U.S. patent application number 15/941410 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-09 for activewear with waistband pocket.
The applicant listed for this patent is Leigh Cockram. Invention is credited to Leigh Cockram.
Application Number | 20180220720 15/941410 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54067501 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180220720 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cockram; Leigh |
August 9, 2018 |
ACTIVEWEAR WITH WAISTBAND POCKET
Abstract
Provided is activewear with hidden pockets. More particularly,
athletic garments such as pants comprising one or more waistband
pocket, preferably concealable, are included. In embodiments,
athletic garments with an interior concealed pocket in the
fold-over portion of a fold down waistband are provided. The
waistband pocket enables the wearer to store items such as car
keys, hotel room keys and/or smart phones relatively
inconspicuously and securely in the waistband of the garment. A
purpose of the concealment includes minimizing attention from the
items stored within the pocket and allowing the wearer to
participate in a variety of athletic sports or events while
carrying personal items in a secure manner.
Inventors: |
Cockram; Leigh;
(Collinsville, VA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cockram; Leigh |
Collinsville |
VA |
US |
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Family ID: |
54067501 |
Appl. No.: |
15/941410 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14729607 |
Jun 3, 2015 |
9961947 |
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15941410 |
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14667843 |
Mar 25, 2015 |
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14729607 |
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13933817 |
Jul 2, 2013 |
9021615 |
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14667843 |
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29509555 |
Nov 19, 2014 |
D754948 |
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14729607 |
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14963337 |
Dec 9, 2015 |
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29509555 |
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14667843 |
Mar 25, 2015 |
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14963337 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 31/18 20190201;
A41F 9/00 20130101; A41D 1/06 20130101; A45F 2003/166 20130101;
A41D 27/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/08 20180101
A41D001/08; A41F 9/00 20060101 A41F009/00; A41D 27/20 20060101
A41D027/20; A41D 1/00 20180101 A41D001/00; A41D 1/14 20060101
A41D001/14; A41D 1/06 20060101 A41D001/06; A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising: a body portion of fabric terminating at a
continuous edge; and an annular portion of fabric with two or more
edges attached to the continuous edge, which annular portion of
fabric provides a body opening for the garment; wherein the annular
portion of fabric comprises a tube attached to the continuous edge,
which tube comprises one or more pockets with one or more pocket
openings; and wherein one or more of the pocket openings are
disposed between the continuous edge and the body opening and are
formed from fabric that provides or is capable of being stretched
to provide one or more pocket opening of at least 1.5 inches to
accommodate a mobile phone.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the annular portion of fabric is
a waistband.
3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the annular portion of fabric
provides a torso opening.
4. The garment of claim 1, wherein one or more of the pockets
extends 360.degree. within the tube.
5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the body portion provides a
lower body portion.
6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the annular portion of fabric
comprises jersey, knit, cotton, nylon, spandex, rayon, or polyester
fabric, or combinations thereof.
7. The garment of claim 1, wherein one or more of the pocket
openings is disposed horizontal, vertical, or any direction between
horizontal and vertical relative to the body opening.
8. The garment of claim 7 comprising from 1-20 pocket openings.
9. The garment of claim 1, wherein one or more of the pocket
openings is 1.5 inch to 8 inches in width or height.
10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the annular portion of fabric
comprises one or more sheets of fabric.
11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the tube comprises an opening
for earbud wires.
12. A garment comprising: a body portion comprising fabric
terminating as a continuous torso aperture edge; and a band of
material providing a body opening; wherein the band of material is
attached to the body portion in a manner such that the band of
material adds length to the garment; wherein the band of material
provides a piece of fabric to form one or more pockets; wherein one
or more of the pockets comprises one or more pocket openings; and
wherein one or more of the pocket openings is disposed between the
torso aperture and the body opening and is at least 1.5 inches in
width or length to accommodate a mobile phone.
13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the band of material providing
the body opening comprises one or more sheets of fabric.
14. The garment of claim 12, wherein the piece of fabric to form
one or more of the pockets also provides an exterior surface of the
garment.
15. The garment of claim 12, wherein one or more of the pocket
openings comprises a closure.
16. The garment of claim 12, wherein one or more of the pocket
openings has no closure.
17. A garment comprising: a fabric body portion comprising a torso
aperture; and a tube of material joined along the torso aperture at
a seam and providing a body opening, wherein the tube of material
comprises one or more pockets with one or more pocket openings for
storing items in an interior of the tube of material; wherein one
or more of the pocket openings are disposed between the torso
aperture and the body opening; wherein the tube of material and the
body portion are disposed on opposing sides of the torso aperture;
wherein at least a portion of the fabric of the tube of material
provides an exterior surface of the garment; and wherein at least
one of the pocket openings is at least 1.5 inches in width or
height to accommodate a mobile phone.
18. The garment of claim 17, wherein the seam at which the tube of
material is joined along the torso aperture is a continuous
seam.
19. The garment of claim 17, wherein one or more of the pocket
openings is disposed horizontal, vertical, or any direction between
horizontal and vertical relative to the body opening and has a
width or height of 50-100% of a width or length of the annular
portion of fabric.
20. The garment of claim 17, wherein a cross section at a center of
the tube of material reveals no more than two layers of fabric.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to and is a
Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/729,607 filed on Jun. 3, 2015, which published as U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2015/0257459 on Sep. 17, 2015. The '607
application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/667,843 filed on Mar. 25, 2015,
which '843 application published as U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0196071 on Jul. 16, 2015. The '843 application
is a Continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/933,817 filed on Jul. 2, 2013, which '817 application published
as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0007379 on Jan. 8,
2015 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,021,615 on May 5, 2015. The '607
application also claims priority to U.S. Design patent application
Ser. No. 29/509,555 filed on Nov. 19, 2014, which issued as U.S.
Pat. No. D754,948 on May 3, 2016. The present application also
claims priority to and is a Continuation application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/963,337 filed on Dec. 9, 2015, which
published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0088887
on Mar. 31, 2016. The '337 application is a Continuation
application of the '843 and '817 applications. The disclosures of
these applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in
their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to athletic
outerwear or apparel, including in particular garments such as
pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, shirts, and generally any garment
with a waistband. More particularly, in embodiments the present
invention relates to activewear garments with an interior concealed
storage pocket disposed in the waistband of the garment. The
purpose of the concealment extends beyond minimizing attention to
the items stored within the pocket by allowing the wearer to
participate in a variety of athletic activities or events while
carrying personal items in a safe and concealed manner.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Men, women, and children participate more and more in
recreational sporting activities and events such as running,
tennis, golf, or biking, and in fitness activities and classes such
as aerobics or yoga. When participating in these sporting
activities there is often the dilemma of where to keep personal
items, such as car keys, house keys, hotel keys, coins, cash,
credit or debit cards, identification cards such as a driver's
license, electronic devices, such as a phone, MP3 player, or tablet
etc. Many times these items are placed in a pocket either in the
legwear or in another item of clothing or a pack that is attached
to the body at the arm, leg, wrist, or waist, such as a fanny pack.
The items, as well as their conventional carrying means, typically
create bulk, which is not desirable for freedom of movement during
exercise. Because such packs can be cumbersome to the wearer and
garments on the market typically do not have the capability to
accommodate a wide range of items, oftentimes people who exercise
will choose instead to leave doors unlocked instead of carrying
their keys with them, or will leave their phones at home, which is
not the best choice for personal safety.
[0004] Existing methods for securing these items include an
additional pocket in the garment or in another item of clothing, or
an expandable pouch or pocket that is somehow attached to the body
such as the arm, leg, wrist, or waist. Several patents have
attempted to address such methods for securing items. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 7,424,962 to Mooney, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety, describes a pocket strapped to
the waist of one playing either golf or tennis. The pocket has a
backing and front made of a fabric that is flexible and stretchable
to hold golf or tennis balls and may be attached to a belt or may
be worn in place of a belt. Similar devices exist for joggers, such
as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,418 to Gruzensky, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, which describes a
zippered pocket for money, keys, identification cards, and other
personal items and which is constructed to be worn on the wrist or
ankle.
[0005] There are items on the market for joggers that employ what
is sometimes referred to as a pocket band. The band can go around
the arm, the leg, the thigh, the waist, or the wrist of the wearer,
such as that disclosed in U.S. Published Application No.
2004/0031830, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. A zipper or Velcro (i.e., hook and loop type closure)
closes the opening of the pocket band protecting the items inside
from loss or theft. The adjustable pocket makes a portable
compartment that eliminates the need to carry bulky purses,
wallets, etc., and does not interfere with the freedom of movement
of a jogger, however, the pocket band can interfere with the
freedom of movement of the wearer while doing yoga or other
activities that involve bending and other movements and can be
cumbersome as it is an additional layer to wear.
[0006] Similarly, a concealed pocket incorporated into the apparel
is sometimes used for securing personal items while exercising. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,019 to McCafferty describes a sock
with a hidden pocket, while U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,188 to Marsh
describes a panty-type garment with a security pocket, which
patents are both incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties. There are also hidden pockets added to jackets, shirts,
hosiery, and hoodies. Additionally, activewear for joggers often
have pockets in the front or back that are closed with zippers.
Such pockets are incorporated into the garments using additional
material to form the pocket. It would be much more cost effective
and comfortable, however, to provide a pocket using the material of
the garment itself without adding material for a pocket.
[0007] A "hipband pouch" is disclosed in U.S. Published Application
No. 2013/0048687, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety. The pouch is intended for use as an accessory and
is worn in addition to a person's other exercise garments. The
pouch comprises a tubular pocket with openings disposed laterally
along a single circumferential seam such that the pocket openings
are where the seam of the pouch is purposefully left open.
Laterally spaced openings along the seam itself are prone to
failure after repeated use in that the seam will tend to come apart
at the point where the opening ends and the seam begins due to the
opening being stretched to accommodate items. Much worse, the
fabric may instead rip at this juncture requiring undesired repair
of the garment. Additionally, such a pouch adds bulk to a user
since it is worn in addition to the user's regular clothing and is
not part of the activewear itself. Other disadvantages of such a
pouch are that they tend to ride up on the user's torso and will
typically not stay put where the user initially places the pouch,
making its use uncomfortable or unaesthetic to the user or
others.
[0008] US2013/0276210 discloses "lower torso athletic apparel with
built in mobile device carrying panel" with a rectangular shaped
panel of shear elastically deformed material overlaying the
waistband of the athletic pants/shorts/skirts attached horizontally
by stitching lines at the top and bottom of the panel to form a
space between the attached panel and original waistband of the
athletic pants/shorts/skirt for carrying and snugly retaining a
mobile device. According to the disclosure, the panel enables
greater than 50% visibility to the screen and use of the touch
screen functions of the device through the fabric without removing
the device from the panel. The panel extends around the entire
waistband or part thereof and has one or more apertures for the
insertion/removal of a mobile device. Australian Patent Publication
No. AU2012254915 to the same inventor is similar. As mentioned
previously, disadvantages of such a construction include additional
manufacturing cost due to the additional material needed to create
such a pocket, as well as the sheerness of the material which is
expected to wear over time because it is not as durable as the
material of the body.
[0009] From the above discussion it is apparent that what is
desired is a pocket within the activewear that can hold personal
items safely and securely, while not compromising the aesthetics
and comfort in the design of the garment. A pocket such as this
should provide convenient ergonomic access so the items may be
retrieved during or after the sporting event with convenience. What
is needed is activewear that fits, functions, and performs for the
sport chosen, and yet looks and feels great while allowing for a
place to safely keep personal items during participation in the
sporting event. In other words, the activewear should be
comfortable, and flattering, yet practical. It should also allow
for the range of motion necessary for the sporting event. The
activewear should function for the desired activity as well as have
a pleasing appearance. The activewear should be durable and easy to
wash while being constructed out of a minimal number of parts. The
activewear should be cost effective, light weight, with a bulk-free
waistband that allows a full range of movement of the wearer.
[0010] According to embodiments of the invention, a pocket within
the waistband of the actual garment is capable of accomplishing one
or more of these criteria and can be incorporated for example into
shirts, skirts, shorts, skorts, and pants. In embodiments, the
waistband goes all the way around the waist, and provides for
comfort and flexibility in range of motion, while also providing a
pocket space within the waistband. Access to the pocket within the
actual waistband itself can be provided by slits or cuts in the
fabric that are finished around the opening to provide for a strong
and wear-resistant opening.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The numerous limitations inherent in conventional activewear
with hidden pockets or pouches described above provide great
incentive for a new and better form of activewear with a concealed
pocket and which is capable of accounting for one or more of these
issues. The present invention relates generally to athletic
outerwear/apparel and particularly to athletic wear for the lower
body, such as pants, shorts, caprin, skirts, and skorts. More
particularly, the present invention relates to athletic garments
with a concealed storage pocket incorporated into the waistband of
the garment.
[0012] In embodiments of the invention, the pocket can be formed by
a first layer of material that provides for an exterior facing
surface of the waistband and a second layer of material that
provides for an interior facing surface of the waistband.
Additional pieces and/or layers of material can also be included.
The layers of material can be two pieces of material sewn together
at the top, or provided as a single sheet of material folded over,
and sewn together with the lower portion of the garment. This
provides for an annular pocket that traverses the entire waist when
worn.
[0013] In embodiments, the pocket can be configured as a single
pocket encircling the waist, or can be portioned into two or more
smaller regions covering from 0-360.degree. around the waistband by
incorporating one or more horizontal seams into the waistband. One
or more openings to the pocket are provided by cuts or slits in the
fabric. The slits can be disposed in the outwardly facing layer of
material or in the layer of material intended to face or contact
the user's body. In embodiments, the pocket does not have a
closure, but could be closed, such as by a zipper, or Velcro or
snaps or buttons, etc. Although not necessary, and in preferred
embodiments, the openings to the pocket can be finished by a hem
line, and/or by surging, and/or by ribbon sewn over the unfinished
edge, and/or by using bias tape. Such a finished opening provides
for a stronger pocket opening and leads to longevity of the
garment. The items in the pocket, in embodiments, are held in place
by the elasticity of the material the activewear is made from,
and/or by the vertical or horizontal slit, which is smaller than
the items placed within the pocket, but which expands to allow for
the items to be placed within the pocket.
[0014] Specific embodiments of the invention can include
activewear, such as pants, comprising: (i) a body portion,
optionally with two pant legs, and a top edge defining a waistline;
(ii) a waistband comprising a single sheet of material in a folded
configuration or constructed from multiple pieces of material;
(iii) wherein the body portion and the waistband are in direct
communication with one another by a seam along the waistline, and
optionally along 360 degrees of the waistline of the body portion;
(iv) wherein the waistband, when joined with the waistline of the
body portion, provides a pocket capable of holding items; and (v)
wherein the waistband is configured to provide access to the pocket
as one or more pocket openings, such as by introducing one or more
cuts in the material to provide multiple pieces of material capable
of being layered to form a pocket.
[0015] Embodiments of the invention include a garment comprising a
body portion comprising fabric with an upper edge terminating as a
360.degree. waistline and a 360.degree. waistband comprising
multiple pieces of fabric, such as four or six pieces of fabric. In
such embodiments, a first and second piece of fabric define a first
pocket on the waistband and a third and fourth piece of fabric
define a second pocket on the waistband, and 360.degree. of the
waistline of the body portion is attached to a bottom edge of the
waistband. The first pocket and second pocket each comprise at
least one opening to provide pocket access. In a six-piece
waistband construction, fifth and sixth pieces of fabric are added
to cover a portion of the second and fourth pieces of fabric,
respectively, and are disposed under the first and third pieces of
material, respectively, to provide a more streamlined pocket
opening.
[0016] Alternatively or in addition, the activewear can be
configured such that the pocket is annular and extends 360.degree.
around the waistband.
[0017] In embodiments, alternatively or in addition, the activewear
can be configured such that the waistband has a width of between
approximately 1 and 8 inches wide.
[0018] The activewear can be alternatively or in addition
configured such that the one or more pocket openings have a
dimension of about 10-100% of the width of the waistband. For
example, the activewear can be configured such that the one or more
pocket openings have a dimension of about 25-50% of the width of
the waistband. In preferred embodiments, the opening has a width
that is 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the width of the waistband.
[0019] Alternatively or in addition, the activewear can be
configured such that the waistband comprises a horizontal seam
encircling the waistband 360.degree. and dividing the waistband in
half into two annular regions, wherein an upper annular region is
capable of being folded over a lower annular region comprising the
pocket and the pocket openings.
[0020] In yet further embodiments, alternatively or in addition,
the activewear can be configured such that the waistband comprises
two or more vertical seams for dividing the lower annular region
into smaller segments.
[0021] Further for example, activewear embodiments can
alternatively or in addition comprise two vertical seams to divide
the lower annular region into a front pocket and a back pocket,
wherein each of the front and the back pocket extend 180.degree.
degrees around the waistband. Even further, for example, such
activewear can be configured such that multiple vertical seams
provide pockets at one or more various locations around the
waistband.
[0022] The activewear can be configured such that one or more of
the pocket openings are disposed on a side of the waistband
contacting the wearer. Alternatively or in addition, the activewear
can be configured such that one or more pocket openings have no
closure and are finished around a pocket opening edges by one or
more of a hem line, surging, ribbon sewn over the edge, or bias
tape sewn over the edge. Alternatively or in addition the
activewear can be configured such that one or more pocket openings
have a closure chosen from a zipper, hook and loop type closure,
hooks, buttons, or snaps.
[0023] In embodiments, the activewear can be configured such that
items disposed in the pocket are held in place by one or more of
fabric elasticity or pocket opening size.
[0024] The body portion of the activewear according to any
embodiment herein can be an athletic pant style chosen from running
pants, capri pants, tight shorts, or loose shorts.
[0025] Preferably, such activewear pants comprise a body portion
comprising a leg portion configured as straight, boot cut, loose,
or form fitting.
[0026] The activewear according to embodiments of the invention can
comprise a waistband made from one or more of jersey, knit, cotton,
nylon, spandex, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.
Preferably, the activewear pants comprise a waistband made from
about 80-90% nylon and from about 10-20% spandex.
[0027] Methods of making activewear of the invention are also
included. Any method for making any of the embodiments described in
this specification can be used. Preferred is a method of forming
activewear pants said method comprising: (i) forming a waistband
from an elongated sheet of material by: (a) joining opposing ends
of the material to form a ring-like structure; and (b) folding the
ring-like structure to align opposing edges of the material; (ii)
providing a body portion comprising two apertures for legs of a
user and having a top edge that defines a waistline; and (iii)
joining the waistband to the body portion along the waistline to
provide for an annular pocket in the waistband.
[0028] A waistband for any garment wherein the waistband comprises
a concealed pocket is also included within the scope of the
invention. In particular, a waistband comprising: (i) an annular
pocket defined by a front and back layer of material forming a
waistband; (ii) one or more cuts in the front or back layer of
material to provide pocket openings; and (iii) a portion of the
waistband capable of being folded to conceal the pocket openings is
included.
[0029] Additional embodiments of the invention comprise a garment
comprising a body portion comprising fabric with an upper edge
terminating as a 360.degree. waistline, and a waistband comprising
fabric with two edges attached together. In this embodiment,
360.degree. of the waistline is attached to the two edges of the
waistband. The waistband may define one or more pockets capable of
holding items, and the pockets may comprise one or more openings to
provide access to the pockets.
[0030] Further embodiments of the invention comprise a garment
comprising a body portion made of fabric having a top edge defining
a 360.degree. waistline and a waistband comprising a tube of fabric
having two edges attached together. In this embodiment, the
waistband is attached to the body portion along 360.degree. of the
waistline, and the waistband and the body portion are each disposed
on opposing sides of the waistline. The waistband may provide one
or more pockets capable of holding items and the pockets may
comprise one or more pocket openings to provide access to the
pockets.
[0031] Further embodiments of the invention comprise a garment
comprising a fabric body portion comprising a top edge defining a
torso aperture and a fabric waistband joined along 360.degree. of
the torso aperture at a circumferential seam, which waistband is a
tube of material capable of providing a pocket for storing items in
an interior of the tube. In this embodiment, the waistband and body
are disposed on opposing sides of the torso aperture. The tube may
have one or more openings to provide access to the pocket.
[0032] In embodiments, the pocket extends 360.degree. around the
waistband. Further, the waistband may comprise two or more seams to
provide for multiple pockets. In embodiments, the one or more
pocket openings may have a closure or no closure. During use items
disposed in the one or more pockets may be held in place by fabric
elasticity.
[0033] In embodiments, the body portion may be chosen from
leggings, a yoga pant, a running pant, a capri pant, shorts, a
skort, or a skirt. In embodiments, the waistband comprises material
of one or more of jersey, knit, cotton, nylon, spandex, rayon,
polyester, or combinations thereof. The waistband may comprise
elastic or may have elasticity, such as a fabric with elasticity or
an elastic fabric. A strip of elastic ribbon may be sewn into the
top of the interior of the waistband for added security.
Additionally, the waistband may comprise two or more seams to
provide for a plurality of pockets.
[0034] The fabric of the body portion and/or of the waistband may
comprise polyester.
[0035] In embodiments, the one or more pocket openings may be
disposed from 5 to 90 degrees relative to one or more of the edges
of the waistband. Further, the one or more pockets may be shaped
and sized to accommodate a mobile phone.
[0036] In embodiments, the waistband may comprise a front pocket
and a back pocket each with their own pocket opening.
[0037] Embodiments of the invention include a garment comprising a
body portion comprising fabric with an upper edge terminating as a
360.degree. waistline and a 360.degree. waistband comprising four
pieces of fabric. In this embodiment, a first and second piece of
fabric define a first pocket on the waistband and a third and
fourth piece of fabric define a second pocket on the waistband, and
360.degree. of the waistline is attached to a bottom edge of the
waistband. The first pocket and second pocket each comprise at
least one opening to provide pocket access.
[0038] In embodiments, the first pocket and/or the first pocket
opening is disposed at a first half of the waistband and the second
pocket and/or second pocket opening is disposed at a second half of
the waistband.
[0039] In embodiments, the first half of the waistband is disposed
at the front of the garment and the second half of the waistband is
disposed at the back of the garment.
[0040] In embodiments, the first half of the waistband and second
half of the waistband are separated by two side seams laterally
disposed on the waistband.
[0041] In embodiments, the first and second piece of fabric
defining the first pocket are of unequal lengths such that the
second piece is longer than the first piece, and the third and
fourth piece of fabric defining the second pocket are of unequal
lengths such that the fourth piece is longer than the third piece.
In embodiments, the second piece of fabric is the same length as
the fourth piece of fabric and/or the first piece of fabric is the
same length as the third piece of fabric.
[0042] In embodiments, the second piece of fabric defines an inner
layer of the first pocket and the first piece of fabric defines an
outer layer of the first pocket, and the fourth piece of fabric
defines an inner layer of the second pocket and the third piece
defines and outer layer of the second pocket.
[0043] In embodiments, within the waistband the first pocket and
second pocket are each further defined by a top seam, bottom seam,
and side seam, whereby the first and second pieces of fabric are
joined at their respective top, bottom, and side edges, and wherein
the second pocket is further defined by a top seam, bottom seam,
and side seam, whereby the third and fourth pieces of fabric are
joined at their respective top, bottom, and side edges. The pieces
of fabric can be sewn together in any order and/or one or more of
the seams can be sewn at any point during the waistband
construction.
[0044] In embodiments, the waistband comprises a first seam along
top of the waistband, a second seam along the bottom of the
waistband, and third and fourth seam as side seams extending from
the bottom seam to the top seam.
[0045] In embodiments, the second piece of fabric is made of a
different material than the first piece of fabric and the fourth
piece of fabric is made of a different material than the third
piece of fabric, and/or the second piece of fabric is made of the
same material as the fourth piece of fabric. In the context of this
specification, a different material can refer to any difference in
the material, such as a different type of material, a different
style of material, a different finish of the material, a different
color material, a different design printed on the material, a
different side or surface of the material, and so on. In
embodiments, the pieces of material on the outside of the waistband
(e.g., portion of the waistband facing publicly), such as the
first, fifth, third, and sixth pieces of material can all be the
same and can all be the same or different than the second and
fourth pieces of material that form the inside of the waistband
(e.g., portion of waistband against skin).
[0046] In embodiments, the second piece of fabric comprises a
portion that extends beyond the first piece of fabric and the
fourth piece of fabric comprises a portion that extends beyond the
third piece of fabric.
[0047] In embodiments, the waistband comprises six pieces of
fabric. The waistband can comprise the first, second, third, and
fourth pieces of fabric as described above and additionally a fifth
and sixth piece of fabric. In embodiments, a fifth piece of fabric
is the same or different material as the first piece of fabric and
is disposed over the portion of the second piece of fabric that
extends beyond the first piece of fabric, and a sixth piece of
fabric is the same or different material as the third piece of
fabric and is disposed over the portion of the fourth piece of
fabric that extends beyond the third piece of fabric. In some
embodiments, the fifth and sixth pieces of material can be
different from the first, second, third, and fourth pieces of
material, which are the same.
[0048] For example, in a waistband with a six-piece or more
construction, the waistband can comprise a first piece of fabric
that constitutes a front exterior facing panel of the waistband and
which is sewn over a second longer piece of fabric. The second
longer piece of fabric constitutes an interior facing panel of the
waistband and contacts the user's body during use. The first piece
of fabric and the second piece of fabric together form a front
pocket of the waistband. The material is cut to different lengths
such that the difference in length between the first piece of
fabric and the second piece of fabric provides for an opening into
the front pocket. The same configuration is provided on the back
side of the waistband with a third and fourth piece of fabric to
form a back pocket on the back side of the waistband. A fifth piece
of fabric is sewn over the second piece of fabric and under or over
the first piece of fabric in a manner such that the fifth piece of
fabric covers at least a portion of the second piece of fabric,
provides access to the front pocket opening, and forms part of the
exterior facing portion of the front panel of the waistband.
Similarly, a sixth piece of fabric is sewn over the fourth piece of
fabric and under or over the third piece of fabric in a manner such
that the sixth piece of fabric covers at least a portion of the
fourth piece of fabric, provides access to the back pocket opening,
and forms part of the exterior facing portion of the back panel of
the waistband.
[0049] In embodiments, the waistband comprises a top seam and
bottom seam, and the 360.degree. waistline is attached at the
bottom seam of the waistband.
[0050] Embodiments of the invention comprise a garment comprising a
body portion made of fabric having a top edge defining a
360.degree. waistline, a waistband comprising four pieces of
material comprising a first and second piece and a third and fourth
piece. The first and second pieces of fabric are attached along
three edges forming a first pocket and the third and fourth pieces
are attached along three edges forming a second pocket. The bottom
of the waistband is attached to the top of the body portion along
360.degree. of the waistline, and the waistband and the body
portion are each disposed on opposing sides of the waistline. The
waistband provides one or more pockets capable of holding items and
the pockets comprise one or more pocket openings to provide access
to the pockets.
[0051] In embodiments, the second piece of fabric is longer than
the first piece of fabric and the fourth piece of fabric is longer
than the third piece of fabric. The second piece of fabric defines
an inner layer of the first pocket (e.g., an interior facing panel
of the waistband) and the first piece of fabric defines an outer
layer of the first pocket (e.g., an exterior facing panel of the
waistband). The fourth piece of fabric defines an inner layer of
the second pocket and the third piece of fabric defines an outer
layer of the second pocket.
[0052] In embodiments, the second piece of fabric and the fourth
piece of fabric are attached at two side seams forming a
360.degree. inner layer of the waistband.
[0053] In embodiments, a portion of the second piece of fabric is
not covered by the first piece of fabric and/or a portion of the
fourth piece of fabric is not covered by the third piece of
fabric.
[0054] In embodiments, a fifth piece of fabric covers the portion
of the second piece of fabric that is not covered by the first
piece of fabric and a sixth piece of fabric covers the portion of
the fourth piece of fabric that is not covered by the third piece
of fabric. In embodiments, the second, third, fourth, and fifth
pieces of fabric are attached at a first side seam of the waistband
and the first, second, fourth, and sixth pieces of fabric are
attached at a second side seam of the waistband, where the second
side seam is preferably disposed about 180 degrees around the
waistband from the first side seam.
[0055] Embodiments of the invention include a 360.degree. waistband
comprising four pieces of fabric. A first and second piece of
fabric define a first pocket on the waistband (preferably disposed
on the front of the garment/waistband) and a third and fourth piece
of fabric define a second pocket on the waistband (preferably
disposed on the back of the garment/waistband). The second piece of
fabric is longer than the first piece of fabric and has a portion
that extends beyond the first piece of fabric, and the fourth piece
is longer than the third piece of fabric and has a portion that
extends beyond the third piece of fabric. The first pocket and
second pocket each comprise at least one opening to provide access
to each pocket.
[0056] In embodiments, the 360.degree. waistband includes two
additional pieces of fabric. A fifth piece of fabric is disposed
over the portion of the second piece of fabric that extends beyond
the first piece of fabric and is disposed under the first piece of
fabric. A sixth piece of fabric is disposed over the portion of the
fourth piece of fabric that extends beyond the third piece of
fabric and is disposed under the third piece of fabric. In
embodiments, the first piece of fabric is the same material as the
fifth piece of fabric but different material than the second piece
of fabric and the third piece of fabric is the same material as the
sixth piece of fabric but different material than the fourth piece
of fabric. In embodiments, the multiple pieces of fabric are the
same material but each piece of fabric has a first and second
surface with a different appearance (e.g., a surface that typically
is intended to be hidden from view when worn as compared with a
surface intended to be seen when worn). In embodiments, the surface
of the material intended to be seen when worn, which typically has
a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, will usually be disposed
as an exterior facing surface of the overall garment and the
surface intended to be hidden from view when worn will usually be
disposed as an interior facing surface of the overall garment. Some
materials may have both surfaces that are the same, but most
materials will have an outside surface (e.g., the surface intended
to be seen when worn) and an inside surface (e.g., the side facing
the user). In a six-piece construction embodiment, the waistband
for example can comprise six pieces of material that are made of
the same material, but each piece of material having a first and
second surface which have different surface texture characteristics
or a different appearance. The first and fifth pieces of material
can be attached to the second piece of material in such a manner
that the same surfaces of the pieces of material face one another
(e.g., the back or rough-finish or unfinished or underside surface
of the first and fifth pieces of material face the back or
rough-finish or unfinished or underside surface of the second piece
of material while the surfaces intended to be exterior facing face
away from one another). The third and sixth pieces of material can
be attached to the fourth piece of material in a similar manner.
Using such a construction, all exterior surfaces of the waistband
of the garment are the same, including the outwardly facing surface
of the waistband and the inwardly facing surface facing the
wearer.
[0057] Embodiments of the invention include a method of
manufacturing a waistband. Such methods can comprise (i) providing
a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth piece of fabric;
(ii) attaching the second and fourth pieces of fabric together to
form an inner waistband loop with a first side seam and a second
side seam; (iii) attaching the first and sixth pieces of fabric
together to form a first outer waistband portion with a first outer
waistband seam, overlaying the first outer waistband seam with the
first side seam of the inner waistband loop, and attaching the
first outer waistband portion to the inner waistband loop; and (iv)
attaching the third and fifth pieces of fabric together to form a
second outer waistband portion with a second outer waistband seam,
overlaying the second outer waistband seam with the second side
seam of the inner waistband loop, and attaching the second outer
waistband portion to the inner waistband loop.
[0058] Such methods can include providing from four to six pieces
of fabric comprising an outside front band (first piece), inside
front band (second piece), outside back band (third piece), inside
back band (fourth piece), optionally a front covering segment
(fifth piece), and optionally a back covering segment (sixth
piece). The pieces of fabric can be attached by:
[0059] (i) connecting the inside front band and inside back band to
form a loop with two side seams, which loop comprises the inner
waistband,
[0060] (ii) attaching the back covering segment to the front
outside band to form a joined back covering segment/front outside
band piece,
[0061] (iii) attaching the front covering segment to the back
outside band to form a joined front covering segment/back outside
band piece,
[0062] (iv) matching the seam of the joined front covering
segment/back outside band piece to one side seam of the inner
waistband and sewing the joined front covering segment/back outside
band piece to the inner waistband except for a portion of the back
outside band that is about 5 inches from the second side seam,
[0063] (v) matching the seam of the joined back covering
segment/front outside band piece to the second side seam of the
inner waistband, overlapping the back outside band over the back
covering segment, or vice versa, and sewing around the waistband,
and
[0064] (vi) overlapping the front outside band piece over the front
covering segment, or vice versa, and sewing to overlap stitches at
the side-seam of the waistband.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] FIGS. 1A-D are schematic drawings showing various BOOT CUT
type activewear embodiments according to the invention with a
fold-over, annular waistband pocket, where the waistband is folded
down to conceal pocket opening(s) (FIG. 1A); the waistband is
unfolded to reveal a right-side vertical pocket opening (FIG. 1B);
the waistband is folded up to reveal a left-side horizontal pocket
opening (FIG. 1C); and the waistband is folded up to reveal
vertical pocket openings on the left and right sides of the pant
(FIG. 1D).
[0066] FIGS. 1E-F are schematic diagrams showing BOOT CUT type
activewear of the invention with an unfolded, annular waistband
pocket where the pocket is about half the width of the waistband
and comprises left and right vertical pocket openings (FIG. 1E);
and a cross-sectional view of the waistband pocket of FIG. 1E along
the pocket opening (FIG. 1F).
[0067] FIGS. 2A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating a STRAIGHT
LEG type pant of the invention comprising a waistband with an
annular pocket, where the waistband is folded over to conceal the
pocket opening (FIG. 2A); and where the waistband is unfolded to
reveal a right-side vertical slit pocket opening (FIG. 2B).
[0068] FIGS. 3A-B are schematic diagrams showing a CAPRIS BOOT CUT
style pant of the invention comprising a waistband folded down to
hide the pocket slit (FIG. 3A) and the waistband unfolded to reveal
a vertical pocket slit on the left side of the pant (FIG. 3B).
[0069] FIGS. 4A-B are schematic diagrams showing a CAPRIS STRAIGHT
LEG style activewear embodiment of the invention comprising a
waistband folded down to hide the pocket slit (FIG. 4A) and the
waistband unfolded to reveal a vertical pocket slit on the left
side of the pant (FIG. 4B).
[0070] FIGS. 5A-B are schematic diagrams showing a FORM FITTING
RUNNING SHORT style activewear embodiment of the invention
comprising a waistband folded down to hide the pocket slit (FIG.
5A) and the waistband unfolded to reveal a horizontal pocket slit
on the right side of the pant (FIG. 5B).
[0071] FIGS. 6A-B are schematic diagrams of a LOOSE SHORT
embodiment of the invention comprising a waistband folded down to
hide multiple pocket slits (FIG. 6A) and the waistband unfolded to
reveal pocket slits on the left and right sides of the short (FIG.
6B).
[0072] FIGS. 7A-D are schematic diagrams of a MEN'S RUNNING TIGHT
style pant of the invention with an annular waistband pocket
comprising a horizontal pocket opening on the right side (FIG. 7A);
a horizontal pocket opening on the left side (FIG. 7B); different
sized vertical pocket openings on the left and right sides (FIG.
7C); and finished pocket openings on the left and right sides (FIG.
7D), including a cross-sectional view of a pocket opening (FIG.
7E).
[0073] FIGS. 8A-B are schematic diagrams showing a BOOT CUT style
activewear embodiment of the invention with a right-side horizontal
pocket opening (FIG. 8A); and with a left-side horizontal pocket
opening (FIG. 8B).
[0074] FIG. 9. is a schematic diagram of a CAPRIS BOOT CUT style
pant of the invention showing multiple vertical pocket openings for
a waistband pocket.
[0075] FIG. 10. is a schematic diagram of a CAPRIS STRAIGHT LEG
style pant embodiment of the invention showing a waistband pocket
with a left-side horizontal opening.
[0076] FIG. 11. is a schematic diagram of a FORM FITTING SHORT
embodiment of the invention showing a waistband pocket with a
left-side horizontal opening.
[0077] FIG. 12. is a schematic diagram of LOOSE SHORT style garment
with a waistband pocket having a left-side horizontal opening.
[0078] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a garment with a front and
back waistband pocket formed from four (and optionally six) pieces
of material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0079] Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary
embodiments of the invention. Embodiments described in the
description and shown in the figures are illustrative only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and changes may
be made in the specific embodiments described in this specification
and accompanying drawings that a person of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize are within the scope and spirit of the
invention.
[0080] The present invention relates generally to athletic apparel
and more particularly to activewear pants, shorts, skirts, skorts,
shirts, and so on. Generally, any garment with a waistband can be
adapted to incorporate one or more features of the waistband pocket
of the present invention. More particularly, the present invention
relates to activewear garments with a waistband pocket.
[0081] An object of the present invention is to provide activewear
that is easy to manufacture, can be mass produced, and is less
expensive to make due to constructing the apparel from a minimum
number of parts and using less material than other garments may use
to provide pockets. Another object of the present invention is to
provide new and improved activewear that incorporates a concealed
pocket of simple construction within the garment. Another object of
the present invention is to provide new and improved activewear
with a pocket for hands-free secure carrying of personal items
while the wearer participates in athletic events or exercise
activities. Another object of the present invention is to provide
new and improved activewear with a concealed pocket that an
individual can easily access while also providing securement of
articles therein. Yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a concealed pocket in activewear such that an item stored
in the concealed pocket would be relatively undetectable.
Embodiments of activewear according to the invention can comprise a
wide variety of styles and lengths useful for different athletic
activities.
[0082] Preferred embodiments of the invention include activewear
comprising: (i) a waistband that functions as a pocket capable of
retaining items, and (ii) one or more pocket opening. In especially
preferred embodiments, the pocket is the waistband itself and no
additional material is used to provide or create the pocket.
[0083] In various embodiments, the pocket opening is by a slit. The
opening is preferably formed by cutting the fabric of the
waistband. The slit or cut type opening can be punched, cut, torn,
or by similar means, into the garment at any point during the
manufacturing process, such as prior to, during, or after joining
the waistband with the remainder of the garment. For example, the
material for the waistband can be formed from a single piece of
material or multiple pieces of material sewn together, with one or
more pockets openings disposed at one or more desired locations on
the waistband. One or more additional seams can be introduced to
the waistband portion of the pant, for example, to divide the
360.degree. annular pocket region into two or more smaller
segments. In especially preferred embodiments, there are two
perpendicular side seams to divide the annular region into a front
pocket extending 180.degree. around the waistband and a back pocket
extending the remaining 180.degree. around the waistband. Each of
the front and back pockets can have their own pocket opening for
access to the pocket.
[0084] In various embodiments, the one or more pocket slits and the
one or more pockets can be any number, for example, ranging from
1-20, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17, 18, 19, or 20. The slits and pocket seams, if present, can
be disposed at any desired angular location from 0-360.degree.
around the waistband. Likewise, the slit type openings can be
disposed at any location along the width of the waistband. The
slit(s) can be oriented in any direction from vertical to
horizontal relative to an edge of the waistband and in between,
such as horizontal (parallel with an edge of the waistband), or
5.degree., 10.degree., 15.degree., 20.degree., 25.degree.,
30.degree., 35.degree., 40.degree., 45.degree., 50.degree.,
55.degree., 60.degree., 65.degree., 70.degree., 75.degree.,
80.degree., 85.degree. above the horizontal, such as at about
90.degree. (i.e., perpendicular to an edge of the waistband) above
horizontal.
[0085] In other embodiments, the waistband is formed from four
pieces of material, with a first and second piece of material
forming a first pocket and a third and fourth piece of material
forming a second pocket. The first and second piece of material may
be of the same or of unequal lengths and the third and fourth piece
of material may be of the same or of unequal lengths. The pockets
may be formed by overlaying one piece of material over the other,
such as the shorter piece of material over the longer piece of
material and joining them together. As part of the waistband, the
two pieces of material have seams on three sides of the shorter
piece such that the fourth side of the shorter piece represents the
pocket opening. Thus, in this embodiment, the longer pieces
represent an inside band and define and inside layer of the pocket,
and the shorter pieces form part of an outside band and define an
outer layer of the pocket. Additionally, the waistband may be
formed by joining the two longer pieces together to form a circle
and sewing them together where their edges meet to form two side
seams. The waistband may be attached to the remainder of the
garment along the waistline. In embodiments, the waistband may
additionally have a 360.degree. top seam and a 360.degree. bottom
seam, and the waistband may be joined to the garment by the
360.degree. bottom seam.
[0086] In embodiments, a portion of the two longer pieces extends
beyond the shorter piece and is exposed, and in some embodiments,
the shorter piece and longer piece are made of different material,
or the fabric of the shorter piece is oriented in a different
direction than the longer piece such that the outwardly facing
surfaces of the material are different surfaces giving the
appearance of different materials. In some embodiments, it may be
desirable to present a uniform presentation to the waistband so
that it appears to be made of the same piece or type of material.
In these embodiments, the waistband may be additionally formed by a
fifth and sixth piece of material that covers the portion of the
two longer pieces that extend beyond the shorter piece. The fifth
and sixth piece of material may be of the same material as the
shorter pieces and placed over the longer piece near the pocket
opening and extending slightly beyond so that it underlies a
portion of the shorter piece. In other embodiments, the shorter
piece and longer piece are the same material and are oriented in
the same direction such that a fifth and sixth piece of material
are not needed since the outwardly facing surfaces of the materials
are the same.
[0087] In various embodiments, the height of the waistband may be
any height and for example can vary from approximately 1 inch to 8
inches. The height/width of the waistband and the height/width of
the pocket slit in various embodiments may be of any height and can
for example vary from approximately 1 inch to 8 inches. Any
height/width waistband and any height/width pocket slit can be used
including for example, 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inch, 3 inches, 4
inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, or 8 inches, or even 1/2 or
1/4 inches between these numbers. The length of the pocket slit can
be any length as well, such as from between 0% and 100% of the
length of the waistband, including from 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%,
30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or
95% of the length of the waistband. In embodiments, the pocket
opening can be vertical, running half the height/width of the
waistband, for instance a slit height of about 1 inch in a 2 inch
high/wide waistband, or about 1.5 inches in a 3 inch high/wide
waistband, or about 2 inches in a 4 inch high/wide waistband, or
about 2.5 inches in a 5 inch high/wide waistband, or about 3 inches
in a 6 inch high/wide waistband. The slit can be horizontal with
the same length ratio scheme, or multiple slits can be used to
access the pocket with a combination of vertical and horizontal
slits.
[0088] In various embodiments, the waistband may fold-over and
still be intended to fit on the wearer's waistline typically
somewhere between the top of the person's hipbone and their navel.
In other embodiments, the waistband is a non-fold-over waistband,
meaning if it were folded over in its entirety it would fall
outside this region. In various embodiments, the waistband has no
seams segregating the waistband into smaller regions. The
waistband, however, could have a seam that would create a smaller
space for the pocket, such as a horizontal seam encircling the
waistband and dividing the fold over waistband in half into two
annular regions, an upper annular region that can be folded over
the lower annular region; or such as one or more vertical side seam
for dividing the annular region in half to provide one pocket in
the front and one pocket in the back and where each pocket extends
180.degree. around the waistband; or such as multiple vertical side
seams to provide pockets at one or more various locations around
the waistband extending from 0-180.degree. around the
waistband.
[0089] In various embodiments, the pocket slit does not include a
closure. Optionally, the pocket slit can include any type of
closure such as Velcro, a zipper, hooks, buttons, snaps, hook and
loop, laces, or a similar mechanism.
[0090] In various embodiments, the items are held in place in the
pocket by the elasticity of the material or may be held in place by
the size of the slit, which is smaller than the item but which can
be stretched to accommodate the item. The pocket slit can run in
any suitable direction and distance, on either the front or back
side of the activewear.
[0091] In various embodiments, the activewear can be athletic
pants, running pants, caprin pants, tight shorts, loose shorts, a
skirt, a skort, or even a shirt. Indeed, any article of clothing
that has a waistband can incorporate objects of the invention. In
various embodiments the leg of the pant can be straight, boot cut,
tight, or loose.
[0092] Activewear embodiments of the invention may be made of any
desirable material and/or combination of materials. The waistband
may be made from the same and/or different material as the
remainder of the garment. In some embodiments the material may be
breathable, sweat absorbing, water resistant, elastic, ultra
comfortable, and/or performance-driven. An elastic type material
may enhance the fit around the body of the wearer, thereby
improving the comfort and/or enhancing the concealment of the items
in the pocket. In some embodiments the material may be jersey,
fleece, terry cloth, knit fabric, cotton, organic cotton, modal,
viscose, PILAYO, heathered PILAYO, nylon, spandex, polyester, or
rayon, or a blend of any of the materials. The knit fabric may be
any knit fabric known in the art such as double knit, single knit,
baby rib knit, interlock knit, or textured novelty knit.
[0093] Examples of blends that various embodiments may be made from
include polyester/rayon/spandex blends, such as 47% polyester, 47%
rayon, and 6% spandex; or from 30-60% polyester, 30-60% rayon, and
1-20% spandex; such as from 40-50% polyester, 40-50% rayon, and
2-18% spandex, such as from 43-49% polyester, 43-49% rayon, and
3-15% spandex; such as from 45-52% polyester, 45-52% rayon, and
4-10% spandex; including from 35-50% polyester, 40-50% rayon, and
5-8% spandex, and so on. Likewise, a blend of 88% nylon and 12%
spandex is also preferred, or 90:10 nylon:spandex, or anywhere from
70-98% nylon and 2-30% spandex could be used.
[0094] In embodiments, the fabric blend can comprise from 1-6 types
of materials, such as from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 types of materials.
These materials can be present in any amount, including for example
where the blend is 50:50, or 45:55, or 40:60 or 35:65, or 30:70, or
25:75, or 20:80, or 15:85, or 10:90, or 5:95, or each component is
present from about 1-99%, such as from 2-95%, or from about 3-98%,
or from 4-97%, or 5-90%, or 6-92%, or 7-91%, or 8-96%, or 9-94%, or
10-93%, or 11-89%, or 12-88%, or 13-87%, or 14-86%, or 15-85%, or
16-84%, or 17-83%, or 18-82%, or 19-81%, or 20-80%, or 21-79%, or
22-78%, or 23-77%, or 24-76%, or 25-75%, or 26-74%, or 27-73%, or
28-72%, or 29-71%, or 30-70%, or 31-69%, or 32-68%, or 33-67%, or
34-66%, or 35-65%, or 36-64%, or 37-63%, or 38-62%, or 39-61%, or
40-60%, or 41-59%, or 42-58%, or 43-57%, or 44-56%, or 45-55%, or
46-54%, or 47-53%, or 48-52%, or 49-51%, or 50% each.
[0095] Particular examples of blends can include 97% cotton with 3%
spandex, or from about 80-99% cotton with about 1-20% spandex, such
as a 99:1, or 98:2, or 97:3, or 96:4, or 95:5, or 94:6, or 93:7, or
92:8, or 91:9, or 90:10, or 89:11, or 88:12, or 87:13, or 86:14, or
85:15, or 84:16, or 83:17, or 82:18, or 81:19, or 80:20, or 79:21,
or 78:22, or 77:23, or 76:24, or 75:25, or 74:26, or 73:27, or
72:28, or 71:29, or 70:30 cotton:spandex blend, or cotton:polyester
blend, or polyester/spandex blend. These materials can be used for
one or more of the waistband, the legs of the garment, and/or the
crotch or other parts of the garment, with any one or more of these
parts of the garment being the same or different. Preferred
materials and blends can include one or more of organic
cotton/spandex, cotton/modal, viscose/spandex, PILAYO (SUPPLEX
Nylon/LYCRA Spandex), Heathered PILAYO (SUPPLEX
Nylon/Polyester/LYCRA Spandex), or COOLMAX (polyester). The lists
of materials and compositions of the fabric provided in this
specification are not meant to be exhaustive but only
representative of the types of materials and amounts of material
that could be used.
[0096] Referring now to the figures, more particular embodiments
will be described as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-F, which are schematic
drawings illustrating various waistband pocket embodiments with
variations for example on configurations for the pocket slit. FIGS.
1A-D are schematic drawings showing various BOOT CUT type
activewear embodiments according to the invention with a fold-over,
annular waistband pocket, where the waistband is folded down to
conceal pocket opening(s) (FIG. 1A); the waistband is unfolded (or
folded up) to reveal a right-side vertical pocket opening (FIG.
1B); the waistband is folded up to reveal a left-side horizontal
pocket opening (FIG. 1C); and the waistband is folded up to reveal
vertical pocket openings on the left and right sides of the pant
(FIG. 1D). FIGS. 1E-F are schematic diagrams showing BOOT CUT type
activewear of the invention with an unfolded, annular waistband
pocket where the pocket is about half the width of the waistband
and comprises left and right vertical pocket openings (FIG. 1E);
and a cross-sectional view of the waistband pocket of FIG. 1E along
the pocket opening (FIG. 1F).
[0097] More particularly, FIG. 1A is a representative diagram of an
embodiment of the activewear garment of the present invention shown
in BOOT CUT style with a 6 inch waistband folded down to hide the
pocket opening of the annular waistband pocket. The waistband
pocket in this embodiment is 3 inches in height, which is half the
height of the entire waistband. As illustrated, a portable media
player, such as an IPOD, is concealed and secured within the
annular waistband pocket by the 3 inch fold-over portion of the
waistband.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 1A, there is provided an activewear garment
100 according to aspects described herein. The activewear garment
100 includes a body portion, shown generally as 102, and a
waistband 104. Each portion of the activewear garment may be formed
from a textile element as is discussed in greater detail at other
portions of this specification. The body portion 102 and the
waistband 104 may be joined by any known method of joining multiple
textile elements, such as stitching, adhesives, and the like. The
body portion 102 generally includes a main portion configured to
fit around the midsection of the wearer, including the abdomen and
the gluteal areas, and two leg portions that extend from the main
portion through which a wearer's legs may extend. In alternate
embodiments, the leg portions may be longer or shorter than the leg
portions shown in FIG. 1A, or may be of a tighter or looser fit on
the wearer. In embodiments, the textile element of the waistband
104, the main portion of the body 102, and the leg portions may
comprise the same or different materials and/or the same or
different compositions of materials. The body portion 102 may be
formed of any suitable material to provide comfort to the wearer.
In some embodiments the body portion 102 may be formed from jersey,
knit fabric, cotton, nylon, spandex, polyester, organic cotton,
viscose, or a blend of any of the materials, such as a
polyester/rayon/spandex blend. Any of the types of materials and/or
compositions of materials provided in this specification may be
used for any embodiment of garment described herein.
[0099] The body portion 102 includes a plurality of apertures 110,
112. A first, torso aperture 110 is arranged at a top of the body
portion 102 and is sized to accommodate the torso of the wearer.
This torso aperture 110 may be sized to fit a variety of persons
and is preferably shaped and sized to fit around the waistline of a
wearer, such as between the top of the hipbone and the navel of the
user or higher on the torso. In addition, the body portion 102 of
the activewear garment 100 may include an elastic element such that
the garment 100 may stretch to fit a variety of wearers. The
waistband 104, and/or the body portion 102, may be formed of an
elastic-type material, allowing the torso aperture 110, or the
garment 100, to stretch, as needed to accommodate larger users or
to provide for a more desired form fitting appearance when worn by
the wearer. In some embodiments, two leg apertures 112 are included
in body portion 102. The leg apertures 112 may vary from straight,
boot cut, tight, or loose. However, in other embodiments such as a
skirt, leg apertures are not included.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 1A, the waistband 104 comprises a hidden
pocket that may contain items of the wearer for safe keeping.
Access to the pocket is provided by an opening to the pocket that
is hidden by an upper portion of waistband 104 when that portion of
the waistband is folded down. Because of this novel construction
the waistband 104 can be readily folded down over itself or the
remainder of the body portion 102 of the activewear. As
illustrated, the pocket opening can provide a way for wearers of
the garment to enjoy music or other media by allowing for the wires
of earbuds to protrude from the pocket while a portable media
player, such as an IPOD, is retained safely and securely within the
pocket. The fold-over portion of waistband 104 provides an
additional level of security to retaining items and concealing the
items within the hidden pocket.
[0101] FIG. 1B shows the same style pant as illustrated in FIG. 1A
with the fold-over waistband 104 in an unfolded position (or folded
up) to reveal a pocket opening 114 to the waistband pocket. The
height of the pocket opening 114 (here, vertically disposed) or
slit in this embodiment is about one-half to one-third the height
of the pocket, or from about 1-1.5 inches in height. As shown, the
fold-over waistband 104 can comprise multiple regions, such as two
regions. In this embodiment, provided is an upper waistband portion
terminating at an upper waistband edge along which is disposed the
torso aperture 110 and a lower waistband portion terminating at a
seam 107 between the waistband 104 and the body 102. These regions
are divided by seam 106 that runs between and parallel with torso
aperture 110 at the upper edge of the waistband and seam 107 at the
lower edge of the waistband. The seam 106 is optional and
additional seams can be included, whether parallel or perpendicular
to seam 106, to further divide the waistband into several smaller
regions and/or pockets. Here, the pocket region is in the lower
portion of waistband 104 and extends 360.degree. around the
waistband of the garment and is about half the height of the
waistband, or about 3 inches wide.
[0102] FIG. 1C shows the same style pant as illustrated in FIGS.
1A-B with a 1.5 inch horizontal pocket slit 116 on the left side of
the waistband 104 of the pant rather than on the right side, as is
shown in FIG. 1B. Although shown unfolded in this embodiment,
waistband 104 may be in a folded down position so as to hide the
horizontal pocket slit 116 or may be in an extended position to
expose the pocket slit, as shown. The wearer of the garment 100 can
use the pocket to stow away personal items, such as lipstick or
other make up, house or car keys, hotel keys or credit cards,
money, mobile phones, portable media players, radios, mace, and so
on. As shown in FIG. 1C the waistband pocket is useful for securing
keys and credit cards. A benefit of the waistband pocket of the
invention is that the pocket is capable of accommodating multiple
different items in a safe and secure manner. For example, existing
garments have pockets configured for holding just a phone or just a
key and are shaped and sized for retaining that item in particular.
When the user puts a key in a pocket intended for a phone, the key
can be dislodged and lost. Similarly, a user with a garment with a
pocket for holding a key will not be able to stretch the pocket
opening and/or the pocket itself enough to accommodate a phone. In
contrast, the waistband pocket of the invention is configured to
retain any number of different items. In this embodiment items such
as keys and credit cards can be inserted into the opening 116 and
positioned at any position around the waistband 104. Here, the
credit card is positioned at the right front of the garment, while
the key is positioned at the left front of the garment and closer
to opening 116. Likewise, because the pocket in this configuration
extends 360.degree. around the waistband 104, the items can be
pushed into the opening 116 and then maneuvered around to the back
side of the garment to conceal the items along the backside of the
wearer.
[0103] Alternatively, multiple pocket openings can be provided in
the front and/or back of the waistband of the garment. As shown in
FIG. 1D, which shows the same style pant as illustrated in FIGS.
1A-C, the garment 100 can comprise a plurality of pocket slits 114,
116 disposed at various positions along the waistband 104 of the
garment 100. In this embodiment, two pocket openings, 1 inch
vertical pocket slits 114, are disposed on the left and right sides
of the waistband 104. Such a configuration may provide for easier
insertion and retrieval of multiple items stored in the waistband
104. Similar to other embodiments, although shown unfolded in this
embodiment, waistband 104 may be in a folded down position so as to
hide the vertical pocket slits 114 or may be in an extended
position to expose the pocket slit, as shown. As shown in FIG. 1D,
the pocket of the waistband can be used to stow away paper money on
one side of the waistband and coins on the opposing side.
[0104] FIG. 1E provides more detail about various configurations of
the pocket and pocket opening for garment 100. Multiple pocket
slits can be provided to access the pocket of the waistband. As
shown in FIG. 1E, two vertical pocket openings 114 can be provided
in the waistband 104, where one or more or all of pocket openings
114 have a finished edge 109. Depending on the type of fabric used,
a finished edge may be desired to prevent fraying of the fabric
after repeated use and/or washing. The openings 114 to the pocket
can be finished by a hem line, and/or by surging, and/or by ribbon
sewn over the unfinished edge, and/or by using bias tape. A
finished opening provides for a stronger pocket opening and leads
to longevity of the garment. In this embodiment, the finished edge
109 is provided by sewing around the edge to fortify the edge with
additional thread or in a similar manner to providing for button
holes. In preferred embodiments, the edge is finished in a manner
that provides for the opening to be stretched to accommodate items
larger than the opening. In this manner, such larger items can be
inserted into the waistband pocket and retained there without
falling back through the opening since the opening is smaller than
the object. The items are alternatively or in addition retained in
the waistband pocket due to the type of material used in waistband
104, such as a polyester/rayon/spandex blend or similar fabric
supplying the desired amount of elasticity to constrict an item
once placed in the pocket.
[0105] FIG. 1F provides additional detail about the pocket of
waistband 104. More particularly, a cross-sectional view of the
pocket is provided, which shows a cross section of the annular
region defined by the pocket. As illustrated, pocket 105 can be
formed from a single sheet of material folded over to provide for
space between the folded sheet. The folded sheet comprises a front
layer of material 101 and a back layer of material 103. When a
garment containing the waistband pocket 105 is worn by a wearer in
a typical manner, the back layer of material 103 is in contact with
the waist of the wearer, while the front layer of material 101 will
face outward and be seen by others. The finished opening 109 to the
pocket 105 can be incorporated into the fabric at any point but is
preferably introduced prior to partial formation of the waistband,
or prior to complete formation of the waistband. For example, the
finished openings 109 can be added to the sheet of fabric in a
similar manner to button holes. Then the material can be joined at
the elongated ends of the fabric to provide the sheet of fabric as
a ring of material. The ring-like sheet of material can then be
folded over on itself and sewn around the bottom elongated edges of
the front 101 and back 103 layers to join the material and create
an annular or tubular region between layers 101, 103. Alternatively
or in addition, once the sheet of material is folded over, the
sheet of material can be joined with the body portion of the
garment along the elongated edge of the body portion as well.
Sewing or joining these edges (the body portion edge, the front
layer 101 edge, and the back layer 103 edge) together
simultaneously may save on manufacturing steps and costs.
[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown a STRAIGHT
LEG version of an activewear garment 200 comprising a waistband
pocket of the invention. Similar to other embodiments, garment 200
comprises a body portion 202 with a STRAIGHT LEG configuration
terminating in leg apertures 212. In this embodiment, the waistband
204 is about 4 inches in width to accommodate an annular pocket of
about 2 inches in width. At aperture 210, in this embodiment, the
upper portion of the waistband 204, which upper portion is also
about 2 inches in width, is folded down (FIG. 2A) to hide the
pocket slit and extended (FIG. 2B) to show a vertical pocket slit
214. As shown in FIG. 2B, there is no horizontal seam dividing the
waistband 204 into smaller sections, thus, the waistband pocket in
this embodiment is the total width of waistband 204, or 4 inches.
These larger compartments are useful for stowing and carrying
personal items such as a bladder for holding water for the wearer
of garment 200 to be able to drink while on the go. As shown, the
bladder can be inserted into the waistband of the garment 200
through opening 214 and held in place by the elasticity of the
waistband fabric alone or in combination with the opening being
smaller than the bladder. Access to the water or other drink
contained in the bladder can be provided by a tube connected with
the bladder and which is conveniently disposed through opening 214
in a manner such that the user can drink from the tube or straw
when desired. Having the bladder tucked away in the waistband of
the pant provides great convenience for the user in not having to
hold a water bottle instead.
[0107] FIGS. 3A and 3B provide for a CAPRIS BOOT CUT leg version of
the activewear garment 300 according to another embodiment of the
invention. This version comprises a waistband 304 with a waistband
pocket. As shown, the waistband 304 is about 3 inches in its folded
over state (FIG. 3A) and about 6 inches when unfolded (FIG. 3B).
There is no horizontal seam in the waistband 304 so the entire
width of the waistband is available as a pocket. As shown, with a
compartment of about 6 inches wide, the pocket is able to
accommodate even larger items such as a tablet computer. During
use, the tablet computer can be inserted into the pocket using
openings 314, which are shaped, sized, and otherwise configured to
allow for a tablet computer to be inserted into the garment 300 but
also provide for retaining the tablet during use of the
garment.
[0108] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a CAPRIS STRAIGHT LEG version of an
embodiment of the invention which is an activewear garment 400.
This embodiment has a 5 inch waistband where 2.5 inches can be
folded over (FIG. 4A) to conceal the pocket opening, or unfolded
(FIG. 4B) to reveal the opening, such as for inserting items into
the waistband pocket. As shown, personal items such as business
cards can be held safely and securely within the pocket. In this
embodiment, the waistband 404 is divided by a horizontal seam 406
to provide a pocket that comprises only the lower half of the
waistband 404. In addition, two vertical seams 411 are provided one
on each side of pocket opening 414. The vertical seams 411 can be
any number, can be disposed at any location around the waistband
404, can be oriented in any direction, can be any shape or size,
and can be provided to such that a desired pocket size and shape is
incorporated into the waistband 404. In this embodiment, business
cards are placed in and retained within the waistband pocket. The
smaller segregated pocket provides for the business cards to stay
put once inserted into the waistband instead or migrating around
the waistband as perhaps might happen with a larger pocket.
[0109] FIGS. 5A and 5B provide a TIGHT SHORT version of the garment
500 comprising a waistband pocket. This embodiment has a 4 inch
waistband 504 folded down to a width of about 2 inches to hide the
pocket opening (FIG. 5A), which can also be unfolded (FIG. 5B) to
show a horizontal 517 zippered opening for accessing the pocket. As
shown, the pocket opening 517 can comprise any type of closure,
with preferred closures including laces, a zipper, button(s),
Velcro, or snaps. A flap to cover the opening can also be
incorporated into the garment 500, but preferred are pocket
openings with no additional fabric, such as a pocket flap. For
example, in embodiments where the waistband is constructed of
multiple pieces of fabric sewn together at seams, such as six
pieces of fabric sewn together, two of the pieces of fabric can be
disposed as flaps. More specifically, a waistband can comprise a
first piece of fabric that constitutes a front exterior facing
panel of the waistband and which is sewn over a second longer piece
of fabric. The second longer piece of fabric constitutes an
interior facing panel of the waistband and contacts the user's body
during use. The difference in length between the first piece of
fabric and the second piece of fabric provides for an opening into
the pocket formed by the first and second piece of fabric. The same
configuration is provided on the back side of the waistband with a
third and fourth piece of fabric. A flap can be provided on one or
both of the front and back of the waistband to cover one or both of
the pocket openings. In such embodiments, one or more flaps are
provided by a fifth and six piece of fabric. The fifth piece of
fabric is a flap sewn over the second piece of fabric and under the
first piece of fabric, such that the flap covers the second piece
of fabric, provides access to the pocket opening in the front of
the waistband, and forms part of the exterior facing portion of the
front panel of the waistband. Similarly, the sixth piece of fabric
is a flap sewn over the fourth piece of fabric and under the third
piece of fabric, such that the flap covers the fourth piece of
fabric, provides access to the pocket opening in the back of the
waistband, and forms part of the exterior facing portion of the
back panel of the waistband.
[0110] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a LOOSE SHORT version of activewear
garments 600 according to embodiments of the invention. This
activewear garment 600 comprises a 5 inch waistband 604, which can
be folded down (FIG. 6A) to hide the pocket opening(s) or can be
extended (FIG. 6B) to an open state to expose vertical pocket
openings 614 on both the right and the left side of the waistband
604. Here, the height of the openings is about 5-25% of the height
of the entire waistband (i.e., a vertical distance from torso
opening 610 to seam 607). In embodiments, the height of the pocket
openings 614 can be any height ranging from above 0% to just below
100% of the height of waistband 604, such as about 8-20%, or from
about 10-18%.
[0111] Activewear of embodiments of the invention can include
garments for men. FIGS. 7A-D illustrate representative activewear
for men that includes a STRAIGHT LEG version of garment 700. This
straight leg RUNNING PANT style comprises a waistband 704 with a
waistband pocket for holding personal items such as keys as shown.
A horizontal slit 716 type opening is provided for access to the
pocket interior. This embodiment comprises a 2 inch waistband 704.
The waistband can be folded over, however, to most users of this
style pant it is not intended to fold the waistband over.
Accordingly, the pocket opening 716 is exposed. As shown in FIG.
7A, the pocket opening 716 can be a horizontal opening and can be
left open with an unfinished opening, or the pocket access can be
open with a finished opening, or a closure can be included to open
and close the pocket access as desired. As demonstrated in FIGS.
7A-B, the pocket opening 716 can be on the left or right side of
the pant. As demonstrated in FIG. 7C, different sized vertical
openings 714 can be disposed at any position on the waistband 704.
Alternatively, the different sized openings can also be horizontal
openings or at least one horizontal opening and at least one
vertical opening. Here, one of the openings has a height of between
40-90% of the waistband, while the other opening has a height
ranging from about 20-50% of the height of the waistband.
Alternatively, openings 714 can be the same size as shown in FIG.
7D. The openings 714, 716 can be finished or unfinished. As shown
in the cross-sectional view FIG. 7E of the pocket, the openings 714
are preferably finished, button-hole type openings. The pocket can
be annular in that it encircles the entire waistband 704 of the
pant, or can be any size less than that length.
[0112] FIG. 7E provides additional detail about the pocket of
waistband 704. More particularly, a cross-sectional view of the
pocket is provided, which shows a cross section of the annular
region defined by the pocket. As illustrated, pocket 705 can be
formed from a single sheet of material folded over to provide for
space between the folded sheet. The folded sheet comprises a front
layer of material 701 and a back layer of material 703. When a
garment containing the waistband pocket 705 is worn by a wearer in
a typical manner, the back layer of material 703 is in contact with
the waist of the wearer, while the front layer of material 701 will
face outward and be seen by others. The finished opening 709 to the
pocket 705 can be incorporated into the fabric at any point but is
preferably introduced prior to partial formation of the waistband,
or prior to complete formation of the waistband. For example, the
finished openings 709 can be added to the sheet of fabric in a
similar manner to button holes. Then the material can be joined at
the elongated ends of the fabric to provide the sheet of fabric as
a ring of material. The ring-like sheet of material can then be
folded over on itself and sewn around the bottom elongated edges of
the front 701 and back 703 layers to join the material and create
an annular or tubular region between layers 701, 703. Alternatively
or in addition, once the sheet of material is folded over, the
sheet of material can be joined with the body portion of the
garment along the elongated edge of the body portion as well.
Sewing or joining these edges (the body portion edge, the front
layer 701 edge, and the back layer 703 edge) together
simultaneously may save on manufacturing steps and costs.
[0113] FIGS. 8A-B provide a RUNNING PANT with a BOOT CUT leg
embodiment of the activewear according to the invention. As shown,
such a pant can comprise a waistband 804 that is intended to remain
in an unfolded state on the waist of the user. In such a
configuration, the pocket opening 816 to the waistband pocket is
exposed and thus visible to others. The horizontal pocket opening
816 in FIG. 8A is shown on the right side of the pant and has a
width of about 30-60% of the height of the waistband. The
horizontal pocket opening 816 in FIG. 8B is shown on the left side
of the pant and has a width of about 10-50% of the height of the
waistband. In the context of this specification it is important to
note that when referring to the dimensions of the pocket opening
either the width or height may be used. When referring to height,
the pocket opening is usually disposed in a vertical position and
when referring to width of the pocket opening the opening is
typically disposed in a horizontal position. In either case, what
is intended is referring to the largest dimension of the opening in
a relaxed state. Because in preferred embodiments, the opening will
be a cut in the fabric, such as a single slit, there will only be
one dimension to the opening, which is also the length of the
cut.
[0114] FIG. 9 is yet another activewear embodiment 900 of the
present invention. This embodiment provides for a CAPRIS BOOT CUT
style with a waistband pocket. Two vertical pocket openings 914 are
provided for access to the pocket. One of the pocket openings 914
has an unfinished edge and the other opening has a finished edge
909. Any number of finished or unfinished edge openings 914 can be
used. The waistband 904 in this configuration is about 1.5 inches
wide/high, while the openings 914 are about 0.75-1.5 inches
wide/high.
[0115] FIG. 10. is a schematic diagram of a CAPRIS STRAIGHT LEG
style pant 1000 embodiment of the invention showing a waistband
pocket with a left-side horizontal opening. The waistband 1004 with
left side 1-inch horizontal 1016 pocket slit is disposed within a
3-inch waistband 1004. FIG. 11. is a schematic diagram of a FORM
FITTING SHORT 1100 embodiment of the invention showing a waistband
1104 with a waistband pocket having a left-side horizontal opening
1116. This pant comprises a 2-inch waistband with a 1-inch slit.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a LOOSE SHORT 1200 style garment
with a waistband pocket having a left-side horizontal opening 1216.
As shown in FIG. 12, a 3-inch waistband 1204 comprises a 1-inch
horizontal 1216 pocket slit. Although the various embodiments
illustrated in this specification provide for a wide range of
alternatives for the activewear inventive embodiments, other
configurations and styles are also possible, such as for example,
any garment having a waistband, including additionally shirts,
skirts, and skorts.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 13, embodiments of the invention include
activewear 1300 with a waistband 1304 comprising multiple pieces of
material. As shown, at least four pieces of material (e.g., six
pieces of material) can be attached or sewn together at seams and
attached to a body portion, such as legs or lower portion 1302, of
the activewear. This embodiment comprises two outer pieces of
fabric, which are elongated strips of material (one of which is
shown by reference number 1322 and the other is in a similar
position on the back of the garment) and two inner pieces of fabric
(one of which is shown by reference number 1326 and the other is in
a similar position on the back side of the front of the garment). A
related embodiment includes two covering pieces of fabric (one of
which is shown by reference number 1324, an edge of which is
represented by a dotted line is disposed under and overlapped by
fabric piece 1322). A view of the opposite side of the activewear
(not shown) would show duplicate features in this arrangement.
However, in the present view, the outer piece of fabric 1322 and
covering piece of fabric 1324 of one side of the waistband are
shown, and the inner piece of fabric 1326 on the opposite side of
the waistband is shown. In embodiments, to form a pocket in each of
the front and back portions of the waistband an outer piece of
fabric is overlaid on top of an inner piece of fabric and sewn
together at a bottom seam 1332 and at a top seam 1334. Optionally
the fabric pieces can also be sewn together at side seam 1336/1338.
In embodiments, each inner piece of fabric is longer than the outer
piece of fabric, and one inner piece of fabric is sewn to an outer
piece of fabric at a side seam 1336 and the other inner piece of
fabric is sewn to the other outer piece of fabric at side seam
1338. Outer piece 1322 forms a pocket opening 1340 which may be
curved or slanted relative to bottom seam 1332 and top seam 1334.
Additionally, edge of pocket opening 1340 may be folded over and
stitched to form a hem. The pocket openings may be configured so
that their width is 100% the width of the waistband, or only a
portion of the width of the waistband, such as 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%,
60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the width of
the waistband. Thus, four pieces of material form two pockets, a
front pocket and back pocket each having a side opening for storage
and access of items.
[0117] In embodiments, the inner piece of fabric may be the same
material as the outer piece of fabric. In other embodiments, the
inner piece of fabric may be a different material than the outer
piece of fabric and may be aesthetically different as well. For
example, the inner piece of fabric may be made of a more durable
material such as a cotton/polyester blend to provide structural
support of the waistband while the outer piece of fabric may be
more visually appealing such as rayon. Thus, a portion of the inner
piece of fabric not covered by outer piece being made from a
different material may have a different visual presentation with
respect to color, texture, or pattern than outer piece. In these
later embodiments, a fifth and sixth piece of fabric (one of which
is shown by reference number 1324) that serves as a front and back
covering segment which is a segment of the same type of material as
the outer piece of fabric may be used to overlay the portion of the
inner piece of fabric that is exposed, thus presenting the same
aesthetic look throughout the waistband. The covering segment 1324
can be a small polygonal strip of fabric at the front left of the
waistband that extends from the side seam 1336 between the top seam
1334 and bottom seam 1332 under the pocket opening 1340 and
partially under the outer piece of fabric 1322. In the back of the
garment, if a second pocket is disposed in the back of the
waistband the fabric pieces would be disposed in a similar manner.
Thus, in this embodiment, the waistband is formed from six pieces
of material. In embodiments in which inner piece of fabric is
different than outer piece, covering segment ensures that the
outside of the waistband has a uniform presentation.
[0118] In other embodiments, the six pieces of fabric can be
combined into two pieces (one front and one back) such that one
piece is run to the left and the other to the right in order to
achieve a front and back pocket where the two pieces overlap, each
with a pocket opening. This embodiment eliminates the side seams,
but as it would be less structurally sound to hold the waistband in
place it would require a piece of elastic or similar material to be
added in order to keep the waistband in place. Additionally, this
embodiment would also be more difficult to adjust the sizing or
angle from the bottom of the waistband to the top.
[0119] Other embodiments of the waistband may comprise two pieces
of material joined at a bottom seam and partially at a top seam to
provide an annular pocket with openings at the top of the
waistband. Other embodiments of the waistband may comprise four
pieces of material, with two pieces forming a front portion of the
waistband and two pieces forming a back portion, wherein the two
pieces are joined at a bottom seam and partially at a top seam and
at two side seams, thus forming a front pocket and back pocket with
openings at the top of the waistband. In such embodiments, the
opening to the one or more pockets can be provided along the seam
itself, whereby only part of the material is sewn together leaving
an opening in the seam to access the pocket.
[0120] Embodiments of the waistband can include a strip of elastic
at the top of the waistband to accommodate users with different
waist sizes. Additionally, or alternatively, all or a portion of
the material comprising the waistband can be waterproof or water
resistant to protect items inside the pockets. For example, each
piece or multiple pieces of fabric of the waistband/pocket can be
waterproof. In embodiments, non-waterproof fabric can be used to
construct the waistband/pocket and an additional piece of
waterproof material can be added as a layer to the waistband. The
additional waterproof material can be placed either in between the
fabric of the inner waistband and the outer waistband or on the
outside of the waistband as an exterior surface of the waistband,
whether facing the wearer of the garment or facing the public.
Embodiments may include one or more small holes in the fabric of
the waistband for plugging the wire leads of earphones or earbuds
into a device held in the pocket so that an iPod or other music
player may be stored in the pocket and played and listened to. The
holes can be provided by multiple pieces of material joined
together to provide access to the pocket.
[0121] Embodiments of the invention include a method for forming a
waistband. In this embodiment the waistband is formed from 6
pieces: back inner piece of fabric (also known as inside back
band), front inner piece of fabric (also known as inside front
band), front outer piece of fabric (also known as outside front
band), back outer piece of fabric (also known as outside back
band), and fifth and sixth piece of fabric to serve as a front and
back covering segment. First, each pocket covering front and back
are overedge stitched. Then, a lockstitch hem is formed on the edge
of the outer pieces of fabric (front and back) such that they have
a 1/4 seam double turned (clean finish). Then optionally, a size
label is attached to the back inner piece of fabric and using a
pressured heat seal machine. The heat seal is applied 25 seconds
with paper attached and then 25 seconds without paper using a
cotton cloth on top to avoid sticking to the machine. Then each
side-seam of the inner pieces of fabric is serged, connecting them
together. The seams are then stretched to check for any abnormal
stitching and seam security.
[0122] When making the waistband, first the overedged back covering
segment is attached to the hemmed front outer piece of fabric. Then
the over-edged front covering segment is attached to the hemmed
back outer piece of fabric. Starting at the side-seam of the back
inner piece of fabric, the seam of the joined front covering
segment/back outside band piece is matched and sewn using an
over-edge machine. Sewing is continued, matching the edges of the
waistband together and then is stopped approximately 5 inches from
the second side seam of the inside waistband piece. At this point,
the back covering segment/front outer piece of fabric is matched to
the side seam of the front inner piece of fabric, overlapping the
covering segment with the outer piece of fabric. Sewing is
continued around the waistband until the sewn back covering segment
piece is reached. The front outside waistband piece is then
overlapped over the back covering segment and sewn overlapping the
stitches at the side-seam of the waistband. Finally, the waistband
is checked for quality.
[0123] When attaching to the pant, the waistband is turned to the
right side of the fabric. The back outside waistband piece is then
overlapped, matching it to the notch on the pocket and aligning the
side seam of the waistband. The fabric is pinned at notch and the
process of repeated on the front of the waistband. Pinning at the
notch, the waistband is attached to the pant beginning at the back
and aligning all notches to the seams of the pant. Finally, the
garment is checked for quality issues.
[0124] In embodiments, the waistband is made of the same material
or fabric as the lower portion of the activewear (such as the
pants, shorts, etc.). In other embodiments, the waistband is made
of a different material than the lower portion of the activewear.
In other embodiments, a portion of the waistband is made of the
same material as the lower portion of the activewear and a portion
of the waistband is made of a different material than the lower
portion of the activewear. For example, in some embodiments, the
two outer pieces of fabric making up the waistband are the same
material as the lower portion of the activewear and the two inner
pieces are made of a different material. Further, the fifth and
sixth piece of fabric which serve as covering segments may be the
same material as the lower portion of the activewear. This presents
a uniform appearance through the entire garment. In other
embodiments, the two inner pieces of fabric making up the waistband
are the same material as the lower portion of the activewear and
the two outer pieces are made of a different material as well as
the covering segments. This presents a look that highlights the
waistband on the garment. In other embodiments, the material
forming the waistband is entirely the same or entirely different
than the lower portion of the activewear.
[0125] One of the many potential advantages of the present
invention, only some of which are discussed in this specification,
includes that the present invention provides a comfortable and
secure way to carry items while exercising or moving from place to
place (i.e., on the go), which does not restrict the user's range
of motion. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide
security of personal items from loss or theft while exercising by
being able to contain the items on the person. Yet another
advantage of the present invention includes easy access to the
items in the concealed pocket within the activewear.
[0126] The present invention has been described with reference to
particular embodiments having various features. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the practice of the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. One
skilled in the art will recognize that these features may be used
singularly or in any combination based on the requirements and
specifications of a given application or design. Other embodiments
of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the invention in
particular by combining the specified features of one embodiment
with one or more features of another embodiment. It is intended
that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary in
nature and that variations that do not depart from the essence of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the
invention.
[0127] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain
the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are
inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are
illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and
practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.
Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of
construction or design herein shown. It is therefore evident that
the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be
altered or modified and all such variations are considered within
the scope and spirit of the present invention. While embodiments
are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or
"including" various components or steps, the embodiments can also
"consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and
steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some
amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper
limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling
within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every
range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or "from
approximately a to b," or "from approximately a-b") disclosed
herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range
encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in
the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise
explicitly defined. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an,"
as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one, at least
one, or more than one of the element that it introduces.
* * * * *