Patent Application
20250031773
Different environments may have different environmental conditions and/or climates that can affect or influence the comfort, mental state, and/or physical abilities of a subject. In some cases, a subject may want and/or need to wear one or more articles of apparel that are suitable for the conditions and/or climate(s) of a particular environment.
Recognized herein are various limitations of conventional articles of apparel that are designed to be lightweight and/or breathable. In some cases, conventional articles may utilize materials and/or constructions which are lightweight and/or breathable but otherwise compromise the fit, function, comfort, coverage, and/or aesthetics of the articles. For example, many lightweight and breathable articles that are commercially available often utilize materials and/or constructions that do not adequately cover one or more select regions of a subject's body.
The present disclosure addresses at least the above shortcomings of conventional articles by providing various examples and embodiments of lightweight and breathable articles that incorporate a modesty panel. In some embodiments, the modesty panel may function as a visual barrier and/or a physical barrier for concealing an underlying shape of a subject's body. In some embodiments, the modesty panel may also form a portion of at least one pocket of the article. In some embodiments, the modesty panel may comprise a single multi-functional panel that forms a portion or a section of one or more pockets of the garment, and also covers or conceals an underlying shape of a subject's body in one or more select regions of the article. In some embodiments, the multi-functional modesty panel may be implemented or incorporated into an article in order to reduce the total number of plies needed to form (i) one or more internal layers of the article and (ii) one or more pockets of the article, thereby allowing the article to maintain a lightweight and breathable construction while still providing a desired level of physical and/or visual coverage (e.g., for modesty or privacy purposes).
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides various non-limiting examples and embodiments of lightweight and highly breathable articles of apparel. In some embodiments, the lightweight and highly breathable articles of apparel may comprise one or more garments incorporating a multi-functional modesty panel as described elsewhere herein.
In some embodiments, the one or more garments may comprise a lower garment. The lower garment may comprise, for example, a pant, a trouser, shorts, leggings, or any other type of garment configured to cover or surround at least a lower portion of a subject's body. In some non-limiting embodiments, the lower portion of the subject's body may include a hip region, a waist region, a thigh region, an upper leg region, a lower leg region, a calf region, and/or an ankle region of the subject's body.
In some embodiments, the one or more garments may comprise a lower garment with a lightweight and breathable construction. In some embodiments, the lower garment may comprise: an outer layer configured as a main fabric for the lower garment, the main fabric having a first side facing externally and a second side facing inwardly towards a subject's body; an internal construction comprising a plurality of inner layers disposed between the outer layer and the subject's body; and one or more pockets.
In some embodiments, the plurality of inner layers may comprise a modesty panel. In some embodiments, the modesty panel may comprise a multi-functional layer that covers a select portion of the subject's body without extending around or across a back or rear facing portion of the lower garment.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel may comprise a non-compressive material that covers or conceals a shape or a profile of a select portion of the subject's body. In some embodiments, the non-compressive material may extend continuously across a front facing portion of the lower garment from an inseam region of the lower garment to a left side seam region and a right side seam region of the lower garment. In some embodiments, the non-compressive material may comprise a stretchable mesh material comprising about 88% polyester by weight and about 12% elastane by weight. In some embodiments, the stretchable mesh material may have a weight of about 110 grams per square meter (gsm). In some embodiments, the stretchable mesh material may be at least about 20 grams per square meter (gsm) lighter than a material of the main fabric.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel may form a first side of the one or more pockets. In some embodiments, another layer of the plurality of inner layers may form a second side of the one or more pockets. In some embodiments, the first and second sides of the pockets may be stitched together to form one or more pocket bags.
In some embodiments, an upper portion of the modesty panel may be finished at a waist band seam of the lower garment. In some embodiments, one or more side portions of the modesty panel may be finished at the left or right side seam regions of the lower garment. In some embodiments, a lower portion of the modesty panel may be finished at the inseam region of the lower garment.
In some embodiments, a bottom edge of the modesty panel may be detached from the outer layer of the lower garment and/or one or more inner layers of the lower garment. In some embodiments, the bottom edge may extend between (i) the inseam region of the lower garment and (ii) the left and right side seam regions of the lower garment. In some embodiments, the bottom edge of the modesty panel may be independently movable or repositionable relative to the outer layer of the lower garment and/or one or more inner layers of the lower garment. In some embodiments, one or more side portions of the modesty panel may have a fixed position and/or a fixed orientation relative to the outer layer of the lower garment and/or the one or more inner layers of the lower garment.
In some embodiments, the garment may comprise an outer layer configured as a main fabric. In some embodiments, the main fabric may comprise a stretchable ripstop material comprising about 88% polyester by weight and about 12% elastane by weight. In some embodiments, the stretchable ripstop material may have a weight of about 130 grams per square meter (gsm).
In some embodiments, the main fabric may comprise a plurality of strands or fibers that are knit or woven to form the outer layer. In some embodiments, the outer layer may comprise a plurality of openings formed between the knit or woven strands or fibers. In some embodiments, the openings may have a maximum dimension of at most about ¾ of an inch or less.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel may have a different stretchability or drapeability than the main fabric. In some embodiments, the modesty panel may have a greater thickness than the main fabric.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel may be partially visible through the main fabric or the outer layer without showing or revealing an underlying shape or profile of one or more select portions or regions of a subject's body. In some embodiments, the modesty panel and the main fabric may collectively form a fully opaque construction restricting a visibility of the select portion of the subject's body.
In some embodiments, the garment may comprise one or more pockets. In some embodiments, a portion of the one or more pockets may be formed by the modesty panel. In some embodiments, the one or more pockets may include a primary pocket with a primary pocket bag and a secondary pocket with a secondary pocket bag. In some embodiments, the secondary pocket bag may be provided inside or within the primary pocket.
Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of the various embodiments disclosed herein are described with reference to the following figures.
While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides various examples and embodiments of articles of apparel that are lightweight and highly breathable. In some embodiments, the articles of apparel may comprise a garment.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the garment may include an upper garment. The upper garment may include, for example, a shirt, a top, a sweater, a jacket, an outer layer, a mid-layer, a base layer, or any other type of garment that can be worn to cover at least an upper portion of a subject's body. In some cases, the upper portion of the subject's body may include, for example, a neck region, a shoulder region, a chest region, a torso region, an abdominal region, and/or an upper or lower midsection of the subject's body. In some cases, the upper portion of the subject's body may include one or more arms and/or one or more forearms of the subject.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the garment may include a lower garment. The lower garment may include, for example, a pant, a trouser, shorts, leggings, or any other type of garment that can be worn to cover a subject's legs, hip, waist, midsection, or lower body. In some embodiments, the lower garment may comprise a garment configured to cover or surround at least a lower portion of a subject's body. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the subject's body may include, for example, a hip region, a waist region, a thigh region, an upper leg region, a lower leg region, a calf region, and/or an ankle region of the subject's body.
In some embodiments, the articles of apparel disclosed herein may be worn by a subject engaging or participating in one or more activities. In some embodiments, the one or more activities may comprise a physical activity (e.g., walking, jogging, running, golfing, etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more activities may comprise a non-physical activity (e.g., standing, sitting, resting, lying down, etc.) or any activity that either involves minimal movement or does not involve active movement. In some non-limiting embodiments, the one or more activities may involve one or more golf-related actions or movements performed on or near a golf course or another location proximal to a golf course.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of apparel with a lightweight and breathable construction. The lightweight and breathable construction may be optimized for physical and/or non-physical activities in various different climates or environments with different environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.).
In some embodiments, the article of apparel may be lightweight. In some cases, the article of apparel may have a weight or density of at most about 50 grams per square meter (gsm) or less. In some cases, the article of apparel may have a weight or density of at most about 100 grams per square meter (gsm) or less. In some cases, the article of apparel may have a weight or density of at most about 150 grams per square meter (gsm) or less.
In some embodiments, the article of apparel may be breathable. As used herein, the term “breathable” or “breathability” may refer to an article's ability to allow fluids, water vapor, and/or moisture to pass through a material or a layer of the article of apparel.
In some cases, the breathability of the article of apparel may be represented as a moisture vapor transmission rate (i.e., a rate at which moisture or vapor within the article of apparel passes through a surface area of a material of the article of apparel to an external environment over a period of time). In some cases, the moisture vapor transmission rate may be at least about 1,000 grams per square meter of material per day (g/m2/24 hr), 5,000 g/m2/24 hr, 10,000 g/m2/24 hr, 15,000 g/m2/24 hr, 20,000 g/m2/24 hr, 25,000 g/m2/24 hr, 30,000 g/m2/24 hr, 35,000 g/m2/24 hr, 40,000 g/m2/24 hr, 45,000 g/m2/24 hr, 50,000 g/m2/24 hr or more.
In some cases, the breathability of the article of apparel may be represented as a measure of air permeability (i.e., the ability to allow air to pass through a material or a layer of the article). In some cases, air permeability may be defined as a volume of air in cubic centimeters (cm3) which can pass through a select area of material (e.g., a 100 cm2 area of material) per unit time at a predetermined pressure difference. In some cases, the air permeability may be at least about 1 cubic centimeter of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 5 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 10 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 15 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 20 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 25 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 30 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 35 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 40 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 45 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 50 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 60 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 70 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 80 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 90 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 100 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 150 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 200 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 250 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 300 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 350 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 400 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 450 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 500 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 600 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 700 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 800 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 900 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, 1,000 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute, or more.
In some embodiments, the lightweight and breathable construction may be configured to enhance the fit and wearing comfort of the article of apparel. In some embodiments, the lightweight and breathable construction may be configured to enhance the climate control capabilities of the article of apparel. In some cases, the climate control capabilities may include the ability to regulate a transfer of thermal energy between an external environment and the subject's body or an internal region of the article of apparel. In some cases, the climate control capabilities may include the ability to regulate an amount of moisture or water vapor that accumulates within an internal region of the article of apparel, or a rate at which the moisture or water vapor moves across a layer of the article of apparel. In some cases, the climate control capabilities may include the ability to regulate an amount of electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed by, transmitted through, and/or reflected off of a layer of the article of apparel, which can directly or indirectly affect the transfer of thermal energy or the movement of moisture or water vapor across the various layers of the lightweight and breathable construction.
In some embodiments, the garment may comprise an outer layer 110. In some embodiments, the outer layer 110 may be configured as a main fabric for the garment. The main fabric may have a first side facing externally and a second side facing inwardly towards a subject's body.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the main fabric may comprise a plurality of strands or fibers that are knitted or woven to form the outer layer 110. In some embodiments, one or more openings may be formed between the strands or fibers of the main fabric. In some embodiments, the one or more openings may have a maximum dimension of at most about 1 inch or less. In some embodiments, the one or more openings may have a maximum dimension of at most about ¾ of an inch or less. In some embodiments, the one or more openings may have a maximum dimension of at most about 12 of an inch or less. In some embodiments, the one or more openings may have a maximum dimension of at most about 14 of an inch or less.
In some cases, the main fabric may be relatively lightweight. In some cases, the main fabric material may have a weight or density of at most about 50 grams per square meter (gsm) or less. In some cases, the main fabric material may have a weight or density ranging from about 50 gsm to about 100 gsm. In some cases, the main fabric material may have a weight or density ranging from about 100 gsm to about 150 gsm. In some cases, the main fabric material may have a weight or density of about 130 gsm.
In some cases, the main fabric may be breathable. In some cases, the main fabric may have a moisture vapor transmission rate ranging from at least about 1,000 grams per square meter of material per day (g/m2/24 hr) to about 50,000 g/m2/24 hr or more. In some cases, the main fabric may have an air permeability ranging from at least about 1 cubic centimeter of air per square centimeter of material per minute to about 1,000 cubic centimeters of air per square centimeter of material per minute or more.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the main fabric may comprise a relatively non-elastic or a substantially inelastic material that resists stretching or expansion in one or more directions. In other non-limiting embodiments, the main fabric may comprise one or more materials that are stretchable and/or expandable in one or more directions.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may comprise a stretchable ripstop material. In some cases, the stretchable ripstop material may comprise polyester and/or elastane. In some cases, the stretchable ripstop material may comprise about 88% polyester by weight and about 12% elastane (spandex) by weight.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may comprise a moisture-wicking material. In some embodiments, the moisture-wicking material may have a wicking distance of at least about 1 inch (in), 2 in, 3 in, 4 in, 5 in, 6 in, or more in a lengthwise and/or widthwise direction. In some embodiments, the moisture-wicking material may have a wicking rate of at least about 0.1 inches per minute (in/min), 0.2 in/min, 0.3 in/min, 0.4 in/min, 0.5 in/min, 0.6 in/min, 0.7 in/min, 0.8 in/min, 0.9 in/min, 1.0 in/min, or more.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may be resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light having a wavelength ranging from about 100 nanometers (nm) to about 400 nm. In some embodiments, the main fabric may be resistant to UV-A radiation, UV-B radiation, and/or UV-R radiation. In some cases, UV-A radiation may include light having a wavelength that ranges from about 315 nm to about 400 nm. In some cases, UV-B radiation may include light having a wavelength that ranges from about 280 nm to about 315 nm. In some cases, UV-R radiation may include light having a wavelength that ranges from about 280 nm to about 400 nm. In some embodiments, the main fabric may be resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light having a wavelength ranging from about 280 nm to about 400 nm. The UV light may include UV-A radiation, UV-B radiation, and/or UV-R radiation.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may have a rated ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) may correspond to a ratio of (i) the average effective ultraviolet radiation (UV-R) irradiance transmitted through a reference medium (e.g., air) to (ii) the average effective UV-R irradiance transmitted through the main fabric material. In some embodiments, the main fabric may have a rated ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least about 10 or more. In other embodiments, the main fabric may have a rated ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least about 20 or more. In some alternative embodiments, the main fabric may have a rated ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least about 30 or more. In some cases, the main fabric may have a rated ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least about 40 or more. In other cases, the main fabric may have a rated ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least about 50 or more. In some non-limiting embodiments, the main fabric may have a mean UPF of at least about 170 under dry conditions and a mean UPF of at least about 90 in wet conditions.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may have a UV-A radiation percent transmittance of at least about 5.0 under dry conditions and at least about 10.0 under wet conditions. In some embodiments, the main fabric may have a UV-B radiation percent transmittance of at least about 0.05 under wet and/or dry conditions. In some embodiments, the main fabric may be configured to block at least about 94% of UV-A radiation under dry conditions and at least about 89% under wet conditions. In some embodiments, the main fabric may be configured to block at least about 99% of UV-B radiation under wet and/or dry conditions.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may comprise a durable material. In some cases, the durable material may comprise a water repellant or water resistant material. In some cases, the durable material may comprise a weather-resistant material.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may be water repellant. In some embodiments, one or more hydrophobic coatings may be applied to provide a durable water repellent (DWR) layer which repels any precipitation contacting the external surface of the main fabric. In some embodiments, the main fabric may be water-resistant. In some cases, the water-resistant fabric may be substantially impervious to water.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may be weather resistant. In some cases, the weather resistant main fabric may be generally resistant to water and/or wind. In some cases, the weather-resistant fabric may be substantially impervious to one or more fluids in a liquid phase, a gaseous phase, or a vapor phase. In some cases, the weather-resistant fabric may be substantially impervious to wind and/or air currents. In some cases, the weather-resistant fabric may also be substantially impervious to water and/or other precipitation.
In some embodiments, the main fabric may be impermeable or semi-permeable to solids, liquids, vapors, and/or gases. In some cases, the main fabric may be selectively permeable or semi-permeable in different directions through the main fabric. In some cases, the main fabric may be selectively permeable in a first direction from an inner side of the main fabric (i.e., a side of the main fabric facing inwards towards the subject's body) to an outer side of the main fabric (i.e., a side of the main fabric that is directly exposed to an external environment) in order to (1) enhance the breathability of the garment and (2) expel or remove any unwanted moisture inside or within the garment (e.g., due to condensation of water vapor and/or perspiration). In some cases, the main fabric may be impermeable or semi-permeable in a second direction from the outer side of the main fabric to the inner side of the main fabric in order to prevent a movement of precipitation (e.g., drizzle, rain, sleet, snow, ice pellets, and/or hail) into an interior region of the articles disclosed herein.
Referring now to
In some cases, the one or more pockets 200 may comprise a primary pocket. In some cases, the primary pocket may comprise a primary pocket bag configured to receive, hold, or retain, one or more objects. In some cases, the primary pocket bag may be configured to at least partially cover a subject's hand when the subject places his or her hand in the primary pocket.
In some embodiments, the one or more pockets 200 may comprise a secondary pocket. In some cases, the secondary pocket may be provided inside the primary pocket. In some cases, the secondary pocket may be hidden within the primary pocket. In some cases, the secondary pocket may comprise a secondary pocket bag that is separate from the primary pocket bag of the primary pocket. In some cases, the secondary pocket bag may be provided within or inside the primary pocket bag. In some cases, the secondary pocket bag and the primary pocket bag may share a common side, surface, or wall. In some cases, the common side, surface, or wall may correspond to an inner layer or lining of the garment that forms a portion of the primary pocket bag and the secondary pocket bag. In some cases, the common side, surface, or wall may correspond to an inner layer or lining of the garment that is positioned between the primary pocket bag and the secondary pocket bag.
In some embodiments, the secondary pocket may comprise a closure mechanism. In some cases, the closure mechanism may comprise a button, a snap fit, or a sliding fastener (e.g., a zipper). In some cases, the closure mechanism may comprise a magnetic closure. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism for the secondary pocket may be accessible via an opening of the primary pocket. In other embodiments, the closure mechanism for the secondary pocket may be accessed from outside of the primary pocket (e.g., without having to reach into the opening of the primary pocket).
In some non-limiting embodiments, the garment may comprise one or more gussets 250. In some cases, the one or more gussets 250 may comprise a select region of the garment with a different stretchability than one or more other surrounding regions of the garment. In some cases, the one or more gussets 250 may comprise a textile piece that can be integrated with the garment. In some cases, the textile piece may be attached to one or more select regions of the garment (e.g., using one or more stitches or seams).
In some embodiments, the one or more gussets 250 may be manipulated to modify a size and/or a shape of the one or more select regions of the garment. In some embodiments, the one or more gussets 250 may be manipulated to modify a length, a width, or a surface area of the one or more select regions of the garment (or any other regions proximal to the select regions). In some embodiments, the one or more gussets 250 may be manipulated to modify or adjust an interior volume of the garment. In some cases, the manipulation of the gussets 250 may involve a stretching, an expansion, a flattening, an unfolding, or an unfurling of the textile piece forming the one or more gussets. In some cases, the manipulation of the gussets 250 may involve a scrunching up, a compression, or a folding of the textile piece forming the one or more gussets.
In some embodiments, the one or more gussets 250 may be integrated into one or more select regions of the garment. In some cases, the one or more select regions may include a crotch region of the garment. In some cases, the one or more select regions may include at least a portion of an upper inseam region of the garment.
In some embodiments, the garment may comprise one or more stitched regions 260. In some cases, the one or more stitched regions 260 may comprise edge stitching that extends along one or more sides of the leg portion(s) of the garment.
In some embodiments, the garment may comprise one or more hemmed regions 270. In some cases, the one or more hemmed regions 270 may comprise a stitched hem extending along a bottom hem of the leg portion(s) of the garment.
In some embodiments, the garment may comprise a welt construction 280. In some cases, the welt construction 280 may comprise a kissing welt construction extending along a portion of the back of the garment. In some cases, the kissing welt construction may be configured to form or frame an opening for one or more back pockets of the garment. In some cases, the kissing welt construction may be configured to reinforce one or more edges of the opening(s) for the one or more back pockets of the garment.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the one or more inner layers 310 of the internal construction may comprise a modesty panel 350. In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may comprise a liner or a lining forming a layer of the garment. In some cases, the liner or lining may be configured to extend across and over both front leg portions of the garment to cover or conceal a shape or a profile of a select portion of the subject's body. In some cases, the select portion of the subject's body may be positioned between a left side seam region and a right side seam region of the garment. In some cases, the liner or lining may extend continuously across the front facing portion of the garment, from an inseam region of the garment to the left and right side seam regions of the garment.
As shown in
In some cases, the modesty panel may be configured as a multi-functional layer that not only provides physical or visual coverage for select regions of a subject's body, but also forms a structural component of the one or more pockets of the garment. The multi-functional nature of the modesty panel may help to reduce the total number of plies needed to form (i) one or more internal layers of the article and (ii) one or more pockets of the article, so that the article can maintain a lightweight and breathable construction while still providing a desired level of physical and/or visual coverage (e.g., for modesty or privacy purposes).
In some cases, the modesty panel may be configured to form at least one side of a pocket bag of the garment. In some cases, the modesty panel may be configured to form one or more sides of one or more pockets bags of the garment. In some cases, the modesty panel may be configured to form one or more sides of at least two or more pockets bags of the garment. The pocket bag(s) may include any of the pocket bags described herein, including, for example, any primary pocket bags and/or any secondary pocket bags of the garment.
In some cases, the modesty panel may form a first side of the one or more pockets. In some cases, another layer of the garment (e.g., another inner layer of the garment) may form a second side of the one or more pockets. In some cases, the first and second sides of the pockets may be stitched together to form the one or more pocket bags of the garment.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may comprise a mesh material. The mesh material may be lightweight and/or highly breathable. In some embodiments, the mesh material may comprise about 88% polyester by weight and about 12% elastane (spandex) by weight.
In some embodiments, the mesh material may comprise a non-compressive material. In some embodiments, the non-compressive material may not or need not provide a compression effect on a subject's body. In some embodiments, the non-compressive material may provide visual coverage to conceal an underlying shape or profile of one or more select regions of the subject's body.
In some embodiments, the non-compressive mesh material may be configured to stretch in one or more directions. In other embodiments, the non-compressive mesh material may not or need not be stretchable in one or more directions. In some embodiments, the non-compressive mesh material of the modesty panel 350 may have a same or similar stretchability or drapeability as the stretchable ripstop material of the outer layer. In other embodiments, the non-compressive mesh material of the modesty panel 350 may have a different stretchability or drapeability than the stretchable ripstop material of the outer layer.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may comprise a lightweight non-compressive mesh material. In some embodiments, the lightweight non-compressive mesh material may have a weight ranging from about 100 gsm to about 120 gsm. In some embodiments, the lightweight non-compressive mesh material may have a weight of about 110 gsm.
In some embodiments, the lightweight non-compressive mesh material may be lighter than a material of the outer layer of the garment. In some non-limiting embodiments, the lightweight non-compressive mesh material may be about 20 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 40 gsm lighter than a material of the outer layer of the garment.
In some cases, the modesty panel material may have a tensile strength ranging from about 35 pound force (lbf) to about 65 lbf or more in a warp direction. In some cases, the modesty panel material may have a tensile strength ranging from about 35 lbf to about 50 lbf or more in a weft direction.
In some cases, the modesty panel material may have a seam strength ranging from about 20 lbf to about 30 lbf or more in a warp direction. In some cases, the modesty panel material may have a seam strength ranging from about 20 lbf to about 45 lbf or more in a weft direction.
In some cases, the modesty panel material may have a tearing strength ranging from at least about 2 lbf to at least about 5 lbf or more in a warp direction. In some cases, the modesty panel material may have a tearing strength of at least about 2 lbf in a weft direction.
In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may be at least partially opaque. In other cases, the modesty panel 350 may be fully opaque. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may not or need not be visible through the outer layer of the article of apparel. In some cases, a portion of the modesty panel 350 may be visible or at least partially visible through the outer layer of the article of apparel. In some cases, the modesty panel and the main fabric or outer layer of the garment may collectively form a fully opaque region or zone restricting a visibility of select portions of the subject's body through the main fabric and the modesty panel (e.g., for modesty and/or privacy purposes).
In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may have a length and a width. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may have a length or a width ranging from about 1 inch to about 6 inches. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may have a length or a width ranging from about 6 inches to about 12 inches. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may have a length or a width ranging from about 12 inches to about 18 inches. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may have a length or a width ranging from about 18 inches to about 24 inches. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may have a length or a width that is less than or equal to about 6 inches. In other cases, the modesty panel 350 may have a length or a width that is greater than or equal to about 24 inches.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may have a thickness ranging from about 1 micrometer (μm) to about 1 millimeter (mm). In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may have a thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 1 centimeter (cm). In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may have a thickness that is greater than or equal to about 1 cm. In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may have a same or similar thickness as the outer layer. In other embodiments, the modesty panel 350 and the outer layer may have a different thickness. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may have a greater thickness than the outer layer. In other cases, the outer layer may have a greater thickness than the modesty panel 350.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may be attached or coupled to one or more other inner layers of the internal construction of the garment. In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may be attached or coupled to another panel or layer of the garment. In some embodiments, one or more seams or stitches 400 may be used to attach or couple the modesty panel 350 to another panel or layer of the garment.
In some embodiments, a portion of the modesty panel 350 may have a fixed position and/or a fixed orientation relative to the outer layer of the garment or one or more inner layers of the garment. In some embodiments, a portion of the modesty panel 350 may be movable or repositionable relative to the outer layer of the garment or one or more inner layers of the garment.
In some embodiments, a first portion of the modesty panel 350 may have a fixed position and/or a fixed orientation relative to the outer layer of the garment or one or more inner layers of the garment, and a second portion of the modesty panel 350 may be movable or repositionable relative to the outer layer of the garment or one or more inner layers of the garment. In some cases, the first portion may correspond to a side portion of the modesty panel 350, an upper portion of the modesty panel 350, or a lower portion of the modesty panel 350 that extends along a crotch or inseam region of the garment. In some cases, the second portion may correspond to a bottom edge portion of the modesty panel 350 that extends between the crotch or inseam region of the garment and the side portions of the modesty panel 350.
In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may extend across a front portion of the subject's body. In some cases, the front portion may include a front facing portion of the subject's waist, hip(s), thigh(s), or upper leg(s). In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may extend across the front facing portions of both the left and right sides of the subject's waist and/or hips. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may extend across the front facing portions of the subject's left and right thighs and/or upper legs.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may extend between an upper region 601 of the garment and a lower region 603 of the garment. In some embodiments, the upper region 601 may correspond to a waist portion of the garment (i.e., a portion of the garment that covers the subject's waist). In some embodiments, the lower region 603 may correspond to a crotch region or an upper inseam region of the garment. In some alternative or optional embodiments, the lower region 603 may correspond to a hip portion, a thigh portion, an upper leg portion, a calf portion, or a lower leg portion of the garment.
In some embodiments, the upper portion of the modesty panel 350 may be finished at a waist band seam of the garment. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the modesty panel 350 may be finished at an inseam or crotch region of the garment. In some cases, the lower portion of the modesty panel 350 may extend along a crotch or upper inseam region of the garment between a left leg portion and a right leg portion of the garment.
In some embodiments, a bottom edge of the modesty panel 350 may not or need not be attached or coupled to another layer of the garment, to allow the bottom edge to move freely relative to one or more other layers of the garment. In some cases, the bottom edge of the modesty panel 350 may extend across a front facing portion of the subject's hips, thighs, or upper legs. In some cases, the bottom edge of the modesty panel 350 may extend below the crotch or upper inseam region of the garment.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may extend between the side regions 602 of the garment. In some embodiments, the side regions 602 of the garment may correspond to a portion of the garment that includes one or more side seams extending along the sides of the leg portions of the garment. In some embodiments, one or more side portions of the modesty panel 350 may be finished at one or more side seams of the garment. In some embodiments, the one or more side portions of the modesty panel 350 may not or need not extend around the rear/back side of the garment.
In some embodiments, the modesty panel 350 may overlay one or more pockets 500 of the garment. In some cases, the modesty panel 350 may be configured to form a portion or a section of the one or more pockets 500 of the garment. The portion or section may include, for example, a wall, a sidewall, a surface, or an inner surface of the one or more pockets 500.
In some embodiments, a portion or a section of the modesty panel 350 may be attached or coupled to the outer layer of the garment and/or one or more inner layers of the garment (e.g., using one or more seams or stitches 400). In some cases, the one or more side portions of the modesty panel may be fixed to the outer layer of the garment and/or the one or more inner layers of the garment. In some cases, the one or more side portions of the modesty panel may have a fixed position or orientation relative to the outer layer of the garment and/or the one or more inner layers of the garment.
In some embodiments, a portion or a section of the modesty panel 350 may remain detached or decoupled from the outer layer of the garment and/or one or more inner layers of the garment. In some embodiments, the detached or decoupled portion may correspond to a bottom edge of the modesty panel 350. In some embodiments, the bottom edge may extend between (i) one or more side portions of the modesty panel 350 and (ii) an inseam or crotch region of the garment. In some embodiments, the bottom edge may extend between (i) the inseam region of the garment and (ii) the left and right side seam regions of the garment.
In some cases, the bottom edge of the modesty panel 350 may not or need not be attached or joined to another structural component of the garment. In some cases, the bottom edge of the modesty panel 350 may be free floating relative to one or more other structural components of the garment. In some cases, the bottom edge of the modesty panel may be independently movable or repositionable relative to the outer layer of the garment and/or one or more inner layers of the garment.
In some cases, detaching or decoupling a portion of the modesty panel 350 from the other layers of the garment may allow the one or more pockets 500 of the garment to move flexibly and independently relative to the other layers of the garment, and to also change shape or volume without causing the other layers of the garment to contort or otherwise deform in a way that negatively impacts the fit, mobility, functionality, and/or aesthetic appearance of the garment. In some cases, detaching or decoupling a portion of the modesty panel 350 from the other layers of the garment may help to reduce the number of stitches or seam lines that are exposed or visible on the front facing exterior surface of the garment, so that the front facing exterior surface of the garment maintains a clean aesthetic presentation that is free of any unnecessary stitches or seam lines.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the plurality of layers may comprise an outer layer 801 that is directly exposed to a surrounding environment. In some cases, the outer layer 801 may be configured as a main fabric of the article of apparel. In some cases, the outer layer 801 may cover or surround one or more inner layers of the article of apparel.
In some embodiments, the plurality of layers may comprise an internal construction. In some cases, the internal construction may comprise one or more inner layers. In some cases, the one or more inner layers may be positioned between the outer layer 801 and the subject's body.
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In some cases, the third layer 903 may be configured as a liner or a functional layer. In some cases, the functional layer may be configured to provide physical and/or visual coverage for one or more select regions of a subject's body (e.g., for modesty or privacy purposes). In some cases, the functional layer may be configured to provide additional UV protection. In some cases, the functional layer may be configured to facilitate moisture wicking (e.g., to help control temperature and/or humidity within the articles of apparel). In some cases, the functional layer may be configured as an insulation layer that (1) limits a transfer of thermal energy between an external environment and an interior region of the article of apparel and/or (2) facilitates a transfer of thermal energy between the interior region of the article of apparel and the external environment.
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In some cases, the one or more pockets 500 may be formed within the internal construction of the garment. In some cases, the one or more pockets 500 may be formed as part of the internal construction of the garment. In some cases, a portion of the internal construction of the garment may be partially exposed via the pocket opening(s) of the one or more pockets 500. In some cases, the exposed portion of the internal construction may correspond to a portion of the one or more inner layers of the garment. In some cases, the one or more inner layers may include a modesty panel and optionally one or more other inner layers that are immediately adjacent or directly proximal to the modesty panel. As described elsewhere herein, the modesty panel and the one or more other inner layers may collectively form different sides of the pocket bags of the garment pockets.
In some embodiments, the waist band 700 may include a self-fabric piece. In some embodiments, the self-fabric piece may comprise a same material as the main fabric and/or the one or more inner layers of the garment. In other alternative embodiments, the waist band 700 may comprise a different material than the main fabric and/or the one or more inner layers of the garment.
In some embodiments, a portion of the waist band 700 may be secured to another layer of the garment (e.g., the main fabric of the garment and/or one or more inner layers of the garment). In some cases, the waist band 700 may be secured to the main fabric of the garment and/or one or more inner layers of the garment using one or more seams. In some cases, the one or more seams may include a waist band seam that extends along the waist region of the garment.
In some embodiments, one or more pocket bags 510 of the garment may be finished at the waist band seam of the garment. In some embodiments, the one or more pocket bags 510 may be suspended from the waist band 700 of the garment. In some embodiments, the one or more pocket bags 510 may be configured to extend downwards towards at an inseam region of the garment. In some cases, the one or more pocket bags 510 may be associated with one or more front pockets of the garment. In some cases, the one or more pocket bags 510 may be associated with one or more back pockets of the garment. In some cases, the one or more pocket bags 510 may be associated with one or more side pockets of the garment.
In some embodiments, the articles of apparel disclosed herein may comprise one or more hardware components. In some cases, the one or more hardware components may include one or more buttons, one or more zippers, and/or one or more zipper pullers. In some cases, the one or more buttons may be used to secure the upper edge of the garment around a subject's body. In some cases, the one or more zipper and/or zipper pullers may be used to open and/or close one or more pockets of the garment. In some cases, the one or more zipper and/or zipper pullers may be used to open or close a front fly region of the garment.
In some cases, the one or more hardware components may include one or more rubber waist grippers. In some cases, the one or more rubber waist grippers may be disposed along an inner surface portion of the waist band of the garment. In some cases, the one or more rubber waist grippers may comprise a material that is configured to frictionally engage another article of apparel worn by the subject to control or limit (i) a movement of the garment relative to the other article of apparel or (ii) a movement of the other article of apparel relative to the garment.
Although specific embodiments are described herein, one of skill in the art will appreciate that these articles are provided for illustrative purposes, and that other articles may be employed to perform the functionalities disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, while different examples and embodiments may be described separately, such embodiments and examples may be combined with one another to implement the technology described herein. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are within the scope and spirit of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative embodiments. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.
