A cycling garment with improved accommodation for the male genitals

Abstract

A cycling garment (1) comprising a seat pad (10), wherein the seat pad has a passing-through aperture (14) adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath a base panel (11) of the seat pad.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of cycling sport garments.Prior Art

[0002] Cycling garments like trousers or shorts commonly includes a seat pad located in the crotch region for softening and dampening the contact with the saddle of the bicycle.

[0003] A seat pad of a cycling garment typically includes a soft fabric piece, which is also termed cover, and one or more padding elements distributed over selected regions of the cover. The cover may include a single layer or multiple layers. The seat pad is crucial to ensure proper comfort under intensive and / or prolonged use and various efforts have been made to improve its structure. In cycling garments for male users, particular care is given to accommodation of the genitals which, understandably, has a great impact on the comfort on use.

[0004] The improvement of seat pads, in the conventional art, are generally based on refinement of anatomical shape and highly specialized distribution of padding zones having different density and elasticity. This approach has disadvantages in that the seat pad is expensive and highly sensible to the position of the user, and a slight deviation from the ideal position deteriorates the performance.Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention is aimed to provide a better fit and accommodation of the genitals of a male user in a cycling garment.

[0006] The aim is reached with a cycling garment according to the claims. The cycling garment includes, in the crotch area, a base panel of skin-contact textile; said base panel includes a passing-through aperture adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath the outer surface of said base panel.

[0007] The base panel can be a base panel (also termed cover) of a seat pad of the cycling garment. The applicant has realized that prior art seat pads, no matter how sophisticated in shape and / or distribution of padded regions, are always designed to lay the genitals on top of the seat pad, namely on the inner side of the base panel.

[0008] The invention comes from the revolutionary approach to provide accommodation of the genitals underneath a base panel of skin-contact textile in the crotch area. By doing so, said panel becomes a separation layer between the abdomen and the genitals. The genitals may be accommodated separately, in a free space between the panel and the garment or in a separate chamber delimited by an additional panel, according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0009] Accordingly, the invention provides protection against skin-to-skin friction (chaffing). The isolation of the genitals has many advantages. The invention virtually eliminates the pubic hair from pinching into genital parts, which can be unpleasant during intense pedalling; the invention protects against skin friction which is undesirable especially during long sessions; the genital area is stabilized from moving sideways, which is also unpleasant when cycling. Further advantages include low cost and applicability to almost all types of seat pads for cycling garments.

[0010] In the invention, the genitals are safely accommodated underneath a panel, protected from friction against other parts of the body. This is surprisingly advantageous in terms of cycling comfort and performance.Description of the invention

[0011] Embodiments of the invention include a cycling garment comprising a seat pad located in the crotch region, for dampening the contact with the saddle of a bicycle. The seat pad includes a base panel attached to the inside of the garment, the base panel has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, wherein the inner surface faces the body of the user and the outer surface faces the inside of the garment, when the garment is worn. The base panel includes a passing-through aperture adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath said outer surface of the base panel.

[0012] Preferably, said aperture is an elongated aperture which extends transversally to a front-rear axis of the seat pad.

[0013] A garment according to the invention may include one or more pads. The number, shape and location of said pads may vary. In a typical embodiment, the pads are associated with a seat pad fixed to the crotch area of the garment. The pads may include a left shaped pad and a right shaped pad, and said aperture for insertion of the genitals is preferably located in a centre-front portion of the cover and in front of said shaped pads.

[0014] In an embodiment, the garment includes at least one additional panel fixed underneath the base panel to delimitate a separate chamber for accommodation of the male genitals. Said chamber is in communication with said aperture for the genitals. Once inserted through the aperture, the genitals are received in the chamber delimited by the additional panel(s) and on top by the base panel. This embodiment provides a fully separate accommodation of the genitals in a dedicated space.

[0015] In other embodiments the garment does not comprise additional panels to form a separate chamber. Accordingly, the genitals may be received in a space between a seat pad and the inside of the garment, generally close to the crotch region (also denoted with the French term entrejambe).

[0016] Hence the genitals may come into direct contact with the inside of the garment, e.g. inside of trousers or shorts. The region inside the garment for contact with the genitals can be made of the same material as the rest of the garment, or can be made of a specific material.

[0017] In an interesting embodiment, the garment includes a differentiated region for contact with the genitals, to render said direct contact with the genitals more comfortable. Said differentiated regions may differ from other parts of the garment by the choice of material and / or surface finishing. For example, said differentiate region is made with a material specifically selected for contact with the genitals. The position of said differentiated region is suitable for contacting the genitals and provide suitable accommodation when they are inserted through the above-mentioned aperture.

[0018] In some embodiments, an additional aperture is provided. In accordance, the above-described aperture is a first aperture, the garment comprising also a second passing-through aperture located in a front region of the base panel. The provision of said second aperture helps the base panel to conform to the position of the genitals, improves ventilation, and makes the accommodation more comfortable. Furthermore, said second aperture allows access to the zone of accommodation of the genitals.

[0019] In an embodiment, said second aperture is made in the base panel. In another embodiment, said second aperture is obtained by leaving a front part of the base panel unattached to the garment, e.g. by not sewing said front part of the base panel onto the garment.

[0020] Preferably, both the first aperture and second aperture are arranged transversally to a front-rear axis of the seat pad.

[0021] The base panel of the seat pad may be attached perimetrally to the garment, along the entire perimeter of the base panel or only along portions thereof.

[0022] Other features of the garment can be implemented in accordance with conventional art, such as number of layers and / or number and distribution of holes. For example, the base panel may include a first layer (inner layer), facing the inside of the garment; an outer layer opposite to said first layer, and an intermediate layer. Said intermediate layer is preferably a foam layer. The layers may be perforated to enhance transpiration and elimination of vapour (sweat).

[0023] It should be noted that the term of cycling garment used in this description and in the attached claims encompasses various items including at least a trouser portion having a crotch area, such as a bodysuit, a pair of trousers, shorts and the like. The invention is also applicable to cycling underwear liners.

[0024] The materials of the cycling garment and seat pad can be selected amongst known materials, such as fabric materials. Suitable materials include elasticized fabrics. Different portions of the garment and / or seat pad can be made with different materials, e.g. with differentiated elasticity. The base panel is made preferably of a skin-contact textile material.

[0025] The aperture for the genitals can be obtained by one or more suitable cuts in the base panel. In an embodiment, said cuts are V-shaped cuts and point towards each other to form the aperture. In an embodiment, four V-shaped cuts are provided in the base panel to form a substantially X-shaped aperture for the genitals.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for accommodation of the genitals of a male user in a cycling garment, according to the claims.

[0027] A method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes: providing the seat pad with a base panel attached to the inside of the garment, the base panel having a passing-through aperture adapted for insertion of the male genitals when the cycling garment is worn; inserting the genitals through said aperture, so that the genitals are accommodated underneath an outer surface of the base panel, between the base panel and the inside of the garment, or in a separate chamber delimited by at least one additional panel of the seat pad.Description of the drawings

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates a cycling garment with a seat pad. Figs. 2 to 5 illustrate a seat pad in some embodiments of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 1 illustrates the location of a seat pad 10 (dotted line) in the crotch area 2 of cycling shorts 1. The shorts 1 are illustrated as example of a cycling garment. Other cycling garments to which the invention is applicable include suits, long trousers, cycling bibs, cycling halfshorts, cycling underwear liners, and others.

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates the main features of the seat pad 10, including a base panel or cover 11 and two shaped pads 12, 13 arranged in the centre-rear portion of the seat pad 10 symmetrically relative to a front-rear longitudinal axis A-A. In addition, the seat pad includes a pass-through aperture 14 with suitable position and size for insertion of the male genitals, when the shorts 1 are worn. Fig. 2 further illustrates an optional second pass-through aperture 15.

[0031] The front region of the seat pad 10 is denoted by numeral 101 and the rear region is denoted by numeral 102.

[0032] Preferably, as illustrated, the aperture 14 has an elongate shape transversal to the longitudinal axis A-A. Typically, the aperture 14 is located substantially at the centre of the seat pad and in the vicinity of the front ends of the pads 12, 13.

[0033] The second aperture 15 is located preferably at the front of the seat pad 10. According to embodiments, the second aperture may be close to a front edge 16 of the of the seat pad or distanced therefrom.

[0034] The base panel 11 has an inner face 110 and an outer face 112, as better understood from Fig. 3. The inner face 110 faces the body and is in contact therewith, whereas the outer face 112 faces the inside of the shorts 1.

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates a common shape of seat pad with a front lobe and a rear lobe connected by a narrower portion, but different shapes are possible. Preferably, the front and / or rear parts may be concave for a better fit.

[0036] In use, the male genitals are inserted through the aperture 14, the size and location of the aperture being selected for this purpose. The genitals remain underneath the seat pad, instead of laying on top of the base layer (next to the skin contact textile).

[0037] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment wherein the second aperture 15 is obtained by means of leaving a portion 19 of the front edge 16 of the cover 11 not attached (e.g. not stitched) to the inside of the garment 10.

[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment where the aperture 14 is obtained by a plurality of V-shaped cuts 20 in the panel 11, wherein the cuts point towards each other so that the aperture 14 is substantially X-shaped.

[0039] Fig. 5 illustrates an optional feature of an additional panel 17 to define a separate chamber 18 for receiving the genitals. This optional feature of the additional panel 17 is applicable to the various embodiments of the invention, e.g. with or without the second aperture 15. The second aperture 15 is not illustrated in Fig. 5 but can be provided, e.g. according to the embodiment of Fig. 2 or Fig. 3.

[0040] Said separate chamber 18 is delimited by the panel 17 and the outer face 112 of the base panel 11. In absence of said panel 17, which is another embodiment of the invention, the accommodation space for the genitals is between the base panel 11 and the inside of shorts 1. In the crotch region 2, the shorts may include one or more panels made with a material specifically selected for contact with the genitals.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]Embodiments of the invention include a cycling garment comprising a seat pad located in the crotch region, for dampening the contact with the saddle of a bicycle. The seat pad includes a base panel attached to the inside of the garment, the base panel has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, wherein the inner surface faces the body of the user and the outer surface faces the inside of the garment, when the garment is worn. The base panel includes a passing-through aperture adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath said outer surface of the base panel.

[0012]Preferably, said aperture is an elongated aperture which extends transversally to a front-rear axis of the seat pad.

[0013]A garment according to the invention may include one or more pads. The number, shape and location of said pads may vary. In a typical embodiment, the pads are associated with a seat pad fixed to the crotch area of the garment. The pads ma...

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of cycling sport garments.Prior Art

[0002] Cycling garments like trousers or shorts commonly includes a seat pad located in the crotch region for softening and dampening the contact with the saddle of the bicycle.

[0003] A seat pad of a cycling garment typically includes a soft fabric piece, which is also termed cover, and one or more padding elements distributed over selected regions of the cover. The cover may include a single layer or multiple layers. The seat pad is crucial to ensure proper comfort under intensive and / or prolonged use and various efforts have been made to improve its structure. In cycling garments for male users, particular care is given to accommodation of the genitals which, understandably, has a great impact on the comfort on use.

[0004] The improvement of seat pads, in the conventional art, are generally based on refinement of anatomical shape and highly specialized distribution of padding zones having different density and elasticity. This approach has disadvantages in that the seat pad is expensive and highly sensible to the position of the user, and a slight deviation from the ideal position deteriorates the performance.Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention is aimed to provide a better fit and accommodation of the genitals of a male user in a cycling garment.

[0006] The aim is reached with a cycling garment according to the claims. The cycling garment includes, in the crotch area, a base panel of skin-contact textile; said base panel includes a passing-through aperture adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath the outer surface of said base panel.

[0007] The base panel can be a base panel (also termed cover) of a seat pad of the cycling garment. The applicant has realized that prior art seat pads, no matter how sophisticated in shape and / or distribution of padded regions, are always designed to lay the genitals on top of the seat pad, namely on the inner side of the base panel.

[0008] The invention comes from the revolutionary approach to provide accommodation of the genitals underneath a base panel of skin-contact textile in the crotch area. By doing so, said panel becomes a separation layer between the abdomen and the genitals. The genitals may be accommodated separately, in a free space between the panel and the garment or in a separate chamber delimited by an additional panel, according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0009] Accordingly, the invention provides protection against skin-to-skin friction (chaffing). The isolation of the genitals has many advantages. The invention virtually eliminates the pubic hair from pinching into genital parts, which can be unpleasant during intense pedalling; the invention protects against skin friction which is undesirable especially during long sessions; the genital area is stabilized from moving sideways, which is also unpleasant when cycling. Further advantages include low cost and applicability to almost all types of seat pads for cycling garments.

[0010] In the invention, the genitals are safely accommodated underneath a panel, protected from friction against other parts of the body. This is surprisingly advantageous in terms of cycling comfort and performance.Description of the invention

[0011] Embodiments of the invention include a cycling garment comprising a seat pad located in the crotch region, for dampening the contact with the saddle of a bicycle. The seat pad includes a base panel attached to the inside of the garment, the base panel has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, wherein the inner surface faces the body of the user and the outer surface faces the inside of the garment, when the garment is worn. The base panel includes a passing-through aperture adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath said outer surface of the base panel.

[0012] Preferably, said aperture is an elongated aperture which extends transversally to a front-rear axis of the seat pad.

[0013] A garment according to the invention may include one or more pads. The number, shape and location of said pads may vary. In a typical embodiment, the pads are associated with a seat pad fixed to the crotch area of the garment. The pads may include a left shaped pad and a right shaped pad, and said aperture for insertion of the genitals is preferably located in a centre-front portion of the cover and in front of said shaped pads.

[0014] In an embodiment, the garment includes at least one additional panel fixed underneath the base panel to delimitate a separate chamber for accommodation of the male genitals. Said chamber is in communication with said aperture for the genitals. Once inserted through the aperture, the genitals are received in the chamber delimited by the additional panel(s) and on top by the base panel. This embodiment provides a fully separate accommodation of the genitals in a dedicated space.

[0015] In other embodiments the garment does not comprise additional panels to form a separate chamber. Accordingly, the genitals may be received in a space between a seat pad and the inside of the garment, generally close to the crotch region (also denoted with the French term entrejambe).

[0016] Hence the genitals may come into direct contact with the inside of the garment, e.g. inside of trousers or shorts. The region inside the garment for contact with the genitals can be made of the same material as the rest of the garment, or can be made of a specific material.

[0017] In an interesting embodiment, the garment includes a differentiated region for contact with the genitals, to render said direct contact with the genitals more comfortable. Said differentiated regions may differ from other parts of the garment by the choice of material and / or surface finishing. For example, said differentiate region is made with a material specifically selected for contact with the genitals. The position of said differentiated region is suitable for contacting the genitals and provide suitable accommodation when they are inserted through the above-mentioned aperture.

[0018] In some embodiments, an additional aperture is provided. In accordance, the above-described aperture is a first aperture, the garment comprising also a second passing-through aperture located in a front region of the base panel. The provision of said second aperture helps the base panel to conform to the position of the genitals, improves ventilation, and makes the accommodation more comfortable. Furthermore, said second aperture allows access to the zone of accommodation of the genitals.

[0019] In an embodiment, said second aperture is made in the base panel. In another embodiment, said second aperture is obtained by leaving a front part of the base panel unattached to the garment, e.g. by not sewing said front part of the base panel onto the garment.

[0020] Preferably, both the first aperture and second aperture are arranged transversally to a front-rear axis of the seat pad.

[0021] The base panel of the seat pad may be attached perimetrally to the garment, along the entire perimeter of the base panel or only along portions thereof.

[0022] Other features of the garment can be implemented in accordance with conventional art, such as number of layers and / or number and distribution of holes. For example, the base panel may include a first layer (inner layer), facing the inside of the garment; an outer layer opposite to said first layer, and an intermediate layer. Said intermediate layer is preferably a foam layer. The layers may be perforated to enhance transpiration and elimination of vapour (sweat).

[0023] It should be noted that the term of cycling garment used in this description and in the attached claims encompasses various items including at least a trouser portion having a crotch area, such as a bodysuit, a pair of trousers, shorts and the like. The invention is also applicable to cycling underwear liners.

[0024] The materials of the cycling garment and seat pad can be selected amongst known materials, such as fabric materials. Suitable materials include elasticized fabrics. Different portions of the garment and / or seat pad can be made with different materials, e.g. with differentiated elasticity. The base panel is made preferably of a skin-contact textile material.

[0025] The aperture for the genitals can be obtained by one or more suitable cuts in the base panel. In an embodiment, said cuts are V-shaped cuts and point towards each other to form the aperture. In an embodiment, four V-shaped cuts are provided in the base panel to form a substantially X-shaped aperture for the genitals.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for accommodation of the genitals of a male user in a cycling garment, according to the claims.

[0027] A method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes: providing the seat pad with a base panel attached to the inside of the garment, the base panel having a passing-through aperture adapted for insertion of the male genitals when the cycling garment is worn; inserting the genitals through said aperture, so that the genitals are accommodated underneath an outer surface of the base panel, between the base panel and the inside of the garment, or in a separate chamber delimited by at least one additional panel of the seat pad.Description of the drawings

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates a cycling garment with a seat pad. Figs. 2 to 5 illustrate a seat pad in some embodiments of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 1 illustrates the location of a seat pad 10 (dotted line) in the crotch area 2 of cycling shorts 1. The shorts 1 are illustrated as example of a cycling garment. Other cycling garments to which the invention is applicable include suits, long trousers, cycling bibs, cycling halfshorts, cycling underwear liners, and others.

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates the main features of the seat pad 10, including a base panel or cover 11 and two shaped pads 12, 13 arranged in the centre-rear portion of the seat pad 10 symmetrically relative to a front-rear longitudinal axis A-A. In addition, the seat pad includes a pass-through aperture 14 with suitable position and size for insertion of the male genitals, when the shorts 1 are worn. Fig. 2 further illustrates an optional second pass-through aperture 15.

[0031] The front region of the seat pad 10 is denoted by numeral 101 and the rear region is denoted by numeral 102.

[0032] Preferably, as illustrated, the aperture 14 has an elongate shape transversal to the longitudinal axis A-A. Typically, the aperture 14 is located substantially at the centre of the seat pad and in the vicinity of the front ends of the pads 12, 13.

[0033] The second aperture 15 is located preferably at the front of the seat pad 10. According to embodiments, the second aperture may be close to a front edge 16 of the of the seat pad or distanced therefrom.

[0034] The base panel 11 has an inner face 110 and an outer face 112, as better understood from Fig. 3. The inner face 110 faces the body and is in contact therewith, whereas the outer face 112 faces the inside of the shorts 1.

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates a common shape of seat pad with a front lobe and a rear lobe connected by a narrower portion, but different shapes are possible. Preferably, the front and / or rear parts may be concave for a better fit.

[0036] In use, the male genitals are inserted through the aperture 14, the size and location of the aperture being selected for this purpose. The genitals remain underneath the seat pad, instead of laying on top of the base layer (next to the skin contact textile).

[0037] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment wherein the second aperture 15 is obtained by means of leaving a portion 19 of the front edge 16 of the cover 11 not attached (e.g. not stitched) to the inside of the garment 10.

[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment where the aperture 14 is obtained by a plurality of V-shaped cuts 20 in the panel 11, wherein the cuts point towards each other so that the aperture 14 is substantially X-shaped.

[0039] Fig. 5 illustrates an optional feature of an additional panel 17 to define a separate chamber 18 for receiving the genitals. This optional feature of the additional panel 17 is applicable to the various embodiments of the invention, e.g. with or without the second aperture 15. The second aperture 15 is not illustrated in Fig. 5 but can be provided, e.g. according to the embodiment of Fig. 2 or Fig. 3.

[0040] Said separate chamber 18 is delimited by the panel 17 and the outer face 112 of the base panel 11. In absence of said panel 17, which is another embodiment of the invention, the accommodation space for the genitals is between the base panel 11 and the inside of shorts 1. In the crotch region 2, the shorts may include one or more panels made with a material specifically selected for contact with the genitals.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]Embodiments of the invention include a cycling garment comprising a seat pad located in the crotch region, for dampening the contact with the saddle of a bicycle. The seat pad includes a base panel attached to the inside of the garment, the base panel has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, wherein the inner surface faces the body of the user and the outer surface faces the inside of the garment, when the garment is worn. The base panel includes a passing-through aperture adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath said outer surface of the base panel.

[0012]Preferably, said aperture is an elongated aperture which extends transversally to a front-rear axis of the seat pad.

[0013]A garment according to the invention may include one or more pads. The number, shape and location of said pads may vary. In a typical embodiment, the pads are associated with a seat pad fixed to the crotch area of the garment. The pads ma...

Claims

1. A cycling garment (1) including, in the crotch area, a base panel of skin-contact textile, wherein the base panel includes a passing-through aperture (14) adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath the outer surface of said base panel.

2. A cycling garment according to claim 1, the garment comprising a seat pad (10), wherein the seat pad (10) includes said base panel (11), said base panel (11) being attached to the inside of the garment (1), the base panel (11) having an inner surface (110) and an opposite outer surface (112), wherein the inner surface (110) faces the body of the user and the outer surface (112) faces the inside of the garment (1), when the garment is worn.

3. A cycling garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said aperture (14) is an elongated aperture which extends transversally to a front-rear longitudinal axis (A-A) of the garment.

4. A cycling garment according to any of the previous claims, including at least a right shaped pad (12) and a left shaped pad (13), and wherein said aperture (14) is located in a centre-front portion of the cover and in front of said shaped pads.

5. A cycling garment according to any of the previous claims, including at least one additional panel (17) fixed underneath the base panel (11) to define a separate chamber (18), which is in communication with said aperture, for receiving the male genitals.

6. A cycling garment according to any of the previous claims wherein the garment (1) includes a differentiated region for contact with the genitals, the position of said differentiated region being suitable for contacting the genitals of a user when the genitals are inserted through said aperture (14) of the base panel.

7. A cycling garment according to any of the previous claims, wherein said aperture (14) is a first aperture, the garment comprising also a second passing-through aperture (15) located in a front region of the base panel.

8. A cycling garment according to claim 7, wherein said second aperture (15) is obtained by not attaching a front part (19) of said base panel to said garment.

9. A cycling garment according to any of the previous claims wherein the garment includes a seat pad (10), said base panel (11) is part of the seat pad and said base panel of the seat pad is attached perimetrally to the garment, along the entire perimeter of the base panel or only along portions thereof.

10. A cycling garment according to any of the previous claims, wherein said aperture for the genitals is defined by one or more cuts in the base panel (11), preferably V-shaped cuts (20).

11. In a cycling garment, a method for accommodation of the genitals including: the provision, in the crotch area of the cycling garment, of a base panel (11) of skin-contact textile, wherein the base panel includes a passing-through aperture (14) adapted for insertion of the male genitals, allowing accommodation of the male genitals underneath the outer surface of said base panel; inserting the genitals through said aperture, so that the genitals are accommodated underneath an outer surface (112) of the base panel (11).

12. In a cycling garment with a seat pad (10), a method for accommodation of the genitals of a male user, including: providing the seat pad (10) with a base panel (11) attached to the inside of the garment, the base panel having a passing-through aperture (14) adapted for insertion of the male genitals when the cycling garment is worn; inserting the genitals through said aperture, so that the genitals are accommodated underneath an outer surface (112) of the base panel, between the base panel and the inside of the garment, or in a separate chamber (18) delimited by at least one additional panel of the seat pad.

Images