WATER CARRY SYSTEM FOR USE WITH RUNNING APPAREL

Abstract

A garment includes a first layer configured to contact a wearer of the garment and keep the garment from riding up during use, one or more pocket panels coupled to the first layer such that one or more pockets are defined between the pocket panels and the first layer, and a strap extending circumferentially at least partially about an upper portion of the garment. The first layer extends generally vertically between the upper portion of the garment and a lower portion of the garment. The pocket panels include one or more stretch materials configured to expand in a transverse direction while being substantially less expandable in a longitudinal direction. The strap is configured to control a size of a waist opening defined by the upper portion of the garment and support a load on the first layer and/or pocket panels.

Description

BACKGROUND

Runners and athletes counteract dehydration by ingesting water or other fluids. At least some runners and/or athletes carry water in water bottles and/or other containers to stay hydrated. The amount of water that can be carried via handheld bottles, however, is limited.

Other conventional solutions for carrying water include hydration belts and/or vests. Each conventional solution, however, has its drawbacks. At least some conventional hydration belts and/or vests allow the water bottle to clip on, which may be insecure. Moreover, at least some conventional hydration belts and/or vests allow the water bottles to bounce or move, which may be distracting and could cause chaffing.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a garment is provided. The garment includes a first layer configured to contact a wearer of the garment and keep the garment from riding up during use. The first layer includes an upper portion that defines a waist opening. One or more pocket panels are coupled to the first layer such that one or more pockets are defined between the pocket panels and the first layer. The pocket panels are configured to expand in a transverse direction while being substantially less expandable in a longitudinal direction. A strap is extended circumferentially at least partially about the upper portion of the first layer such that the pocket panels extend at least partially over the strap. The strap is configured to control a size of the waist opening and support a load on the first layer and/or pocket panels.

In another aspect, a water carry system is provided for use with running apparel. The water carry system includes a first layer configured to conform to a size and shape of a wearer. The first layer includes an upper portion that defines a waist opening. The first layer is fabricated from a four-way stretch material such that the first layer is configured to expand in a transverse direction and in a longitudinal direction. One or more pocket panels are coupled to the first layer such that one or more pockets are defined between the pocket panels and the first layer. The pocket panels are fabricated from a two-way stretch material such that the pocket panels are configured to expand in the transverse direction while being substantially less expandable in the longitudinal direction. A strap is extended circumferentially at least partially about the upper portion of the first layer such that the pocket panels at least partially overlap the strap. The strap is configured to control a size of the waist opening and support a load on the first layer and/or pocket panels.

In yet another aspect, a method is provided for manufacturing a garment. The method includes extending a first layer to form a base. The first layer is configured to contact a wearer and keep the base from riding up during use. The first layer includes an upper portion that defines a waist opening. One or more pocket panels are coupled to the first layer such that one or more pockets are defined between the pocket panels and the first layer. The pocket panels are configured to expand in a transverse direction while being substantially less expandable in a longitudinal direction. A strap is extended at least partially about the upper portion of the garment. The strap is configured to control a size of a waist opening defined by the upper portion of the garment and support a load on the first layer and/or pocket panels.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated examples may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects, alone or in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters represent like elements throughout, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example garment including a water carry system;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of another example garment including a water carry system;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the garment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of yet another example garment including a water carry system;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the garment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of yet another example garment including a water carry system;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the garment shown in FIG. 7.

Although specific features of various examples may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature of any drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to hydration solutions and, more particularly, to a water carry system for use with running apparel. Examples described herein enable a runner or athlete to carry water or other fluids in a hands-free manner securely and comfortably. A garment may include a first layer that helps keep the garment from riding up or bunching during use. As used here, the term “ride up” means to work or move upward from a desired position. One or more pocket panels coupled to the first layer include one or more stretch materials that are configured to expand in a transverse direction while being substantially less expandable in a longitudinal direction. In this manner, any objects housed in a pocket defined by the pocket panels is restricted or prevented from bouncing or moving during use. A strap extending circumferentially at least partially about an upper portion of the garment helps support a load (e.g., from any objects housed in the pocket) on the first layer and/or pocket panels. The strap has a width or breadth that provides an increased area on which the load may be placed and across which the load may be distributed. On shorter runs or on other occasions for which the runner or athlete decides not to carry water or other fluids, the water carry system described herein is generally unobtrusive and discreet.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example garment 100 including a first or inner layer 110 that is configured to contact a wearer of the garment 100. An interior surface of the inner layer 110, for example, may be oriented to generally face the wearer and conform to a size and shape of the wearer. The inner layer 110 extends generally vertically between an upper portion 112 of the garment 100 and a lower portion 114 of the garment 100 and is configured to keep the garment 100 from riding up or bunching during use. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner layer 110 may form or include running apparel (e.g., a pair of form-fitting shorts or briefs). As will be understood, terms such as upper, lower, vertical, inner, outer, and the like are used herein for convenience of description only and are not to be considered limiting of the orientation of the garment 100 and/or any other feature described herein.

The inner layer 110 may include one or more tight-knit “four-way” stretch materials that enable the garment 100 to generally maintain its position (e.g., relative to the wearer) when donned while allowing the wearer to freely move. A “four-way” stretch is a term of art that describes a material or fabric that is stretchable in four directions (e.g., up, down, left, and right). In some examples, the inner layer 110 includes an elastane material configured to stretch or expand generally in a transverse direction (e.g., along a first axis 116) and in a longitudinal direction (e.g., along a second axis 118 perpendicular to the first axis 116).

The garment 100 includes one or more pocket panels 120 (shown in FIG. 2) coupled to the inner layer 110. The pocket panels 120 define one or more pockets 122 (shown in FIG. 2) in which one or more objects (e.g., water bottle, hydration flask) may be housed. A pocket 122 may be defined, for example, between an interior surface of a pocket panel 120 and an exterior surface of the inner layer 110. Alternatively, a pocket 122 may be defined between an interior surface of a first pocket panel 120 and an exterior surface of a second pocket panel 120 extending between the first pocket panel 120 and the inner layer 110.

In some examples, the pocket panels 120 are coupled to the inner layer 110 along one or more pocket seams 124 (shown in FIG. 2) defining a periphery of the pockets 122. As shown in FIG. 2, a pocket opening 126 may be defined between opposing pocket seams 124. The pocket seams 124 may extend, for example, along opposing sides of a pocket 122 and along a closed bottom therebetween such that a pocket opening 126 is defined at an upper end 128 of the pocket panel 120. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of pocket panels 120 may be coupled to an outer surface of the inner layer 110 on a rear side of the garment 100. In some examples, the pocket panels 120 have reflective symmetry about a vertical centerline of the garment 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the pocket panels 120 may be oriented such that the pocket opening 126 generally faces an upward and/or outward direction (e.g., for relatively easy access by the wearer).

The pocket panel 120 is in a first state when the pocket 122 is free from any objects. In the first state, the pocket panel 120 extends generally parallel with the inner layer 110 and, thus, generally conforms to a size and shape of the wearer. When one or more objects are housed in the pocket 122, the pocket panel 120 is in a second state. In the second state, the objects are positioned between the pocket panel 120 and inner layer such that at least a portion of the pocket panel 120 is spaced from the inner layer 110. In some examples, in the second state, the pocket panel 120 generally conforms to a size and shape of the objects housed in the pocket 122 and/or urge the objects towards the inner layer 110. In this manner, the pocket panel 120 may maintain a relatively low profile while restricting or preventing movement of the objects housed in the pocket 122.

The pocket panels 120 may be sized, shaped, and/or configured to accommodate, for example, one or more water bottles, hydration flasks, energy gels, energy bars, personal electronic devices (e.g., smart phones), compasses, and/or keys. The pocket panels 120 may be configured, for example, to accommodate water bottles having a capacity of at least approximately 6 fluid ounces (fl. oz.) or 177.44 milliliters (ml). In some examples, the pocket panels 120 are configured to accommodate water bottles having a capacity between approximately 8.45 fl. oz. (250 ml) and 16.91 fl. oz. (500 ml). Objects may be inserted into and/or removed from the pocket 122, for example, via the pocket opening 126.

The pocket panels 120 include one or more “two-way” stretch materials configured to stretch or expand in a transverse direction (e.g., along the first axis 116) while being substantially less expandable in a longitudinal direction (e.g., along the second axis 118). In this manner, an object housed in the pocket 122 may stretch or expand the pocket panel 120 in a circumferential or horizontal direction (e.g., along the first axis 116) while being inhibited from moving or bouncing in a vertical direction (e.g., along the second axis 118). A “two-way” stretch is a term of art that describes a material or fabric that has a first degree of expansion in opposite directions along a first line (e.g., left and right) and a second degree of expansion less than the first degree of expansion, including zero or no degree of expansion, in opposite directions along a second line that perpendicular to the first line (e.g., up and down).

The garment 100 may include one or more flap or cover panels 130 (shown in FIG. 2) extending at least partially over the pocket panels 120 to facilitate protecting or enclosing the pockets 122. The cover panel 130 may be coupled to the inner layer 110 and/or pocket panel 120 along one or more cover seams 132 (shown in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, a lower portion 134 of a cover panel 130 may extend over the upper end 128 of the pocket panel 120 to provide an envelope-style closure.

The cover panel 130 is in a first state when the pocket 122 is free from any objects. In the first state, the cover panel 130 extends generally parallel with the inner layer 110 and, thus, generally conforms to a size and shape of the wearer. To access the pocket opening 126, the cover panel 130 may be moved towards a second state. In the second state, the lower portion 134 of the cover panel 130 may be lifted or spaced from the pocket panel 120 such that the pocket opening 126 is at least partially exposed or accessible.

A belt or strap 140 (shown in FIG. 1) extending generally circumferentially at least partially about the upper portion 112 of the garment 100 facilitates maintaining a position of the garment 100 (e.g., relative to the wearer). The strap 140 may be used, for example, to support a load on the inner layer 110 and/or pocket panels 120 (e.g., from objects housed in pockets 122). The strap 140 is configured to restrict or control a size of a waist opening 142 (shown in FIG. 1) defined by the upper portion 112 of the garment 100. In some examples, the strap 140 is selectively adjustable to increase and/or decrease the size of the waist opening 142. The strap 140 may include, for example, a non-stretch, rigid webbing material extending through a channel defined by the inner layer 110 and/or pocket panels 120.

The strap 140 has a breadth 144 that enables at least a lower portion of the strap 140 to be at the same or a similar elevation as the upper end 128 of the pocket panels 120 and/or lower portion 134 of the cover panels 130. That is, at least a portion of the pocket panels 120 and/or cover panels 130 extend at least partially over the strap 140. As shown in FIG. 1, the strap 140 may have a breadth 144 that provides an increased area 146 for load placement and distribution (e.g., on the wearer). The breadth 144 may be, for example, at least approximately 0.375 inches (in.) or 9.525 millimeters (mm). In some examples, the breadth 144 is between approximately 0.393 in. (9.982 mm) and 0.985 in. (25.019 mm). In this manner, the strap 140 allows the wearer to carry a load more comfortably than conventional belts, straps, or waistbands.

In some examples, the strap 140 is looped or folded back on itself (e.g., in a closed-loop configuration). The strap 140 may be threaded through, for example, a ladderlock buckle, a magnetic buckle, a side-release buckle, a slide buckle, and/or any other coupling mechanism that may be used to selectively tighten or loosen the strap 140 and, thus, decrease or increase the size of the waist opening 142. Alternatively, the strap 140 may have two free end segments (e.g., in an open-loop configuration) that may be selectively coupled directly to each other to form a closed loop for controlling the size of the waist opening 142.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show another example garment 200 including a first or inner layer 210 that is configured to contact a wearer of the garment 200. The inner layer 210 extends generally vertically between an upper portion 212 of the garment 200 and a lower portion 214 of the garment 200 and is configured to keep the garment 200 from riding up or bunching during use. The garment 200 includes one or more pocket panels 220 (shown in FIG. 4) that define one or more pockets 222 (shown in FIG. 4) in which one or more objects (e.g., water bottle, hydration flask) may be housed. The garment 200 may include one or more cover panels 230 (shown in FIG. 4) extending at least partially over the pocket panels 220 to facilitate protecting or enclosing the pockets 222. A belt or strap 240 (shown in FIG. 3) extending generally circumferentially at least partially about an upper portion 212 of the garment 200 facilitates maintaining a position of the garment 200 (e.g., relative to the wearer). The inner layer 210, pocket panels 220, cover panels 230, and/or strap 240 of the garment 200 are the same as or substantially similar to the inner layer 110, pocket panels 120, cover panels 130, and/or strap 140, respectively, of the garment 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The garment 200 further includes a second or outer layer 250 that extends generally over the inner layer 210. An interior surface of the outer layer 250, for example, may be oriented to generally face the exterior surface of the inner layer 210. The outer layer 250 extends generally vertically the pocket panels 220 and a lower portion 214 of the garment 200 and is configured to provide a relatively loose fit. In some examples, the outer layer 250 includes a lightweight, woven nylon material.

The inner layer 210, pocket panels 220, cover panels 230, strap 240, and/or outer layer 250 may have any size, shape, and/or configuration that enables the garment 200 to function as described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner layer 210 may form or include a first pair of shorts, and the outer layer 250 may form or include a second pair of shorts extending over the first pair of shorts. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a garment 300 may include an inner layer 310 and outer layer 350 that are shorter in length than (e.g., extend vertically a distance less than) the inner layer 210 and outer layer 250 of the garment 200 while otherwise being substantially similar to the garment 200. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a garment 400 may include an outer layer 450 that forms or includes a skirt extending over a first pair of shorts while otherwise being substantially similar to the garment 200 and/or garment 300.

To provide or manufacture a water carry system for use with running apparel, a first or inner layer (e.g., inner layer 110, inner layer 210, inner layer 310) is extended to form a base or the underlying running apparel. As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the inner layer may form or include a pair of form-fitting shorts or briefs. Alternatively, the inner layer may form or include any other underlying running apparel, such as a pair of form-fitting pants or capris. The inner layer may include one or more panels that conform to a size and shape of the wearer and keep the base from riding up or bunching during use. In some examples, the inner layer includes one or more mesh materials for breathability.

One or more pocket panels (e.g., pocket panel 120, pocket panel 220) are coupled to the inner layer to form pockets (e.g., pocket 122, pocket 222). Each pocket panel may include one or more seams (e.g., pocket seams 124) that define one or more pockets. The pockets are sized, shaped, and/or configured to enable an athlete or runner to carry water for traversing a sizable distance without an additional water carry device, such as a hydration belt, vest, and/or pack. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 8, the pockets may include left and right pockets for housing water bottles at left and right lower back positions, relatively, and a center pocket between the left and right pockets for housing one or more other objects (e.g., energy gels, energy bars, personal electronic devices (e.g., smart phones), compasses, and/or keys) at a center lower back position. Alternatively, the pocket panels may have any configuration and/or be in any arrangement that allows the pockets to function as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 8, the pocket panels lie generally flat (e.g., against an outer surface of the inner layer) in a discreet manner when the pockets are free from any objects or empty. When one or more objects are housed in the pockets, at least a portion of the pocket panels expands to accommodate the objects and extends circumferentially or horizontally (e.g., perpendicular to the second axis 118) about the objects. The pocket panels are configured to restrict or prevent bouncing of one or more objects housed in the pockets. For example, the pocket panels may include or be fabricated from one or more “two-way” stretch materials that are configured to expand in a transverse direction (e.g., along the first axis 116) while being substantially less expandable in a longitudinal direction (e.g., along the second axis 118). To facilitate securing one or more objects in the pockets, one or more flaps (e.g., cover panel 130, cover panel 230) may be coupled to the inner layer and/or pocket panels. In some examples, the pocket panels and/or flaps include one or more mesh materials for breathability.

A non-stretch adjusting waist belt (e.g., strap 140, strap 240) is extended generally circumferentially about an upper portion of the inner layer and/or pocket panels. The waist belt may be used, for example, to maintain a position of and support a load on the inner layer and/or pocket panels. In this manner, the waist belt facilitates maintaining a secure, bounce-free fit of the inner layer and/or pocket panels.

In some examples, a second or outer layer (e.g., outer layer 250, outer layer 350, outer layer 450) may be extended about the inner layer to form an overlying running apparel. As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the outer layer may form or include a pair of loose-fitting shorts or a loose-fitting skirt, respectively. Alternatively, the outer layer may form or include any other overlying running apparel. The outer layer may include one or more panels that extend over at least a portion of the inner layer. In some examples, the outer layer includes one or more mesh materials for breathability.

The features described herein work together to provide storage space for various objects and allow the objects to be secured in a bounce-free manner Such features include, without limitation:

• • Tight-fitted interior short (e.g., inner layer 110, inner layer 210) keeps bottles and waistband from riding up;
  • Two-way stretch mesh pockets (e.g., pocket panel 120, pocket panel 220) prevent bouncing;
  • Flap (e.g., cover panel 130, cover panel 230) secures bottle in pocket; and
  • Non-stretch webbing waist adjuster (e.g., strap 140, strap 240).The garment is configured to secure one or more items when the wearer is actively exercising. The garment may function, for example, as a running apparel-and-hydration belt-in-one. While aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms of various examples with their associated operations, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that a combination of operations from any number of different examples is also within the scope of the aspects of the disclosure.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in examples of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and examples of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Furthermore, references to an “embodiment” or “example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments or examples that also incorporate the recited features. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.”

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: a first layer configured to contact a wearer of the garment and keep the garment from riding up during use, the first layer including an upper portion that defines a waist opening;one or more pocket panels coupled to the first layer such that one or more pockets are defined between the one or more pocket panels and the first layer, the one or more pocket panels configured to expand in a transverse direction while being substantially less expandable in a longitudinal direction; anda strap extending circumferentially at least partially about the upper portion of the first layer such that the one or more pocket panels extend at least partially over the strap, the strap configured to control a size of the waist opening and support a load on one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first layer is configured to conform to a size and shape of the wearer.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first layer is fabricated from a four-way stretch material.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more pocket panels are configured to conform to a size and shape of the wearer.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more pocket panels are fabricated from a two-way stretch material.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more pocket panels extend at least partially over the strap.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the strap is selectively adjustable to decrease the size of the waist opening.

8. The garment of claim 1, further comprising one or more cover panels coupled to one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels, wherein the one or more cover panels extend at least partially over the one or more pocket panels.

9. The garment of claim 1, further comprising one or more cover panels coupled to one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels, wherein the one or more cover panels extend at least partially over the strap.

10. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a second layer extending generally over the first layer, the second layer configured to provide a relatively loose fit.

11. A water carry system for use with running apparel, the water carry system comprising: a first layer configured to conform to a size and shape of a wearer, the first layer including an upper portion that defines a waist opening, the first layer fabricated from a four-way stretch material such that the first layer is configured to expand in a transverse direction and in a longitudinal direction;one or more pocket panels coupled to the first layer such that one or more pockets are defined between the one or more pocket panels and the first layer, the one or more pocket panels fabricated from a two-way stretch material such that the one or more pocket panels are configured to expand in the transverse direction while being substantially less expandable in the longitudinal direction; anda strap extending circumferentially at least partially about the upper portion of the first layer such that the one or more pocket panels at least partially overlap the strap, the strap configured to control a size of the waist opening and support a load on one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels.

12. The water carry system of claim 11, wherein the one or more pocket panels at least partially overlap the strap.

13. The water carry system of claim 11, wherein the strap is selectively adjustable to decrease the size of the waist opening.

14. The water carry system of claim 11, further comprising one or more cover panels coupled to one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels, wherein the one or more cover panels at least partially overlap the one or more pocket panels.

15. The water carry system of claim 11, further comprising one or more cover panels coupled to one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels, wherein the one or more cover panels at least partially overlap the strap.

16. A method of manufacturing a garment, the method comprising: extending a first layer to form a base, the first layer configured to contact a wearer and keep the base from riding up during use, the first layer including an upper portion that defines a waist opening;coupling one or more pocket panels to the first layer such that one or more pockets are defined between the one or more pocket panels and the first layer, the one or more pocket panels configured to expand in a transverse direction while being substantially less expandable in a longitudinal direction; andextending a strap at least partially about the upper portion of the garment, the strap configured to control a size of a waist opening defined by the upper portion of the garment and support a load on one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein coupling the one or more pocket panels comprises extending the one or more pocket panels at least partially over the strap.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: extending one or more cover panels at least partially over the one or more pocket panels; andcoupling the one or more cover panels to one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: extending one or more cover panels at least partially over the strap; andcoupling the one or more cover panels to one or more of the first layer or the one or more pocket panels.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising extending a second layer generally over the first layer, the second layer configured to provide a relatively loose fit.