Patent Description:
Athletic undergarments are typically formed of breathable material and are used to protect the wearer during participation in physical activity. Traditional athletic undergarments include a seam or a cross-seam running through the crotch region decreasing comfort during physical activity. Moreover, traditional athletic undergarments include a single-layered fabric of a spandex blend. Athletic undergarments typically provide no protection or concealment from visible exposure of any moisture, or fluid leakage during menstruation which often results in embarrassment and humiliation to the wearer. <CIT> describes a launderable and reusable, leak-proof, breathable fabric and, more specifically, a composite fabric comprised of a liquid absorptive layer and a liquid impervious but vapor permeable layer. Such fabric is useful in drawing fluids, such as bodily fluids, away from a source, such as the body, and retaining them within the absorptive layer while evaporation thereof takes place though the vapor permeable layer. <CIT> relates to a laminate structure suitable for use in fabric articles and on other surfaces that may have liquid water thereon. One embodiment relates to an article of clothing comprising a laminate which includes the following layers: a fabric layer, at least part of which is permeable to water vapour, a first layer, at least part of which is permeable to water vapour and resistant to permeation of liquid water, and a second layer comprising one or more sanitary agents, wherein said first layer is interposed between said fabric layer and said second layer, said second layer is, in use, the closest of said layers to the intended wearer of the article of clothing and the fabric layer is irremovably connected directly or indirectly to one or more of the other layers of the laminate. <CIT> describes protective garments comprising an inner surface or portion of an inner surface with both absorbent and stain resistant properties while maintaining the soft feel, breathability and aesthetic properties associated with traditional "non protective" intimate apparel.

The invention is set out in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. An athletic garment is provided including a front panel, a rear panel, a first opening for receiving a torso of a user, a second opening for receiving a first leg of a user and a third opening for receiving a second leg of a user; and a crotch panel disposed between the front and rear panel, extending from the second opening to the third opening. The crotch panel comprises a tri-layered substrate to conceal and eliminate visible staining of a fluid received therein. The tri-layered substrate includes a first layer of a first material, a second layer of a second material, and a third layer of a third material.

The following embodiment is not according to the invention: An athletic garment may include a first substrate for placement around a lower torso and upper legs of a user, the first substrate defining a first opening for receiving a portion of the torso, a second opening for receiving a first leg and a third opening for receiving a second leg of the user. The athletic garment may further include a crotch panel disposed between the second opening and the third opening, configured to be positioned at the crotch region of a user, wherein the crotch panel includes a second substrate, the second substrate having a multi-layered substrate to provide moisture control, and to conceal and prevent visible staining of a fluid received therein. The multi-layered substrate may include at least two layers, wherein a first layer includes a first material, a second layer includes a second material, and, optionally, a third layer includes a third material, wherein each layer of the multi-layered substrate includes a different material.

A more particular description briefly stated above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles and operation of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

It is to be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The modifier "about" used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity). It is to be noted that all ranges disclosed within this specification are inclusive and are independently combinable.

The term "breathable" as used herein includes any fabric which allows the passage of air therethrough, including, but not limited to organic or non-organic cotton, spandex, jersey, mesh material, bamboo, or lace, among others, and may include, blends of various fabrics. When the breathable fabric includes a mesh material or other knit material, it may include small apertures integrally knit within, in a non-limiting embodiment. The breathable fabric may include an absorbent material or a moisture wicking material. In other embodiments, no apertures may be included in the material or fabric.

The terms "moisture absorbent" or "moisture absorbing" as used herein refers to materials or components of the athletic garments described herein, which absorb and capture moisture or fluid. Examples of moisture absorbent fabric known in the art includes cotton, modal, micro-modal, Tencel(R), or other viscose-based fibers. Many of the moisture absorbent materials are made from plant cellulose, which attracts water. In some examples, moisture or fluid is absorbed into micropores in the fiber and is trapped therein.

The terms "moisture wicking" as used herein refers to a material or fabric used to move moisture away, also known as a water-resistant material. Moisture wicking materials often include synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon, and/or any other fabric pretreated with a solution to prevent water absorption. Fluid typically remains as droplets on top of the fabric surface and may run along the weave of the fabric. Once the fluid reaches the outside of the fabric, and is exposed to air, it will evaporate. Moisture wicking materials dry quickly in moist conditions.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth in specific non-limiting 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. As a non-limiting example, a range of "less than <NUM>" can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>.

Embodiments described herein include an athletic garment including a construction providing optimal comfort and breathability to the wearer, while providing enhanced protection, maximizing ventilation, and facilitating good hygiene. Moreover, the athletic garment embodiments described herein are particularly beneficial for female wearers, as the crotch region of the garment includes, in one example, a tri-layered substrate, providing breathability in an increased moisture area, but also including an antimicrobial fabric and a moisture wicking fabric to prevent visible leakage during menstruation. The embodiments described herein, therefore, provide moisture management (i.e., leak prevention), moisture wicking, antimicrobial management, moisture wicking and moisture absorption, therefore enhancing comfort and providing concealment and protection for menstruating women wearers.

<FIG> is a front side view of an embodiment of an athletic garment <NUM>. The athletic garment <NUM> includes a front panel <NUM>, a rear panel <NUM>, a first side panel <NUM> and a second side panel <NUM>. The athletic garment <NUM> further includes a first opening for receiving a torso of a user, a second opening <NUM> and a third opening <NUM>. The second and third openings <NUM>, <NUM> are designed to receive and support the legs of a user. The garment <NUM> further includes a crotch panel <NUM> (e.g., a gusset) extending from the second opening <NUM> to the third opening <NUM>, supporting the crotch region of a user. The crotch panel <NUM> includes a tri-layered substrate comprising a first layer <NUM>, a second layer <NUM> and a third layer <NUM>, as shown and described in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The following embodiments are not according to the invention: In other embodiments, the garment <NUM> may include a single layer crotch panel <NUM> of varied materials, including a combination of moisture wicking, moisture absorbent, antimicrobial management material(s). In yet another embodiment, the crotch panel <NUM> may be formed, at least in part, of a two-layer substrate including materials of these types in order to manage moisture and support an antimicrobial environment. Lastly, the crotch panel <NUM> may include a more than three-layered substrate including one or a combination of these materials for moisture control and antimicrobial support.

In some non-limiting embodiments, the first side panel <NUM> may include a first padded portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and the second side panel <NUM> may include a second padded portion <NUM> (not shown). In these embodiments, the first and/or second padded portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be removable from the first side panel and second side panel <NUM>, <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM> may include respective pockets for receiving the first and second padded portions <NUM>, <NUM>. In other non-limiting embodiments, the first and second padded portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be permanently affixed within the first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM> may not include padded portions.

The athletic garment embodiment <NUM> may include a first front seam <NUM> joining the crotch panel <NUM> to the front panel <NUM>, and a first rear seam <NUM> joining the crotch panel <NUM> to the rear panel <NUM> (first rear seam shown in <FIG>). A waistband portion <NUM> may be associated with a top portion of the garment <NUM>, the waistband portion <NUM> defining the first opening <NUM>, and configured to surround at least a portion of the torso of a user. The waistband portion <NUM> may be formed of an elastic material, in one embodiment.

The first side panel <NUM> may be disposed between and adjoined to the front panel <NUM> by way of a second front seam <NUM>, and the rear panel <NUM> by way of a third rear seam <NUM>. The second side panel <NUM> may be disposed between and adjoined to the front panel <NUM> by way of a third front seam <NUM>, and the rear panel <NUM> by way of a second rear seam <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The placement of the crotch panel <NUM> (e.g., gusset), extending generally from the second opening <NUM> to the third opening <NUM> provides additional comfort in the crotch area while avoiding a crotch seam or cross-seam in this area during wear. The construction of the crotch panel <NUM>, extending from the second opening <NUM> to the third opening <NUM>, and bordered by a seam on either side of the crotch panel <NUM> enhances comfort while providing additional protection in this area over the typical triangular or rhomboidal gusset often found in garments. Moreover, this crotch panel <NUM> design allows for the crotch panel <NUM> to be formed as a tri-layer substrate.

The tri-layer substrate as shown in <FIG> may include a first (inner) layer <NUM>, providing a breathable, soft, moisture absorbent breathable material allowing for the passage of air and fluid therethrough, a second (middle) layer <NUM> providing an antimicrobial, breathable, quick-dry, water repellent layer disposed between the first layer <NUM> and the third layer <NUM>, and the third (outer) layer <NUM> includes a moisture wicking, quick dry anti-microbial treatment layer to prevent bacterial growth, or growth of any other unicellular or multicellular organism, and to wick away moisture from the first and second layers. The tri-layer substrate may extend over at least some or all of a crotch region of a user and may extend through the entire crotch panel <NUM> from the second opening to the third opening of the garment <NUM>, in a non-limiting embodiment. The soft, absorbent, breathable layer positioned closest to the body of the wearer provides a breathable layer, the second layer <NUM>, a layer separate and distinct from both the first layer <NUM> and the third layer <NUM>, provides an antimicrobial water repellant quick dry layer. The second layer <NUM> may slow the flow of fluid in some examples and may be water resistant. The third layer <NUM> positioned furthest from the wearer allows for moisture wicking, quick dry and antimicrobial treatment. The layers may be attached to one another using, for example, stitches. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first layer may include a first material, the second layer may include a second material, and the third layer may include a third material. The first material may be different from the second and third materials, and the second material may be different from the third material.

The moisture wicking layer may be made of or include a moisture wicking material that transfers (and/or facilitates the transfer of) moisture or fluid from its surface (i.e., from the third layer <NUM> to the second layer <NUM>, or the first layer <NUM>). The moisture wicking layer may comprise, consist of, or include any moisture-wicking material known in the art. The material may be naturally moisture-wicking and/or be treated to include moisture-wicking properties. In one embodiment, the moisture-wicking material may include at least <NUM>% cotton.

The moisture-wicking third layer <NUM> may include an inner surface 134a (closest to the second layer <NUM>) and an outer surface 134b. Either of the inner surface or the outer surface 134a, 134b may be treated with a hydrophilic composition or material (e.g., polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, poly acrylic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydrophilic silicones, or hydrophilic polyurethanes) and/or a hydrophobic composition or material (e.g., silicones, polyfluoroalkylacrylates, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, or waxes) to create a net hydrophilic gradient over the third layer <NUM>, for example, the inner surface 134a may be more hydrophilic whereas the outer surface 134b may be less hydrophilic (i.e., more hydrophobic), in a non-limiting example. As a result, a combination of a "water repelling" force generated by any hydrophobic properties of the outer surface 134b (and/or portions of the third layer <NUM> near the outer surface 134b and a "water loving" force generated by any hydrophilic properties of the inner surface 134a (and/or portions of the third layer <NUM> near the inner surface 134a layer may wick any moisture or fluid through the second layer <NUM>, and/or the first layer <NUM>, wherein the fluid may be absorbed.

The moisture absorbent material of the first layer <NUM> may comprise, consist of or include any fluid-absorbing material known in the art (e.g., cotton, a cotton blend, foam, a synthetic material, absorbent polymeric foam a nanotechnology-based or -produced material, or any other moisture-absorbent material).

The first layer <NUM> may include a cotton and spandex jersey blend, such as <NUM>%-<NUM>% cotton and <NUM>%-<NUM>% spandex jersey blend providing a soft, yet absorbent and breathable fabric, in a non-limiting example. In one particular non-limiting embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include a <NUM>% cotton and <NUM>% spandex jersey blend. The second layer <NUM> may include an antimicrobial fabric or may include an antimicrobial application thereon. The third layer <NUM> may include a nylon and spandex jersey blend, including <NUM>%-<NUM>% nylon and <NUM>%-<NUM>% spandex jersey in non-limiting embodiments, to provide the moisture wicking, quick dry and antimicrobial benefits. In one particular non-limiting embodiment, the third layer <NUM> may include a fabric of <NUM>%nylon and <NUM>% spandex jersey.

The tri-layered substrate of the crotch panel <NUM> provides protection for female wearers providing moisture management protection. Moreover, the tri-layered substrate provides critical antimicrobial material for decreasing infections associated with bacteria, while providing enhanced comfort due to the sleek design. The athletic garment provides additional protection for the female wearer during menstruation and reduces the likelihood of exposure of a visible stain or uncomfortable fluid leakage from the user. In other embodiments, the tri-layered substrate, or any of the individual layers of the substrate may extend beyond the crotch panel <NUM>, and into the front panel, rear panel or side panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an athletic garment, the cross-sectional view taken at X-X of <FIG>. While the area defining the multi-layer, substrate is shown with respect to one side of the garment, one skilled in the art will understand that the materials making up the crotch panel extend from one leg opening to the next in a continuous fashion. Therefore, the cross-sectional representation of <FIG> of one end of the crotch panel <NUM> at the second opening <NUM> is representative of the panel <NUM> at the third opening <NUM> or end thereof. The cross-sectional view of <FIG> shows the multi-layered substrate in the crotch panel <NUM> of the athletic garment, and shows the first padded portion <NUM> disposed within the first side panel <NUM>. The front and rear panels <NUM>, <NUM> are shown as single-layered panels; however, these panels may be formed of multiple layers in other non-limiting embodiments. Moreover, other embodiments may not include any padded portions. Alternatively, some nonlimiting embodiments may include padded portions in the rear panel <NUM> and/or front panel <NUM>. The following embodiment is not according to the invention: An athletic garment is provided, including a first substrate for placement around a lower torso and upper legs of a user, the first substrate defining a first opening for receiving a portion of the torso. The garment may include a second opening for receiving a first leg, and a third opening for receiving a second leg of the user; and a crotch panel disposed between the second opening and the third opening configured to be positioned at the crotch region of a user. The crotch panel may include a second substrate, the second substrate may include a multi-layered substrate to provide moisture control, and conceal and prevent visible staining of a fluid received thereon. The multi-layered substrate may include at least two layers, wherein a first layer comprises a first material, a second layer comprises a second material, and, optionally, a third layer comprises a third material, wherein each layer of the multi-layered substrate comprises a different material.

The first substrate of the garment may include a material that is the same as at least one of the materials of the multi-layered substrate, in one non-limiting example. The material for the first substrate, for example, may comprise materials used in compression clothing such as compression shirts, sleeves and shorts. In another example, the first material, second material and optionally, a third material comprises a material selected from the following: a) moisture absorbent material; b) antimicrobial, water repellant material; and c) antimicrobial, moisture wicking material.

The materials described in specific embodiments herein may be substituted by materials that would be recognizable as compatible or equivalent by those skilled in the art. Moreover, chemicals, compounds, treatments, or other elements or features of the materials or fabrics, their design, or the process by which the fabrics or materials are created may be substituted by other known materials recognized by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain.

Claim 1:
An athletic garment comprising:
a front panel (<NUM>), a rear panel (<NUM>), a first opening (<NUM>) for receiving a torso of a user, a second opening (<NUM>) for receiving a first leg of a user and a third opening (<NUM>) for receiving a second leg of a user; and
a crotch panel (<NUM>) disposed between the front and rear panel, extending from the second opening to the third opening, wherein the crotch panel comprises a tri-layered substrate to conceal and prevent visible staining of a fluid received therein, the tri-layered substrate comprising a first, inner layer (<NUM>) of a first material positionable adjacent a user of the athletic garment, the first material being a moisture absorbent material, a second, middle layer (<NUM>) of a second material, the second material being an antimicrobial, water repellant material, and a third, outer layer (<NUM>) of a third material positionable distal the user of the athletic garment, the third material being an antimicrobial moisture wicking material.