Patent Application
20170238626
The present invention relates to a sports trouser, and more particularly to a sports trouser having a halter portion which may enable the trouser to be more versatile, especially for a female user.
For various types of sport, it is conventional to wear a trouser for reasons of protection, comfort and modesty. Such sports include cycling, triathlon, skiing and snowboarding.
A key requirement for such a trouser is that the trouser should remain in position on the wearer's body even when the wearer is engaged in strenuous activity. However, the trouser must also be sufficiently comfortable so as not to distract from the performance of the sport and also must not unduly restrict the movement of the wearer.
Especially for the sports mentioned above, the wearer spends a substantial proportion of the time while engaged in the activity in a crouched posture. In such a posture, when wearing a trouser which is retained against the wearer's body by means of a form-fit, as in the case of a trouser formed of a stretch material, there is a tendency for the waistband of the trouser to descend, leading to a loss of protection of the lower portion of the torso and upper portion of the seat and potentially revealing unintended portions of the wearer's body. This can lead to a gap forming between the shorts and the rider's top garment, such as a riding jersey, which can be uncomfortable, especially when riding in cold or rainy conditions or under intense ultraviolet-level sun. There is also a tendency for a riding pad, if present, to displace from a preferred location, which can be uncomfortable for the rider.
Therefore, especially for the above-mentioned sports, there has been developed a type of trouser known as the bib trouser. A conventional bib trouser is shown in
To assist in retaining the trouser in its correct position even when crouching or performing strenuous activity, the trouser is additionally provided with left and right suspender portions 103a and 103b which extend from the front of the waistband of the trouser over the shoulders of the wearer on the left and the right sides to attach to a back portion 105. The back portion 105 then extends from the attachment points of the suspender portions to the rear portion of the waistband portion 101. By means of the suspender portions 103a and 103b, the shoulders provide an upward force to the front and rear of the waistband, maintaining the trouser in its correct configuration. Variants in the width and positioning of the back portion, especially, may be adopted, but the general principle is common to conventional bib trousers.
Such a trouser may also be provided with a so-called bib portion 104 which extends above the waistband portion 101 and connects the left and right suspender portions 103a and 103b to provide protection also to the midriff of the wearer.
Such a bib trouser has a number of drawbacks. Particularly, such a configuration is generally somewhat difficult to remove at least partially from the body of the user, unassisted, in a quick and simple manner, for example to enable convenient use of bathroom facilities, especially for female wearers.
Further, the suspender portions tend to fall over the front of the breast, thereby causing irritation and rubbing when riding. Additionally, the excess fabric of the back portion can impede cooling, while the tension of the suspender portions on the shoulders can be uncomfortable.
For all these reasons, the conventional bib trouser design does not completely fulfil the comfort, security and convenience needs of wearers.
No design of trouser is known to the present inventor which provides a sufficiently comfortable and secure wearing experience and simultaneously enables the easy use of bathroom facilities.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sports trouser comprising: a trouser portion having a waistband portion from which a bifurcated leg portion depends; and a halter portion extending from the waistband portion to loop, when worn, around the back of the neck of the wearer, thereby to apply an upward force to the waistband portion, wherein the halter portion is anchored to the waistband portion so as to apply force at at least two positions arranged on either side of the body sagittal plane each being rearward of the body coronal plane, the halter portion being anchored so as to extend to the neck crossing the body coronal plane beneath the arms of the wearer. Such a configuration enables the easy use of bathroom facilities.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the halter portion is additionally anchored to the waistband portion so as to apply force at two positions arranged on each side of the body sagittal plane and each being forward of the body coronal plane. Such a configuration is able to provide increased security when worn.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the halter portion is anchored to the waistband portion on each side of the body sagittal plane to apply force at positions both forward and rearward of the body coronal plane but not at at least an intermediate position between the forward and rearward position on each side. Such a configuration is able to provide improved fit and to minimise unnecessary skin coverage.
In one embodiment, the halter portion is detachably anchored to the waistband portion at at least the forward position on each side of the body sagittal plane. Such a configuration enables particularly easy donning and doffing of the trouser.
In one embodiment, the sports trouser further comprises a closure portion extending from the halter portion in a loop so as to encircle the neck, when worn. Such a configuration is able to provide increased security to the trouser.
In one embodiment, the leg portion extends to terminate above the knees of the wearer, when worn. Such a configuration may be preferable for use in warm climates or wet conditions.
In one embodiment, the leg portion extends to terminate below the knees of the wearer, when worn. Such a configuration may be preferable for colder climates or to provide improved protection to the shin area.
In one embodiment, the sports trouser further comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the halter portion. Such a configuration allows the trouser to be adapted to wearing conditions and to the physical dimensions of the user.
In one embodiment, the halter portion is anchored to the waistband portion at each side of the sagittal plane at a position more than 55% rearward measured between a frontmost position of the waistband portion and a rearmost position of the waistband portion intersecting the sagittal plane, preferably being more than 65% and less than 75% rearward. Such a configuration provides a good balance between comfort and security.
In one embodiment, the halter portion is anchored to the waistband portion by the apex of a generally triangular portion which extends to the waistband on each side of the sagittal plane. Such a configuration allows even distribution of tension from the halter portion to the waistband portion, thereby improving security, comfort and durability of the trouser.
In one embodiment, the halter portion is substantially in the form of a band of material extending from the waistband portion on each side of the sagittal plane. Such a configuration may be particularly simple to manufacture.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the halter portion is configured so as to apply an upward tension on a rear portion of the waistband portion when the wearer stands erect, and so as to release the tension such that the waistband portion may be dropped below the buttocks of the wearer when the wearer squats. Such a configuration is especially able to enable easy use of bathroom facilities by the wearer.
In one embodiment, the sports trouser is a cycling trouser, a triathlon trouser, a skiing trouser or a snowboard trouser. Such a trouser is particularly suitable for such sports, in which crouching is a normal position in which to perform the activity.
In one embodiment, a bib portion is provided connected to the halter portion on each side of the sagittal plane so as to at least partially cover a front torso region of the wearer. Such a configuration is able to provide improved protection to the covered torso region, as well as providing a location to place graphical elements such as team logos, numerals, or other identification marks.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the bib portion extends to connect to a front portion of the waistband. Such a configuration is further able to distribute load across the waistband, thereby improving durability and comfort of the trouser when worn. According to one aspect of the present invention, the halter portion substantially is formed of a stretch fabric. In one embodiment of the invention, the waistband portion is substantially formed of a stretch fabric. In one embodiment of the present invention, the trouser portion substantially is formed of a stretch fabric. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sports trouser is substantially formed of a stretch fabric. Such a configuration is able to provide particularly improved comfort and fit as well as ease of donning and doffing the trouser.
Embodiments of the invention are particularly applicable to female users, although anatomical design for male users is also contemplated, as well as unisex configurations, without restriction.
Particular embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
To better understand the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the following description, as is conventional, explanation will be made of the features of the disclosed trouser with reference to the well-known body planes of a typical wearer, shown for example in
According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a sports trouser as shown in
Specifically,
In the embodiment of
In the exemplary trouser, each of the upper part of the halter portion, the various anchor portions depending from the upper part of the halter portion, the waistband portion and the leg portion is integrally formed from fabric. However, it is also possible that all the various portions, or some of the various portions, are formed separately and then joined by known fabric joining techniques such as stitching, bonding, gluing, melting and the like. If the trouser is made by joining individually formed portions, then each individually formed portion may correspond with a named portion in the present disclosure, or may correspond to part of or more than one such portion.
In the exemplary trouser, the anchor portions have triangular form, although triangular form with inwardly-curved sides. However, the anchor portions could also be formed as straight-sided triangular forms, semi-circular forms, rectangular forms, band forms, or other forms without limitation. Once skilled in the art will be able to achieve, by straightforward adjustment of the dimensions and geometry of the anchor portions, a good anatomical fit as desired or required.
Also visible in
Such a configuration can include a halter whose length, geometry and/or width is adapted to follow anatomical contours when worn, for example, the side contours of the female breast, for increased comfort and security. In female variants of the trouser, especially, the halter portion may attach to the triangular front and rear attachment portions to lie much under the armpit and just under the line of the nipples, to help to guide the front straps round the side of the female breast.
Therefore, by considering
Considering
Of course, if full or even partial removal of the trouser is desired, the halter portion can be lifted over the head to release tension on the waistband portion, and the trouser can then be dropped as desired in the conventional manner. Doing so is possible even when wearing a top garment, since the halter portion can be retrieved beneath the top garment to enable the halter to be donned.
Conversely, when the rider stands fully erect, as shown in
Although one embodiment has been described above, a number of variants are possible. Particularly, although the above embodiment has been described with reference to a configuration in which the halter portion is integrally formed with the remainder of the garment, it is possible to provide a variant wherein the halter portion is connected to the waistband via hook-and-loop fastenings, press studs, clips or another detachable fastening mechanism, to further improve the ease with which the garment may be donned and doffed.
In a variant embodiment, a closure portion may be provided extending from either side of the halter portion passing about the neck of the wearer so as to connect each side of the halter portion in front of the neck. Such a configuration may provide an openable closure either on the sagittal plane, to one side of the sagittal plane, where the closure portion connects to the halter portion at one or other side.
Such a closure portion may be made openable by provision of, or example, a hook-and-loop fastening, a press-stud fastening, a clip fastening or another fastening means such as may be known in the art.
In the above embodiment, the Figures illustrate leg portions 12a and 12b which extend to terminate above the knee of the wearer. However, in variant embodiments, the leg portions may extend to terminate below the knee of the wearer, such that the knees and optionally the calves are covered. In such a configuration, the leg portions may even extend to the ankle of the user, and may terminate in a loop portion configured to pass underneath the sole of the wearer.
In the above embodiment, the halter portion 13 has been described as being of fixed length. However, in some embodiments, the halter portion may be provided with an adjustment mechanism, such as a length adjustment slide, whereby the length of the halter portion may be adjusted to vary the tension provided by the halter portion to best suit the preferences of the wearer. Alternative mechanisms to a length adjustment slide include a buckle type adjustment, wherein at least one side of the halter portion is divided into two, and a buckle is provided such that one portion is secured to the other portion at a relatively higher or lower position, for example by a friction clip or a hook-and-loop type fastening. In some embodiments, it may be preferably to provide both sides of the halter portion with such an adjustment slide.
In the disclosed configuration, the halter portion essentially consists of a band of material extending from the anchor portions around the neck of the wearer. However, different configurations are possible, and substantial variation in the width of the halter portion is possible as it passes from one side of the waistband, around the neck of the wearer, to the other side of the waistband. Particularly, it may be desired to provide a relatively wider or narrower portion at the neck region to provide for, on the one hand, greater load distribution and on the other hand, a more contoured fit to the shape of the neck, depending on the preferences of the wearer.
The above disclosure has been made with regard especially to a cycling trouser, although equivalent principles apply for a sports trouser for any other sport in which a crouching position is generally adopted while engaging in the activity. Therefore, an equivalent construction is possible for, for example, triathlon trousers, skiing trousers or snowboarding trousers. Further, the trouser need not be an external trouser, but could, for example, be an underwear layer or a base layer over which a shell trouser or a shell suit is worn for improved protection. Alternatively, such a configuration is suitable for an external shell trouser intended to be worn over, for example, a base layer or underwear layer.
In the disclosed configuration, the bib portion 14 is relatively small, and is formed by the join of the two front anchor portions across the sagittal plane. However, the bib portion can be relatively larger, and can extend from the waistband to cover a substantial portion of the torso, leaving sufficient aperture between the bib portion and the halter portion to permit the neck to be placed through the aperture to don the garment. With such a relatively larger bib portion, more protection and coverage is provided to the front of the torso of the wearer, and an enlarged area for the depiction of graphics, logos, text and similar indications may be provided. Further, although the bib portion has been depicted in the above-described embodiment as extending to the waistband, it is also possible for an aperture to be provided between the bib portion and the waistband, and, for example, the bib portion can take the form of a cross-brace portion extending between the two halves of the halter portion, across, for example, the chest region.
In the above embodiments, it is envisaged that at least portions, such as the halter portion, the bib portion, the waistband portion, and the leg portions may be formed of a stretch material such as elastane, known under the trade name Lycra. Such a material may be advantageous in terms of improving the fit to the wearer's body, improving body contact for wicking moisture, and reducing the likelihood of the trouser displacing in use. However, the selection of materials is not limited, and, for example, only parts of these respective portions may be formed of a stretch fabric, or not at all.
For example, it may be envisaged that only, for example, side panels of the waistband portion 11 are formed of a stretch fabric, with intermediate portions being formed of another material selected for alternative technical properties, such as the ability to wick moisture or the ability to provide thermal insulation or ultraviolet protection. The same is true for, for example, the leg portions, the bib portion, and indeed the halter portion, none of which necessarily need to be made wholly or even partly from a stretch fabric.
For example, with reference to
The particular dimensions and shapes of the various portions of the trouser may be varied, provided the above-described functional requirements are satisfied. In an exemplary embodiment, designed for a conventional male large or female extra large size, the following dimensions may be adopted.
The waistband circumference a may be selected as 86 cm. The position b on the waistband (measured from the front centre of the waistband, on the sagittal plane) above which the halter portion attaches to the triangular front attachment portions may be selected as 14 cm. The position c on the waistband (measured from the front) above which the halter portion attaches to the triangular rear attachment portion may be selected as 22 cm, or on or slightly to the rear of the coronal plane. The length d of the triangular rear portions from the waistband to the halter portion may be selected as 20 cm. The length e of the triangular front portions from the waistband to the halter portion may be selected as 17 cm. The length of the halter f from the point where the triangular rear portions join to the back of the neck may be selected as 32 cm. The widths g, h of the halter strap may be selected to be 8 cm at the chest and 6 cm at the neck.
Of course, it may be necessary to scale the trouser to accommodate male and female and adult and juvenile users of differing heights and builds. Assuming that the human body linear dimensions scale with each other, for a 78 cm waist, corresponding to a conventional male small or female medium size, the above dimensions could each be reduced by approximately 10%.
As a general guide, the following dimensions could be considered to be appropriate for the measurements b to h based on the measurement a.
For the measurement b, the range may be 10%-20%, preferably about 15% of a. For the measurement c, the range may be 20-30%, preferably about 25% of a. For the measurement d, the range may be 15-30%, preferably about 23% of a. For the measurement e, the range may be 15-25%, preferably 20% of a. For the measurement f, the range may be 30-45%, preferably 35% of a. For the measurement g, the range may be 5%-15%, preferably 10% of a. For the measurement h, the range may be 5 to 10%, preferably 7% of a.
However, despite the disclosure of the above exemplary dimensions, given the variation in human body size, the skilled reader will appreciate that it is in general especially appropriate to characterise the trouser in terms of its structure and function, and particularly in terms of its having a halter portion which is anchored to the waistband portion at at least two positions arranged on either side of the body sagittal plane each being rearward of the body coronal plane so as to extend to the neck crossing the body coronal plane beneath the arms of the wearer. More particularly, the halter portion is configured so as to apply an upward tension on a rear portion of the waistband portion when the wearer starts erect, and so as to release the tension such that the waistband portion may be dropped below the buttocks of the wearer when the wearer squats. Advantages of the disclosed configuration are achieved when these criteria are separately or together fulfilled.
Especially, in addition to the advantages described with reference to the ability easily to permit the trouser to be partially removed, aspects of the present disclosure may in certain configurations present further advantages. Firstly, whereas in a conventional bib trouser, the back portion is required to extend sufficiently far up the wearer's back so as to prevent the left and right suspender portions from slipping off the shoulders, the disclosed configuration avoids excess body coverage and therefore may able to enhance cooling performance during strenuous activity. In a conventional bib trouser, a relatively greater area of the fabric of the garment is required to be in contact with the wearer's body.
In some embodiments, it may be possible to dispense with, for example, the front anchors 16a and 16b, since in a crouched riding position, the principal risk of exposure is at the rear. However, by providing the front anchor positions, the tendency of the halter portions to drift in use from an intended position at the front of the torso is minimised, tending to reduce chafing at the chest and armpits.
Generally, once the advantage of providing a halter portion anchored to the waistband portion at at least two positions arranged on either side of the body sagittal plane, each being rearward of the body coronal plan so as to extend to the neck crossing the body coronal plane beneath the arms of the wearer is appreciated, those skilled in the art will be able to realise other configurations which achieve advantageous effect, including improving security and versatility. Any and all such variations are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1321950.6 | Dec 2013 | GB | national |
| 1613417.3 | Aug 2016 | GB | national |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15103533 | Jun 2016 | US |
| Child | 15591634 | US |
