U.S. patent application number 15/103533 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for sports trouser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Westfield Salvalota LTD. The applicant listed for this patent is WESTFIELD SALVALOTA LTD. Invention is credited to Charles Cutler.
Application Number | 20160316825 15/103533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50030794 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160316825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cutler; Charles |
November 3, 2016 |
SPORTS TROUSER
Abstract
A sports trouser is provided, comprising: a trouser portion
having a waistband portion (11) from which a bifurcated leg portion
(12) depends; and a halter portion (13) extending from the
waistband portion to loop, when worn, around the back of the neck
of the wearer, thereby to apply an upward force to the waistband
portion, wherein the halter portion is anchored to the waistband
portion so as to apply force at at least two positions arranged on
either side of the body sagittal plane each being rearward of the
body coronal plane, the halter portion being anchored so as to
extend to the neck crossing the body coronal plane beneath the arms
of the wearer. The trouser may thereby be more convenient to don
and doff, and may thereby be more comfortable to wear.
Inventors: |
Cutler; Charles; (Esmoriz,
PT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WESTFIELD SALVALOTA LTD |
Birmingham |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Westfield Salvalota LTD
Birmingham
GB
|
Family ID: |
50030794 |
Appl. No.: |
15/103533 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
December 11, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/077375 |
371 Date: |
June 10, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2400/44 20130101;
A41D 1/084 20130101; A41D 2400/70 20130101; A41D 1/082 20130101;
A41D 2600/104 20130101; A41D 13/02 20130101; A41D 13/0017 20130101;
A41D 1/089 20180101; A41D 31/18 20190201 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/08 20060101
A41D001/08; A41D 1/22 20060101 A41D001/22; A41D 27/00 20060101
A41D027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2013 |
GB |
1321950.6 |
Claims
1. A sports trouser comprising: a trouser portion having a
waistband portion from which a bifurcated leg portion depends; and
a halter portion extending from the waistband portion to loop, when
worn, around the back of the neck of the wearer, thereby to apply
an upward force to the waistband portion, wherein the halter
portion is anchored to the waistband portion so as to apply force
at at least two positions arranged on either side of the body
sagittal plane each being rearward of the body coronal plane, the
halter portion being anchored so as to extend to the neck crossing
the body coronal plane beneath the arms of the wearer.
2. The sports trouser according to claim 1, wherein the halter
portion is additionally anchored to the waistband portion so as to
apply force at two positions arranged on each side of the body
sagittal plane and each being forward of the body coronal
plane.
3. The sports trouser according to claim 2, wherein the halter
portion is anchored to the waistband portion on each side of the
body sagittal plane to apply force at positions both forward and
rearward of the body coronal plane but not at least an intermediate
position between the forward and rearward position on each
side.
4. The sports trouser according to claim 3, wherein the halter
portion is detachably anchored to the waistband portion at least
the forward position on each side of the body sagittal plane.
5. The sports trouser according to claim 4, further comprising a
closure portion extending from the halter portion in a loop so as
to encircle the neck, when worn.
6. The sports trouser according to claim 3, wherein the leg portion
extends to terminate above the knees of the wearer, when worn.
7. The sports trouser according to claim 3, wherein the leg portion
extends to terminate below the knees of the wearer, when worn.
8. The sports trouser according to claim 3, further comprising an
adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the halter
portion.
9. The sports trouser, according to claim 3, wherein the halter
portion is anchored to the waistband portion at each side of the
sagittal plane at a position more than 55% rearward measured
between a frontmost position of the waistband portion and a
rearmost position of the waistband portion intersecting the
sagittal plane, preferably being more than 65% and less than 75%
rearward.
10. The sports trouser according to claim 3, wherein the halter
portion is anchored to the waistband portion by the apex of a
generally triangular portion which extends to the waistband on each
side of the sagittal plane.
11. The sports trouser according to claim 3, wherein the halter
portion is substantially in the form of a band of material
extending from the waistband portion on each side of the sagittal
plane.
12. The sports trouser according to claim 3, wherein the halter
portion is configured so as to apply an upward tension on a rear
portion of the waistband portion when the wearer stands erect, and
so as to release the tension such that the waistband portion may be
dropped below the buttocks of the wearer when the wearer
squats.
13. The sports trouser according to claim 1 being a cycling
trouser.
14. The sports trouser according to claim 3, wherein a bib portion
is provided connected to the halter portion on each side of the
sagittal plane so as to at least partially cover a front torso
region of the wearer.
15. The sports trouser according to claim 14, wherein the bib
portion extends to connect to a front portion of the waistband.
16. The sports trouser according to claim 15, wherein the halter
portion substantially is formed of a stretch fabric.
17. The sports trouser according to claim 16, wherein the waistband
portion is substantially formed of a stretch fabric.
18. The sports trouser according to claim 17, wherein the trouser
portion substantially is formed of a stretch fabric.
19. The sports trouser according to claim 3, wherein the sports
trouser is substantially formed of a stretch fabric.
20. A sports trouser according to claim 1 wherein the sports
trouser is a triathlon trouser.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sports trouser, and more
particularly to a sports trouser having a halter portion which may
enable the trouser to be more versatile, especially for a female
user.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] For various types of sport, it is conventional to wear a
trouser for reasons of protection, comfort and modesty. Such sports
include cycling, triathlon, skiing and snowboarding.
[0003] A key requirement for such a trouser is that the trouser
should remain in position on the wearer's body even when the wearer
is engaged in strenuous activity. However, the trouser must also be
sufficiently comfortable so as not to distract from the performance
of the sport and also must not unduly restrict the movement of the
wearer.
[0004] Especially for the sports mentioned above, the wearer spends
a substantial proportion of the time while engaged in the activity
in a crouched posture. In such a posture, when wearing a trouser
which is retained against the wearer's body by means of a form-fit,
as in the case of a trouser formed of a stretch material, there is
a tendency for the waistband of the trouser to descend, leading to
a loss of protection of the lower portion of the torso and upper
portion of the seat and potentially revealing unintended portions
of the wearer's body. This can lead to a gap forming between the
shorts and the rider's top garment, such as a riding jersey, which
can be uncomfortable, especially when riding in cold or rainy
conditions or under intense ultraviolet-level sun. There is also a
tendency for a riding pad, if present, to displace from a preferred
location, which can be uncomfortable for the rider.
[0005] Therefore, especially for the above-mentioned sports, there
has been developed a type of trouser known as the bib trouser. A
conventional bib trouser is shown in FIG. 8. Such a trouser has a
waistband portion 101 from which left and right leg portions 102a
and 102b depend, in the conventional manner of a trouser.
Specifically, the leg portions may each be thought of as a pair of
tubes which bifurcate from a common, essentially tubular waist
portion. This is a conventional trouser configuration as understood
in the art. Such a configuration is distinguished from, for
example, a brief or leotard configuration, which may have apertures
for legs but no leg portions as such for accommodating the legs of
the wearer therein. While brief or leotard configurations are
conventional for, for example, leisure swimming or sunbathing, for
active sport situations a trouser configuration is required to give
adequate protection to, for example, the thighs.
[0006] To assist in retaining the trouser in its correct position
even when crouching or performing strenuous activity, the trouser
is additionally provided with left and right suspender portions
103a and 103b which extend from the front of the waistband of the
trouser over the shoulders of the wearer on the left and the right
sides to attach to a back portion 105. The back portion 105 then
extends from the attachment points of the suspender portions to the
rear portion of the waistband portion 101. By means of the
suspender portions 103a and 103b, the shoulders provide an upward
force to the front and rear of the waistband, maintaining the
trouser in its correct configuration. Variants in the width and
positioning of the back portion, especially, may be adopted, but
the general principle is common to conventional bib trousers.
[0007] Such a trouser may also be provided with a so-called bib
portion 104 which extends above the waistband portion 101 and
connects the left and right suspender portions 103a and 103b to
provide protection also to the midriff of the wearer.
[0008] Such a bib trouser has a number of drawbacks. Particularly,
such a configuration is generally somewhat difficult to remove at
least partially from the body of the user, unassisted, in a quick
and simple manner, for example to enable convenient use of bathroom
facilities, especially for female wearers.
[0009] Further, the suspender portions tend to fall over the front
of the breast, thereby causing irritation and rubbing when riding.
Additionally, the excess fabric of the back portion can impede
cooling, while the tension of the suspender portions on the
shoulders can be uncomfortable.
[0010] For all these reasons, the conventional bib trouser design
does not completely fulfil the comfort, security and convenience
needs of wearers.
[0011] No design of trouser is known to the present inventor which
provides a sufficiently comfortable and secure wearing experience
and simultaneously enables the easy use of bathroom facilities.
SUMMARY
[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a sports trouser comprising: a trouser portion having a
waistband portion from which a bifurcated leg portion depends; and
a halter portion extending from the waistband portion to loop, when
worn, around the back of the neck of the wearer, thereby to apply
an upward force to the waistband portion, wherein the halter
portion is anchored to the waistband portion so as to apply force
at at least two positions arranged on either side of the body
sagittal plane each being rearward of the body coronal plane, the
halter portion being anchored so as to extend to the neck crossing
the body coronal plane beneath the arms of the wearer. Such a
configuration enables the easy use of bathroom facilities.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the halter
portion is additionally anchored to the waistband portion so as to
apply force at two positions arranged on each side of the body
sagittal plane and each being forward of the body coronal plane.
Such a configuration is able to provide increased security when
worn.
[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the halter
portion is anchored to the waistband portion on each side of the
body sagittal plane to apply force at positions both forward and
rearward of the body coronal plane but not at at least an
intermediate position between the forward and rearward position on
each side. Such a configuration is able to provide improved fit and
to minimise unnecessary skin coverage.
[0015] In one embodiment, the halter portion is detachably anchored
to the waistband portion at at least the forward position on each
side of the body sagittal plane. Such a configuration enables
particularly easy donning and doffing of the trouser.
[0016] In one embodiment, the sports trouser further comprises a
closure portion extending from the halter portion in a loop so as
to encircle the neck, when worn. Such a configuration is able to
provide increased security to the trouser.
[0017] In one embodiment, the leg portion extends to terminate
above the knees of the wearer, when worn. Such a configuration may
be preferable for use in warm climates or wet conditions.
[0018] In one embodiment, the leg portion extends to terminate
below the knees of the wearer, when worn. Such a configuration may
be preferable for colder climates or to provide improved protection
to the shin area.
[0019] In one embodiment, the sports trouser further comprises an
adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the halter
portion. Such a configuration allows the trouser to be adapted to
wearing conditions and to the physical dimensions of the user.
[0020] In one embodiment, the halter portion is anchored to the
waistband portion at each side of the sagittal plane at a position
more than 55% rearward measured between a frontmost position of the
waistband portion and a rearmost position of the waistband portion
intersecting the sagittal plane, preferably being more than 65% and
less than 75% rearward. Such a configuration provides a good
balance between comfort and security.
[0021] In one embodiment, the halter portion is anchored to the
waistband portion by the apex of a generally triangular portion
which extends to the waistband on each side of the sagittal plane.
Such a configuration allows even distribution of tension from the
halter portion to the waistband portion, thereby improving
security, comfort and durability of the trouser.
[0022] In one embodiment, the halter portion is substantially in
the form of a band of material extending from the waistband portion
on each side of the sagittal plane. Such a configuration may be
particularly simple to manufacture.
[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the halter
portion is configured so as to apply an upward tension on a rear
portion of the waistband portion when the wearer stands erect, and
so as to release the tension such that the waistband portion may be
dropped below the buttocks of the wearer when the wearer squats.
Such a configuration is especially able to enable easy use of
bathroom facilities by the wearer.
[0024] In one embodiment, the sports trouser is a cycling trouser,
a triathlon trouser, a skiing trouser or a snowboard trouser. Such
a trouser is particularly suitable for such sports, in which
crouching is a normal position in which to perform the
activity.
[0025] In one embodiment, a bib portion is provided connected to
the halter portion on each side of the sagittal plane so as to at
least partially cover a front torso region of the wearer. Such a
configuration is able to provide improved protection to the covered
torso region, as well as providing a location to place graphical
elements such as team logos, numerals, or other identification
marks.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bib portion
extends to connect to a front portion of the waistband. Such a
configuration is further able to distribute load across the
waistband, thereby improving durability and comfort of the trouser
when worn. According to one aspect of the present invention, the
halter portion substantially is formed of a stretch fabric. In one
embodiment of the invention, the waistband portion is substantially
formed of a stretch fabric. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the trouser portion substantially is formed of a stretch
fabric. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sports
trouser is substantially formed of a stretch fabric. Such a
configuration is able to provide particularly improved comfort and
fit as well as ease of donning and doffing the trouser.
[0027] Embodiments of the invention are particularly applicable to
female users, although anatomical design for male users is also
contemplated, as well as unisex configurations, without
restriction.
[0028] Particular embodiments of the present invention are
described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] To better understand the present invention and to show how
the same may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way
of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a sports
trouser in a wearing configuration;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the sports
trouser in the wearing configuration;
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of the sports
trouser when worn in a crouching posture;
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the sports
trouser when worn in a crouching posture;
[0034] FIG. 5a shows a side view of an embodiment of the sports
trouser when worn in a squatting posture;
[0035] FIG. 5b shows a side view of an embodiment of the sports
trouser when partially doffed in a squatting posture;
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of the sports
trouser when worn in a standing posture;
[0037] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the principal planes of
the human body; and
[0038] FIG. 8 shows a front and three-quarter rear view of a
conventional bib trouser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] In the following description, as is conventional,
explanation will be made of the features of the disclosed trouser
with reference to the well-known body planes of a typical wearer,
shown for example in. FIG. 7. The coronal plane B divides the body
from top to bottom and left to right through the centre of gravity
into a front portion and a rear portion. The sagittal plane A
divides the body along the axis of symmetry from top to bottom and
front to back into a right portion and a left portion. The
transverse plane C divides the body from left to right and front to
back at the waist into a top portion and a bottom portion. Due to
the characteristic shape of the human body, a garment, including a
trouser, is most easily defined in an oriented fashion with regard
to the body planes of a typical wearer.
[0040] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure,
there is provided a sports trouser as shown in FIG. 1.
[0041] Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a front view of the sports
trouser being worn by a wearer. The sports trouser has a waist
portion 11, from which two leg portions 12a and 12b depend. Each of
waist portion 11 and right and left leg portions 12a and 12b are
roughly tubular portions of fabric, such that each of right and
left leg portions 12a and 12b bifurcate from waistband portion 11
away from a crutch region of the trouser to provide accommodation
for the lower torso of the wearer and the left and right legs.
[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a halter portion in the form of
a band of material extends upwardly from the waistband so as to
loop around and lie against the neck of the wearer. The halter
portion is anchored to the waistband on positions approximately
equidistant of the sagittal plane of the wearer to the front of the
waistband portion 11 via right and left front anchor portions 16a
and 16b. The left and right front anchor portions 16a and 16b are
formed as roughly triangular portions of material such that load
applied upwardly to the waistband via the upper part 13a of the
halter portion 13 is evenly distributed across at least a portion
of the waistband portion 11. The sides of the anchor portions may
be curved for a better anatomical fit, while the apex of the anchor
portions at which the upper part of the halter portion 13 joins the
respective anchor portion may be lengthened into the form of a band
to merge with the halter portion 13. Also shown in FIG. 1 is bib
portion 14, which connects the left and right paths of halter
portion 13 across the sagittal plane so as to cover at least a
portion of the torso of the wearer.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the sports trouser of FIG. 1 in
a wearing configuration. Aside from right and left leg portions 12a
and 12b and waistband portion 11, also visible in FIG. 2 but not
visible in FIG. 1 is the manner in which halter portion 13 loops
around the back of the neck of the wearer, thereby to apply tension
to the halter portion and thus indirectly to the front of the
waistband. Additionally, visible in FIG. 2 are rear right and rear
left anchor portions 17a and 17b, which connect halter portion 13
to positions on the rear of waistband portion 11, thereby to
transfer tension in the halter portion 13 to the rear of the
waistband portion 11. The rear right and rear left anchor portions
17a and 17b have a similar configuration and purpose to the front
right and front left anchor portions 16a and 16b.
[0044] In the exemplary trouser, each of the upper part of the
halter portion, the various anchor portions depending from the
upper part of the halter portion, the waistband portion and the leg
portion is integrally formed from fabric. However, it is also
possible that all the various portions, or some of the various
portions, are formed separately and then joined by known fabric
joining techniques such as stitching, bonding, gluing, melting and
the like. If the trouser is made by joining individually formed
portions, then each individually formed portion may correspond with
a named portion in the present disclosure, or may correspond to
part of or more than one such portion.
[0045] In the exemplary trouser, the anchor portions have
triangular form, although triangular form with inwardly-curved
sides. However, the anchor portions could also be formed as
straight-sided triangular forms, semi-circular forms, rectangular
forms, band forms, or other forms without limitation. Once skilled
in the art will be able to achieve, by straightforward adjustment
of the dimensions and geometry of the anchor portions, a good
anatomical fit as desired or required.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a figure equivalent to FIG. 1, but with the wearer
in a crouched posture, as though engaged in cycling, for example.
In this configuration, due to the relatively more bent torso
position compared with the erect posture shown in FIG. 1, the
tension applied via halter portion 13 between the neck of the
wearer and waistband portion 11 is relatively reduced. In this
position, the length of the halter is selected or adjusted so as to
provide a good balance between applying sufficient tension to the
waistband portion 11 so as to retain the trouser in position and
not applying so much tension to the waistband portion as to exceed
a comfortable pressure applied on the back of the neck of the
wearer via halter portion 13. It will be appreciated by the reader
that the preferable and/or tolerable amount of tension to achieve
in the halter portion while in the crouched configuration will
depend on the dimensions and the preferences of the wearer, as well
as, for example, their riding style or discipline.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows the sports trouser of FIG. 3 in the same
crouched position as demonstrated in FIG. 3, but from a side view.
Here, it can be seen that the halter portion 13 crosses the body
coronal plane at a position underneath the arms, and extends
rearward via rear anchor portion 17a to apply tension to the rear
of the waistband. In FIG. 4, it can be seen how the tension
provided by halter portion 13 prevents both the front and rear
portions of the waistband undesirably descending during activity,
contributing to the security of the trouser.
[0048] Also visible in FIG. 4 is an aperture formed between the
halter portion 13 and front and rear anchor portions 16a and 17a.
This aperture, defining a position between the front anchor portion
16a and rear anchor portion 17a where the halter portion 13 is
substantially not anchored is improves the fit of the trouser and
increases the tension transferred from the halter portion 13 to the
rear of the trouser via e.g. anchor portion 17a. However, in some
configurations, this aperture may be completely or partially closed
by fabric, such that, for example, portions 16a, 17a and the fabric
between the two form an integral layer
[0049] Such a configuration can include a halter whose length,
geometry and/or width is adapted to follow anatomical contours when
worn, for example, the side contours of the female breast, for
increased comfort and security. In female variants of the trouser,
especially, the halter portion may attach to the triangular front
and rear attachment portions to lie much under the armpit and just
under the line of the nipples, to help to guide the front straps
round the side of the female breast.
[0050] Therefore, by considering FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen how
the disclosed sports trouser configuration is able to securely and
reliably retain the trouser in a wearing configuration without
obscuring the back of the wearer with unnecessary material, as in
conventional bib trouser designs. Furthermore, it can be seen how,
in the disclosed configuration, it is effectively impossible for
the halter portion 13 to become inadvertently disengaged from the
neck, in contrast to the suspender portions 103a and 103b of FIG. 8
which may inadvertently be displaced sideways from the
shoulders.
[0051] Considering FIGS. 5a and 5b, another advantage of the
disclosed sports trouser becomes evident. When the wearer adopts a
squatting position, as shown in FIG. 5a, such that the neck is
relatively more forward of the waistband, the tension applied by
halter portion 13 to waistband portion 11 via front and rear anchor
portions e.g. 16a and 17a is reduced. In this squatting
configuration, it is relatively easy for the wearer to displace at
least the rear portion of waistband portion 11 downwardly even as
far as the upper thigh region so as to expose the buttocks of the
wearer, as shown in FIG. 5b. This enables necessary or desirable
activities including the use of bathroom facilities for which such
exposure is advantageous without the need for the garment to be
fully removed. Again, this is in contrast to the arrangement
disclosed in FIG. 8, in which the garment must be almost fully
removed before the buttocks may be exposed. This can even be
achieved in the case where a top garment such as a riding top or a
riding jacket is worn, without removing the top garment.
[0052] Of course, if full or even partial removal of the trouser is
desired, the halter portion can be lifted over the head to release
tension on the waistband portion, and the trouser can then be
dropped as desired in the conventional manner. Doing so is possible
even when wearing a top garment, since the halter portion can be
retrieved beneath the top garment to enable the halter to be
donned.
[0053] Conversely, when the rider stands fully erect, as shown in
FIG. 6 in a side view, the disclosed sports trouser does not
provide unnecessary additional tension to the trouser, but,
especially when at least the halter portion 13 is formed of a
stretch fabric, permits a relatively wide range of postures to be
adopted, such as might be desirable in triathlon or similar
combined sports disciplines.
[0054] Although one embodiment has been described above, a number
of variants are possible. Particularly, although the above
embodiment has been described with reference to a configuration in
which the halter portion is integrally formed with the remainder of
the garment, it is possible to provide a variant wherein the halter
portion is connected to the waistband via hook-and-loop fastenings,
press studs, clips or another detachable fastening mechanism, to
further improve the ease with which the garment may be donned and
doffed.
[0055] In a variant embodiment, a closure portion may be provided
extending from either side of the halter portion passing about the
neck of the wearer so as to connect each side of the halter portion
in front of the neck. Such a configuration may provide an openable
closure either on the sagittal plane, to one side of the sagittal
plane, where the closure portion connects to the halter portion at
one or other side.
[0056] Such a closure portion may be made openable by provision of,
or example, a hook-and-loop fastening, a press-stud fastening, a
clip fastening or another fastening means such as may be known in
the art.
[0057] In the above embodiment, the Figures illustrate leg portions
12a and 12b which extend to terminate above the knee of the wearer.
However, in variant embodiments, the leg portions may extend to
terminate below the knee of the wearer, such that the knees and
optionally the calves are covered. In such a configuration, the leg
portions may even extend to the ankle of the user, and may
terminate in a loop portion configured to pass underneath the sole
of the wearer.
[0058] In the above embodiment, the halter portion 13 has been
described as being of fixed length. However, in some embodiments,
the halter portion may be provided with an adjustment mechanism,
such as a length adjustment slide, whereby the length of the halter
portion may be adjusted to vary the tension provided by the halter
portion to best suit the preferences of the wearer. Alternative
mechanisms to a length adjustment slide include a buckle type
adjustment, wherein at least one side of the halter portion is
divided into two, and a buckle is provided such that one portion is
secured to the other portion at a relatively higher or lower
position, for example by a friction clip or a hook-and-loop type
fastening. In some embodiments, it may be preferably to provide
both sides of the halter portion with such an adjustment slide.
[0059] In the disclosed configuration, the halter portion
essentially consists of a band of material extending from the is
anchor portions around the neck of the wearer. However, different
configurations are possible, and substantial variation in the width
of the halter portion is possible as it passes from one side of the
waistband, around the neck of the wearer, to the other side of the
waistband. Particularly, it may be desired to provide a relatively
wider or narrower portion at the neck region to provide for, on the
one hand, greater load distribution and on the other hand, a more
contoured fit to the shape of the neck, depending on the
preferences of the wearer.
[0060] The above disclosure has been made with regard especially to
a cycling trouser, although equivalent principles apply for a
sports trouser for any other sport in which a crouching position is
generally adopted while engaging in the activity. Therefore, an
equivalent construction is possible for, for example, triathlon
trousers, skiing trousers or snowboarding trousers. Further, the
trouser need not be an external trouser, but could, for example, be
an underwear layer or a base layer over which a shell trouser or a
shell suit is worn for improved protection. Alternatively, such a
configuration is suitable for an external shell trouser intended to
be worn over, for example, a base layer or underwear layer.
[0061] In the disclosed configuration, the bib portion 14 is
relatively small, and is formed by the join of the two front anchor
portions across the sagittal plane. However, the bib portion can be
relatively larger, and can extend from the waistband to cover a
substantial portion of the torso, leaving sufficient aperture
between the bib portion and the halter portion to permit the neck
to be placed through the aperture to don the garment. With such a
relatively larger bib portion, more protection and coverage is
provided to the front of the torso of the wearer, and an enlarged
area for the depiction of graphics, logos, text and similar
indications may be provided. Further, although the bib portion has
been depicted in the above-described embodiment as extending to the
waistband, it is also possible for an aperture to be provided
between the bib portion and the waistband, and, for example, the
bib portion can take the form of a cross-brace portion extending
between the two halves of the halter portion, across, for example,
the chest region.
[0062] In the above embodiments, it is envisaged that at least
portions, such as the halter portion, the bib portion, the
waistband portion, and the leg portions may be formed of a stretch
material such as elastane, known under the trade name Lycra. Such a
material may be advantageous in terms of improving the fit to the
wearer's body, improving body contact for wicking moisture, and
reducing the likelihood of the trouser displacing in use. However,
the selection of materials is not limited, and, for example, only
parts of these respective portions may be formed of a stretch
fabric, or not at all.
[0063] For example, it may be envisaged that only, for example,
side panels of the waistband portion 11 are formed of a stretch
fabric, with intermediate portions being formed of another material
selected for alternative technical properties, such as the ability
to wick moisture or the ability to provide thermal insulation or
ultraviolet protection. The same is true for, for example, the leg
portions, the bib portion, and indeed the halter portion, none of
which necessarily need to be made wholly or even partly from a
stretch fabric.
[0064] For example, with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the garment
could be made of a substantially inelastic fabric, and be provided
with a closure extending from the rear portion of the waistband to
the crotch portion to enable the garment to be divided in the
crouching position shown in FIG. 5, thereby to expose the buttocks.
Of course, the garment would then need to be appropriately
dimensioned to permit the wearer to adopt the crouching position
shown in FIG. 4, and in which case it is then unlikely that the
erect posture shown in FIG. 6 would be comfortably achievable.
Nevertheless, in some circumstances, it may be preferred by those
in the art to select materials for reasons other than their
elasticity when constructing the trouser.
[0065] The particular dimensions and shapes of the various portions
of the trouser may be varied, provided the above-described
functional requirements are satisfied. In an exemplary embodiment,
designed for a conventional male large or female extra large size,
the following dimensions may be adopted.
[0066] The waistband circumference a may be selected as 86 cm. The
position b on the waistband (measured from the front centre of the
waistband, on the sagittal plane) above which the halter portion
attaches to the triangular front attachment portions may be
selected as 14 cm. The position c on the waistband (measured from
the front) above which the halter portion attaches to the
triangular rear attachment portion may be selected as 22 cm, or on
or slightly to the rear of the coronal plane. The length d of the
triangular rear portions from the waistband to the halter portion
may be selected as 20 cm. The length e of the triangular front
portions from the waistband to the halter portion may be selected
as 17 cm. The length of the halter f from the point where the
triangular rear portions join to the back of the neck may be
selected as 32 cm. The widths g, h of the halter strap may be
selected to be 8 cm at the chest and 6 cm at the neck.
[0067] Of course, it may be necessary to scale the trouser to
accommodate male and female and adult and juvenile users of
differing heights and builds. Assuming that the human body linear
dimensions scale with each other, for a 78 cm waist, corresponding
to a conventional male small or female medium size, the above
dimensions could each be reduced by approximately 10%.
[0068] As a general guide, the following dimensions could be
considered to be appropriate for the measurements b to h based on
the measurement a.
[0069] For the measurement b, the range may be 10%-20%, preferably
about 15% of a. For the measurement c, the range may be 20-30%,
preferably about 25% of a. For the measurement d, the range may be
15-30%, preferably about 23% of a. For the measurement e, the range
may be 15-25%, preferably 20% of a. For the measurement f, the
range may be 30-45%, preferably 35% of a. For the measurement g,
the range may be 5%-15%, preferably 10% of a. For the measurement
h, the range may be 5 to 10%, preferably 7% of a.
[0070] However, despite the disclosure of the above exemplary
dimensions, given the variation in human body size, the skilled
reader will appreciate that it is in general especially appropriate
to characterise the trouser in terms of its structure and function,
and particularly in terms of its having a halter portion which is
anchored to the waistband portion at at least two positions
arranged on either side of the body sagittal plane each being
rearward of the body coronal plane so as to extend to the neck
crossing the body coronal plane beneath the arms of the wearer.
More particularly, the halter portion is configured so as to apply
an upward tension on a rear portion of the waistband portion when
the wearer starts erect, and so as to release the tension such that
the waistband portion may be dropped below the buttocks of the
wearer when the wearer squats. Advantages of the disclosed
configuration are achieved when these criteria are separately or
together fulfilled.
[0071] Especially, in addition to the advantages described with
reference to the ability easily to permit the trouser to be
partially removed, aspects of the present disclosure may in certain
configurations present further advantages. Firstly, whereas in a
conventional bib trouser, the back portion is required to extend
sufficiently far up the wearer's back so as to prevent the left and
right suspender portions from slipping off the shoulders, the
disclosed configuration avoids excess body coverage and therefore
may able to enhance cooling performance during strenuous activity.
In a conventional bib trouser, a relatively greater area of the
fabric of the garment is required to be in contact with the
wearer's body.
[0072] In some embodiments, it may be possible to dispense with,
for example, the front anchors 16a and 16b, since in a crouched
riding position, the principal risk of exposure is at the rear.
However, by providing the front anchor positions, the tendency of
the halter portions to drift in use from an intended position at
the front of the torso is minimised, tending to reduce chafing at
the chest and armpits.
[0073] Generally, once the advantage of providing a halter portion
anchored to the waistband portion at at least two positions
arranged on either side of the body sagittal plane, each being
rearward of the body coronal plan so as to extend to the neck
crossing the body coronal plane beneath the arms of the wearer is
appreciated, those skilled in the art will be able to realise other
configurations which achieve advantageous effect, including
improving security and versatility. Any and all such variations are
considered to be within the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention.
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