TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to garments and more specifically to garments with access opening(s) for access to garment wearer's genitals and/or garment wearer's undergarment(s).
COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE
A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Accessing the genitals is necessary for some normal bodily functions and/or actions, such as, but not limited to, urination, “potty training” (toilet training), inspecting the genitals, cleaning the genitals, and/or sexual acts requiring access to the genitals.
Furthermore, under many scenarios it is desirable and/or preferred to keep a given lower body garment on, but be able to quickly, efficiently, comfortably, reliably, and/or safely access the genitals and/or genital region.
For example, for athletes competing in many racing sports activities that go on for prolonged periods of time, it is desirable to urinate quickly, efficiently, comfortably, reliably, and/or safely without having to remove the given lower body garment. For example, such racing activities include, but are not limited to, cross-country running, marathon running and/or training, trail running, long distance running, cycling, mountain biking, adventure racing, and/or the like. Similarly, anyone who for whatever reason is presently placing a high premium on their time, might prefer to leave lower body garments on while being able to urinate in way that may be quick, efficient, comfortable, reliable, and/or safe.
Similarly, when using public restrooms (public toilets) for urination, most prefer that their garments do not touch or minimally touch surfaces of the public restroom; and thus, would prefer to urinate while leaving such lower body garments on. Similarly, during toddler potty training (toilet training) it would be desirable to have a lower body garment that provided quick, efficient, comfortable, reliable, and/or safe access to the toddler's genitals, while leaving the given lower body garment on the toddler; as this can minimize contact with dirty surfaces to the given lower body garment.
Likewise, either because of time constraints and/or preferences, it may be desirable to perform sexual acts on the genitals while leaving the given lower body garment on, such that access to the genitals is quick, efficient, comfortable, reliable, and/or safe.
However, presently (circa 2018) lower body garments that cover the garment wearer's genitals (directly or indirectly), such as, but not limited to, shorts, swim trunks, pants, trousers, slacks, jeans, chinos, khakis, knickers, yoga pants, bike shorts, overalls, coveralls, pajamas, leggings, tights, pantyhose, boxers, underwear briefs, panties, bikini bottoms, and/or the like provide limited to no inherent access to the genitals and genitals regions while the given garment is being worn by the wearer.
For example, many such garments (e.g., typical prior art yoga pants) have no inherent genital access, without at least partially taking down (off) the given garment.
Whereas, other such garments (e.g., prior art jeans) may have a form of genital access, such as a “fly”, which is generally a single vertical slit sometimes proximate to the genitals region which may be removably sealable with a closure means, such as a zipper, buttons (i.e., “button fly”), snaps, or Velcro (or Velcro like, i.e., with a plurality of hooks and plurality of complimentary loops). Because of the narrowness of opening of the fly (a vertical slit), there are inherent problems the fly, that make accessing the genitals through the fly not-quick, not-efficient, not comfortable, not-reliable, and/or not-safe (but dangerous). The narrowness of opening of the fly (a vertical slit) often means undesirable and sometimes painful skin contact will occur with edges of the fly opening. Additionally, skin or articles may get stuck in zippers. Note, the fly for female wearers, is not located proximate to the female wearer's genitals, which presents various genital access problems for females.
Other such garments, (e.g., prior art boxers and/or underwear briefs) may use a pair of overlapping sheets of fabric that can provide a passageway access to the genitals. Generally, such use of overlapping sheets of fabric have no other closure means, and without other closure means, such overlapping sheets of fabric may open at unintended times, limiting this access structures to undergarments and pajamas. It would be desirable to have a lower body garment with quick, efficient, comfortable, reliable, and/or safe genital access means such that the lower body garment is not restricted to being only an undergarment or pajamas.
There is a need in the art for lower body garments with quick, efficient, comfortable, reliable, and/or safe genital access means such that the lower body garment is not restricted to being only an undergarment or pajamas.
It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, embodiments of the present invention may describe lower body garments, such as, but not limited to, pants, shorts, and the like; wherein such garments may include access-flaps and/or access-openings for accessing genitals and/or for accessing a genitals region of the one wearing the given garment. These access-flaps and/or access-opening may have predetermined shapes and sizes; are located on the given garment in predetermined location(s); and are removably openable/closable via various mechanical-fasteners. Such access may be necessary and/or desirable. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention such access may facilitate some normal bodily functions and/or actions, such as, but not limited to, urination, “potty training” (toilet training), inspecting the genitals, cleaning the genitals, and/or sexual acts requiring access to the genitals.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide lower body garments with unique structures for accessing the genitals and/or for accessing a region proximate to the genitals, of the one wearing the lower body garment.
It is another objective of the present invention provide lower body garments with unique structures for accessing the genitals and/or for accessing a region proximate to the genitals, of the one wearing the lower body garment, such that the provided access is quick, efficient, comfortable, reliable, and/or safe.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide such a lower body garment with unique genital access, wherein the access means takes account for differences in male and female genital anatomy; i.e., some such lower body garments may be preferred by male wearers; whereas, other such lower body garments may be preferred by female wearers.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 1A may depict a garment with an access-flap, wherein the access-flap may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 1B may depict the garment from FIG. 1A, but wherein the access-flap may be in a partially open configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 1C may depict the garment from FIG. 1A, but wherein the access-flap may be in a partially open configuration, shown from a perspective view.
FIG. 2A may depict a garment with an access-flap, wherein the access-flap may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 2B may depict the garment from FIG. 2A, but wherein the access-flap may be in an open configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 3A may depict a garment with an access-flap, wherein the access-flap may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 3B may depict a garment with an access-flap, wherein the access-flap may be in an open configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 4A may depict a garment with an access-flap, wherein the access-flap may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 4B may depict a garment with an access-flap, wherein the access-flap may be in an open configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 5A may depict a garment with an access-flap, wherein the access-flap may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 5B may depict the garment from FIG. 5A, but wherein the access-flap may be in an open configuration, shown from a frontal view.
FIG. 5C may depict the garment from FIG. 5A, but wherein the access-flap may be in an open configuration, shown from a rear view.
FIG. 6A may depict a zipper-head that may be shaped substantially to resemble a bumble bee.
FIG. 6B may depict a zipper-head that may be shaped substantially to resemble a bumble bee.
FIG. 6C may depict a zipper-head that may be shaped substantially as a heart.
REFERENCE NUMERAL SCHEDULE
100 garment 100
101 access-flap 101
103 waistband 103
105 pant-leg 105
107 leg-opening 107
109 inseam 109
111 crotch 111
113 pocket-opening 113
115 garment-exterior 115
117 drawstring 117
118 drawstring-hole 118
121 first-access-flap-side 121
122 second-access-flap-side 122
123 third-access-flap-side 123
131 complimentary-first-side 131
132 complimentary-second-side 132
135 mechanical-fastener 135
136 zipper-head 136
137 rise 137
145 garment-interior 145
151 longitudinal-center 151
161 fastener 161
171 complimentary-fastener 171
200 garment 200
300 garment 300
301 access-flap 301
321 first-access-flap-side 321
322 second-access-flap-side 322
323 third-access-flap-side 323
324 fourth-access-flap-side 324
331 complimentary-first-side 331
332 complimentary-second-side 332
337 rise 337
361 fastener 361
371 complimentary-fastener 371
400 garment 400
401 access-flap 401
421 first-access-flap-side 421
422 second-access-flap-side 422
423 third-access-flap-side 423
424 fourth-access-flap-side 424
431 complimentary-first-side 431
432 complimentary-second-side 432
437 rise 437
500 garment 500
501 access-opening 501
521 side 521
531 complimentary-side 531
536 zipper-head 536
537 zipper-stop 537
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Note the garments discussed herein (e.g., garment 100, garment 200, garment 300, garment 400, garment 500, and/or the like) may be garments for at least removably covering a groin region, genital's region, buttock's region, and/or a pelvic region of a given person that is wearing the given garment. Note the garments discussed herein (e.g., garment 100, garment 200, garment 300, garment 400, garment 500, and/or the like) may be lower body garments. Note the garments discussed herein (e.g., garment 100, garment 200, garment 300, garment 400, garment 500, and/or the like) may be articles of clothing.
FIG. 1A may depict a garment 100 with an access-flap 101, wherein access-flap 101 may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view. FIG. 1B may depict garment 100, but wherein access-flap 101 may be in a partially open configuration, shown from a frontal view. FIG. 1C may depict garment 100, but wherein access-flap 101 may be in a partially open configuration, shown from a perspective view. Garment 100, shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, may be swim trunks. In some embodiments, such swim trunks may have an underwear mesh type lining. In some embodiments, garment 100, shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, may be a legged garment (i.e., a garment with separate openings for each leg of a wearer of that garment); that is, in some embodiments garment 100 may be one or more of: shorts, swim trunks, pants, trousers, slacks, jeans, chinos, khakis, knickers, yoga pants, sweat pants, bike shorts, overalls, coveralls, pajamas, leggings, tights, pantyhose, boxers, underwear briefs, panties, bikini bottoms, and/or the like. In some embodiments, garment 100 may comprise a waistband 103, pant-legs 105, and at least one access-flap 101. In some embodiments, garment 100 may comprise a waistband 103, and two pant-legs 105 for receiving each leg of the wearer. In some embodiments, when garment 100 may be worn properly by the wearer, waistband 103 may substantially circumscribe a waist or hips region of the wearer. In some embodiments, when garment 100 may be worn properly by the wearer, a portion of each leg of the wearer may removably pass through each respective pant-leg 105 and at a leg-opening 107 of the respective pant-leg 105. In some embodiments, each pant-leg 105 may be substantially hollow, barrel shaped, and/or cylinder shaped, terminating at leg-opening 107. In some embodiments, each leg-opening 107 may be disposed opposite of waistband 103. In some embodiments, a length of each pant-leg 105 may defined by inseam 109. In some embodiments, inseam 109 may run from crotch 111 to a respective leg-opening 107. In some embodiments, each garment 100 may comprise one or more pockets, wherein each such pocket may comprise a pocket-opening 113. Such garment pockets are well understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art and such garment pockets are incorporated into the present patent application for some embodiments of garment 100. In some embodiments, pocket-opening 113 may provide an access opening to the given pocket that the pocket-opening 113 may be attached to. In some embodiments, pocket-opening 113 may be accessible from a garment-exterior 115, which may be an exterior of garment 100. In some embodiments, garment 100 may not have pockets. In some embodiments, waistband 103 may comprise drawstring 117; wherein drawstring 117 may be for adjusting a circumference or tightness of waist-band 103 with respect to the waist or hips region of the wearer. In some embodiments, use of drawstring 117 may help to prevent garment 100 from becoming dissociated from the wearer; i.e., use of drawstring 117 may help to prevent garment 100 from falling off or coming off of the wearer. In some embodiments, garment 100 may not comprise drawstrings 117. In some embodiments, a portion of drawstring 117 may emerge (extend) from drawstring-hole 118, to allow interaction with the drawstring 117. In some embodiments, there may be no drawstring 117 and/or no drawstring-hole 118. In some embodiments, waistband 103 may comprise elastic and/or an elastic like material to help garment 100 from coming off of the wearer. In some embodiments, garment 100 may not comprise elastic or an elastic like material in waistband 103. In some embodiments, waistband 103 may comprise side tabs (inside or outside of garment 100) for adjusting tension, fit, and/or size of waistband 103. In some embodiments, waistband 103 may not comprise such side tabs.
Continuing discussing FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, garment 100 may comprise access-flap 101. In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be located on a front of garment 100. In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be a downward opening access flap (with respect to waistband 103), that may provide access opening to the genitals and/or to the genital region of the wearer that may be properly wearing garment 100. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, when access-flap 101 may be open or partially open, garment-interior 145 may be seen (from the exterior) and or accessed, see e.g., FIG. 1B and/or FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, garment-interior 145 may be an interior surface of garment 100. In some embodiments, when garment 100 may comprise interior underwear style mesh lining, as is typical with swim trunks, access-flap 101 may also provide access through such mesh lining and fully into garment-interior 145.
Continuing discussing FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, access-flap 101 may not be touching a leg-opening 107 of garment 100, including where leg-opening 107 joins garment 100. In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may not be touching a pant-leg 105 of garment 100, including where pant-leg 105 joins garment 100. In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be located on the front of garment 100 above and not touching any portion of pants-leg 105 of garment 100.
Continuing discussing FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be substantially triangular in shape, i.e., with three main sides (e.g., three different sides), first-access-flap-side 121, second-access-flap-side 122, and third-access-flap-side 123. In some embodiments, the three different sides of access-flap 101 may be, first-access-flap-side 121, second-access-flap-side 122, and third-access-flap-side 123; wherein first-access-flap-side 121 and the second-access-flap-side 122 may each be removably attachable to a different complimentary side of garment 100; wherein third-access-flap-side 123 may form a bendable and foldable living hinge on an exterior front portion of garment 100. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 123 may be furthest from waistband 103. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 123 may be substantially parallel with waistband 103. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 123 may not be removable from garment 100. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 123 may be permanently attached to garment 100. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 123 may be flexible, bendable, and foldable. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 123 may be a living hinge. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 123 may be disposed above pant-leg 105 and not part of (nor touching) leg-openings 107. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 121 and second-access-flap-side 122 may be closer to waistband 103 than third-access-flap-side 123. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 121 may be removable from garment 100. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 122 may be removable from garment 100. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 121 may be removably attached to garment 100 by a mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 122 may be removably attached to garment 100 by another (different) mechanical-fastener 135.
In some embodiments, mechanical-fastener 135 may be selected from one or more: zippers, buttons, snaps, plurality of hooks that removably attach to complimentary plurality of loops (e.g., Velcro or Velcro like), ties, and/or the like. In some embodiments, when mechanical-fastener 135 may be zippers, wherein such zippers may open downwards (e.g., in a direction from waistband 103 towards crotch 111) and close upwards (e.g., in a direction from crotch 111 towards waistband 103).
In some embodiments, when mechanical-fastener 135 may be a zipper, mechanical-fastener 135 may comprise a zipper-head 136. In some embodiments, zipper-head 136 may be a portion of a zipper that is intended to be grasped for opening or closing of the given zipper. In some embodiments, zipper-head 136 may have a fixed and predetermined two-dimensional (2D) sculpture or a three-dimensional sculpture (3D). For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such sculptures may be selected from: a bubble-bee, a smiley face, a heart shape, a flower, and/or the like.
In some embodiments, the three different sides of access-flap 101 may be all non-parallel with respect to each other.
Continuing discussing FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 121 may removably attach to complimentary-first-side 131. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 122 may removably attach to complimentary-second-side 132. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 121 and complimentary-first-side 131 may form one mechanical-fastener 135 or part thereof. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 122 and complimentary-second-side 132 may form another (different) mechanical-fastener 135 or part thereof. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 121 may be removably attached to complimentary-first-side 131 by one mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 122 may be removably attached to complimentary-second-side 132 by another (different) mechanical-fastener 135.
Continuing discussing FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, a length of first-access-flap-side 121, second-access-flap-side 122, complimentary-first-side 131, and/or complimentary-second-side 132 may be substantially the same length. In some embodiments, the length of first-access-flap-side 121, second-access-flap-side 122, complimentary-first-side 131, and/or complimentary-second-side 132 may be rise 137. Where a prior art rise of a garment is substantially perpendicular with the waistband, in garment 100, rise 137 may not be substantially perpendicular. In some embodiments, with respect to a direction from crotch 111 towards waistband 103, i.e., moving upwards, first-access-flap-side 121 and complimentary-first-side 131 may progress from outwardly towards a longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100. In some embodiments, with respect to the direction from crotch 111 towards waistband 103, i.e., moving upwards, second-access-flap-side 122 and complimentary-second-side 132 may progress from outwardly towards longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100. That is, in some embodiments, each rise 137, with respect to moving upwards on garment 100, may progress at a slant towards longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100, forming an apex of the substantial triangle shape of access-flap 101. In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be substantially triangular in shape. In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be substantially shaped as an isosceles triangle.
In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may open downwards and may close upwards with respect to garment 100, wherein upwards may be in a direction towards a waist region (e.g., waistband 103) of garment 100 and downwards is in a direction towards at leg-opening 107 of garment 100.
In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be located on the front of garment 100 in front of a genital region of a male human when the male human is wearing garment 100 and wherein when access-flap 101 may be closed the genital region may be covered by access-flap 101. In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be centrally located on the front of garment 100 with respect to a left-right direction. In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be centrally located on the front of garment 100 with respect to longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of access-flap 101 (e.g., inside or outside of access-flap 101) may be marked with one or more of: a graphic, a plurality of letters, an icon, an image, a logo, or a trademark. In some embodiments, at least a portion of complimentary-first-side 131 and/or complimentary-second-side 132 may be marked with one or more of: a graphic, a plurality of letters, an icon, an image, a logo, or a trademark. In some embodiments, at least a portion proximate to (next to or adjacent to) complimentary-first-side 131 and/or to complimentary-second-side 132 may be marked with one or more of: a graphic, a plurality of letters, an icon, an image, a logo, or a trademark.
In some embodiments, rise 137 and/or a length of first-access-flap-side 121, second-access-flap-side 122, complimentary-first-side 131, and/or complimentary-second-side 132 may be fixed and predetermined according to size of garment 100 (e.g., sized for toddlers, pre-school-children, kids, children, tweens, teenagers, adults, women, men, and/or the like; and for each group there may be additional sizes within that group, such as extra-small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), extra-large (XL), 1T, 2T, 3T, and/or the like. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in some embodiments this length may be from about one inch to about ten inches depending upon the size of garment 100, wherein “about” in this context may be plus or minus 0.25 of an inch.
In some embodiments, with respect to longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100, first-access-flap-side 121, second-access-flap-side 122, complimentary-first-side 131, and/or complimentary-second-side 132 may diverge from longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100 by an angle of 40 to 20 degrees. In some embodiments, with respect to longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100, first-access-flap-side 121, second-access-flap-side 122, complimentary-first-side 131, and/or complimentary-second-side 132 may diverge from longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100 by an angle of 35 to 25 degrees. In some embodiments, with respect to longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100, first-access-flap-side 121, second-access-flap-side 122, complimentary-first-side 131, and/or complimentary-second-side 132 may diverge from longitudinal-center 151 of garment 100 by an angle of about 30 degrees, plus or minus 5 degrees. See e.g., FIG. 1A.
In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may be substantially shaped as in inverted “V” when access-flap 101 may be closed, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, when access-flap 101 may be open, access-flap 101 may fold downwards from waistband 103 along third-access-flap-side 123. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 123 may then represent a fold line. In some embodiments, when access-flap 101 may be open, this opening may be substantially triangular in shape, providing access to garment-interior 145. See e.g., FIG. 1B and/or FIG. 1C.
In some embodiments, when the wearer of garment 100 may be male, and when that male wearer may be properly wearing garment 100, access-flap 101 may be located proximate (e.g., adjacent and/or next to) to that male wearer's genitals or genital region. In some embodiments, when the wearer of garment 100 may be male, and when that male wearer may be properly wearing garment 100, and when access-flap 101 may be closed, then access-flap 101 may cover that male wearer's genitals or genital region.
Discussing FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, an interior of top apex of access-flap 101 may comprise a fastener 161, which may removably attach to a complimentary-fastener 171, see e.g., FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, complimentary-fastener 171 may located at the top apex of the access-opening of garment 100 that may be covered by access-flap 101 when closed. In some embodiments, fastener 161 and/or complimentary-fastener 171 may be plurality of hooks or a plurality of complimentary loops, as in a Velcro or Velcro like mechanical type fastener. In some embodiments, fastener 161 and/or complimentary-fastener 171 may be a snap and/or a button. In some embodiments, fastener 161 and/or complimentary-fastener 171 may be about the size of a dime (in U.S. currency). In some embodiments, access-flap 101 may not comprise fastener 161 and garment 100 may not comprise complimentary-fastener 171.
In some embodiments, having the mechanical-fasteners 135 at an angle with respect to longitudinal-center 151 (i.e., not substantially vertical as the rise in prior art garments or not parallel with longitudinal-center 151), e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, may be an ergonomically more functional/beneficial configuration for children/kids to open or close access-flap 101. This triangular shape for access-flap 101, with the mechanical-fasteners 135 at an angle with respect to longitudinal-center 151 may be beneficial for potty-training (toiler training) young children, particularly young boys who are learning to urinate standing up and minimize urinating on themselves while doing so.
In some embodiments, having a triangular shaped access-flap 101 and its corresponding triangular shaped opening when access-flap 101 may be open, provides a shape (triangle shape) that more closely comports to a male's genitals geometric arrangement. That is, a male's genitals of a penis above two testicles loosely also forms a triangular shape. Thus, the triangular shape opening formed when access-flap 101 may be open more closely mimics the triangular arrangement of a male's penis and two testicles, which makes accessing the male's genitals through such a triangular opening preferable over prior art garments using a slit opening (e.g., as in prior art pants) or overlapping fabric openings (e.g., as in male prior art underwear). For a male wearing garment 100 with the triangular shaped opening provided by an open access-flap 101, this triangular shaped opening is beneficial for accessing the male's genitals for urination purposes, hygiene purposes, and/or sexual purposes.
In some embodiments, garment 100 may comprise access-flap 101 located on the front of garment 100, wherein access-flap 101 may be formed from opening two different and non-parallel zippers; wherein when unzipping the two zippers, unzipping occurs in a downwards direction with each zipper moving towards a different leg-opening 107 (pant-leg 105) of garment 100; and when zipping the two zippers closed, zipping occurs with each zipper moving upwards towards each other; wherein access-flap 101 may not be touching leg-openings 107 (pant-leg 105) of garment 100; and wherein when garment 100 is being worn by a person, garment 100 may substantially covers at least a pelvic region of the person.
FIG. 2A may depict a garment 200 with an access-flap 101, wherein access-flap 101 may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view. FIG. 2B may depict garment 200, but wherein access-flap 101 may be in an open configuration, shown from a frontal view. In some embodiments, garment 200 may differ from garment 100, in that garment 100 may be shorts or the like; whereas, garment 200 may be: pants, trousers, slacks, jeans, chinos, khakis, knickers, yoga pants, sweat pants, overalls, coveralls, pajamas, leggings, tights, pantyhose, and/or the like. In some embodiments, garment 200 may comprise a waistband 103, pant-legs 105, and at least one access-flap 101. In some embodiments, waistband 103, pant-legs 105, and access-flap 101 may be as discussed and described above for garment 100. For example, in some embodiments, each garment 200 may comprise one or more pockets, wherein each such pocket may comprise a pocket-opening 113. Such garment pockets are well understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art and such garment pockets are incorporated into the present patent application for some embodiments of garment 200. In some embodiments, pocket-opening 113 may provide an access opening to the given pocket that the pocket-opening 113 may be attached to. In some embodiments, pocket-opening 113 may be accessible from a garment-exterior 115, which may be an exterior of garment 200. In some embodiments, garment 200 may not have pockets. In some embodiments, inseam 109 for pant-legs 105 for garment 200 may be longer than for inseam 109 for pant-legs 105 for garment 100. Note, inseam 109, whether for garment 100 or garment 200, may be predetermined.
FIG. 3A may depict a garment 300 with an access-flap 301, wherein access-flap 301 may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view. FIG. 3B may depict garment 300, wherein access-flap 301 may be in an open configuration, shown from a frontal view. In some embodiments, garment 300 may comprise a waistband 103, pant-legs 105, and at least one access-flap 301. In some embodiments, waistband 103 and pant-legs 105 may be as discussed and described above for garment 100. For example, in some embodiments, each garment 300 may comprise one or more pockets, wherein each such pocket may comprise a pocket-opening 113. Such garment pockets are well understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art and such garment pockets are incorporated into the present patent application for some embodiments of garment 300. In some embodiments, pocket-opening 113 may provide an access opening to the given pocket that the pocket-opening 113 may be attached to. In some embodiments, pocket-opening 113 may be accessible from a garment-exterior 115, which may be an exterior of garment 300. In some embodiments, garment 300 may not have pockets. In some embodiments, inseam 109 for pant-legs 105 for garment 300 may be longer than for inseam 109 for pant-legs 105 for garment 100. Note, inseam 109, whether for garment 100 or garment 300, may be predetermined.
Continuing discussing FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, garment 300 may comprise access-flap 301. In some embodiments, access-flap 301 may be a downward opening access flap (with respect to waistband 103), that may provide access opening to the genitals and/or to the genital region of the wearer that may be properly wearing garment 300. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, when access-flap 301 may be open or partially open, garment-interior 145 may be seen and/or accessed, see e.g., FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, garment-interior 145 may be an interior surface of garment 300. In some embodiments, when garment 300 may comprise interior underwear style mesh lining, as is typical with swim trunks, access-flap 301 may also provide access through such mesh lining and fulling into garment-interior 145.
Continuing discussing FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, access-flap 301 may be substantially rectangular in shape, i.e., with four main sides, first-access-flap-side 321, second-access-flap-side 322, third-access-flap-side 323, and fourth-access-flap-side 324. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 may be furthest from waistband 103. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 may be substantially parallel with waistband 103. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 may not be removable from garment 300. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 may be permanently attached to garment 300. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 may be flexible, bendable, and foldable. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 may be a living hinge. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 may be disposed above pant-leg 105 and not part of (nor touching) leg-openings 107. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321 and second-access-flap-side 322 may be closer to waistband 103 than third-access-flap-side 323. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321 and second-access-flap-side 322 may be disposed substantially opposite of each other. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321 and second-access-flap-side 322 may be substantially parallel with of each other. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 and fourth-access-flap-side 324 may be disposed substantially opposite of each other. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 and fourth-access-flap-side 324 may be substantially parallel with of each other. In some embodiments, fourth-access-flap-side 324 may be substantially parallel with waistband 103. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321 may be removable from garment 300. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 322 may be removable from garment 300. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321 may be removably attached to garment 300 by a mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 322 may be removably attached to garment 300 by a mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, mechanical-fastener 135 and/or zipper-head 136 may be as discussed above under the garment 100 discussion.
Continuing discussing FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321 may removably attach to complimentary-first-side 331. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 322 may removably attach to complimentary-second-side 332. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321 and complimentary-first-side 331 may form one mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 322 and complimentary-second-side 332 may form one mechanical-fastener 135.
Continuing discussing FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, a length of first-access-flap-side 321, second-access-flap-side 322, complimentary-first-side 331, and/or complimentary-second-side 332 may be substantially the same length. In some embodiments, the length of first-access-flap-side 321, second-access-flap-side 322, complimentary-first-side 331, and/or complimentary-second-side 332 may be rise 337. In some embodiments, a length of rise 337 may run from crotch 111 to a bottom of waistband 103.
Continuing discussing FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321 and complimentary-first-side 331 may run third-access-flap-side 323 to a bottom of waistband 103. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 322 and complimentary-second-side 332 may run third-access-flap-side 323 to a bottom of waistband 103.
Continuing discussing FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, a top interior portion running along fourth-access-flap-side 324 may comprise fastener 361. In some embodiments, on a front of garment 300, beneath waistband 103, may be complimentary-fastener 371. In some embodiments, when access-flap 301 may be closed, fastener 361 and complimentary-fastener 371 may be removably attached to each other (e.g., such a configuration may be shown in FIG. 3A). In some embodiments, fastener 161 and/or complimentary-fastener 371 may be a plurality of hooks or a plurality of complimentary loops, as in a Velcro or Velcro like mechanical type fastener. In some embodiments, fastener 361 and/or complimentary-fastener 371 may be a snap and/or a button. In some embodiments, fastener 361 and/or complimentary-fastener 371 may be strips of mechanical-fastener material. In some embodiments, access-flap 301 may not comprise fastener 361 and garment 300 may not comprise complimentary-fastener 371.
In some embodiments, rise 337 and/or a length of first-access-flap-side 321, second-access-flap-side 322, complimentary-first-side 331, and/or complimentary-second-side 332 may be fixed and predetermined according to size of garment 300 (e.g., sized for toddlers, preschool-children, kids, children, tweens, teenagers, adults, women, men, and/or the like; and for each group there may be additional sizes within that group, such as extra-small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), extra-large (XL), 1T, 2T, 3T, and/or the like. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in some embodiments this length may be from about one inch to about ten inches depending upon the size of garment 300, wherein about may be plus or minus 0.25 of an inch.
In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321, second-access-flap-side 322, complimentary-first-side 331, complimentary-second-side 332, and/or rise 337 may be about 9 inches in length; wherein about may be plus or minus one inch. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 321, second-access-flap-side 322, complimentary-first-side 331, complimentary-second-side 332, and/or rise 337 may be from substantially two inches to substantially ten inches.
Discussing FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, when access-flap 301 may be open, access-flap 301 may fold downwards from waistband 103 along third-access-flap-side 323. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 323 may then represent a fold line. In some embodiments, when access-flap 301 may be open, this opening may be substantially rectangular in shape, providing access to garment-interior 145. See e.g., FIG. 3B.
In some embodiments, when the wearer of garment 300 may be male, and when that male wearer may be properly wearing garment 300, access-flap 301 may be located proximate (e.g., adjacent and/or next to) to that male wearer's genitals or genital region. In some embodiments, when the wearer of garment 300 may be male, and when that male wearer may be properly wearing garment 300, and when access-flap 301 may be closed, then access-flap 301 may cover that male wearer's genitals or genital region.
FIG. 4A may depict a garment 400 with an access-flap 401, wherein the access-flap 401 may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view. FIG. 4B may depict garment 400, wherein access-flap 401 may be in an open configuration, shown from a frontal view. In some embodiments, garment 400 may comprise a waistband 103, pant-legs 105, and at least one access-flap 401. In some embodiments, waistband 103 and pant-legs 105 may be as discussed and described above for garment 100. In some embodiments, garment 400 may or may not have pockets. In some embodiments, inseam 109 for pant-legs 105 for garment 400 may be longer than for inseam 109 for pant-legs 105 for garment 100. Note, inseam 109, whether for garment 100 or garment 400, may be predetermined.
Continuing discussing FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, garment 400 may comprise access-flap 401. In some embodiments, access-flap 401 may be a downward opening access flap (with respect to waistband 103), that may provide access opening to the genitals and/or to the genital region of the wearer that may be properly wearing garment 400. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, when access-flap 401 may be open or partially open, garment-interior 145 may be seen and/or accessed, see e.g., FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, garment-interior 145 may be an interior surface of garment 400. In some embodiments, when garment 400 may comprise interior underwear style mesh lining, as is typical with swim trunks, access-flap 401 may also provide access through such mesh lining and fulling into garment-interior 145.
Continuing discussing FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, access-flap 401 may be substantially rectangular in shape, i.e., with four main sides, first-access-flap-side 421, second-access-flap-side 422, third-access-flap-side 423, and fourth-access-flap-side 424. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 may be furthest from waistband 103. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 may be substantially parallel with waistband 103. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 may not be removable from garment 400. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 may be permanently attached to garment 400. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 may be flexible, bendable, and foldable. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 may be a living hinge. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 may be disposed above pant-leg 105 and not part of (nor touching) leg-openings 107. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 and second-access-flap-side 422 may be closer to waistband 103 than third-access-flap-side 423. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 and second-access-flap-side 422 may be disposed substantially opposite of each other. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 and second-access-flap-side 422 may be substantially parallel with of each other. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 and fourth-access-flap-side 424 may be disposed substantially opposite of each other. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 and fourth-access-flap-side 424 may be substantially parallel with of each other. In some embodiments, fourth-access-flap-side 424 may be substantially parallel with waistband 103. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 may be removable from garment 400. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 422 may be removable from garment 400. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 may be removably attached to garment 400 by a mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 422 may be removably attached to garment 400 by a mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, mechanical-fastener 135 and/or zipper-head 136 may be as discussed above under the garment 100 discussion.
Continuing discussing FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 may removably attach to complimentary-first-side 431. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 422 may removably attach to complimentary-second-side 432. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 and complimentary-first-side 431 may form one mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 422 and complimentary-second-side 432 may form one mechanical-fastener 135.
Continuing discussing FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, a length of first-access-flap-side 421, second-access-flap-side 422, complimentary-first-side 431, and/or complimentary-second-side 432 may be substantially the same length. In some embodiments, the length of first-access-flap-side 421, second-access-flap-side 422, complimentary-first-side 431, and/or complimentary-second-side 432 may be rise 437. In some embodiments, a length of rise 437 may run from crotch 111 to a top of waistband 103.
In some embodiments, rise 437 and/or a length of first-access-flap-side 421, second-access-flap-side 422, complimentary-first-side 431, and/or complimentary-second-side 432 may be fixed and predetermined according to size of garment 400 (e.g., sized for toddlers, preschool-children, kids, children, tweens, teenagers, adults, women, men, and/or the like; and for each group there may be additional sizes within that group, such as extra-small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), extra-large (XL), 1T, 2T, 3T, and/or the like. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in some embodiments this length may be from about one inch to about ten inches depending upon the size of garment 400, wherein about may be plus or minus 0.25 of an inch.
In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421, second-access-flap-side 422, complimentary-first-side 431, complimentary-second-side 432, and/or rise 437 may be about 9 inches in length; wherein about may be plus or minus one inch. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421, second-access-flap-side 422, complimentary-first-side 431, complimentary-second-side 432, and/or rise 437 may be from substantially two inches to substantially ten inches.
Continuing discussing FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 and complimentary-first-side 431 may through waistband 103. In some embodiments, first-access-flap-side 421 and complimentary-first-side 431 may bisect waistband 103. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 422 and complimentary-second-side 432 may through waistband 103. In some embodiments, second-access-flap-side 422 and complimentary-second-side 432 may bisect waistband 103.
Discussing FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, when access-flap 401 may be open, access-flap 401 may fold downwards from waistband 103 along third-access-flap-side 423. In some embodiments, third-access-flap-side 423 may then represent a fold line. In some embodiments, when access-flap 401 may be open, this opening may be substantially rectangular in shape, providing access to garment-interior 145. See e.g., FIG. 4B.
In some embodiments, when the wearer of garment 400 may be male, and when that male wearer may be properly wearing garment 400, access-flap 401 may be located proximate (e.g., adjacent and/or next to) to that male wearer's genitals or genital region. In some embodiments, when the wearer of garment 400 may be male, and when that male wearer may be properly wearing garment 400, and when access-flap 401 may be closed, then access-flap 401 may cover that male wearer's genitals or genital region.
In some embodiments, access-flap 401 may be substantially wider than access-flap 301. In some embodiments, fourth-access-flap-side 424 and third-access-flap-side 423 may be longer than fourth-access-flap-side 324 and third-access-flap-side 323. Compare FIG. 4A against FIG. 3A for example. In some embodiments, the width of access-flap 401 and/or the length of fourth-access-flap-side 424 and third-access-flap-side 423 may be such that first-access-flap-side 431 and second-access-flap-side 432 run along outer and opposing seams of pant-legs 105. See e.g., FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B.
FIG. 5A may depict a garment 500 with an access-opening 501, wherein access-opening 501 may be in a closed configuration, shown from a frontal view. FIG. 5B may depict garment 500, but wherein access-opening 501 may be in an open configuration, shown from a frontal view. FIG. 5C may depict garment FIG. 500, wherein access-opening 501 may be in the open configuration, shown from a rear view. In some embodiments, garment 500 may comprise a waistband 103, pant-legs 105, and at least one access-opening 501. In some embodiments, waistband 103 and pant-legs 105 may be as discussed and described above for garment 100. For example, in some embodiments, each garment 500 may comprise one or more pockets, wherein each such pocket may comprise a pocket-opening 113. Such garment pockets are well understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art and such garment pockets are incorporated into the present patent application for some embodiments of garment 500. In some embodiments, pocket-opening 113 may provide an access opening to the given pocket that the pocket-opening 113 may be attached to. In some embodiments, pocket-opening 113 may be accessible from a garment-exterior 115, which may be an exterior of garment 500. In some embodiments, garment 500 may not have pockets. In some embodiments, inseam 109 for pant-legs 105 for garment 500 may be longer than for inseam 109 for pant-legs 105 for garment 100. Note, inseam 109, whether for garment 100 or garment 500, may be predetermined. In some embodiments, waistband 103 of garment 500 may not comprise drawstring-hole 118.
Discussing garment 500 as shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, access-opening 501 may run from a zipper-stop 537 down along a longitudinal-center of garment 500, entirely through and past crotch 111, and ending on a rear portion of garment 500, e.g., as shown in the rear view of FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, zipper-stop 537 may be located where the longitudinal-center meets waistband 103, a front side of garment 500, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, access-opening 501 may run from a bottom of waistband 103 on a front of garment 500 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A) down along a longitudinal-center of garment 500, entirely through and past crotch 111, and ending at the bottom of waistband 103 on a rear of garment 500, e.g., as shown in the rear view of FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, when access-opening 501 may be closed, access-opening 501 may appear as a seam, see e.g., FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, closed portions of access-opening 501 may appear as a seam, see e.g., FIG. 5A.
In some embodiments, an overall length of access-opening 501 may be about 17 inches from the front waistband 103 (zipper-stop 537) to the rear waistband 103; wherein may be plus or minus one inch. In some embodiments, an overall length of access-opening 501 may be from substantially 10 inches to substantially 24 inches, from the front waistband 103 (zipper-stop 537) to the rear waistband 103.
Continuing discussing FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, access-opening 501 may comprise side 521 and complimentary-side 531. In some embodiments, side 521 and complimentary-side 531 may be substantially parallel with each other, when access-opening 501 may be closed. In some embodiments, side 521 and complimentary-side 531 may be removably attached to each, substantially along their common shared length. In some embodiments, side 521 and complimentary-side 531 may be removably attached to each via mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, side 521 and complimentary-side 531 may each form one side of mechanical-fastener 135. In some embodiments, mechanical-fastener 135 may be substantially as described above under the mechanical-fastener 135 discussion found above in the overall garment 100 discussion. In some embodiments, mechanical-fastener 135 may comprise zipper-head 136. In some embodiments of garment 500, zipper-head 136 may be zipper-head 536. In some embodiments, zipper-head 536 may be heart shaped.
In some embodiments, access-opening 501 may provide a removably closeable opening such that one may access genitals and/or genitals region of the one who may be properly wearing garment 500.
As noted, in some embodiments, zipper-head 136 may have a fixed and predetermined two-dimensional (2D) sculpture or a three-dimensional sculpture (3D). For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such sculptures may be selected from: a bubble-bee, a smiley face, a heart shape, a flower, and/or the like. FIG. 6A may depict a zipper-head 136 that may be shaped substantially to resemble a bumble bee. FIG. 6B may depict a zipper-head 136 that may be shaped substantially to resemble a bumble bee.
FIG. 6C may depict a zipper-head 136 that may be shaped substantially as a heart. FIG. 6C may depict a zipper-head 536 that may be shaped substantially as a heart.
Note, in some embodiments, garments (such as 100, 200, 400, and/or 500) may use other zipper heads than those shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C.
In some embodiments, the invention may be a kit; wherein such kits may comprise at least two different styled garments. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in some embodiments a kit may comprise at least one garment selected from garments 100, garments 200, garments, or garments 400; and at least one garment 500. In some embodiments, such a kit may comprise at least one male garment (such as, but not limited to, garment 100) and at least one female garment (such as, but not limited to, garment 500).
In some embodiments, garment 100, garment 200, garment 300, garment 400, and/or garment 500 may be substantially constructed from one or more fabrics and/or textiles. In some embodiments, such fabrics and/or textiles may be natural and/or synthetic. In some embodiments, natural fabrics and/or textiles may be substantially constructed of cotton, silk, linen, hemp, wool, cashmere, leather, and/or the like. In some embodiments, synthetic fabrics and/or textiles may be substantially constructed of nylon, polyester, rayon, acrylic, spandex, acetate, and/or the like. In some embodiments, such fabrics and/or textiles may be at least partially to substantially waterproof and/or windproof. Some subcomponents, such as, but not limited to, mechanical-fasteners (e.g., mechanical-fastener 135), drawstring-hole 118 eyelets/grommets and the like may be substantially constructed from other materials, such as, but not limited to metals and/or plastics.
Note with respect to the materials of construction, it is not desired nor intended to thereby unnecessarily limit the present invention by reason of such disclosure.
Note, the access-flaps discussed, described, and shown (e.g., access-flap 101, access-flap 301, and/or access-flap 401) may also be characterized as access-openings.
Note, drawstrings (e.g., drawstring 117) and drawstring-holes (e.g., drawstring-hole 118) may or may not be present in the garments contemplated herein.
Various embodiments of garments with access openings (for accessing the genitals and/or for accessing a region proximate to the genitals of the garment wearer) have been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20190274374
