Sportswear

Abstract

In an embodiment, a sportswear is provided, which includes a front piece and a back piece, a waistband portion disposed at an upper portion of the garment, a first opening for receiving a user's torso, a second opening for receiving a first leg of the user, and a third opening for receiving a second leg of the user; and a crotch piece disposed between the front piece and the back piece and extending from the second opening to the third opening. The crotch piece includes a three-layer substrate to hide and prevent visible stains of fluid received therein. The three-layer substrate may include a first layer of a first material, a second layer of a second material, and a third layer of a third material.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Sports often require clothing that provides protection to the user. Football players have padded uniforms and helmets to protect them from scrapes and broken bones. Soccer players need shin guards to protect against shin injuries. Softball and baseball players need padded undergarments to protect against scrapes and broken bones during sliding into the bases. Other sports require the wearing of sportswear (such as tight shorts) to provide protection and comfort to the wearer.

[0002] Athletic undergarments are typically formed of breathable materials and are used to protect the wearer during physical activity. Conventional athletic undergarments include seams or cross seams that run through the crotch region, thereby reducing comfort during physical activity. In addition, conventional athletic undergarments include a single layer of spandex blended fabric. Athletic undergarments typically do not provide protection or concealment from visible exposure to any moisture or fluid leakage during menstruation, which often results in embarrassment and shame for the wearer. Summary of the invention

[0003] In an embodiment, a sports garment is provided, comprising: a front piece, a back piece, a first opening for receiving a user's torso, a second opening for receiving a first leg of the user, and a third opening for receiving a second leg of the user; and a crotch piece, the crotch piece being disposed between the front piece and the back piece, extending from the second opening to the third opening. The crotch piece comprises a three-layer substrate to hide and eliminate visible stains of fluid received in the crotch piece. The three-layer substrate comprises a first layer of a first material, a second layer of a second material, and a third layer of a third material.

[0004] In another embodiment, the sportswear may include a first substrate disposed around the lower torso and thighs of a user, the first substrate defining a first opening for receiving a portion of the torso, a second opening for receiving a first leg, and a third opening for receiving a second leg of the user. The sportswear may further include a crotch piece disposed between the second opening and the third opening, the crotch piece being configured to be positioned at the crotch region of the user, wherein the crotch piece includes a second substrate having a multi-layer substrate to provide moisture control and to hide and prevent visible stains of fluid received in the second substrate. The multi-layer substrate may include at least two layers, wherein the first layer includes a first material, the second layer includes a second material, and optionally, the third layer includes a third material, wherein each layer of the multi-layer substrate includes a different material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] A more detailed description of the above brief description will be provided with reference to specific embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting of their scope, these embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 is a front side view of an embodiment of a sports garment.

[0007] Figure 2A is a front view of an embodiment of a sports garment.

[0008] Figure 2B is Figure 2A 00145] A side view of an embodiment of a sports garment is shown in FIG.

[0009] Figure 2C is Figure 2A-2B A rear view of an embodiment of a sports garment is shown in FIG.

[0010] Figure 3 Depicted is the structure of a three-layer moisture management protective substrate in the crotch panel of an embodiment of a sports apparel.

[0011] Figure 4 is like Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the sheet surrounding the second opening is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In order to facilitate understanding of the principles and operation of the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiments shown in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe these embodiments. It should be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended thereby, and that these changes and further modifications in the illustrated apparatus and these other applications of the principles of the invention as herein contemplated will be normal for those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

[0013] It should be noted that, as used herein, the terms "first", "second", etc. do not indicate any order, amount or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another. The term "one" does not indicate a limitation of the amount, but rather indicates the presence of at least one referenced item. In addition, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with" or their variations are used in the specification and / or claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising". The modifier "about" used in conjunction with an amount includes the value and has the meaning indicated by the context (e.g., including the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular amount). It should be noted that all ranges disclosed in this specification are inclusive and can be independently combined.

[0014] The term "breathable" as used herein includes any fabric that allows air to pass through, including but not limited to cotton, spandex, jersey, mesh material, bamboo or lace, particularly organic or inorganic, and may include mixtures of various fabrics. In a non-limiting embodiment, when the breathable fabric includes a mesh material or other woven material, small pores woven integrally therein may be included. The breathable fabric may include an absorbent material or a moisture wicking material. In other embodiments, pores may not be included in the material or fabric.

[0015] As used herein, the term "moisture absorbing" or "absorbing moisture" refers to materials or components of the sportswear described herein that absorb and capture moisture or fluid. Examples of moisture absorbing fabrics known in the art include cotton, modal, micromodal, Tencel (R) or other viscose-based fibers. Many moisture absorbing materials are made from plant cellulose that attracts water. In some examples, moisture or fluid is absorbed into micropores in the fibers and is trapped therein.

[0016] The term "wicking moisture" as used herein refers to a material or fabric used to remove moisture, also known as a waterproof material. Wicking moisture materials often include synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon, and / or include any other fabric pretreated with a solution to prevent water absorption. Fluids are usually retained on the top of the fabric surface as droplets and can travel along the weave pattern of the fabric. Once the fluid reaches the outside of the fabric and is exposed to air, the fluid will evaporate. Wicking moisture materials dry quickly under wet conditions.

[0017] Although the numerical ranges and parameters of the broad ranges are approximate, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific non-limiting examples are presented in the most accurate manner possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains errors that are necessarily caused by the standard deviation found from their respective detection measurements. In addition, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges included therein. As a non-limiting example, a range "less than 10" may include any and all sub-ranges between a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 10 (and including the minimum value 0 and the maximum value 10), that is, any and all sub-ranges with a minimum value equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value equal to or less than 10, such as 1 to 7.

[0018] Embodiments described herein include a kind of sportswear, the structure of which provides optimal comfort and breathability for the wearer, while providing enhanced protection, maximizing ventilation and promoting good hygiene. In addition, the sportswear embodiments described herein are particularly beneficial for female wearers, because in one example, the crotch area of ​​the garment includes a three-layer substrate, thereby providing breathability in the increased moisture area, and includes antibacterial fabrics and wicking moisture fabrics to prevent visible leakage during menstruation. Therefore, the embodiments described herein provide moisture management (that is, leakage prevention), wicking moisture, antibacterial management, wicking moisture and moisture absorption, thereby enhancing comfort and providing hiding and protection for menstrual women wearers.

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a front side view of an embodiment of a sportswear 100. The sportswear 100 includes a front panel 102, a back panel 104, a first side panel 106 and a second side panel 108. The sportswear 100 further includes a first opening, a second opening 116 and a third opening 118 for receiving a user's torso. The second opening 116 and the third opening 118 are designed to receive and support the user's legs. The garment 100 further includes a crotch panel 112 (e.g., a triangle of fabric) extending from the second opening 116 to the third opening 118 to support the user's crotch area. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown and described, crotch piece 112 may include a three-layer substrate including a first layer 130, a second layer 132, and a third layer 134. In other embodiments, garment 100 may include a single-layer crotch piece 112 of a variety of materials including a combination of wicking moisture materials, moisture absorbing materials, and antimicrobial management materials. In yet another embodiment, crotch piece 112 may be at least partially formed by a double-layer substrate including these types of materials to manage moisture and support an antimicrobial environment. Finally, crotch piece 112 may include more than three-layer substrates including one or a combination of these materials to be used for moisture control and antimicrobial support.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments, the first side panel 106 may include a first liner portion 107 ( Figure 4), and the second side panel 108 may include a second padded portion 109 (not shown). In these embodiments, the first padded portion 107 and / or the second padded portion 109 may be removable from the first side panel 106 and the second side panel 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first side panel 106 and the second side panel 108 may include corresponding pouches for receiving the first padded portion 107 and the second padded portion 109. In other non-limiting embodiments, the first padded portion 107 and the second padded portion 109 may be permanently fixed within the first side panel 106 and the second side panel 108. In other embodiments, the first side panel 106 and the second side panel 108 may not include a padded portion.

[0021] The sportswear embodiment 100 may include a first front seam 120 joining the crotch panel 112 to the front panel 102 and a first back seam 122 joining the crotch panel 112 to the back panel 104 ( Figure 2C 1 ). A waistband portion 110 may be associated with the top portion of the garment 100, the waistband portion 110 defining a first opening 114 and configured to surround at least a portion of a user's torso. In one embodiment, the waistband portion 110 may be formed of an elastic material.

[0022] The first side panel 106 can be disposed between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104, and the first side panel 106 is adjacent to the front panel 102 via the second front seam 124, and the first side panel 106 is adjacent to the back panel 104 via the third back seam 128. The second side panel 108 can be disposed between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104, and the second side panel 106 is adjacent to the front panel 102 via the third front seam 126, and the second side panel 106 is adjacent to the back panel 104 via the second back seam 126, as shown in Figure 1 and Figures 2A-2C as shown in .

[0023] The crotch piece 112 (e.g., a triangular gusset) is arranged to extend generally from the second opening 116 to the third opening 118, which provides additional comfort in the crotch area during wear while avoiding crotch seams or cross seams in this area. The construction of the crotch piece 112 (extending from the second opening 116 to the third opening 118 and bounded by seams on both sides of the crotch piece 112) enhances comfort while providing additional protection in this area compared to conventional triangular or diamond shaped gussets commonly found in garments. In addition, the design of the crotch piece 112 allows the crotch piece 112 to be formed as a three-layer substrate.

[0024] like Figure 3The three-layer substrate shown in the figure may include a first (inner) layer 130, a second (middle) layer 132, and a third (outer) layer 134, wherein the first (inner) layer 130 provides a breathable, soft, moisture-absorbing breathable material that allows air and fluid to pass through, the second (middle) layer 132 provides an antibacterial breathable, fast-drying water-repellent layer disposed between the first layer 130 and the third layer 134, and the third (outer) layer 134 includes a fast-drying antibacterial treatment layer that absorbs moisture to prevent bacterial growth or any other unicellular or multicellular microbial growth, and will wick away moisture from the first and second layers. In a non-limiting embodiment, the three-layer substrate may extend over at least some or all areas of the user's crotch area and may extend from the second opening of the garment 100 through the entire crotch piece 112 to the third opening. The soft absorbing breathable layer is positioned to provide a breathable layer closest to the wearer's body, and the second layer 132 is a layer that separates the first layer 130 and the third layer 134 and is different from both the first layer 130 and the third layer 134, which provides an antibacterial water-repellent quick-drying layer. In some examples, the second layer 132 can slow down fluid flow and can be waterproof. The third layer 134 positioned farthest from the wearer allows wicking moisture, quick drying and antibacterial treatment. These layers can be attached to each other using, for example, sutures. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first layer may include a first material, the second layer may include a second material, and the third layer may include a third material. The first material may be different from the second material and the third material, and the second material may be different from the third material.

[0025] The wicking moisture layer may be made of or include a wicking moisture material, wherein the wicking moisture material transfers (and / or promotes transfer) moisture or fluid from its surface (i.e., from the third layer 134 to the second layer 132 or the first layer 130). The wicking moisture layer may include or contain any wicking moisture material known in the prior art, or be composed of it. The material may be naturally wicking and / or treated to include wicking moisture properties. In one embodiment, the wicking moisture material may include at least 50% cotton.

[0026] The wicking moisture third layer 134 may include an inner surface 134a (closest to the second layer 132) and an outer surface 134b. Both the inner surface 134a or the outer surface 134b may be treated with a hydrophilic component or material (e.g., polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydrophilic silicone or hydrophilic polyurethane) and / or a hydrophobic component or material (e.g., silicone, polyfluoroalkyl acrylate, polyacrylate, polyurethane or paraffin) to create a net hydrophilic gradient on the third layer 134, such as, in a non-limiting example, the inner surface 134a may be more hydrophilic, while the outer surface 134b may be less hydrophilic (i.e., more hydrophobic). As a result, the combination of "water-repelling" forces created by any hydrophobic properties of the outer surface 134b (and / or portions of the third layer 134 near the outer surface 134b) and "water-attracting" forces created by any hydrophilic properties of the inner surface 134a (and / or portions of the third layer 134 near the inner surface 134a) wicks any moisture or fluid through the second layer 132 and / or the first layer 130, where the fluid can be absorbed.

[0027] The moisture absorbing material of the first layer 130 may include or consist of any fluid absorbing material known in the art (e.g., cotton, cotton blends, foams, synthetic materials, absorbent polymer foams, materials based on or produced using nanotechnology, or any other moisture absorbing material).

[0028] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first layer 130 may include a cotton and spandex knit blend, such as an 80%-97% cotton and 20%-3% spandex knit blend, thereby providing a soft, yet absorbent and breathable fabric. In a particular non-limiting embodiment, the first layer 130 may include a 95% cotton and 5% spandex knit blend. The second layer 132 may include an antimicrobial fabric, or may include an antimicrobial dressing thereon. The third layer 134 may include a nylon and spandex knit blend, including a 70%-90% nylon and 30%-10% spandex knit blend in a non-limiting embodiment, to provide the benefits of wicking moisture, quick drying and antimicrobial. In a particular non-limiting embodiment, the third layer 134 may include a fabric knitted with 80% nylon and 20% spandex.

[0029] The three-layer substrate of the crotch panel 121 provides protection for the female wearer to provide moisture management protection. In addition, the three-layer substrate provides key antimicrobial materials to reduce infections related to bacteria, while providing enhanced comfort due to the smooth design. The sportswear provides additional protection for women during menstruation and reduces the possibility of visible stain exposure or uncomfortable fluid leakage from the user. In other embodiments, the three-layer substrate or any of the individual layers of the substrate may extend beyond the crotch panel 112 and extend into the front panel 102, the back panel 104, or the side panels 106, 108.

[0030] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sportswear is provided, the cross-sectional view being Figure 1 Although the region defines multiple layers, as opposed to the side of the garment showing the substrate, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the material constituting the crotch panel extends in a continuous fashion from one leg opening to the next leg opening. Thus, the crotch panel 112 at one end at the second opening 116 is Figure 4 The cross section shows the crotch panel 112 at the third opening 118 or at its end. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of shows a multilayer substrate in a crotch piece 112 of a sportswear, and shows a first padding portion 107 disposed in a first side piece 106. The front piece 102 and the back piece 104 are shown as single-layer pieces; however, in other non-limiting embodiments, these pieces may be formed by multiple layers. In addition, other embodiments may not include any padding portion. Alternatively, some non-limiting embodiments may include padding portions in the back piece 104 and / or the front piece 102. In another embodiment, a sportswear is provided, the sportswear including a first substrate arranged around the lower torso and thigh of the user, the first substrate defining a first opening for receiving a portion of the torso. The garment may include a second opening for receiving the first leg of the user and a third opening for receiving the second leg of the user, and a crotch piece disposed between the second opening and the third opening, the crotch piece being constructed to be positioned at the crotch region of the user. The crotch piece may include a second substrate, the second substrate may include a multilayer substrate, to provide moisture control and to hide and prevent visible stains of the fluid received thereon. The multilayer substrate may comprise at least two layers, wherein a first layer comprises a first material, a second layer comprises a second material, and optionally, a third layer comprises a third material, wherein each layer of the multilayer substrate comprises a different material.

[0031] In one non-limiting example, the first substrate of the garment may include a material that is the same as at least one of the materials of the multi-layer substrate. For example, the material for the first substrate may include a material used in tight-fitting garments such as tight shirts, sleeves, and shorts. In another example, the first material, the second material, and optionally the third material include a material selected from the following materials: a) a moisture absorbing material; b) an antimicrobial water repellent material; and c) an antimicrobial wicking moisture absorbing material.

[0032] The materials described in the specific embodiments herein may be replaced by materials recognized by those skilled in the art as being compatible or equivalent. In addition, the chemicals, compounds, treatments or other elements or features of the materials or fabrics, their designs or processes for producing the fabrics or materials may be replaced by other known materials recognized by those skilled in the art to which these embodiments belong.

[0033] It is important to note that, unless defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The techniques employed herein are also well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, unless otherwise indicated. To more clearly facilitate understanding of the purpose of the invention disclosed and claimed herein, the following definitions are provided.

[0034] Finally, although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. A large number of modifications, changes, and substitutions may be made without departing from the present invention herein. Therefore, the present invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The teachings of all patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the teachings herein.

Claims

1. A sportswear comprising: Front piece, back piece, a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, wherein the first opening is used to receive a torso of a user, the second opening is used to receive a first leg of the user, and the third opening is used to receive a second leg of the user; as well as A crotch piece, which is arranged between the front piece and the back piece and extends from the second opening to the third opening, wherein the crotch piece includes a three-layer substrate to hide and prevent visible stains of fluid received in the crotch piece, the three-layer substrate includes a first inner layer of a first material, a second middle layer of a second material, and a third outer layer of a third material, wherein the first inner layer can be set adjacent to a user of the sportswear, and the first material is a moisture absorbing material, the second material is a moisture repelling material, the third outer layer can be set away from the user of the sportswear, and the third material is a moisture wicking material.

2. The sportswear according to claim 1, further comprising a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein: The first side panel is arranged between the front panel and the back panel, and the first side panel, the front panel, the back panel and the crotch panel form the second opening, and the second side panel is arranged between the front panel and the back panel, and the second side panel, the front panel, the back panel and the crotch panel form the third opening.

3. The sportswear according to claim 1, wherein: The material of the front panel and / or the back panel is continuous with the material of the third outer layer.

4. The sportswear according to claim 2, wherein: The first side panel further includes a first pad portion.

5. The sportswear according to claim 2, wherein: The second side panel further includes a second pad portion.

6. The sportswear according to claim 1, wherein: The material of the third outer layer is continuous between the front panel, the crotch panel and the back panel.

7. The sportswear according to claim 1, wherein: A first front seam connects the crotch panel to the front panel.

8. The sportswear according to claim 1, wherein: A first back seam connects the crotch panel to the back panel.

9. The sportswear according to claim 2, wherein: A second front seam connects the front panel to the first side panel.

10. The sportswear according to claim 2, wherein: A third front seam connects the front panel to the second side panel.

11. The sportswear according to claim 2, wherein: A second back seam connects the back panel to the second side panel.

12. The sportswear according to claim 2, wherein: A third back seam connects the back panel to the first side panel.

13. The sportswear according to claim 2, wherein: The first side panel includes a first panel pouch.

14. The sportswear according to claim 2, wherein: The second side panel includes a second panel pouch.

15. The sportswear according to claim 1, further comprising a waistband portion provided at an upper portion of the garment.

16. A sportswear, comprising: a first substrate disposed about a lower torso and thighs of a user, the first substrate defining a first opening for receiving a portion of the lower torso, a second opening for receiving a first leg of the user, and a third opening for receiving a second leg of the user; as well as A crotch piece, the crotch piece being arranged between the second opening and the third opening, the crotch piece being constructed to be positioned in the crotch area of ​​a user, wherein the crotch piece comprises a second substrate, the second substrate comprising a multi-layer substrate to provide moisture control and to hide and prevent visible stains of fluid received in the second substrate, the multi-layer substrate comprising at least three layers, wherein a first inner layer comprises a first material and is capable of being arranged adjacent to a user of the sportswear, the first material being a moisture absorbing material, a second middle layer comprises a second material, the second material being a moisture repelling material, and a third outer layer comprises a third material and is capable of being arranged away from the user of the sportswear, the third material being a moisture wicking material, wherein each layer of the multi-layer substrate comprises a different material.

17. The sportswear according to claim 16, wherein: The first substrate includes at least one of the same materials as the multi-layer substrate.

18. The sportswear according to claim 17, wherein: The second material is an antimicrobial water repellent material, and the third material is an antimicrobial wicking moisture absorbing material.

19. The sportswear according to claim 1, wherein a material of the front panel and / or the back panel is the same as one of the first material, the second material and the third material.

Images