U.S. patent application number 16/097193 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for garment with stretch an rigid paneling.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fox Head, Inc.. Invention is credited to David Durham.
Application Number | 20190133216 16/097193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58763551 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190133216 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Durham; David |
May 9, 2019 |
GARMENT WITH STRETCH AN RIGID PANELING
Abstract
A garment includes a first plurality of panels including a rigid
material and a second plurality of panels including a stretch
fabric material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first
plurality of panels are selectively positioned so as to correspond
in location to desired anatomical regions of a wearer of the
garment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second plurality
of panels are selectively positioned to facilitate independent
movement of each of the first plurality of panels relative to one
another.
Inventors: |
Durham; David; (San
Clemente, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fox Head, Inc. |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
58763551 |
Appl. No.: |
16/097193 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
November 16, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US16/62317 |
371 Date: |
October 26, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62258992 |
Nov 23, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 31/185 20190201;
A41D 3/00 20130101; A41D 31/24 20190201; A41D 27/02 20130101; A41D
1/08 20130101; A41D 31/18 20190201; A41D 2600/102 20130101; A41D
1/089 20180101; A41D 13/0015 20130101; A41D 31/085 20190201; A41D
2600/10 20130101; A41D 27/28 20130101; A41D 31/0005 20130101; A41D
31/28 20190201; A41D 13/05 20130101; A41D 13/0543 20130101; A41D
2600/104 20130101; A41B 1/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A41D 31/24 20060101 A41D031/24; A41D 31/08 20060101
A41D031/08; A41D 1/08 20060101 A41D001/08; A41D 1/089 20060101
A41D001/089; A41D 3/00 20060101 A41D003/00; A41B 1/08 20060101
A41B001/08; A41D 27/28 20060101 A41D027/28; A41D 27/02 20060101
A41D027/02; A41D 13/05 20060101 A41D013/05 |
Claims
1. A garment, comprising: a first plurality of panels including a
rigid material; and a second plurality of panels including a
stretch fabric material; wherein the first plurality of panels are
selectively positioned so as to correspond in location to desired
anatomical regions of a wearer of the garment; and wherein the
second plurality of panels are selectively positioned to facilitate
independent movement of each of the first plurality of panels
relative to one another.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of panels
includes an upper leg panel positioned to correspond with at least
one of an upper anterior leg region and an upper exterior leg
region of the wearer of the garment.
3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the rigid material of the upper
leg panel comprises an abrasion resistant material.
4. The garment of claim 2, wherein the upper leg panel includes a
knee element positioned to correspond with a knee region of the
wearer of the garment, the knee element including at least one of a
knee pad and a knee vent.
5. The garment of claim 2, wherein the first plurality of panels
includes a second upper leg panel positioned to correspond with at
least one of an upper posterior leg region, an upper interior leg
region, and a lower buttocks region of the wearer of the
garment.
6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of panels
includes a lower leg panel positioned to correspond with at least
one of a lower anterior leg region, a lower interior leg region,
and a lower exterior leg region of the wearer of the garment.
7. The garment of claim 6, wherein the rigid material of the lower
leg panel comprises an abrasion resistant material.
8. The garment of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the rigid
material of the lower leg panel comprises a heat resistant
material, wherein the heat resistant material is positioned to
correspond with the lower interior leg region of the wearer.
9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of panels
includes at least one heat resistant panel and at least one
abrasion resistant panel.
10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the stretch fabric material of
at least one of the second plurality of panels comprises a mesh
structure that facilitates air flow into and out of the
garment.
11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of panels
and the second plurality of panels are coplanarly and contiguously
attached to cooperatively form a continuous layer of the
garment.
12. The garment of claim 11, further comprising a liner layer
disposed within the garment along the continuous layer to cover
seams formed between the first plurality of panels and the second
plurality of panels.
13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the liner layer comprises at
least one of the stretch fabric material, a mesh fabric material,
and a stretch mesh fabric material.
14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is comprised of
about 60%-70% of the rigid material.
15. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment includes at least
one of pants, shorts, a shirt, and a jacket.
16. A garment, comprising: a waist portion positioned to correspond
with a waist and crotch region of a wearer, the waist portion
including at least one stretch fabric panel; an upper leg portion
positioned to correspond with a thigh and knee region of the
wearer, the upper leg portion including at least one stretch fabric
panel and at least one rigid panel; and a lower leg portion
positioned to correspond with a shin and calf region of the wearer,
the lower leg portion including at least one stretch fabric panel
and at least one rigid panel; wherein the at least one stretch
fabric panel of the upper leg portion and the at least one stretch
fabric panel of the lower leg portion are configured to facilitate
independent movement of the at least one rigid panel of the upper
leg portion relative to the at least one rigid panel of the lower
leg portion.
17. The garment of claim 16, wherein the at least one rigid panel
of the upper leg portion includes a first rigid panel positioned to
correspond with at least a front area of the thigh and knee region
and a second rigid panel positioned to correspond with at least a
rear area of the thigh and knee region, wherein the at least one
stretch fabric panel of the upper leg portion is positioned between
the first rigid panel and the second rigid panel of the upper leg
portion, and wherein the at least one stretch fabric panel of the
upper leg portion is configured to facilitate independent movement
of the first rigid panel relative to the second rigid panel.
18. The garment of claim 16, wherein the at least one rigid panel
of the upper leg portion comprises an abrasion resistant material,
and wherein the at least one rigid panel of the lower leg portion
comprises at least one of an abrasion resistant material and a heat
resistant material.
19. The garment of claim 16, wherein the stretch fabric panels and
the rigid panels of the waist portion, the upper leg portion, and
the lower leg portion are coplanarly and contiguously attached to
cooperatively form a continuous layer of the garment.
20. A garment, comprising: a first plurality of panels comprising a
rigid material; a second plurality of panels comprising a stretch
fabric material; and a third plurality of panels comprising a
stretch mesh fabric material; wherein the first plurality of panels
are selectively positioned to provide at least one of abrasion
resistance and heat resistance to desired anatomical areas of a
wearer of the garment; wherein the second plurality of panels and
the third plurality of panels are selectively positioned to
facilitate independent movement of each of the first plurality of
panels; and wherein the third plurality of panels are configured to
facilitate air flow into and out of the garment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a national phase application of
PCT/US2016/062317, filed Nov. 16, 2016, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/258,992, filed Nov. 23,
2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Traditional garments include a plurality of fabric pieces
that are sewn together or otherwise coupled to form the article of
clothing. Often, articles of clothing that include rigid fabric
pieces are uncomfortable and restrict the natural movement of the
wearer (e.g., as a result of the rigid fabric pieces binding and/or
pinching the wearer).
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment relates to a garment. The garment includes a
first plurality of panels including a rigid material, and a second
plurality of panels including a stretch material, such as a stretch
fabric material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first
plurality of panels are selectively positioned so as to correspond
in location to desired anatomical regions of a wearer of the
garment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second plurality
of panels are selectively positioned to facilitate independent
movement of each of the first plurality of panels relative to one
another.
[0004] Another embodiment relates to a garment. The garment
includes a waist portion, an upper leg portion, and a lower leg
portion. The waist portion is positioned to correspond with a waist
and crotch region of a wearer. The waist portion includes at least
one stretch fabric panel. The upper leg portion is positioned to
correspond with a thigh and knee region of the wearer. The upper
leg portion includes at least one stretch fabric panel and at least
one rigid panel. The lower leg portion is positioned to correspond
with a shin and calf region of the wearer. The lower leg portion
includes at least one stretch fabric panel and at least one rigid
panel. According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one
stretch fabric panel of the upper leg portion and the at least one
stretch fabric panel of the lower leg portion are configured to
facilitate independent movement of the at least one rigid panel of
the upper leg portion relative to the at least one rigid panel of
the lower leg portion.
[0005] Yet another embodiment relates to a garment. The garment
includes a first plurality of panels including a rigid material, a
second plurality of panels including a stretch fabric material, and
a third plurality of panels including a stretch mesh fabric
material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first plurality
of panels are selectively positioned to provide at least one of
abrasion resistance and heat resistance to desired anatomical areas
of a wearer of the garment. In some embodiments, the second
plurality of panels and the third plurality of panels are
selectively positioned to facilitate independent movement of each
of the first plurality of panels. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the third plurality of panels are configured to
facilitate air flow into and out of the garment.
[0006] Some embodiments relate to methods of reducing the harm to a
wearer of a garment from one or more of abrasions, penetration
injury, a burn, or an impact injury. The methods can include for
example, providing, marketing to, or selling a garment according to
any of the embodiments and description herein to a user
participating in an activity. Examples of activities, include, but
are not limited to motorcycle or bicycle riding, snowboarding, snow
skiing, skate boarding, hunting, fishing, canyoneering, repelling,
hiking, military action, law enforcement, firefighting, horseback
riding, auto racing, off road vehicle participation, and
snowmobiling. The penetration injury can include for example, an
injury caused by an object penetrating through the material. The
object could be a rock, a stick or other wooden object, glass,
metal rods or shards, plastic and other ceramic rods and shards,
projectiles (e.g., a bullet), parts of a vehicle, etc. An impact
injury can include an injury caused by an impact between a region
of the wearer and an object. It could be bruising, broken bones,
and the like.
[0007] Still some embodiments relate to methods of making an
article or garment as described herein by attaching one or more
separate panels directly to each other or indirectly together. For
example, the panels can include a rigid material, a stretch
material, a mesh material (e.g., more or less than 10%
stretchability, etc.), a mesh stretch material, air flow aperture
material, and the like.
[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments
described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be
re-used to indicate general correspondence between referenced
elements.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a garment with stretch and
rigid panels, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of a garment with stretch and
rigid panels, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a garment with stretch
and rigid panels, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a garment with stretch
and rigid panels, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a garment with stretch and
rigid panels, according to another exemplary embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of a garment with stretch and
rigid panels, according to another exemplary embodiment; and
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a garment with stretch and
rigid panels, according to yet another exemplary embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of a garment with stretch and
rigid panels, according to another yet exemplary embodiment;
and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side plan view of a garment with stretch and
rigid panels, according to yet another exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described with
regard to certain examples and embodiments, which are intended to
illustrate but not to limit the disclosure. Nothing in this
disclosure is intended to imply that any particular feature or
characteristic of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The scope
of protection is defined by the claims that follow this description
and not by any particular embodiment described herein. Before
turning to the figures, which illustrate example embodiments in
detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited
to the details or methodology set forth in the description or
illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the
terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not
be regarded as limiting.
[0020] Embodiments herein generally relate to garments and/or
articles that can provide one or more of protection for a region of
a body that is covered by the garment/article, improved movement
and flexibility, improved ventilation, customization, etc. Such
garments and articles can be used in a number of activities,
including without limitation: sports and athletics, including
extreme sports; military and combat activity; law enforcement;
outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and climbing;
automotive and cycling activities, including auto racing,
motorcycle riding and racing, motocross, bicycling such as BMX,
etc.; equestrian and rodeo; recreational vehicles including ATVs,
snowmobiles, and other off-road vehicles; to name just a few. The
garments/articles and methods of using the same provide various
improvements not present in existing garments and articles. Further
details are provided herein.
[0021] According to one example of an embodiment, a multi-panel
garment includes a plurality of panels having different
characteristics. The multi-panel garment may include rigid panels,
stretch fabric panels, and/or stretch mesh fabric panels. The rigid
panels may be selectively positioned about the multi-panel garment
so as to correspond in location to desired anatomical regions of a
wearer of the garment (e.g., a thigh region, a knee region, a shin
region, a lower back region, a yoke/buttocks region, etc.).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the rigid panels are durable,
protective, and/or structure giving. In some embodiments, at least
a portion of the rigid panels includes an abrasion and/or
penetration resistant material and are made at least in part from
heavy duty or durable fabric (e.g., ballistic nylon, 900D fabric,
Kevlar, a heavy duty poly-fabric, leather, etc.). In other
embodiments, the rigid panels are manufactured (e.g., formed, etc.)
from a non-fabric material (e.g., plastic, carbon fiber, etc.). In
some embodiments, at least a portion of the rigid panels includes a
heat resistant material (e.g., leather, Therma-flec heat resistant
fabric, Kevlar, etc.). The stretch fabric panels and/or the stretch
mesh fabric panels may be selectively positioned about the
multi-panel garment (e.g., between the rigid fabric panels, etc.)
to facilitate independent movement of each of the rigid panels
relative to one another (e.g., each rigid fabric panel moves
independently, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the
independent movement of the rigid panels allows the rigid panels to
work independent of each providing a greater degree of comfort and
less restriction (e.g., while walking, sitting, riding, etc.) than
garments commonly found in the marketplace without sacrificing the
normal function, which is to provide protection to a wearer (e.g.,
motocross rider, snowmobile rider, ATV rider, etc.) during use
(e.g., from dirt, rocks, debris; from heat emitted by an engine
and/or an exhaust system; while riding a dirt bike, a snowmobile,
an ATV; etc.). The stretch mesh fabric panels may be configured to
allow air to flow into and out of the multi-panel garment (e.g., to
cool a wearer of the multi-panel garment, etc.).
[0022] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, a
multi-panel garment, shown as garment 10, includes a plurality of
panels that are at least one of arranged, molded, sewn, shaped,
formed, cut, and tailored to form a pant. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the garment 10 is a motocross racepant. In other
embodiments, the garment 10 is a snowmobile pant, an ATV pant, or
another type of pant used for action sports. In an alternative
embodiment, the plurality of panels of the garment 10 are at least
one of arranged, molded, sewn, shaped, formed, cut, and tailored to
form another type of pants, shorts, a shirt, a jacket, or still
another article of clothing. The size of the garment 10 may be
varied to fit various wearers. For example, the plurality of panels
of the garment 10 may be at least one of arranged, molded, sewn,
shaped, formed, cut, and tailored to fit men, women, both men and
women, or children. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
plurality of panels of the garment 10 are manufactured from at
least two different materials. In some embodiments, the plurality
of panels of the garment 10 are manufactured from three distinct
materials. In other embodiments, the plurality of panels of the
garment 10 are manufactured from four or more distinct
materials.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the garment 10 includes a first
portion, shown as waist portion 30, a second portion, shown as
upper leg portion 32, and a third portion, shown as lower leg
portion 34. The waist portion 30 is positioned and formed so as to
correspond with a waist, buttocks, and/or crotch region of a wearer
of the garment 10. The upper leg portion 32 is positioned and
formed so as to correspond with a thigh and/or knee region of a
wearer of the garment 10. The lower leg portion 34 is positioned
and formed so as to correspond with a shin and calf region of a
wearer of the garment 10. The upper leg portion 32 and the lower
leg portion 34 cooperatively form a pair of legs, shown as right
leg 36 and left leg 38, that extend from the waist portion 30. As
shown in FIGS. 1-4, the waist portion 30, the upper leg portion 32,
and the lower leg portion 34 define a first lateral side, shown as
right side 12, an opposing second later side, shown as left side
14, an anterior side, shown as front side 16, and a posterior side,
shown as rear side 18. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the right leg 36
defines an interior side, shown as interior side 22, and the left
leg 38 defines an interior side, shown as interior side 24. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the waist portion 30, the upper leg portion
32, and the lower leg portion 34 define an internal cavity, shown
as cavity 20, that extends from the waist portion 30, through each
of the right leg 36 and the left leg 38, and out through the bottom
of the lower leg portion 34. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the cavity 20 is formed by the waist portion 30, the upper leg
portion 32, and the lower leg portion 34 to receive a specific
sized person (e.g., an extra-small, a small, a medium, a large, or
an extra-large person, etc.).
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the garment 10 includes a first
plurality of panels, shown as stretch fabric panels 50, and a
second plurality of panels, shown as rigid panels 70. According to
an exemplary embodiment, the stretch fabric panels 50 are
manufactured from a first fabric material, and the rigid panels 70
are manufactured from a second different material. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the stretch fabric panels 50 are selectively
positioned about the garment 10 (e.g., between the rigid panels 70,
etc.) to facilitate independent movement of each of the rigid
panels 70 relative to one another (e.g., each of the rigid panels
70 moves independently, etc.). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the interaction between the stretch fabric panels 50
and the rigid panels 70 facilitates natural movement of a wearer's
body such that as a wearer moves, the front side 16 and the rear
side 18 do not sheer away from each other (e.g., which may cause
discomfort and restriction in movement, etc.). In one embodiment,
at least one of the stretch fabric panels 50 is manufactured from a
first stretch fabric material and at least one of the stretch
fabric panels 50 is manufactured from a second different stretch
fabric material. For example, at least one of the stretch fabric
panels 50 may be manufactured from a stretch fabric material and at
least one of the stretch fabric panels 50 may be manufactured from
a stretch mesh fabric material and/or a mesh fabric material. The
different stretch fabric materials may differ in one or more
characteristics including an elasticity, ventilation, abrasion
resistance, heat resistance, penetration resistance, and the like.
The stretch mesh fabric and/or the mesh fabric material may be used
in areas of the garment 10 to facilitate air to flow into and out
of the cavity 20 of the garment 10 (e.g., to provide a cooling
effect to the wearer of the garment 10, etc.). According to an
exemplary embodiment, the stretch fabric material is more durable
(e.g., tougher, stronger, heavier, etc.) than the stretch mesh
fabric material. In other embodiments, the stretch fabric panels 50
are manufactured from a single stretch fabric material. In an
alternative embodiment, the stretch fabric panels 50 are
manufactured from a nominal stretch material (e.g., denim, a
material having more stretch than a rigid fabric material, a
material having less stretch than a stretch fabric material,
etc.).
[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the rigid panels 70
are manufactured to be durable, protective (e.g., heat resistant,
abrasion resistant, penetration resistant, etc.), and/or structure
giving. In one embodiment, at least one of the rigid panels 70 is
manufactured from a first rigid material and at least one of the
rigid panels 70 is manufactured from a second different rigid
material. The first rigid material and the second rigid material
may differ in one or more characteristics including abrasion
resistance, penetration resistance, heat resistance, elasticity,
and/or other material properties of the rigid materials. For
example, at least one of the rigid panels 70 may be manufactured
from an abrasion resistant material and at least one of the rigid
panels 70 may be manufactured from a heat resistant material. The
abrasion resistant material may be used in desired areas of the
garment 10 (e.g., a thigh area, a shin area, etc.) to shield
desired anatomical regions of the wearer from dirt, rocks, and/or
other debris that may hit the wearer during use (e.g., while riding
a dirt bike, etc.). The abrasion resistant material may include
900D fabric, ballistic nylon, a heavy duty poly-fabric, Kevlar,
carbon fiber, plastic, and/or leather, among other possible
abrasion resistant materials. The heat resistant material may be
used in desired areas of the garment 10 (e.g., inner leg area,
etc.) to shield desired anatomical regions of the wearer from heat
emitted by components (e.g., an engine, engine components, exhaust
components, etc.) of a vehicle (e.g., dirt bike, ATV, snowmobile,
etc.) being driven by the wearer of the garment 10. The heat
resistant material may include leather, Therma-flec heat resistant
fabric, and/or Kevlar, among other possible heat resistant
materials. In other embodiments, the rigid panels 70 are
manufactured from a single rigid material. In an alternative
embodiment, the rigid panels are manufactured from a fabric
material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the independent
movement of the rigid panels 70 allows the rigid panels 70 to work
independent of each other, thereby providing a greater degree of
comfort and less restriction (e.g., while walking, sitting, riding,
etc.) without sacrificing the intended function of the garment 10,
which is to provide protection to the wearer (e.g., motocross
rider, snowmobile rider, ATV rider, etc.) from debris and/or heat
while driving a vehicle (e.g., a dirt bike, etc.). In some
embodiments, the rigid panels 70 are configured (e.g.,
aerodynamically shaped, formed, etc.) to reduce drag forces
experienced by a wearer of the garment 10 (e.g., while traveling at
increased speeds, etc.). In some embodiments, the rigid panels 70
are woven or otherwise manufactured from a hard and/or durable
material (e.g., carbon fiber, Kevlar, 900D fabric, etc.). In other
embodiments, the rigid panels 70 are formed (e.g., molded, etc.)
from a non-woven material (e.g., plastic, etc.).
[0026] The materials of the garment 10 (e.g., the fabrics from
which at least one of the stretch fabric panels 50 and the rigid
panels 70 are at least one of arranged, molded, sewn, shaped,
formed, cut, and tailored, etc.) may include a plurality of fibers
that are woven, knitted, felted, or otherwise arranged into a
structure that forms the material. The plurality of fibers may
include a single constituent material (e.g., cotton, nylon,
polyester, spandex, another elastane material, another synthetic
material, another natural material, etc.) or may include a blend of
multiple constituent materials. The garment 10 may include fabrics
having a certain degree of elastic stretch, where the fabric
elongates when a force is applied due to deformation (e.g., elastic
deformation, etc.) of the fibers themselves (e.g., deformation
within the elastic region of the fibers when a force or a stress
below the yield strength of the fibers is applied, etc.). The
fibers resist the force and return the fabric to the pre-stretch
state when the force is released.
[0027] The materials of garment 10 may have a certain degree of
mechanical ease (i.e., mechanical give, etc.), where the fabric
elongates when a force is applied due to movement of the fibers
within the structure of the material. The mechanical ease of the
fabrics varies based on the arrangement of the fibers within the
structure of the material (e.g., warp and weft density, weave,
etc.) and the conditions under which the fabric was produced (e.g.,
speed of weaving, warp insertion rate, warp and weft tension,
etc.). In one embodiment, the mechanical ease does not resist pull
in the same way (e.g., does not have the same type of rebound, does
not have the same pull profile of rebound, etc.) as the elastic
stretch associated with the fibers themselves. Rather, the
mechanical ease allows the fibers that make up the fabric to move
in and out of the empty spaces between the fibers.
[0028] The elongation of the materials (e.g., due to the mechanical
ease, due to the elastic deformation of the fibers themselves, due
to the both the mechanical ease and the elastic deformation of the
fibers themselves, etc.) may be quantified in terms of a stretch
factor. The stretch factor may be equal to the pre-stretched
dimension of the fabric subtracted from the stretched dimension of
the fabric (e.g., with a force applied that produces sub-yield
strength stresses, etc.), with the resulting quantity thereafter
divided by the pre-stretched dimension of the fabric.
[0029] The stretch fabric materials (or stretch mesh fabric
materials) of the stretch fabric panels 50 may have both mechanical
ease and elastic stretch or primarily only elastic stretch while
the abrasion and/or heat resistant materials of the rigid panels 70
may have primarily only mechanical ease. In other embodiments, the
stretch fabric materials (or stretch mesh fabric materials) of the
stretch fabric panels 50 have a greater degree of elastic stretch
than mechanical ease while the abrasion and/or heat resistant
materials of the rigid panels 70 have a greater degree of
mechanical ease than elastic stretch. In still other embodiments,
the stretch fabric materials (or stretch mesh fabric materials) of
the stretch fabric panels 50 have a stretch factor at least equal
to a threshold (e.g., more than zero percent, at least 5%, at least
10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 100%, etc.) in one or
both directions (e.g., lateral and/or longitudinal, along x-axis
and/or y-axis, etc.), while the rigid materials of the rigid panels
70 have a stretch factor of less than the threshold (e.g., zero
percent, less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 25%, less than 50%,
less than 100%, etc.) in one or both directions (e.g., lateral
and/or longitudinal, along x-axis and/or y-axis, etc.).
[0030] In one embodiment, the stretch fabric material of the
stretch fabric panels 50 has isotropic (i.e., symmetrical,
identical) stretch properties (e.g., four-ways stretch, uniform
stretch characteristics, etc.). By way of example, the stretch
fabric material of the stretch fabric panels 50 may have a
mechanical ease and/or an elastic stretch that is independent of
the direction of an applied force (e.g., stretches the same in a
lateral direction as a longitudinal direction, etc.). In other
embodiments, the stretch fabric material of the stretch fabric
panels 50 has anisotropic (i.e., asymmetrical) stretch properties
(e.g., may have properties that vary with direction, etc.). By way
of example, the stretch fabric material of the stretch fabric
panels 50 may have at least one of a mechanical ease and an elastic
stretch that varies based on the direction of an applied force. The
stretch fabric material of the stretch fabric panels 50 may have an
elastic stretch that is greater in a first direction (e.g., a
cross-grain direction, etc.) than in a second direction (e.g., a
grain direction, etc.). The first direction may be angularly offset
relative to (e.g., perpendicular to, etc.) the second direction.
The first direction (i.e., the direction along which the greater
amount of elastic stretch occurs, etc.) may define a primary
stretch direction of the stretch fabric. Stretch fabric material
having a primary stretch direction may have elastic stretch that
occurs primarily in a single direction. This characteristic can be
observed by physical manipulation of the fabric in both the first
and second directions.
[0031] The rigid material of the rigid panels 70 may have a
mechanical ease that is greater in a first direction (e.g.,
cross-grain direction, etc.) than in a second direction (e.g., a
grain direction, etc.). The first direction may be angularly offset
relative to (e.g., perpendicular to, etc.) the second direction.
The first direction (i.e., the direction along which the greater
amount of mechanical ease occurs, etc.) may define a primary ease
direction of the rigid fabric material. Rigid material having a
primary ease direction may have mechanical ease that occurs
primarily in a single direction. This characteristic can be
observed by physical manipulation of the material in both the first
and second directions.
[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stretch fabric
panels 50 and the rigid panels 70 are coplanarly and contiguously
attached (e.g., arranged, molded, sewn, shaped, formed, cut,
tailored, joined, etc.) to cooperatively form a single, continuous
layer of the garment 10. By way of example, each individual panel
may define a plane including the edges of the panel. Each edge of
the panels is positioned adjacent other edges of proximate panels
and attached thereto such that the planes of the attached panels
are coplanar (e.g., no portion of one panel is positioned on top of
or stacked atop another panel, etc.). According to an exemplary
embodiment, all of or a portion of the single, continuous layer of
the garment 10 is loose fitting (e.g., non-compressive, not skin
tight, etc.). For example, the garment 10 may be skin tight or
relatively tighter around the waist portion 30 and/or the region
immediate the waist portion 30, but loose or relatively looser
around the thighs, knees, and/or shins of the wearer (e.g., at
least the upper leg portion 32 and/or the lower leg portion 34 are
loose fitting, etc.). In some embodiments, the garment 10 is
configured to be worn over an undergarment such as a compression
garment, a skin tight garment, and/or a spandex garment. According
to an exemplary embodiment, the rigid panels 70 and/or the stretch
fabric panels 50 do not include or define openings or pockets
configured to receive additional padding material or include
additional padding attached (e.g., sewn, etc.) thereto or
therein.
[0033] Attaching the stretch fabric panels 50 and the rigid panels
70 coplanarly may form seams between joined panels. In some
embodiments, the garment 10 includes a liner layer (e.g., an under
layer, an inner layer, etc.) disposed within the cavity 20 of the
garment 10 and coupled (e.g., sewn, etc.) to one or more of the
panels (e.g., under the rigid panel 70 alone, etc.) or along the
single, continuous layer formed by the stretch fabric panels 50 and
the rigid panels 70. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
liner layer covers the seams formed between the stretch fabric
panels 50 and the rigid panels 70 (e.g., such that the seams, the
stretch fabric panels 50, and/or the rigid panels 70 do not come
into contact with the wearer, providing increased comfort, reducing
chaffing and/or scratching, etc.). In other embodiments, the liner
layer covers the rigid panels 70 and/or the seams to prevent
discomfort and/or chaffing. In one embodiment, the liner layer
includes a mesh fabric material. In other embodiments, the liner
layer includes a stretch fabric material. In still other
embodiments, the liner layer includes a stretch mesh fabric
material. In an alternative embodiment, the liner layer includes a
rigid material. In some embodiments, the liner layer includes a
material that is configured to provide ventilation to the wearer of
the garment 10. In some embodiments, the liner layer includes a
material that is configured to provide warmth and/or protection
from wind. For example, the liner layer may be a flannel, fleece,
wool, cotton, or synthetic material with the functionality
described.
[0034] In one embodiment, the liner layer extends from the top of
the waist portion 30 to the bottom of the upper leg portion 32. In
other embodiments, the liner layer extends from the top of the
waist portion 30 to the bottom of the lower leg portion 34. In
still other embodiments, the liner layer is selectively positioned
and attached along all or a portion of the interior of the garment
10 (e.g., over the seams, around the rigid panels 70, etc.). In an
alternative embodiment, the liner layer is a separate layer of the
garment 10 that is worn underneath the garment 10 (e.g., not
attached thereto, an undergarment, etc.). In some embodiments, the
liner layer is loose fitting. In other embodiments, the liner layer
is tight fitting and conforms to the body of the wearer (e.g., a
compression garment, skin tight, etc.). In some embodiments, the
liner layer includes padding position so as to correspond in
location to various anatomical regions of a wearer (e.g., hip,
knee, thigh, etc.). The padding may be positioned so as to
correspond in location to some or all of the rigid panels 70 and/or
the stretch fabric panels 50. In some embodiments, the garment 10
also includes a gusset (e.g., a lycra gusset, etc.) positioned
within the cavity 20 of the garment 10 above the buttocks area of
the waist portion 30. The gusset may be configured to prevent the
liner layer from pulling the garment 10 down when worn by a
wearer.
[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, a majority of the
material of the garment 10 is rigid material (e.g., greater than
50% rigid material, any sub-range between 50% and 100% or any
sub-value there between, etc.). In one embodiment, the garment 10
includes about 60%-70% rigid material. In another embodiment, the
garment 10 includes greater than 70% rigid material. In an
alternative embodiment, the majority of the material of the garment
10 is stretch fabric material and/or stretch mesh fabric material
(e.g., less than 50% rigid material, etc.). In another alternative
embodiment, the relative proportion of rigid material to stretch
fabric material and/or stretch mesh fabric material is
substantially equal (e.g., about 50% rigid material, etc.). In one
embodiment, the non-rigid portion of the garment 10 (e.g., about
30%-40% of the material of the garment 10, the proportion of
stretch fabric material relative to stretch mesh fabric material,
etc.) is about 50% stretch fabric material and about 50% stretch
mesh fabric material. In other embodiments, the non-rigid portion
of the garment 10 is mostly stretch mesh fabric material (e.g., 60%
stretch mesh fabric material and 40% stretch fabric material, 75%
stretch mesh fabric material and 25% stretch fabric material, 90%
stretch mesh fabric material and 10% stretch fabric material, 100%
stretch mesh fabric material, 50% or more stretch mesh fabric
material and 50% or less stretch fabric material, etc.). In still
other embodiments, the non-rigid portion of the garment 10 is
mostly stretch fabric material (e.g., 40% stretch mesh fabric
material and 60% stretch fabric material, 25% stretch mesh fabric
material and 75% stretch fabric material, 10% stretch mesh fabric
material and 90% stretch fabric material, 100% stretch fabric
material, 50% or more stretch fabric material and 50% or less
stretch mesh fabric material, etc.).
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the rigid panels 70 of the garment 10
include a pair of first rigid panels (e.g., anterior thigh panels,
etc.), shown as front upper leg rigid panels 72, a pair of second
rigid panels (e.g., posterior thigh panels, etc.), shown as rear
upper leg rigid panels 78, and a pair of third rigid panels, shown
as lower leg rigid panels 74. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the front
upper leg rigid panels 72 are selectively positioned about the
garment 10 on each of the right leg 36 and the left leg 38,
respectively, so as to correspond in location to at least one of an
upper anterior leg region (e.g., front of a wearer's thigh,
quadriceps, knee, etc.) and an upper exterior leg region (e.g.,
hip, outer side of thigh, etc.) of each leg of the wearer of the
garment 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the front upper
leg rigid panels 72 are manufactured from an abrasion and/or
penetration resistant material (e.g., ballistic nylon, 900D fabric,
Kevlar, a heavy duty poly-fabric, leather, etc.). The abrasion
resistant material of the front upper leg rigid panels 72 is
configured to reduce abrasion, penetration and/or impact forces
experienced by the wearer's front thigh, front knee, and/or hip
regions from debris and/or falling to the ground (e.g., falling off
of a dirt bike, etc.). The rigid panels 70 of the upper leg portion
32 may also cover all of or a portion of the pelvis, including the
sides of the pelvis while leaving the groin region uncovered (in
some cases). Regardless of the region, the rigid panels 70 may
cover, for example, anywhere from 50% to 100% of the region,
including any sub value or sub range therein (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%,
75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or any sub range bound by the same,
etc.).
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the front upper leg rigid panels 72
define a set of apertures, shown as air flow apertures 80.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the air flow apertures 80
facilitate air flow into and out of the garment 10 (e.g., to allow
the garment 10 to "breath," etc.). According to the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the air flow apertures 80 are
positioned so as to correspond in location with the knee region of
a wearer of the garment 10. In other embodiments, the air flow
apertures 80 are otherwise positioned about the front upper leg
rigid panels 72. In an alternative embodiment, the front upper leg
rigid panels 72 do not define the air flow apertures 80.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the front upper leg rigid panels 72
include a knee element, shown as knee element 82, positioned so as
to correspond with the knee region of a wearer of the garment 10
(e.g., the front, lateral side of the knee, etc.). According to the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the knee elements 82 includes
a first portion, shown as rigid portion 84, and a second portion,
shown as mesh portion 86. As shown in FIG. 1, the rigid portion 84
extends around the periphery of the knee element 82. The rigid
portion 84 may be configured to define the shape of the knee
element 82 and/or provide support for the mesh portion 86.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the knee element 82 is
configured as a knee vent. The mesh portion 86 of the knee vent may
be a breathable mesh material configured to facilitate airflow into
and/or out of the knee elements 82 (e.g., to provide cooling to the
wearer of the garment 10, etc.). The rigid portion 84 may include a
higher durability material (e.g., plastic, rubber, carbon fiber,
etc.) to at least partially function as a knee pad. The knee pad
and/or higher durability material may be configured to reduce
(e.g., mitigate, lessen, etc.) abrasion, penetration and/or impact
forces experienced by the knee of a wearer of the garment 10 (e.g.,
from debris, from falling, etc.). In other embodiments, the knee
element 82 is configured as a knee pad such that the knee element
82 does not include the mesh portion 86. In other embodiments, the
garment 10 does not include the knee element 82.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the rear upper leg rigid panels 78
are selectively positioned about the garment 10 on either or each
of the right leg 36 and the left leg 38, respectively, so as to
correspond in location to at least one of an upper posterior leg
region (e.g., rear of a wearer's thigh, hamstrings, back of knee,
etc.), an upper interior leg region (e.g., inner thigh, etc.),
and/or a lower buttocks region of each leg of the wearer of the
garment 10. In some embodiments, the rear upper leg rigid panels 78
can cover some or all of the tail bone. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the rear upper leg rigid panels 78 are manufactured
from an abrasion and/or penetration resistant material (e.g.,
ballistic nylon, 900D fabric, Kevlar, a heavy duty poly-fabric,
leather, etc.). The abrasion or penetration resistant material of
the rear upper leg rigid panels 78 can be configured to reduce
abrasion, penetration, and/or impact forces experienced by the
wearer's rear thigh, rear knee, and/or lower buttocks (and/or tail
bone) regions from debris and/or falling to the ground (e.g.,
falling off of a dirt bike, etc.). Regardless of the region, the
rigid panels 70 may cover, for example, anywhere from 50% to 100%
of the region, including any sub value or sub range therein (e.g.,
55%, 60%, 65%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or any sub range bound by
the same, etc.).
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the lower leg rigid panels 74 are
selectively positioned about the garment 10 on either or each of
the right leg 36 and the left leg 38, respectively, so as to
correspond in location to at least one of a lower anterior leg
region (e.g., front of a wearer's lower leg, shin, etc.), a lower
interior leg region (e.g., inner lower leg region between the shin
and calf, etc.), and/or a lower exterior leg region (e.g., outer
lower leg between the shin and calf, etc.) of each leg of the
wearer of the garment 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
lower leg rigid panels 74 are manufactured from an abrasion and/or
penetration resistant material (e.g., ballistic nylon, 900D fabric,
Kevlar, a heavy duty poly-fabric, leather, etc.). The abrasion
resistant material of the lower leg rigid panels 74 is configured
to reduce abrasion and/or impact forces experienced by the wearer's
shin, ankle, and/or other lower leg regions from debris and/or
falling to the ground (e.g., falling off of a dirt bike, etc.).
Regardless of the region, the rigid panels 70 may cover, for
example, anywhere from 50% to 100% of the region, including any sub
value or sub range therein (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%, 75%, 80%, 85%,
90%, 95%, or any sub range bound by the same, etc.).
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the garment 10 may include a pair of
fourth rigid panels, shown as lower interior leg rigid panels 76,
positioned at one or both of the interior side 22 and the interior
side 24 of the right leg 36 and the left leg 38 of the garment 10,
respectively, so as to correspond in location to the lower interior
leg regions of a wearer of the garment 10 (e.g., the region between
the shin and calf along the interior of the lower leg, etc.). In
one embodiment, the lower interior leg rigid panels 76 are attached
(e.g., sewn, coupled, joined, etc.) to the lower leg rigid panels
74 in a serial configuration such that the lower leg rigid panels
74 and the lower interior leg rigid panels 76 are coplanar, forming
a single rigid panel (e.g., planes defined by the panels are
coplanar, edges of the panels are coupled, etc.). In other
embodiments, the lower interior leg rigid panels 76 are attached
(e.g., sewn, coupled, joined, etc.) to the lower leg rigid panels
74 in a stacked configuration (e.g., the lower interior leg rigid
panels 76 are coupled to a face of the lower leg rigid panels 74,
the lower interior leg rigid panels 76 are raised relative to the
rest of the garment 10, etc.). The fourth rigid panels may cover,
for example, anywhere from 50% to 100% of the region, including any
sub value or sub range therein (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%, 75%, 80%, 85%,
90%, 95%, or any sub range bound by the same, etc.).
[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower interior leg
rigid panels 76 can comprise or be made or manufactured from a heat
resistant material (e.g., leather, Therma-flec heat resistant
fabric, Kevlar, etc.). The heat resistant material may be used
along the interior side 22 of the right leg 36 and the interior
side 24 of the left leg 38 of the garment 10 to shield the lower
inner leg regions of the wearer from high temperature components
(e.g., an engine, engine components, exhaust components, etc.) of a
vehicle (e.g., a dirt bike, an ATV, a snowmobile, etc.) being
driven by the wearer of the garment 10. In some embodiments, at
least a portion of the front upper leg rigid panels 72 and/or the
rear upper leg rigid panels 78 is or includes a heat resistant
material. It should be understood that the heat resistant material
panels described here also may be abrasion, impact, and/or
penetration resistant. Further, the heat resistant materials may be
included with the other rigid panels described elsewhere herein.
Regardless of the region, the heat resistant rigid panels may
cover, for example, anywhere from 50% to 100% of the region,
including any sub value or sub range therein (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%,
75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or any sub range bound by the same,
etc.).
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the stretch fabric panels 50 of the
waist portion 30 include a first stretch panel, shown as first
front waist stretch panel 52, a second stretch panel, shown as
second front waist stretch panel 54, a pair of third stretch
panels, shown as side waist stretch panels 56, a fourth stretch
panel, shown as crotch stretch panel 58, and a fifth stretch panel,
shown as lower back stretch panel 60. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
first front waist stretch panel 52, the second front waist stretch
panel 54, the side waist stretch panels 56, and the lower back
stretch panel 60 may define the majority of the waist line (e.g.,
the size of the opening to the cavity 20, etc.) of the garment 10.
A section of the front upper leg rigid panel 72 may interrupt or
intersect the stretch fabric panels 50, as depicted on the back
flanking sides or any other portion of the waist or groin, pelvis,
or buttocks region. Although shown as multiple stretch panels, it
also should be understood that the stretch fabric panels 50 may be
combined thereby eliminating one or more of the separate panels in
favor of fewer panels, even to the point where there are only one
or two stretch fabric panels 50 in this region. In some
embodiments, the rigid panels 70 can be excluded from completely
intersecting or breaking the continuity of the stretch fabric
panels 50 at any point between the upper leg and waistline. The
stretch fabric panels 50 of the waist portion 30 may be sized to
fit various waist lines of wearers of the garment 10. The waist
portion 30 may include, if desired, an interior channel that runs
circumferentially around the waist portion 30, which may include a
tightening mechanism (e.g., a belt, a waist clip, a button
fastener, etc.) to permit adjustment of the waist size.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the waist portion 30 can include
a first fastener, shown as waist fastener 90, and a second
fastener, shown as crotch fastener 92. The waist fastener 90 may be
configured to selectively adjust (e.g., tighten, loosen, etc.) the
size of the waist line of the garment 10 (e.g., a belt, a tying
device, a ratcheting fastener, etc.). The waist fastener 90 may be
positioned and/or angled so as to avoid crossing the bend in the
groin or leg when the leg bends relative to the groin, for example,
when the wearer is bending, crouching, or sitting. In some cases,
the waist fastener 90 may generally be angled to run, not cross or
to run substantially parallel (e.g., at less than a 30 degree
angle) to the line formed by the bend, crouch, or sitting. The same
may be true for the line of the waist where the waist bends between
the abdomen and the region below the waist. The crotch fastener 92
may be configured to selectively separate the two sides of the
first front waist stretch panel 52 (e.g., such as a zipper,
buttons, etc.).
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the first front waist stretch panel
52 and the lower back stretch panel 60 may define a plurality of
apertures, shown as air flow apertures 68. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the air flow apertures 68 facilitate air to
flow into and out of the garment 10 (e.g., to allow the garment 10
to "breath," etc.). It should be understood that the air flow
apertures 68 may be positioned anywhere on the garment 10,
particularly anywhere where the stretch fabric panel(s) 50 may be
located. The material in any such location may utilize a mesh
material, if desired. According to the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, the air flow apertures 68 are positioned so as to
correspond in location with the crotch region of a wearer of the
garment 10. In other embodiments, the air flow apertures 80 are
otherwise positioned about the first front waist stretch panel 52.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the air flow
apertures 68 are positioned so as to correspond in location with
the buttocks region of a wearer of the garment 10. In other
embodiments, the air flow apertures 68 are otherwise positioned
about the lower back stretch panel 60. In an alternative
embodiment, the air flow apertures 68 are not included in or
defined by at least one of the first front waist stretch panel 52
and the lower back stretch panel 60.
[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first front waist
stretch panel 52, the second front waist stretch panel 54, the
crotch stretch panel 58, and the lower back stretch panel 60 are
manufactured from a stretch fabric material, while the side waist
stretch panels 56 are manufactured from a stretch mesh fabric
material. In other embodiments, the crotch stretch panel 58 is
manufactured from a stretch mesh fabric material. In another
embodiment, the second front waist stretch panel 54 is manufactured
from a rigid fabric material. In still another embodiment, a
portion of the lower back stretch panel 60 is manufactured from a
rigid fabric material. It should be understood that the stretch
mesh material may be positioned anywhere on the garment 10,
including anywhere depicted in the various figures where a stretch
fabric panel 50 is shown (regardless of whether the air flow
apertures 68 are depicted). Also, it is contemplated that in some
embodiments the air flow apertures 68 and/or the stretch mesh
material can be specifically excluded from one or more regions of
the garment 10 (specifically any one or more of the numbered region
of the drawings). For example, in some embodiments, either may be
excluded from the waist, the lower back, the groin, the pelvis, the
crotch, the buttocks, the gluteus, the thigh or quadriceps, the
hip(s), any portion or the length of the IT band, the calf, the
shin, the front or back of the knee, the hamstring, etc.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the stretch fabric panels 50 of the
upper leg portion 32 include a pair of sixth stretch panels, shown
as front upper leg stretch panels 62, and a pair of seventh stretch
panels, shown as rear upper leg stretch panels 64. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the front upper leg stretch panels 62 are
manufactured from a stretch fabric material, while the rear upper
leg stretch panels 64 are manufactured from a stretch mesh fabric
material. In other embodiments, the front upper leg stretch panels
62 are manufactured from a stretch mesh fabric material. In some
embodiments, the rear upper leg stretch panels are manufactured
from a stretch fabric material. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the stretch
fabric panels 50 of the lower leg portion 34 include a pair of
eighth stretch panels, shown as lower leg stretch panels 66.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower leg stretch panels
66 are manufactured from a stretch mesh fabric material. In other
embodiments, the lower leg stretch panels 66 are manufactured from
a stretch fabric material. Alternatively, any of the locations
described can be excluded from having either of the stretch or
stretch mesh material in some embodiments.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the stretch fabric panels 50 of the
waist portion 30 (e.g., the lower back stretch panel 60, etc.) and
the upper leg portion 32 (e.g., the front upper leg stretch panels
62, the rear upper leg stretch panels 64, etc.) are positioned
between the front upper leg rigid panels 72 and the rear upper leg
rigid panels 78, effectively (e.g., substantially, completely,
etc.) isolating the front upper leg rigid panels 72 and the rear
upper leg rigid panels 78 from each other. Thus, the stretch fabric
panels 50 of the waist portion 30 and the upper leg portion 32 are
configured to facilitate independent movement of the front upper
leg rigid panels 72 relative to the rear upper leg rigid panels 78,
as well as independent movement of each of the front upper leg
rigid panels 72 relative to one another.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the stretch fabric panels 50 of the
upper leg portion 32 (e.g., the front upper leg stretch panels 62,
the rear upper leg stretch panels 64, etc.) and the lower leg
portion 34 (e.g., the lower leg stretch panels 66, etc.) are
positioned between the rigid panels 70 of the upper leg portion 32
(e.g., the front upper leg rigid panels 72, the rear upper leg
rigid panels 78, etc.) and the lower leg portion 34 (e.g., the
lower leg rigid panels 74, the lower interior leg rigid panels 76,
etc.), effectively (e.g., substantially, completely, etc.)
isolating the rigid panels 70 of the upper leg portion 32 and the
lower leg portion 34 from each other. Thus, the stretch fabric
panels 50 of the upper leg portion 32 and the lower leg portion 34
are configured to facilitate independent movement of rigid panels
70 of the upper leg portion 32 (e.g., the front upper leg rigid
panels 72, the rear upper leg rigid panels 78, etc.) relative to
the rigid panels 70 of the lower leg portion 34 (e.g., the lower
leg rigid panels 74, the lower interior leg rigid panels 76,
etc.).
[0050] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-6, a
multi-panel garment, shown as garment 110, includes a plurality of
fabric panels that are at least one of arranged, molded, sewn,
shaped, formed, cut, and tailored to form a pant. The garment 100
of FIGS. 5-6 may be substantially similar to the garment 10 of
FIGS. 1-4 in construction and function. For example, as shown in
FIG. 5, the second front waist stretch panel 54 of the waist
portion 30 may be replaced with a first waist rigid panel, shown
front waist rigid panel 184. As another example, as shown in FIG.
6, the rear side 18 of the garment 110 may include an additional
rear waist panel, shown as rear waist flap 186. As shown in FIG. 6,
the rear waist flap 186 is selectively positioned about the garment
110 so as to correspond in location to a lower back region of the
wearer, above the buttocks region. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the rear waist flap 186 is disposed over the lower back
stretch panel 60 such that a cavity may be formed therebetween
(e.g., only the top edge and sides of the rear waist flap 186 are
coupled to the garment 110, the bottom edge of the rear waist flap
186 is not coupled to the garment 110, etc.). As shown in FIG. 6,
the rear waist flap 186 includes a first portion, shown as stretch
fabric portion 188, a second portion, shown as rigid portion 190,
and a third portion, shown as mesh portions 192. The rigid portion
190 may be configured to define the shape of the rear waist flap
186 and/or provide support for the stretch portion 188 and/or the
mesh portions 192. According to an exemplary embodiment, the rigid
portion 190 is manufactured from an abrasion and/or penetration
resistant material (e.g., ballistic nylon, 900D fabric, Kevlar, a
heavy duty poly-fabric, leather, rubber, plastic, etc.). The
abrasion and/or penetration resistant material of the rear waist
flap 186 may be configured to reduce abrasion and/or impact forces
experienced by the wearer's lower back and/or upper buttocks region
from debris and/or falling to the ground (e.g., falling off of a
dirt bike, etc.).
[0051] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, a
multi-panel garment, shown as garment 200, includes a plurality of
fabric panels that are at least one of arranged, molded, sewn,
shaped, formed, cut, and tailored to form a long-sleeve shirt.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the garment 200 is a
motocross raceshirt. In other embodiments, the garment 200 is a
snowmobile shirt, an ATV shirt, or another type of shirt used for
action sports. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of
fabric panels of the garment 200 are at least one of arranged,
molded, sewn, shaped, formed, cut, and tailored to form another
type of shirt such as a short-sleeve shirts, a sleeve-less shirt, a
tank-top, a jacket, a hoodie, a sweater, or still another article
of clothing. The size of the garment 200 may be varied to fit
various wearers. For example, the plurality of fabric panels of the
garment 200 may be at least one of arranged, molded, sewn, shaped,
formed, cut, and tailored to fit men, women, both men and women, or
children. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of
fabric panels of the garment 200 are manufactured from at least two
different fabric materials (e.g., stretch fabric material, stretch
mesh fabric material, rigid fabric material, etc.).
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the garment 200 includes a first
portion, shown as torso portion 210, and a second portion, shown as
sleeve portions 220. The torso portion 210 is positioned and formed
so as to correspond with a torso, waist, neck, and/or shoulders of
a wearer of the garment 200. The sleeve portions 220 are positioned
and formed so as to correspond with at least a portion of a length
of each arm of a wearer of the garment 200. According to the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the sleeve portions 220
include long-sleeves. In other embodiments, the sleeve portions 220
include short-sleeves. In an alternative embodiment, the garment
200 does not include the sleeve portions 220. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the torso portion 210 and the sleeve portions
220 are formed to receive a specific sized person (e.g., an
extra-small, a small, a medium, a large, or an extra-large person,
etc.). As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the torso portion 210 and the sleeve
portions 220 define a first side, shown as front side 202, and an
opposing second side, shown as rear side 204.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the garment 200 includes a first
plurality of panels, shown as stretch fabric panels 230, and a
second plurality of panels, shown as rigid panels 250. According to
an exemplary embodiment, the stretch fabric panels 230 are
manufactured from a first fabric material, and the rigid panels 250
are manufactured from a second different material. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the stretch fabric panels 230 are selectively
positioned about the garment 200 (e.g., between the rigid panels
250, etc.) to facilitate independent movement of each of the rigid
panels 250 relative to one another (e.g., each of the rigid panels
250 moves independently, etc.). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the interaction between the stretch fabric panels 230
and the rigid panels 250 facilitates natural movement of a wearer's
body such that as a wearer moves, the front side 202 and the rear
side 204 do not sheer away from each other (e.g., preventing
discomfort and restriction in movement, etc.). In one embodiment,
at least one of the stretch fabric panels 230 is manufactured from
a first stretch fabric material and at least one of the stretch
fabric panels 230 is manufactured from a second different stretch
fabric material. For example, at least one of the stretch fabric
panels 230 may be manufactured from a stretch fabric material and
at least one of the stretch fabric panels 230 may be manufactured
from a stretch mesh fabric material and/or a mesh fabric material.
The stretch mesh fabric material and/or the mesh fabric material
may be used in areas of the garment 200 to facilitate air to flow
into and out of the garment 200 (e.g., to provide a cooling effect
to the wearer of the garment 200, etc.). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the stretch fabric material is more durable (e.g.,
tougher, stronger, heavier, etc.) than the stretch mesh fabric
material. In other embodiments, the stretch fabric panels 230 are
manufactured from a single stretch fabric material.
[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment, the rigid panels 250
are manufactured to be durable, protective (e.g., abrasion
resistant, etc.), and/or structure giving. In some embodiments, the
rigid panels 250 are manufacture to be non-stretch. The panels of
the rigid panels 250 may include at least one of a stretch
resistant material, an abrasion resistant material, a penetration
resistant material, and a heat resistant material. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the independent movement of the rigid panels
250 allows the rigid panels 250 to work independent of each other,
thereby providing a greater degree of comfort and less restriction
(e.g., while walking, sitting, riding, etc.) without sacrificing
the intended function of the garment 200.
[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stretch fabric
panels 230 and the rigid panels 250 are coplanarly and contiguously
attached (e.g., arranged, molded, sewn, shaped, formed, cut,
tailored, joined, etc.) to cooperatively form a single, continuous
layer of the garment 200. By way of example, each individual panel
may define a plane including the edges of the panel. Each edge of
the panels is positioned adjacent other edges of proximate panels
and attached thereto such that the planes of the attached panels
are coplanar (e.g., no portion of one panel is positioned on top of
or stacked atop another panel, etc.). According to an exemplary
embodiment, all of or a portion of the single, continuous layer of
the garment 200 is loose fitting (e.g., non-compressive, not skin
tight, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the rigid
panels 250 and/or the stretch fabric panels 230 do not include or
define openings or pockets configured to receive additional padding
material or include additional padding sewn thereto or therein.
[0056] In one embodiment, the garment 200 includes about 60%-70%
rigid material. In another embodiment, the garment 200 includes
greater than 70% rigid material. In an alternative embodiment, the
majority of the material of the garment 200 is stretch fabric
material, mesh fabric material, and/or stretch mesh fabric material
(e.g., less than 50% rigid fabric material, etc.). In another
alternative embodiment, the relative proportion of rigid material
to stretch fabric material, mesh fabric material, and/or stretch
mesh fabric material is substantially equal (e.g., about 50% rigid
fabric material, etc.). In one embodiment, the non-rigid portion of
the garment 200 (e.g., the proportion of stretch fabric material
relative to stretch mesh fabric material, etc.) is about 50%
stretch fabric material and about 50% stretch mesh fabric material.
In other embodiments, the non-rigid portion of the garment 200 is
mostly stretch mesh fabric material (e.g., 50% or more stretch mesh
fabric material, etc.). In still other embodiments, the non-rigid
portion of the garment 200 is mostly stretch fabric material (e.g.,
50% or more stretch fabric material, etc.). In yet other
embodiments, the non-rigid portion of the garment 200 is mostly
mesh fabric material (e.g., 50% or more mesh fabric material,
etc.).
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the rigid panels 250 of the torso
portion 210 of the garment 200 include first rigid panel, shown as
front torso rigid panel 252, and a second rigid panel, shown as
rear torso rigid panel 254. The front torso rigid panel 252 and the
rear torso rigid panel 254 are selectively joined so as to
correspond in location to at least one of a torso, a waist, a neck,
and shoulders of a wearer of the garment 200. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the front torso rigid panel 252 and the rear
torso rigid panel 254 are manufactured from a non-stretch material.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the front torso rigid
panel 252 and/or the rear torso rigid panel 254 are manufactured
from an abrasion resistant material, a penetration resistant
material, and/or a heat resistant material. Regardless of the
region, the rigid panels 250 may cover, for example, anywhere from
50% to 100% of the region, including any sub value or sub range
therein (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or any sub
range bound by the same, etc.).
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the rigid panels 250 of the sleeve
portions 220 of the garment 200 include first rigid panels, shown
as upper arm rigid panels 256, and second rigid panels, shown as
lower arm rigid panels 258. The upper arm rigid panels 256 are
selectively positioned so as to correspond in location to an upper
arm region of a wearer of the garment 200. The lower arm rigid
panels 258 are selectively positioned so as to correspond in
location to a lower arm region of a wearer of the garment 200.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the upper arm rigid panels
256 and the lower arm rigid panels 258 are manufactured from a
non-stretch material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of
the upper arm rigid panels 256 and/or the lower arm rigid panels
258 are manufactured from an abrasion resistant material, a
penetration resistant material, and/or a heat resistant material.
Regardless of the region, the rigid panels 250 may cover, for
example, anywhere from 50% to 100% of the region, including any sub
value or sub range therein (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%, 75%, 80%, 85%,
90%, 95%, or any sub range bound by the same, etc.).
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the stretch fabric panels 230 of the
torso portion 210 include a first stretch panels, shown as side
torso stretch panels 232, and a second stretch panel, shown as
lower back stretch panel 234. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the stretch
fabric panels 230 of the sleeve portions 220 include third stretch
panels, shown as shoulder stretch panels 236, and fourth stretch
panels, shown as elbow stretch panels 238. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the side torso stretch panels 232, the lower
back stretch panel 234, the shoulder stretch panels 236, and the
elbow stretch panels 238 are manufactured from a stretch fabric
material. In other embodiments, at least one of the side torso
stretch panels 232, the lower back stretch panel 234, the shoulder
stretch panels 236, and the elbow stretch panels 238 are
manufactured from a stretch mesh fabric material or a mesh fabric
material. Alternatively, any of the locations described may be
excluded from having either stretch, mesh, or stretch mesh material
in some embodiments.
[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, the side torso stretch
panels 232 and the shoulder stretch panels 236 are configured to
decrease restriction in movement of a wearer's arm (e.g., when
lifting arms up, forward, or backwards, etc.). The side torso
stretch panels 232 may also be configured to decrease restriction
when a wearer turns his/her torso while wearing the garment 200.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower back stretch panel
234 is configured to decrease restriction in movement when a wearer
of garment 200 bends over and/or lifts his/her arms up. According
to an exemplary embodiment, the elbow stretch panels 238 are
configured to decrease restriction in the movement of a wearer's
arms during a bending motion (e.g., about the elbows, etc.). The
placement and/or number of the stretch fabric panels 50, 230 and/or
the rigid fabric panels 70, 250 is for illustrative purposes and
should not be limiting. The panels may be positioned in different
locations and/or have other materials than described.
[0061] The rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250 may have a
variety of different shapes and thicknesses. For example, one
embodiment includes the rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250
shaped to resemble sports equipment, such as football pads. Another
embodiment includes the rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250
shaped to resemble large human muscles characteristic of a cartoon
superhero or a bodybuilder. Another embodiment includes the rigid
panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250 shaped with curved edges
instead of straight polygonal edges. Yet still another embodiment
includes the rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250 configured
to display indicia or logos. Further still another embodiment
includes the rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250 configured
with a similar design or "look and feel" as a particular brand of
motorcycle. The rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250 may be
configured with surface designs or shapes that may or may not have
functional purpose. For instance, the rigid panels 70 and/or the
rigid panels 250 may benefit from added strength by the inclusion
of selectively located sections of thicker material or different
material integrated with the rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid
panels 250. These sections may also provide ornamentation to the
rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250.
[0062] Different rigid panels 70 and/or the rigid panels 250 may be
provided with different thicknesses, depending on the location of
the panel. For example, the front upper leg rigid panels 72 may be
thicker or made from a different material than the lower leg rigid
panels 74. Similarly, the front panels may be of a different
thickness or material than the rear panels. The front upper leg
rigid panels 72 may not be as thick as the rear upper leg rigid
panels 78. A variety of different combinations of thicknesses and
materials may be used. In at least one embodiment, the rigid panels
70 and/or the rigid panels 250 are configured to be modular such
that additional sections may be added to the rigid panels 70 and/or
the rigid panels 250 or removed therefrom to change the thickness
and/or shape of the panels. As such, for example, the garment 10,
the garment 110, or the garment 200 may be modified to serve
different functions where one thickness of panels can be used for a
motorcycle rider and a different thickness of panels can be used
for a skateboard rider. A skateboard rider may find it preferable
to have a thicker section for the rear upper leg rigid panels 78
but thinner section for the lower leg rigid panels 74.
[0063] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the systems, methods, and
apparatuses as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative
only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure
have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review
this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the enclosure may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.
[0064] Embodiments have been described in connection with the
accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the
figures are not drawn to scale. Distances, angles, shapes, etc. are
merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact
relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the articles that
are illustrated. In addition, the foregoing embodiments have been
described at a level of detail to allow one of ordinary skill in
the art to make and use the articles, parts, different materials,
etc. described herein. A wide variety of variation is possible.
Articles, materials, elements, and/or steps can be altered, added,
removed, or rearranged. While certain embodiments have been
explicitly described, other embodiments will become apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure.
[0065] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others,
"can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless
specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the
context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain
embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include,
certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional
language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements
and/or configurations are in any way required for one or more
embodiments. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the
like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended
fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts,
operations, and so forth. The term "consisting essentially of" can
be used anywhere where the terms comprising, including, containing
or having are used herein, but consistent essentially of is
intended to mean that the claim scope covers or is limited to the
specified materials or steps recited and those that do not
materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the
claimed invention. Also, the term "consisting of" can be used
anywhere where the terms comprising, including, containing or
having are used herein, but consistent of excludes any element,
step, or ingredient not specified in a given claim where it is
used.
[0066] Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not
in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect
a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the
elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at
least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is
otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey
that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such
conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that
certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y,
and at least one of Z to each be present.
[0067] Additionally, in the subject description, the word
"exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or
illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the
word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete
manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present inventions. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in
the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred
and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the
present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.
* * * * *