Abstract:
Apparel articles such as undergarments, performance apparel, and other articles of clothes are described. The apparel articles incorporate various combinations of materials and fabrics to offer breathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management, odor-free protection, and/or other benefits. The articles can have an open- or closed-front design. Further, an insert can be fixed or removably secured to a gusset section of the article to offer replacement and cleaning convenience. The inserts can be comprised of materials such as viscose, polyester, and/or other materials.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to apparel with improved protection and performance. More particularly, this invention relates to open- and closed-style undergarments with incorporated or removable inserts that offer improved performance and moisture management. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Current performance and intimate apparel incorporates different materials to aid in common problems related to sweat, moisture incurred in high energy activities, general incontinence, or other problems. More particularly, some apparel comprises materials capable of wicking away some moisture from the skin. Further, many current garments incorporate a predominate percentage of cotton in the body of the garments. However, there are shortcomings in current performance and intimate apparel and garments. For example, current apparel is inefficient or ineffective in offering breathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management, and/or odor-free protection. Further, current apparel does not offer open- and closed-style designs with incorporated or removable inserts configured to aid in or improve the ability of the wearer to stay dry through breathability, wicking, and the use of absorbent, non-woven materials. 
         [0003]    Therefore, a need exists for improved performance and intimate apparel that can efficiently and effectively alleviate common problems. More particularly, a need exists for performance and intimate apparel comprising new and improved combinations of fabrics, and constructed in open styles and closed styles, with incorporated or removable inserts. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Implementations are directed to an undergarment for improving protection. The undergarment comprises a body with a gusset section attached thereto. The gusset section comprises a front section that is configured to be removably secured to the body, and an opening comprising a set of tabs. The undergarment further comprises an insert that is configured to be inserted into the opening and removably secured to the gusset section via the set of tabs. 
         [0005]    According to implementations in another regard, an apparel article for improving protection is disclosed. The apparel article comprises a body with a gusset section attached thereto, wherein the gusset section comprises an inner layer and an outer layer configured to be attached to the body, and an insert positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the insert is comprised of at least one of viscose and polyester. 
         [0006]    According to implementations in another regard, an article of clothing is disclosed. The article of clothing comprises a gusset section configured to be removably secured to an individual. The gusset section comprises an outer layer of fabric, and a layer of waterproof material positioned adjacent to the outer layer of fabric. The article of clothing further comprises an insert positioned adjacent to the waterproof layer, wherein the insert is comprised of at least one of viscose and polyester. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the implementations. 
           [0008]      FIGS. 1A-D  illustrate an exemplary undergarment comprising a closed gusset with a removable insert according to various implementations. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary undergarment comprising a fixed gusset with a fixed insert according to various implementations. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 3A-C  illustrate an exemplary undergarment comprising an open gusset with a removable insert according to various implementations. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4A-B  illustrate an exemplary undergarment according to various implementations. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5A-C  illustrate an exemplary undergarment according to various implementations. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary performance apparel according to various implementations. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments (exemplary embodiments) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following description is, therefore, merely exemplary. 
         [0015]    While the invention has been illustrated with respect to one or more implementations, alterations and/or modifications can be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular function. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” The term “at least one of” is used to mean one or more of the listed items can be selected. 
         [0016]    Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges, percentages, and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “less than 10” can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 1 to 5. In certain cases, the numerical values as stated for the parameter can take on negative values. In this case, the example value of range stated as “less than 10” can assume values as defined earlier plus negative values, e.g. −1, −1.2, −1.89, −2, −2.5, −3, −10, −20, −30, etc. It shall be further understood that any disclosed percentages of material composition are merely exemplary, and that other percentages are envisioned. 
         [0017]    Embodiments as described herein generally relate to performance and intimate apparel. In particular, the performance and intimate apparel can comprise materials and designs that can offer improved breathability, water repellency, wicking, moisture management, odor-free protection, and/or other benefits. Further, the performance and intimate apparel can comprise natural and synthetic materials such as, for example, nylon, spandex, lycra, viscose, bamboo, polyester, rayon, Supplex®, polyurethane, and/or other fabrics or materials. According to implementations, the apparel can comprise or otherwise be a part of underwear, yoga wear, adult and child diapers, active wear, performance wear, military field wear, and/or other types of apparel that can comprise textiles and/or non-woven materials configured to be odor-free, wick moisture from the skin, repel water, be flame retardant, and/or perform other functions. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , depicted is an exemplary apparel article  100 . More particularly,  FIG. 1A  depicts a gusset section of the article  100 . It should be appreciated that the article  100  depicted in  FIG. 1A  is merely exemplary and that other articles and configurations thereof are envisioned. 
         [0019]    The article  100  can comprise a front stitch line  102  that can be configured to secure the various layers of the gusset region from the front of the article  100 . Further, the article  100  can comprise a back stitch line  104  that can be configured to secure the various layers of the gusset region from the back of the article  100 . Referring to  FIG. 1B , depicted is a detailed view of a gusset region  110  of the article  100 . According to implementations, the gusset region  110  can comprise a set of layers configured to improve the performance of the article  100 . In particular, the gusset region  110  can comprise an outer fabric  112 , a waterproof layer  114 , and a set of lining pocket tabs  116 . The outer fabric  112  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, microfiber, polyester, viscose, spandex, and/or others. Further, the waterproof layer  114  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, terry cloth, microfiber, and/or others. In some embodiments, the waterproof layer  114  can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane, or 75% polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of lining pocket tabs  116  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or others. In some embodiments, the set of lining pocket tabs  116  can be comprised of 100% polyester. 
         [0020]    The set of lining pocket tabs  116  can be configured to receive and secure a removable pad  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1C . For example, as indicated by  122  in  FIG. 1C , the ends of the removable pad  120  can be inserted into the respective set of lining pocket tabs  116 , such that the removable pad  120  can be secured in the gusset region  110 . Further, the removable pad  120  can be removed from the set of lining pocket tabs  116 . In implementations, the removable pad  120  can be washable and reusable in the article  100 , or other articles. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1D , depicted is a detailed view of the removable pad  120 . In implementations, the removable pad  120  can comprise two (2) layers of core material  132  and two (2) layers of lining  130 . Further, the removable pad  120  can be in a range of about 6″ to 12″ long, and 1.5″ to 5″ wide. Still further, the layers of the core material  132  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, viscose, polyester, spandex, nylon, non-woven materials, and/or others, and the layers of lining  130  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, terry cloth, microfiber, polyester, and/or others. In some embodiments, the layers of the core material  132  can be comprised of 100% viscose, or 50% polyester and 50% viscose. Further, in some embodiments, the layers of lining  130  can be comprised of 100% polyester microfiber. It should be appreciated that the removable pad  120  can comprise other layer amounts of core material and lining, and can be other dimensions. In embodiments, the removable pad  120  can be finished with a marrow stitched on one or more edges. Further, any or all of the layers of core materials  132  and layers of lining  130  can be stitched through vertically so that the removable pad  120  can stay together through use, washing, and other activities. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1D , the removable pad  120  can comprise two (2), or other amounts, of lines stitched therethrough. In implementations, the removable pad  120  can comprise a strip of Velcro® 125 or other similar fastening material or device on one or both ends, for optional fastening or securing to the set of lining pocket tabs  116 . 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , depicted is an exemplary gusset region  200  of an exemplary article, such as the article  100 . According to implementations, the gusset region  200  can comprise a fixed insert, in contrast to the removable pad  120  functionality as shown in  FIG. 1C . More particular, the gusset region  200  can comprise an outer self fabric  212 , a waterproof layer  214 , and a lining  216 . In implementations, the outer fabric  212  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, viscose, and/or combinations thereof. Further, the waterproof layer  214  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, and/or others. In some embodiments, the waterproof layer  214  can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane, or 75% polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of lining pocket tabs  216  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, cotton, terry cloth, microfiber, and/or others. In embodiments, the set of lining pocket tabs  216  can be comprised of 100% polyester. 
         [0023]    The gusset region  200  can further comprise an absorbent core  220  that can be configured to repel and/or wick moisture, and/or perform other functions. The absorbent core  220  can be configured with the same amount and type of layers as the removable pad  120 , as described herein. For example, the absorbent core  220  can comprise one or more layers of core material and/or one or more layers of lining. Further, the absorbent core  220  can be in a range of about 6″ to 12″ long, and 1.5″ to 5″ wide. It should be appreciated that the absorbent core  220  can comprise other dimensions. Still further, the core material layer(s) of the absorbent core  220  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, viscose, polyester, and/or others, and the lining layers can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, and/or others. In some embodiments, the core material layer(s) of the absorbent core  220  can be comprised of 100% viscose, or 50% polyester and 50% viscose. Further, in some embodiments, the layers of lining of the absorbent core  220  can be comprised of 100% polyester microfiber. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , depicted is an exemplary apparel article  300 . More particularly, the article  300  can function as an open-front gusset. The article  300  can comprise a front opening  302  that can comprise Velcro® or other similar fastening material or device to secure a gusset region  310  to the article  300 . More particularly, the article  300  can comprise Velcro® or other similar fastening material or device on both the front of the gusset region  310  and the front of the article  300 . Further, the article  300  can comprise a back gusset seam  304  that can be configured to secure the various layers of the gusset region from the back of the article  300 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the front of the gusset region  310  of the article  300  can be removably secured  305  to the front of the article  300  via the front opening  302 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , depicted is a detailed view of the gusset region  310  of the article  300 . According to implementations, the gusset region  310  can comprise a set of layers configured to improve the performance of the article  300 . In particular, the gusset region  310  can comprise an outer fabric  312 , a waterproof layer  314 , and a set of lining pocket tabs  316 . The outer fabric  312  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyurethane, nylon, microfiber, polyester, viscose, spandex, and/or others. Further, the waterproof layer  314  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, terry cloth, microfiber, and/or others. In some embodiments, the waterproof layer  314  can be comprised of 100% nylon, 100% polyurethane, or 75% polyester and 25% urethane. Still further, the set of lining pocket tabs  316  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or others. In some embodiments, the set of lining pocket tabs  316  can be comprised of 100% polyester. 
         [0026]    The set of lining pocket tabs  316  can be configured to receive and secure a removable pad  320 , as shown in  FIG. 3C . For example, as indicated by  322  in  FIG. 3C , the ends of the removable pad  320  can be inserted into the respective set of lining pocket tabs  316 , such that the removable pad  320  can be secured in the gusset region  310 . Further, the removable pad  320  can be removed from the set of lining pocket tabs  316 . In implementations, the removable pad  320  can be washable and reusable in the article  300 , or other articles. In embodiments, the removable pad  320  can be the same or similar to the removable pad shown in  FIG. 1D . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , depicted are exemplary apparel articles. In particular,  FIG. 4A  depicts three (3) designs for a men&#39;s underwear or undergarment  405 ,  410 ,  415 . It should be appreciated that the designs of the articles  405 ,  410 ,  415  are merely exemplary and that other designs are envisioned. Further, the articles  405 ,  410 ,  415  can each be constructed according to various techniques, with various hems, materials, dimensions, stitches, and/or the like. According to embodiments, each of the articles  405 ,  410 ,  415  can comprise a respective set of panels  406 ,  411 ,  416 . More particularly, the panels labeled “1,” as shown in  FIG. 4A , can depict the outer front crotch panels, the panels labeled “2” can depict the middle layer front crotch panels, and the panels labeled “3” can depict the inside front crotch panels. In embodiments, the middle layer front crotch panels can comprise an absorbent pad stitched, affixed, or removably attached to the one or both of the outer front crotch panels and the inside front crotch panels. In some embodiments, the outer front crotch panels can be comprised of 84% nylon and 16% lycra. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , depicted is a more detailed view of the article  415 . More particularly, the article  415  comprises an opening  424  between the outer front crotch panel and the inside front crotch panel. In embodiments, the opening  424  can be finished with a hem of double needle cover stitch that can be about ¼″ from the edge, or according to other configurations. A removable pad  420  can be configured to be removably inserted into the opening  424 . More particularly, the removable pad  420  can comprise a fastening device  422 , such as a strip of Velcro® or other similar fastening material, that can attach to a similar component within the article  415 . In embodiments, the removable pad  420  can be the same or similar to the removable pad shown in  FIG. 1D . 
         [0029]    It should be appreciated that the components of the apparel articles as discussed herein can be introduced or otherwise incorporated in other forms of apparel. For example,  FIG. 5A  depicts a diaper article  500  that can be worn by an infant, child, or adult. The diaper article  500  can comprise strips  502  of Velcro® or other similar fastening material that can allow an individual to secure the diaper article  500  to a person. Further, the diaper article  500  can comprise a lining  505  that can be fixed or removably secured to the front, center, and/or back of the diaper article  500 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . In embodiments, the lining  505  can be a waterproof lining and can be stitched to the diaper article  500 . 
         [0030]    Further, referring to  FIG. 5B , the lining  505  can comprise an edge  507  that can be located at or near the leg openings of the diaper article  500 . Further, the edge  507  can be about 1″ tall, or other dimensions. Still further, the edge  507  can be tightened by a soft elastic to prevent leaking and to perform other functions. Moreover, the edge  507  can be stitched to the seam that allocates a binding for the leg opening. Referring to  FIG. 5C , depicted is a fixed pad  510  that can be removably secured to the lining  505  of the diaper article  500 . More particularly, the fixed pad  510  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, bamboo, microfiber, terrycloth, muslin, cotton, viscose, polyester, nylon, and/or others. The fixed pad  510  can comprise a middle area  512  that can have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the ends of the fixed pad  510 . Further, the fixed pad  510  can have an additional pad  515  fixed or removably secured thereto. The additional pad  515  can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, nylon, polyurethane, polyester, viscose, microfiber, and/or others. In embodiments, the additional pad  515  can be the same or similar to the removable pad shown in  FIG. 1D . Further, in embodiments, the additional pad  515  can comprise edges that can be finished with a marrow zig-zag stitch. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , depicted are exemplary apparel articles. In particular,  FIG. 6  depicts three (3) views for a yoga wear article  605 ,  610 ,  615 . It should be appreciated that the views of the articles  605 ,  610 ,  615  are merely exemplary and that other designs are envisioned. Further, the articles  605 ,  610 ,  615  can each be constructed according to various techniques, with various hems, materials, dimensions, stitches, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the articles  605 ,  610 ,  615  can comprise an outer fabric that can be comprised of 88% nylon and 12% spandex, 86% nylon and 14% lycra, and/or other materials and combinations. According to embodiments, each of the articles  605 ,  610 ,  615  can have a fixed or removable pad secured thereto or otherwise incorporated therein. More particularly, the yoga wear article as depicted in  FIG. 6  can have a fixed or removable pad secured from a front  607  of the article to a back  617  of the article. The fixed or removable pad can be comprised of various fabrics, textiles and combinations thereof such as, for example, polyester, viscose, nylon, polyurethane, and/or others. In embodiments, the fixed or removable pad can be the same or similar to the removable pad shown in  FIG. 1D . 
         [0032]    The articles of apparel and designs thereof, as discussed herein, are merely exemplary, and can comprise different materials, constructions, dimensions, and/or the like. Therefore, the foregoing description is illustrative, and variations in configuration and implementation may occur to persons skilled in the art.