Patent Publication Number: US-8122520-B2

Title: Lower-body garment having a secure waist assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to garments for the lower body and, more particularly, such garments having a waist assembly configured for a secure and comfortable fit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The fit of a garment around the waist of the wearer is an important design consideration. This is particularly true for garments used in sports. A proper fit can contribute to an athlete&#39;s performance, whereas an improper fit can hamper performance. 
     Certain activities such as combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA) and water sports such as surfing can be particularly challenging for the design of the garment having a secure waist fit. In situations encountered while participating in such activities, tugging, water currents, or other forces tend to pull the garment downward, risking inadvertent removal of the garment or otherwise challenge a secure waist fit. Moreover, exposure to water or perspiration can adversely influence the waist fit, exacerbating the risk. 
     Current approaches for a secure waist fit typically require substantial, bulky material around the waist, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Thus, the wearer must often time sacrifice a secure waist fit for comfort and better looking fit or sacrifices the comfort and look for a secure waist fit. 
     It should be appreciated that there remains a need for a garment that addresses these concerns. The present invention fulfills this need and others. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In general terms, the invention discloses a garment having an outer shell and a waist assembly. The outer shell includes a waistband, and the waist assembly is attached to the interior side of the waistband at a prescribed location on the waist assembly with the remaining portions of the waist assembly being free of the outer shell. The waist assembly can include an intermediate section, end sections, and end fasteners, which cooperate to promote a secure and comfortable waist fit. When secured in place, the waist assembly wraps snuggly against the waist of the wearer. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the waist assembly is coupled to the inner side of the waistband of the outer shell. The waist assembly includes an intermediate section positioned to be proximate to the backside of the wearer&#39;s when worn, a grip portion secured to the intermediate section and positioned to contact the wearer, and end fasteners coupled to opposing sides of the intermediate section, the end fasteners configured to attach to each other in the front side of the wearer inside the waist band, to secure the waist assembly around the waist of the wearer. 
     In a detailed aspect of another embodiment, the attachment between the outer shell and the waist assembly can be confined to an upper region of the intermediate section, proximate to the upper edge thereof. In such configurations, stitching can be used that extends substantially the entire length of the intermediate section. Alternatively, attachment means can be interspersed along the length of the intermediate section, proximate to the upper edge. 
     In another detailed aspect of yet another embodiment, the intermediate section has sufficient length to extend across a substantial portion of the wearer&#39;s back along the waist area and preferably between about 60 degrees to 300 degrees and, more preferably at least 160 degrees about the wearer, as centered on the midpoint of the back portion of the waistband. In selected embodiments, the length of the intermediate section extends at least about 180 degrees about the wearer. 
     In yet another detailed aspect of still another embodiment, the waist assembly includes an intermediate section formed of stretch material, such as two-way stretch material, and two end sections formed of non-stretch material disposed on opposing side ends of the intermediate section. The intermediate section is positioned proximate to the backside of the wearer, with the end sections proximate to the sides of the wearer. End fasteners, such as tie strings, extend from each of the end sections, and secure to each other in front of the wearer. 
     In yet another detailed aspect of still yet another embodiment, grip portions are disposed on the intermediate section to contact the wearer. The grip portion can be formed of material such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or silicone material. In a further embodiment, the grip portions are formed by silicone material printed onto the intermediate section. 
     In an independent aspect of the invention, a garment worn on the lower body is provided having an outer shell having a waistband and defining a pair of leg openings and an interior pocket disposed on an interior side the outer shell proximate to one of the leg openings of the outer shell such that the interior pocket can be accessed through the leg opening, while worn. 
     In a detailed aspect of another further embodiment, an opening to the interior pocket spaced apart from a bottom edge of the outer shell and includes a flap that extends over the pocket opening. 
     In another detailed aspect of yet a further embodiment, the pocket is disposed on a front half of the outer shell. Alternatively, the pocket can be disposed on a rear half of the outer shell. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a garment in accordance with the present invention, depicting a waist assembly attached to an interior side of a waistband of an outer shell. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear cut-away view of depicting the waist assembly of the garment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the waist of the garment of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , depicting the waistband and the waist assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is rear perspective view of the garment of  FIG. 1 , depicting a fastener cover and holes in the waistband for receiving tie strings. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the garment of  FIG. 1 , depicting an interior pocket in phantom located proximate to the left leg opening of the garment. 
         FIG. 6  is an isolated view of the interior pocket of  FIG. 5 , as viewed from an interior side of the leg of the garment. 
     
    
    
     Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a garment, i.e., athletic shorts  10 , having an outer shell  12  and a waist assembly  14 . The outer shell  12  includes a waistband  16  that defines a waist opening. The waist assembly is attached to the interior side of the waistband at a prescribed location on the waist assembly with the remaining portions of the waist assembly being free of the outer shell. The waist assembly includes an intermediate section  20 , end sections  22 , and end fasteners  24 , which cooperate to promote a secure and comfortable waist fit. When secured in place, the waist assembly wraps snuggly against the waist of the wearer. 
     In use, the wearer secures the end fasteners  24  together such that the end sections  22  hold intermediate section snug against wearer. The waist assembly  14  further includes grip portions  26  secured to the intermediate section  20 . The grip portions are configured to maintain the shorts in place, by promoting secure contact against thee wearer. In this manner, the shorts maintain a secure fit in across many situations, even when exposed to perspiration or water. As a result, the shorts are particularly effective for combat sports such as martial arts, wrestling, and mixed martial arts, as well as, for water sports such as surfing. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the waist assembly  14  includes two grip portions  26  disposed on the intermediate section  20 . The grip portions are positioned to contact the wearer on opposing sides of the wearer&#39;s spine. In one embodiment, the grip portions are permanently attached via sonic welding; nonetheless, other means of attachment can be used such as printing, sewing, heat transfer, adhesives, and so on. The grip portions are formed of material having a measure of tackiness, such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR) material to aid in maintaining as secure waist fit. In other embodiments, silicone material such as silicone pads can be used and can be applied via printing onto the intermediate section or other attachment methods. Other materials providing sufficient tackiness can be used, such as rubber or manmade synthetic material. 
     The grip portions  26  are sufficiently sized to provide a substantial surface area for contact with the wearer. In another embodiment, the grip portions have a generally oval shape having a longitudinal axis aligned with the upper edge of the waist assembly. Each grip portion has a length between about 3 inches and about 10 inches, and in the exemplary embodiment of about 7 inches. The width of each grip portion is between about 1 inch and 5 inches, and the exemplary embodiment has a width of about 3 inches. 
     In other embodiments, grip portions can be provided in other shapes, sizes, and numbers without departing from the invention. For example, the grip portions can be configured as a plurality of cross-hatched lines or aligned geometric shapes of grip material spaced along the intermediate section of waist assembly. Alternatively, a single grip portion of a prescribed shape and size can be used. 
     The intermediate section  20  of the waist assembly  12  is formed of stretch material such as stretch fabric. In yet another embodiment, it is formed of two layers of four-way stretch fabric such as spandex. Alternatively, the intermediate section can be formed of two-way stretch material, used in single or multiple layers. In such embodiments, the two-way stretch material can be oriented to stretch laterally around with waist. In use, the intermediate section is stretched snuggly against the wearer, facilitating a comfortable and secure waist fit. As a result, the grip portions are held against the wearer, further ensuring a secure fit. In other embodiments, non-stretch fabric, whether single or multiple layers, can be used. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , the upper edge  28  of the intermediate section  20  is preferably aligned with or slightly below the upper edge  30  of the waistband  16  of the outer shell. The intermediate section is coupled to the waistband proximate to the upper edge via stitching  32 . The stitching extends substantially the entirely length of the intermediate section. In other embodiments, the stitching can be interspersed across the length of the intermediate section, or positioned in one or more prescribed locations. The lower edge  48  of the waist assembly  14  is not attached to the outer shell. Thus, when the waist assembly is secured in place, it is free to conform against the waist of the wearer. 
     Alternatively, other means of attaching the intermediate section to the waistband can be used, such as, hook-and-loop material, buttons, snaps, zippers, tie strings, and so on. In addition, intervening material can be used to couple the intermediate section to the waistband. For example, a section of non-stretch material can be used between the waistband and the intermediate section, to which the intermediate section and the waistband are attached. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 2 , the intermediate section  20  has a width between about 3 inches and about 10 inches and, in still another embodiment, the width is about 5 inches. The intermediate section, as shown, is generally rectangular with a constant width profile, however a variable width can be used in other embodiments. 
     The intermediate section  20  has sufficient length to extend across a substantial portion of the wearer&#39;s back along the waist area and preferably between about 60 degrees to 300 degrees and, more preferably at least 160 degrees about the wearer, as measured in an equal manner about the midpoint of the back portion of the waistband. In still yet another embodiment, the length of the intermediate section  20  is a function of the waist circumference of the shorts, extending about 180 degrees about the wearer. 
     The end sections  22  are coupled to opposing ends of the intermediate section  20 . The end sections are formed of non-stretch material as compared to the intermediate section. In the exemplary embodiment, the end sections are formed a polyester fabric, such as, nylon webbing. However, other materials and configurations can be used, such as cotton, polyester, rayon, bamboo, hemp, and others. The end sections prevent the four-way stretch material from bunching by creating an equal pulling force when tightened. The end sections  22  have the same width as the intermediate section to which they are attached via stitching. 
     As mentioned above, the intermediate section  20  is sewn to the waistband  16  of the outer shell  12 . The end sections are not directly attached to the waistband  16 . Instead, the end sections are free to provide a smooth stretch of the intermediate section by securing the end fasteners together. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , each end fastener  24  extends from a corresponding end section  22 . The end fasteners are configured as tie strings having sufficient length so that they can be tied to each other in the front side of the wearer proximate to the fly opening  34 . In other embodiments, other configurations of fasteners can be used to stretch the intermediate section so that it is secure against the wearer. For example, the end fasteners can be configured as straps extending from the end section in which the straps having hook-and-loop material, clasps, buttons, or other means of attaching to each other. The tie strings can be of varying sizes and materials, such as cotton, polyester, rayon, bamboo, hemp, and others. 
     With now to reference to  FIG. 4 , a plurality of holes  36  are defined on an interior side of the shorts proximate to the upper edge thereof, proximate to the fly opening  34 . The holes positioned to be threaded with the end fasteners  24  of the waist assembly  14 . Selected holes are cooperatively defined by the waistband and a fly panel  38  disposed behind the fly opening. 
     The athletic shorts  10  further include a fastener cover  40  for protecting the end fasteners  24  of the waist assembly  14 . The cover is attached to an interior side of the shorts proximate to an upper edge thereof via stitching. In a further embodiment, the cover is formed of an elastomeric material, such as neoprene, disposed between two outer layers or one layer formed of fiber material such as spandex. The fastener is configured to fold over the upper edge of the waistband to cooperate with a fly closure  42  ( FIG. 1 ) disposed on the front side to secure the cover in place. 
     More particularly, the fastener cover  40  includes a complementary side of hook-and-loop material  44  to mate with a corresponding portion on the fly closure  42  ( FIG. 1 ). In use, the wearer ties the strings  24  together then folds the cover over the knot and secures fastener to the fly closure, over the upper edge of the waistband. Thus, the cover not only aids in keeping the knot tied but also provides a measure of comfort for the wearer. This is particularly effective for surfing shorts, since surfers tend to lie on a surfboard for extended periods. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the fly panel  38  is disposed over an interior side of the fly opening  34 . In another further embodiment, the fly panel is formed of two layers of four-way stretch fabric and is attached to the interior side of the outer shell extending across the fly opening. The fly panel is secured in place via stitching. In other embodiments, various other materials and securement methods can be used for the fly panel, or it can be excluded entirely. 
     In the present example, the fly closure  42  is formed of hook-and-loop material disposed on opposing sides of the fly opening substantially the entire length of the opening. In other embodiments, various other materials and securement methods can be used for the closing the fly opening without departing from the invention. Alternatively, shorts in accordance with the invention can exclude a fly opening entirely. 
     In still a further embodiment, the outer shell  12  is formed of multiple components. The waistband  16  is formed of a non-stretch material such as polyester. The outer shell further includes front panels disposed below the waistband formed of stretch fabric. In the exemplary embodiment, the elastic material is formed of stretch fabric, such as spandex; however, other materials and construction providing elastic properties can be used. In other embodiments, the material and configuration of the outer shell can be selected to suit a particular application such as surfing, combat sports, cross training, and so on. For example, the garment in accordance with the invention can be configured a particular type of garment such as surfing shorts, MMA shorts, general athletic shorts, training shorts, track shorts, training sweat pants, track pants, workout pants, and to name a few. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the shorts  10  further include an interior pocket  50  disposed on an interior side of the outer shell proximate to one or more of the leg openings of the outer shell. More particularly, the pocket is sewn onto the interior side of the front leg panel of the outer shell. The pocket includes a flap  52  that extends over a pocket opening  54 , which is spaced apart from the bottom edge  56 . In other embodiments, such as surf shorts, the pocket can be located on the interior side of the back leg panel. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the pocket  50  is formed of stretch material (e.g., four-way stretch material such as spandex). The pocket includes a first piece of stretch material folded along a bottom fold  58 , forming a front portion  60  and a back panel (not shown), and further includes a second piece of stretch material, forming the flap  52 . The side edges  62  of the flap are sewn in place to aid in securing the items within the pocket. Alternatively, other types of enclosures for internal pockets may be used, including hook and loop, buttons, zippers, snaps and so on. Stitch lines secure the pocket to the outer shell. 
     In use, the wearer can easily access the pocket through the leg opening  70 . The pocket is sized to secure a mouth guard, such as those used in combat sports. In one example, the pocket is approximately 5 inches by 6 inches. The location of the pocket on an interior side proximate to the leg opening is advantageous in that the pocket is free of externally exposed portions and that the user need not loosen or alter the waistband to gain access to the internal pocket. 
     It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a garment having an outer shell and a waist assembly. The outer shell includes a waistband that defines a waist opening. The waist assembly is attached to the interior side of the waistband at a prescribed location on the waist assembly with the remaining portions of the waist assembly being free of the outer shell. The waist assembly includes an intermediate section, end sections, and end fasteners, which cooperate to promote a secure and comfortable waist fit. When secured in place, the waist assembly wraps snuggly against the waist of the wearer. 
     Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the attendant claims attached hereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein.