Sports Garments

Abstract

Provided herein is an article of clothing configured to be worn around a user's crotch and thighs. In one embodiment, the article of clothing comprises a garment and a pad. In certain embodiments, the garment comprises an opening in an area between the thighs of the user when the article of clothing is worn by the user, and the opening comprises a perimeter. In one aspect, the pad is connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter. Also provided herein is a method of manufacturing an article of clothing.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to sports garments and methods of manufacturing the same, and more specifically, to cycling garments and methods of manufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Sports in which a participant sits on a saddle, for example, cycling and horse riding, are very popular as recreational or competitive activities. Many people ride a bicycle as part of their daily exercise. As a result, there have been concerns for cycling safety and demands for sports garments that are comfortable and offer protection for the cyclists. For example, cycling gloves can provide a more secure hold on the handlebars. In addition, cycling gloves, pants, or shorts can provide padded protection against the shocks and impacts transmitted through the handlebars or the saddle when riding. Cycling pants or shorts are also manufactured to draw moisture away from the skin, e.g., through capillary action and enhanced evaporation over a wide surface area, to reduce chafing (i.e., the irritation of skin caused by repetitive friction) and allow freedom of movement.

[0003] Padding or cushioning has been used to cover the buttocks and/or crotch regions of a cyclist to protect the cyclist from impact transmitted through a saddle. For example, inserts or liners can be sewn or stitched to the inside of pants or shorts. Often there is relative movement and friction between the material of the pants or shorts and the material of the inserts or liners.

[0004] The information included in this Background section is for introductory purposes only, and is not to be regarded as subject matter by which the scope of the claimed subject matter is to be bound. Nothing contained in this Background section is to be construed as an "admission" of prior art, and Applicant expressly reserves the right to demonstrate, where appropriate, that the articles and methods referenced herein do not constitute prior art under the applicable statutory provisions.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides an article of clothing suitable for preventing injury and providing a comfortable wearing experience to a user, by eliminating or reducing relative movement and friction between the material of pants or shorts and the material of protective padding.

[0006] In one aspect, provided herein is an article of clothing configured to be worn around a user's crotch and thighs. In another aspect, an article of clothing configured to be worn around a user's crotch, thighs, and waist is disclosed. In one embodiment, the article of clothing comprises a garment and a pad. In certain embodiments, the garment comprises an opening in an area between the thighs of the user when the article of clothing is worn by the user, and the opening comprises a perimeter. In one aspect, the pad is connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter.

[0007] In one aspect, the pad of an article of clothing disclosed herein comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment, the inner surface is configured to contact the crotch of the user. In one embodiment, the outer surface is configured to directly contact a saddle or seat supporting the user. In particular embodiments, there is no fabric between the outer surface and the saddle or seat.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the article of clothing disclosed herein is a pair of bicycle pants or shorts, triathlon pants or shorts, bridal pants or shorts, rowing pants or shorts, or motorcycle pants or shorts.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pad of an article of clothing disclosed herein is configured to completely cover the opening. In some aspects, the pad is configured to conform to a contour of the crotch of the user. In particular embodiments, the pad is configured to conform to a contour of the user's crotch the user is positioned in a riding position, for example, on a saddle, bike seat, bridal saddle, motorcycle seat, or rowing seat. In other embodiments, the pad covers a perineal region of the user, for example, when the user is in a riding position on a bicycle. In further embodiments, the pad extends upwards to a lower front pelvic region of the user.

[0010] In particular aspects, the pad and the perimeter of the opening in the garment are connected by stitching, sewing, bonded seam, or heat tape. In other aspects, the pad has a thickness greater than that of the garment. In yet other aspects, the pad has an average thickness greater than the average thickness of the garment.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the pad is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fabric, synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, woven fabric, blown rubber, microfiber, mesh, and foam. In certain aspects, the pad is made from a material having a characteristic selected from the group consisting of being soft, impact-absorbing, hygienic, absorbent, floatable, buoyant, anallergic, breathable, resistant to skin pH, anti-bacterial, and heat-regulating. In some aspects, the garment is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fabric, synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, woven fabric, blown rubber, microfiber, mesh, and leather.

[0012] In certain aspects, also disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an article of clothing configured to be worn around a user's crotch and thighs. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a garment and connecting a pad to the garment, for example, by sewing the pad to the garment. In one aspect, the garment comprises an opening in an area between the thighs of the user, for instance, when the article of clothing is worn by the user. In one aspect, the opening comprises a perimeter and the pad is connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter, for example, by sewing, stitching, using a bonded seam such as a heat tape.

[0013] In certain other aspects, the garment comprises one or more panels. In particular embodiments, the garment is consisted of one panel that comprises an opening in an area between the thighs of the user. In other embodiments, the garment comprises a plurality of panels, and one or more of the plurality of panels can be connected to the pad when manufacturing an article of clothing of the present disclosure. In some aspects, after the plurality of panels are connected to the pad, the plurality of panels themselves can be connected (e.g., by sewing, stitching, or using a bonded seam) to provide the garment. Therefore, to manufacture an article of clothing of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the garment can comprise an opening to receive the pad before, during, or after the plurality of panels of the garment are connected.

[0014] In certain aspects, the method comprises configuring an inner surface of the pad to contact the crotch of the user. In certain aspects, the method comprises configuring an outer surface of the pad to directly contact a saddle or seat supporting the user. In preferred embodiments, there is no fabric between the outer surface and the saddle or seat.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the method provided herein is used to manufacture a pair of bicycle pants or shorts, triathlon pants or shorts, bridal pants or shorts, rowing pants or shorts, or motorcycle pants or shorts.

[0016] In one aspect, the pad completely covers the opening. In another aspect, the pad has a thickness greater than that of the garment. In yet another aspect, the pad has an average thickness greater than that of the garment. In other aspects, the method comprise configuring the pad to conform to a contour of the crotch of the user, for example, when the user is positioned in a riding position on a saddle, bike seat, bridal saddle, motorcycle seat, or rowing seat. In yet other aspects, the method comprises configuring the pad to cover a perineal region of the user. In other aspects, the method comprises configuring the pad to extend upwards to a lower front pelvic region of the user.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the method provided herein, the pad is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fabric, synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, microfiber, mesh, and foam. In other embodiments, the pad is made from a material having a characteristic selected from the group consisting of being soft, impact-absorbing, hygienic, absorbent, floatable, buoyant, anallergic, breathable, resistant to skin pH, anti-bacterial, and heat-regulating. In yet other embodiments, the garment is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fabric, synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, microfiber, mesh, and leather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of clothing worn by a user, according to certain examples of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a rear view of an article of clothing worn by a user positioned in a riding position on a saddle, according to certain examples of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of an article of clothing worn by a user, according to certain examples of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing an article of clothing, according to certain examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to protect a cyclist from impact transmitted through a saddle, padding or cushioning has been used to cover the buttocks and/or crotch regions of the cyclist. For example, inserts or liners can be disposed, e.g., by sewing or stitching, in sports pants or shorts in the buttocks and crotch regions.

[0023] One problem of sewing inserts or liners to the inside of sports pants or shorts is that this often allows relative movement and friction between the material of the pants or shorts and the material of the inserts or liners. For instance, when an insert or a liner is sewn to a crotch area on the inside of pants, the fabric of the crotch area of the pants forms a layer covering the insert or liner. In this case, the cyclist's crotch area contacts the insert or liner, while the saddle contacts the fabric layer of the pants covering the insert or liner. There often exists relative movement between the insert and the fabric layer of the pants, and consequently relative movement between the cyclist's crotch area and the saddle.

[0024] Such relative movement can be problematic. For example, it could distract a cyclist or even cause the cyclist to loose balance. This could be dangerous, especially when the cyclist is traveling at a high speed on a bicycle. In addition, friction between the material of the pants and the material of the inserts can lead to accumulation of heat and electric charges that cause discomfort to the cyclist. Relative movement and friction between the inserts and the pants materials can also result in a shorter life span of the pants and inserts. Moreover, disposing an insert or liner onto the buttocks and/or crotch regions of the pants can result in a bulky construction that is not conductive to providing a comfortable anatomically conforming fit.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides an article of clothing configured to be worn around a cyclist's crotch and thighs, wherein the article of clothing comprises a garment having an opening in an area between the thighs of the user, wherein the opening comprises a perimeter, and a pad connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter. Thus, in one embodiment, the pad is connected to the garment along the perimeter of the opening, with little or no friction between the pad and the garment. In other embodiments, an article of clothing disclosed herein eliminates the material (e.g., fabric) of the garment in an area between the thighs and/or crotch area of a user, such that no material of the garment covers the pad. In further embodiments, articles of clothing described herein may beneficially eliminate the material (e.g., fabric) of the garment in a perineal region of a user, such that the pad directly contacts a saddle supporting the user. In one aspect, the present articles of clothing may eliminate or at least reduce friction resulting from relative movement between the pad and the garment material sandwiched between the pad and a saddle. Accordingly, the present article of clothing provides a more comfortable and stable abutment of the user on the saddle compared to sewing liners or inserts to the inside of pants, and thus causes less distraction. In other aspects, the present article of clothing provides an anatomically confirming fit. Because the present article of clothing reduces heat and electric charge accumulation due to friction, in certain aspects, the present article of clothing has a longer life span compared to protective pants with liners or inserts sewn to the inside.

[0026] Thus, in one aspect, provided here in an article of clothing suitable for preventing injury and providing a comfortable wearing experience to a user. In another aspect, an article of clothing disclosed herein is suitable for providing protection to a perineal region or a genital region of a user, including decreasing numbness and even possible sterility in both men and women.

[0027] Descriptions of the present disclosure are given with reference to FIGS. 1-3. It should be understood that the figures are exemplary in nature and are not to be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure or the claimed subject matter.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an article of clothing according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown and designated generally by the reference numeral 10. In some aspects, the article of clothing is a pair of cycling shorts as shown in FIG. 1. In one aspect, cycling shorts 10 are configured to be worn around a user's crotch and thighs. In some embodiments, the cycling shorts comprise a garment 12 and a pad 14. In further embodiments, the garment has a multi-panel construction as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the garment can comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more panels 16. In other embodiments, the garment consists of one panel 16. In certain aspects, the article of clothing comprises elastic ribbing or the like 26 around the bottom of the leg openings and elastic ribbing or the like 24 around the waist.

[0029] In one aspect, the garment comprises an opening 18 in an area 20 between the thighs of the user when the article of clothing of the present disclosure is worn by the user. In further embodiments, the opening comprises a perimeter 22. In certain aspects, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the pad is connected to the garment along the perimeter. In other aspects, the pad is connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter. In some aspects, the pad is connected to the garment through sewing, stitching, gluing, using a bonded seam (e.g., heat tape), ultrasound welding or high-frequency welding along at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening.

[0030] In some embodiments of the article of clothing disclosed herein, the pad and the perimeter of the opening in the garment are connected by stitching or sewing. In particular aspects, the pad is stitched or sewn to the garment along the perimeter of the opening in the garment, such that the pad forms an insert in the material of the garment. In other aspects, the shape and dimension of the opening correspond substantially to an area between the thighs of a user when the article of clothing is worn by the user. For example, the shape and dimension of the opening can correspond to a crotch area of the user. In another example, the shape and dimension of the opening correspond to an area comprising the lower posterior pelvic region, the perineal region, the lower front pelvic region, or any combination thereof, of the user. In particular embodiments, the pad is configured to completely cover the opening. In other aspects, the shape and dimension of the pad correspond substantially to the opening in the garment. In yet other aspects, the shape and dimension of the pad substantially match the shape and dimension of the opening in the garment. Thus, in certain embodiments, the pad covers an area between the thighs of a user when the article of clothing is worn by the user. In other embodiments, the pad covers a crotch area, a lower posterior pelvic area, a perineal area, a lower front pelvic region, or any combination thereof, of the user. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the pad may directly or indirectly contact and cover an area on a user when the article of clothing is worn by the user.

[0031] In one aspect, the pad contacts and covers each tuberosity of the ischium of the user. In particular embodiments, the pad contacts and protects the abutment point of the skeleton of the user on a saddle or seat, for example, when the user rides a bicycle. In particular embodiments, the pad comprises regions with concave shapes on the inner surface in order to adapt to the convex shape of the glutei when the pad contacts the tuberosity of the ischium. In one embodiment, as a result of increased contact surface when compared to pad having a flat inner surface at the contact point with the tuberosity of the ischium, the concave shapes can improve a user's balance in a riding position.

[0032] In particular embodiments of the article of clothing disclosed herein, the pad comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. In one aspect, the inner surface contacts an area between the thighs of a user wearing the article of clothing. In other embodiments, the inner surface contacts a crotch area, a lower posterior pelvic area, a perineal area, a lower front pelvic region, or any combination thereof, of the user. In one embodiment, the inner surface is configured to conform to a contour of the crotch of the user, for example, when the user is in a riding position on a saddle, or when the user is walking, sitting, stretching, or otherwise moving. In certain embodiments, the inner surface can be made from a material that has suitable characteristics to protect a body region and allow freedom of movement. For example, the inner surface can be made from a material that is elastic, impact-absorbing, soft, hygienic, resistant to skin pH, breathable, floatable, buoyant, anallergic, anti-bacterial and/or heat-regulating. Suitable materials for making the inner surface include, but are not limited to, natural or synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, mesh, a foam material (e.g., PVC, polyurethane, or polyester), woven fabric, blown rubber, or microfiber. The inner surface and the outer surface can be made from the same or different materials.

[0033] In other embodiments, the outer surface directly contacts a saddle supporting the user. In one aspect, the outer surface is configured to conform to a contour or shape of the saddle supporting the user. In other aspects, the outer surface directly contacts the saddle with no other material, e.g., fabric, in between the outer surface and the saddle. In certain embodiments, the outer surface is made from a material that has suitable characteristics to create balanced and secure abutment of the user on a saddle. For example, the outer surface can be made from a material that is elastic, impact-absorbing, soft, hygienic, breathable, floatable, buoyant, anallergic, anti-bacterial, durable, abrasion-resistant, and/or heat-regulating. Suitable materials for making the outer surface include, but are not limited, to natural or synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, mesh, a foam material (e.g., PVC, polyurethane, or polyester), woven fabric, blown rubber, or microfiber.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the pad comprises one, two, three, four, five or more layers. In other embodiments, the pad comprises one or more layers between the inner surface and the outer surface. In cases where the pad comprises at least two layers, the at least two layers can be connected to each other or laminated together, for example, through sewing, lamination, using an adhesive, gluing, using a bonded seam (e.g., heat tape), ultrasound welding or high-frequency welding. In one aspect, the at least two layers are connected at one or more contact points, contact lines, or contact surfaces. For example, the at least two layers of the pad can be connected to each other at multiple contact points to minimize relative move between layers, for example, when the user is in a riding position on a saddle. In certain examples, the pad comprises a chamois. A chamois can be cut to fit between the legs of the user, for example, a cyclist. A chamois is often constructed with multiple layers and materials, which are stitched or laminated together to provide protection to the cyclist.

[0035] In particular embodiments, the garment is made from a material that has suitable characteristics to protect a body region and allow freedom of movement. For example, suitable materials for making the garment are elastic, soft, hygienic, resistant to skin pH, breathable, floatable, buoyant, anallergic, anti-bacterial and/or heat-regulating.

[0036] In other embodiments, the pad is made from one or more materials that are suitable to offer protection for a lower posterior pelvic region, a crotch region, a perineal region, and/or a lower front pelvic region of a user, particularly when the user is positioned in a riding position on a saddle. For example, suitable materials for making the pad are elastic, soft, hygienic, and/or impact-absorbing. In other embodiments, the pad can be made from materials that are resistant to skin pH, breathable, floatable, buoyant, anallergic, anti-bacterial and/or heat-regulating. In particular embodiments, the pad is made from at least two, at least three, at least four, or more materials. It is to be understood that the pad can be configured and/or adjusted to possess a particular property, for example, by choice of a suitable material. In other embodiments, the softness or the impact-absorbing capability of the pad can be configured or adjusted by a combination of the thickness of the pad and the material used to make the pad.

[0037] Suitable materials for making the garment and/or pad include and are not limited to natural or synthetic fabric, mesh, a foam material, knitted fabric, woven fabric, blown rubber, microfiber, animal hides, or an elastomer LYCRA.TM.). For example, the pad can be made from a foam material based on PVC, polyurethane, polyester, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the pad comprises at least two parts, wherein the at least two parts are made from different materials. In other aspects, the pad comprises at least two parts made from the same material. The material can be arranged in different configurations in the at least two parts, thereby conferring different properties to the at least two parts. For example, one part of the pad can be knitted or woven at a higher thread density than another part of the pad.

[0038] In other embodiments, the pad comprises a housing or bag, which can be filled with a gas, a liquid, a gel, or any combination thereof. For example, the pad can comprise a housing or a bag fillable with gas, air, water, silicon, oil, or mixtures thereof. In preferred embodiments, the housing or bag is impermeable and deformable, for example, after the housing or bag is filled and a securing mechanism (e.g., closing of a valve) is applied. In particular embodiments, the pressure of the housing or bag can be adjusted, for example, by a valve for controlling the amount of a gas, a liquid or a gel in the housing or bag. In particular embodiments, the pad comprises one or more bags or a bag comprising one or more compartments. The one or more bags and the one or more compartments can vary in location within the pad, shape, size, material, and/or content, such that an anatomically conforming configuration of the pad can be provided by adjusting any one or any combination of the parameters of the bags or compartments. For example, the pad can be adjusted to conform to the contour of the crotch of the user when the user is sitting, walking, or riding on a saddle.

[0039] In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of the pad remain the same for different size garments. In other embodiments, the size of the pad substantially corresponds to the size of the garment. For example, there is provided a size "S" ("Small") pad corresponding to a size "S" ("Small") garment, and there is provided a size "L" ("Large") pad corresponding to a size "L" ("Large") garment. In one embodiment, the size of the pad corresponds to a garment of a men's size. In another embodiment, the size of the pad corresponds to a garment of a women's size. In yet another embodiment, the size of the pad corresponds to a garment of a children's size. In some aspects, the size the pad can vary according to the size of the garment. In other aspects, the pad is stretchable or elastic such that the shape and size of the pad can be adjusted according to the size and contour of a user's crotch area. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the pad is adjustable, for example, by adjusting the amount of a content filled in a bag or housing comprised in the pad.

[0040] In one embodiment, the pad has a thickness greater than that of the garment. In one embodiment, the pad has an average thickness greater than the average thickness of the garment. In other embodiments, the pad has an average thickness at least or at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 145%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% greater than the average thickness of the garment. In particular embodiments, the average thickness of the pad is 25% greater than the average thickness of the garment. In other aspects, the average thickness of the pad is at least or at least about 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, 7 times, 8 times, 9 times, 10 times, 11 times, 12 times, 13 times, 14 times, 15 times, 16 times, 17 times, 18 times, 19 times, or 20 times greater than the average thickness of the garment. In particular embodiments, the average thickness of the pad is 5 times greater than the average thickness of the garment. In yet other aspects, the average thickness of the pad is more than about 20 times greater than that of the garment. In certain embodiments, the pad provides more cushioning than the garment, for example, by having a larger average thickness or a material or a shape that provides more cushioning, or any combination thereof.

[0041] In particular embodiments, the pad has an average thickness of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, or about 30 mm. In one embodiment, the pad has an average thickness of 2 mm. In another embodiment, the pad has an average thickness of 30 mm. In other embodiments, the pad has an average thickness of more than about 30 mm. In some embodiments, the garment has an average thickness of about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.9 mm, or about 3.0 mm. In one embodiment, the garment has an average thickness of 2 mm. In other embodiments, the garment has an average thickness of more than about 3.0 mm.

[0042] In particular embodiments, the pad has a composition and/or a configuration that wicks off moisture. In other embodiments, the pad is suitable for perspiration. For example, the pad can comprise one or more through-channels on the inner surface of the pad, to allow sweat to collect in the one or more through-channels and drain outside the pad. In other aspects, the pad comprises pores or openings for aeration. For example, when a foam material is used to construct the pad, the foam material can have pores that promote aeration when the article of clothing is worn. In other aspects, pores or opening can be disposed in the pad, in addition to the pores or openings that the material used to construct the pad already has. In particular embodiments, the pores or openings have an average diameter of about 0.1 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 7.0 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 8.0 mm, about 8.5 mm, about 9.0 mm, about 9.5 mm, or about 10.0 mm. In other aspects, the pores or openings have an average diameter of more than about 10.0 mm.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pad increases adherence and balance on the saddle. For example, the outer surface of the pad that directly contacts the saddle can be configured to increase adherence and/or balance on the saddle. Such configuration can be done by a combination of the size, shape, material, texture, and surface treatment of the outer surface of the pad. In other embodiments, the pad decreases adherence and allows the body of the user to slide more freely, for example, fore and aft, proximally and distally, or side to side.

[0044] In particular embodiments, the pad extends around the crotch of the user, as shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the pad covers a perineal region of the user. In other embodiments, the pad extends from a buttock region or just below a buttock region of the user, around the crotch, and upwards to a lower front pelvic region of the user. In yet other embodiments, the pad extends from a lower posterior pelvic region upwards to a lower front pelvic region of the user when the user wears the article of clothing disclosed herein. For example, the pad extends around the crotch of the user and covers the perineal region when the user wears a pair of cycling shorts and is in a riding position on a bicycle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), or when the user is standing or walking (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3), or when the user is shifting from a standard road riding position to a time trial position where the upper body of the user is rotated forward thus placing more weight on the perineal region than on the gluteal region. In particular embodiments, the pad is essentially pear shaped or double-lobe shaped.

[0045] Also disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an article of clothing configured to be worn around a user's crotch and thighs, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, method 40 comprises a step 42 of providing a garment comprising an opening having a perimeter, and a step 44 of connecting a pad to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a garment comprising an opening in an area between the thighs of the user when the article of clothing is worn by the user, wherein the opening comprises a perimeter: and connecting a pad to the garment, whereby the pad is connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter. In certain embodiments, the connecting step can be done by sewing, stitching, gluing, using a bonded seam (e.g., heat tape), ultrasound welding or high-frequency welding along at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening. In particular embodiments, the pad used in a method of the present disclosure comprises an inner surface configured to contact the crotch of the user, and an outer surface configured to directly contact a saddle supporting the user with no fabric between the outer surface of the pad and the saddle. In other embodiments, the pad comprises an outer surface configured to contact the saddle with no fabric comprised in the garment between the outer surface of the pad and the saddle. In certain aspects, fabric is laminated to the outer surface of the pad. In some embodiments, relative movement and friction between the laminated fabric and the outer surface of the pad are eliminated or minimized.

[0046] In certain other aspects, the garment comprises one or more panels. In particular embodiments, the garment is consisted of one panel that comprises an opening in an area between the thighs of the user. In other embodiments, the garment comprises a plurality of panels, and one or more of the plurality of panels can be connected to the pad when manufacturing an article of clothing of the present disclosure. In some aspects, after the plurality of panels are connected to the pad, the plurality of panels themselves can be connected (e.g., by sewing, stitching, or using a bonded seam) to provide the garment. Therefore, to manufacture an article of clothing of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the garment can comprise an opening to receive the pad before, during, or after the plurality of panels of the garment are connected.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the article of clothing disclosed herein can be a pair of bicycle or triathlon pants or shorts. In other embodiments, the article of clothing can be a pair of triathlon pants or shorts, cycling pants or shorts, horse riding pants or shorts, bridal pants or shorts, rowing pants or shorts, or motorcycle pants or shorts. In one aspect, a user wears the article of clothing and is positioned in a riding position on a saddle. In other aspects, a user wears the article of clothing disclosed herein and is positioned in a riding position on a bike seat, a bridal saddle, a motorcycle seat, or a rowing seat.

[0048] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise), when used herein, are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

[0049] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, features disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be used in other embodiments, as appropriate. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the subject matter as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An article of clothing configured to be worn around a user's crotch and thighs comprising: a garment comprising an opening in an area between the thighs of the user when the article of clothing is worn by the user, wherein the opening comprises a perimeter; and a pad connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter.

2. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises an inner surface configured to contact the crotch of the user, and an outer surface configured to directly contact a saddle or seat supporting the user with no fabric between the outer surface and the saddle or seat.

3. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the article of clothing is a pair of bicycle pants or shorts, triathlon pants or shorts, bridal pants or shorts, rowing pants or shorts, or motorcycle pants or shorts.

4. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pad is configured to completely cover the opening.

5. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pad is configured to conform to a contour of the crotch of the user when the user is positioned in a riding position on a saddle, bike seat, bridal saddle, motorcycle seat, or rowing seat.

6. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pad covers a perineal region of the user, and extends upwards to a lower front pelvic region of the user when the user is in a riding position on a bicycle.

7. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pad and the perimeter of the opening in the garment are connected by stitching, sewing, bonded seam, or heat tape.

8. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pad is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fabric, synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, woven fabric, blown rubber, microfiber, mesh, and foam.

9. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pad is made from a material having a characteristic selected from the group consisting of being soft, impact-absorbing, hygienic, absorbent, floatable, buoyant, anallergic, breathable, resistant to skin pH, anti-bacterial, and heat-regulating.

10. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the garment is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fabric, synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, woven fabric, blown rubber, microfiber, mesh, and leather.

11. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the pad has a thickness greater than that of the garment.

12. A method of manufacturing an article of clothing configured to be worn around a user's crotch and thighs, comprising: providing a garment comprising an opening in an area between the thighs of the user when the article of clothing is worn by the user, wherein the opening comprises a perimeter; and sewing a pad to the garment, whereby the pad is connected to the garment along at least a portion of the perimeter.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pad comprises an inner surface configured to contact the crotch of the user, and an outer surface configured to directly contact a saddle or seat supporting the user with no fabric between the outer surface and the saddle or seat.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the article of clothing is a pair of bicycle pants or shorts, triathlon pants or shorts, bridal pants or shorts, rowing pants or shorts, or motorcycle pants or shorts.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the pad completely covers the opening.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the pad is configured to conform to a contour of the crotch of the user when the user is positioned in a riding position on a saddle, bike seat, bridal saddle, motorcycle seat, or rowing seat.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the pad covers a perineal region of the user, and extends upwards to a lower front pelvic region of the user when the user is in a riding position on a bicycle.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the pad is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fabric, synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, microfiber, mesh, and foam.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the pad is made from a material having a characteristic selected from the group consisting of being soft, impact-absorbing, hygienic, absorbent, floatable, buoyant, anallergic, breathable, resistant to skin pH, anti-bacterial, and heat-regulating.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the garment is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fabric, synthetic fabric, knitted fabric, microfiber, mesh, and leather.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein the pad has a thickness greater than that of the garment.