Patent Application
20250017293
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of garments and in particular accessible garments.
Sport attires are specialized based on the type of sports the attire is intended for. In particular, sport attires are designed to be non-restrictive to a player's range of motion while providing adequate support while also allow the wearer to carry out day-to-day activities. Improved sport attires are needed having the desired function while maintaining aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In one aspect there is provided a garment for wearer accessibility, the garment comprising: an anterior torso portion for at least partially covering a wearer's front torso; a posterior torso portion for at least partially covering the wearer's back torso, the posterior torso portion having a lower edge, and wherein the anterior and posterior torso portions form an upper covering for covering at least a portion of the wearer's upper body; an anterior pelvic portion for at least partially covering the wearer's front pelvic area; and a posterior pelvic portion for at least partially covering the wearer's back pelvic area, the posterior pelvic portion having a upper edge, and wherein the anterior and posterior pelvic portions form a lower covering for covering at least a portion of the wearer's lower body; wherein the anterior torso portion and the anterior pelvic portion comprise a front attachment for securing the upper covering to the lower covering; and wherein the posterior pelvic portion comprise an extendible region, the extendible region configured to extend when the posterior pelvic portion is pulled, the extendible region extending from: a raised position for securing the posterior pelvic portion to the wearer to conceal the wearer's back pelvic area, to a lowered position to reveal the wearer's pelvic area, and returnable to said raised position.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the front attachment is positioned medially in front of the wearer when the garment is worn. In one embodiment, the front attachment extends at least partially across the front of the wearer when the garment is worn. In one embodiment, the front attachment extends across the width of the anterior torso and anterior pelvic portions. In one embodiment, the front attachment extends across a portion of the front of the wearer and offset to a side. In one embodiment, the front attachment comprises a detachable fastener for releasable attachment of the anterior torso portion to the anterior pelvic portion.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the lower edge of the posterior torso portion and the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion overlap when worn. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the posterior torso portion overlaps over the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion when worn. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion overlaps over the lower edge of the posterior torso portion when worn. In one embodiment, when the extendible region is extended to the lowered position, the lower and upper edges are separated and an opening is formed between the lower edge of the posterior torso portion and the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion.
In one embodiment, the garment described herein comprise a lateral opening formed between the lower edge of the posterior torso portion and the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion. In one embodiment, the lateral opening extends along a first lateral side of the garment, the lateral opening comprising a first side opening portion formed between the anterior torso and anterior pelvic portions proximate to the first lateral side of the garment. In one embodiment, the lateral opening extends along the first lateral side and a second lateral side of the garment, the lateral opening comprising a second side opening portion formed between the anterior torso and anterior pelvic portions proximate to the second lateral side of the garment. In one embodiment, when the extendible region is extended to the lowered position, the lower and upper edges are further separated and the lateral opening is widened.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, at least a part of the posterior pelvic portion comprise the extendible region. In one embodiment, the entire posterior pelvic portion comprise the extendible region. In one embodiment, the posterior pelvic portion is made from a 2-way or a 4-way stretch material. In one embodiment, the posterior pelvic portion including the extendible region is made from a 2-way or a 4-way stretch material.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the posterior pelvic portion further comprises an elastic region. In one embodiment, the elastic region spans at least partially across the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion. In one embodiment, the elastic region comprises one or more of an elastic fabric, a waistband, a silicone band, a silicone flocking band, and an clastic trim.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the upper covering, the lower covering, or a combination thereof comprise a lining of the garment. In one embodiment, the garment further comprises an outer clothing layer. In one embodiment, wherein the outer clothing layer comprises a dress, a jumper, or a romper. In one embodiment, the garment comprises a openable and closable (for example zipper, button, lacing, hook and loop fastener, or the like) back opening in one or both of the lining and the outer clothing layer.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the upper covering and/or the lower covering comprises a plurality of layers. In one embodiment, the lower covering comprises an inner layer (such as an under short, a legging, or a pants) and an outer layer (such as a skirt, a skort, or a shorts). In one embodiment, the upper covering comprises a plurality of layers. In one embodiment, the upper covering and an inner layer together form a bodysuit or a romper.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the upper covering is a sleeve-less top, short-sleeve top, three-quarter sleeve top, long sleeve top, bra top, one shoulder top, or two shoulder top. In one embodiment, the upper covering further comprises a modesty panel. In one embodiment, the lower covering is a skirt, skort, shorts, pants, or leggings. In one embodiment, the garment is a dress, onesie, romper, or a bodysuit.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the anterior torso, posterior torso, anterior pelvic, and posterior pelvic portions form a lining of the garment, and the garment further comprise an outer dress layer; the front attachment extends across the width of the anterior torso and anterior pelvic portions; the lower edge of the posterior torso portion and the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion overlap when worn; and when the extendible region is extended to the lowered position, the lower and upper edges are separated, forming an opening between the lower edge of the posterior torso portion and the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the lower covering comprises a plurality of layers; the posterior torso portion covers at least partially the wearer's upper back torso, the upper covering being a cross-back top; the garment has a lateral opening formed between the lower edge of the posterior torso portion and the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion, the lateral opening extending along both lateral sides of the garment, the lateral opening comprising left and right side opening portions formed between the anterior torso and anterior pelvic portions proximate to both lateral sides of the garment; and when the extendible region is extended to the lowered position, the lower and upper edges are further separated and the lateral opening is widened.
In one embodiment of the garment described herein, the garment is a dress, the upper covering is a sleeve-less top, the dress has a lateral opening formed between the lower edge of the posterior torso portion and the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion; the lateral opening extends along one lateral side of the dress, the lateral opening comprising a side opening portion formed between the anterior torso and anterior pelvic portions proximate to said lateral side of the dress; and when the extendible region is extended to the lowered position, the lower and upper edges are further separated and the lateral opening is widened.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Many further features and combinations thereof concerning embodiments described herein will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.
Embodiments of the garments and waistbands are described throughout reference to the drawings.
Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the examples described herein. The examples may be practiced without these details. The description is not to be considered as limited to the scope of the examples described herein.
Accessibility is often an issue in clothing, particularly women's clothing, where going to the bathroom often involves significant undressing. Not only is undressing often cumbersome for many types of clothing, women also require additional privacy to go to the bathroom. In addition, undressing and redressing is time consuming which can be detrimental in situations such as competitive sports. The present disclosure provides for garments that allow for easy access to wearer's lower body. At the same time, the garments described herein allow for one or more of support, coverage, modesty, a range of motion is needed for some on the move and sport activities.
Garments described herein are comprised of multiple portions. As used herein, a “portion” of a garment may in some embodiments correspond to a panel of the garment, multiple panels, a portion of more than one panel, or a portion of the panel of the garment, or in other embodiments refer to non-delineated parts of the garment. In some embodiments, the garments described herein have an anterior torso portion, a posterior torso portion, an anterior pelvic portion, and a posterior pelvic portion. The anterior torso portion covers at least a part of the wearer's front torso, such as the chest. The posterior torso portion covers at least a part of the wearer's back torso, such as the upper and/or lower back. The anterior and posterior torso portions together form an upper covering. In some embodiments, the anterior and posterior torso portions are continuous with each other. In some embodiments, the anterior and posterior torso portions are formed by multiple panels wherein one or more panel forms a portion of both the anterior and posterior torso portions. In some embodiments, the anterior and posterior torso portions are attached to form an upper covering for covering at least a portion of the wearer's upper body, or the wearer's body above the waist. In some embodiments, the anterior and posterior torso portions are attached by sewing, heat bonding, adhesion, or detachable linkages (such as zippers, buttons, or laces). The posterior torso portion has a lower edge. In one embodiment, the posterior torso portion lower edge is proximate to the wearer's back waist or lower back. In one embodiment, the posterior torso portion lower edge is proximate to wearer's upper back. The anterior pelvic portion covers at least a part of the wearer's front pelvic area, and in some embodiments also at least a part of the front of the wearer's legs. The posterior pelvic portion at least overs the wearer's back pelvic area, such as the buttocks, and in some embodiments also at least part of the back of the wearer's legs. The anterior and posterior pelvic portions together form an lower covering. In some embodiments, the anterior and posterior pelvic portions are continuous with each other. In some embodiments, the anterior and posterior pelvic portions are formed by multiple panels wherein one or more panel forms a portion of both the anterior and posterior pelvic portion. In some embodiments, the anterior and posterior pelvic portions are attached to form a lower covering for covering at least a portion of the wearer's lower body, or the wearer's waist and at least part of the body below the waist. In some embodiments, the anterior and posterior torso portions are attached by sewing, heat bonding, adhesion, or detachable linkages (such as zippers, buttons, or laces).
The present disclosure provides for garments where the upper and lower coverings are partially attached to each other. The upper and lower coverings are attached at a front portion relative to the wearer to provide structure to the garment. The upper and lower coverings at a back portion relative to the wearer are not attached. Since the upper and lower coverings are not attached at the back, this configuration allows for the formation of an accessible opening between the posterior torso and posterior pelvic regions. In some embodiments, the upper and/or lower coverings comprise one or more constructions that provide further structure and/or integrity to the garment, while allowing the upper and lower coverings to remain apart or unattached at the back. Exemplary constructions include, but not limited to, shoulder straps, fabric choice, fabric elasticity, compression fabrics, support structures or inserts, or silicone or rubber grips.
In some embodiments, the anterior torso portion and the anterior pelvic portion comprise a front attachment, connecting the upper and lower coverings. In some embodiments, the anterior torso portion and the anterior pelvic portions are sewn together, forming the front attachment. In some embodiments, other means of heat bonding, adhesion, or the like are used to join one or more portion of the front attachment. In some embodiments, the anterior torso portion and the anterior pelvic portion are formed by multiple panels wherein one or more panels form a portion of both the anterior torso portion and the anterior pelvic portion. In some embodiments, the anterior torso portion and the anterior pelvic portion are formed of a single piece of fabric, forming the front attachment. In some embodiments, the anterior torso portion and the anterior pelvic portion are detachably attached, for example by a fastener such as a zipper, buttons, or laces.
Turning to
Similarly
Since the upper and lower coverings are not attached at the back, when the garment is worn there is a gap between the posterior torso and posterior pelvic regions. In some embodiments, the posterior pelvic portion has an upper edge positioned proximate to or along the back waistline. In some embodiments, when the garment is worn, the upper edge is positioned above or below the back waistline. In some embodiments, the posterior pelvic portion has an upper edge positioned proximate to or along the back waistline. In some embodiments, when the garment is worn, the upper edge is positioned above or below the back waistline. In some embodiments, when the garment is worn, the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion and the lower edge of the posterior torso portion overlap, and a gap is formed when the posterior pelvic portion and the posterior torso portion are moved apart from each other. This resulting gap, when the posterior pelvic portion and the posterior torso portion are moved apart from each other, forms an accessible opening for the wearer. In other embodiments, when the garment is worn, the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion and the lower edge of the posterior torso portion are positioned apart from each other forming a gap therebetween, and the gap is widened when the posterior pelvic portion and the posterior torso portion are moved apart from each other. This widened gap forms an accessible opening for the wearer. In some embodiments, the gap between the posterior torso and posterior pelvic portion prior to widening contributes to the formation of the accessible opening for the wearer, by providing additional opening space to access the back.
The garments provided herein have an extendible region that extends from a raised position to a lowered position to allow for the formation of or widening of a gap between the posterior pelvic portion and the posterior torso portion. The extendible region forms a part of the posterior pelvic portion. In some embodiments, at least a part of the posterior pelvic portion comprise an extendible region. In some embodiments, the entire posterior pelvic portion comprise an extendible region. In the raised position, the extendible portion secures the posterior pelvic portion to the wearer to conceal or cover the wearer's back pelvic region when worn. The extendible region extends or stretches in order to transition to a lowered position when pulled (such as by pulling down), allowing the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion to pass over the wearer's back pelvic area and exposing, for example, the buttocks. In this lowered position, the gap created between the posterior torso portion and the posterior torso portion forms an accessible opening for the wearer. The posterior pelvic portion and/or extendible region is constructed to provide modesty to the wearer and remain securely in place with the upper edge of posterior portion being held proximate the wearer's body while the wearer engages in athletic or day to day activity. The wearer can move the extendible region from the raised position, to the lowered position, and back to the raised position by pulling on one or more of a portion of upper edge of posterior pelvic portion, a portion of posterior pelvic portion, and/or a portion of the extendible region. The posterior pelvic portion and/or extendible region can be moved by the wearer to the lowered position, and is returnable (i.e. can be returned) to the raised position. The extendible region is returnable to the raised position by one or more of pulling up and/or pulling away from the wearer's body on one or more of a portion of upper edge of posterior pelvic portion, a portion of posterior pelvic portion, a portion of the extendible region and/or by the wearer's action of moving from a seated or squatting position to a standing position.
As shown in
Alternatively as shown in
In some embodiments, the posterior pelvic portion has an elastic region along the upper edge for further securing the posterior pelvic portion over the wearer's back pelvic area to conceal said area. In some embodiments, the elastic region is proximate to or along the upper edge. In some embodiments, the clastic region extends or spans across the posterior pelvic portion, for example, along the upper end. In one embodiment, the garment has an clastic region spanning across the posterior pelvic portion, and a support region spanning across the anterior pelvic portion, the elastic region and the support region together forming circumferential support around the wearer's waistline, when worn.
In some embodiments, one or more of the extendible region, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof that uses one or more techniques to allow for structural integrity of the garment, support, or a degree of extendibility between the raised and lowered positions. In some embodiments, the technique comprises constructing the extendible region, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof from compression fabric or mesh in order to provide adjustability. As used herein, a “compression fabric or mesh” refers to elastic materials having the characteristics of extensibility and elastic recovery. In one embodiment, the extendible region, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof, is constructed of a fabric that exhibits greater or more elasticity and/or dynamic elastic recovery than the rest of the garment. In one embodiment, the extendible region, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof, together with a front waist portion of the garment are made of a compression fabric or mesh, and together they provide overall structural support and/or garment integrity while also allowing for the extendible region to extend from raised to lowered positions. In some implementations, in this raised position, the extendible region and/or the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion provide sufficient compression and/or support to secure and maintain the posterior pelvic portion in place over the wearer's back pelvic area when worn. In some embodiments, the anterior pelvic portion has a corresponding support region which together with the extendible region and/or the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion form a waistband providing support around the wearer's waist.
Garments having targeted support or imparting a supported sensation for the wearer while also providing muscle support (including support for range of motion) and improving comfort and performance are also advantageous. In one embodiment, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof, panels are made fabric that can be a knit fabric, a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric, which can be a 4-way or a 2-way stretch fabric. In some embodiments, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof, has a greater 2-way vertical stretch than other portions of the garment.
In some embodiments, the technique comprises one or more of a fabric coating, an applied compression fabric, an applied compression mesh. In some embodiments, one or more of construction techniques, coating techniques are used to create one or more of the elastic regions with predefined degree of elasticity, recovery, and/or compression, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof that provide a degree of elasticity, recovery, and/or compression, allowing the said one or more of the elastic region, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof to extend between raised and lowered positions and also maintained those positions. For example, construction techniques include but are not limited to using stitching patterns that allow for greater overall fabric extensibility, bias direction, rebound, and/or elastic recovery.
In some embodiments, the extendible region and/or the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion comprises one or more additional structural layers, trims, or the like. In some embodiments, the extendible region, a portion of the extendible region and/or the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion includes a flex rubber elastic trim around the back, and in one embodiment continuing to the front of the garment. In some embodiments, a flex rubber elastic trim is stitched along the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion. In some embodiments the flex rubber elastic is 100% rubber and in some embodiments the flex rubber elastic is a synthetic, natural, specialized or composite of rubber. In some embodiments, elasticity is provided by silicone trim, silicone flocking trim, or the like.
In some embodiments, the garment comprise multiple layers such as a lining layer and an outer layer. In
Similarly in
As mentioned above, in some embodiments when the garment is worn, the upper edge of the posterior pelvic portion and the lower edge of the posterior torso portion are positioned apart from each other forming a gap therebetween, and the gap is widened when the posterior pelvic portion and the posterior torso portion are moved apart from each other.
The bottom portions of the romper 300, onesie 400 comprise multiple layers. For the romper 300, the bottom outer layer is a loose shorts 360 while the bottom inner layer is an under shorts 370. Alternatively, the bottom portion of the romper may be a shirt or skort, with an under shorts. For the onesie 400, the bottom outer layer is a loose shorts 460 while the bottom inner layer is a leggings 470. Alternatively, the bottom inner layer may be a pair of pants. In some embodiments, the top and bottom of the garment together form a bodysuit or a romper, with the bottom further comprising a bottom outer skirt, skort, or short.
Turning to
In some embodiments, the overall garment has constructions techniques such as fabric bias, bi-directional stretch fabric panels, four-way stretch fabric panels, back opening constructions, side opening constructions, raw seams, and the like to control, zone, and maximize stretch such that the posterior pelvic portion has a extendible region capable of extending between different positions. The means of adjusting between a raised position that keeps the pelvic portion covered over and conceals the wearer's back pelvic area when worn and the lowered position for case of bathroom use may be enabled by a combination of elements with the overall apparel design, fabric composition, and the back opening waistband composition and construction. For example, stretchy torso portions or parts thereof and a wider back opening, may provide a range of elasticity for the user to move the lower posterior portion from a raised to a lowered position. In some embodiments, a vertical stretch direction in the upper body covering portions, or a portion thereof, is combined with a lateral elasticity in the lower body covering waistband, or a portion thereof to facilitate the movement between the raised and lowered positions.
In some embodiments, one or more of the extendible region, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof have additional glue and/or adhesive patterns applied thereon to provide compression pressure on the body while in the raised position, but also sufficiently adjustable in order to be extendible to a lowered position. In some embodiments, an adhesive technique applied on a fabric surface and/or between one or more fabric layer. In some embodiments, adhesives include, but are not limited to, glue/adhesive polymers such as polyurethane, polyimide, epoxy, acrylic, polyamide, polyester, or protein, or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the one or more of the extendible region, the posterior pelvic portion, or a portion thereof comprises an engineered support structure. In some embodiments, an adhesive dots matrix pattern provides compression and support. In some embodiments, the dot matrix pattern comprises at least one first zone with a first level of support defined by a first adhesive dots density or first size of the adhesive dots and at least one second zone with a second level of support defined by a second adhesive dots density or second size of the adhesive dots in the adhesive dots matrix pattern, the first level of support being different from the second level of support.
In some embodiments, the top of the garments described herein is a sleeve-less top, short-sleeve top, three-quarter sleeve top, long sleeve top, one shoulder top, or two shoulder top. In one embodiment, the top portion has a modesty panel. In some embodiments, the bottoms of the garments described herein is a skirt, skort, shorts, pants, or leggings. In some embodiments, a garment is a dress, onesie, romper, or a bodysuit.
Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments or examples described in the specification. As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.
For example, the present invention contemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodiments described herein, may be incorporated with any of the features shown in any of the other embodiments described herein, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.
