
having a top, a bottom, a front and a back sides, the top portion
of the elongated member is attached to the inner side of the
waistband and on the rear side of the garment wherein the
attachment of the top portion of the elongated member inhibits a
longitudinal movement of the waist assembly relative to the
waistband, at least one portion of the bottom side of the elongated
member is secured to the inner side of the waistband and on the
rear side of said garment wherein the securement of at least a
portion of the bottom side of said elongated member inhibits a
latitudinal movement of the waist assembly relative to the
waistband, at least a portion of bottom side of the elongated
member is free from attachment to the garment, the elongated
material extends across a length of the inner side of the waistband
and the rear side of the garment, the front side of the elongated
material is designed to contact a backside of a wearer; and at
least one grip portion attached to a portion of the front side of
the elongated member, the grip portion designed to assist in
preventing movement of the waist assembly.
[0032] In another further embodiment, the present invention relates
to an article of clothing comprising a garment having upper and
lower portions, the upper portion comprising at least one opening
defining a waistband, the lower portion comprising at least two
openings defining two leg openings, the waistband comprising an
inner side and an outer side, and the garment comprising a front
side and a rear side; and an extended portion protruding from the
rear side of the garment, and the extended portion providing a
space for advertisement.
[0033] In yet another further embodiment, the present invention
relates to an article of clothing comprising a garment having upper
and lower portions, the upper portion comprising at least one
opening defining a waistband, the lower portion comprising at least
two openings defining two leg openings, the waistband comprising an
inner side and an outer side; and a foldable flap having opposing
ends, at least one end of the flap is attached to an inner side of
the waistband or garment, and at a front side of the garment, the
flap is designed to fold over an upper edge of the waistband and be
attached to a portion of the outer side of the garment during use
of the garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present invention. These drawings are
incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification,
illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention, and
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a garment in
accordance with the present invention, depicting a waist assembly
attached to an interior side of a waistband of an outer shell.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a rear cut-away view of depicting the waist
assembly of the garment of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the waist of
the garment of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, depicting
the waistband and the waist assembly.
[0038] FIG. 4 is rear perspective view of the garment of FIG. 1,
depicting a fastener cover and holes in the waistband for receiving
tie strings.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the athletic shorts of
FIG. 1, depicting an interior pocket in phantom located proximate
to the left leg opening of the garment.
[0040] FIG. 6 is an isolated, cut-away view of the interior pocket
of FIG. 5, from an interior side of the leg.
[0041] FIG. 7a, b and c are side views of one embodiment of the
assembly of waist assembly of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 8a and b are perspective front and rear views of the
waistband showing the vertical stitching of the waist assembly to
the waistband.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the extended portion,
the frontal patch and foldable flap of the article of clothing of
the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a front view of the frontal patch attached to the
flap of the garment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 11 is a front view of the waist assembly with an
extended portion attached to the elongated member and the extended
portion is attached to the interior of the garment preventing or
limiting movement of the waist assembly relative to the
waistband.
[0046] Among those benefits and improvements that have been
disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of
this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that
may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily
to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of
particular components. Therefore, specific structural and
functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention.
[0048] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1
and 2, there is shown a garment, i.e., athletic shorts 10, having
an outer shell 12 and a waist assembly 14. The outer shell 12
includes a waistband 16 that defines a waist opening 18. The waist
assembly is attached to the interior side of the waistband at a
prescribed location on the waist assembly with the remaining
portions of the waist assembly being free of the outer shell. The
waist assembly includes an intermediate section 20, end sections
22, and end fasteners 24, which cooperate to promote a secure and
comfortable waist fit. When secured in place, the waist assembly
wraps snuggly against the waist of the wearer.
[0049] In use, the wearer secures the end fasteners 24 together
such that the end portions hold intermediate section snug against
wearer. The waist assembly 14 further includes grip portions 26
secured to the intermediate section 20. The grip portions are
configured to maintain the shorts in place. In this manner, the
shorts maintain a secure fit in across many situations, even when
exposed to perspiration or water. As a result, the shorts are
particularly effective for combat sports such as martial arts,
wrestling, and mixed martial arts, as well as, for water sports
such as surfing.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 2, the waist assembly 14 includes two
grip portions 26 disposed on the intermediate section 20. The grip
portions are positioned to contact the wearer on opposing sides of
the wearer's spine. In the exemplary embodiment, the grip portions
are permanently attached via sonic welding; nonetheless, other
means of attachment can be used such as printing, sewing, heat
transfer, adhesives, and so on. The grip portions are formed of
material having a measure of tackiness, such as thermoplastic
rubber (TPR) material to aid in maintaining as secure waist fit. In
other embodiments, silicone material such as silicone pads can be
used and can be applied via printing onto the intermediate section
or other attachment methods. Other materials providing sufficient
tackiness can be used, such as rubber or manmade synthetic
material.
[0051] The grip portions 26 are sufficiently sized to provide a
substantial surface area for contact with the wearer. The grip
portions have a generally oval shape having a longitudinal axis
aligned with the upper edge of the waist assembly. Each grip
portion has a length between about 3 inches and about 10 inches,
and in the exemplary embodiment of about 7 inches. The width of
each grip portion is between about 1 inch and 5 inches, and the
exemplary embodiment has a width of about 3 inches.
[0052] In other embodiment, grip portions can be provided in other
shapes, sizes, and numbers without departing from the invention,
For example, the grip portions can be configured as a plurality of
cross-hatched lines or aligned geometric shapes of grip material
spaced along the intermediate section of waist assembly.
Alternatively, a single grip portion of a prescribed shape and size
can be used.
[0053] The intermediate section 20 of the waist assembly 12 is
formed of stretch material such as stretch fabric. In the exemplary
embodiment, it is formed of two layers of four-way stretch fabric
such as spandex. Alternatively, the intermediate section can be
formed of two-way stretch material, used in single or multiple
layers. In such embodiments, the two-way stretch material can be
oriented to stretch laterally around with waist. In use, the
intermediate section is stretched snuggly against the wearer,
facilitating a comfortable and secure waist fit. As a result, the
grip portions are held against the wearer, further ensuring a
secure fit. In other embodiments, non-stretch fabric, whether
single or multiple layers, can be used.
[0054] With reference now to FIG. 3, the upper edge 28 of the
intermediate section 20 is preferably aligned with or slightly
below the upper edge 30 of the waistband 16 of the outer shell. The
intermediate section is coupled to the waistband proximate to the
upper edge via stitching 32. The stitching extends substantially
the entirely length of the intermediate section. In other
embodiments, the stitching can be interspersed across the length of
the intermediate section, or positioned in one or more prescribed
locations. The lower edge 48 of the waist assembly 12 is not
attached to the outer shell. Thus, when the waist assembly is
secured in place, it is free to conform against the waist of the
wearer.
[0055] Alternatively, other means of attaching the intermediate
section to the waistband can be used, such as, hook-and-loop
material, buttons, snaps, zippers, tie strings, and so on. In
addition, intervening material can be used to couple the
intermediate section to the waistband. For example, a section of
non-stretch material can be used between the waistband and the
intermediate section, to which the intermediate section and the
waistband are attached.
[0056] With reference again to FIG. 2, the intermediate section 20
has a width between about 3 inches and about 10 inches and, in the
exemplary embodiment, the width is about 5 inches. The intermediate
section, as shown, is generally rectangular with a constant width
profile, however a variable width can be used in other
embodiments.
[0057] The intermediate section 20 has sufficient length to extend
across a substantial portion of the wearer's back along the waist
area and preferably between about 60 degrees to 300 degrees and,
more preferably at least 160 degrees about the wearer. In the
exemplary embodiment, the length of the intermediate section 20 is
a function of the waist circumference of the shorts, extending
about 180 degrees about the wearer.
[0058] The end sections 22 are coupled to opposing ends of the
intermediate section 20. The end sections are formed of non-stretch
material as compared to the intermediate section. In the exemplary
embodiment, the end sections are formed a polyester fabric, such
as, nylon webbing. However, other materials and configurations can
be used, such as cotton, polyester, rayon, bamboo, hemp, and
others. The end sections prevent the four-way stretch material from
bunching by creating an equal pulling force when tightened. The end
sections 22 have the same width as the intermediate section to
which they are attached via stitching.
[0059] As mentioned above, the intermediate section 20 is sewn to
the waistband 16 of the outer shell 12. The end sections are not
directly attached to the waistband 16. Instead, the end sections
are free to provide a smooth stretch of the intermediate section by
securing the end fasteners together.
[0060] Each end fastener 24 extends from a corresponding end
section 22. The end fasteners are configured as tie strings having
sufficient length so that they can be tied to each other in the
front side of the wearer proximate to the fly opening 34. In other
embodiments, other configurations of fasteners can be used to
stretch the intermediate section so that it is secure against the
wearer. For example, the end fasteners can be configured as straps
extending from the end section in which the straps having
hook-and-loop material, clasps, buttons, or other means of
attaching to each other. The tie strings can be of varying sizes
and materials, such as cotton, polyester, rayon, bamboo, hemp, and
others.
[0061] With now to reference to FIG. 4, a plurality of holes 36 are
defined on an interior side of the shorts proximate to the upper
edge thereof, proximate to the fly opening 34. The holes positioned
to be threaded with the end fasteners 24 of the waist assembly 14.
Selected holes are cooperatively defined by the waistband and a fly
panel 38 disposed behind the fly opening.
[0062] The athletic shorts 10 further include a fastener cover 40
for protecting the end fasteners of the waist assembly 14. The
cover is attached to an interior side of the shorts proximate to an
upper edge thereof via stitching. In the exemplary embodiment, the
cover is formed of an elastomeric material, such as neoprene,
disposed between two outer layers or one layer formed of fiber
material such as spandex. The fastener is configured to fold over
the upper edge of the waistband to cooperate with a fly closure 42
disposed on the front side to secure the cover in place.
[0063] More particularly, the fastener cover 40 includes a
complementary side of hook-and-loop material 44 to mate with a
corresponding portion on the fly closure 42. In use, the wearer
ties the strings 24 together then folds the cover over the knot and
secures fastener to the fly closure, over the upper edge of the
waistband. Thus, the cover not only aids in keeping the knot tied
but also provides a measure of comfort for the wearer. This is
particularly effective for surfing shorts, since surfers tend to
lie on a surfboard for extended periods.
[0064] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the fly panel 38 is
disposed over an interior side of the fly opening 34. In the
exemplary embodiment, the fly panel is formed of two layers of
four-way stretch fabric and is attached to the interior side of the
outer shell extending across the fly opening. The fly panel is
secured in place via stitching. In other embodiments, various other
materials and securement methods can be used for the fly panel, or
it can be excluded entirely.
[0065] In the present example, the fly closure 42 is formed of
hook-and-loop material disposed on opposing sides of the fly
opening substantially the entire length of the opening. In other
embodiments, various other materials and securement methods can be
used for the closing the fly opening without departing from the
invention. Alternatively, shorts in accordance with the invention
can exclude a fly opening entirely.
[0066] The outer shell 12 is formed of multiple components. The
waistband 16 is formed of a non-stretch material such as polyester.
The outer shell further includes front panels 46 disposed below the
waistband formed of stretch fabric. In the exemplary embodiment,
the elastic material is formed of stretch fabric, such as spandex;
however, other materials and construction providing elastic
properties can be used. In other embodiments, the material and
configuration of the outer shell can be selected to suit a
particular application such as surfing, combat sports, cross
training, and so on. For example, the garment in accordance with
the invention can be configured a particular type of garment such
as surfing shorts, MMA shorts, general athletic shorts, training
shorts, track shorts, training sweat pants, track pants, workout
pants, and to name a few.
[0067] With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the shorts 10 further
include an interior pocket 50 disposed on an interior side of the
outer shell proximate to one or more of the leg openings of the
outer shell 12. More particularly, the pocket is sewn onto the
interior side of the front leg panel 46 of the outer shell. The
pocket includes a flap 52 that extends over a pocket opening 54,
which is spaced apart from the bottom edge 56. In other
embodiments, such as surf shorts, the pocket can be located on the
interior side of the back leg panel.
[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, the pocket 50 is formed of
stretch material (e.g., four-way stretch material such as spandex).
The pocket includes a first piece of stretch material folded along
a bottom fold 58, forming a front portion 60 and a back panel (not
shown), and further includes a second piece of stretch material,
forming the pocket flap 52. The side edges 62 of the pocket flap 62
are sewn in place to aid in securing the items within the pocket.
Alternatively, other types of enclosures for internal pockets may
be used, including hook and loop, buttons, zippers, snaps and so
on. Stitch lines secure the pocket to the outer shell 12.
[0069] In use, the wearer can easily access the pocket through the
leg opening 70. The pocket is sized to secure a mouth guard, such
as those used in combat sports. In one example, the pocket is
approximately 5 inches by 6 inches. The location of the pocket on
an interior side proximate to the leg opening is advantageous in
that the pocket is free of externally exposed portions and that the
user need not loosen or alter the waistband to gain access to the
internal pocket.
[0070] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present
invention provides a garment having an outer shell 12 and a waist
assembly 14. The outer shell includes a waistband that defines a
waist opening. The waist assembly is attached to the interior side
of the waistband at a prescribed location on the waist assembly
with the remaining portions of the waist assembly being free of the
outer shell. The waist assembly includes an intermediate section,
end sections, and end fasteners, which cooperate to promote a
secure and comfortable waist fit. When secured in place, the waist
assembly wraps snuggly against the waist of the wearer.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 7a, b and c, the waist assembly 14
comprises an elongated member 20, attached to end fastener covers
82 and end fasteners 24. FIG. 7a shows the components disassembled.
FIG. 7b show the rear view of the assembled waist assembly wherein
one end of the end fasteners 24 is attached to one end of the
elongated member 20 and the end fastener cover surrounds a portion
of the end fasteners. FIG. 7c shows a front view of the waist
assembly 14 and there is stitching 80 on the end fastener covers
and an x-stitch 81 securing the end fastener 24 to the end fastener
covers 82.
[0072] FIG. 8a shows a front view of the shorts 12 showing the
waist assembly 14 being attached to the waistband with a plurality
of vertical stitches 83. The vertical stitches prevent or limit
latitudinal movement of the waist assembly relative to the
waistband. FIG. 8b shows the rear view of FIG. 8a showing the
vertical stitches 83 on the outside of the waistband of the
garment.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows a rear view of the shorts 12 with the foldable
flap 40, the frontal patch 90 and the extended portion 100
protruding from the top portion of the rear side of the waistband
and the extended portion 100 has space 101 for advertising.
[0074] FIG. 10 illustrates the foldable flap 40 attached to the
frontal patch 90. A portion of the flap 40 and/or patch 90 is
attached to a portion of the front side of the waistband or the
front side of the garment. The flap 40 is designed to fold over an
upper edge of the waistband and be attached to a portion of the
outer side of the garment during use of the garment.
[0075] FIG. 11 shows the waist assembly 14 with the extended
portion 29 which is designed to be attached to an interior of the
garment to limit or prevent latitudinal movement of the waist
assembly 14 relative to the waistband.
[0076] Numerous modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is
therefore to be understood that within the scope of the attendant
claims attached hereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically disclosed herein.
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