Garment

Abstract

A garment includes a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The garment also includes a back panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the back panel coupled to the front panel. The first limb portion extends from the bottom edge of the front panel and the bottom edge of the back panel to form a first limb opening. A second limb portion extends from the bottom edge of the front panel and the bottom edge of the back panel to form a second limb opening. The front panel and the back panel are constructed from a first fabric, and the first limb portion and the second limb portion are constructed from a second fabric having greater tensile properties than the first fabric, the second fabric comprising a seamless lower edge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a garment, such as a short pants garment, for sports activities, including rugby (football) or casual wear. Background Art

[0002] Rugby (football) is a sport that requires a lot of movement, including running, quickly changing directions, and various agility skills such as dribbling, passing, feinting, and shooting. A well-fitting pair of shorts allows rugby players to move freely without restriction, enabling them to perform these on-field actions effectively. However, rugby players typically have a higher thigh-to-waist ratio than the general population, such that shorts that fit the player's waist may be too tight around the thighs, causing discomfort and irritation during the game. Such ill-fitting shorts may also reduce the player's confidence, concentration, performance, and professional appearance on the field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one or more embodiments, the garment includes a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The garment further includes a rear panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the rear panel being coupled to the front panel. A first limb portion extends from the bottom edge of the front panel and the bottom edge of the rear panel to form a first limb opening, and a second limb portion extends from the bottom edge of the front panel and the bottom edge of the rear panel to form a second limb opening. The front panel and the rear panel are made of a first fabric, and the first limb portion and the second limb portion are made of a second fabric having greater stretch properties than the first fabric, wherein the second fabric includes a seamless lower edge.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the second fabric includes double rib knit. In one or more embodiments, the double rib knit includes approximately 83% PET and approximately 17% elastane. In one or more embodiments, the first fabric includes double-sided woven knit. In one or more embodiments, the double-sided woven knit includes approximately 88% PET and approximately 12% elastane. In one or more embodiments, the second fabric accounts for approximately 15% to 25% of the total length of the garment from the top edge to the lower edge of the front panel. In one or more embodiments, the garment includes a crotch panel that connects the front panel and the rear panel, adjacent to the bottom edges of the front panel and the rear panel.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a garment includes a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The garment further includes a back panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. A first limb portion includes a first side portion extending between the first side edge of the front panel and the first side edge of the back panel, and a first end portion extending from the bottom edge of the front panel and the bottom edge of the back panel to form a first limb opening. A second limb portion includes a second side portion extending between the second side edge of the front panel and the second side edge of the back panel, and a second end portion extending from the bottom edge of the front panel and the bottom edge of the back panel to form a second limb opening. The front panel and the back panel are made of a first fabric, and the first limb portion and the second limb portion are made of a second fabric having greater stretch properties than the first fabric, wherein the second fabric includes a seamless bottom edge.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the first side portion and the second side portion each correspondingly include between about 11% and 21% of the perimeter of the first limb portion and the second limb portion.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a garment includes a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The garment further includes a back panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The first side edge of the front panel is connected to the first side edge of the back panel by a first seam, and the second side edge of the front panel is connected to the second side edge of the back panel by a second seam. A first limb portion extends from the bottom edge of the front panel and the bottom edge of the back panel to form a first limb opening, and a second limb portion extends from the bottom edge of the front panel and the bottom edge of the back panel to form a second limb opening. The front panel and the back panel are made of a first fabric, and the first limb portion and the second limb portion are made of a second fabric having greater stretch properties than the first fabric, the second fabric including a double rib knit that includes a seamless bottom edge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a front view of a garment according to one or more embodiments;

[0009] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a rear view of the garment;

[0010] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a first (e.g., right) side view of the garment;

[0011] Figure 4 is a front view of a garment according to one or more embodiments;

[0012] Figure 5 isFigure 4 Rear view of the garment; and

[0013] Figure 6 is Figure 4 The first (e.g., right) side view of the garment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As needed, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and the present invention may be implemented in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of particular components. Thus, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways.

[0015] First, referring to Figures 1 - 3 , the garment 10, such as but not limited to shorts, is shown according to one or more embodiments. The garment 10 may include a front panel 12 having a top edge 14, a bottom edge 16, a first side edge 18, and a second side edge 20. The garment 10 may further include a rear panel 22 having a top edge 24, a bottom edge 26, a first side edge 28, and a second side edge 30, and according to one or more embodiments, the rear panel 22 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the front panel 12. In the example of a shorts garment, the front panel 12 and the rear panel 22 may be configured to generally cover the lower torso region of a wearer. As Figures 1 - 3 shown, the first side edge 18 of the front panel 12 may be connected to the first side edge 28 of the rear panel 22 with a first seam 32, and the second side edge 20 of the front panel 12 may be connected to the second side edge 30 of the rear panel 22 with a second seam 34. It should be understood that the term "panel" as used herein is not limited to a single continuous fabric portion, but may include multiple fabric pieces connected together or a single fabric piece having intermediate seams. For example, the front panel 12 may have a central seam 36 and the rear panel 22 may have a central seam 38, and in alternative embodiments, the front panel 12 and the rear panel 22 may be connected at other seams or may form an integral unit together.

[0016] The front panel 12 and the rear panel 22 are made of a first fabric, which may include a double-sided knitted fabric. In one or more embodiments, the first fabric may include a polyester component and an elastomeric fiber component. In a non-limiting example, the first fabric may contain approximately 88% PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which may be recycled PET, and approximately 12% elastomeric fiber. In another non-limiting example, the first fabric may have a weight of approximately 177 g / m 2The fabric weight (GSM). Of course, the first fabric is not limited to the above composition and / or structure, and other compositions and / or structures of the first fabric can also be considered. The first fabric provides shape and structure for the garment 10, prevents the garment 10 from unwanted movement along the wearer's limb (e.g., leg) during activities, and provides a suitable surface for attaching logos, markers, or the like.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the garment 10 may include a crotch piece 40 that connects the front panel 12 and the back panel 22, which abuts the bottom edge 16 of the front panel and the bottom edge 26 of the back panel, along the seam region of the garment 10. The garment 10 may include a waistband 42 that is adjacent to or includes the top edge 14 of the front panel and the top edge 24 of the back panel, and, in the case of a short pants garment, may be configured to surround the wearer's waist. The waistband 42 may include elastic material and a drawstring 44 for providing a fit of the garment 10 around the wearer's waist. In one or more embodiments, the back panel 22 may include a gusset portion 46 adjacent to the top edge 24 of the back panel, which may be defined by a gusset seam 48, wherein the gusset portion 46 may be used to reduce excess material near the waistband 42 of the garment 10.

[0018] Figure 5 Continuing to refer Figures 1 - 3 , the garment 10 further includes a first limb portion 50 that extends from the bottom edge 16 of the front panel and the bottom edge 26 of the back panel to form a first limb opening 52, and a second limb portion 54 that extends from the bottom edge 16 of the front panel and the bottom edge 26 of the back panel to form a second limb opening 56. As shown, the first limb portion 50 and the second limb portion 54 may each have a continuous structure and are arranged to respectively surround the circumferences of the wearer's first limb (e.g., first leg) and second limb (e.g., second leg).

[0019] To accommodate different limb (e.g., leg or thigh) circumferences and provide comfort to the wearer, in one or more embodiments, the first limb portion 50 and the second limb portion 54 are made of a second fabric having greater stretch characteristics than the first fabric. In a non-limiting example, the greater stretch characteristics may be a greater content of elastic fibers in the second fabric compared to the first fabric. Of course, other parameters can also be considered to define the stretch characteristics. The greater its stretch characteristics. Compared with the first fabric, the stretch characteristics of the second fabric provide enhanced stretch and fabric tolerance around the wearer's limb, thereby increasing the wearer's comfort, especially during exercise.

[0020] The second fabric may include a rib knit. In one or more embodiments, the second fabric may include a polyester component and an elastomeric fiber component. In one non-limiting example, the second fabric may include approximately 83% PET (e.g., recycled) and approximately 17% elastomeric fiber, such that the second fabric is highly stretchable. In another non-limiting example, the second fabric may have a fabric weight (GSM) of approximately 170 g / m 2 . Of course, the second fabric is not limited to the above composition and / or construction, and other compositions and / or constructions of the second fabric may also be contemplated. In one or more embodiments, the first fabric and the second fabric are in the same plane and are joined by seams. More specifically, the first transitional seam 58 may connect the bottom edge 16 of the front panel and the bottom edge 26 of the rear panel to the first limb portion 50, and the second transitional seam 60 may connect the bottom edge 16 of the front panel and the bottom edge 26 of the rear panel to the second limb portion 54. In one non-limiting example, stretch-bonded tape may be used to complete the first transitional seam 58 and the second transitional seam 60.

[0021] Due to the nature of the rib knit construction, the second fabric has built-in stretchability and excellent drape on the wearer's body. In one or more embodiments, the second fabric may have high stretchability in both the warp and weft directions (e.g., elongation greater than 80%). Additionally, the front and back sides of the rib knit are the same because they are knitted together simultaneously and remain interlocked in a tight knit pattern, giving the impression that the second fabric includes two layers. Thus, the second fabric with such a structure is thick, soft, smooth, and comfortable to wear. In one or more embodiments, the second fabric has a good recovery rate (e.g., greater than 90%), which means that the second fabric can substantially return to its original shape after being stretched and will not deform over time.

[0022] In addition to the greater stretch characteristics of the second fabric, the seamless lower edges 62 of the first limb portion 50 and the second limb portion 54 can reduce the tightness of the garment 10 around the limb (e.g., leg). Using a rib knit as the second fabric allows for a raw edge finish without seams because the strong, tight knit structure prevents the fabric from fraying (i.e., prevents fibers from protruding downward or shedding over time), and without seams, the second fabric will not unravel or curl at the lower edge 62. Using a second fabric with high stretchability and no seams allows the wearer to move more freely and with greater comfort during a sports game or other activity.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the second fabric can account for about 10% to 30% of the total length of the garment 10 from the top edge 14 to the bottom edge 62 of the front panel. In one or more embodiments, the second fabric can account for about 15% to 25% of the total length of the garment 10 from the top edge 14 to the bottom edge 62 of the front panel. In a non-limiting example, the second fabric can account for an average of about 20% of the total length of the garment 10 from the top edge 14 to the bottom edge 62. In a non-limiting example, in the region near the crotch panel 40, the second fabric can account for about 15% of the total length of the garment 10 from the top edge 14 to the bottom edge 62. In a non-limiting example, near the first side edge 18 and the second side edge 20 or near the first side portion 164 and the second side portion 168, the second fabric can account for about 25% of the total length of the garment 10 from the top edge 14 to the bottom edge 62. It will be appreciated that these various relative dimensions are merely constructional choices of the garment 10 and are not intended to be limiting.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the length of the second fabric between the bottom edge 16 and the bottom edge 62 of the front panel can be greater than the length of the second fabric between the bottom edge 26 and the bottom edge 62 of the back panel, as Figure 3 shown. Such a construction can facilitate a greater range of movement of the wearer's limbs, such as the movement of the legs during hip flexion. In one or more embodiments, the length from the top edge 24 to the bottom edge 62 of the back panel can be greater than the length from the top edge 14 to the bottom edge 62 of the front panel, effectively providing a longer hem at the rear of the garment 10 than at the front of the garment 10 and providing greater coverage. In one or more embodiments, the bottom edge 62 can be angled so that the seam-free region where it joins the crotch panel 40 is longer, to increase coverage and the comfort of this region where the wearer's limbs (e.g., legs or thighs) are in close proximity to each other.

[0025] Turning now to Figures 4 - 6 , a garment 110 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. It will be appreciated that all of the features described above with reference to the garment 10 can also be applied to the garment 110 and thus will not be described further below. Figures 1 - 3 Similar elements in Figures 4 - 6 have similar reference numerals and are prefixed with "1".

[0026] As shown in the figure, in the garment 110, the first limb portion 150 may include a first side portion 164 extending between the first side edge 118 of the front panel 112 and the first side edge 128 of the rear panel. The first limb portion 150 further includes a first end portion 166 extending from the bottom edge 116 of the front panel and the bottom edge 126 of the rear panel to form a first limb opening 152. Correspondingly, the second limb portion 154 may include a second side portion 168 extending between the second side edge 120 of the front panel 112 and the second side edge 130 of the rear panel 122. The second limb portion 154 further includes a second end portion 170 extending from the bottom edge 116 of the front panel and the bottom edge 126 of the rear panel to form a second limb opening 156. In this embodiment, the first side edge 118 and the second side edge 120 of the front panel 112 may be continuous with the bottom edge 116 of the front panel, and the first side edge 128 and the second side edge 130 of the rear panel 122 may be continuous with the bottom edge 126 of the rear panel, as shown. And the first limb portion 150 and the second limb portion are supported. The portion 154 of the garment 110 is shown here as a continuous fabric portion. It should be understood that the garment 110 is not limited to this configuration.

[0027] Similar to the garment 10, in the garment 110, the first limb portion 150 (including the first side portion 164 and the first end portion 166) and the second limb portion 154 (including the second side portion 168 and the second end portion 170) are made of a second fabric, and the second fabric is made of a first fabric, while the front panel 112 and the rear panel 122 are made of the first fabric. In one or more embodiments, the first fabric and the second fabric are in the same plane and are connected by seams. More specifically, the first front transition seam 172 may connect the first side edge 118 of the front panel 112 and the bottom edge 116 of the front panel to the first limb portion 150, and the second front transition seam 174 may connect the second side edge 120 of the front panel 112 and the bottom edge 116 of the front to the second limb portion 154. Similarly, the first rear transition seam 176 may connect the first side edge 128 of the rear panel 122 and the bottom edge 126 of the rear panel to the first limb portion 150, and the second rear transition seam 178 may connect the second side edge 130 of the rear panel 122 and the bottom edge 126 of the rear panel to the second limb portion 154. And the first side portion 164 and the second side portion 168 are shown here as being distributed on the garment 110 substantially symmetrically about the side axis 180 between the front panel 112 and the rear panel. It can be understood that the garment 110 is not limited to this configuration, and the first side portion 164 and the second side portion 168 may alternatively be skewed, asymmetric about the side axis 180, or towards the front panel 112 or the rear panel 122 of the garment 110.

[0028] The second fabric has greater stretch characteristics (e.g., a higher elastic fiber content), and extending it on the sides of the garment 110 can further enhance the elasticity and comfort of the garment 110 for the wearer, especially during hip and leg movements in the case of shorts. In one or more embodiments, the first side portion 164 and the second side portion 168 can each correspondingly include between about 11% and 21% of the perimeter of the first limb portion 150 and the second limb portion 154. In a non-limiting example, the first side portion 164 and the second side portion 168 can each correspondingly include about 16% of the perimeter of the first limb portion 150 and the second limb portion 154. Again, it can be understood that these various relative dimensions are merely choices in the construction of the garment 10 and are not intended to be limiting.

[0029] The garments 10, 110 shown and described herein can have a wide range of applicability, not only as equipment for women's and men's rugby, but also for other sports, training, and even as casual wear for women and men. Although the garments 10, 110 herein include shorts, the garments 10, 110 are not limited to this construction, and it can be understood that other constructions for the lower or upper body are also fully contemplated.

[0030] Although the exemplary embodiments have been described above, it does not mean that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. The words used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it can be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of the various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: a front panel comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; a back panel comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the back panel being coupled to the front panel; a first limb portion extending from a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel to form a first limb opening; as well as a second limb portion extending from a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel to form a second limb opening; wherein the front panel and the back panel are formed of a first fabric, and the first limb portion and the second limb portion are formed of a second fabric having greater stretch properties than the first fabric, the second fabric comprising a seamless lower edge.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein: The second fabric comprises an interlock knit fabric.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the interlock knit fabric comprises about 83% PET and about 17% elastane.

4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein: The first fabric comprises a double weave knit fabric.

5. The garment according to claim 4, wherein: The double knit fabric includes about 88% PET and about 12% elastane.

6. The garment according to claim 1, wherein: The second fabric comprises approximately 15% to 25% of the total length of the garment from the top edge to the lower edge of the front panel.

7. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a crotch panel connecting the front panel and the back panel, adjacent to a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel.

8. A garment comprising: a front panel comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; a back panel comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; a first limb portion including a first side portion extending between a first side edge of the front panel and a first side edge of the back panel, and a first end portion extending from a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel to form a first limb opening; as well as, a second limb portion including a second side portion extending between a second side edge of the front panel and a second side edge of the back panel, and a second end portion extending from a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel to form a second limb opening; wherein the front panel and the back panel are formed of a first fabric, and the first limb portion and the second limb portion are formed of a second fabric having greater stretch properties than the first fabric, the second fabric comprising a seamless lower edge.

9. The garment according to claim 8, wherein: The second fabric comprises an interlock knit fabric.

10. The garment according to claim 9, wherein: The interlock knit fabric includes about 83% PET and about 17% elastane.

11. The garment according to claim 8, wherein: The first fabric comprises a double weave knit fabric.

12. The garment according to claim 11, wherein: The double knit fabric includes about 88% PET and about 12% elastane.

13. The garment according to claim 8, wherein: The second fabric comprises approximately 15% to 25% of the total length of the garment from the top edge to the lower edge of the front panel.

14. The garment of claim 8, wherein: The first side portion and the second side portion each comprise between about 11% and 21% of the circumference of the first limb portion and the second limb portion, respectively.

15. The garment of claim 8, further comprising a crotch panel connecting the front panel and the back panel, adjacent to a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel.

16. A garment comprising: a front panel comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; a back panel including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge of the front panel being connected to the first side edge of the back panel by a first seam, and the second side edge of the front panel being connected to the second side edge of the back panel by a second seam; a first limb portion extending from a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel to form a first limb opening; as well as a second limb portion extending from a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel to form a second limb opening; wherein the front panel and the back panel are formed of a first fabric, and the first limb portion and the second limb portion are formed of a second fabric having greater stretch properties than the first fabric, the second fabric comprising a double rib knit fabric comprising a seamless lower edge.

17. The garment of claim 16, wherein: The interlock knit fabric includes about 83% PET and about 17% elastane.

18. The garment of claim 16, wherein: The first fabric comprises a double weave knit fabric comprising about 88% PET and about 12% elastane.

19. The garment of claim 16, wherein: The second fabric comprises approximately 15% to 25% of the total length of the garment from the top edge to the lower edge of the front panel.

20. The garment of claim 16, further comprising a crotch panel connecting the front panel and the back panel, adjacent a bottom edge of the front panel and a bottom edge of the back panel.

Images