WAISTBAND PROVIDING CONFIGURABLE MID-SECTION SUPPORT

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects herein relate to a waistband that provides configurable mid-section support.

BACKGROUND

Lower-body garments (e.g., pants, dresses, shorts, etc.) can include various styles of waistbands, and in some lower-body garments, the waistband can include features for covering an abdomen of a wearer. In addition, the waistband can, in some instances, be folded downward to sit beneath the abdomen. For example, some lower-body garments can be configured to be worn during pregnancy, in which case a configuration of the waistband can be alternated between covering the abdomen and resting beneath the abdomen. In some conventional garments, the waistband can inadvertently slip from covering the abdomen, which can be uncomfortable and/or cause the waistband to not function as intended or desired by the wearer. Further, when some conventional waistbands are folded to be positioned beneath the abdomen, they may lack the stability to maintain the folded over configuration which may also be uncomfortable and/or less functional for the wearer. In addition, in some conventional garments, the waistband might not provide a desired amount of support (e.g., compressive support to the wearer's lower back). Furthermore, in at least some conventional garments, the waistband might not allow for thermal regulation (e.g., heat dissipation and/or cooling effects), such as in a low-back portion of the waistband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of one or more waistbands are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a lower-body garment having a waistband that is convertible from a first configuration in which the waistband substantially covers the abdomen of a wearer to a second configuration in which the waistband is positioned generally below the abdomen of the wearer in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of the lower body garment of FIG. 1A and depicts the waistband in the first configuration and the second configuration in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the lower-body garment of FIG. 1A as worn by a pregnant wearer (or wearer that is postpartum) in which the waistband is in the first configuration in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front perspective view of the lower-body garment of FIG. 1A as worn by a pregnant wearer (or wearer that is postpartum) in which the waistband is in the second configuration in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a portion of the lower-body garment of FIG. 1A in the first configuration in which the lower-body garment is in an un-worn, laid-flat position in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a back view of the portion of the lower-body garment of FIG. 3A in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section taken at cut line 4-4 of FIG. 3A in accordance with an example of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is related to a waistband (e.g., for pants or other types of lower-body garments) that can be manipulated or rearranged (e.g., by the wearer) to adjust the fit and the support associated with the waistband. In at least some examples, the waistband can be configured to be worn throughout different phases associated with pregnancy, including pre-partum, post-partum, etc. For instance, the waistband can be adjusted as the wearer's body (e.g., abdomen and other mid-section regions) changes throughout the different phases, to tailor the fit as desired by the wearer. In some examples, the waistband can wrap around the wearer's mid-section and can provide enhanced fit and comfort to various regions, including the abdomen and the lower back of the wearer. For example, an abdomen-covering portion of the waistband can include a seamless construction that minimizes chaffing, irritation, or other discomfort that can arise from extending a waistband across an abdomen. In addition, a lower-back-covering portion of the waistband can include a multi-panel construction with reinforcement seams that help retain the waistband in a desired configuration or arrangement (e.g., on the wearer) and reduce the likelihood of the waistband sliding (e.g., slipping downward relative to the abdomen and/or low-back). In some examples, a portion of the multi-panel construction can include a shorter height (relative to other parts of the waistband), which can decrease coverage associated with the waistband and increase breathability associated with the lower back of the wearer.

Some conventional waistbands for lower-body garments can include features for covering an abdomen of a wearer and for folding the waistband downward to sit beneath the abdomen. However, conventional waistbands can, in some instances, inadvertently slip or slide downward from covering the abdomen, which can be uncomfortable and/or less functional for the wearer. In addition, conventional waistbands can include seams and other structures that can cause discomfort to the wearer. Alternately, when the waistband is folded to be positioned beneath the abdomen, the waistband may lack the structure to maintain this position which may also be less functional to the wearer. In addition, in some conventional garments, the waistband might not provide a desired amount of support (e.g., compressive support to the wearer's lower back) and/or might not allow for thermal regulation (e.g., heat dissipation and/or cooling effects), such as in a low-back portion of the waistband.

As indicated above, this disclosure is related to a waistband that can be manipulated or rearranged to adjust the fit and the support associated with the waistband. In at least some examples, the waistband forms a portion of a lower-body garment (e.g., pants, dresses, shorts, and the like) and includes a front portion (e.g., an abdomen-covering portion) and a back portion (e.g., a lower-back-covering portion). In addition, the waistband can include portions or textile panels that overlap in the back portion to form a multi-layer construction. In at least some examples, the multi-layer construction can provide increased support (e.g., to the lower back of the wearer), as compared with a single layer construction, based on the multi-layer construction being associated with a higher modulus of elasticity. In addition, the overlapping portions or textile panels can taper in height as they extend across the back portion, such that a portion of a topline edge of the back portion can be lower than other portions of the waistband. Among other things, the lower portion of the topline edge can reduce waistband coverage associated with the wearer's lower back which can increase breathability and promote a cooling effect.

In some examples, the back portion can include seams (e.g., for affixing panels of the multi-panel construction) that increase the likelihood the waistband will remain in a desired configuration, such as by providing resistance against the waistband slipping, sliding, folding, or unfolding. That is, the seams can be oriented and positioned along the back portion to function similar to support ribs or boning at desired locations. In some examples, the seams on the back portion can include a right seam and a left seam, and the seams can affix the panels of the multi-layer construction. In addition, the seams can be aligned in the same direction in which the waistband might otherwise have tendency to slip (e.g., off the abdomen), or inadvertently fold. That is, without the seams described in this disclosure, the waistband might have a tendency to slip downward, off the wearer's abdomen and/or lower back, such that the orientation of the seams is in the up-down orientation (e.g., aligned or substantially parallel with a reference axis around which the waistband extends) to counter the tendency of the waistband to slip downward. Similarly, without the seams described in this disclosure, the waistband might have a tendency to flip upwards (e.g., after the waistband had been folded down), such that the orientation of the seams in the up-down orientation can counter the tendency of the waistband to flip upward from the folded configuration.

In some examples, a position of the seams can help to separate operations or functionality of the front portion of the waistband from the back portions of the waistband. For instance, in some cases, seams can include stitching, bonding, or other constructions, which can be associated with less stretch than the textile of the panels comprising the waistband. In addition, seams (and their associated constructions) can sometimes operate to lockdown the panels and reduce the stretchability. As such, the seams and their positions can operate as a structural and/or functional break between the front portion of the waistband and the back portion of the waistband (e.g., the multi-panel back portion). For instance, in some examples the position of the seams on the back portion (and omission of the seams on the front portion) can increase the extent to which the front portion of the waistband can stretch and can allow for the tension across the front to be more evenly distributed. That is, because the seams (e.g., the seams in the up-down orientation) affixing the multi-panel construction are positioned on the back portion and omitted from the front portion, the front portion can be less inhibited to stretch or otherwise adjust (e.g., to accommodate a growing abdomen of a pregnant wearer or the abdomen postpartum). In addition, the tension across the entire front portion can be more evenly distributed, as compared to if there were seams on the front panel interrupting the distributing of tension and focalizing the tension at the seams). Furthermore, when worn by a pregnant wearer, whose abdomen grows during pregnancy, the front portion can stretch independently of the multi-panel construction of the back portion to accommodate the growth, while the multi-panel construction, which may stretch less, continues to provide support to the wearer's lower back.

As used herein, the term “lower-body garment” is meant to encompass any type of garment that covers, partially or in whole, the lower body of a wearer and may include, for example, pants, shorts, capris, skirts, skorts, dresses, singlets, leggings, and the like. The term “torso portion” when referring to the lower-body garment means that portion of the garment that covers, partially or in whole, the front lower torso and the back lower torso (e.g., lower back and buttocks) of a wearer. The term “waistband” refers to a structure that circumferentially extends around a waist area of a wearer where the term “waist” covers any portion of the wearer below the wearer's breast and above the wearer's legs. In addition, for description purposes, the waistband can be described as circumferentially extending around a reference axis (e.g., reference axis “A” in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The term “textile” or “textile panel” as used herein refers to any type of textile construction, including but not limited to, knit, woven, non-woven, braided, and the like. In example aspects, the textile panel may include elastic yarns or fibers such that the panel is elastically resilient (i.e., stretches in response to a tensioning force and returns to its resting state once the tensioning force is removed).

Positional terms as used herein generally refer to the lower-body garment and/or waistband being worn as intended by a wearer standing in anatomical position. For example, the terms “anterior side” and “posterior side” are based on a coronal reference plane. In this aspect, the term “anterior side” refers to the front of the waistband and/or lower-body garment that is configured to cover the front lower torso or abdomen of a wearer, and the term “posterior side” refers to the back of the of the waistband and/or lower-body garment that is configured to cover the back lower torso or lower back of a wearer. The terms “right side” and “left side” are based on a sagittal reference plane. In this aspect, the term “right side” refers to the portion of the waistband and/or lower-body garment that is positioned on the right side of the wearer generally in line with the wearer's right axilla, and the term “left side” refers to the portion of the waistband and/or lower-body garment that is positioned on the left side of the wearer generally in line with the wearer's left axilla. The term “upper” refers to the portion of the waistband and/or lower-body garment that is positioned closer to the head of a wearer than other portions of the waistband and/or lower-body garment. The term “lower” refers to the portion of the waistband and/or lower-body garment that is positioned closer to the feet of the wearer than other portions of the waistband and/or lower-body garment. The term “inner-facing surface” when describing the waistband refers to the surface that is configured to face toward a wearer. In example aspects, such as when the waistband is folded downward, at least a portion of the inner-facing surface of the waistband may face outward such that it may be visible to an external viewer.

The term “free,” such as used when describing an edge of a waistband, refers an edge that is terminal in a given direction and can be folded, unfolded, or otherwise manipulated based on not being tacked down. For example, an upper free edge refers to an upper or topline edge of the waistband that can be selectively folded down (e.g., to reduce a height of the waistband) or unfolded (e.g., to increase the height of the waistband). The term “terminal” when describing an edge refers to the edge forming a furthest extent of the panel in a given direction or orientation. For example, a side terminal edge of a panel can include the furthest extent of a panel on a given side. In some examples, side terminal edges of panels (e.g., on the back portion in the multi-panel construction) can be affixed along seams, such as with stitching, bonding, welding, and the like to another element or structure.

Unless indicated otherwise, all measurements provided herein are taken when the waistband and/or lower-body garment is at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa) and where the waistband and/or lower-body garment is not subject to tensioning forces.

As used herein, the term “about” means within ±10% of an indicated value.

FIG. 1A depicts a front view of a lower-body garment 100 in a first configuration 101 (shown on the left) and a second configuration 102 (shown on the right). The lower-body garment 100 is shown in the form of a legging but this is illustrative only, and it is contemplated herein that the lower-body garment 100 may be in other forms such as shorts, a skirt, and the like.

The lower-body garment 100 includes a torso portion 110, a first leg portion 112 extending downward from the torso portion 110, and a second leg portion 114 extending downward from the torso portion 110. The lower-body garment 100 further includes a waistband 116. In examples, the waistband 116 may comprise a separate element that can be worn independently of the lower-body garment 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the waistband 116 is coupled to the lower-body garment 100. An anterior portion of the waistband 116 comprises a front portion or an abdomen-covering portion 122 that extends between an upper edge 118 (e.g., upper free edge) and a lower margin 120. The upper edge 118 forms an upper extent of the lower-body garment 100, and the lower margin 120 is coupled to the torso portion 110 of the lower-body garment 100 at a lower seam 121.

In at least some examples, the lower seam 121 curves away from the upper edge 118 such that the lower seam 121 is generally positioned underneath an abdomen (e.g., a pregnant or postpartum abdomen of a wearer). Stated another way, lower seam 121 can form a bottom edge of the abdomen-covering portion 122, and the bottom edge can include a convex curvature configured to conform to a lower portion of the wearer's abdomen (e.g., a pregnant or postpartum abdomen). In at least some cases, this can increase comfort to the wearer by providing even support across the abdomen (e.g., providing a “hugging” sensation across the abdomen). In addition, it can decrease the likelihood of a seam rubbing the abdomen (e.g., the abdominal skin) and causing discomfort (e.g., as compared to a non-curved seam).

In at least some examples, the abdomen-covering portion 122 may comprise a separate textile panel (e.g., separate, or in addition to, other panels associated with the waistband) configured to cover the front abdomen portion of a wearer. In this aspect, the separate textile panel is referred to as a first textile panel 122. In another aspect, the abdomen-covering portion 122 may comprise a first portion of a textile panel that wraps circumferentially around the wearer (e.g., a single panel may wrap around the wearer and the portion 122 is a first portion). In example aspects, the abdomen-covering portion 122 may be formed of an elastically resilient textile panel that is able to stretch and conform to a wearer's pregnant belly throughout the different stages of the wearer's pregnancy (e.g., during pregnancy and/or postpartum). In example aspects, the abdomen-covering portion 122 may be free of seams (e.g., seamless), which might otherwise extend from a lower portion of the abdomen to an upper portion of the abdomen, to minimize any chaffing or compression on the abdominal skin.

In the first configuration 101, the waistband 116 is not folded downward such that the upper edge 118 is positioned above the lower margin 120. When the lower-body garment 100 is worn by a wearer, the first configuration 101 of the waistband 116 facilitates the abdomen-covering portion 122 substantially covering the abdomen of the wearer. In the second configuration 102, the waistband 116 is folded downward such that the abdomen-covering portion 122 is generally positioned beneath a wearer's abdomen. For instance, in the second configuration 102, the upper edge 118 is folded downward such that it is positioned generally slightly above, in line with, or lower than the lower margin 120. In example aspects, the wearer can easily manipulate the waistband 116 from the first configuration 101 to the second configuration 102 or vice versa depending on wearer preference. In addition, the waistband 116 can be easily modified to various other configurations, such as folded down by 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or anything in between the first configuration and the second configuration. In addition, the upper edge 118 can be folded at a diagonal, such that at least some portions or side of the upper edge 118 is folded more than the other portions or side.

FIG. 1B depicts a back view of the lower-body garment 100 in the first configuration 101 and the second configuration 102. A posterior portion of the waistband 116 comprises a lower-back-covering portion 210 (e.g., back portion). In example aspects, the lower-back-covering portion 210 may comprise separate textile panels configured to cover a lower back area of a wearer. In this aspect, the separate textile panels are referred to as a second textile panel 212 and a third textile panel 214 that overlap one another. In another example, the lower-back-covering portion 210 may comprise different portions of a textile panel that wraps circumferentially around the wearer (e.g., a single panel may wrap around the wearer and elements 212 and 214 may be respective portions of the same panel). In this alternative example (e.g. single panel wrapping around), the different portions can be referred to as a second portion and a third portion, and the second and third portions will be referred to herein using the same reference numerals as the second and third textile panels. In example aspects, the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 may be formed from an elastically resilient material that may have the same or different stretch properties as the first textile panel 122. In one example, the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 may be formed from a material that has greater modulus of elasticity (i.e., greater resistance to stretch) compared to the first textile panel 122 to provide a greater level of support to the lower back area of the wearer.

Together, the upper edges of the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 form the upper edge 118 of the waistband 116. The lower edges of the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 form the lower margin 120 of the waistband 116. As shown in the first configuration 101, the upper edge 118 tapers downwardly from the right and left sides of the waistband 116 to a downward-facing apex 216 (e.g., trough, valley, or recess along the edge) located at approximately a back midline of the waistband 116. By reducing an amount of coverage associated with the waistband in the low-back portion, examples of the present disclosure can increase breathability facilitate heat discharge from the lower back area. This may be especially useful as this area is prone to sweating and heat production especially during athletic activities.

In the second configuration, the waistband 116 is folded downward such that the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 are folded on top of themselves. Stated differently, the upper edge 118 (e.g., upper “free” edge) can be folded downward such that it is positioned generally slightly above, in line with, or lower than the lower margin 120. The extra layers of material caused by the folding may provide an additional level of support to the lower back area of the wearer. This may be useful during pregnancy or postpartum as this area may be placed under strain due to the increasing girth of the abdomen.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the lower-body garment 100 with the waistband 116 in the first configuration 101. The lower-body garment 100 is depicted as it might appear if actually worn (e.g., the shape and contours of the lower-body garment 100), and to help illustrate the waistband, a depiction of the wearer is omitted from the figure. For example, the shape and contour of the abdomen-covering portion or first textile panel 122 is shown as is might appear if substantially covering a pregnant abdomen or a postpartum abdomen. In the first configuration 101, the abdomen-covering portion or first textile panel 122 may provide support to the pregnant abdomen and may help to protect the sensitive skin of the abdomen by minimizing contact with other garments worn by the wearer such as upper-body garments.

FIG. 2A further illustrates how the second textile panel 212 overlaps the third textile panel 214 to form the lower-back-covering portion 210 of the waistband 116. As will be described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 3B, each of the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 are joined to the abdomen-covering portion or first textile panel 122 at a first side seam 310 located on a right side of the waistband 116 and a second side seam 312 located on a left side of the waistband 116. The first and second side seams 310 and 312 may act as ribs or boning to provide structure to the waistband 116 which may help prevent the waistband 116 from slipping downward when in the first configuration 101.

In FIG. 2A, the lower margin 120 of the lower-back-covering portion is formed by a lower edge 222 of the second textile panel 212 and a lower edge 224 of the third textile panel 214. Each of the lower edges 222 and 224 of the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 may be affixed along their entire length to the torso portion 110 of the lower-body garment to form the lower seam 121. This creates a secure structure that minimizes any tearing or loosening of the lower seam 121.

As depicted in FIG. 2A, the second textile panel 212 gradually increases in height as the second textile panel 212 extends between the first side seam 310 and the second side seam 312, and the third textile panel 214 gradually decreases in height as the third textile panel 214 extends between the first side seam 310 and the second side seam 312. This configuration creates the downward-facing apex 216 (e.g., trough, valley, or recessed edge) located at an approximate back midline of the waistband 116.

FIG. 2B depicts a front, upper perspective view of the lower-body garment 100 of FIG. 2A. In example aspects, the waistband 116 may include a surface ornamentation element 320 located on an inner-facing surface of, for example, the third textile panel 214. The surface ornamentation element 320 may include, for example, branding, a logo, lettering, numbering, a different pattern or color than remaining portions of the waistband 116, and the like. When the waistband 116 is in the second configuration 102 (i.e., when the waistband 116 is folded downward), the portion of the inner-facing surface of the third textile panel 214 is positioned to face outward such that the surface ornamentation element 320 now faces outward and is visible to an external viewer of the lower-body garment 100. Thus, when the surface ornamentation element 320 includes, for example, lettering, numbering, and/or a logo, the lettering, numbering, and/or logo may upside down when the waistband 116 is in the first configuration 101 which causes the lettering, numbering, and/or logo to be right-side up when the waistband 116 is in the second configuration 102.

FIG. 3A depicts a front view of a portion of the lower-body garment 100 in the first configuration 101 in which the lower-body garment 100 is in an un-worn, laid-flat position. As depicted, the upper free edge 118 is substantially straight and the lower seam 121 curves away from the upper free edge 118. This configuration positions the lower seam 121 generally beneath the abdomen and minimizes any compression from the lower seam 121 against the pregnant abdomen.

FIG. 3B is a back view of the lower-body garment 100 of FIG. 3A where the lower-body garment 100 is in the first configuration 101 and is in an un-worn, laid-flat position. The second textile panel 212 includes a first side edge 414 which may be a terminal edge that is affixed at the first side seam 310 to the first textile panel 122 and to the third textile panel 214. The second textile panel 212 further includes a second side edge 416 which may be a terminal edge that is affixed at the second side seam 312 to the first textile panel 122 and to the third textile panel 214. The first side edge 414 of the second textile panel 212 has a first length 410. In example aspects, the first length 410 is at least about one-fifth of a first height 412 of the waistband 116 at a first position of the waistband 116 aligned with the first side seam 310. In some examples, the first length 410 is at least about one-fourth of the first height 412 of the waistband 116. In some examples, the first length 410 is at least about one-third of the first height 412 of the waistband 116. In another aspect, the first length 410 of the first side edge 414 is at least about one-half the first height 412 of the waistband 116. In yet another aspect, the first length 410 of the first side edge 414 is in a range between about one-fifth and fourth-fifths of the first height 412 of the waistband 116.

The second side edge 416 of the second textile panel 212 has a second length 418 (or height) at a second position of the waistband 116 aligned with the second side seam 312. Because the second textile panel 212 gradually increases in height as it extends across the lower-back-covering portion 210, the second length 418 is greater than the first length 410.

The third textile panel 214 has a third side edge 420 which may be a terminal edge that is affixed at the first side seam 310 to the first textile panel 122 and to the second textile panel 212. In example aspects, the third side edge 420 has a third length that is generally the same as the first height 412 of the waistband 116 at the first position of the waistband 116 aligned with the first side seam 310. The third textile panel 214 further includes a fourth side edge 422 which may be a terminal edge that has a fourth length 424 at the second position of the waistband 116 aligned with the second side seam 312. Because the third textile panel 214 gradually decreases in height as it extends across the lower-back-covering portion 210, the fourth length 424 is less than the third length (i.e., the first height 412). In example aspects, the fourth length 424 of the fourth side edge 422 is at least about one-fifth of a second height 418 of the waistband 116 at the second position of the waistband 116 aligned with the second side seam 312. In some examples, the fourth length 424 is at least about one-fourth of the second height 418 of the waistband 116. In some examples, the fourth length 424 is at least about one-third of the second height 418 of the waistband 116. In example aspects, the second height is generally the same as the second length 418 (as defined above) of the second textile panel 212. In another aspect, the fourth length 424 is at least about one-half of the second height of the waistband 116. In yet another aspect, the fourth length 424 is in a range between about one-fifth and four-fifths of the second height (i.e., the second length 418) of the waistband 116.

In example aspects, the second textile panel 212 and the third textile panel 214 are symmetrical such that the first length 410 of the first side edge 414 of the second textile panel 212 is generally the same as the fourth length 424 of the fourth side edge 422 of the third textile panel 214. Similarly, the second length 418 of the second side edge 416 of the second textile panel 212 is generally the same as the third length of the third side edge 420 of the third textile panel 214 (i.e., the first height 412). Because of the symmetrical nature of the second and third textile panels 212 and 214, the downward-facing apex 216 created by the overlap of the two panels is generally positioned at a midpoint of the lower-back-covering portion 210 as indicated by reference line 426 which corresponds to a sagittal reference plane.

In examples, the overlap of the two panels can form an overlapping region of the lower-back-covering portion 210, and the overlapping region can include various shapes based on the shapes of the panels 212 and 214. For example, in FIG. 3B, the lower edges (e.g., 222 and 224) of the panels 212 and 214 are scalloped, such that the overlapping region includes a six-sided shape with two relatively straight top edges, two relatively straight side edges, and two concavely curved bottom edges. The panel edges can include other configurations, which in turn can contribute to different configurations of the overlapping region. For example, the lower edges of the panels 212 and 214 can be relatively straight, while still angling downward towards a downward-apex near the midline 426, which would create a hexagon-shaped overlapping region. In some examples, the lower edges of the panels 212 and 214 can extend relatively straight and across between the side seams 310 and 312, such that the overlapping region is associated with a pentagon shape (e.g., where the panels 212 and 214 would each be a quadrilateral).

Based on the reference line 426 (e.g., aligned with a midline reference plane or sagittal reference plane), the posterior portion of the waistband 116 shown in FIG. 3B includes a posterior-first-side portion 428 and a posterior-second-side portion 430. The anterior portion of the waistband 116 shown in FIG. 3A includes an anterior-first-side portion 432 and an anterior-second-side portion 434. In example aspects, the first side seam 310 is at a position that is within the posterior-first-side portion 428, and the second side seam 312 is at a position that is within the posterior-second-side portion 430. The first side seam 310 is closer to the anterior-first-side portion 432 than to the reference line 426, and the second side seam 312 is closer to the anterior-second-side portion 434 than to the reference line 426. This positioning causes the first and second side seams 310 and 312 to be located generally on the right and left sides of the waistband 116 in a slightly posterior position. By locating the first and second side seams 310 and 312 generally on the right and left sides of the waistband 116, the first and second side seams 310 and 312 may impart stability to both the abdomen-covering portion 122 of the waistband 116 and to the lower-back-covering portion 210 of the waistband 116 such that the abdomen- covering portion 122 and the lower-back-covering portion 210 maintain their position in both the first and second configurations 101 and 102. This is opposed to, for example, positioning the seams 310 and 312 primarily on the anterior portion of the waistband 116. Moreover, positioning the seams 310 and 312 on the right and left sides of the waistband 116 as opposed to, for instance, the anterior portion of the waistband 116 minimizes any potential chaffing of the seams 310 and 312 against the sensitive skin of the pregnant abdomen. As well, positioning the first and second side seams 310 and 312 slightly posterior prevents the side seams 310 and 312 from being pulled on to the anterior portion of the waistband 116 during the later stages of pregnancy when abdominal girth is at its greatest. In at least some examples, an axis (e.g., reference axis “A”) around which the waistband circumferentially extends is also aligned with the reference line 426 (or a sagittal reference plane), and the first and second side seams 310 and 312 can also be generally aligned with the axis (e.g., in the up-and-down orientation). The alignment of the side seams 310 and 312 with the axis could be determined in various manners, and in some examples, when the article is laid flat (e.g., as in FIG. 3B), the side seams 310 and 312 are “generally aligned” when an angle of the side seam 310 or 312 relative to the sagittal reference plane (which is aligned with the reference line 426) is less than about 20 degrees.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-section taken at cut line 4-4 of FIG. 3A. In example aspects, each of the first textile panel 122, the second textile panel 212, and the third textile panel 214 may comprise a bi-layer panel with a fold seamlessly connecting the different layers. For example, the first textile panel 122 may comprise a first textile layer 510, a second textile layer 512, and a fold 514 seamlessly connecting the first textile layer 510 to the second textile layer 512 along the upper free edge 118. Stated differently, the fold 514 may form the upper edge 118. The second textile panel 212 may comprise a first textile layer 516, a second textile layer 518, and a fold 520 seamlessly connecting the first textile layer 516 to the second textile layer 518. The third textile panel 214 may comprise a first textile layer 522, a second textile layer 524, and a fold 526 seamlessly connecting the first textile layer 516 to the second textile layer 524.

With respect to the first textile panel 122, the first and second textile layers 510 and 512 may be joined together by, for instance, stitching as indicated by stitch 528. The stitching may also affix the first and second textile layers 510 and 512 of the first textile panel 122 to the torso portion 110 of the lower-body garment 100 at the lower seam 121. The textile layers 516, 518, 522, and 524 of the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 may be joined together by, for instance, stitching as indicated by stitch 530. The stitching may also affix the textile layers 516, 518, 522, and 524 of the second and third textile panels 212 and 214 to the torso portion 110 of the lower-body garment 100 at the lower seam 121.

Forming the first, second, and third textile panels 122, 212, and 214 from bi-layered panels imparts additional structural stability to the waistband 116 helping to maintain the waistband 116 in a desired configuration. With respect to the first textile panel 122, the bi-layered construction may impart additional support and padding to the pregnant abdomen, and with respect to the second and third textile panels 212 and 214, the bi-layered construction may impart additional support to the low-back area of the wearer. It is contemplated herein that in one or more aspects, the first, second, and/or third textile panels 122, 212, and 214 may comprise single-layer panels for a more lightweight construction. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

Clauses

Clause 1. A lower-body garment comprising: a torso portion; and a waistband coupled to the torso portion, the waistband comprising: a lower margin coupled to the torso portion; an upper free edge comprising an upper extent of the lower-body garment; an anterior portion comprising a first textile panel configured to cover an abdomen of a wearer; and a posterior portion comprising a second textile panel and a third textile panel that overlap one another and that are configured to cover a lower back of a wearer, the second textile panel comprising a first side edge that is affixed at a first side seam to the first textile panel and to the third textile panel, the first side edge having a first length at least about one-third of a first height of the waistband at a first position of the waistband aligned with the first side seam.

Clause 2. The lower-body garment of clause 1, wherein the first length of the first side edge is at least about one-half the first height of the waistband.

Clause 3. The lower-body garment of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the first length of the first side edge is in a range between about one-third and two-thirds of the first height of the waistband.

Clause 4. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 1 through 3, wherein the second textile panel comprises a second side edge that is affixed, at an opposite second side seam, to the third textile panel and to the first textile panel, the second side edge having a second length at a second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam, the second length greater than the first length of the first side edge.

Clause 5. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 1 through 4, wherein the third textile panel comprises: a third side edge that is affixed, at the first side seam, to the second textile panel and to the first textile panel, the third side edge having a third length at the first position of the waistband aligned with the first side seam, and a fourth side edge that is affixed, at the second side seam, to the second textile panel and to the first textile panel, the fourth side edge having a fourth length at a second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam, the fourth length less than the third length.

Clause 6. The lower-body garment of clause 5, wherein the fourth length of the fourth side edge is at least about one-third of a second height of the waistband at the second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam.

Clause 7. The lower-body garment of clause 5, wherein the fourth length of the fourth side edge is in a range between about one-third and two-thirds of a second height of the waistband at the second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam.

Clause 8. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 1 through 7, wherein the lower margin is coupled, in the anterior portion, to the torso portion along a lower seam, and wherein the lower seam curves away from the upper free edge.

Clause 9. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 1 through 8, wherein, along the anterior portion, the upper free edge is substantially straight.

Clause 10. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 1 through 9, wherein the first textile panel comprises a bi-layer panel having a first textile layer, a second textile layer, and a fold seamlessly connecting the first textile layer to the second textile layer along the upper free edge.

Clause 11. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 1 through 10, wherein the waistband, by folding the upper free edge toward the lower margin, is convertible from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the waistband comprises an inner-facing surface configured to face toward a wearer, at least a portion of the inner-facing surface configured to face away from the wearer in the second configuration, and wherein the portion of the inner-facing surface configured to face away from the wearer in the second configuration comprises a surface ornamentation element.

Clause 12. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 1 through 11, wherein based on a sagittal reference plane, the posterior portion comprises a posterior-first-side portion and a posterior-second-side portion and the anterior portion comprises an anterior-first-side portion and an anterior-second-side portion, and wherein the first side seam is at a position that is in the posterior-first-side portion and is closer to the anterior-first-side portion than to the sagittal reference plane.

Clause 13. A lower-body garment comprising: a torso portion having an anterior side and a posterior side, a left side and a right side; and a waistband comprising a textile panel coupled to the torso portion, the textile panel comprising: a lower margin coupled to the torso portion; an upper free edge comprising an upper extent of the lower-body garment; an anterior portion comprising an abdomen-covering portion, the anterior portion comprising a first portion of the textile panel; and a posterior portion comprising a lower-back-covering portion, the posterior portion comprising a second portion of the textile panel at least partially overlapping a third portion of the textile panel, the second portion of the textile panel comprising a first side edge that is affixed to the waistband at a first side seam, the third portion of the textile panel comprising a second side edge that is affixed to the waistband at a second side seam.

Clause 14. The lower-body garment of clause 13, wherein a first length of the first side edge is at least about one-third of a first height of the waistband at a first position of the waistband aligned with the first side seam.

Clause 15. The lower-body garment of clause 13 or clause 14, wherein a first length of the first side edge is in a range between about one-third and two-thirds of a first height of the waistband at a first position of the waistband aligned with the first side seam.

Clause 16. The lower-body garment of clause 15, wherein the first seam and the second seam are substantially parallel.

Clause 17. The lower-body garment of clause 16, wherein the second side edge of the third portion includes a second length, which is in a range between about one-third and two-thirds of a second height of the waistband at a second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam.

Clause 18. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 13 through 17, wherein the first side seam and the second side seam are respectively located at the right side and the left side of the torso portion.

Clause 19. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 13 through 18, wherein the lower margin is coupled, in the anterior portion, to the torso portion along a lower seam, and wherein the lower seam curves away from the upper free edge.

Clause 20. The lower-body garment of any of clauses 13 through 19, wherein: the first side seam extends between the lower margin and the upper free edge and along a length of the first side edge; and the second side seam extends between the lower margin and the upper free edge and along a length of the second side edge.

Clause 21. A waistband comprising: a lower margin; an upper free edge; an anterior portion comprising a first textile panel configured to cover an abdomen of a wearer; and a posterior portion comprising a second textile panel and a third textile panel that overlap one another and that are configured to cover a lower back of a wearer, the second textile panel comprising a first side edge that is affixed at a first side seam to the first textile panel and to the third textile panel, the first side edge having a first length at least about one-third of a first height of the waistband at a first position of the waistband aligned with the first side seam.

Clause 22. The waistband of clause 21, wherein the first length of the first side edge is at least about one-half the first height of the waistband.

Clause 23. The waistband of clause 21 or clause 22, wherein the first length of the first side edge is in a range between about one-third and two-thirds of the first height of the waistband.

Clause 24. The waistband of any of clauses 21 through 23, wherein the second textile panel comprises a second side edge that is affixed, at an opposite second side seam, to the third textile panel and to the first textile panel, the second side edge having a second length at a second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam, the second length greater than the first length of the first side edge.

Clause 25. The waistband of any of clauses 21 through 24, wherein the third textile panel comprises: a third side edge that is affixed, at the first side seam, to the second textile panel and to the first textile panel, the third side edge having a third length at the first position of the waistband aligned with the first side seam, and a fourth side edge that is affixed, at the second side seam, to the second textile panel and to the first textile panel, the fourth side edge having a fourth length at a second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam, the fourth length less than the third length.

Clause 26. The waistband of clause 25, wherein the fourth length of the fourth side edge is at least about one-third of a second height of the waistband at the second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam.

Clause 27. The waistband of clause 25, wherein the fourth length of the fourth side edge is in a range between about one-third and two-thirds of a second height of the waistband at the second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam.

Clause 28. The waistband of any of clauses 21 through 27, wherein the first textile panel comprises a bi-layer panel having a first textile layer, a second textile layer, and a fold seamlessly connecting the first textile layer to the second textile layer along the upper free edge.

Clause 29. A method of using a waistband having an upper free edge and a lower margin, the waistband comprising an anterior portion and a posterior portion, the posterior portion comprising a second portion of a textile panel overlapping a third portion of the textile panel, the second portion of the textile panel comprising a first side edge affixed at a first side seam to the third portion of the textile panel, the third portion of the textile panel comprising a fourth side edge affixed at a second side seam to the second portion of the textile panel, the first side edge having a first length in a range between about one-third and two-thirds of a first height of the waistband at a first position of the waistband aligned with the first side seam, and the fourth side edge having a fourth length in a range between one-third and two-thirds of a second height of the waistband at a second position of the waistband aligned with the second side seam, the method comprising: converting the waistband from a first configuration to a second configuration by folding the upper free edge toward the lower margin.

As used herein, a recitation of “and/or” with respect to two or more elements should be interpreted to mean only one element, or a combination of elements. For example, “element A, element B, and/or element C” may include only element A, only element B, only element C, element A and element B, element A and element C, element B and element C, or elements A, B, and C. In addition, “at least one of element A or element B” may include at least one of element A, at least one of element B, or at least one of element A and at least one of element B. Further, “at least one of element A and element B” may include at least one of element A, at least one of element B, or at least one of element A and at least one of element B.

This detailed description is provided in order to meet statutory requirements. However, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be embodied in different ways, to include different steps, different combinations of steps, different elements, and/or different combinations of elements, similar or equivalent to those described in this disclosure, and in conjunction with other present or future technologies. The examples herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. In this sense, alternative examples or implementations can become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present subject matter pertains without departing from the scope hereof.

WAISTBAND PROVIDING CONFIGURABLE MID-SECTION SUPPORT

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)