REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING
Not applicable
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates generally to an article of clothing. More particularly, the present disclosure relates generally to underwear and the functionality and accessibility of a closure system thereof.
2. Description of the Background
A variety of conditions, events, or abnormalities can limit the mobility, flexibility, and/or dexterity of a person. In particular, certain upper body mobility impairments can include, for example, limited dexterity, limited shoulder mobility, and restricted or non-existent use of one or both arms. Limited mobility can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, surgery, aging, birth abnormalities, or onset of disease. As such, a variety of mobility impairments may decrease a person's ability to easily, independently, painlessly, or successfully put on certain articles of clothing, including conventional underwear. Conventional underwear often requires balance, flexibility, and aim to step into and pull up. Furthermore, conventional underwear typically requires removing the underwear from the user's waist to use the restroom. This, again, can pose a challenge for users with limited dexterity, flexibility, and mobility.
SUMMARY
An article of clothing, and in particular, underwear, as described herein, may have various configurations. The underwear or other garments may have a closure system that includes a waistband closure and a body closure. The waistband closure can include a band that includes first and second distal ends that can be pulled or retracted to change the circumference of the waistband of the underwear. The body closure can include one or more fasteners and can be configured to secure a front portion of the underwear to the band.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides underwear that may advantageously be used by those with limited mobility, flexibility, and or dexterity. The underwear can include a body having a front portion and a rear portion. The underwear can include a band and a waistband that is defined by the body and the band, collectively. A waistband closure can be used for adjusting the waistband around a waist of a user. The waistband closure can include first and second distal ends of the band. A body closure can be used for securing the body of the underwear to the band. The body closure can include a fastener on the body and a complementary fastener on the band.
In some embodiments, the body closure can secure the front portion to the band via the first fastener and the second fastener. In some embodiments, the first distal end or the second distal end can be pulled or retracted relative to the body to tighten or loosen the waistband. In some embodiments, independent of the body closure, the waistband closure can move between a fastened configuration of the waistband closure and an unfastened configuration of the waistband closure. In some embodiments, the first distal end can engage with the band on a first side of the body to achieve the fastened configuration of the waistband closure. The second distal end can engage with the band on a second side of the body to achieve the fastened configuration of the waistband closure. The second side can be opposite the first side.
In some embodiments, the first distal end and the second distal end can engage with the band at an anterior portion of the waist of the user. In some embodiments, independent of the waistband closure, the body closure can move between a fastened configuration of the body closure and an unfastened configuration of the body closure. In some embodiments, the underwear can further include a first slider and a second slider. The band can slide through the first slider or the second slider as the waistband is tightened or loosened. In some embodiments, the first distal end can engage with the first slider, and the second distal end can engage with the second slider.
In some embodiments, the first distal end and the second distal end can each include a waistband closure fastener that engages with the band. In some embodiments, the waistband closure fastener can include a hook and loop fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a magnetitic fastener, a clasp fastener, a button fastener, a latch fastener, an adhesive, a tie, or a snap fastener. In some embodiments, the first fastener of the body closure and the second fastener of the body closure can each include a hook and loop fastener, a hook and eye fastener, a magnetitic fastener, a clasp fastener, a button fastener, a latch fastener, an adhesive, a tie, or a snap fastener. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a closure system is provided for underwear that includes a waistband formed from a body of the underwear and a band of the underwear. The body includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a connecting portion. The closure system can include a waistband closure that includes a first distal end and a second distal end that can be pulled or retracted to change a circumference of the waistband. The closure system can further include a body closure for securing the front portion to the band.
In some embodiments, the front portion can be configured to be secured to the band via a fastener. In some embodiments, the first distal end and the second distal end can be configured to be secured to the waistband, the front portion, or the rear portion via a waistband closure fastener. In some embodiments, the waistband closure can include a first slider that is configured to receive the first distal end or the second distal end. In some embodiments, the waistband closure can include a stopping element that limits the first distal end or the second distal end from being removed from the first slider.
According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a method is provided for adjusting an article of clothing that is worn on a lower body of a user. The article of clothing includes a waistband that is formed from a body of the article of clothing and a band of the article of clothing. The body includes a front portion and a rear portion. The method can include providing the waistband around a waist of the user. A distal end of the band can be pulled in a lateral direction to tighten the waistband around the waist. The distal end can be secured to the band. In some embodiments, the method can further include securing the front portion to the band. In some embodiments, securing the distal end to the band or securing the front portion to the band can include engaging one or more of hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, magnetic fasteners, clasp fasteners, button fasteners, latch fasteners, adhesive fasteners, tie fasteners, or snap fasteners.
Other aspects of the underwear described herein, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the articles of underwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front view of underwear having a closure system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the underwear of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an interior view of the underwear of FIG. 1 with a body of the underwear in an open orientation;
FIG. 4 is the underwear of FIG. 3 with the closure system in an unfastened configuration;
FIG. 5 is an exterior view of the underwear of FIG. 1 with a body of the underwear in an open orientation;
FIG. 6 is an exterior partial view of the underwear of FIG. 1 with a portion of the closure system in an extended position;
FIG. 7 is a top view of the underwear of FIG. 6 with a body of the underwear in an open orientation; and a portion of the closure system in the extended position;
FIG. 8 is a front view of the underwear of FIG. 1 in an open orientation with a portion of the closure system surrounding a user, the closure system in an unfastened configuration;
FIG. 9 is a front view of the underwear of FIG. 8 with a front portion of the underwear partially fastened to a band of the underwear to achieve a partially open orientation of body of the underwear;
FIG. 10 is a zoomed-in interior view of the underwear of FIG. 1 with the closure system in an unfastened configuration and a closed orientation of the body of the underwear;
FIG. 11 is a zoomed-in front view of a strap of the closure system of the underwear of FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is a zoomed-in side view of the strap of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a zoomed-in, partial front view of the closure system of the underwear of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is an interior view of underwear in an open orientation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is an interior view of the underwear of FIG. 14 with a strap in an open configuration;
FIG. 16A is a schematic illustration of underwear having a closure system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a waistband closure of the closure system in a fully unfastened configuration;
FIG. 16B is a schematic illustration of the underwear of FIG. 16A, showing the waistband closure in a partially unfastened configuration;
FIG. 16C is a schematic illustration of the underwear of FIG. 16A, showing the waistband closure in a fastened configuration;
FIG. 16D is a detailed view taken about line 16D-16D in FIG. 16C, showing details of the closure system;
FIG. 16E is a schematic illustration of the underwear of FIG. 16A in a closed orientation;
FIG. 17A is a schematic illustration of underwear having a closure system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a waistband closure of the closure system in an unfastened configuration;
FIG. 17B is a schematic illustration of the underwear of FIG. 17A, showing the waistband closure of the closure system in a fastened configuration;
FIG. 17C is a schematic illustration of the underwear of FIG. 17A in a closed orientation;
FIG. 18A is an interior view of underwear having a closure system according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 18B is an exterior view of the underwear of FIG. 18A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of underwear and a closure system. Although embodiments a closure system are disclosed with reference to underwear, concepts associated with embodiments of the underwear or closure system may be applied to a wide range of undergarments and closure systems, including various styles of underwear (e.g., briefs, boxer-briefs, boxers, panties, etc.), swimwear, sportswear, diapers, pants, shorts, and harnesses. Furthermore, although embodiments of a closure system for underwear are generally described herein in the context of human use, it should be appreciated that other applications for non-humans are possible. For example, embodiments of the closure system described herein may be used in underwear, diapers, or other garments used on pets (e.g., dogs, cats, etc.). Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of consumer products.
As briefly described above, a variety of conditions, events, or abnormalities can limit the mobility of a person. In particular, certain upper body mobility impairments can include, for example, limited dexterity, limited shoulder mobility, and restricted or non-existent use of one or both arms. Additionally, certain lower body mobility impairments can include, for example, limited hip, knee, or other joint mobility or flexibility, and restricted or non-existent use of one or both legs. Limited mobility or flexibility can be caused by a variety of factors, including stroke paralysis, nerve damage, rotator cuff injuries, drop foot and other injuries, surgery, aging, birth abnormalities, arthritis, fibromyalgia, scleroderma, and other diseases. As such, a variety of mobility impairments may decrease a person's ability to easily, independently, painlessly, or successfully put on certain articles of clothing, including conventional underwear.
Conventional underwear generally requires two hands to open a waistband of the underwear, and the flexibility and mobility to insert legs into respective leg holes. This may include one or more of balancing on one leg, balancing while leaning forward, bending knees, partial rotation at the hip joints, and pulling the garment up into place. A wide variety of flexibility or mobility-limiting impairments can hinder or frustrate the process of putting on (or removing) conventional underwear.
Embodiments of the present disclosure address these and other drawbacks of conventional underwear. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a closure system for underwear (or other garments) that can be used when a user or operator has limited or decreased mobility, flexibility, or balance. Embodiments of underwear described herein can include a waistband closure system and an underwear body closure system. The waistband closure system can be infinitely adjustable to provide a varying circumference of waistband and tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, the waistband can be opened up (e.g., by forming a line rather than a closed loop) and secured around a user without having to maneuver the garment up from the feet. Alternatively, underwear according to embodiments of the disclosure can be arranged around a waist of a user by maneuvering the underwear down from over the user's head. Furthermore, the underwear body closure system can be secured at the front rather than permanently fixed to the circumference of the waistband.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the underwear 100 (e.g., an article of clothing that is worn on a lower body of a user) having a closure system 102. The underwear 100 defines a body 108 and a band 110. The body 108 and the band 110 form a waistband 112 of the underwear 100. The body 108 includes a front portion 114, a rear portion 116, and a connecting portion 118 that extends between the front portion 114 and the rear portion 116. When the underwear 100 is worn, the front portion 114 can be positioned at an anterior side of a user and the rear portion 116 can be positioned at a posterior side of the user to cover or at least partially cover the buttocks. The connecting portion 118 (e.g., a crotch portion) can extend between the front portion 114 and the rear portion 116 to form the body 108 of the underwear 100. In some cases, the connecting portion 118 can include a gusset, which can further include an absorbent pad.
In some embodiments, the body 108 is a unitary body and formed from a single piece of material. However, in other embodiments, the body 108 can be formed from a plurality of material or material members. The body 108 also generally defines an interior 122 and an exterior 124. The interior 122 is the side of the underwear 100 that contacts or at least faces the user when wearing the underwear 100 and the exterior 124 is the side of the underwear 100 that faces away from user when wearing the underwear. FIG. 1 shows a front view of the underwear 100. Thus, the exterior 124 of the front portion 114 of the body 108 is visible and a portion of the interior 122 of the rear portion 116 of the body 108 is visible in FIG. 1.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, the underwear 100 also includes the closure system 102, which in some embodiments includes a waistband closure 130 and a body closure 132. In general, the waistband closure 130 is a closure system that can be used to adjust, cinch, and secure the band 110 of the underwear 100 (e.g., around a waist of the user). The body closure 132 can be used to secure the front portion 114 of the underwear 100 to the band 110. Another part of the closure system 102 includes pulls 136 (e.g., finger pulls or pull elements). The pulls 136 can be disposed at upper corner areas 138 of the front portion 114. In some cases, the pulls 136 can be configured as loops, pockets, holes, tabs, or other features that can allow a user to grasp or slide one or more fingers into the pull 136 to facilitate maneuvering the front portion 114 relative to the band 110 when putting on, taking off, or adjusting the underwear 100.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion 114 and the rear portion 116 include a generally triangular geometry. The rear portion 116 can be formed as a slightly larger triangular-like member compared to the front portion 114. Two corners of the triangular-like front and rear portions 114, 116 (e.g., near the upper corner areas 138) can be connected by the band 110 and a third corner of the triangular-like front and rear portions 114, 116 can be connected by the connecting portion 118. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the band 110 can be connected to the rear portion 116 via sliders 144 that are provided on upper corner areas 140 of the rear portion 116. Further, in some cases, the front portion 114 and the rear portion 116 can be connected by the band 110 near the upper corner areas 140 of the rear portion 116, for example, in addition to being connected by the connecting portion 118.
FIG. 3 illustrates the underwear 100 in an open orientation. The body 108 of the underwear 100 can be moved between a closed orientation (e.g., shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and the open orientation (e.g., shown in FIG. 3). When the body 108 of the underwear 100 is in the open orientation, the band 110 can be in a closed-circuit configuration with the rear portion 116 to form a waistband 112 that is a closed, continuous circuit. The band 110 can include distal ends 142 and can be connected to the rear portion 116 via the sliders 144. For example, the sliders 144 can each include an opening that is sized or shaped to receive the distal ends 142. In some embodiments, the band 110 can be configured as a single strap extending between the distal ends 142 and looped through the sliders 144 to form the waistband 112. However, in other embodiments, the band 110 may include one or more members that can be adjusted relative to the body 108 and can collectively form at least a portion of the waistband 112. For example, a length (e.g., or a circumference) of the waistband 112 can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the band 110, or a length of the band 110 as looped through the sliders 144.
With reference to FIG. 4, the band 110 can include fasteners 148 (e.g., band fasteners, a first plurality of fasteners) at the distal ends 142. In some cases, the fasteners 148 can be used to secure the distal ends 142 of the band 110 to another portion of the band 110. In some embodiments, the fasteners 148 can be configured as hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro) such that an inner surface of the distal ends 142 includes one of the hook or loop of the hook and loop fastener and an outer surface of the band 110 includes the other of the hook or loop of the hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the fasteners 148 can include hook and eye fasteners, magnets, clasps, buttons, latches, adhesives, ties, snaps, or other garment fasteners. In general, the fasteners 148 can allow the distal ends to be secured to a variety of positions along the band 110. Overall, the waistband closure 130 of the closure system 102 can include the band 110, the distal ends 142, the sliders 144, and the fasteners 148.
FIG. 4 also illustrates the body closure 132 of the closure system 102. As noted above, the body closure 132 can be used to secure the front portion 114 of the underwear 100 to the band 110. The body closure 132 can include fasteners 152 (e.g., underwear fasteners, a second plurality of fasteners) such as hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, magnets, clasps, buttons, latches, adhesives, ties, snaps, or other garment fasteners. As shown, the interior 122 of the front portion 114 can include the fasteners 152 that are arranged to engage the complementary fasteners 152 along the band 110. Some of the fasteners 152 on the front portion 114 are disposed near the upper corner areas 138 of the front portion and notably opposite the pulls 136, which are disposed on the exterior 124 of the front portion 114 (see, for example, FIG. 5). Another fastener 152 is disposed along the interior 122 of the front portion 114 between the upper corner areas 138. This fastener 152 can be configured to engage (e.g., mate) with the fastener that may be centrally located on the band 110.
FIG. 6 shows the exterior side 124 of the underwear and the band 110 in an unfastened configuration. In particular, the unfastened configuration of the band 110 shown in FIG. 4 is the band 110 in a maximally extended position. The maximally extended position includes the distal ends 142 of the band 110 disposed at (but still extending through) the sliders 144 so that the band 110 still forms a continuous circuit with the rear portion 116 (i.e., to form the waistband 112). That is, in the maximally extended position, the waistband 112 is at a maximum circumference. In some instances, a user may move the band 110 to a maximally extended position to facilitate putting on or taking off the underwear 100. In some cases, the maximum circumference of the waistband 112 can be predetermined or adjusted according to user preferences. In some case, the band 110 can be replaced with a band that includes a shorter or longer length, such that the maximum circumference of the waistband 112 can be customized.
In some embodiments, the distal ends 142 can include respective stops 156 or stopping elements that can prevent or impair the distal ends 142 from passing through or being removed from the sliders 144 (i.e., through respective openings of the sliders 144). In some cases, the stops 156 can help the user keep the various members of the underwear 100 (e.g., the body 108 and the band 110) together to prevent or reduce having to thread the distal ends 142 through the sliders 144 each time the user puts on, takes off, or adjusts the underwear 100. In some embodiments, the stops 156 can be removably connected to the distal ends 142 such that the stops prevent the distal ends 142 from moving through the slider until the stops 156 are removed from the distal ends 142. In the illustrated example, a thickness of the stops 156 is greater than a clearance or a size of an opening provided in the sliders 144. Further, the stops 156 include reinforced materials (e.g., bar-tack) that form the thickness of the stops 156 greater than the clearance provided in the sliders 144. In other examples, the stops 156 can include different materials such as a ring, a tab, a clasp, etc. or a fastener that engages with the fastener 148.
FIG. 7 shows a top view of the underwear 100 with the body 108 in the open orientation and the waistband in the maximally extended position. In the illustrated example, the front portion 114 is disengaged from the band 110. The configuration of the underwear 100 shown in FIG. 7 may be the configuration of the underwear 100 that the user starts with when the user starts putting on the underwear 100. However, in other instances, to put on the underwear 100, the user may disconnect one or both of the distal ends 142 of the band 110 from the body 108 and wrap the band 110 around themself before reinserting one or both distal ends 142 of the band 110 through the sliders 144 to connect the band 110 to the body 108.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an exemplary method for putting on the underwear 100. In FIG. 8, the band 110 is positioned around a waist of a user 160. Unlike conventional underwear, the underwear 100 described herein can be put on via multiple approach options so that the band 110 is positioned around their waist, as shown. For example, one approach option is over the user's head. That is, the user can slide the waistband 112—arranged as a completed circuit—over the user's head, shoulders, and arms, down toward the user's waist. A second approach option is stepping into the waistband 112—arranged as a completed circuit—similar to stepping into conventional underwear. However, unlike conventional underwear, stepping into the waistband 112 does not include having to aim each leg through a respective leg hole, thereby simplifying the stepping process. A third approach option is wrapping the band 110 around the waist of the user, similar to putting on a belt, and connecting the band 110 to the body 108 of the underwear 100 at the sliders 144.
Continuing with the exemplary method for putting on the underwear 100, once the waistband 112 is arranged around and encircling the user's waist, the user can use the distal ends 142 of the band 110 to adjust the circumference of the waistband 112. As shown in FIG. 8, the user can pull the distal ends 142 in a lateral direction 162 or in a direction away from the user. As the distal ends 142 are pulled laterally outward in the direction shown and the band 110 moves through the sliders 144, the waistband 112 can be tightened. Once the waistband 112 is at a desired circumference (e.g., fit snuggly around the user's waist), then the distal ends 142 of the band 110 can be secured to a central portion of the band 110 or relative to the band 110 via the fasteners 148.
While the direction 162 is generally indicated as laterally outward, it should also be appreciated that the direction can also include toward an anterior direction (e.g., toward the front of the user), a posterior direction (e.g., toward the rear of the user), a superior direction (e.g., toward the top of the user), or an inferior direction (e.g., toward the bottom of the user). The tightening direction is generally in a direction that is comfortable, familiar, and accessible to the user (e.g., a similar motion to securing a conventional airplane seatbelt or other lap belt). That is, the user need not have to reach behind themselves or overextend shoulder rotation. For example, the required movement from a user's two arms for both distal ends 142 of the band 110 may be generally symmetric so that one arm does not have to reach further than the other, thereby minimizing movement of both arms. In contrast, if only a single arm were required to tighten a single strap from a single side, that would likely require one arm to move or rotate considerably more than the other arm.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the distal ends 142 can be used to adjust the waistband 112. However, in other embodiments, one end of the band 110 may be fixed relative to the body 108 of the underwear so that only a single side of band 110 needs to be pulled to adjust the waistband 112. Embodiments of the disclosure can provide methods for single hand adjustment of the closure system 102, which can be beneficial to users with limited or non-existent mobility of at least one of their hands or arms. Thus, in some embodiments, only a single slider 144 may be necessary to adjust the waistband closure 130. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a slider may be disposed at a central location along the waistband 112 (e.g., a medial anterior position of a user's body).
In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates a fastened configuration of the waistband closure 130 and the body closure 132 in a partially secured (or closed) orientation. During use, once the waistband 112 is at least partially secured around the user's waist, the rear portion 116 of the body 108 of the underwear 100 can be brought between the legs and secured to the band 110 via the fasteners 152. The pulls 136 (see, for example, FIGS. 1 and 13) can be used by the user to move each of the upper corner areas 138 of the front portion 114 toward the band 110 to secure the body closure 132. Furthermore, each of the waistband closure 130 and the body closure 132 can be adjusted independently. For example, once the body closure 132 is in the fastened position, the waistband closure 130 can be tight or loosed.
In other instances, the front portion 114 may be secured to the band 110 before the band 110 is fully fastened to a desired configuration via the waistband closure 130. This can allow the user to step into the underwear 100, similar to conventional underwear, and then adjust the waistband 112 to an appropriate tightness or a desired tightness. As briefly described above, fasteners of the closure system 102 (e.g., fasteners 148, 152, or others) can include a variety of fasteners. However, it may be advantageous to use fasteners based on desired bendability, flexibility, or pliability. For example, the fastener 152 that is arranged near the medial anterior position of the user (i.e., between the upper corner areas 138 of the front portion 114 or the central portion of the band 110) may bend or flex around the stomach or waist of the user. Therefore, hook and loop fasteners may be preferable for this location. However, other fasteners are possible, including pliable magnets, among other garment fastening systems.
With reference to FIG. 10, the fasteners 148 for the waistband closure 130 are shown. The fasteners 148 are illustrated as discrete fasteners. For example, there is a gap between complementary fasteners 148 where the band 110 extends through the slider 144. This can promote easy sliding between the band 110 and the slider 144, for example, by providing a greater clearance between the band 110 and the slider 144. However, in other embodiments, the fasteners 148 can include continuous portions, such as an elongated strip of Velcro, for example, the extends continuously along at least a partial length of the band 110.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a distal end 142 of the band 110. The distal end 142 can include a fold or a stop that prevent or discourage the distal end 142 from sliding through the slider 144 so that the band 110 maintains a continuous circuit of the waistband 112. In some embodiments, the distal ends 142 can include a loop or finger pull to facilitate pulling the distal ends 142 in a lateral direction to tighten the waistband 112. Such finger pulls can help users with limited dexterity in their fingers so that only a digit is required to be slipped through or around the pull rather than grasping the distal ends 142 with two or more fingers.
FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed view of the pull 136 disposed on the front portion 114 of the underwear 100. As shown in FIG. 13, the pull 136 can be configured as a loop (e.g., similar to a belt loop) that can be connected to the upper corner area 138 of the front portion 114. The pull 136 can be dimensioned so that a finger or other digit can be inserted through the pull to manipulate and maneuver the front portion 114 without having to grasp the front portion 114 with two or more fingers. In other embodiments, a pull, similar to the pull 136, can extend off an upper or lateral side of the front portion 114. The pull 136 can also be configured to lay relatively flat with respect to the front portion 114 to eliminate or minimize undesired protrusions extending perpendicular from the body 108 of the underwear 100. While the illustrated example includes the pull 136 that is a loop, other embodiments can include the pull 136 that includes a pocket, a tab, a string, a non-slip material, a gripping object, or other types of elements that aid movements for users.
FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate another embodiment of an underwear 200 having the closure system 102 as disclosed herein. The underwear 200 includes like elements and numerals as the underwear 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-13. However, the underwear 200 may differ in some regards, including the waistband closure 130 and the body closure 132. In particular, the waistband closure 130 is different than the waistband closure 130 of FIGS. 1-13, and the body closure 132 is different than the body closure 132 of FIGS. 1-13. For example, the waistband 112 of the band 110 extends from a first lateral side 202 of the underwear 200 and is adjustably connected to a second lateral side 204 of the underwear 200. In some cases, the waistband 112 can be provided around a hip or a waist of a user, for example, by pulling the underwear 200 upward or downward to the hip or the waist. As shown in FIG. 14, the body 108 is in an open orientation, and the distal end 142 of the band 110 is laterally pulled away from the user at the second lateral side 204 of the underwear 200 to adjust a circumference of the waistband 112 to a desired circumference. The waistband closure 130 includes the fasteners 148 that engage with one another to achieve a fastened configuration of the waistband closure 130.
FIG. 15 illustrates a strap 206 of the band 110 in an open configuration, and the strap 206 can be folded over toward the front of the underwear 200 as shown in FIG. 15. Further, the front portion 114 of the underwear 100 can be flipped over the crotch of the user, and the fasteners 152 of the body closure 132 can engage with one another to achieve a fastened configuration of the body closure 132 from the open orientation of the body 108. In particular, the fasteners 152 can be provided on the interior 122 of the front portion 114 and on an opposite side of the waistband 112 that includes the fastener 148. In the illustrated example, the fasteners 148 and the fastener 152 each include one elongated piece of fastener (e.g., hook and loop fasteners or magnetic fasteners). The fasteners 148 and the fasteners 152 span longitudinally between the first lateral side 202 and the second lateral side 204, or between the upper corner areas 138. Further, while the illustrated example includes the waistband 112 that can be adjusted at the second lateral side 204, other embodiments can include the waistband 112 that can be adjusted at the first lateral side 202.
FIGS. 16A-16E illustrate another embodiment of an underwear 300 having the closure system 102 as disclosed herein. The underwear 200 includes like elements and numerals as the underwear 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-13 and the underwear 200 described above with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15. However, the underwear 300 may differ in some regards, including the waistband closure 130. In particular, the waistband closure 130 is different than the waistband closure 130 of FIGS. 1-13 and the waistband closure 130 of FIGS. 14 and 15. For example, the underwear 300 includes the band 110 that extends from the first lateral side 202 and the second lateral side 204. Each of the distal ends 142 of the band 110 can be pulled toward the first lateral side 202 and the second lateral side 204, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. In particular, the fasteners 148 that are provided on the distal ends 142 can engage with the fasteners 148 that are provided at the first lateral side 202 and the second lateral side 204. Accordingly, the waistband closure 130 can be in a partially fastened configuration as shown in FIG. 16B or a fully fastened configuration as shown in FIG. 16C. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 16D, the distal ends 142 includes the pulls 136 that can receive fingers of the user. The fasteners 152 are provided on opposite sides of the pulls 136. The fasteners 152 on the band 110 can engage with the fasteners 152 on the upper corner areas 138 the front portion 114 to achieve the fastened configuration of the body closure 132 or the closed orientation of the body 108, as shown in FIG. 16E.
FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate another embodiment of an underwear 400 having the closure system 102 as disclosed herein. The underwear 200 includes like elements and numerals as the underwear 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-13, the underwear 200 described above with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15, and the underwear 300 described above with respect to FIGS. 16A-16E. However, the underwear 400 may differ in some regards, including the waistband closure 130. For example, he underwear 400 includes the band 110 that extends from the first lateral side 202 and the second lateral side 204. Each of the distal ends 142 of the band 110 can be pulled toward the center of the band 110, as shown in FIG. 17A. In particular, the fasteners 148 that are provided on the distal ends 142 can engage with the fasteners 148 that are provided at the center of the band 110. Accordingly, the waistband closure 130 can be in the fastened configuration as shown in FIG. 17B. Further, the fasteners 152 can be provided on the first lateral side 202 and the second lateral side 204. The fasteners 152 on the band 110 can engage with the fasteners 152 on the upper corner areas 138 of the front portion 114 to achieve the fastened configuration of the body closure 132 or the closed orientation of the body 108, as shown in FIG. 17C.
FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate another embodiment of an underwear 500 having the closure system 102 as disclosed herein. The underwear 200 includes like elements and numerals as the underwear 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-13, the underwear 200 described above with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15, the underwear 300 described above with respect to FIGS. 16A-16E, and the underwear 400 described above with respect to FIGS. 17A-17C. However, the underwear 500 may differ in some regards, including the waistband closure 130. For example, FIG. 18A illustrates an interior view of the underwear 500 that includes the band 110 that can be adjusted at the first lateral side 202 and the second lateral side 204. The band 110 includes the fasteners 152 that engage with the fasteners 152 on the upper corner areas 138 of the front portion 114 to achieve the fastened configuration of the body closure 132. To achieve the fastened configuration of the waistband closure 130, the distal ends 142 can be pulled toward a rear side or a back of the user. In particular, the fasteners 148 are provided on upper corner areas 140 of the rear portion 116, as shown in an exterior view of the underwear 500 in FIG. 18B. The fasteners 148 provided on the distal ends 142 (not shown) can engage with the fasteners 148 on the rear portion 116 to secure the waistband 112 to the rear portion 116. In the illustrated example, the distal ends 142 include the pulls 136 that receive fingers of the user.
In general, the underwear described herein may comprise a fabric material, such as, for example, nylon, polyester, cotton, Spandex, silk, or other materials generally made by knitting, weaving, or forming. The closure systems described herein may comprise a variety of materials including, for example, metals and polymers, which can have varying properties or varying visual characteristics. Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to underwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the underwear and methods of using the underwear according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of article of clothing or undergarment.
As discussed above, the underwear according to embodiments of the present disclosure provide a variety of advantages over conventional underwear. Certain disadvantages of conventional underwear can include, for example, difficulty aiming one or both feet into small leg holes, difficulty standing up or balancing to pull up the conventional underwear, difficulty putting on with paralysis or partial paralysis, or difficulty putting on if bed-ridden. Furthermore, advantages of the underwear described herein can provide underwear that can be put on in a plurality of ways (e.g., overhead, step in, or around the waist), underwear that can be put on while laying or sitting down, and underwear that can be at least partially kept on while toileting. For example, a user may unfasten the body closure 132 while keeping the waistband closure 130 fastened. From there, the user can rotate the body 108 of the underwear as needed, and the reposition the body to fasten the body closure 132 to put back on and secure the underwear.
As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The systems of a methods of underwear and a closure system as described herein advantageously provide an undergarment, having enhanced donning, adjustment and securement capabilities that can be utilized by an end user having limited mobility, dexterity, or balance.
Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.
Patent Application
20250234938
