U.S. patent application number 15/347741 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for halter bib athletic garment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bell Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Karany Nhim.
Application Number | 20170049162 15/347741 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55955070 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170049162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nhim; Karany |
February 23, 2017 |
HALTER BIB ATHLETIC GARMENT
Abstract
A halter bib athletic garment is described herein. A halter bib
athletic garment may be removed or lowered without removing a
jersey by simply pulling a halter strap over the head of a wearer.
One or more embodiments of a halter bib allow wearers to more
readily urinate or have a bowel movement because the halter bib may
be easily lowered or removed. A halter bib athletic garment may
include a lower body section, a chamois coupled to the lower body
section, and an upper body section. The upper body section
comprises a halter strap forming a portion of a loop of a head
opening on the upper body section. The halter strap includes two
front side portions and a rear side portion positioned between the
front side portions. The rear side portion is coupled to the
athletic garment only with the front side portions of the halter
strap.
Inventors: |
Nhim; Karany; (San
Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bell Sports, Inc. |
Scotts Valley |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55955070 |
Appl. No.: |
15/347741 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14939753 |
Nov 12, 2015 |
|
|
|
15347741 |
|
|
|
|
62078509 |
Nov 12, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 1/08 20130101; A41D
31/00 20130101; A41D 27/20 20130101; A41D 2400/70 20130101; A41F
19/00 20130101; A41D 2400/44 20130101; A41D 2600/104 20130101; A41D
31/185 20190201 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A41D 27/20 20060101 A41D027/20; A41F 19/00 20060101
A41F019/00; A41D 31/00 20060101 A41D031/00 |
Claims
1. An athletic garment, comprising: a lower body section comprising
a front side, a rear side, two leg openings, and a pelvic section;
a chamois coupled to the lower body section at a base of the pelvic
section; and an upper body section coupled to the lower body
section proximate the pelvic section, the upper body section
comprising a halter strap forming at least a portion of a loop of a
head opening on the upper body section, the halter strap comprising
two front side portions and a rear side portion positioned between
the two front side portions, wherein the rear side portion is
coupled to the athletic garment only with the front side portions
of the halter strap.
2. The athletic garment of claim 1, wherein the upper body section
further comprises a bodice section between the halter strap and the
lower body section.
3. The athletic garment of claim 2, wherein the bodice section
comprises a front side proximate a front side of the lower body
section and a rear side proximate a rear side of the lower section,
and wherein the athletic garment is devoid of any material
extending between the rear side portion of the halter strap and the
rear side of the bodice section.
4. The athletic garment of claim 3, further comprising a pocket on
the rear side of the bodice, the pocket comprising a pocket opening
in an outer layer of the rear side of the bodice, a flap on an
outer surface of the outer layer and configured to cover the pocket
opening, and a mesh layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer
layer of the rear side of the bodice.
5. The athletic garment of claim 2, wherein the bodice section
comprises a mesh material.
6. The athletic garment of claim 5, wherein the halter strap
comprises an elastomeric fabric and two opposing terminating ends
each coupled to a different peak of two peaks on a front side of
the bodice section such that the head opening of the loop is
bordered completely by the bodice section and the halter strap.
7. The athletic garment of claim 1, wherein the halter strap
comprises a folded halter strap comprising an inner edge comprising
a fold in the folder halter strap and an outer edge comprising two
side edges of the halter strap coupled together.
8. An athletic garment, comprising: a lower body section comprising
a front side, a rear side, two leg openings, and a pelvic section;
a chamois coupled to the lower body section at a base of the pelvic
section; and an upper body section coupled to the lower body
section proximate the pelvic section, the upper body section
comprising a back opening and a halter strap forming at least a
portion of loop of a head opening on the upper body section, the
halter strap comprising two front side portions and a rear side
portion, wherein the back opening extends from the rear side
portion of the halter strap to at least one-third of a distance
between the rear side portion of the halter strap and the rear side
of the lower body section, the back opening being devoid of any
material extending across the back opening.
9. The athletic garment of claim 8, wherein the upper body section
comprises a bodice section between the halter strap and the lower
body section, the bodice section comprising a front side and a rear
side, wherein the back opening extends from the rear side portion
of the halter strap to the back side portion of the bodice and is
devoid of material connecting the rear side portion of the halter
strap to the rear side of the bodice.
10. The athletic garment of claim 9, further comprising a pocket on
the rear side of the bodice, the pocket comprising a pocket opening
in an outer layer of the rear side of the bodice, a flap on an
outer surface of the outer layer and configured to cover the pocket
opening, and a mesh layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer
layer of the rear side of the bodice.
11. The athletic garment of claim 9, wherein at least the front
side of the bodice section comprises a mesh material.
12. The athletic garment of claim 11, wherein the halter strap
comprises an elastomeric fabric and two opposing terminating ends
each coupled to a different peak of two peaks on the front side of
the bodice such that the head opening of the loop is completely
bordered by the bodice and the halter strap.
13. The athletic garment of claim 8, wherein the halter strap
comprises a folded halter strap comprising an inner edge comprising
a fold in the folder halter strap and an outer edge comprising two
side edges of the halter strap coupled together.
14. An athletic garment, comprising: an upper body section
comprising only two body openings, the two body openings comprising
a head opening sized to receive a head of a wearer and fit around a
neck of the wearer, and a back opening sized to receive a torso of
the wearer; a lower body section coupled to the upper body section
and comprising two leg openings distal the upper body section; and
a chamois coupled to the lower body section.
15. The athletic garment of claim 14, wherein the lower body
section further comprises a front side, a rear side, and a pelvic
section, the chamois being coupled the lower body section at a base
of the pelvic section, and wherein the an upper body section is
coupled to the lower body section proximate the pelvic section and
comprises a halter strap that forms a portion of the head opening
on the upper body section, the halter strap comprising two front
side portions and a rear side portion, wherein the back opening
extends from the rear side portion of the halter strap to at least
one-third of a distance between the rear side portion of the halter
strap and the rear side of the lower body section, the back opening
being devoid of any material.
16. The athletic garment of claim 15, wherein the upper body
section comprises a bodice section between the halter strap and the
lower body section, the bodice section comprising a front side and
a rear side, wherein the back opening extends from the rear side
portion of the halter strap to the back side portion of the bodice
and is devoid of material connecting the rear side portion of the
halter strap to the rear side of the bodice.
17. The athletic garment of claim 16, further comprising a pocket
on the rear side of the bodice, the pocket comprising a pocket
opening in an outer layer of the rear side of the bodice, a flap on
an outer surface of the outer layer and configured to cover the
pocket opening, and a mesh layer coupled to an inner surface of the
outer layer of the rear side of the bodice.
18. The athletic garment of claim 17, wherein the front side of the
bodice section comprises a mesh material.
19. The athletic garment of claim 18, wherein the halter strap
comprises an elastomeric fabric and two opposing terminating ends
each coupled to a different peak of two peaks on the front side of
the bodice such that the head opening is bordered by the bodice and
the halter strap.
20. The athletic garment of claim 19, wherein the halter strap
comprises a folded halter strap comprising an inner edge comprising
a fold in the folder halter strap and an outer edge comprising two
side edges of the halter strap coupled together.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This document is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/939,753 filed Nov. 12, 2015, entitled "HALTER BIB
ATHLETIC GARMENT" to Nhim, which claims the benefit of the filing
date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/078,509, entitled
"ATHLETIC HALTER BIB" to Nhim, which was filed on Nov. 12, 2014,
the contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by this
reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] Aspects of this document relate generally to athletic
garments for cyclists.
2. Background Art
[0003] Athletic garments assist people in enjoying and competing in
numerous sports. One type of garment worn is a bib garment designed
with suspender-style supporting members. A benefit of a bib garment
is that the garment is supported from the shoulders rather than by
a waistband gripping the wearer's waist. Athletic bib garments are
commonly used for cycling because they eliminate the discomfort and
chafing caused by waistbands and retain the placement of the padded
"chamois" under a cyclists sit bones better than cycling shorts.
Unfortunately, cycling bibs are notoriously difficult in
accommodating cyclists who need to urinate or pass a bowel
movement. Currently, cyclists must remove their jersey, remove the
suspender-style supporting members of the traditional cycling bib,
and only then can lower the remainder of the bib to relieve
themselves. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that cycling
bibs are intended to be worn without bottom underwear, and a
chamois can gather bacteria and contaminants if not kept clean.
Worse yet, female cyclists must confront this dilemma with fewer
options than male cyclists. Male cyclists can purchase bibs with a
zippered or non-zippered access fly. Some bib garments exist that
include a "drop trunk" that allows the back side of the garment
trunk to be lowered below the wearer's buttocks but still remain
attached in the front, but such are not always convenient for use
when needed either.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect, an athletic garment comprises a
lower body section, a chamois, and an upper body section. The lower
body section comprises a front side, a rear side, two leg openings,
and a pelvic section. The chamois is coupled to the lower body
section at a base of the pelvic section. The upper body section is
coupled to the lower body section proximate the pelvic section and
comprises a halter strap forming at least a portion of a loop of a
head opening on the upper body section. The halter strap comprises
two front side portions and a rear side portion positioned between
the two front side portions. The rear side portion is coupled to
the athletic garment only with the front side portions of the
halter strap.
[0005] Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or
more of the following. The upper body section may comprise a bodice
section between the halter strap and the pelvic section. The bodice
section may comprise a front side proximate a front side of the
lower body section and a rear side proximate a rear side of the
lower section, and wherein the athletic garment is devoid of any
material extending between the rear side portion of the halter
strap and the rear side of the bodice section. A pocket on the rear
side of the bodice, the pocket comprising a pocket opening in an
outer layer of the rear side of the bodice, a flap on an outer
surface of the outer layer and configured to cover the pocket
opening, and a mesh layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer
layer of the rear side of the bodice. The front side of the bodice
section may comprise a mesh material. The halter strap may comprise
an elastomeric fabric and two opposing terminating ends each
coupled to a different peak of two peaks on the front side of the
bodice such that the single loop is bordered by the bodice and the
halter strap. The halter strap may comprise a folded halter strap
comprising an inner edge comprising a fold in the folder halter
strap and an outer edge comprising two side edges of the halter
strap coupled together.
[0006] According to another aspect, an athletic garment comprises a
lower body section, a chamois, and an upper body section. The lower
body section comprising a front side, a rear side, two leg
openings, and a pelvic section. The chamois is coupled to the lower
body section at a base of the pelvic section. The upper body
section is coupled to the lower body section proximate the pelvic
section, and the upper body section comprise a back opening and a
halter strap forming at least a portion of loop of a head opening
on the upper body section. The halter strap comprises two front
side portions and a rear side portion. The back opening extends
from the rear side portion of the halter strap to at least
one-third of a distance between the rear side portion of the halter
strap and the rear side of the lower body section, the back opening
being devoid of any material extending across the back opening.
[0007] Various implementations and embodiments may include one or
more of the following. The upper body section may comprise a bodice
section between the halter strap and the lower body section, and
the bodice section may comprise a front side and a rear side. The
back opening may extend from the rear side portion of the halter
strap to the back side portion of the bodice and may be devoid of
material connecting the rear side portion of the halter strap to
the rear side of the bodice. A pocket on the rear side of the
bodice, the pocket comprising a pocket opening in an outer layer of
the rear side of the bodice, a flap on an outer surface of the
outer layer and configured to cover the pocket opening, and a mesh
layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer layer of the rear
side of the bodice. The front side of the bodice section may
comprise a mesh material. The halter strap may comprise an
elastomeric fabric and two opposing terminating ends each coupled
to a different peak of two peaks on the front side of the bodice
such that the single loop is bordered by the bodice and the halter
strap. The halter strap may comprise a folded halter strap
comprising an inner edge comprising a fold in the folder halter
strap and an outer edge comprising two side edges of the halter
strap coupled together.
[0008] According to another aspect, an athletic garment comprises
an upper body section, a lower body section, and a chamois coupled
to the lower body section. The upper body section comprises only
two body openings, the two body openings comprising a head opening
sized to receive a head of a wearer and fit around a neck of the
wearer, and a back opening sized to receive a torso of the wearer.
The lower body section is adjacent the upper body section and
comprises two leg openings distal the upper body section.
[0009] Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or
more of the following. The lower body section may comprise a front
side, a rear side, and a pelvic section, the chamois being coupled
the lower body section at a base of the pelvic section, and wherein
the an upper body section is coupled to the lower body section
proximate the pelvic section and comprises a halter strap that
forms a portion of the head opening on the upper body section, the
halter strap comprising two front side portions and a rear side
portion, wherein the back opening extends from the rear side
portion of the halter strap to at least one-third of a distance
between the rear side portion of the halter strap and the rear side
of the lower body section, the back opening being devoid of any
material. The upper body section may comprise a bodice section
between the halter strap and the lower body section, the bodice
section comprising a front side and a rear side, wherein the back
opening extends from the rear side portion of the halter strap to
the back side portion of the bodice and is devoid of material
connecting the rear side portion of the halter strap to the rear
side of the bodice. A pocket on the rear side of the bodice, the
pocket comprising a pocket opening in an outer layer of the rear
side of the bodice, a flap on an outer surface of the outer layer
and configured to cover the pocket opening, and a mesh layer
coupled to an inner surface of the outer layer of the rear side of
the bodice. The front side of the bodice section may comprise a
mesh material. The halter strip may comprise an elastomeric fabric
and two opposing terminating ends each coupled to a different peak
of two peaks on the front side of the bodice such that the head
opening is bordered by the bodice and the halter strap. The halter
strap may comprise a folded halter strap comprising an inner edge
comprising a fold in the folder halter strap and an outer edge
comprising two side edges of the halter strap coupled together.
[0010] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages
will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art
from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like
elements, and:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a halter bib athletic
garment being worn by a wearer;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a halter bib athletic
garment being worn by a wearer underneath a jersey;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a halter strap of a halter
bib athletic garment being pulled over the wearer's head while
wearing the jersey in order to lower the halter bib athletic
garment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of a halter bib athletic garment;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a halter bib athletic garment;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of a halter bib athletic garment;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of a folded halter strap;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front view of a halter strap coupled to a bodice
section of a halter bib athletic garment;
[0020] FIG. 8A is an outside view of a rear side of a bodice
section of a halter bib athletic garment;
[0021] FIG. 8B is an inside view of a rear side of a bodice
section;
[0022] FIGS. 8C-E are views of the pocket of an athletic
garment;
[0023] FIG. 9A is a front view of a halter bib athletic garment
having full-length legs;
[0024] FIG. 9B is a rear view of a halter bib athletic garment
having full-length legs;
[0025] FIG. 9C is a rear view of the lower portion of the
full-length legs of the halter bib athletic garment shown in FIGS.
9A and 9B; and
[0026] FIG. 10 is atop view of a chamois.
DESCRIPTION
[0027] In the following description, and for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the
invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the
relevant arts, that the present disclosed embodiments and methods
may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more
generally in order to avoid obscuring the disclosure. In many
cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one
to implement the various forms of the garments and methods. It
should be noted that there are many different and alternative
configurations, devices and technologies to which this disclosure
may be applied. The full scope of the disclosure is not intended to
be limited by the specific examples that are described below.
[0028] As described in the above, conventional bib garments have
various limitations. Cyclists and other athletes, particularly
women, would benefit from an easier solution to removing cycling
bibs while wearing a jersey or jacket. As shall be shown in the
various embodiments described or otherwise contemplated as part of
this disclosure, the halter bib garment may be removed or lowered
without removing a jersey by simply pulling a halter strap over the
head of a wearer. One or more embodiments of a halter bib allow
wearers to more readily urinate or have a bowel movement because
the halter bib may be easily lowered or removed. For example, a
cyclist wearing a halter bib can quickly stop cycling and urinate
without the hassle and exposure of removing a jersey. Female
cyclists benefit greatly from the halter bib because their anatomy
provides fewer options for quickly and easily urinating or passing
a bowel movement than the options enjoyed by male cyclists (some
male cycling bibs and shorts have a zippered or non-zippered fly).
For example, a female cyclist wearing a halter bib can lower the
halter bib to urinate such that the chamois is out of the way and
not contaminated by streaming or stray urine.
[0029] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate various specific embodiments and
aspects of a halter bib athletic garment with a halter loop fitting
around the neck of a wearer. These specific embodiments and aspects
will be described more generally here. A halter bib athletic
garment may be worn by both genders for cycling (e.g., road
cycling, mountain biking, stationary bikes, and other cycling
activities) or racing and training for triathlons or other races
incorporating cycling. Alternatively, the halter bib may be worn
during other athletic activities in addition to cycling, such as,
running, snow skiing, and so forth. The halter bib may be a
short-length halter bib (extending to the thigh), a full-length
halter bib (extending to the calf or ankle), or a mid-length halter
bib (with a length between the short-length and long-length halter
bibs. The mid-length or long-length halter bibs are specifically
contemplated for potential use as a thermal base layer in cold
weather sports. The halter bib is generally form-fitting and
provides reduced drag in air and water, but can also have some
portions that are not form-fitting (e.g., to provide a "baggy
shorts" look). The fabric, cut, and design of the halter bib may
reduce air resistance and/or help regulate body temperature (e.g.,
using a material to wick away sweat). In some embodiments, the
halter bib is constructed substantially from stretchy or
elastomeric synthetic fibers and fabrics, such as, spandex,
Lycra.RTM., nylon, polyester, acrylic, elastine, Roubaix.RTM.,
Zaffiro Topazi.RTM., knits of synthetic and natural fibers, knits
of multiple types of synthetic fibers, and similar fabrics. In one
particular embodiment, the fabric used comprises a material that
uses 15%-30% Elastane. A halter bib may also be constructed of
fabrics of varying weights intended for cold or warm weather
applications.
[0030] In one or more embodiments, an athletic garment 1 comprises
an upper body section 40 and a lower body section 10. An upper body
section 40 may comprise a halter strap 50 forming at least a
portion of a loop 48 of a head opening 55 on the upper body section
40. According to some aspects, a halter strap 50 may comprise two
front side portions 52 and a rear side portion 54 positioned
between the two front side portions 52. Although the various
portions may be sewn together, the front side portions 52 and the
rear side portion 54 comprise a continuous, uninterrupted halter
strap 50, meaning that there is no tie, zipper, snap or other
temporary coupling to separate the strap. Generally, the rear side
portion 54 is positioned on the halter bib athletic garment 1 to
cover or pass around the back of the neck 4 of the wearer, while
the two front side portions 52 are positioned on the halter bib
athletic garment 1 cover or pass over a portion of the side of the
neck 4 of the wearer. In any event, the rear side portion 54
comprises a portion of the halter strap positioned between the two
front side portions 52 of the halter strap 50. In such embodiments,
the rear side portion 54 may be coupled to the athletic garment
with only the front side portions 52 of the halter strap 50. Such a
configuration is in contrast to conventional athletic or cycling
garments, which include one or more straps or other material
extending down the back of the wearer to couple the strap to other
portions of the garment (such as the rear side of the lower body
section).
[0031] Similarly, an upper body section 40 may comprise a back
opening 35 shown in FIG. 4) and a halter strap 50 forming at least
a portion of a loop around a head opening 55 on the upper body
section 40. In such an embodiments, the back opening 35 may extend
from the rear side portion 54 of the halter strap 50 to at least
one-third of a distance between the rear side portion 54 of the
halter strap 50 and the rear side 14 of the pelvic section 20 of
the lower body section 10. The back opening 35 may be devoid of any
material extending across the back opening 35. In some embodiments,
an upper body section 50 comprises only two body openings: a head
opening 55 sized to receive a head 2 of a wearer and fit around the
neck 4 of a wearer, and a back opening 35 sized to receive a torso
6 of the wearer. It is contemplated that other minor or small
openings may exist in the upper body portion 40 of the athletic
garment, but these other minor or small openings are not sized or
otherwise configured to receive the head and/or torso of the
wearer.
[0032] In each of these non-limiting configurations, the halter
strap 50 is not directly coupled to any back portion of the
athletic garment, thus allowing a wearer to conveniently pull the
halter strap over his/her head to lower the upper body section 40
of the athletic garment 1, as shown in the non-limiting embodiment
depicted in FIG. 2B. To put on the halter bib athletic garment 1, a
wearer inserts both legs 8 into the leg openings 16 on the lower
body section 10 and brings the loop 48 formed at least partially by
the halter strap 50 over the wearer's head until the halter strap
50 rests on the wearer's neck 4 and shoulders. In various
embodiments, the halter strap 50 may be constructed of an
elastomeric fabric that has more stretch than the primary fabric(s)
of the halter bib athletic garment 1, which allows the halter strap
50 to comfortably fit over the wearer's head 2, but also provide
tension sufficient to hold up the halter bib athletic garment 1.
Alternatively, the halter strap 50 may be constructed of the same
or similar elastomeric fabric as the primary fabric(s) of the
halter bib.
[0033] Various embodiments of a halter strap 50 contemplated in
this disclosure may comprise a folded halter strap 50. For example,
a halter strap 50 may comprise a strip of material folded at least
partially over on itself to form a folded edge 53 and a side edge
51. FIG. 6 depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a folded halter
strap 50 before coupling of the two side edges 51 to one another.
The two side edges 51 may be coupled approximately adjacent one
another to form a single border opposite the folded edge 53.
According to some aspects, the folded edge 53 of the halter straps
50 forms at least a portion of the loop 48 of the head opening 55,
thus improving the comfort of the athletic garment 1.
[0034] One or more embodiments of an athletic garment 1 may
comprise an upper body section 40 comprising a bodice section 45
and halter strap 50. FIGS. 1-5 depict various views of non-limiting
embodiment of an athletic garment 1 comprising a bodice section 45
and a halter strap 50 on an upper body section of the athletic
garment 1. The bodice section 45 may be positioned between the
halter strap 50 and the pelvic section 20 of the lower body section
10. In some embodiments, such as the non-limiting embodiment shown
in FIGS. 1-3, a bodice section 45 comprises a front side 44 that
extends from a front side 12 of the lower body section 10 two the
head opening 55. In more particular embodiments, a bodice section
45 may comprise two peaks 42 on a front side 44 of the bodice
section 45, each peak 42 being coupled to a different terminating
end 58 of the halter strap 50. In other embodiments, the halter
strap 50 comprises continuous material with the front side 44 of
the bodice section 44.
[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a rear side 46 of a non-limiting embodiment
of a bodice section 45. Although a bodice section 45 is shown
extending approximately 1/3 of a distance from the lower body
section 10 to the rear side portion 54 of the halter strap 50 in
FIG. 4, it is contemplated that the rear side 46 of the bodice
section 45 of other embodiments may comprise varying dimensions.
For example, in some embodiments, the rear side 46 of the bodice
section 45 may extend approximately 2/3 of a distance from the
lower body section 10 to the rear side portion 54 of the halter
strap 50, or just under the armpits of the user. In other
embodiments, the rear side 46 of the bodice section 45 may extend
any distance from the lower body section 10 to the rear side
portion 54 of the halter strap 50 so long as the back opening 35 is
devoid of any material connecting the halter strap 50 to the rear
side 46 of the bodice section 45 and prevent the wearer from
pulling the halter strap 50 over his/her head and pulling the upper
body section 40 down from the upper body of the wearer. In still
other embodiments, the bodice section 45 is less than 1/3 of a
distance from the lower section 10 to the rear side portion 54 of
the halter strap 50, or even devoid of a rear side 46 of a bodice
section 45. In each of these embodiments, the back opening 35 is
sized in complementary to the rear side 46 of the bodice section
45. For example, a back opening 35 may comprise approximately 1/3
of a distance between the lower body section 10 and the rear side
portion 54 of the halter strap 50 and the rear side 44 of the
bodice section may comprise approximately 2/3 of a distance between
the lower body section 10 and the rear side portion 54 of the
halter strap 50. Alternatively, a back opening 35 may comprise
approximately 2/3 of a distance between the lower body section 10
and the rear side portion 54 of the halter strap 50 and the rear
side 44 of the bodice section may comprise approximately 1/3 of a
distance between the lower body section 10 and the rear side
portion 54 of the halter strap 50.
[0036] Various embodiments of an athletic garment 1 contemplated in
this disclosure may further comprise a pocket 60 formed on the
bodice section 45 of the upper body section 40 of the athletic
garment 1. For example, the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 4
comprises a pocket 60 formed on the rear side 46 of the bodice
section 45. In other embodiments, a pocket 60 may be formed on the
front side 44 of the bodice section 45. FIG. 8A-E depicts various
views of a non-limiting embodiment of a pocket 60 according to this
disclosure. The pocket 60 may comprise a pocket opening 64 in an
outer layer of the bodice section 45, such as the rear side 46 of
the bodice section 45. Pockets 60 can be added to other areas on
the exterior or interior of the athletic garment 1. A flap 65 on
the outer surface 62 of the outer layer may overlap the pocket
opening 64. In some embodiments, the flap 65 comprises only one
edge, such as the bottom edge, that is not coupled to the outer
surface 62 of the outer layer, thus allowing a user to access the
pocket opening 64. By way of non-limiting example, the flap 65 may
comprise a height of approximately 11/4'' and may overlap the
pocket opening 64 by approximate 3/4'' (as shown in FIG. 8E). In
other embodiments, a pocket 60 may be secured with a clasp, zipper
and so forth, or just by the tension from surrounding elastomeric
fabric.
[0037] A pocket 60 may further comprise a single layer, such as but
not limited to a mesh material 63, coupled to the inner surface 61
of the bodice section 45 around the pocket opening 64. This single
inner layer forms the interior of the pocket 60. In some
embodiment, the pocket 60 is large enough to hold a wallet,
cellular phone, energy bar, keys, or other small items.
[0038] The bodice section 45 may be at least partially constructed
of a mesh fabric 38 or similar fabric that provides good
ventilation, for example, as shown by the mesh bodice section in
FIGS. 1-5. A jersey or other top is typically worn over part or the
entire mesh bodice section 45 (e.g., to cover a substantially
transparent mesh bodice section). One or more additional layers of
fabric may be added behind all or part of the mesh bodice section
to reduce transparency in particular embodiments. Other embodiments
may not use mesh or may have mesh included in different or smaller
sections of the bodice section. In some, non-limiting embodiments,
the front side 44 of the bodice section 45 is primarily mesh fabric
38 and the rear side 46 of the bodice section 45 is primarily
material similar to the lower body section 10 of the athletic
garment 1.
[0039] In other embodiments, an athletic garment 1 may be devoid of
a bodice section 45 shown in FIGS. 1-5, and instead a halter strap
50 may extend from the lower body section 10, around the neck 4 of
the wearer (when worn), before returning to either the lower body
section 10 or another portion of the halter strap 50 such that only
to body openings are formed: the head opening 55 and the back
opening 35.
[0040] One or more embodiments of an athletic garment 1 comprise a
lower body section 10. The lower body section comprises a pelvic
section 20 and two legs 18 each having a leg opening 16 distal the
upper body section 40. The legs 18, the pelvic section 20, and/or
at least portions of the bodice may all be constructed using a
single type of fabric, or several fabric types may be used. Fabrics
used in the halter bib athletic garment 1 may be selected for their
ability to wick away moisture and sweat of the wearer. In an
embodiment using a short-style-length halter bib athletic garment
1, most or all of the leg sections are omitted. In some embodiments
including, for example, cycling sports, a chamois 30 is included at
the base of the pelvic section 20 where the leg sections 18 meet.
FIG. 10 depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a chamois 30, and FIG.
3 shows an outline of the stitching 32 sometimes visible on the
exterior of the lower body section 10 and coupling the chamois 30
to the base of the pelvic section 20. The chamois 30 is a soft and
spongy layer designed to provide padding while seated (e.g., a
bicycle saddle) and to wick away moisture and sweat. The chamois 30
generally conforms to the crotch of the wearer and may vary in
thickness (e.g., about 0.125 to 3.5 inches thick) and shape (e.g.,
different shapes for males, females, intended type of use, or
intended length of use). The chamois 30 may be constructed from
CoolMax.RTM. from Invista.RTM. or a similar material.
[0041] In some embodiments, a halter bib athletic garment 1 is
primarily worn for cycling sports. Traditional cycling bibs are
popular choices over cycling shorts because they avoid the
discomfort and chafing of a waistband and tend to properly retain
the position of the chamois under a cyclists' sit bones.
Traditional cycling bibs utilize two suspender-style support
members, which causes the wearer to remove both support members
(over each shoulder and arm) to remove or lower the traditional
cycling bib. In contrast, the disclosed halter bib athletic garment
embodiments may be removed or lowered by passing the halter strap
50 over the wearer's head 2 and lowering the upper body section 40
without the requirement to remove anything from the wearer's arms.
In cycling, a wearer often wears the halter bib athletic garment 1
underneath a jersey, shirt, jacket or other covering, such as the
jersey 3 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0042] Jerseys come in many varieties having different fabrics,
cuts, sleeve lengths, and front zipper styles. One type of cycling
jersey may be commonly called a "jacket" where the jersey is
intended for colder weather. Of particular note, many jerseys have
a front zipper extending from the wearer's neck downward, such as
the jersey 3 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The front zipper extends
downward to various lengths, ranging from a few inches to the full
length of the jersey. For example, many jerseys have a half-length
zipper that extends to about the base of the wearer's sternum. With
a traditional cycling bib, the wearer must remove the jersey to
then remove the two support members over the wearer's arms in order
to finally lower or remove the traditional cycling bib. However, a
halter bib athletic garment of this disclosure can be removed or
lowered without removing the jersey, as shown in FIG. 2B. With a
full-length zipper jersey, the wearer unzips the jersey partially
or fully, passes the halter strap 50 over their head 2, and then
removes or lowers the upper body section 40 of the halter bib
athletic garment 1. With a half-length zipper jersey (or any jersey
with a zipper shorter than full-length), the wearer unzips the
jersey, passes the halter strap 50 over the wearer's head 2,
optionally pulls the halter strap 50 and bodice 45 through the
lower portion of the jersey, and then removes or lowers the halter
bib athletic garment 1. Thus, the halter bib athletic garment 1 may
be lowered or removed without removing the jersey.
[0043] Embodiments of a halter bib athletic garment allow wearers
to more readily urinate or have a bowel movement because the halter
bib athletic garment 1 may be easily lowered or removed. For
example, a cyclist wearing a halter bib athletic garment 1 can
quickly stop cycling and urinate without the hassle and exposure of
removing a jersey. Female cyclists benefit greatly from the halter
bib athletic garment 1 because their anatomy provides fewer options
for quickly and easily urinating or passing a bowel movement than
the options enjoyed by male cyclists (some male cycling bibs and
shorts have a zippered or non-zippered fly). For example, a female
cyclist wearing a halter bib athletic garment can lower the halter
bib athletic garment 1 to urinate such that the chamois 30 is out
of the way and not contaminated by streaming or stray urine.
[0044] According to some embodiments, the halter strap 50 is
constructed of a continuous elastomeric fabric. The halter strap 50
and connected bodice section 45 may be sufficiently elastomeric to
allow the halter strap 50 to easily pass over the wearer's head 2.
The vertical elasticity of the halter strap 50 may result from
elasticity primarily within the halter strap 50, or the elasticity
of the halter strap 50 and bodice section 45 combined. For example,
the halter strap 50 may be a fabric with high elasticity along the
long axis of the halter strap 50 that allows the halter strap 50 to
stretch under pressure, but resume a shorter length when resting on
the wearer's neck 4 and shoulders. The optional mesh bodice section
45 may employ an elastomeric mesh fabric having a high degree of
vertical elasticity throughout at least part of the fabric.
Additionally, the mesh bodice section 45 may extend above the
breasts to couple to the halter strap 50, which may provide
additional vertical elasticity by allowing the halter strap 50 to
pull on the elastomeric mesh fabric of the bodice section 45 by
transferring the force substantially to the mesh bodice section 45.
Additional embodiments employ a non-mesh elastomeric fabric in
place of the optional mesh bodice section 45 to similarly provide
ventilation and elastomeric stretching.
[0045] In some particular embodiments, the halter strap 50 employs
one or more connecting members or cinching members. Connecting
members may be clasps, latches, buckles, joints, interconnectors,
loops, snaps, and so on. Cinching members may be cinches,
fasteners, cams, ratchets, rings, slides, adjusters, locks, or
similar mechanisms. One embodiment employs a connecting member at
or near the halter strap to allow the wearer to disconnect or
unclasp the connecting member and pass the head through the
disconnected halter strap. Another embodiment employs at least two
connecting members to completely remove the halter strap from the
bodice section. Further embodiments employ one or more cinching
members at or near the halter strap to expand the halter strap and
then cinch the halter strap over the wearer's neck and shoulders to
a comfortable fit. Yet further embodiments employ one or more
cinching members used in conjunction with the elasticity provided
by the elastomeric fabric and other elastomeric features of the
halter bib disclosed herein.
[0046] Embodiments of a halter bib athletic garments 1 may include
reflectors made from reflective fabrics or other reflective
materials. The reflectors assist in making a wearer visible in
low-light conditions by, for example, reflecting the light from
vehicle headlights. The reflectors may be stripes, piping, patches,
or other shapes sewn into or otherwise affixed to the halter bib.
Some embodiments employ reflectors as part of the aesthetic design
of the halter bib athletic garment to add to the design even during
daylight.
[0047] Further embodiments of the halter bib athletic garment 70
comprise full-length legs 72 (shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B) include
leg-positioning features, such as leg bands and access zippers 74.
One embodiment includes one or more leg bands on the interior
circumference of each leg section. The leg band may be an exposed
elastic or gel near the hem of a short-length halter bib athletic
garment to grip the wearer's thighs and limit the leg sections from
creeping up the thighs as is known in the art. The leg band
approximately encircles the circumference of the leg and may be
approximately 0.25 to 2.5 inches wide. Alternative embodiments
utilize two or more leg bands in each leg section, where the leg
bands are spaced apart. Further embodiments employ access zippers
74 approximately 2 to 10 inches long near the leg openings 78
proximate ankles or calves of the wear on a full-length or
capri-length halter bib athletic garment 70 to allow wearers to
insert their feet through openings 78 enlarged by opening the
access zippers 74. Zipper covers 76 may be positioned proximate the
zippers 74 to cover the zippers 74 during use (shown in FIG.
9C).
[0048] It will be understood that embodiments are not limited to
the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any
components consistent with the intended operation of the various
embodiments may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, it should be
understood that, while the drawing figures accompanying text show
and describe particular embodiments and embodiments, components may
comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class,
grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity,
and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a methods
and/or system embodiments.
[0049] The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the
specific embodiments shown herein. For example, it is specifically
contemplated that the components included in particular embodiments
may be formed of any of many different types of materials or
combinations that can readily be formed into shaped objects and
that are consistent with the intended operation of the embodiments.
For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic
and/or natural) and/or other like materials; fibers (synthetic
and/or natural) and/or other like materials; polymers and/or other
like materials; plastics, and/or other like materials; composites
and/or other like materials; metals and/or other like materials;
alloys and/or other like materials; and/or any combination of the
foregoing.
[0050] Furthermore, embodiments may be manufactured separately and
then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be
manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another.
If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then
be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner,
such as with adhesive, heat welds, fasteners, sewn stitches, any
combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on,
among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the
components.
* * * * *