STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of garments. More specifically, the invention comprises a pair of shorts having a medial relief panel allowing a user to relieve her bladder or bowels while wearing the garment.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hiking and similar outdoor activities are enjoyed equally by men and women. However, women face challenges that are not often appreciated by their male counterparts. Bathrooms are few and far between on many hikes. The common solution is to walk off the trail and find a secluded spot shielded by vegetation. Such spots are rare on desert and prairie trails.
A female hiker must often remove her lower clothing—such as hiking shorts—in order to relieve herself. This is usually done on a lonely portion of the trail, but there is always the possibility that another hiker may suddenly and unexpectedly appear around a bend. In such a case the female hiker must rapidly and awkwardly don the clothing she removed.
The present invention addresses these problems by providing a modified garment where relief is possible without removing the garment. In order to understand the inventive construction, it is helpful to understand the general structure of prior art conventional shorts.
FIG. 7 shows prior art shorts 14 being worn by a user. The shorts in question are made from 4-way elastic material. The construction shown is commonly used for hiking shorts and biking shorts. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate how such shorts are constructed by sewing together two flat panels.
FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of left panel 40 and right panel 42 (collectively panel assembly 38). Left panel 40 is bounded by edges A, E, K, G, C, and I. Right panel 42 is bounded by corresponding edges B, F, L, H, D, and J. FIG. 2 shows the first steps in the assembly process. Edges A and B are stitched together to form anterior seam 44. Edges C and D are stitched together to form posterior seam 46. Point M lies on the lowest portion of the anterior seam while point N lies on the lowest portion of the posterior seam.
In FIG. 3, the assembly of FIG. 2 has been rotated and laid flat with anterior seam 44 lying in the middle. Points M and N are brought together. Edge F lies over edge H and Edge E lies over edge G. Left panel 40 is thus folded over on itself and so is right panel 42. Top opening 30—formed as a loop by edges I and J—becomes the waist opening of the completed shorts. Edge K—which is folded over itself in FIG. 3—becomes the left leg opening. Edge L—which is also shown folded over itself—becomes the right leg opening.
In FIG. 4, left inseam 46 is created by sewing together edges E,G while right inseam 48 is created by sewing together edges F,H. In FIG. 5, elastic band 50 is placed around top opening 30 and a portion of the assembly is rolled over it to form waist cuff 56. In FIG. 6 the fully developed waist cuff is sewn over the elastic band to create waist band 58. The reader will note that the upper portion of posterior seam 46 is visible. A hem is stitched around left leg opening 52 and right leg opening 54.
The completed assembly is shown being worn by a user in FIG. 7. The reader will note the location of left panel 40, right panel 42, waist band 58, anterior seam 44, left leg opening 52, right leg opening 54, and left inseam 46. Other features described previously are present but not visible. The user's torso extends upward from waist band 58. Her left leg protrudes from left leg opening 52 and her right leg protrudes from right leg opening 54. Because the exemplar shorts are made from elastic material, they conform to the user's body and provide a tight but comfortable fit.
FIG. 8 shows another type of prior art shorts that use a more complex construction. In this example the left and right panels of the example of FIG. 7 are each subdivided into an anterior panel and a posterior panel. Thus, four separate panels are used to create the completed shape. These are left anterior panel 66, left posterior panel 68, right anterior panel 70, and right posterior panel 72. In addition to the left and right inseams, two lateral seams are also present (though only right lateral seam 74 is visible). Right lateral seam 74 joins the lateral edges of right anterior panel 70 and right posterior panel 72. A corresponding left lateral seam (not visible) joins the lateral edges of left anterior panel 66 and left posterior panel 68. The use of a pattern having at its start four flat panels (instead of only two) allows for the creation of a more complex three-dimensional shape without undue stretching of the elastic fabric. As those skilled in the art will know, other designs use five, six, or more panels in the sewing pattern. The present invention can be adapted for use with a wide variety of known constructions. It is impractical to illustrate all these constructions. Accordingly, the prior art four panel construction such as shown in FIG. 8 serves as the basis for the embodiments illustrated.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention comprises a pair of shorts having a medial opening configured to allow a female user to relieve herself without having to remove the garment. The medial opening is selectively covered by a medial panel. The medial panel can be opened while remaining attached at its anterior edge or its posterior edge. It may also be removed entirely. When the medial panel is in its installed condition, its lateral margins preferably rest inside the shorts. An integrated covering skirt preferably conceals both the shorts and the medial panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view, showing an assembly of panels used to make a prior art pair of elastic shorts.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view, showing the panels of FIG. 1 joined together.
FIG. 3 is a plan view, showing the panels of FIG. 2 rotated ninety degrees and laid flat.
FIG. 4 is a plan view, showing the creation of a left and right inseam for the assembly of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view, showing the creation of a reinforced waist band for the assembly of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing the creation of a reinforced waist band for the assembly of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing the prior art pair of elastic shorts being worn by a user.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing another type of prior art shorts being worn by a user.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view, showing part of a relief garment made according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a front elevation view, showing the garment depicted in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view, showing the garment depicted in FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view from above, showing the nature of the medial opening in the inventive garment.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view, showing how a medial panel can be attached to the inventive garment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view, showing details of the medial panel.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view, showing details of the medial panel.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view, showing the inventive garment with the medial panel installed.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view, showing how the medial opening widens significantly when the user assumes a squatting position.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view, showing the position of FIG. 17 with the posterior edge of the medial panel attached but the anterior edge hanging free.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view, showing the position of FIG. 17 with the anterior edge of the medial panel attached but the posterior edge hanging free.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view, showing the position of FIG. 19 with the posterior edge of the medial panel secured.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view, showing the position of FIG. 17 with the anterior edge of the medial panel secured.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view, showing the addition of a covering skirt.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view, showing the covering skirt raised to reveal the structures it covers.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment for the medial panel.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS
30 top opening
38 panel assembly
40 left panel
42 right panel
44 anterior seam
46 left inseam
48 right inseam
50 elastic band
52 left leg opening
54 right leg opening
56 waist cuff
58 waist band
60 torso
62 left leg
64 right leg
66 left anterior panel
68 left posterior panel
70 right anterior panel
72 right posterior panel
74 right lateral seam
76 medial opening
78 left medial boundary
80 right medial boundary
82 relieved shorts
84 medial panel
86 posterior edge
88 anterior edge
90 fastener
92 posterior waist band region
94 anterior waist band region
96 fastener
98 right edge band
100 left edge band
102 central portion
104 drawstring
106 pocket
108 covering skirt
110 fastener
112 fastener
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following descriptions pertain to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Having reviewed these descriptions, many more embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. As one example, many diverse approaches could be used to define the boundaries of the medial opening. This disclosure describes only one of these. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be set by the claims presented at the end of this disclosure rather than the embodiments described.
FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention constructed as a four panel assembly. As for the prior art construction of FIG. 8, a pair of shorts are constructed by stitching together a waist band 58, left anterior panel 66, left posterior panel 68, right anterior panel 70, and right posterior panel 72. The panels are preferably made of elastic material, and even more preferably made of four-way elastic material. Unlike the prior art, however, relieved shorts 82 include a medial opening that begins proximate the anterior waist band region, spans the crotch area, and ends proximate the posterior waist band region. Medial opening 76 is bounded on the left side by left medial boundary 78 and on the right side by right medial boundary 80.
FIG. 10 shows a front elevation view of relieved shorts 82. The wearer's anatomy is shown in phantom lines. In this view the wearer is in a relaxed, standing position. Relieved shorts 82 are preferably a fairly tight fit. Being made of elastic material, they stretch and conform to the wearer's anatomy as shown. In the view of FIG. 10 the reader will note how left medial boundary 78 begins just below waist band 58 and curves outward in the left lateral direction as it descends toward the wearer's left leg. Right medial boundary likewise begins just below waist band 58 and curves outward in the right lateral direction as it descends toward the wearer's right leg.
FIG. 11 shows a rear elevation view with the wearer in the same relaxed standing position. The reader will note how medial opening 76 continues through to the posterior portion of relieved shorts 82. The reader will note how left medial boundary 78 continues rearward through the crotch area past left inseam 46—which joins the left anterior panel to the left posterior panel—and continues along left posterior panel 68 itself. Left medial boundary 78 deflects medially as it climbs toward the posterior region of waist band 58.
Right medial boundary 80 also continues rearward through the crotch area past right inseam 48—which joins the right anterior panel to the right posterior panel—and continues along right posterior panel 72. Right medial boundary 80 deflects medially as it climbs toward waist band 58 until the left and right medial boundaries preferably overlap as shown. The inseams 46, 48 thus extend upward form the leg openings but do not meet—as would be the case for conventional shorts. Instead, each inseam runs upward until it stops upon an intersection with the respective medial boundary. Right inseam 48 starts at right leg opening 54 and runs upward until it reaches right medial boundary 80. Left inseam 46 starts at left leg opening 52 and runs upward until it stops upon an intersection with left medial boundary 78.
FIGS. 12 and 13 provide a perspective view from a vantage point that is above and well in front of the relieved shorts 82. In order to aid visualization, the wearer's anatomy is not shown at all. However, it is important to note that the shorts are shown in a stretched state that exists while they are being worn. Thus, the position and orientation of the features shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 reflect the as-worn (stretched) state.
FIG. 12 allows the user to better visualize the position of medial opening 76 as well as left medial boundary 78 and right medial boundary 80. The reader will note how the left and right medial boundaries 78,80 proceed from a starting point proximate or just below the anterior waist band 58 to an ending point proximate or just below the posterior waist band. The medial boundaries of the medial opening do not proceed down to the leg openings themselves. The reader will observe that the medial boundaries stop short of left leg opening 52 and right leg opening 54. Thus, the leg openings still completely encircle the user's leg—thereby properly positioning the relieved shorts.
In the view of FIG. 12 it is easy to see how right medial boundary 80 proceeds around right anterior panel 70 and right posterior panel 72. It is also easy to see how left medial boundary 78 proceeds around left anterior panel 66 and left posterior panel 68. The orientation of the shorts in FIG. 12 corresponds to the same relaxed standing position for the wearer as reflected in FIGS. 10 and 11.
FIG. 13 shows the addition of a medial panel 84 that is configured to selectively close medial opening 76. FIG. 13 shows an exploded view, with medial panel 84 positioned to assemble into the interior of the relieved shorts by moving downward. Medial panel 84 has posterior edge 86 and anterior edge 88. One or more fasteners is mounted proximate each of these edges 86,88. The fasteners may be snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop material, or any other suitable device for joining one piece of material to another. In the example shown, three fasteners 90 are provided proximate posterior edge 86 and three fasteners 90 are provided proximate anterior edge 88.
Fasteners are also provided on or proximate waist band 58. In the embodiment shown, three fasteners 96 are provided along posterior waist band region 92. Three fasteners 96 are also provided along anterior waist band region 94. The reader will note that the waist band region of relieved shorts 82 has an inward facing side and an outward facing side. The edges 86,88 of medial panel 84—when the medial panel is installed—lie against the inward facing side of the waist band region. However—in the example shown—fasteners 96 are provided on both the inward facing side of the waist band region and the outward facing side. The reason for this optional feature will be explained subsequently.
FIG. 14 provides a side perspective view of medial panel 84. The panel includes a right lateral edge and a left lateral edge. In the version shown right edge band 98 is stitched along the right lateral edge and left edge band 100 is stitched along the left lateral edge. Edge bands are an optional feature to reinforce the edge.
FIG. 15 provides a sectional view through central portion 102. The flat pattern used for the medial panel preferably uses a mild “hour glass” shape in which the anterior and posterior edges are wider than central portion 102. This makes the panel more comfortable in use. Elastic material is preferably also used for medial panel 84 so that it can achieve a more pliable fit.
FIG. 16 shows the completed assembly of relieved shorts 82 with medial panel 84 in an installed state. The relieved shorts and the medial panel are both in the stretched state they would occupy when worn by a wearer in a relaxed standing position. The reader will note how the posterior edge of medial panel 84 is attached to the inward facing side of the posterior waist band region 92 and how the anterior edge of the medial panel is attached to the inward facing side of the anterior waist band region 94. Medial panel 84 lies inside of medial opening 76 and covers the medial opening. A portion of the outward facing side of medial panel 84 (in the front) is visible between left medial boundary 78 and right medial boundary 80. The medial panel in this example is attached to the relieved shorts only at the panels' anterior and posterior edges. However, the medial panel will remain in the comfortable central position under the influence of the wearer's anatomy.
In order for the wearer to relieve herself while wearing the inventive garment, the medial panel must be moved out of the way to open the medial opening in the shorts. The size and shape of the medial opening is important to the functionality of the design. Returning to FIG. 12, the reader will recall that the state shown represents the user being in a standing relaxed position. In this state medial opening 76 is fairly narrow.
In order to urinate or defecate, the female user will typically assume a squatting position. This altered configuration is shown in FIG. 17. Again, the garment is shown as it would appear when stretched over the anatomy of a squatting wearer—though the wearer herself is not shown. In the squatting position, the wearer's thighs change from approximately parallel to a diverging angle α of between about 15 and 30 degrees. The wearer also bends substantially forward so that the portion of the shorts covering the legs are bent relative to the portion proximate the waist (note fold lines in the anterior panels). As a result, medial opening grows much wider over its entire length and particularly in the regions needed to permit urination and defecation without contaminating the shorts themselves.
The left panel assembly in the example shown is divided into a left anterior panel 66 and a left posterior panel 68. Likewise, the right panel assembly is divided into a right anterior panel 70 and a right posterior panel 72. In the embodiment shown, the left panel assembly and the right panel assembly overlap slightly in the anterior waist band region and the posterior waist band region. This overlap allows the two panel assemblies to slide relative to one another in order to widen medial opening 76 as the wearer assumes a squatting position.
FIGS. 18-21 illustrate use configurations for the inventive garment. FIG. 18 shows a first use configuration. Anterior edge 88 has been detached from the anterior waist band region and allowed to drop through medial opening 76 and hang free. The posterior edge of the medial panel is still attached proximate posterior waist bad region 92. Medial panel is well clear in this state and will not interfere with the wearer relieving herself (Because of the vantage point in FIG. 18 it appears that the medial panel is still covering much of the medial opening. In fact, the medial panel only covers the portion of the medial opening immediately adjacent to posterior waist band region 92. Since the medial panel hangs straight down under the influence of gravity it is well clear).
FIG. 19 shows a second user configuration. Posterior edge 86 has been detached from the posterior waist band region and allowed to drop and hang free. Anterior edge 88 remains attached to anterior waist band region 94. The medial panel again hangs straight down under the influence of gravity and remains well clear.
In the configurations of both FIGS. 18 and 19, the user is able to grasp the free end of the medial panel and hold it clear while relieving herself. This provides some extra security though it is not actually necessary. FIGS. 20 and 21 show an additional feature that some users prefer.
In FIG. 20, the wearer has opened the medial opening by detaching the posterior edge 86 of medial panel 84. The posterior edge has dropped through the medial opening. The user then grasps the posterior edge, urges it upward as shown, and attaches it to the outward facing side of anterior waist band region 94. For this reason, fasteners are provided on the outward facing side of the waist band region. As an example, the fasteners can be double-side snaps that are pressed into the waist band—with a male portion of the snap protruding inward and a second opposing male portion protruding outward. Hook-and-loop or other fastener types can also be configured with an inward facing portion and an outward facing portion. In looking at FIG. 20, the reader will appreciate that medial panel 84 is held well clear in the secured position.
FIG. 21 provides yet another configuration of use. In this configuration the user has detached the anterior edge of medial panel 84 and allowed it to fall through medial opening 76. The user has then grasped the anterior edge 88, pulled it upward and secured it to the outward facing side of posterior waist band region 92. Outward facing fasteners are provided on the posterior waist band region to facilitate this configuration.
An additional modesty layer is preferably provided for the inventive garment. FIG. 22 shows the addition of covering skirt 108 over the relieved shorts and medial panel. In this version, covering skirt 108 is joined to waist band 58. It can include a variety of conventional features—such as one or more pockets 106 and a cinching drawstring 104.
FIG. 23 shows the embodiment of FIG. 22 with the lower hem of covering skirt 108 being raised to reveal relieved shorts and medial panel 84 underneath. In use the covering skirt is allowed to remain in place. Returning to the examples of FIGS. 17-21, the covering skirt will remain in place while the user relieves herself. This provides modesty protection even when the medial panel is open. The covering skirt is preferably made large enough so that it can hang vertically in any of the use states. One or more pleats can be provided if desired.
Having reviewed this disclosure, many other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. As a first example, the medial panel does not need to attach to the uppermost portion of the waist band region. Returning to FIG. 19, the reader will note the inclusion of fasteners 110 (in the posterior region) and fasteners 112 (in the anterior region). These can be used to attach the medial panel well below the waist band itself.
The preferred fastening locations and preferred locations for the beginning and end of medial opening depend somewhat on the rise of the relieved shorts. “Low rise” shorts have a waist band in a low position (about 10 cm below the wearer's navel). “High rise” shorts have a waist band proximate the wearer's navel (typically within 0 to 3 cm). In the present invention the medial opening begins proximate the anterior waist band region and ends proximate the posterior waist band region. For “high rise” shorts, “proximate” means within 0 to 12 cm of the waist band. For low rise shorts “proximate” means within 0 to 4 cm of the waist band.
The shape and size of the medial panel can be altered to suit the comfort of the individual. FIG. 24 shows an alternate embodiment for the medial panel where the portions attaching to the posterior and/or anterior waist band regions are significantly wider. The reader will note that the anterior portion of medial panel 84 in this example includes five laterally-spaced fasteners rather than three. The same is true for the anterior portion. Some users will prefer an even wider region that resembles conventional underwear. All these variations are encompassed within the present invention.
The fabrics used are preferably those suitable for outdoor activities. Four-way stretch material is preferred, as are wicking and quick-drying materials. However, the invention is by no means limited to any particular materials. The invention is likewise not limited to any particular pattern. Although four panels are used for the preferred construction of the relieved shorts, it is possible to make the shorts from two panels or even one panel (with the medial opening being an open portion).
Although the preceding descriptions contain significant detail, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will know that many other variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should properly be determined with respect to the following claims rather than the examples given.
Patent Application
20250040624
