Patent Application
20250194709
The present invention relates to the field of athletic apparel and sportswear, and in particular, relates to an athletic apparel with an absorbent envelope pocket allowing users to conveniently wipe away sweat while engaging in various physical activities and athletic endeavors.
It is known that athletes and individuals performing various physical activities experience excessive sweating. The sweat leads to discomfort, distractions, and even impact performance of the play or exercise. In order to wipe away the sweat, the athletes carry towels at their back or wear wristbands while playing a variety of sports.
Pickleball is a rapidly growing racket sport and presents a challenge for the players in managing perspiration and sweat during the play. The sweat may affect the handgrip on the paddle and overall performance of the players. Traditional ways of carrying towels or wristbands may not be suitable for managing the sweat of the pickleball players. The concern of perspiration management is not limited to pickleball, but is an issue in all athletics, trades, and exertion of any type where sweating occurs.
In order to overcome the above problems, several attempts have been made in the art to provide athletic apparels having pocket liners for absorbing the sweat. One such example is disclosed in a Chinese Utility Publication No. 214854465, entitled “Comfortable sportswear facilitating exercise” (“the '465 Publication”). The '465 Publication discloses a comfortable sportswear convenient for exercise comprises a sportswear body, a placing pocket is sewn on the front surface of the sportswear body, the sportswear body comprises a base layer, an inner side functional layer and an outer side functional layer, the inner side functional layer comprises a polyester antibacterial layer and a bamboo fiber layer, and the outer side functional layer comprises a polyester antibacterial layer and a bamboo fiber layer. The outer functional layer comprises a polyamide fiber layer and a waterproof breathable composite fabric layer. The inner functional layer comprises the polyester antibacterial layer and the natural bamboo fiber layer, the outer functional layer comprises the polyamide fiber layer and the waterproof breathable composite fabric layer, and the polyester antibacterial layer has the functions of antibiosis, sterilization, mildew prevention, deodorization, high-strength moisture absorption, breathability, perspiration, skin friendliness, skin care, ultraviolet resistance, static resistance and the like. Through cooperative use of the structures, the overall waterproof, moisture-absorbing and antibacterial performance is effectively improved, and the problem that an existing sportswear is not ideal in comfort in the process of wearing for exercise, so that the sportswear is not convenient for people to use is solved.
Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,152, entitled “Pocketed waterproof garment and a method for providing same” (“the '152 Patent”). The '152 Patent discloses a garment having at least one pocket that is attached to the garment and accessible via a zipper or other fastener that provides access to an interior compartment formed by the pocket as well as a method for providing a garment with a waterproof compartment. The fastener is preferably a waterproof zipper that is attachable via a process requiring the pocket and the zipper to be attached by gluing, stitching and/or heat-sealing the same. As a result, a completely watertight and waterproof pocket is formed allowing the user of the garment to carry items therein that typically may not be exposed to water.
Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Publication No. 20180116311, entitled “Odor-Absorbing Pocket Liner” (“the '311 Publication”). The '311 Publication discloses an odor-absorbing pocket liner retrofittable to wearable items capable of storing and neutralizing odors emanating from pungent materials including an elongated pouch, an odor-absorbing layer, and a sealing mechanism. The odor-absorbing pocket liner can be integrated or retrofitted to wearable items to provide a pocket for storing and isolating pungent materials. The elongated pouch encloses a storage compartment for storing and isolating the pungent materials. A rim terminally positioned on the elongated pouch perimetrically delineates an opening whereby the pungent materials are inserted into the storage compartment. The odor-absorbing layer is superimposed onto the inner surface of the storage compartment. As such, the odor-absorbing layer completely encloses the pungent materials and prevents odors from escaping the storage compartment. The sealing mechanism is connected around the rim to help seal the opening once the pungent materials are securely inserted into the storage compartment.
Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Publication No. 20040083529, entitled “Moisture absorbing fitness garment with protective pockets” (“the '529 Publication”). The '529 Publication discloses a moisture absorbing fitness garment with protective pockets having a sheet of waterproof material sewn to a secondary material that is sewn to the outer surface of two side portions of the garment to form pockets for holding valued items. The side portions overlap the pockets to form flaps. Securing strips are sewn to the flaps for opening and closing the pockets. The pockets are waterproof to protect the valued items from moisture. A layer of absorbing material is sewn along the side seams and across the lower reverse front portion of the garment. The absorbing material is used for drying the face and hands of the user. Apertures are sewn in the bottom of the garment and are adapted to receive a drawstring that extends out of the apertures. The drawstring is linked by a plastic stopper clamp that is used to tighten the garment.
Although the above discussed disclosures are useful, they have a few problems. For example, the athletic apparel may not be suitable for pickleball players due to their limitations in absorption capacity, comfort, drying speed, breathability, and seamless integration into the design of the apparel. Further, the fixed position of the pocket liners may not be ideal for all users, specially the pickleball players. This may limit their accessibility and convenience. As a result, the pickleball players may still end up using the towels or wristbands as known in the art.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an athletic apparel with an absorbent internal front pocket allowing users to conveniently wipe away sweat while engaging in various physical activities and athletic endeavors.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an athletic apparel that helps athletes and/or individuals to manage sweat during exercise or sports activities.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an athletic apparel integrating an internal front pocket strategically positioned within the athletic apparel for users to wipe away sweat from their hands.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an athletic apparel that eliminates the need for additional accessories such as towels or wristbands, and enhances comfort for athletes.
In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides an athletic apparel with an internal front pocket allowing users to conveniently wipe away sweat while engaging in various physical activities and athletic endeavors. The athletic apparel has a first part indicating a front portion, and a second part indicating a rear portion. The athletic apparel is made of nylon, polyester, organic clothing, spandex, cotton or any other suitable material. Further, the athletic apparel consists of a breathable fabric for ensuring comfort and flexibility during physical activities.
The first part includes the internal front pocket/absorbent envelope pocket. The internal front pocket is made of cotton, linen, viscose, wool, silk, microfiber, terry, etc. that is capable of absorbing (excessive) sweat. The internal front pocket is sewn to the first part by a seam. In one example, the internal front pocket comes as a side pocket at the athletic apparel. The internal front pocket mounts at or above a torso portion, or at the bottom or side of the athletic apparel. In one example, the athletic apparel includes openings at the first part allowing the users to insert their hands and wipe off sweat on the internal front pocket. In another example, the openings are formed in a seam connecting the first part and the second part.
The user wearing the athletic apparel accesses the internal front pocket from an exterior (outside) of the athletic apparel through the openings (absorbent envelope pocket) for wiping off the sweat from hands on the internal front pocket. This way, the athletic apparel allows the athletes and individuals performing various physical activities and experiencing excessive sweating to keep their hands dry without the need for towels or wristbands.
In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the athletic apparel integrates the internal front pocket at an interior (inner side of the front portion) of the athletic apparel and provides a convenient and efficient way to manage perspiration.
In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the athletic apparel integrates the internal front pocket in various configurations. For example, the internal front pocket is sewn to the athletic apparel, with openings at the sides, allowing the user to insert his/her hands between the exterior athletic apparel and the inner absorbent envelope pocket. In another example, the internal front pocket positions at the torso portion of the athletic apparel. In another example, the internal front pocket comes in the form of side pockets, similar to those on a t-shirt or jacket. This allows the user to wipe his/her hands by inserting them into the side pockets. The athletic apparel can be worn by pickleball players (users) who experience excessive hand sweating while holding the paddle. The users can insert their hands through the openings and wipe off the sweat. The internal front pocket/absorbent envelope pocket quickly absorbs the moisture, ensuring the user's hands remain dry, thus enhancing grip and gameplay without the need for external towels or wristbands.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from review of the following specification and the accompanying drawings.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed athletic apparel. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed athletic apparel.
In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.
Although the present invention describes the athletic apparel, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the athletic apparel. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this invention.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Various features and embodiments of the athletic apparel are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGUREs (FIGS.) 1-9.
Athletic apparel 12 includes a first part 20 and a second part 22. First part 20 indicates a front portion of athletic apparel 12 that positions at the front of user 14, say at chest/torso portion of user 14. Second part 22 indicates a rear portion of athletic apparel 12 that positions at the back of user 14. In one example, first part 20 and second part 22 are sewn together to form interior 18 allowing user 14 to wear athletic apparel 12 over his body. When athletic apparel 12 is put inside-out, athletic apparel 12 presents a first end 24 and a second end 26. First end 24 indicates a front side and a second end 26 indicates a rear side, or vice versa. Further, athletic apparel 12 includes a torso portion 28, as known in the art. Further, athletic apparel 12 includes sleeves 30 extending from shoulder portions of athletic apparel 12. Sleeves 30 are sewn to first part 20 and second part 22, as known in the art. Sleeves 30 allow arms of user 14 to draw through.
In accordance with the present invention, athletic apparel 12 includes an absorbent lining or internal front pocket 32. Internal front pocket 32 indicates a fabric made of cotton, linen, viscose, wool, silk, microfiber, terry, etc. that is capable of absorbing (excessive) sweat. Internal front pocket 32 comes in a rectangular configuration and extends along the width of first part 20, as shown in
In use, user 14 such as a pickleball player wears the presently disclosed athletic apparel 12. When user 14 hands sweat excessively, user 14 puts his/her hands through openings 36 and wipes off the sweat from hands on internal front pocket 32. Internal front pocket 32 absorbs the sweat and ensures the user's hands become dry quickly thereby allowing him to continue to play without the use of a towel or wristband as in the prior art. Internal front pocket 32 positions at strategic location on athletic apparel 12 allowing user 14 to quickly and seamlessly wipe his/her hands without disrupting their grip or gameplay.
In the above embodiment, internal front pocket 32 and athletic apparel 12 with openings 36 form an absorbent envelope pocket for user 14 to place and wipe his/her hands while playing pickleball player, for example.
Although the above embodiment is explained considering athletic apparel 12 has sleeves 30, it is possible to provide a sleeveless athletic apparel 12 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, the placement/position of internal front pocket 32 at first part 20 may be changed (positioned up or down as illustrated herein) depending on the need such as size of athletic apparel 12 based on the age/size of user 14.
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Athletic apparel 312 includes a first part 320 and a second part 322. First part 320 indicates a front portion of athletic apparel 312 that positions at the front of user 314, say at chest/torso portion of user 314. Second part 3222 indicates a rear portion of athletic apparel 312 that positions at the back of user 314. In one example, first part 320 and second part 322 are sewn together by a first seam 324 to form interior 318 allowing user 314 to wear athletic apparel 312 over his body. In one embodiment, first seam 324 extends from each of sleeves 340, 344 in an angled manner at the front. In one example, first seam 324 comes as a 1″ hem with a needle cover at ⅛″ spaced stitch. First seam 324 comes in the same or different color from the fabric of first part 320 and second part 322. Further, first seam 324 presents a second seam 325. Second seam 325 is positioned at interior 318 along first seam 324 with a ⅜″ embroidered flat elastic ½″ spaced stitch. Second seam 325 is positioned such that an internal front pocket 354 is formed with an opening 356 at each side of athletic apparel 322, as shown in
Further, athletic apparel 312 includes a third seam 326. Third seam 326 indicates a side/bottom sweep seam positioned proximate to the bottom of athletic apparel 312. Third seam 326 starts at first part 320, extends to second part 322 and comes back to the front i.e., first part 320 catching internal front pocket 354. In other words, third seam 326 extends along the entire length covering both first part 320 and second part 322 and connects both first part 320 and second part 322. In one example, third seam 326 comes in a 1″ hem needle cover with ⅛″ spaced stitch.
At the top, athletic apparel 312 includes a fourth seam 328 connecting first part 320 and second part 322. Fourth seam 328 positions at the center extending from a neckband 332 to sleeves 340, 344. In some examples, athletic apparel 312 includes fifth seams 330. Fifth seams 330 extend from neckband 332 and connect sleeves 340, 344. As can be seen from
Sleeves 340, 344 extend from shoulder portions of athletic apparel 312. Sleeves 340, 344 are sewn to first part 320 and second part 322, as known in the art. Sleeves 340, 344 allow arms of user 314 to draw through. Sleeves 340, 344 include a first sleeve 340 and a second sleeve 344. First sleeve 340 indicates a right side sleeve and second sleeve 344 indicates a left side sleeve, or vice versa. First sleeve 340 includes a first sleeve seam 342. First sleeve seam 342 comes in a 1″ hem needle cover at ⅛″ spaced stitch. Similarly, second sleeve 344 includes a second sleeve seam 346. Second sleeve seam 346 comes in a 1″ hem needle cover at ⅛″ spaced stitch.
In use, user 314 such as a pickleball player wears the presently disclosed athletic apparel 312. When user 314 hands sweat excessively, user 314 puts his/her hands through openings 356 and wipes off the sweat from hands on internal front pockets 354. Internal front pockets 354 absorb the sweat and ensure the user's hands become dry quickly thereby allowing him to continue to play without the use of a towel or wristband as in the prior art. Internal front pockets 354 position at strategic location on athletic apparel 312 allowing user 314 to quickly and seamlessly wipe his/her hands without disrupting their grip or gameplay. Internal front pockets 354 absorb the sweat and ensure the user's hands become dry thereby allowing him to continue to play without the use of a towel or wristband as in the prior art.
Although the above embodiment is explained considering athletic apparel 312 has sleeves 330, it is possible to provide a sleeveless athletic apparel 312 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, the placement/position of internal front pockets 354 at first part 320 may be changed (positioned up or down as illustrated herein) depending on the need such as size of athletic apparel 312 based on the age/size of user 314. Optionally, a single internal front pocket 354 can be provided allowing it to be accessed from any one side. Here, internal front pocket 354 extends along the entire width of first part 320. Optionally, a single internal front pocket 354 can be provided similar to a side pocket on a t-shirt or jacket. A person skilled in the art understands that internal front pocket 354 can be provided in various forms and shapes underneath first side 320 without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.
The presently disclosed athletic apparel with an absorbent envelope pocket provides several advantages over the prior art. The athletic apparel having the internal front pocket/absorbent lining at the inner/interior of athletic apparel allows the users to quickly and easily wipe away sweat from their hands, ensuring a cleaner and more comfortable playing experience. The athletic apparel having the internal front pocket allows the users to keep hands dry and free from sweat for maintaining better grip on a pickleball paddle. The internal front pocket integrates into the athletic apparel at the inner side and eliminates the need for the users to carry towels or wristbands. The internal front pocket can be positioned at various placements such as torso portion, bottom or at side pockets based on the need.
In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.
In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/921,367, filed Dec. 15, 2023; all of which is incorporated herein in its entirety and referenced thereto.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29921367 | Dec 2023 | US |
| Child | 18949335 | US |
