Mens' underwear

Abstract

To provide underwear that supports the male anatomy.SOLUTION: The underwear has a body having a substantially tubular shape and configured to at least partially surround the user's torso. The body includes a pouch portion and a gusset portion around the front surface of the body. The pouch portion connects to the body panel at the side of the pouch portion, and the pouch portion has a rounded lower outer edge at the lower edge in a first longitudinal direction of the pouch portion to form a U-shaped perimeter of the pouch portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 16 / 014,925, filed June 21, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to undergarments, for example, men's undergarments or underwear. [Background technology]

[0003] There are many types of underwear available, such as boxer shorts, briefs, combination boxer briefs, base layer or thermal long underwear, and other types of underwear for men. Each style offers a different combination of fit, comfort, and support. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure describes undergarments, particularly men's undergarments.

[0005] In a first aspect, an undergarment comprises a body having a substantially tubular shape and configured to at least partially encircle a user's torso, the body comprising: a pouch portion about a front surface of the body, the pouch portion connected to a body panel at a side of the pouch portion, the pouch portion having a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion and forming a U-shaped perimeter of the pouch portion; and a gusset portion at least partially bordering the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion.

[0006] In a second aspect, according to the first aspect, the pouch portion includes a side seam connecting the pouch portion to the body panel at a side of the pouch portion and a bottom seam that curves along the rounded lower outer edge, the curved bottom seam connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion.

[0007] In a third aspect, according to the second aspect, the transition from the curved bottom seam to the side seam is continuous and includes a gradual change in curvature between the curved bottom seam and the side seam.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, according to the second or third aspect, the gusset portion has a gusset side seam at a front portion of the gusset portion extending from the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal end of the main body, the gusset side seam being connected to the pouch portion at an intersection of the side seam of the pouch portion and the curved lower seam.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, according to any of the second to fourth aspects, a first downward longitudinal width of the pouch portion between the upper ends of the rounded lower outer edge portion is greater than a second upward longitudinal width of the pouch portion between the side portions of the pouch portion in the upper longitudinal half of the pouch portion.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, according to any of the second to fifth aspects, the curved bottom seam of the pouch portion comprises a lock stitch along at least a portion of the length of the curved bottom seam.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, according to the sixth aspect, the curved bottom seam comprises the lock stitch along the entire length of the curved bottom seam.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, according to any of the first to seventh aspects, the pouch portion has a central seam extending longitudinally from the first lower longitudinal end to the second upper longitudinal end of the pouch portion.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the pouch portion includes a fly (front placket) opening.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, according to any of the first to ninth aspects, the body comprises a first leg and a second leg substantially parallel to the first leg, the first leg and the second leg extending toward a first longitudinal end of the body.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, according to any of the first to tenth aspects, the undergarment comprises a waistband attached to the main body at a second longitudinal end of the main body opposite the first longitudinal end.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the gusset portion is sewn at least partially along a gap between the first leg portion and the second leg portion.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the undergarment is a boxer brief.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect, according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the pouch portion, the main body panel, and the gusset portion are formed from a fabric having at least 5% spandex.

[0019] In a fifteenth aspect, a method of making an undergarment comprises the steps of forming a pouch portion of the undergarment, the pouch portion having a U-shaped perimeter with a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion; connecting the pouch portion to a gusset portion with a curved lower seam that at least partially follows the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion; and connecting the pouch portion to a main body panel of the undergarment along a side seam of the pouch portion, the side seam extending from a side end of the curved lower seam.

[0020] In a 16th aspect, according to the 15th aspect, the method includes a step of connecting a gusset side seam of the gusset portion to a main body portion, the gusset side seam being located at a front portion of the gusset portion and extending from the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal end of the underwear, and the gusset side seam being connected to the pouch portion at an intersection of the side seam of the pouch portion and the curved lower seam.

[0021] In a 17th aspect, according to the 15th or 16th aspects, the transition from the curved bottom seam of the pouch portion to the side seam is continuous and includes a gradual change in curvature between the curved bottom seam and the side seam.

[0022] In an 18th aspect, according to any of the 15th to 17th aspects, the step of connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion with the curved lower seam includes a step of connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion with a lock stitch at least partially along the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion.

[0023] In a nineteenth aspect, an undergarment comprises a body having a substantially tubular shape and configured to at least partially surround a user's torso, the body comprising: a pouch portion about a front surface of the body, the pouch portion comprising a U-shaped perimeter having a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion; and a gusset portion at least partially bordering the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion, the gusset portion comprising a gusset side seam at a front portion of the gusset portion extending from a side end of the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal end of the body.

[0024] In a twentieth aspect, according to the nineteenth aspect, the pouch portion is connected to the main body panel at a side of the pouch portion.

[0025] In a twenty-first aspect, according to the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, the gusset portion is connected to the main body panel at the gusset side seam.

[0026] In some embodiments, the undergarment includes a body having a substantially tubular shape and configured to at least partially encircle a user's torso. The body includes a pouch portion and a gusset portion about a front surface of the body. The pouch portion is connected to the body panel at sides of the pouch portion, the pouch portion having a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion forming a U-shaped perimeter of the pouch portion. The gusset portion at least partially borders the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion.

[0027] This and other aspects may include one or more of the following features: The pouch portion may include a side seam connecting the pouch portion to the body panel at a side of the pouch portion and a curved bottom seam along the rounded lower outer edge, the curved bottom seam connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion. The transition from the curved bottom seam to the side seam may be continuous and may include a gradual change in curvature between the curved bottom seam and the side seam. The gusset portion may include a gusset side seam at a front of the gusset portion that extends from the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal end of the body, the gusset side seam connecting the pouch portion at an intersection of the side seam of the pouch portion and the curved bottom seam. A first lower longitudinal width of the pouch portion between upper ends of the rounded lower outer edge may be greater than a second upper longitudinal width of the pouch portion between sides of the pouch portion in an upper longitudinal half of the pouch portion. The curved lower seam of the pouch portion may include a lock stitch along at least a portion of the length of the curved lower seam. The curved lower seam may include a lock stitch along the entire length of the curved lower seam. The pouch portion may include a central seam extending longitudinally from a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion to a second upper longitudinal end of the pouch portion. The pouch portion may include a fly opening. The body may include a first leg portion and a second leg portion substantially parallel to the first leg portion, the first leg portion and the second leg portion extending toward the first longitudinal end of the body. The undergarment may include a waistband attached to the body at a second longitudinal end of the body opposite the first longitudinal end. The gusset portion may be sewn at least partially along a gap between the first leg portion and the second leg portion. The undergarment may be a boxer brief. The pouch portion, the body panel, and the gusset portion may be formed from a fabric comprising at least 5% spandex.

[0028] Certain aspects of the present disclosure include a method for making an undergarment, the method comprising the steps of forming a pouch portion of the undergarment, the pouch portion having a U-shaped perimeter with a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion; connecting the pouch portion to a gusset portion with a curved lower seam at least partially along the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion; and connecting the pouch portion to a body panel of the undergarment along a side seam of the pouch portion, the side seam extending from a side edge of the curved lower seam.

[0029] This and other aspects may include one or more of the following features. The method may include connecting a gusset side seam of the gusset portion to the main portion, the gusset side seam being disposed at a front of the gusset portion and extending from the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal edge of the undergarment, the gusset side seam being connected to the pouch portion at an intersection of the side seam of the pouch portion and the curved bottom seam. The transition from the curved bottom seam to the side seam of the pouch portion may be continuous and may include a gradual change in curvature between the curved bottom seam and the side seam. Connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion with the curved bottom seam may include connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion with a lock stitch at least partially along a rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the undergarment can include a body having a substantially tubular shape and configured to at least partially encircle a user's torso. The body includes: a pouch portion about a front surface of the body, the pouch portion including a U-shaped perimeter having a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion; and a gusset portion at least partially bordering the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion. The gusset portion includes a gusset side seam at a front portion of the gusset portion extending from a side edge of the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal end of the body.

[0031] This and other aspects can include one or more of the following features: The pouch portion can be connected to the body panel at a side of the pouch portion. The gusset portion can be connected to the body panel with a gusset side seam.

[0032] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary undergarment.

[0034] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary undergarment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an exemplary undergarment.

[0035] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a left side view of an exemplary undergarment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a right side view of the exemplary undergarment.

[0036] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a top view of an example undergarment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of an example undergarment.

[0037] [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic front view of an exemplary undergarment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic rear view of an exemplary undergarment.

[0038] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of making an undergarment.

[0039] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The present disclosure describes male (e.g., male and boy) undergarments, for example, undergarments for supporting the male anatomy during the movements (e.g., daily activities, exercise, and / or other) of the undergarment user. The exemplary undergarments include a front pouch portion and a gusset portion that allow flexibility and comfort to the wearer of the undergarments. The front pouch portion has a U-shaped perimeter with a rounded lower outer edge, and the front pouch portion is slightly wider near the bottom of the pouch than the top of the pouch. The gusset portion reinforces the rounded lower outer edge of the U-shaped perimeter at the bottom of the pouch portion, and the sewn seam joining the gusset portion and the pouch portion may include a lock stitch. The U-shaped pouch perimeter and the 3D convex pouch with the connected shaped gusset provide more comfort to the wearer, for example, the U-shape of the pouch more naturally surrounds and supports the wearer's male anatomy, providing a more ergonomic, customized fit to the wearer's body shape. In some cases, the U-shaped pouch extends further down the wearer's body than a pouch in a conventional undergarment, for example, providing additional space for the wearer's male anatomy and the ergonomic design of the pouch and gusset. In some examples, the disclosed undergarments with pouch and gusset reduce the risk of chafing for the wearer by reducing chafing between the wearer's male anatomy and the body. For example, the convex pouch and U-shaped perimeter form a fabric barrier to enhance the comfort and support of the brief.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary undergarment 100, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are front and back views, respectively, of the exemplary undergarment 100. The undergarment is shown as a mid-thigh-length boxer brief style undergarment. However, the exemplary undergarment 100 can be in a variety of styles, such as briefs, boxers, trunks, low-thigh-length underwear, base layer or thermal long underwear, liners for swimwear or running shorts, and / or other undergarment types. The exemplary undergarment 100 includes a body 102 having a substantially tubular shape that partially or completely encircles the torso of a wearer of the undergarment 100 at a first upper longitudinal end 104 of the body 102. The exemplary undergarment 100 also includes a waistband 108 connected (e.g., by adhesive, sewing, integral, and / or other bonding) to the body 102 at the first upper longitudinal end 104. In some examples, the waistband can include a covered elastic or a folded-over self-fabric waistband that is an extension of the body 102. The body 102 forms legs 110 at a second, lower longitudinal end 106 of the body 102 opposite the first longitudinal end 104. In this disclosure, the longitudinal direction is defined as a direction extending substantially between the first longitudinal end 104 and the second longitudinal end 106 of the body 102 (i.e., along the body 102, between the waistband 108 and the legs 110). Similarly, the transverse (short) direction is defined as a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, along or adjacent a surface of the body 102. FIGS. 4A and 4B are left and right side views of an exemplary undergarment 100, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are top and bottom views of an exemplary undergarment 100.

[0042] The body 102 of the exemplary undergarment 100 is formed from fabric sections that are joined together to form the shape of the body 102. With reference to the exemplary undergarment 100 of FIGS. 1-5B, the body 102 includes a pouch portion 112, a body panel 114, and a gusset portion 116. On a wearer wearing the undergarment 100, the pouch portion 112 is positioned facing the wearer's male anatomy, the gusset portion 116 is positioned in the wearer's crotch area and inner thighs of the wearer's legs, and the body panel 114 forms the remainder of the body 102 and is positioned facing the wearer's upper thighs (e.g., front, side, and back thighs), buttocks, and sides of the torso.

[0043] The pouch portion 112 of the exemplary undergarment 100 is configured to face the male anatomy of the wearer. The pouch portion 112 is a generally U-shaped panel disposed about the front surface of the main body 102, and the pouch portion 112 connects to the main body panel 114 of the main body 102 at the sides of the pouch portion 112 (e.g., left side 118a and right side 118b). The pouch portion 112 is substantially symmetrical across a centerline that extends longitudinally along the pouch portion 112 and passes through the lateral center of the pouch portion 112. The pouch portion 112 has a rounded lower outer edge 120 at the lateral center and at a first longitudinal end of the pouch portion 112, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, as a lower longitudinal end of the pouch 112. The rounded lower outer edge 120 forms a rounded and curved lower portion of the U-shape of the pouch 112. In the example undergarment 100 of Figures 1-5B, the rounded lower outer edge 120 is semicircular, having a constant radius of curvature along at least a portion (e.g., most or all) of the length of the rounded lower outer edge 120. In some implementations, the rounded lower outer edge 120 can have a semicircular, semi-elliptical, parabolic, elliptical, arcuate (e.g., having a circular or elliptical arc shape between 20 degrees and 180 degrees), or other rounded shape. Figures 6A and 6B are schematic front and back views, respectively, of the example undergarment 100. 6A includes labeled reference lengths A, B, C, and D, where A represents the lateral radius of the rounded lower outer edge 120, B represents the longitudinal radius of the rounded lower outer edge 120, C represents the curved length of the rounded lower outer edge 120, and D is the length of fabric of the pouch 112 that is between the approximate ends of the rounded lower outer edge 120. Lengths A and B can be the same or different. In some examples, the difference between radius B and radius A can range from 80% to 120%, where 80% means that the lateral radius A is 80% of the length of the longitudinal radius B, 100% means that A and B are of equal length (and the rounded lower outer edge 120 has a constant radius of curvature), and 120% means that the lateral radius A is 120% of the length of the longitudinal radius B.In certain examples, the length D can range from a minimum distance of 100% length (e.g., if the pouch 112 is flat and the distance D is represented by a straight line of fabric between the ends of the generally rounded lower outer edge 120) to a maximum of 250% (e.g., if the pouch 112 is outwardly convex and the distance D is represented by a curved line of fabric having a length of 250% of the minimum length). For example, an outwardly convex shape of the pouch portion 112 can provide an outward protrusion of the pouch portion 112. The outward protrusion can be of various sizes, for example, between 0 inches and 1 inch (2.54 cm), such as 0.9 inches (2.286 cm) for a men's medium size boxer shorts.

[0044] The rounded lower outer edge 120 of the pouch portion 112 of the exemplary undergarment 100 has a rounded shape that is continuous with the left side 118a and the right side 118b of the pouch 112, forming a U-shaped perimeter of the pouch portion 112. In other words, the left side 118a, the rounded lower outer edge 120, and the right side 118b of the pouch 112 are continuous and have a gradual change in curvature along the length of the perimeter, forming a partial perimeter of the pouch 112. The remainder of the perimeter of the pouch portion 112 (e.g., outside of the U-shaped partial perimeter) is adjacent to the waistband 108. The partial perimeter excludes any sharp transitions between the rounded lower outer edge 120 and the sides 118a and 118b, and excludes any sharp discontinuities along the length of the rounded lower outer edge 120. For example, the transition between the lower outer edge 120 and the sides 118a and 118b is continuous and gradual, with the rounded shape of the lower outer edge 120 gradually transitioning (e.g., gradually increasing radius of curvature) to the shape (e.g., curved or straight) of the sides 118a and 118b. The sides 118a and 118b have a lesser degree of curvature (e.g., a larger radius of curvature) than the rounded lower outer edge 120. In certain examples, the sides 118a and 118b are substantially straight, and the U-shaped perimeter of the pouch 112 has a radius of curvature that transitions from the sharper curve (e.g., smaller radius of curvature) of the rounded lower outer edge 120 to the straighter or more nearly straight curve (e.g., larger radius of curvature) of the sides 118a and 118b.

[0045] In some implementations, the transition between the rounded lower outer edge 120 and the sides 118a and 118b is defined by a point along the circumference of the pouch portion 112 where the radius of curvature changes. For example, the rounded lower outer edge 120 can include a semicircular shape with a constant or substantially constant radius of curvature along its length, as described above. The transition points can be defined as the ends of the rounded lower outer edge 120 where the radius of curvature increases from that of the semicircular shape (or other curved shape) to that of the sides 118a and 118b. The length of the rounded lower outer edge 120 can vary. For example, the rounded lower outer edge can have a length along the curve between 2 inches (5.08 cm) and 8 inches (20.32 cm), e.g., 6 inches (15.24 cm). In some implementations, the length of the rounded lower outer edge 120 (shown in FIG. 6A as length "C") is between 24% and 38% of the total U-shaped perimeter of the pouch portion 112 (e.g., from the waistband point of the left side portion 118a to the waistband point of the right side portion 118b). For example, the length of the rounded lower outer edge 120 can be about one-third (e.g., about 33%) of the total length of the U-shaped perimeter of the pouch 112.

[0046] The sides 118a and 118b of the pouch portion 112 of the exemplary undergarment 100 can take on a variety of shapes. In Figure 2, the sides 118a and 118b are shown to have a slight curve such that as the sides 118a and 118b extend toward the second upper longitudinal end of the pouch portion 112 (e.g., toward the upper longitudinal end 104 of the body 102), the sides 118a and 118b curve inwardly toward the lateral center of the pouch portion 112. However, the shape of the sides 118a and 118b can also vary. For example, the sides 118a and 118b may be linear between the rounded ends of the lower outer edge 120 and the upper longitudinal end 104 of the main body 102 (i.e., the waistband 108), may include a sharper curve along the length of the sides 118a and 118b than shown in the exemplary undergarment 100 of FIG. 2, may curve outward away from the lateral center of the pouch portion 112, or may take a different shape.

[0047] In some implementations, the lateral width of the pouch portion 112 decreases from a transition point between the ends of the rounded lower outer edge 120 and the sides 118a and 118b to the upper longitudinal ends of the pouch portion 112. For example, a first lateral width of the pouch portion 112 at the lower longitudinal half of the pouch portion 112, such as the lateral width between the upper ends of the rounded lower outer edge 120, is greater than a second lateral width of the pouch portion 112 at the upper longitudinal half of the pouch portion 112, the lateral width being measured between the sides 118a and 118b of the pouch portion 112. The shape of the pouch portion 112, such as having a lower lateral width greater than an upper lateral width, can provide enhanced fit and comfort to the wearer of the undergarment, as described in more detail below.

[0048] Side seams (i.e., left side seam 119a and right side seam 119b) connect the sides 118a and 118b of the pouch portion 112 of the exemplary undergarment 100 to the body panel 114. The body panel 114 extends from the left side 118a of the pouch 112 laterally along the body 102 to the rear surface of the body 102 and then circumferentially back to the front surface of the body 102 and the right side 118b of the pouch 112. The body panel 114 substantially surrounds the wearer of the undergarment 100. When joined together (e.g., at the side seams 119a and 119b), the body panel 114 and the pouch 112 are configured to completely surround the wearer. 1-6B, the body panel 114 is shown as a substantially continuous fabric panel without seams or other discontinuities that extends along its lateral length from left side seam 119a around the back of the body 102 to right side seam 119b. However, the body panel 114 can take a variety of forms and can include intermittent seams in the body panel 114, fusible fabric connections, cut and sewn fabric pieces, or other discontinuities. For example, the body panel 114 can be formed from multiple fabric pieces that are knitted together, sewn together, and / or otherwise joined together to form the remainder of the body 102 (other than the pouch portion 112 and gusset portion 116).

[0049] The gusset portion 116 of the exemplary undergarment 100 is a fabric panel extending between the leg portions 110, joined to the body panel 114, and forming a portion of the second lower longitudinal end 106 of the body 102. The gusset portion 116 also at least partially abuts the rounded lower outer edge 120 of the pouch portion 112. A curved lower seam 122 connects the pouch portion 112 to the gusset portion 116 along all or a portion of the rounded lower outer edge 120 of the pouch portion 112. The gusset portion 116 also connects to the body panel 114 at a gusset side seam 124. The gusset side seam 124 is located at the front of the gusset portion 116 and extends from the periphery of the pouch portion 112 to the lower longitudinal end 106 of the body 102. In some implementations, gusset side seams 124 connect to pouch portion 112 at the intersection of side seams 119 a and 119 b and curved bottom seam 122 .

[0050] The gusset portion 116 also includes a back seam 126 that connects to the body panel 114 at the back of the undergarment 100. The back seam 126 is arch-shaped, or inverted U-shaped. In a particular example, the gusset portion 116 connects to the body panel 114 at the gusset side seams 124 and the back seam 126 to form a substantially cylindrical tubular shape of the leg portion 110 at the second longitudinal end 106 of the body 102. Each leg portion 110 has a leg opening at the second longitudinal end 106 of the body 102 and is defined in part by the body panel 114 and the gusset portion 116, which are connected to each other by the side seams 124 and the back seam 126. The gusset portion 116 has an ergonomic shape between the leg openings, for example, to better fit the curved shape of the body of the wearer of the undergarment 100. The gusset side seams 124 are positioned and extend more laterally outward from the lateral center of the undergarment 100 than the back seam 126. In some cases, the front area of ​​the gusset portion 116 (e.g., the portion of the gusset portion 116 in the front half of the undergarment 100) is larger than the back area of ​​the gusset portion 116 (e.g., the portion of the gusset portion 116 in the back half of the undergarment 100).

[0051] The exemplary undergarment 100 may be used by a male wearer. Thus, the pouch portion 112 may be configured to accommodate and support the male anatomy of the wearer. In some cases, the curved bottom seam 122 includes additional lock stitching, for example, to provide a stronger connection between the pouch portion 112 and the gusset portion 116 and to provide additional support under the male anatomy of the wearer when the undergarment 100 is worn by the wearer. In some cases, the lock stitching reduces or limits stretching of the bottom seam 122 to stabilize the bottom seam 122 and / or reduces or limits movement in the lower portion of the pouch portion 112 and the gusset portion 116 (or both) adjacent the curved bottom seam 122 to add additional support under the male anatomy of the wearer of the undergarment 100. The lock stitching may extend along a portion or the entire length of the curved bottom seam 122, for example, between the gusset side seams 124.

[0052] In some implementations, the pouch portion 112 of the example undergarment 100 includes a fly opening 128. The fly opening 128 may be formed by the overlap of two pieces of fabric that make up the pouch portion 112. In other implementations, the fly opening 128 may be omitted and the pouch portion 112 may be formed from one or more fabric panels that extend from the left side 118a to the right side 118b of the pouch portion 112 without an opening.

[0053] The pouch portion 112 of the exemplary undergarment 100 is configured to form an outwardly extending convex shape, forming a pouch-like pocket that retains and supports the male anatomy of a wearer of the undergarment 100. In some implementations, the pouch portion 112 includes a central seam 130 that extends longitudinally along the pouch portion 112 at a lateral center of the pouch portion 112. The central seam 130 extends longitudinally from a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion 112 to a second upper longitudinal end of the pouch portion 112. The central seam 130 can bias the pouch portion 112 to create and maintain its convex shape, and in some cases can provide additional support and strength to the pouch portion 112. For example, some implementations of the pouch portion 112 can include two inversely curved pouch pattern pieces sewn together with the central seam 130, where the central seam 130 can facilitate the 3D convex shape of the pouch portion 112 from the two curved pouch pieces. In some implementations, the center seam 130 can include (or be replaced with) darts, or the pouch 112 can omit a center seam entirely. The shape of the pouch portion 112, such as having a lower lateral width greater than an upper lateral width, can provide enhanced fit and comfort to the wearer of the undergarment. For example, the wider lower portion of the pouch 112, in combination with the curved, convex shape of the pouch 112 and the center seam 130, forms a 3D pouch shape and preserves the male anatomy. When the pouch 112 is filled or formed by the wearer's male anatomy, the side seams 119a and 119b straighten out, which can help position the fly opening 128 in a position for functional fly use.

[0054] The body 102 of the exemplary undergarment 100 can be formed from a number of different materials and fabrics, such as elastomeric or stretch knit fabrics. Such fabrics can be made with various combinations of fiber yarns, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, viscose, modal, lyocell, and / or rayon, to provide softness, comfort, and desired stretch properties. The fabrics can be knitted with a variety of knit types, such as jersey, rib, mesh, and / or other knit textures and structures. For example, the body 102 of the exemplary undergarment 100 can be formed from a stretch fabric having 1% or more spandex (e.g., at least 5% spandex) to provide flexibility to the fabric and comfort to the wearer. In some implementations, the fabric is a knit fabric that has mechanical stretch that provides an element of stretch to the fabric. Mechanical stretch can be defined as a knit structure of the fabric that creates additional elasticity through the gauge of the knit, texture (such as a rib structure), or both. For example, a fabric knit with a fine rib pattern can provide mechanical stretch to the fabric.

[0055] 7 is a flow chart describing an example method 200 of making an undergarment, such as the example undergarment 100 of FIGS. 1-6B. In step 202, a pouch portion of the undergarment is formed, the pouch portion having a rounded U-shaped perimeter at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion. In step 204, the pouch portion is connected to a gusset portion with a curved bottom seam at least partially along the U-shaped perimeter of the pouch portion. In step 206, the pouch portion is connected to a body panel of the undergarment along a side seam of the pouch portion, the side seam extending from a side end of the curved bottom seam. The sequence of manufacturing the undergarment can be varied. In some implementations, the undergarment 100 can be formed by first constructing the pouch portion 112 (e.g., sewing fabric panels together at center seam 130 to form the pouch portion 112), then attaching the gusset portion 116 to the body panel 114 at the front of the leg portion 110 (e.g., at gusset side seams 124), then attaching the pouch portion 112 to the body panel 114 and gusset portion 116, optionally lockstitching the curved bottom seam 122 to the rounded bottom outer edge 120, and then sewing the gusset 116 to the body panel 114 at the back of the garment (e.g., at back gusset seam 126).

[0056] Although multiple implementations have been described, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. [First Phase] a body having a substantially tubular shape and configured to at least partially surround a torso of a user; The body comprises: a pouch portion about a front surface of the body, the pouch portion being connected to a body panel at a side of the pouch portion, the pouch portion having a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion forming a U-shaped perimeter of the pouch portion; a gusset portion at least partially bordering the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion; underwear. [Second Phase] the pouch portion includes a side seam connecting the pouch portion to the body panel at a side of the pouch portion and a bottom seam curved along the rounded bottom outer edge, the curved bottom seam connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion. The undergarment according to the first aspect. [Third Phase] the transition from the curved bottom seam to the side seam is continuous and includes a gradual change in curvature between the curved bottom seam and the side seam. The undergarment according to the second aspect. [The fourth phase] the gusset portion includes a gusset side seam at a front portion of the gusset portion that extends from the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal end of the body, the gusset side seam being connected to the pouch portion at an intersection of the side seam and the curved bottom seam of the pouch portion; The undergarment according to the second or third aspect. [Fifth Phase] a first lower longitudinal width of the pouch portion between upper ends of the rounded lower outer edge is greater than a second upper longitudinal width of the pouch portion between sides of the pouch portion in an upper longitudinal half of the pouch portion; The undergarment according to any one of the second to fourth aspects. [Sixth Phase] the curved bottom seam of the pouch portion includes a lock stitch along at least a portion of the length of the curved bottom seam. The undergarment according to any one of the second to fifth aspects. [Seventh Phase] the curved bottom seam includes the lock stitch along the entire length of the curved bottom seam. Undergarment according to a sixth aspect. [The eighth phase] the pouch portion includes a central seam extending longitudinally from the first lower longitudinal end to the second upper longitudinal end of the pouch portion. The undergarment according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. [The ninth phase] The pouch portion includes a fly opening. The undergarment according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. [The 10th Phase] the body includes a first leg and a second leg substantially parallel to the first leg, the first leg and the second leg extending toward a first longitudinal end of the body; The undergarment according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. [The 11th Phase] a waistband attached to the body at a second longitudinal end of the body opposite the first longitudinal end; The undergarment according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. [12th Phase] The gusset portion is sewn at least partially along a gap between the first leg portion and the second leg portion. The undergarment according to the tenth or eleventh aspect. [13th Phase] The undergarment is a boxer brief. The undergarment according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects. [14th Phase] The pouch portion, the body panel, and the gusset portion are formed from a fabric comprising at least 5% spandex. The undergarment according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects. [15th Phase] forming a pouch portion of an undergarment, the pouch portion having a U-shaped periphery with a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion; connecting the pouch portion to a gusset portion with a curved lower seam that at least partially follows the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion; connecting the pouch portion to a body panel of the undergarment along a side seam of the pouch portion, the side seam extending from a side edge of the curved bottom seam. How to make underwear. [16th Phase] connecting a gusset side seam of the gusset portion to a main portion, the gusset side seam being disposed at a front portion of the gusset portion and extending from the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal end of the undergarment, the gusset side seam being connected to the pouch portion at an intersection of the side seam of the pouch portion and the curved bottom seam. A method according to the fifteenth aspect. [17th Phase] the transition from the curved bottom seam of the pouch portion to the side seam is continuous and includes a gradual change in curvature between the curved bottom seam and the side seam; A method according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect. [18th Phase] connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion with the curved bottom seam comprises connecting the pouch portion to the gusset portion with a lock stitch at least partially along the rounded bottom outer edge of the pouch portion. A method according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects. [19th Phase] a body having a substantially tubular shape and configured to at least partially surround a torso of a user; The body comprises: a pouch portion about a front surface of the body, the pouch portion comprising a U-shaped periphery having a rounded lower outer edge at a first lower longitudinal end of the pouch portion; a gusset portion at least partially bordering the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion, the gusset portion including a gusset side seam at a front portion of the gusset portion extending from a side edge of the rounded lower outer edge of the pouch portion to a lower longitudinal end of the body. underwear. [20th Phase] The pouch portion is connected to a body panel at a side of the pouch portion. Undergarment according to the nineteenth aspect. [21st Phase] The gusset portion is connected to the body panel at the gusset side seam. The undergarment according to the nineteenth or twentieth aspect.

Claims

1. Underwear, A waistband; a body having a hollow cylindrical shape configured to at least partially cover a lower portion of a wearer's torso and to conform to the shape of the lower portion of the wearer's torso; The body comprises: a continuous body panel; a first leg portion including a first leg opening and a second leg portion including a second leg opening, each of the first leg opening and the second leg opening configured to receive a leg of the wearer; a pouch disposed between the first leg and the second leg and having an outwardly convex shape located on a front surface of the body panel, the pouch being joined to the body panel via at least two side seams, the pouch having a U-shaped lower portion, a fly opening extending through the pouch, and a central seam extending from the U-shaped lower portion upwardly to a lower perimeter of the waistband; a gusset bounding at least a portion of a lower portion of the U-shape of the pouch and coupled to the body panel, the gusset configured to fit the curved shape of the wearer's body; The gusset and the pouch are joined via a curved bottom seam positioned adjacent the bottom of the U-shape of the pouch. underwear.

2. the outwardly convex shape of the pouch provides a protrusion that protrudes outwardly a first length; the first length is between 0 inches and 1 inch; The undergarment of claim 1.

3. The pouch further comprises two overlapping pieces of fabric; The fly opening is located between the two overlapping pieces of fabric. The undergarment of claim 1.

4. the central seam of the pouch extends longitudinally along the pouch and biases the pouch to maintain the outwardly convex shape; The undergarment of claim 1.

5. the gusset includes at least two gusset side seams located at a front portion of the gusset and disposed laterally outward from a lateral center; The two gusset side seams define an ergonomic shape for the gusset, and the gusset supports the outer anatomy of the wearer. The undergarment of claim 1.

6. The gusset further comprises a back seam joining the body panel. The undergarment of claim 1.

7. the curved bottom seam of the pouch is semicircular, forming a rounded, U-shaped bottom of the pouch; The undergarment of claim 1.

8. the curved bottom seam includes a lockstitch along at least a portion of the length of the curved bottom seam. The undergarment of claim 1.

9. the curved bottom seam transitions continuously into the two side seams; the transition includes a gradual change in curvature between the curved bottom seam and the two side seams. The undergarment of claim 1.

10. 1. A lower torso garment adapted to be worn under at least one other garment and to support an external anatomical structure of a user, comprising: The lower torso garment comprises: A waistband; a body configured to cover at least a portion of the torso of the user; The body comprises: a pouch located on a front surface of the body, the pouch having at least two side seams extending downwardly from the waistband and a rounded lower outer edge, the transition from the two side seams to the rounded lower outer edge being continuous and having a gradual change in curvature along a circumference of the pouch; a radius of curvature of the rounded lower outer edge is characterized by a difference between a lateral radius (A) of the rounded lower outer edge and a longitudinal radius (B) of the rounded lower outer edge, the ratio of A to B being between 80% and 120%; the curved length of said rounded lower outer edge (C) is between 25% and 38% of the total circumference of said pouch; the outwardly convex shape of the pouch is characterized by a first length (D) between two opposing ends of the rounded lower outer edge, and a second length (D) of the rounded lower outer edge is between 100% and 250% of the first length D; Clothing for the lower torso.

11. The pouch further comprises a fly panel.

11. The lower torso garment of claim 10.

12. The pouch further includes a central seam.

11. The lower torso garment of claim 10.

13. The lower torso garment further comprises a gusset portion at least partially abutting the U-shaped lower portion of the pouch; The gusset portion is configured to fit the curved shape of the user's body.

11. The lower torso garment of claim 10.

14. The gusset and the pouch are at least partially connected by a curved bottom seam along the bottom of the U-shape of the pouch.

11. The lower torso garment of claim 10.

15. A and B are equal, 11. The lower torso garment of claim 10.

16. A and B are different, 11. The lower torso garment of claim 10.

17. the curved bottom seam includes a lockstitch along at least a portion of said curved bottom seam.

11. The lower torso garment of claim 10.

18. 1. A lower torso garment configured to support an external anatomical structure of a user, comprising: The lower torso garment comprises: A waistband; a body extending downwardly from the waistband and having a hollow cylindrical shape, the body being configured to at least partially conform to a body shape of the user; The body includes: an opening at a first upper longitudinal end of the body; a first leg and a second leg, the first leg and the second leg being positioned at a second lower longitudinal end of the body; A pouch configured to hold and support an external anatomical structure of the user, the pouch comprising: a rounded lower outer edge, said rounded lower outer edge forming a U-shape and having a length between 2 inches and 8 inches; a curved lower seam along the rounded lower outer edge; a first side and a second side extending toward the first upper longitudinal end; the pouch having a first side seam joining the first side to the body and a second side seam joining the second side to the body; a gusset portion located between the first leg and the second leg and extending from a perimeter of the pouch, the gusset portion being configured to provide support to the user; The lower torso garment comprises a fabric comprising at least 5% spandex. Clothing for the lower torso.

19. the pouch is symmetrical about a centerline passing through a lateral center of the pouch and extending longitudinally along the pouch; 20. The lower torso garment of claim 18.

20. the overall length of the first side seam, the second side seam, and the rounded lower outer edge is between 6 inches and 34 inches; 20. The lower torso garment of claim 18.

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