Patent Publication Number: US-2023157385-A1

Title: Clothing article having a support member

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2021/050992 filed Jul. 18, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/054,625, filed Jul. 21, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The specification relates generally to apparel, and, in particular, to a clothing article having a support member. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Traditional clothing is conventionally configured to provide a layer that is both stylistic and/or functional. For example, blue jeans were popularized in the late 1800s due to their ruggedness and appearance. More recently, sports-oriented clothing has seen the popularization of tights that fit snugly over a user&#39;s entire leg, part-leg (in the case of shorts), etc. In addition, there has been a number of clothing garments constructed of two materials, wherein an outer portion of the garment is made from a first material that loosely fits over the body of a wearer, and an inner portion of the garment is made from a second material that more snugly fits over the body of the wearer. Examples of such garments include swimming trunks and workout tops with integrated bras. Such garments, however, typically do not provide localized support along a portion of the inner garment. In addition, as the inner portion is configured to snugly fit to the body of the wearer, the outer portion, where it is stitched together with the inner portion is restricted from draping loosely. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect, there is provided a clothing article having a support member, comprising: an outer shell, a portion of the outer shell being dimensioned to fit loosely on a body of a wearer; and a support structure having a support member supporting the body of the wearer when positioned thereon, the support member fitting snugly on the body of the wearer, and at least one tether portion extending between the support member and at least one connection region that is secured to the outer shell, at least a part of the at least one tether portion being dimensioned to enable the outer shell to move substantially freely relative to the support member. 
     The outer shell can have at least one opening to enable the wearer to adjust a position or the compression provided by the support member. 
     The opening can be reopenably closeable. 
     The support member can include at least one stiffening member to resist flexion of the support member. 
     The at least one connection region can be connected to the outer shell at at least one seam of the outer shell. 
     The support member can have a tension adjustment structure for adjusting tension of the support member on the body of the wearer. 
     The tension adjustment structure can include a at least two hook-and-loop elements enabling adjustment of a position of a first of the at least two hook-and-loop elements relative to a position of a second of the at least two hook-and-loop elements. 
     The clothing article can be a top, and the support member can support the posture of the wearer. 
     The support structure can be a lumbar support structure supporting a lumbar region of a wearer when the clothing article is worn. 
     The lumbar support structure can include at least one stiffening member to resist flexion of the lumbar support structure adjacent to the lumbar region of the wearer when positioned thereon. 
     The clothing article can be pants, and the at least one connection region of the lumbar support structure can be stitched to the outer shell at a position spaced from a waistline of the pants. 
     The at least one tether portion can include a gap adjacent to a front opening in the outer shell. 
     The clothing article can be pants, and the support member can be a knee support member supporting a knee of the wearer when the pants are worn by the wearer. 
     A leg of the outer shell within which the knee support member is positioned can have at least one opening facilitating adjustment of a position or tension of the knee support member when the pants are worn. 
     The at least one tether portion can include a first tether portion extending between an upper end of the knee support member and the leg of the outer shell, and a second tether portion extending between a lower end of the knee support member and the leg of the outer shell. 
     At least one of a first of the at least one connection region at which the first tether portion can be stitched to the leg and a second of the at least one connection region at which the second tether portion can be stitched to the leg is stitched at a seam of the leg of the outer shell. 
     The at least one tether portion can be provided by a sleeve, wherein a first of the at least one connection region is at a first end of the sleeve, wherein a second of the at least one connection region is at a second end of the sleeve, and wherein the support member is slidably repositionable along a longitudinal length of the sleeve. 
     The at least one tether portion can include at least one strap. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a clothing article having a support member, comprising: an outer shell; and a support structure connected to the outer shell along at least one connection region and having at least one floating region extending from the at least one connection region, the floating region having a support member supporting the body of the wearer when positioned thereon, and at least one tether portion extending between the support member to the at least one connection region, at least a part of the at least one tether portion being dimensioned to enable the outer shell to move substantially freely relative to the support member. 
     The outer shell can be dimensioned to fit loosely on the body of a wearer. 
     The support member can be dimensioned to fit snugly on the body of a wearer. 
     The outer shell can have at least one opening to enable the wearer to adjust a position or the compression provided by the support member. 
     The opening can be reopenably closeable. 
     The support member can include at least one stiffening member to resist flexion of the support member. 
     The at least one connection region can be connected to the outer shell at at least one seam of the outer shell. 
     The support member can have a tension adjustment structure for adjusting tension of the support member on the body of the wearer. 
     The tension adjustment structure can include a at least two hook-and-loop elements enabling adjustment of a position of a first of the at least two hook-and-loop elements relative to a position of a second of the at least two hook-and-loop elements. 
     The clothing article can be a top, and the support member can support the posture of the wearer. 
     The support structure can be a lumbar support structure supporting a lumbar region of a wearer when the clothing article is worn. 
     The lumbar support structure can include at least one stiffening member to resist flexion of the lumbar support structure adjacent to the lumbar region of the wearer when positioned thereon. 
     The clothing article can be pants, and the at least one connection region of the lumbar support structure can be stitched to the outer shell at a position spaced from a waistline of the pants. 
     The at least one tether portion can include a gap adjacent to a front opening in the outer shell. 
     The clothing article can be pants, and the support member can be a knee support member supporting a knee of the wearer when the pants are worn by the wearer. 
     A leg of the outer shell within which the knee support member is positioned can have at least one opening facilitating adjustment of a position or tension of the knee support member when the pants are worn. 
     The at least one tether portion can include a first tether portion extending between an upper end of the knee support member and the leg of the outer shell, and a second tether portion extending between a lower end of the knee support member and the leg of the outer shell. 
     At least one of a first of the at least one connection region at which the first tether portion is stitched to the leg and a second of the at least one connection region at which the second tether portion is stitched to the leg can be stitched at a seam of the leg of the outer shell. 
     The at least one tether portion can be provided by a sleeve, wherein a first of the at least one connection region is at a first end of the sleeve, wherein a second of the at least one connection region is at a second end of the sleeve, and wherein the support member is slidably repositionable along a longitudinal length of the sleeve. 
     The at least one tether portion can include at least one strap. 
     Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the embodiment(s) described herein and to show more clearly how the embodiment(s) may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  show a section view and a schematic view of a top in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  1 C and  1 D  show a section view and a schematic view of pants in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 E  shows region  1 E of the pants in  FIG.  1 C  in greater detail; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a rear view of a posture support member in accordance with a further embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 B  shows a shoulder support component of the posture support member of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  2 C  shows an upper back support component of the posture support member of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  2 D  shows the construction of the shoulder support component of  FIG.  2 B ; 
         FIG.  2 E  shows the construction of the upper back support component of  FIG.  2 C ; 
         FIG.  2 F  shows the assembly of the posture support member from two of the shoulder support components of  FIG.  2 B  and an upper back support component of  FIG.  2 C ; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are front and rear views, respectively, of tether portions that are connected to the posture support member of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  show front and back views, respectively, of a posture support structure assembled from the posture support member and the tether portions of  FIGS.  2 A to  2 C ; 
         FIG.  5    shows the posture support structure of  FIGS.  3 B and  3 C  being connected to an outer shell to form a top; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are front and rear views, respectively, of the assembled top of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIGS.  6 C and  6 D  are front and rear views, respectively, of the assembled top of  FIG.  5    after turning the top inside out; 
         FIG.  7 A  shows a lumbar support member in accordance with another embodiment and similar to that shown in  FIG.  1 B ; 
         FIG.  7 B  shows a section view of the lumbar support member of  FIG.  7 A  along  7 B- 7 B; 
         FIG.  7 C  shows the assembly of the lumbar support member of  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B ; 
         FIG.  7 D  shows the assembly of a lumbar support structure from the lumbar support member of  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , and a tether portion; 
         FIGS.  7 E and  7 F  are front and rear views of the assembled lumbar support structure of  FIG.  7 D ; 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  are front and rear views of pants assembled from the lumbar support member of  FIGS.  7 E and  7 F ; 
         FIG.  9 A  shows two components of a knee support member of the pants of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B ; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a top section view of the knee support member of  FIG.  9 A  after assembly; 
         FIG.  9 C  shows one of two tether portions for connecting to the knee support member of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIG.  9 D  shows a knee support structure assembled from the knee support member of  FIG.  9 A  and two tether portions of  FIG.  9 C ; 
         FIG.  10    shows the lumbar support structure of  FIGS.  7 E and  7 F  and the knee support structure of  FIG.  9 D  being assembled with an outer shell to form the pants of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B ; 
         FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  are front and rear views, respectively, of the assembled pants of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the knee support structure and the outer shell; 
         FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  show section and schematic views, respectively, of a top in accordance with still another embodiment, wherein floating support members are positioned over internal webbing; 
         FIGS.  13 C and  13 D  show section and schematic views, respectively, of pants in accordance with a further embodiment, wherein floating support members are positioned over internal webbing; 
         FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  show section and schematic views, respectively, of a top in accordance with another embodiment, wherein a support member is defined by a different material woven, bonded, or stitched to a portion of the floating region; 
         FIGS.  14 C and  14 D  show section and schematic views, respectively, of pants in accordance with yet another embodiment, wherein a support member is defined by a different material woven, bonded, or stitched to a portion of the floating region; 
         FIGS.  15 A and  15 B  show section and schematic views, respectively, of a top in accordance with a further embodiment, wherein support members are tethered to the outer shell via straps; and 
         FIGS.  15 C and  15 D  show section and schematic views, respectively, of pants in accordance with still another embodiment, wherein support members are tethered to the outer shell via straps. 
     
    
    
     Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below. 
     Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term “a” or “an” will be understood to denote “at least one” in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean “one”. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. 
     A top  20  in accordance with an embodiment is shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . The top  20  includes an outer shell  24   a  that is dimensioned to fit loosely on the body of the wearer. That is, the outer shell  24   a  is sized so that its internal diameter(s) exceed the diameter(s) of the wearer by an amount so that the outer shell  24   a  does not snugly follow the body of the wearer. In other embodiments, the outer shell may be dimensioned to fit snugly or somewhat snugly on the body of the wearer. A support structure  28   a  is connected to the outer shell  24   a  along at least one connection region  32   a . The support structure  28   a  has at least one floating region  36   a  extending from the at least one connection region  32   a . The support structure  28   a  can be connected to the outer shell  24   a  via any suitable means. In one example, the support structure  28   a  can be woven together with the outer shell  24   a  along the at least one connection region  32   a . In another example, the support structure  28   a  can be stitched to the outer shell  24   a  along the at least one connection region  32   a . In a further example, the support structure  28   a  can be bonded to the outer shell along the at least one connection region  32   a  via any suitable means. 
     Extending along a portion of the at least one floating region  36   a  is a support member  40   a . The support member  40   a  is configured to provide support to the upper torso of the wearer. The support can be compression (for example, to alleviate swelling or muscle fatigue), structural (for example, to support a joint or muscle alignment), etc. Tether portions  33   a  extend between the support member  40   a  and the connection regions  32   a . At least a portion of the tether portions  44   a  are dimensioned to permit substantially free movement of the outer shell  24   a  relative to the support member  40 . This allows the presence of the support member to be less pronounced, and allows more natural movement of the outer shell  24   a . Further, movement of the outer shell  24   a  is less likely to shift the position or change the tension of the support member  40   a . The tether portions  44   a  also function to facilitate the donning and doffing of the support member  40   a  with the top  20 . The support members  40   a  and the tether portion  44   a  can be formed by any suitable manner. Suitable materials for providing the support members  40   a  can include, for example, stretch knit fabric with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bonding, perforated stretch knit fabric with TPU bonding, stretch knit fabric with silicone details, stretch knit fabric with TPU bonding mixed with stretch mesh for more breathability, heavy stretch knit fabric (optionally with silicone details), seamless knitted sleeves, neoprene, TPU or polyurethane (PU), and stretch woven fabric. 
     The top  20  also includes an additional support structure  28   b  positioned within each sleeve of the outer shell  24   a . The support structures  28   b  are connected to the outer shell  24   a  along a number of connection regions  32   b . While two connection regions  32   b  are illustrated, it will be appreciated that any number of connection regions can be employed. Each support structure  28   b  has a floating region  36   b  extending between the two connection regions  32   b . The support structure  28   b  can be connected to the outer shell  24   a  via any suitable means. In one example, the support structure  28   b  can be woven together with the outer shell  24   a  along the at least one connection region  32   b . In another example, the support structure  28   b  can be stitched to the outer shell  24   a  along the at least one connection region  32   b . In a further example, the support structure  28   b  can be bonded to the outer shell along the at least one connection region  32   b  via any suitable means. 
     Extending along a portion of each floating region  36   b  is a support member  40   b . The support member  40   b  is configured to provide support (in the form of a compression force, in this example) to a corresponding elbow region of the wearer that is greater than a compression force applied to the body of the wearer by a tether portions  44   b  of the at least one floating region  36   b  extending between the support member  40   b  and the connection regions  32   b . One or more parts of the tether portions  44   b  are dimensioned to enable substantially free movement of the outer shell  24   a  relative to the support member  40   b . The support members  40   b  are formed in a similar manner to the support member  40   a . In other embodiments, two or more support members can be provided on a support structure. 
     The support members  40   a ,  40   b  snugly fit atop of and remain positioned on the upper torso and elbow regions of the wearer, respectively. Some or all of the tether portions  44   a ,  44   b  loosely connect the support members  40   a ,  40   b  to the outer shell  24   a  at the connection regions  32   a ,  32   b . Thus, the outer shell  24   a  can move substantially freely relative to some or all of the support members  40   a ,  40   b . In some embodiments, the support structures  28   a ,  28   b  and/or the support members  40   a ,  40   b  can be made removable or otherwise adjustable via zippers, snaps, etc. 
     Reopenably closeable openings  48   a  are provided in the outer shell  24   a  to enable adjustment of the position, tension, etc. of the support members  40   b  on the elbow regions of the wearer. Each opening  48   a  can take the form of a zippered slit, an opening with overlapping panels that are unsecured or held together via one or more buttons or snaps, or hook-and-loop connectors, etc. The support member  40   b  can be provided with passive/active features to increase or decrease the compression provided across the support member  40   b  or along a portion thereof. Such active features can be accessed via the opening  48   a . One or more openings can be provided at various locations along the outer shell  24   a  to facilitate adjustment of the various support members  40   a ,  40   b . In other scenarios, the openings can be positioned anywhere along the outer shell to facilitate access to and adjustment of support members, such as for providing support for the lumbar, abdomen, neck, upper back, hips, knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders, etc. 
     A pair of pants  52  in accordance with an embodiment is shown in  FIGS.  1 C to  1 E . The pants  52  are constructed with the same general dimension and material considerations as described for the top  20  above. The pants  52  include an outer shell  24   c , and a support structure  28   c  that is connected to the outer shell  24   c  along a connection region  32   c . The support structure  28   c  has a floating region  36   c  extending from the connection region  32   c . The support structure  28   c  can be connected to the outer shell  24   c  via any suitable means. In one example, the support structure  28   c  can be woven together with the outer shell  52  along the connection regions  32   c . In another example, the support structure  28   c  can be stitched to the outer shell  24   c  along the connection regions  32   c . In a further example, the support structure  28   c  can be bonded to the outer shell  24   c  along the connection regions  32   c.    
     Extending along a portion of the at least one floating region  36   c  is a support member  40   c . The support member  40   c  is configured to provide structural support to the lumbar region of the wearer. 
     One or more parts of the tether portions  44   c  are dimensioned to enable substantially free movement of the outer shell  24   c  relative to the support member  40   c.    
     The pants  52  also include an additional support structure  28   d  positioned within each leg of the outer shell  24   c . Each support structure  28   d  is connected to the outer shell  24   c  along two connection regions  32   d , and has a floating region  36   d  extending between the two connection regions  32   d . The support structures  28   d  can be connected to the outer shell  24   c  via any suitable means. In one example, the support structures  28   d  can be woven together with the outer shell  24   c  along the connection regions  32   d . In another example, the support structures  28   d  can be stitched to the outer shell  24   c  along the connection regions  32   d . In a further example, the support structures  28   d  can be bonded to the outer shell along the connection regions  32   d  via any suitable means. 
     Extending along a portion of each floating region  36   d  is a support member  40   d . Each support member  40   d  is configured to apply a compression force and/or structural support to the knee of the wearer. 
     The support members  40   c ,  40   d  snugly fit atop of and remain positioned on the lumbar and knee regions of the wearer. One or more parts of the tether portions  44   c ,  44   d  are dimensioned to loosely connect the support members  40   c ,  40   d  to the outer shell  24   c  at the connection regions  32   c ,  32   d . Thus, the outer shell  24   c  can move substantially freely relative to the support members  40   c ,  40   d.    
     Reopenably closeable openings  48   c  are provided in the outer shell  24   c  to enable adjustment of the position, tension, etc. of the support members  40   d  on the knee regions of the wearer. Each opening  48   c  can take the form of a zippered slit, an opening with overlapping panels that are unsecured or held together via one or more buttons or snaps, or hook-and-loop connectors, etc. The support member  40   d  can be provided with passive/active features to increase or decrease the compression provided across the support member  40   d  or along a portion thereof. Such active features can be accessed via the openings  48   c . In this manner, a wearer can quickly and easily adjust or alleviate the support provided by the support member  40   d.    
       FIGS.  2 A to  2 C  show a support member  100  for a top in accordance with another embodiment. The support member  100  provides postural correction to support the upper back of a wearer. An upper back support component  104  is dimensioned to span the upper back of a wearer. A pair of shoulder support components  108  extend from the upper back support component  104  and wrap around the front of the shoulders of a wearer. When worn by a person, the support member  100  applies a force on the shoulders if they are positioned forward of a neutral position associated with good posture. 
       FIG.  2 D  shows the layers of construction of the shoulder support component  108 . A compression fabric  112  such as lycra or any other suitable fabric for applying compression is positioned closest to the skin of a wearer and is overlaid with a stretch thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film  116 . Next, another compression fabric  120  similar to the compression fabric  112  is positioned atop of the stretch TPU film  116  and a polyurethane (PU) overlay film  124  covers the underlying components  112  to  120 . The layers  112  to  124  are heat bonded with a heat press machine. In other embodiments, the shoulder support component is made via silicone printing on textile, PU foam injection on textile, etc. 
       FIG.  2 E  shows the layers of construction of the upper back support component  104 . A compression fabric  128  such as lycra or any other suitable fabric for applying compression is positioned closest to the skin of a wearer and is overlaid with a stretch TPU film  132 . Next, another compression fabric  136  similar to the compression fabric  128  is positioned atop of the stretch TPU film  132  and is covered by another layer of stretch TPU film  140 . A third layer of compression fabric  144  similar to  128  and  136  is positioned atop of the second layer of stretch TPU film  140  and is covered by a PU overlay film  148 . The layers  128  to  148  are heat bonded with a heat press machine. After heat bonding, perforations  152  are formed via laser cutting in the top center of the upper back support component  104  to provide breathability. 
     Once the shoulder support components  108  and the upper back support component  104  are formed, they are flatlock stitched together as shown in  FIG.  2 F . 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  show tether portions  156   a ,  156   b ,  156   c ,  156   d , and  156   e  (alternatively referred to as tether portions  156 ) that are to be connected to the support member of  FIG.  2 A . The tether portions  156  are preferably constructed of a lightweight material. For example, the tether portions  156  can be made of a stretch poly spandex mesh or a lightweight Lycra. Support member-interfacing regions  160  and connection regions  164  are positioned around edges of the tether portions  156 . 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  show a support structure  168  formed from the support member  100  and the tether portions  156 . The support member  100  is connected to the support member-interfacing regions  160  of the tether portions  156  via any suitable means, such as stitching or heat bonding. 
     Once the support structure  168  is assembled, it is connected to an outer shell  172  to form a top  176  as shown in  FIG.  5   . In particular, the connection regions  164  and various components, including sleeve components  180   a ,  180   b , an upper torso component  180   c , a collar component  180   d , and a lower torso component  180   e , are stitched together to form the outer shell  172 . While, in this embodiment, the connection regions  164  are stitched to the outer shell  172  along seams thereof, it will be appreciated that the connection regions  164  can be secured to the outer shell  172  via stitching or any other suitable means at positions other than at seams of the outer shell  172  in other embodiments. Near the shoulders, areas of the support member  100  can directly extend from the connection regions  164  whereas the support member  100  can be coupled to the connection regions  164  via the tether portions  156  in other areas. 
     As will be appreciated, where there is spacing between the support member-interfacing region  160  and the connection region  164  of the tether portions  156 , a greater degree of freedom between movement of the support member  100  and the outer shell  172  is afforded. 
       FIGS.  6 A to  6 D  show the assembled top  176 . In particular,  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  show the outside view of the assembled top  176 , and  FIGS.  6 C to  6 D  show the inner view (inside out/reversed), showing the compression support member  100  and the tether portions  156 . 
       FIGS.  7 A to  7 C  show a lumbar support member  200  in accordance with a further embodiment. The lumbar support member  200  is integrated into pants, as will be further described below. A user can adjust the tension provided by the lumbar support member  200  to their desired level. 
     The lumbar support member  200  includes a pair of stiffening bars  204  made of 2 millimeter acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic plates sandwiched between layers of 3 millimeter comfort foam. The stiffening bars  204  can be any suitably stiff material or combination of materials and their shape and/or dimensions can be modified as desired. Spacing SP between the stiffening bars  204  accommodates the spine of the wearer. The stiffening bars  204  are sandwiched between two composite compression layers  208  that include a layer of compression fabric bonded with TPU film to form a support layer  212 . The compression fabric can be any suitable material that be used to compress the lumbar region of a user. Perforations  218  are laser cut in the compression layer  208  that is positioned closest to a user&#39;s skin for breathability. A micro hook patch  216  with a PU backing is stitched to each end of the support layer  212 . A stretch loop  220  is stitched to the stiffening layer and extends laterally. The stretch loop  220  has a TPU bonded compression fabric backing  224 . The stiffening bars  204  resist flexure of the lumbar support member to support the lower back of a user. In other embodiments, the lumbar support can be provided via any other suitable means, such as injected PU foam over textile. 
       FIG.  7 D  shows the assembly of the lumbar support member  200  with a tether portion  228  to form a lumbar support structure  232  prior to integration into the pants. The tether portion  228  has a support member-interfacing region  236  to which the lumbar support member  200  is stitched, and a connection region  240 .  FIGS.  7 E and  7 F  show the front and rear of the assembled lumbar support structure  232  after wrapping of the stretch loop  220  around so that the fabric backing  224  is engaged by the micro hook patch  216 . 
       FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  show a portion of pants  244  with the lumbar support structure  232  integrated therein. In particular, the tether portion  228  of the lumbar support structure  232  is secured to an outer shell  248  of the pants  244  via the connection region  240 . The tether portion  228  is dimensioned so that the position (i.e., height) of the outer shell  248  can be adjusted relative to the lumbar support member  200 . The connection region  240  is positioned below a waistline  252  so that there is room to tuck a top positioned over the lumbar support member  200  within the waistline  252  inside the outer shell  248 . A V-shaped gap between the ends of the tether portion  228  positioned in the front of the pants  244  enables the tether portion  228  to not obstruct a front zippered or buttoned opening  260 , such as may be present in some pants. 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  shows a knee support member  264  that is also integrated with the pants of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  as will be explained below. The knee support member  264  is formed from two panels  268   a ,  268   b  that are stitched together along a first set of opposing lateral edges  272   a  and along a second set of opposing lateral edges  272   b  to form a sleeve. The panels  268   a ,  268   b  are constructed from two layers of a compression fabric, such as lycra, with stretch TPU film by heat press. A loop fabric patch  276  is stitched on the panel  268   a . A tab  280  having a microhook patch  284  secured on an undersurface thereof is stitched together with the lateral edges  272   b  of the panels  268   a ,  268   b . By decoupling the microhook patch  284  from the loop fabric patch  276  and moving it along a tightening axis TA before resecuring it to the loop fabric patch  276 , the knee support member  264  can be tightened or loosened about the knee of a wearer. The loop fabric patch  276  extends laterally so that the microhook patch  284  can be secured thereto along a range of lateral positions along the tightening axis TA. 
       FIG.  9 C  shows a tether portion  288  that is stitched together to close gaps  292  in its shape to form a frustoconical gusset. One such tether portion  288  is stitched to top and bottom edges of the knee support member  264  to form a knee support structure  296 , as shown in  FIG.  9 D . Connection regions  300   a ,  300   b  along the top and bottom tether portions  288 , respectively, are positioned away from the knee support member  264 . 
       FIG.  10    shows the full assembly of the pants  244  of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B . The outer shell  248  is formed from three outer shell components  304   a ,  304   b , and  304   c . The upper and middle outer shell components  304   a ,  304   b  have a first set of opposing edges  308 , and the middle and lower outer shell components  304   b ,  304   c  have a second set of opposing edges  312 . During assembly, the connection regions  240  of the lumbar support structure  232  are stitched to corresponding connection regions  308  of the top outer shell component  304   a  below and spaced from the waistline  252 , as described above. The upper connection regions  300   a  of the two knee support structures  296  are stitched together with the connection regions  308  between the top and middle outer shell components  304   a ,  304   b . The lower connection regions  300   b  of the two knee support structures are stitched together with the connection regions  312  between the middle and lower outer shell components  304   b ,  304   c.    
     The assembled pants  244  are shown in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B . The outer shell  248  includes two adjustment openings  316  along opposite sides of each leg to provide access to the knee support member  264  to enable its adjustment, as described above. Zippers  320  reopenably close the adjustment openings  316 , but buttons, hook-and-loop fabric strips, or any other suitable closure elements can be employed to reopenably close the adjustment openings. 
       FIG.  12    shows the relationship between the knee support member  264  and the outer shell  248  of the pants  244 . The knee support member  264  is dimensioned to fit snugly about the mid-leg of a wearer about the knee, in contrast to the outer shell  248  that fits relatively loosely about the leg of the wearer. The knee support member  264  is stitched to the tether portions  288  that are, in turn, stitched via the connection regions  300   a ,  300   b  to the outer shell  248 . While the knee support member  264  fits snugly about the mid-leg of the wearer, the outer shell  248  is afforded freedom to move loosely as the tether portions  288  provide sufficient slack between the knee support member  264  and the outer shell  248 . The adjustment openings  316  enable the user to adjust the support provided by the knee support member  264  while the pants  244  are being worn by the user. 
       FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  shows a top  400  in accordance with another embodiment. The top  400  has a support structure  28   e  that extends internally over an entire outer shell  24   e  and is connected to the outer shell  24   e  at connection regions  32   e . Floating support members  408   a  and  408   b  are positioned between the outer shell  24   e  and floating regions  36   e  of the support structure  28   e . The floating support members  408   a ,  408   b  provide support zones that may be shifted relative to the floating regions  36   e  and the outer shell  24   e , as the floating support members  408   a ,  408   b  are not secured to the support structure  28   e.    
     Recloseable openings  48   e  are provided in the outer shell  24   e  to enable adjustment of the positioning of the floating support members  408   b  providing the support members on the elbow regions of the wearer. Each recloseable opening  48   e  can take the form of a zippered slit, an opening with overlapping panels that are unsecured or held together via one or more buttons or snaps, or hook-and-loop connectors, etc. 
       FIGS.  13 C and  13 D  shows a pair of pants  420  having an outer shell  24   f  through which a support structure  28   f  extends internally. The support structure  28   f  is connected to the outer shell  24   f  at connection regions  32   f . Floating support members  408   f  are positioned between the outer shell  24   f  and floating regions  36   f  of the support structure  28   f . The floating support members  408   f  provide support zones that may be shifted relative to the floating regions  36   f  and the outer shell  24   f , as the floating support members  408   f  are not secured to the support structure  28   f.    
     Recloseable openings  48   f  are provided in the outer shell  24   f  to enable adjustment of the positioning of the floating support members  408   f  providing the support zones on the knee regions of the wearer. Each recloseable opening  48   f  can take the form of a zippered slit, an opening with overlapping panels that are unsecured or held together via one or more buttons or snaps, or hook-and-loop connectors, etc. 
     In the configurations of  FIGS.  13 A to  13 D , it is possible to change the support provided by the floating support members  408   a ,  408   b . The floating support members  408   a ,  408   b  can be made to be removeable via a zipper or other fastener so that they can be removed and replaced via the recloseable openings  48   f , thereby enabling articles of clothing to readily adjusted for the support needs of the wearer. 
       FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  show a top  500  in accordance with a further embodiment. The top  500  has a support structure  28   g  that extends internally over an entire outer shell  24   g  and is connected to the outer shell  24   g  at connection regions  32   g . Support members  40   g  are provided by different weaves or materials woven or assembled into floating regions  36   g  and can be designed to provide targeted support to particular areas of the body of the wearer. Suitable materials for the floating regions  36   g  can include, for example, a seamless knit where the floating regions  36   g  are made using different weaves. If the support members  40   g  are made by an assembly of materials that are stitched or bonded, it could be, for example, jersey, interlock, mesh, Ponte de Roma (double knit fabric), rib, canvas/plain weave, twill/serge, poplin, etc. 
     Recloseable openings  48   g  is provided in the outer shell  24   g  to enable adjustment of the positioning of the support members  40   g  on the elbow regions of the wearer. Each recloseable opening  48   g  can take the form of a zippered slit, an opening with overlapping panels that are unsecured or held together via one or more buttons or snaps, or hook-and-loop connectors, etc. Recloseable openings can optionally be provided on the torso to enable adjustment of the support member  40   g  positioned thereon. 
       FIGS.  14 C and  14 D  shows a pair of pants  520  having an outer shell  24   h  through which a support structure  28   h  extends internally. The support structure  28   h  is connected to the outer shell  24   h  at connection regions  32   h . Support members  40   h  are provided by different weaves or materials woven into floating regions  36   h  and can be designed to provide targeted support to particular areas of the body of the wearer. 
     Recloseable openings  48   h  are provided in the outer shell  24   h  to enable adjustment of the positioning of the floating support members  508   h  providing the support members on the knee regions of the wearer. Each recloseable opening  48   h  can take the form of a zippered slit, an opening with overlapping panels that are unsecured or held together via one or more buttons or snaps, or hook-and-loop connectors, etc. 
       FIGS.  15 A and  15 B  show a top  600  in accordance with a yet another embodiment. A set of support structures  28   i  are connected to an outer shell  24   i  at connection regions  32   i . Support members  40   i  providing support zones are retained by tether portions  44   i  that include straps, textile panels, etc. 
     Recloseable openings  48   i  are provided in the outer shell  24   i  to enable adjustment of the positioning of the support members  40   i  on the elbow regions of the wearer. Each recloseable opening  48   i  can take the form of a zippered slit, an opening with overlapping panels that are unsecured or held together via one or more buttons or snaps, or hook-and-loop connectors, etc. 
       FIGS.  15 C and  15 D  show a pair of pants  620  having an outer shell  24   j . A set of support structures  28   j  is connected to the outer shell  24   j  at connection regions  32   j . The support structures  28   j  include support members  40   j  providing support zones that are retained by tether portions  44   j  that include straps, textile panels, etc. The straps, textile panels, etc. are connected at distal ends thereof to the outer shell  24   j.    
     Recloseable openings  48   j  are provided in the outer shell  24   j  to enable adjustment of the positioning of the floating support members  40   j  providing the support zones on the knee regions of the wearer. Each recloseable opening  48   j  can take the form of a zippered slit, an opening with overlapping panels that are unsecured or held together via one or more buttons or snaps, or hook-and-loop connectors, etc. 
     The support members can be made of any suitable material or material structures. Exemplary materials for providing the support members can include, for example, stretch knit fabric with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bonding, perforated stretch knit fabric with TPU bonding, stretch knit fabric with silicone details, stretch knit fabric with TPU bonding mixed with stretch mesh for more breathability, heavy stretch knit fabric (optionally with silicone details), seamless knitted sleeves, neoprene, TPU or polyurethane (PU), and stretch woven fabric. 
     The tether portions can be made of any suitable material or material structures for connecting areas of the support members to the outer shell. Examples include a stretch poly spandex mesh or a lightweight Lycra. 
     The support members and the tether portions can be formed unitarily. For example, the support members and the tether portions can be woven as one piece with different knits being employed in the support member to provide different characteristics. In another example, additional materials can be applied or stitched to the woven pieces to form the support members. 
     The support structures can be connected to the outer shell in the connection regions via any suitable means, such as stitching, bonding, etc. 
     The outer shells can be made of any suitable material for apparel. 
     The articles of clothing herein provide support for the postural (thoracic), lower back (lumbar and core), neck (cervical) and head, elbow, knee, ankle and feet, hips, vascular, and muscular requirements of the wearer. 
     In other embodiments, it is desirable to enable relatively independent positioning of the outer shell and the support member on the body of a wearer. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to tops and pants, the same concepts can be applied to other types of clothing items, such as shorts, t-shirts, shirts, vests, jackets, one-piece suits, bras, underwear (panties, briefs, boxers, etc.), base layers, etc. 
     Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.