Moisture management lower torso garments and methods

Abstract

To provide a garment.SOLUTION: The garment includes: a body provided in the form of a front lower torso portion 116a and a rear lower torso portion; a waist opening 116; a left leg opening 112b and a right leg opening 112a; and a pouch disposed at least in part in the front lower torso portion 116a. The pouch includes a first pouch panel and a second pouch panel. Each of the first and second pouch panels includes a first fabric layer coupled to a second fabric layer. The first fabric layers of the first and second pouch panels are designed to transport liquid away from a lower torso region of a wearer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 636,055, filed April 18, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to undergarments, and more particularly to lower torso undergarments that provide moisture management for the wearer. [Background technology]

[0002] Fluid excretion, such as sweating and urination, is a natural physiological phenomenon that serves important functions, including temperature regulation, waste elimination, and the like. However, for many individuals, managing unwanted or excessive moisture in the lower torso region can be a constant concern. For example, sweating may be concentrated around the lower torso region. Furthermore, the lower torso is also susceptible to other sources of moisture, such as urine droplets that may occur after urination. Whether from sweating, residual urine, or other sources, moisture accumulation can lead to discomfort, skin irritation, hygiene concerns, a noticeable odor, and other undesirable consequences, all of which can cause embarrassment or inconvenience. When purchasing underwear, consumers may consider various criteria, such as fit, appearance, price, and performance. However, an increasing number of consumers are prioritizing underwear's ability to effectively manage moisture. To address this issue, manufacturers have explored various fabrics, materials, chemical treatments, etc. designed to manage moisture. However, the challenge of designing lower torso garments that effectively manage moisture (e.g., sweat, urine, etc.) while maintaining a desired level of in-garment comfort remains, particularly for men's underwear. Current solutions suffer from poor fit (e.g., either too loose or too tight) or rely on excessive fabric thickness to absorb moisture, which can result in moisture being trapped within the garment and exacerbating the wearer's discomfort. Whether addressing sweat, urine, or other sources of moisture, there has long been a need for garments, particularly lower torso garments or underwear, that provide effective moisture management without compromising comfort or fit and without adding unnecessary bulk. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The garments of the present disclosure are designed to provide improved moisture management and overcome many of the drawbacks and limitations of existing products. The garments of the present disclosure provide improved moisture management by incorporating moisture wicking or moisture adsorbing zones (e.g., moisture wicking bladders) in contact with body areas that generate or are susceptible to greater amounts of moisture (e.g., sweat, urine, etc.).

[0004] In one embodiment, a garment is provided. The garment includes a main body having a front lower torso portion and a back lower torso portion, a waist opening, left and right leg openings, and a bladder at least partially disposed within the front lower torso portion. The bladder includes a first bladder panel and a second bladder panel. Each of the first bladder panel and the second bladder panel includes a first fabric layer bonded to a second fabric layer. The first fabric layer of each of the first bladder panel and the second bladder panel is designed to transfer liquids outward from the lower torso region of the wearer. In some cases, the fluid includes urine. In certain instances, the pouch extends into and is coupled to the rear lower torso portion. In some cases, the garment further includes a gusset positioned between the bag and the rear torso portion, the gusset being coupled to the bag and the lower back torso portion. In certain instances, the garment further includes a back panel positioned at least partially on the back lower torso portion, the back panel being provided with moisture management properties. In some cases, the first bag panel and the second bag panel each comprise a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer. In certain instances, a chemical treatment imparts moisture resistant properties to the second bladder layer.

[0005] In some cases, the technical back surface of the first fabric layer of the first bag panel is positioned adjacent to the technical back surface of the second fabric layer of the first bag panel, and the technical front surface of the first fabric layer of the first bag panel includes a plurality of pores designed to transport moisture. In some such cases, moisture may be transported through the first fabric layer via capillary action. In certain cases, the main body includes a first fabric, the second fabric layers of the first and second bag panels include a second fabric, and the first and second fabrics include the same fabric blend. In some such cases, the first fabric layer of the first and second bag panels includes a third fabric, and the third fabric includes a synthetic blend fabric having a fabric weight of about 240 grams per square meter to about 295 grams per square meter. In other such cases, the first fabric layer of the first and second bag panels includes a third fabric, and the third fabric includes a synthetic blend fabric having a fabric weight of about 135 grams per square meter to about 185 grams per square meter.

[0006] In another aspect, a lower torso garment is provided. The lower torso garment includes a main body provided in the form of a front lower torso portion and a back lower torso portion joined together to define a waist opening, and a bladder at least partially disposed within the front lower torso portion. The bladder includes a placket panel assembly disposed adjacent to a wearer's body when the garment is worn in its intended configuration, a cover panel assembly positioned adjacent to the placket panel assembly, and a placket opening at least partially defined by the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly. The bladder is provided with moisture management properties. In some cases, a portion of the placket panel assembly is separate from the garment and a portion of the cover panel assembly is separate from the garment.

[0007] In certain cases, the bag is connected to the body via a first bag seam, a second bag seam, and a third bag seam, where the first and second bag seams connect two or more fabric layers of the bag together, the first and second bag seams connect the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly to the front lower torso portion, and the third bag seam connects the bag to the gusset or the back lower torso portion. In some cases, the placket panel assembly includes at least one fabric layer comprising a moisture-wicking mesh and at least one fabric layer including a blend of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials. In certain cases, at least one of the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly is treated with one or more agents selected from the group consisting of wicking agents, stain repellents, odor control agents, water repellents, water resistance agents, antibacterial agents, antimicrobial agents, sanitizing agents, and combinations thereof.

[0008] In some cases, the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly each include a technical front surface and a technical back surface, wherein the technical front surface of the placket panel assembly is imparted with a first texture to facilitate moisture transport, and the technical back surface of the placket panel assembly is imparted with a second texture different from the first texture. In certain cases, the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly each include a first fabric layer configured to transfer moisture outward from the wearer's body, a second fabric layer that is at least partially visible when viewed from the exterior of the garment, and a third fabric layer positioned between the first and second fabric layers, the third fabric layer being provided in substantially the same configuration as the first fabric layer.

[0009] In some cases, the placket panel assembly includes a first fabric layer configured to transfer moisture outward from the wearer's body, a second fabric layer positioned proximate to the exterior of the garment, and a third fabric layer positioned between the first and second fabric layers, the third fabric layer being provided in substantially the same configuration as the first fabric layer. In some cases, a first seam joins the placket panel assembly to the front lower torso portion, and a second seam located opposite the first seam joins the first and second fabric layers of the placket panel assembly together, the second seam being adjacent to the placket opening. Additionally, a third seam joins the cover panel assembly to the front lower torso portion. In some such cases, the second seam is provided in the form of a fold seam, and the fold seam is joined to the third seam.

[0010] In a further aspect, a boxer brief is provided. The boxer brief includes a main body, the main body being provided in the form of a front lower torso section and a back lower torso section joined together to define an interior of the main body, a waist opening, left and right leg sections joined to the front and back lower torso sections, and a pouch positioned at least partially within the front lower torso section and connected to the main body. The pouch is configured to provide moisture management properties to the garment. The pouch is defined by a first panel disposed adjacent to the interior of the main body and a second panel positioned adjacent to the first panel. The first panel includes a first fabric layer designed to transport moisture and a second fabric layer provided with moisture-resistant properties. The first fabric layer of the first panel is positioned adjacent to the wearer's body when the garment is worn in its intended configuration. The second panel includes a third fabric layer designed to transport moisture and a fourth fabric layer provided with moisture-resistant properties. A fourth fabric layer is provided on the exterior surface of the garment when the garment is worn in its intended configuration. In one embodiment, a moisture management garment is provided. The garment includes a main body including a front lower torso portion and a back lower torso portion, a waist opening, left and right leg portions, and a bladder at least partially disposed within the front lower torso portion and coupled to the left and right leg portions and the front lower torso portion. The bladder includes a first, wearer-facing fabric layer and a second, wearer-facing fabric layer disposed below the first, wearer-facing fabric layer. The first, wearer-facing fabric layer absorbs moisture, and the second, wearer-facing fabric layer repels moisture.

[0011] In another aspect, another moisture management garment is provided. The garment includes a main body in the form of a front lower torso section and a back lower torso section, a waist opening, left and right leg sections connected to the front lower torso section and the back lower torso section, and a bladder at least partially disposed within the front lower torso section and connected to the left and right leg sections and the front lower torso section. The bladder includes a first wearer-facing fabric layer having a first wearer-facing surface, a first outward-facing surface, and a first peripheral edge, and a second fabric layer disposed below the first wearer-facing fabric layer, the second fabric layer having a second wearer-facing surface, a second outward-facing surface, and a second peripheral edge. At least the second fabric layer is treated with a water-resistant agent, laminated, or a combination thereof. The first peripheral edge is connected to the second peripheral edge.

[0012] In an additional aspect, a boxer brief is provided. The boxer brief comprises a main body, the main body being provided in the form of a front lower torso section and a back lower torso section joined together to define an interior of the main body, a waist opening, left and right leg sections joined to the front and back lower torso sections, and a bladder positioned at least partially within the front lower torso section and joined to the main body. The bladder is configured to impart moisture management properties to the garment. The bladder is defined by a first panel including a first fabric layer designed to transport moisture and a second fabric layer imparted with moisture-resistant properties, the first fabric layer of the first panel being positioned adjacent to the wearer's body when the boxer brief is worn in its intended configuration.

[0013] In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a lower torso moisture management garment is provided. The method includes providing a main body, a pair of leg sections, a bladder, and a joining portion, and joining the main body, the pair of leg sections, and the bladder. The bladder includes a first panel assembly and a second panel assembly, each of which includes a first wearer-facing fabric layer and a coextensive second fabric layer disposed below the first wearer-facing fabric layer. The first wearer-facing fabric layer is moisture-wicking, and the second fabric layer is moisture-repelling. The joining of the main body, the pair of leg sections, and the bladder includes joining the first wearer-facing fabric layer, the coextensive second fabric layer, the first panel assembly and the second panel assembly, the main body, and the pair of leg sections along peripheral edges of the first wearer-facing fabric layer and the coextensive second fabric layer. These and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a front elevational view of a moisture management garment constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the moisture management garment of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of another moisture management garment constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the moisture management garment of FIG. 3. [Figure 5A] FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the moisture management garment of FIG. 3. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the moisture management garment of FIG. 3. [Figure 6A] FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the moisture management garment of FIGS. 3 and 4. [Figure 6B] FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of the moisture management garment of FIGS. 3 and 4. [Figure 6C] FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of the moisture management garment of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 6D]FIG. 3 is a bottom elevational view of the moisture management garment of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 7] 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the outwardly facing surface of the pouch of the moisture management garment of FIG. 1 made from section 7 of FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with the teachings herein. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged elevational view of the wearer-facing surface of the bag of FIG. 7 created by placing the garment of FIG. 7 in an inside-out configuration. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of fabric layers provided within an exemplary panel of a bag such as that depicted in any of FIGS. 1-8. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9 is another schematic exploded view of a fabric layer provided within another exemplary panel of a bag such as that depicted in any of FIGS. 1-8. [Figure 10A] 9 is an enlarged elevational view of the technical front surface of a portion of a fabric layer of a bag such as that depicted in any of FIGS. 1-8. FIG. [Figure 10B] 9 is an enlarged elevational view of the technical underside of a portion of a fabric layer of a bag such as that depicted in any of FIGS. 1-8. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fabric layer of a portion of a panel of an exemplary bag such as depicted in any of FIGS. 1-8. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fabric layer of a portion of a panel of another exemplary bag as depicted in any of FIGS. 1-8. [Figure 13] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fabric layer of a portion of a panel of a further exemplary bag as depicted in any of FIGS. [Figure 14] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fabric layer of a portion of a panel of yet another exemplary bag as depicted in any of FIGS. 1-8. [Figure 15] 1 is a front elevational view of another moisture management garment constructed in accordance with the teachings herein. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of the moisture management garment of FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a front elevational view of a further moisture management garment constructed in accordance with the teachings herein. [Figure 18A]FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of a first portion of the garment panel of FIG. 17. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of a second portion of the garment panel of FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular examples disclosed, but rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0016] Before describing any example in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims of this disclosure. The disclosure is capable of other examples and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be considered as limiting. When used herein, the words "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations of these words, are intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents of those items as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof, are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting, and coupling. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. With respect to a garment laid flat on a horizontal surface, the "z-direction" is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions, i.e., perpendicular to the horizontal surface.

[0017] With respect to each layer component within a moisture-wicking or moisture-adsorbing zone or portion (e.g., bladder) of a garment, when the garment or bladder is laid out on a horizontal surface with the surface facing the wearer facing upward (as shown in FIG. 8 ), the terms “above,” “superjacent,” “below,” “subjacent,” and / or “beneath” between a first layer component and a second component within the moisture-wicking or moisture-adsorbing portion refer to the orientation of the components relative to one another along the z-axis. Thus, for example, with reference to FIG. 11 , the absorbent layer facing the wearer is positioned “above” the water-resistant layer, and conversely, the water-resistant layer is positioned “below” the absorbent or adsorbent layer facing the wearer. “Above” and “beneath,” with respect to two layer components, further mean that the two layer components are positioned directly surface-to-surface with one another. Regardless of the use of the above terms, those skilled in the art will also understand that the respective layer components within a moisture absorbing or moisture adsorbing zone or portion of a garment may be arranged in other manners and / or may even be positioned adjacent or adjacent to one another without direct surface-to-surface contact.

[0018] With respect to two opposing surfaces of a layer component of a garment, or of a combination of layer components, "wearer-facing" refers to the surface that faces the wearer's skin when the garment is worn in its intended configuration, and "outward-facing" refers to the surface that faces away from the wearer's skin. With respect to two separate layer components of a garment, the "wearer-facing" component is the component that is disposed closest to the wearer's skin when the garment is worn in its intended configuration, and the "outward-facing" component is the component that is disposed farthest from the wearer's skin when the garment is normally worn.

[0019] The following description is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the examples of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein can be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the examples of the present disclosure. Thus, the examples of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to those shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings have like reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives, still falling within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure. Additionally, while the following discussion describes features associated with particular devices or cases, it should be understood that additional devices and / or methods can be used with the described systems and methods, and that the disclosed devices and features are used to provide examples of possible cases, not to be limiting.

[0020] As mentioned above, sweating, urination, and other forms of fluid discharge are natural physiological phenomena. However, some individuals may experience occasional or frequent difficulty controlling the release of urine from their urinary tract. For example, certain individuals may lack complete control of their bladder, resulting in inadvertent leakage of urine throughout the day. Additionally, after emptying their bladder, some people may have difficulty ensuring that their urethra is completely empty. In such cases, residual urine in the urethra may leak out as droplets over time (e.g., when putting on underwear).

[0021] Sweat, or perspiration, is composed mostly of water and some salts. When a person's core body temperature rises above a certain temperature, the person's body begins to sweat to cool itself, which involves producing sweat and then evaporating the water in the sweat. Excess body heat can convert the water in sweat into gas, and as the excess body heat is used to evaporate the water in sweat, the body begins to cool. Urination is the body's process of eliminating liquid waste and is composed primarily of water, urea, and various dissolved salts and toxins. After the body processes nutrients and removes metabolic by-products, it filters excess fluid and waste products through the kidneys, which produces urine. Urine is then stored in the bladder until the body signals the need for excretion. Urination serves as a biological mechanism for maintaining fluid balance, removing toxins and other harmful substances, and ensuring proper physiological function. Clothing can provide moisture management by absorbing moisture (e.g., sweat, urine, etc.) from the skin and transporting it away from the skin for evaporation.

[0022] Certain properties of a garment can be selected and optimized to provide improved moisture management. For example, at least a portion of the fabric used to make the garment can be selected and / or modified to enhance the absorption, transport, and / or evaporation of sweat, urine, and other fluid exudates. Certain fabrics, such as polyester, may be better at absorbing moisture, transporting moisture outward for evaporation, and drying quickly. Furthermore, within a class of fabric, such as polyester, certain properties of the fabric and the fibers that make up the fabric may have a greater impact on moisture management than other properties.

[0023] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that moisture (e.g., sweat, urine, etc.) absorption, adsorption, transfer, and / or evaporation can be influenced by fiber properties and yarn and fabric construction parameters, as well as chemical treatments or modifications of the yarn or fabric. For example, fiber type, fiber size, fiber shape, yarn denier, filament count, and knitting structure, among other properties, can affect sweat absorption, adsorption, transfer, and / or evaporation. More specifically, the knitting structure of a fabric can be modified to increase or decrease porosity and pore size, which can affect the water vapor permeability of the fabric. There are also several mechanisms that may be involved in moisture management, such as capillary action, denier differential mechanisms, and other processes that can facilitate the transfer of sweat, urine, or other moisture. One or more such mechanisms, fiber type, fiber size, fiber shape, yarn denier, filament count, knitting structure, chemical treatments, and chemical modifications, can be used in the undergarment fabrics described herein to facilitate the transfer and / or dispersion of moisture, such as sweat and urine.

[0024] The present disclosure describes undergarments or lower torso garments that include moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking zones or portions, such as, for example, moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking panels or bladders (e.g., bladder assemblies). Generally, the bladders may include a first panel assembly and a second panel assembly, each including one or more layers of fabric (e.g., at least two layers, at least three layers, at least four layers of fabric). In some cases, the panels or bladders may include at least two separate fabric layers, such as at least one fabric layer having moisture-wicking properties and at least one fabric layer having moisture-resistant or moisture-repellent properties. In certain cases, the bladders may include only a single bladder assembly, which may include at least two separate fabric layers. Generally, during use, the lower torso garments may be designed to cover at least a portion of the wearer's external genitalia and buttocks. In some cases, the lower torso garments may be designed to cover at least a portion of the wearer's legs (e.g., including at least a portion of the inner and outer thighs). The garment may include two leg openings, for example, a first leg opening and a second leg opening, and in use, the first leg opening may receive one of the wearer's legs, while the second leg opening may receive the wearer's other leg.

[0025] In various cases, one or more moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking portions of a lower torso garment may be strategically positioned in contact areas of the lower body that generate greater amounts of sweat, urine, or moisture, such as the genitals, buttocks, inner thighs, other areas and / or portions of the body, areas of the undergarment near or adjacent to the genitals, and / or portions of the undergarment that may be exposed to urine while worn. The garment may be washable or reusable and may be constructed from any number of different materials and fabrics, including natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic materials, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, viscose, modal, lyocell, rayon, and combinations thereof. The garment may be constructed from a substantially pure fabric or material, such as, for example, 100% cotton, or a blend of fabrics and / or materials, such as, for example, a 95% cotton and 5% spandex fabric. In various cases, the fabric may be woven or knit and may be provided in various knit types, such as jersey, rib, mesh, and / or other netting weaves and structures. In certain instances, the undergarments described herein may be designed to transport, adsorb, and / or absorb moisture, the moisture being selected from the group consisting of sweat, urine, and semen. In some cases, the undergarments described herein may be designed to transport, adsorb, and / or absorb moisture including sweat and / or urine.

[0026] 1-8 illustrate exemplary garments, such as garment 100 (e.g., lower torso garment 100), that may be designed to provide moisture management and / or other benefits or properties to the wearer. In some instances, garment 100 may be provided in the form of a mid-thigh boxer brief-style undergarment. However, in other instances, garment 100 may take on a variety of styles. For example, garment 100 may be provided in the form of briefs, boxers, boxer briefs, trunks, low-thigh underwear, a base layer or thermal underwear, a liner for swimwear or running shorts, and / or other garment or underwear types. For example, garment 100 may be provided in the form of briefs (see, e.g., garment 200 of FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0027] A longitudinal axis A1 may divide the garment 100 into two portions or halves, i.e., a left portion and a right portion (see FIGS. 1-4 ). In some cases, the left and right portions of the garment 100 may be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A1, while in other cases, one or more aspects of the garment 100 may be asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis A1. It should be understood that the longitudinal axis A1 is an imaginary or hypothetical line referenced herein to more clearly describe the structure of the garment 100. It should also be understood that the longitudinal axis A1 corresponds to the sagittal plane in common anatomical terms. Thus, when in use or worn, the left portion of the garment 100 may correspond to the left portion of the wearer's body, and the right portion of the garment 100 may correspond to the right portion of the wearer's body. The directional terms “left” and “right” are used for clarity and may be used interchangeably with numerical terms, such as first and second. In various cases, the garment 100 may have an upper end 104 and a lower end 106 opposite the upper end 104, and the upper end 104 and the lower end 106 may be positioned along a longitudinal axis A1.

[0028] A lateral axis A2 may divide the garment 100 into an upper portion and a lower portion (see FIGS. 1-4). It should be understood that the lateral axis A2 is an imaginary or hypothetical line referenced herein to more clearly describe the structure of the garment 100. It should also be understood that the lateral axis A2 is parallel to a transverse plane in common anatomical terms. The lateral axis A2 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 and may divide the overall length L1 of the garment 100 into an upper portion and a lower portion. The directional terms "upper" and "lower" are used for clarity and may be used interchangeably with numerical terms, such as first and second. A coronal axis A3 may divide the garment 100 into a front portion and a back portion (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). It should be understood that the coronal axis A3 is an imaginary or hypothetical line referenced herein to more clearly describe the structure of the garment 100. It should also be understood that the coronal axis A3 corresponds to the coronal plane in general anatomical terms. Thus, in use, the front portion of the garment 100 corresponds to the front portion of the wearer's body, and the back portion of the garment 100 corresponds to the back portion of the wearer's body. The directional terms "front" and "back" are used for clarity and may be used interchangeably with numerical terms, such as first and second.

[0029] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the garment 100 may be provided in the form of a main body 102 having a substantially tubular shape that, in use, partially or completely surrounds the torso of a wearer of the garment 100. For example, the top end 104 of the garment 100 may be configured to partially or completely encircle the waist of the wearer when the garment 100 is worn. The exemplary garment 100 may include a waistband 108 disposed at the top end 104 of the garment 100 and connected to the main body 102. For example, the waistband 108 may be integrally formed with the main body 102 or connected thereto via adhesives, stitching, knitting, sewing, bonding agents, melting, and / or other attachment mechanisms. In some cases, the waistband may include a covered elastic waistband or a turn-up waistband of the same material that is an extension of the main body 102. The waistband 108 may define a waist opening 116 configured to receive the torso of the wearer when the garment 100 is worn.

[0030] Garment 100 may include leg portions 110, including first or right leg portion 110a and second or left leg portion 110b, that can receive the legs of a wearer when garment 100 is worn. Leg portions 110 may have leg openings 112, including first or right leg opening 112a and second or left leg opening 112b. Leg openings 112 may be located at bottom end 106 of main body 102, opposite top end 104. Garment 100 may further include at least one moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking panel or bladder 114 (see FIGS. 1 and 3), and in some cases, garment 100 may also include a gusset (e.g., gusset 118 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). Thus, in some instances, garment 100 may be provided in the form of a main body or body 102, left leg portion 110a and right leg portion 110b, gussets (e.g., gusset 118), a moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking front panel 121 that may include or consist of bladder 114, and a waist portion or waistband 108 (collectively referred to as "garment portions"). Additionally, as best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , garment 100 may include a front lower torso portion 116a and a back lower torso portion 116b positioned opposite front lower torso portion 116a. Front lower torso portion 116a and back lower torso portion 116b may be separated by coronal axis A3 such that, when garment 100 is worn, front lower torso portion 116a is positioned to correspond to the front of the wearer's body and back lower torso portion 116b is positioned to correspond to the back of the wearer's body.

[0031] It should be understood that a "lower torso portion" includes both the front lower torso portion 116a and the back lower torso portion 116b, which may be substantially similar to one another (e.g., in dimensions). It should also be understood that a "leg portion" includes both the left leg portion 110a and the right leg portion 110b, which may be substantially similar to one another (e.g., in dimensions), and a "leg opening" includes both the left leg opening 112a and the right leg opening 112b, which may be substantially similar to one another (e.g., in dimensions).

[0032] Generally, garment 100 may include one or more moisture wicking or moisture wicking portions or zones designed to provide moisture management benefits to the wearer. In some cases, garment 100 may include one moisture wicking or moisture wicking portion provided in the form of bladder 114. However, in other cases, garment 100 may include two or more moisture wicking or moisture wicking portions, which may be positioned in any suitable location on garment 100. Additionally, moisture wicking or moisture wicking portions or zones may be durable, washable, reversibly coupled to garment 100, and / or irreversibly coupled to garment 100. Additionally, moisture wicking or moisture wicking portions or zones may be provided in any portion of garment 100, including areas where the wearer typically generates relatively large amounts of sweat or other bodily fluids, such as urine (e.g., the wearer's external genitalia, buttocks, lower back, inner thighs, etc.).

[0033] In some cases, the material forming the bladder 114 may be continuous with the material forming one or more of the main body 102 (e.g., the front lower torso portion 116a and / or the back lower torso portion 116b), the leg portions 110a, 110b, the gusset 118, the waistband 108, and / or other portions of the garment 100. Alternatively, the material forming the absorbent or absorbing panel or bladder 114 may be formed from one or more sections or layers of material that are substantially separate from the material forming one or more other portions of the garment 100. In such cases, the bladder 114 may be joined to one or more other portions of the garment 100 via tape, adhesive, bonding, stitching, or other joining mechanisms. In the non-limiting example reflected in Figures 1 and 3, the bladder 114 may be separate and distinct from the front lower torso portion 116a, the gusset 118, and / or the leg portions 110a, 110b, and may be connected thereto via seams (e.g., bladder seams 124).

[0034] The shape of the bladder 114 and / or the arrangement of one or more layers of the bladder 114 may vary. For example, the garment 100 may include a first bladder 114a (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ), a second bladder 114b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3 ), and / or other bladder(s) having different shapes, sizes, materials, and / or other characteristics. As used herein, general references to “bladder 114” may refer to one or both of the first bladder 114a and the second bladder 114b. For example, the first bladder 114a and the second bladder 114b may be substantially similar in one or more aspects, which may be described below by referring generally to the bladder 114. However, the first bladder 114a and the second bladder 114b may differ in one or more aspects, which may be described below by referring specifically to the first bladder 114a and the second bladder 114b.

[0035] The bladder 114 may be defined by a bladder first end 134 (e.g., located proximate the leg openings 112a, 112b) and a bladder second end 136 opposite the bladder first end 134 (e.g., located proximate the waistband 108). As shown in FIG. 3 , the bladder 114 may be defined by a bladder length L2 measured linearly between the bladder first end 134 and the bladder second end 136. In some cases, the left portion of the bladder 114 and the right portion of the bladder 114 may be substantially symmetrical across the longitudinal axis A1. Alternatively, the left portion of the bladder 114 and the right portion of the bladder 114 may be substantially asymmetrical across the longitudinal axis A1.

[0036] In some cases, the bladder 114 includes a placket opening 132 extending therethrough, which may be configured to provide access to the wearer's external genitalia when the garment 100 is worn. For example, the bladder 114 may include multiple layers of fabric or material, and the placket opening 132 may be provided in the form of, or defined by, a partial overlap of several (e.g., two) panels of fabric making up the bladder 114. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 3 , the bladder 114 may include a first panel 138a (e.g., placket panel 138a) and a second panel 138b (e.g., cover panel 138b) positioned adjacent to the first panel 138a. For example, the first panel 138a may be positioned between the second panel 138b and the wearer's body when the garment 100 is in use. In other cases, the placket opening 132 may be omitted, even in cases where one or both of the first panel 138a and second panel 138b are provided.

[0037] As an additional example, the second panel 138b may overlap at least a portion of the first panel 138a when the garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration. As a further example, the second panel 138b may be disposed on the exterior of the garment 100 when the garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration. In some such cases, the second panel 138b may only partially overlap the first panel 138a, such that a portion of the first panel 138a may be visible when viewing the exterior of the garment 100. In other such cases, the second panel 138b may substantially completely or completely overlap the first panel 138a, such that the entire first panel 138a is disposed on the interior of the garment 100.

[0038] In some cases, the first panel 138a may have a first panel joining edge 111 (e.g., an edge of the first panel 138a positioned proximate the right leg portion 110a) that is at least partially joined to the main body 102 of the garment 100 via the first or right pouch seam 124a. The first panel 138a may also include a first panel separating edge 113 (see, for example, FIG. 8) that is at least partially spaced from the main body 102. In some cases, a portion of the first panel separating edge 113 may be joined to the main body 102. In some cases, the placket opening 132 may not be provided, and substantially the entirety or the entirety of the first panel separating edge 113 may be joined to the main body 102. Similarly, in some cases, the second panel 138b may have a second panel joining edge 115 edge (e.g., an edge of the second panel 138b positioned proximate the left leg portion 110b) that is at least partially joined to the main body 102 of the garment 100 via the second or left pouch seam 124b, and a second panel separating edge 117 that is at least partially spaced from the main body 102. In some cases, a portion of the second panel separating edge 117 may be joined to the main body 102. In some cases, the placket opening 132 may not be provided, and substantially the entirety or the entirety of the second panel separating edge 117 may be joined to the main body 102.

[0039] The bag 114 may include one or more placket joints 119 provided in the form of a portion or area of ​​fabric or stitching configured to reinforce, protect, or otherwise support one or more edges of the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b. For example, in some cases, the second panel 138b may include a second panel placket joint 119b positioned at least partially over and configured to support the second panel separating edge 117 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). Additionally, in some cases, the first panel 138a may include a first panel placket joint 119a positioned at least partially over and configured to support the first panel separating edge 113 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). The second panel placket joint 119b and the first panel placket joint 119a may be provided in substantially the same configuration or may be provided in different configurations. In some cases, the second panel placket joint 119b and / or the first panel placket joint 119a may include natural fabric, synthetic fabric, semi-synthetic fabric, and / or combinations thereof. For example, in certain cases, the placket joints 119a, 119b may be formed from a fabric substantially similar to that of the main body 102. In certain cases, the placket joints 119a, 119b may be provided in the form of a folded seam utilizing a portion of the fabric comprising the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b, respectively. However, in other cases, the placket joints 119a, 119b may be provided in any suitable form and may be formed from any suitable material.

[0040] Because second panel separating edge 117 and first panel separating edge 113 are at least partially separated from main body 102, fly opening 132 can have an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, second panel 138b can at least partially overlap first panel 138a, and both second panel 138b and first panel 138a can cover fly opening 132. Meanwhile, in the open configuration (not shown), first panel separating edge 113 can be moved outward from second panel separating edge 117, such that first panel separating edge 113 and second panel separating edge 117 at least partially define fly opening 132.

[0041] The first panel 138a and the second panel 138b may be made from the same or different materials. In some cases, one or both of the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b may be provided in the form of two or more separate layers of fabric or material. For example, the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b may include at least one moisture-wicking or moisture-absorbing layer and at least one moisture-repellent or moisture-resistant layer, as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 9A . In such cases, the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b may be provided in the form of a “first panel assembly” or “front panel assembly” and a “second panel” or “cover panel assembly,” each including two or more layers of fabric or material. Meanwhile, in other cases, the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b may be provided in the form of a single layer of fabric or material. In still other cases, the front panel opening 132 may be omitted. For example, the bladder 114 may be provided in the form of a single panel (eg, comprising a single layer or multiple layers) of fabric extending between the bladder seams 124a, 124b.

[0042] The bladder 114 may be provided in a variety of shapes depending on the desired aesthetics, comfort, moisture management, and / or other characteristics of the garment 100. For example, when viewed from the front of the garment 100, the bladder 114 may be U-shaped, U-shaped with a flat bottom, tulip-shaped, substantially rectangular, hourglass-shaped, wine-glass-shaped, teardrop-shaped, and / or a virtually infinite number of other suitable shapes. For illustrative purposes, a first bladder 114a (see FIGS. 1, 2, 6C, and 6D) and a second bladder 114b (see FIGS. 3, 4, 6A, and 6B) are shown and described herein. Additionally, the bladder 114 may extend into the lower back torso portion 116b and / or be connected to a gusset 118, which may define the overall shape of the bladder 114. However, it should be understood that the bladder 114 may be provided in different configurations, shaped differently, etc.

[0043] 1, the first bag 114a may be substantially U-shaped when viewed from the front of the garment 100. For example, the first bag 114a may be U-shaped with a substantially flat bottom. In such a case, the bag seams 124a, 124b that define the shape of the first bag 114a may be positioned over at least a portion of the front lower torso portion 116a and at least a portion of the back lower torso portion 116b. Thus, the first bag 114a may be at least partially positioned over each of the front lower torso portion 116a and the back lower torso portion 116b. For example, the bladder seams 124a, 124b may begin at a portion of the waistband 108 located on the front lower torso portion 116a and extend at least partially into the back lower torso portion 116b before terminating at the back seam 122 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, the bladder seams 124a, 124b of the first bladder 114a may extend across most of the back lower torso portion 116b, e.g., in some cases, the bladder seams 124a, 124b may extend to a portion of the waistband 108 located on the back lower torso portion 116b. The width of the first bladder 114a may be approximately constant along a portion or substantially the entire bladder length L2. However, the first bag 114a may be gradually tapered (e.g., have a reduced width) along the longitudinal axis A1 toward the first end 134 of the bag, or the first bag 114a may be given other shapes or dimensions.

[0044] In some cases, it may be advantageous for at least a portion of first bladder 114a (or second bladder 114b) to be positioned on back lower torso portion 116b such that a portion of first bladder 114a is positioned at the bottom of the garment. For example, such an arrangement of first bladder 114a (or second bladder 114b) may position a portion of first bladder 114a below the wearer's genitalia when garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration. In addition, first bladder 114a (or second bladder 114b) may be located in the crotch region of garment 100. In some cases, gravity may cause moisture absorbed, migrated, or otherwise collected by a portion of first bladder 114a to move downward, causing moisture to accumulate in the region of first bladder 114a positioned below the wearer's genitalia. Additionally, extending the first bladder 114a toward the bottom of the garment 100 can also facilitate adsorption, absorption, and / or transfer of moisture not captured by the area of ​​the first bladder 114a positioned above the crotch region. Thus, providing a portion of the first bladder 114a within a lower portion of the garment 100 can facilitate further moisture management such that moisture is prevented or limited from accumulating within the garment 100.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3 , the second bladder 114b may be substantially U-shaped. In such cases, the shape of the second bladder 114b may be defined by a single bladder seam 124 located entirely (or substantially entirely) on the front lower torso portion 116a. The second bladder 114b may be located entirely (or substantially entirely) on the front lower torso portion 116a. The garment of FIG. 3 may also include a back seam 122 (see FIG. 4 ), but the bladder seam 124 of the second bladder 114b may not be connected to the back seam 122. In these cases, the width of the second bladder 114b may be approximately constant along most or substantially the entire bladder length L2. However, the second bladder 114b may gradually taper (e.g., decrease in width) toward the first end 134 of the bladder. Alternatively, the second bladder 114b may be provided in the form of a bullet-shaped or substantially rectangular body (not shown), or may be given any other suitable shape.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the bladder length L2 of the bladder 114, or the ratio between the bladder length L2 of the bladder 114 and the overall length L1 of the garment 100, may vary. While the bladder length L2 is shown in Figure 3 with respect to the second bladder 114b, it should be understood that the following description of the bladder length L2 may equally apply to the first bladder 114a, the second bladder 114b, and / or other forms of the bladder 114. For example, the bladder length L2 may be given a value that is between about 5% of the overall length L1 and about 95% of the overall length L1, although the bladder length L2 may be somewhat less than these values ​​or even greater. For example, the bag length L2 may be given a value that is at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 55%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 65%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or about 95% or less of the total length L1. Alternatively, the bag length L2 may be given a value that is about 5% to about 95% of the total length L1, although the bag length L2 may be somewhat less than these values ​​or even greater. For example, the bag length L2 may be given a value that is at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 15%, or at least 20%, or at least 25%, or at least 30%, or at least 35%, or at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 55%, or at least 60%, or at least 65%, or at least 70%, or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or 95% or less of the total length L1.

[0047] In some cases, the bladder 114 may be positioned substantially entirely or entirely on the front lower torso portion 116a (see FIG. 3). However, as described above with respect to the first bladder 114a in FIG. 1, in other cases, the bladder 114 may extend across at least a portion of the front lower torso portion 116a and the back lower torso portion 116b. In some such cases, the bladder 114 may extend entirely between two opposing locations along the waistband 108 or along the waist seam 120 (e.g., the bladder 114 may extend between a first location along the waistband 108 positioned on the front lower torso portion 116a and a second location along the waistband 108 positioned on the back lower torso portion 116b). Thus, in some cases, the bag length L2 may be given a value that is between about 95% of the total length L1 of the garment 100 and about 200% of the total length L1 of the garment 100, although the bag length L2 may be somewhat less than these values ​​or even greater. For example, the bag length L2 may be at least about 95% of the total length L1, or at least about 100%, or at least about 105%, or at least about 110%, or at least about 115%, or at least about 120%, or at least about 125%, or at least about 130%, or at least about 135%, or at least about 140%, or at least about 145%, or at least about 150%, or at least about 155%, or at least about 160%, or at least about 165%, or at least about 170%, or at least about 175%, or at least about 180%, or at least about 185%, or at least about 190%, or at least about 195%, or 200% or less. Alternatively, the bag length L2 may be about 95% of the total length L1 to about 200% of the total length L1, although the bag length L2 may be somewhat less than these values ​​or even greater.For example, the bag length L2 may be given a value that is at least 95%, or at least 100%, or at least 105%, or at least 110%, or at least 115%, or at least 120%, or at least 125%, or at least 130%, or at least 135%, or at least 140%, or at least 145%, or at least 150%, or at least 155%, or at least 160%, or at least 165%, or at least 170%, or at least 175%, or at least 180%, or at least 185%, or at least 190%, or at least 195%, or 200% or less of the total length L1.

[0048] Additionally, the surface area of ​​the bladder 114 may vary relative to the total surface area of ​​the garment 100 or relative to one or more other portions of the garment 100 (e.g., the main body 102). For example, the garment 100 may be given a first outwardly facing surface area, which may be equal to the total outwardly facing surface area of ​​all portions of the garment 100 when the garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration. The bladder 114 may be given a second outwardly facing surface area, which may be configured to occupy a portion or a percentage of the first outwardly facing surface area. In some cases, the second outwardly facing surface area of ​​the bladder 114 may be given a value that is between about 5% and about 50% of the first outwardly facing surface area of ​​the garment 100, although the second outwardly facing surface area of ​​the bladder 114 may be given a value somewhat less than these values, or even greater. For example, the area of ​​the second outwardly facing surface of the bag 114 may be assigned a value that is at least about 5%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 13%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 18%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 23%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 28%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 33%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 38%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 43%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 48%, or about 50% or less of the area of ​​the first outwardly facing surface of the garment 100. Alternatively, the area of ​​the second outward-facing surface of the bag 114 may be given a value that is 5% to 50% of the area of ​​the first outward-facing surface of the garment 100, although the area of ​​the second outward-facing surface of the bag 114 may be given a value that is somewhat smaller than these values, or even larger.For example, the area of ​​the second outwardly facing surface of the bag 114 may be assigned a value that is at least 5%, or at least 8%, or at least 10%, or at least 13%, or at least 15%, or at least 18%, or at least 20%, or at least 23%, or at least 25%, or at least 28%, or at least 30%, or at least 33%, or at least 35%, or at least 38%, or at least 40%, or at least 43%, or at least 45%, or at least 48%, or 50% or less of the area of ​​the first outwardly facing surface of the garment 100.

[0049] As another example, apparel 100 may be assigned a first wearer-facing surface area, which may be equal to the total wearer-facing surface area of ​​all portions of apparel 100 when apparel 100 is worn in its intended configuration. Bladder 114 may be assigned a second wearer-facing surface area, which may be a portion or a predetermined percentage of the first wearer-facing surface area. The second wearer-facing surface area of ​​bladder 114 may be assigned a value that is about 5% to about 35% of the first wearer-facing surface area of ​​apparel 100, although the second wearer-facing surface area of ​​bladder 114 may be assigned a value somewhat less than these values, or even greater. For example, the area of ​​the surface of bladder 114 facing the second wearer may be assigned a value that is at least about 5%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 13%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 18%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 23%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 28%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 33%, or up to about 35% of the area of ​​the surface of garment 100 facing the first wearer. Alternatively, the area of ​​the surface of bladder 114 facing the second wearer may be assigned a value that is 5%-35% of the area of ​​the surface of garment 100 facing the first wearer, although the area of ​​the surface of bladder 114 facing the second wearer may be assigned a value somewhat less than these values, or even greater. For example, the area of ​​the surface of the bladder 114 facing the second wearer may be given a value that is at least 5%, or at least 8%, or at least 10%, or at least 13%, or at least 15%, or at least 18%, or at least 20%, or at least 23%, or at least 25%, or at least 28%, or at least 30%, or at least 33%, or 35% or less of the area of ​​the surface of the garment 100 facing the first wearer.

[0050] The shape and dimensions of the bag 114, or portions of the bag 114, such as the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b, may vary from those shown and described herein. For example, the bag 114 may be given various polygonal shapes (e.g., a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, etc.), irregular shapes, and / or may be defined by any combination of straight, curved, or zigzag lines (e.g., stitch lines or seams).

[0051] When the garment 100 is worn or in use, the front panel 121 of the bladder 114 (see FIGS. 1 and 3 ) may be adjacent to and / or positioned to support at least a portion of the wearer's male genitalia or external male genitalia. Additionally, the gusset 118 (if provided) may be adjacent to or proximate the wearer's crotch or crotch region and / or the wearer's inner thighs. In various cases, the bladder 114, the gusset 118, and / or other portions of the garment 100 (e.g., portions that are proximate the lower back or inner thigh regions of the wearer's body when the garment 100 is worn) may be provided in the form of a moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking portion or assembly of the garment 100 and may include one or more layers of fabrics or materials designed for moisture management. For example, the bladder 114 may be provided in the form of a moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking bladder 114 including two or more layers of fabrics and / or components, as described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A-14 . In some cases, the bladder 114 may be integrally formed with the main body 102 and / or the gusset 118. However, in other cases, the bladder 114 may be coupled to the main body 102, the gusset 118, and / or other portions of the garment 100 via stitching, adhesive bonding, bonding, tape, etc.

[0052] In some cases, the materials forming each of one or more portions of garment 100, such as main body 102, waistband 108, leg portions 110a, 110b, bladder 114, front and back lower torso portions 116a, 116b, gusset 118, and / or other portions of garment 100, may be provided in substantially the same or different forms. For example, one or more portions or components of garment 100 may be made from any natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic fabric, fiber, or material, including blends thereof. In some cases, one or more portions of garment 100 may include fabrics or materials including cotton, polyester, elastic fabrics (e.g., spandex), other materials or fabrics, or blends thereof. 1-4 , certain portions of the garment 100 (e.g., the main body 102, leg portions 110a, 110b, the pouch 114, the gusset 118, the waistband 108, and / or other portions of the garment 100) may be joined to certain other portions of the garment 100 via stitching, adhesives, bonding, tape, etc. For example, one or more portions of the garment 100 may be joined together via one or more seams (e.g., chain stitch seams, lock stitch seams, overlock seams, and / or other suitable seams).

[0053] 1, in some cases, a waist seam 120 may be provided to join at least a portion of the waistband 108 to at least a portion of the main body 102 (e.g., the front lower torso portion 116a and / or the back lower torso portion 116b) and / or at least a portion of the bladder 114. Generally, the bladder 114 may be positioned on or in the front lower torso portion 116a and may be joined to at least a portion of the main body 102 (e.g., to the front lower torso portion 116a, the leg portions 110a, 110b, or other portions of the garment 100) via one or more bladder seams 124. For example, the garment 100 may include a right bladder seam 124a located adjacent the right leg portion 110a and a left bladder seam 124b located adjacent the left leg portion 110b, and the bladder seams 124a, 124b may connect the bladder 114 to adjacent portions of the main body 102. In such cases, the bladder seams 124a, 124b may be provided as separate, independent seams, while in other cases, the bladder seam 124 may be provided in the form of a single, continuous seam. For example, in certain cases, the bladder 114 may be substantially U-shaped and connected to the main body 102 via the single, continuous bladder seam 124, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0054] In some cases, the bladder seams 124a, 124b may join one or more of the fabric layers of the bladder 114 together. Additionally or alternatively, the bladder seams 124a, 124b may join the bladder 114 to the main body 102 (e.g., to the front lower torso portion 116a, the back lower torso portion 116b, the gusset 118, and / or the leg portions 110a, 110b). For example, the bladder 114 may be joined to the leg portions 110a, 110b via the right bladder seam 124a and the left bladder seam 124b, respectively. The bladder seams 124a, 124b may be provided as any type of suitable seam known in the art. In other cases, a first pouch seam 124 may be used to join layers of the pouch 114 together, and a second pouch seam 124 may be used to join the pouch 114 to at least a portion of the main body 102, such as, for example, the front lower torso portion 116a and / or the leg portions 110a, 110b. In other examples, the layers of the pouch 114 may be joined by bonding, gluing, etc., and the pouch 114 may be joined to at least a portion of the main body 102 (e.g., the front lower torso portion 116a and / or the leg portions 110a, 110b) via a single continuous pouch seam 124.

[0055] Because stitching on the wearer-facing surface of the bladder 114 may contact the wearer's skin, the exact location and arrangement of the bladder seams 124a, 124b can affect the comfort of the garment 100. Locating the bladder seams 124a, 124b around the periphery of the bladder 114 can help improve in-garment comfort by reducing contact of the bladder seams 124a, 124b with the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the bladder seams 124a, 124b may be provided in other locations and arrangements in addition to those described herein. In certain cases, the bladder 114 may include one or more additional seams or features (e.g., designed to provide support to the wearer, impart desired structural properties to the bladder 114 or garment 100, etc.). For example, in some cases, the bladder 114 may include a central bladder seam (not shown) that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis A1 and extends at least partially between the bladder first end 134 and the bladder second end 136. Further, in certain cases, the bladder 114 may include a dart (not shown). For example, the dart may be located proximate the bladder first end 134 and may be positioned in a substantially central location relative to the bladder 114 (e.g., proximate the longitudinal axis A1). In further cases, the bladder 114 may include further additional components or features, or one or more of the aforementioned components or features may be omitted.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3 , in some cases, at least a portion of the second bladder 114b may be connected to at least a portion of the gusset 118 via a bladder seam 124. Additionally, at least a portion of the gusset 118 may be connected to at least a portion of the main body 102 (e.g., one or both of the front lower torso portion 116a and the back lower torso portion 116b) and / or at least a portion of the leg portions 110a, 110b via one or more back seams 122. For example, in some cases, the bladder seam 124 of the second bladder 114b may be at least partially connected to or may contact the back seam 122. In some cases, the gusset 118 may form at least a portion of each of the leg portions 110a, 110b, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . However, in other cases, the gusset 118 may be omitted (see, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2 ).

[0057] In certain cases, the garment 100 may include a back panel 126 that may be disposed over or within the back lower torso portion 116b. In some cases, the back panel 126 may be substantially U-shaped, while in other cases, the back panel 126 may be imparted any suitable shape. The back panel 126 may be joined to the main body 102 (e.g., to the back lower torso portion 116b and / or the leg portions 110a, 110b) via one or more back panel seams 128, such as left back panel seam 128a and right back panel seam 128b, as shown in FIG. 2 . In some examples, the back panel 126 may also be joined to the gusset 118 via the back seam 122 and / or via the back panel seams 128a, 128b. As shown in FIG. 2, in some cases, the back panel seams 128a, 128b may be curved to some degree and may extend at least partially between the waistband 108 (or waist seam 120) and the back seam 122 and / or the bladder seams 124a, 124b. However, in other cases, the back panel 126 may be substantially rectangular. In such cases, the back panel seams 128a, 128b may be substantially linear and may extend at least partially between the waistband 108 (or waist seam 120) and the leg portion hem seams 130a, 130b (or the distal ends of the leg portions 110a, 110b). In further cases, the back panel 126 may be omitted (see, for example, FIG. 4).

[0058] In certain cases, the back panel 126 may be provided with moisture management properties such that the back panel 126 is substantially similar in one or more respects to the bag 114. For example, the back panel 126 may include a fabric layer or assembly of fabric layers that is substantially similar to the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b. In such cases, the back panel 126 may be provided with a different shape, different dimensions, and / or other different properties compared to the bag 114.

[0059] In other cases, garment 100 may be constructed in a seamless or partially seamless configuration (e.g., via circular knitting) and / or in a tubular structure. In further cases, one or more of the aforementioned seams may be repositioned, combined with one or more other seams, continuous with one or more other seams, or omitted from garment 100. The garment 100 may include right and left leg portion hem seams 130a, 130b disposed proximate or adjacent to the leg openings 112a, 112b of the leg portions 110a, 110b, respectively. Additionally, the leg portion hem seams 130a, 130b may extend around at least a portion of the periphery of each of the leg openings 112a, 112b.

[0060] Thus, garment 100 may include one or more seams, including, but not limited to, waist seam 120, back seam 122, pouch seams 124a, 124b, back panel seams 128a, 128b, leg hem seams 130a, 130b, and / or other seams not specifically described herein. Any one or more of the foregoing seams may be provided in the form of a three-thread overlock seam, a chain stitch seam, or any other suitable form of seam. In some cases, one or more seams of garment 100 shown as separate or independent may instead be provided in the form of a continuous seam. For example, in some cases, the garment 100 includes a right pouch seam 124a and a left pouch seam 124b (see FIG. 1), while in other cases, the garment 100 includes a single pouch seam 124 extending along a portion or substantially the entire outer edge of the pouch 114 (see FIG. 3).

[0061] In some cases, one or more of the bladder seams 124a, 124b, the back panel seams 128a, 128b, and the back seam 122 may be substantially similar and / or substantially symmetrical across the longitudinal axis A1. The bladder 114 may also be substantially symmetrical across the longitudinal axis A1. Additionally, in some cases, the longitudinal axis A1 may divide the waist seam 120 into two substantially similar and / or symmetrical portions or halves across the longitudinal axis A1. In some cases, the materials forming one or more portions of the garment 100, such as the main body 102, the leg portions 110a, 110b, the bladder 114, the gusset 118, the waistband 108, and / or other portions of the garment 100, may be separate and distinct from one another and may be joined via stitching, adhesives, bonding, tape, etc. Such an approach can provide the designer with greater flexibility in selecting materials for each of the main body 102 (e.g., the front lower torso portion 116a and / or the back lower torso portion 116b), leg portions 110a, 110b, bladder 114, gusset 118, and waistband 108 with respect to look, feel, weight, breathability, elongation, stretch properties, and cost. Alternatively, the material forming one or more of the main body 102 (e.g., the front lower torso portion 116a and the back lower torso portion 116b), leg portions 110a, 110b, bladder 114, and gusset 118 may be continuous with the material forming the waistband 108, thereby providing a garment having a substantially unitary construction.

[0062] In some cases, one or more seams of the garment 100 (e.g., the bladder seams 124a, 124b) may be provided in the form of a mock safety stitch created using a 12-gauge sewing machine. Additionally, the bladder seams 124a, 124b and / or other seams of the garment 100 may be provided with moisture management properties. For example, in some cases, the bladder seams 124a, 124b may utilize needle threads and looper threads made from any natural, synthetic, or natural-synthetic blend material. For example, the needle thread may be provided in the form of a processed, lubricated polyester yarn (e.g., T18 Txt Poly yarn). In certain cases, the lubricated polyester yarn may be created through the application of a lubricant coating (e.g., a silicone coating, a wax coating, a silicone and wax combination coating), heat treatment, lubricant impregnation, etc. The looper yarn may be provided in the form of a processed polyester yarn (e.g., T18 Txt Poly yarn) that has been provided with moisture-wicking properties. In certain cases, the looper yarn may be imparted with moisture-wicking properties via hydrophobic coatings, fiber modifications, specialty pigments or finishes, etc. Alternatively, the seams of garment 100, including bladder seams 124a, 124b, may be provided in any suitable form and may be formed from yarns comprising any suitable material and having other beneficial properties imparted thereto.

[0063] The garment 100 may comprise any suitable natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic material or fabric, including blends or combinations of multiple materials or fabrics. In some cases, the body 102 and / or other portions of the garment 100 may be formed from several different materials and fabrics, such as elastomeric or stretch knit fabrics. Such fabrics may be made, for example, from various combinations of cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, viscose, modal, lyocell, and / or rayon fiber yarns to provide softness, comfort, and desired stretch characteristics. The fabrics may be knitted in various knit types, such as jersey, rib, mesh, and / or other netting weaves and structures.

[0064] For example, the main body 102 (or other portions of the garment 100) may be formed, at least in part, from a fabric containing an elastic material, such as spandex (or at least 1% elastic material), in an amount of at least about 1%, although the main body 102 may also be formed, at least in part, from a fabric containing somewhat less elastic material than the above amount. For example, the main body 102 may be formed, at least in part, from a fabric containing at least 5% elastic material to provide flexibility to the fabric and comfort to the wearer. In some embodiments, the fabric is a knitted fabric with mechanical stretch to provide an element of elasticity to the fabric. Mechanical stretch can be defined as a knitted structure of the fabric that creates extra give through knit gauge, texture (e.g., rib structure), or both. For example, a fabric knit with a fine rib pattern can provide mechanical stretch to the fabric, and therefore to the garment 100 or wearer.

[0065] In some cases, one or more portions of the garment 100 (e.g., the main body 102, the waistband 108, the leg portions 110a, 110b, the gusset 118, the back panel 126, and / or other portions of the garment 100) may be constructed from a fabric or material including cotton, polyester, and an elastic material (e.g., spandex, silicone, neoprene, etc.), although the garment 100 may also include other materials. As one non-limiting example, one or more portions of the garment 100 may include a fabric or material including about 20% to about 75% cotton, about 20% to about 75% polyester, and about 0.1% to about 10% elastic material (e.g., spandex). Alternatively, one or more portions of the garment 100 may include a fabric or material including 20% ​​to 75% cotton, 20% to 75% polyester, and 0.1% to 10% elastic material (e.g., spandex). As a second non-limiting example, one or more portions of the garment 100 may comprise a fabric or material including about 35% to about 65% cotton, about 25% to about 45% polyester, and about 1% to about 7% elastic material (e.g., spandex). Alternatively, one or more portions of the garment 100 may comprise a fabric or material including 35% to 65% cotton, 25% to 45% polyester, and 1% to 7% elastic material (e.g., spandex). As a third non-limiting example, one or more portions of the garment 100 may comprise a fabric or material including about 50% to about 98% polyester and about 0.1% to about 15% elastic material (e.g., spandex), but which may not include cotton. Alternatively, one or more portions of the garment 100 may comprise a fabric or material including 50% to 98% polyester and 0.1% to 15% elastic material (e.g., spandex), but which may not include cotton. However, in other cases, the fabric or material forming portions of the garment 100 may be formed from somewhat more or less cotton, polyester, elastic, and / or other materials than those values.

[0066] In some cases, one or more portions of the garment 100 (e.g., the main body 102, the waistband 108, the leg portions 110a, 110b, the gusset 118, the back panel 126, and / or other portions of the garment 100) may be constructed from a fabric or material that includes at least about 20% cotton. For example, one or more portions of the garment 100 may include at least about 20% cotton, or at least about 25% cotton, or at least about 30% cotton, or at least about 35% cotton, or at least about 40% cotton, or at least about 45% cotton, or at least about 50% cotton, or at least about 55% cotton, or at least about 60% cotton, or at least about 65% cotton, or at least about 70% cotton, or at least about 75% cotton, or at least about 80% cotton, or at least about 85% cotton, or at least about 90% cotton, or at least about 95% cotton, or up to about 100% cotton. Alternatively, one or more portions of the garment 100 may be constructed from a fabric or material that includes at least 20% cotton. For example, one or more portions of the garment 100 may include at least 20% cotton, or at least 25% cotton, or at least 30% cotton, or at least 35% cotton, or at least 40% cotton, or at least 45% cotton, or at least 50% cotton, or at least 55% cotton, or at least 60% cotton, or at least 65% cotton, or at least 70% cotton, or at least 75% cotton, or at least 80% cotton, or at least 85% cotton, or at least 90% cotton, or at least 95% cotton, or up to 100% cotton. However, in other cases, one or more portions of the garment may include a fabric or material having somewhat less cotton than the values ​​recited above.

[0067] In some cases, one or more portions of the garment 100 (e.g., the main body 102, the waistband 108, the leg portions 110a, 110b, the gusset 118, the back panel 126, and / or other portions of the garment 100) may be constructed from a fabric or material that includes at least about 20% polyester. For example, one or more portions of the garment 100 may include at least about 20% polyester, or at least about 25% polyester, or at least about 30% polyester, or at least about 35% polyester, or at least about 40% polyester, or at least about 45% polyester, or at least about 50% polyester, or at least about 55% polyester, or at least about 60% polyester, or at least about 65% polyester, or at least about 70% polyester, or at least about 75% polyester, or at least about 80% polyester, or at least about 85% polyester, or at least about 90% polyester, or at least about 95% polyester, or up to about 100% polyester. Alternatively, one or more portions of garment 100 may be constructed from a fabric or material that includes at least 20% polyester. For example, one or more portions of garment 100 may include at least 20% polyester, or at least 25% polyester, or at least 30% polyester, or at least 35% polyester, or at least 40% polyester, or at least 45% polyester, or at least 50% polyester, or at least 55% polyester, or at least 60% polyester, or at least 65% polyester, or at least 70% polyester, or at least 75% polyester, or at least 80% polyester, or at least 85% polyester, or at least 90% polyester, or at least 95% polyester, or up to 100% polyester. However, in other cases, one or more portions of garment 100 may include a fabric or material having somewhat less polyester than the values ​​recited above.

[0068] In some cases, one or more portions of the garment 100 (e.g., the main body 102, the waistband 108, the leg portions 110a, 110b, the gusset 118, the back panel 126, and / or other portions of the garment 100) may be composed of a fabric or material that includes up to about 15% elastic material, such as spandex, silicone, neoprene, etc. For example, one or more portions of the garment 100 may include up to about 1% elastic material, or up to about 2% elastic material, or up to about 3% elastic material, or up to about 4% elastic material, or up to about 5% elastic material, or up to about 6% elastic material, or up to about 7% elastic material, or up to about 8% elastic material, or up to about 9% elastic material, or up to about 10% elastic material, or up to about 11% elastic material, or up to about 12% elastic material, or up to about 13% elastic material, or up to about 14% elastic material, or up to about 15% elastic material. Alternatively, one or more portions of garment 100 may be constructed from fabrics or materials that include up to 15% elastic material. For example, one or more portions of garment 100 may include up to 1% elastic material, or up to 2% elastic material, or up to 3% elastic material, or up to 4% elastic material, or up to 5% elastic material, or up to 6% elastic material, or up to 7% elastic material, or up to 8% elastic material, or up to 9% elastic material, or up to 10% elastic material, or up to 11% elastic material, or up to 12% elastic material, or up to 13% elastic material, or up to 14% elastic material, or up to 15% elastic material. However, in other cases, one or more portions of garment 100 may include fabrics or materials that include somewhat more elastic material than the values ​​recited above.

[0069] Additionally, in some cases, one or more portions of the garment 100 (e.g., the main body 102, leg portions 110a, 110b, bladder 114, gusset 118, waistband 108, and / or other portions of the garment 100) may be constructed, at least in part, from fabrics or materials imparted with temperature regulation, moisture wicking, and / or odor control properties. For example, the fabric may be mechanically constructed to facilitate the transfer of moisture, vapor, or liquids through the fabric. In some cases, one or more portions of the garment 100 may have topical, chemical, and / or other treatments applied to impart properties such as moisture wicking, vapor transfer, odor control, and / or other beneficial properties to the portions of the garment 100. Additionally or alternatively, the fabric may be treated with or impregnated with an antimicrobial substance (e.g., silver) to impart odor control properties to the fabric. In some cases, one or more of the main body 102, leg portions 110a, 110b, front panel 121 or bladder 114, gusset 118, and waistband 108 may be constructed from different fabrics imparted with different properties that individually and / or collectively provide moisture management and in-garment comfort benefits.

[0070] 7 and 8 , bladder 114 (or one or more portions or layers thereof) can be configured to absorb moisture, adsorb moisture, wick moisture, transfer moisture outwardly from the wearer's skin, and / or inhibit moisture from contacting or soiling the outward-facing surfaces of garment 100. Additionally, bladder 114 may be designed to improve in-garment comfort, for example, by reducing the thickness and / or footprint or surface area of ​​bladder 114 (e.g., compared to an underwear-like diaper or incontinence product). Further, bladder 114 may include multiple layers, and in some cases, the layers of bladder 114 may have substantially the same dimensions (e.g., length and width), which may be referred to as "coextensive." Alternatively, one or more of the layers may be longer and / or wider than the other layers (i.e., the dimensions of at least one of the one or more layers may differ from the other layers of the one or more layers) or may differ from the other layers in one or more aspects. For example, the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b may be substantially coextensive, but may differ somewhat in shape and / or size (e.g., due to an at least partially separated left edge of the second panel 138b).

[0071] 7, the bag 114 may include multiple separate panels or layers of fabric or material. For example, the bag 114 may be provided in the form of a first panel 138a and a second panel 138b, and in some cases, the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b may each include one or more layers and / or sub-layers of fabric or material. However, in other cases, the bag 114 may consist of a single panel or layer of fabric, or may include three or more panels or layers of fabric.

[0072] In some cases, the bag 114 may be provided with a substantially V-shaped configuration including rounded legs 125 that terminate at or near the bag first end 134. However, in other cases, the bag panels 114 may be provided with other shapes or configurations. In some cases, the width of the bag 114 may vary (e.g., tapered or varying) along at least a portion of the bag length L2 (see FIG. 3). For example, a midpoint 127 of the bag length L2 of the bag 114 may be located along the bag length L2 between the bag first end 134 and the bag second end 136. In some cases, the midpoint 127 may be located approximately halfway between the bag first end 134 and the bag second end 136, while in other cases, the midpoint 127 may be located closer to either the bag first end 134 or the bag second end 136. In certain cases, for example, midpoint 127 may correspond to the maximum or very widest portion of bag 114, and the width of bag 114 may taper (e.g., decrease) between midpoint 127 and a first end 134 of the bag and between midpoint 127 and a second end 136 of the bag.

[0073] For example, the bag 114 may be defined by a first width W1 located at or near the bag's second end 136 and a second width W2 located at or near the midpoint 127. The second width W2 may be greater than the first width W1. For example, the second width W2 may correspond to the maximum width of the bag 114. In such cases, the width of the bag 114 may increase continuously between the first width W1 and the second width W2 along the bag length L2. Alternatively, the width of the bag 114 may increase discontinuously between the first width W1 and the second width W2 along the bag length L2 (e.g., the rate of change of the width of the bag 114 may vary). However, in other cases, the first width W1 and the second width W2 may be substantially the same, and the width of the bag 114 between the midpoint 127 and the bag's second end 136 may be substantially constant, or the first width W1 may be somewhat greater than the second width W2. In further cases, the bag 114 may be substantially rectangular in shape, and the width of the bag 114 may be substantially constant along all (or most) of the bag length L2.

[0074] The bag 114 may also be defined by a third width W3 located between the midpoint 127 and the first end 134 of the bag. In some cases, the third width W3 may be smaller than the second width W2. For example, in some cases, the third width W3 may be substantially equal to the first width W1, while in other cases, the third width W3 may be greater than or less than the first width W1. In addition, the width of the bag 114 may vary between the second width W2 and the third width W3 along the bag length L2. For example, the width of the bag 114 may decrease continuously or discontinuously between the second width W2 and the third width W3 along the bag length L2 (e.g., the rate of change of the width of the bag 114 between the second width W2 and the third width W3 may be substantially constant or may vary).

[0075] The bag 114 may further be defined by a fourth width W4 located between the third width W3 and the first end 134 of the bag. The fourth width W4 may be smaller than the first width W1, the second width W2, and / or the third width W3. Alternatively, the fourth width W4 may be substantially equal to the first width W1, the second width W2, and / or the third width W3. In other cases, the fourth width W4 may be greater than the first width W1, the second width W2, and / or the third width W3. Additionally, the width of the bag 114 may vary between the third width W3 and the fourth width W4 along the bag length L2. For example, the width of the bag 114 may decrease continuously or discontinuously between the third width W3 and the fourth width W4 along the bag length L2 (e.g., the rate of change of the width of the bag 114 between the third width W3 and the fourth width W4 may be substantially constant or may vary). In further cases, the width of the bag 114 may be substantially constant along the bag length L2, such that the first width W1, the second width W2, the third width W3, and the fourth width W4 are substantially equal to one another, or the bag 114 may be given any other suitable shape or configuration.

[0076] While Figure 7 illustrates the outward-facing surface 144 of the garment 100 or bladder 114 (e.g., the surface that is visible when the garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration), Figure 8 illustrates the associated wearer-facing surface 146 of the garment 100 or bladder 114. The outward-facing surface 144 may be substantially flat and untextured, while in some cases the wearer-facing surface 146 may be endowed with a texture, material, surface treatment, or other property designed to facilitate moisture transport and / or removal. For example, the wearer-facing surface 146 may, in some cases, include a plurality of pores 151 or other features designed to facilitate moisture absorption, adsorption, and / or transport, as described in further detail below with reference to Figure 10A.

[0077] 9A and 9B, the bag 114 may be provided in the form of a "bag assembly" including one or more layers of fabric or material (e.g., one or more separate layers of fabric or material, one or more sub-layers of fabric or material comprising one or more layers of fabric or material). Additionally or alternatively, the bag 114 may be provided as a "moisture-wicking zone" or "moisture-wicking zone" including at least two separate layers of fabric or material (e.g., at least two layers, at least three layers, at least four layers, etc.), such as at least one moisture-wicking or moisture-absorbing fabric layer and at least one moisture-resistant, water-resistant, moisture-impermeable, or water-impermeable fabric layer. In some such cases, the bag 114 (or a fabric panel including the bag 114) may include a first moisture-wicking layer, a second water-resistant layer, and any number of additional fabric layers positioned between or on either side of the first and second layers. The additional fabric layer may be adapted to absorb, adsorb, wick, or transfer moisture outwardly from the wearer's body.

[0078] The bag assembly or bag 114 may include a first panel 138a and a second panel 138b (e.g., the bag 114 may be comprised of the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b). Additionally, the following description accompanying FIGS. 9A-13 may be equally applicable to the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b. For example, the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b may, in some cases, be provided in a substantially similar configuration or may be substantially similar to one another in one or more aspects. However, in certain cases, the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b may be provided in different configurations. For example, the first panel 138a may be provided in the configuration discussed with reference to FIG. 12, while the second panel 138b may be provided in the configuration discussed with reference to FIG. 11. In some cases, first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b may be provided in the form of a moisture-wicking or moisture-adsorbing layer, or may be provided in the form of a moisture-resistant, water-resistant, urine-resistant, moisture-impermeable, or water-impermeable layer. Additionally, bladder 114 (e.g., first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b) may be adapted to facilitate moisture absorption, moisture adsorption, or moisture wicking and transfer away from the wearer's body.

[0079] In some cases, the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b may each be provided in the form of a single layer of fabric or material. However, in other cases, one or both of the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b may include two or more layers of fabric or material that together make up the first panel 138a or the second panel 138b, as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 9A. For example, the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b may include at least two layers, at least three layers, at least four layers, or any other number of layers of fabric or material.

[0080] It should be understood that in some cases, any moisture-resistant, water-resistant, moisture-impermeable, or water-impermeable layer provided within bladder 114 may allow water vapor or other gases to penetrate through the layer, thereby allowing moisture to disperse out of garment 100, while also partially, substantially completely, or completely preventing liquid migration through the layer. In other cases, any moisture-resistant or water-resistant layer provided within bladder 114 may facilitate liquid migration across and / or through the layer, thereby distributing the liquid over a larger surface area and / or volume, which may facilitate evaporation of the liquid and help prevent the wearer from perceiving the layer as "wet."

[0081] 9A and 9B schematically represent how moisture may be introduced into bladder 114 (e.g., into first panel 138a, second panel 138b, and / or other portions of bladder 114) when garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration. For example, when a wearer of garment 100 sweats, moisture may migrate outward from the wearer's body and contact first bladder layer 140 before being provided to second bladder layer 142 and / or other fabric layers provided within bladder 114. However, in other embodiments, the fabric layers of bladder 114 or the fabric layers of first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b may be arranged in configurations different from those described herein. The composition of the fabric layers of bladder 114, the arrangement of the fabric layers within the configuration of bladder 114, the location of bladder 114 relative to garment 100, and / or other aspects of bladder 114 may be selected to optimize moisture management. Additionally or alternatively, the composition of the fabric layers of bladder 114, the arrangement of the fabric layers within the configuration of bladder 114, and other aspects of bladder 114 may be selected to optimize in-garment comfort. For example, using fabric layers comprising polyester, nylon, or similar synthetic materials may enable the construction of bladder 114 that is thinner and lighter than, for example, diapers or incontinence products such as underwear.

[0082] The first panel 138a, the second panel 138b, and / or other portions of the bag 114 may be provided in the form of fabrics and / or materials selected to improve moisture absorption, moisture adsorption, moisture wicking, moisture transport, and / or other moisture management related properties, such as odor control, antimicrobial properties, or other properties. For example, the inclusion of certain fabrics and materials within the bag 114, such as cotton, bamboo, wool, linen, hemp, silver, etc., can impart increased odor control and / or antimicrobial properties to the bag 114.

[0083] Additionally, one or more portions of the bag 114 (e.g., the first panel 138a, the second panel 138b, and / or other portions of the bag 114) may include a fabric including hydrophobic yarns or materials, hydrophilic yarns or materials, or a combination thereof. Generally, hydrophilic yarns and fibers, such as cotton yarns and fibers, absorb water, while hydrophobic yarns and fibers, such as polyester yarns and fibers, repel water. The yarns and fibers of the bag 114 may also be chemically treated or modified (e.g., laminated or treated with a durable water-resistant agent) to increase or decrease the hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the fibers and / or to provide the bag 114 with other moisture management benefits, such as odor control (e.g., via an antimicrobial agent such as silver). The bag 114 or one or more portions of the first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b may include a fabric having one or more laminate surfaces (e.g., a hydrophobic film, such as a thermoplastic film). One or more portions of the bladder 114 may include fabric that has been treated or impregnated with an agent that provides odor control, stain removal or prevention, moisture repellency, hygiene, wicking, softness, and / or moisture absorption. In some cases, the agent may be selected to increase the wicking distance and / or wicking rate of the bladder 114 (or a portion thereof). The agent may generally be provided in the form of a gel, liquid, powder, or any other form that can be applied to the fabric by any number of well-known methods, such as stuffing, evacuating, heating, applying pressure, etc.

[0084] 9A shows a first exemplary structure of the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b. As shown, in some cases, the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b may be provided in the form of two layers including a first fabric layer or first bladder layer 140 and a second fabric layer or second bladder layer 142 positioned adjacent to the first bladder layer 140. The first bladder layer 140 may be provided in the form of a moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking layer facing the wearer. In other words, the first bladder layer 140 may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the wearer's body when the garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration and may be designed to facilitate the wicking or transfer of moisture away from the wearer's body. The second bladder layer 142 may be positioned opposite the wearer's body from the first bladder layer 140 and may be provided in the form of a water-resistant or moisture-resistant layer. For example, the second bag layer 142 may be formed from a water-resistant or at least partially hydrophobic material, may be laminated with a hydrophobic film, and / or may be treated with a hydrophobic agent or substance to impart hydrophobic properties to the second bag layer 142.

[0085] First bladder layer 140 and second bladder layer 142 may each be provided in the form of a single layer of fabric or material, or each may include two or more separate or independent sub-layers of fabric. For example, first bladder layer 140 may include first wearer-facing sub-layer 150 and first outward-facing sub-layer 152, and second bladder layer 142 may include second wearer-facing sub-layer 154 and second outward-facing sub-layer 156. In some cases, the first wearer-facing sublayer 150 may constitute the technical front surface of the first bladder layer 140, the first outward-facing sublayer 152 may constitute the technical back surface of the first bladder layer 140 (e.g., the first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and the first outward-facing sublayer 152 may be provided as a composite layer of fabric or material that forms the first bladder layer 140), the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 may constitute the technical back surface of the second bladder layer 142, and the second outward-facing sublayer 156 may constitute the technical front surface of the second bladder layer 142 (e.g., the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and the second outward-facing sublayer 156 may be provided as a composite layer of fabric or material that forms the second bladder layer 142). However, in other cases, sub-layers 150, 152, 154, 156 may each be provided in the form of a separate or independent layer of fabric or material, which may each include its own technical front and back surfaces.

[0086] In some cases, the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 may be arranged in opposite orientations relative to one another, such that the first outward-facing sublayer 152 (e.g., the technical back of the first bladder layer 140) is adjacent to or in contact with the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 (e.g., the technical back of the second bladder layer 142). In such cases, the first wearer-facing sublayer 150 of the first bladder layer 140 may constitute the wearer-facing surface 146 of the bladder 114 (see FIG. 7), and the second outward-facing sublayer 156 of the second bladder layer 142 may constitute the outward-facing surface 144 of the bladder 114 (see FIG. 8). In other cases, the first bag layer 140, the second bag layer 142, and / or additional layers or portions of the bag 114 may be arranged in any suitable configuration, and any surface of any layer of the bag 114 may be provided as an outward-facing surface 144 or a wearer-facing surface 146.

[0087] In some cases, the second bladder layer 142 may comprise a jersey knit fabric constructed from cotton yarns, where the cotton yarns include up to about 100% cotton fibers (or up to 100% cotton fibers). In some cases, the second bladder layer 142 may comprise up to about 100% synthetic fibers or fabrics. In other cases, the second bladder layer 142 may comprise a blend of synthetic fabrics, such as, for example, a polyester-spandex blend. In further cases, the second bladder layer 142 may comprise a blend of natural and synthetic fabrics, such as, for example, a cotton, polyester, and spandex blend. In other cases, the second bladder layer 142 may also comprise a ribbed, interlocked, or jacquard-woven fabric of natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic fabrics (including blends thereof). In some cases, the second bladder layer 142 has substantially the same composition as that of other portions of the garment 100 (e.g., the main body 102).

[0088] 9B illustrates a second construction of first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b that includes at least one additional layer of fabric or material. For clarity, sublayers of first bladder layer 140 and second bladder layer 142 (and / or a third fabric layer or sublayer of third bladder layer 141) are not shown in FIG. 9B. As shown, in some cases, first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b may include first bladder layer 140, second bladder layer 142, and third bladder layer 141 positioned between first bladder layer 140 and second bladder layer 142. In some cases, third bladder layer 141 may be substantially similar to first bladder layer 140 and may be configured to facilitate wicking or movement of moisture outward from the wearer's body. However, in other cases, the third bladder layer 141 may be substantially similar to the second bladder layer 142 or may be provided in a different configuration compared to the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142. As shown in FIG. 9B, the first bladder layer 140, the second bladder layer 142, and the third bladder layer 141 may consist of a single layer of fabric or material, although in other cases, the first bladder layer 140, the second bladder layer 142, and / or the third bladder layer 141 may include two or more sub-layers as described above with respect to FIG. 9A.

[0089] In some cases where first bladder layer 140, second bladder layer 142, and third bladder layer 141 are provided in the form of a single layer of fabric or material, each layer of bladder 114 may include a technical front surface and a technical back surface. For example, first bladder layer 140 may include a technical front surface 140a and a technical back surface 140b, second bladder layer 142 may include a technical front surface 142a and a technical back surface 142b, and third bladder layer 141 may include a technical front surface 141a and a technical back surface 141b. In some cases, first bladder layer 140 and third bladder layer 141 may be provided in a first orientation, and second bladder layer 142 may be provided in a second orientation opposite the first orientation. For example, the technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 and the technical front surface 141a of the third bladder layer 141 may face a first direction (e.g., toward the wearer when the garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration), while the technical front surface 142a of the second bladder layer 142 may face a second direction (e.g., a direction facing outward toward the wearer when the garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration). In other words, the technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 may be adjacent to the technical front surface 141a of the third bladder layer 141, and the technical back surface 141b of the third bladder layer 141 may be adjacent to the technical back surface 142b of the second bladder layer 142. However, in other cases, the first bag layer 140, the second bag layer 142, the third bag layer 141, and / or additional layers or portions of the bag 114 may be provided in any suitable orientation relative to each other.

[0090] 9A and 9B, first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b (e.g., first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b of first bag 114a, second bag 114b, and / or any other bag 114 described herein) may be provided in other forms not specifically described herein. For example, one or both of first panel 138a and second panel 138b may include any number of fabric layers in addition to or in place of first bag layer 140, second bag layer 142, and third bag layer 141 described above, and the layers of first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b may be provided in any suitable form (e.g., formed from any suitable material). For example, first bladder layer 140, second bladder layer 142, and / or third bladder layer 141 may each comprise nylon, wool, bamboo, modal fabric, mesh, and / or any other natural or synthetic fiber or material.

[0091] 10A and 10B show opposite surfaces of first bladder layer 140. For example, Fig. 10A shows a portion of technical front surface 140a of first bladder layer 140 (e.g., a portion of first wearer-facing sublayer 150 as viewed from the interior of garment 100 when garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration), and Fig. 10B shows a portion of technical back surface 140b of first bladder layer 140 (e.g., a portion of first outward-facing sublayer 152 as viewed from the exterior of garment 100 when garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration and first bladder layer 140 is exposed). The technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 (or first wearer-facing sublayer 150) may be imparted with a first texture, and the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140 (or first outward-facing sublayer 152) may be imparted with a second texture. In some cases, the first texture and the second texture may be substantially similar, while in other cases, the first texture and the second texture may be different.

[0092] For example, the first texture of the technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 may include one or more features configured to facilitate moisture absorption, adsorption, and / or transport, such as one or more pores 151. Thus, in some cases, the technical front surface 140a may be provided in the form of an absorbent mesh and / or an adsorbent mesh. In some cases, the technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 may include a plurality of pores 151 positioned thereon in a standardized pattern (e.g., a grid pattern, rows and columns, etc.), although the pores 151 need not be provided in a pattern.

[0093] In the example of FIG. 10A , the pores 151 may be substantially circular or oval in shape. However, in other cases, the pores may be provided with other shapes, for example, the pores 151 may be provided with triangular, polygonal, rectangular, or other shapes. Additionally, the pores 151 may be provided with any suitable size to facilitate moisture management. For example, in some cases, the pores 151 may be provided in the form of nanometer-scale pores 151 (e.g., less than 1 micrometer in width or diameter) or macroscopic pores 151 (e.g., greater than 1 millimeter in width or diameter), or any other suitable size, including sizes between the nanometer and macroscopic scales referred to herein. The pores 151 are not drawn to scale in the drawings and may be provided with any suitable size, and the pores 151 may be imperceptible to the human eye.

[0094] Furthermore, in certain cases, the porosity of the technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 (e.g., the number of pores 151 within a given surface area and / or the size of the pores 151) may be adjusted to provide desired moisture management characteristics. For example, the porosity of the first texture may be adjusted by modifying one or more characteristics of the pores 151 or other features of the technical front surface 140a. Such adjustment may include, but is not limited to, adjusting the ratio between the portion of the technical front surface 140a occupied by the pores 151 and the remainder of the technical front surface 140a. For example, in some cases, the ratio of a first surface area corresponding to the voids 157 of the technical front surface 140a (e.g., a portion of the surface area of ​​the technical front surface 140a not including the pores 151) to a second surface area corresponding to the total surface area (or substantially all of the surface area) may be assigned a value of up to about 50%. For example, the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area of ​​the voids 157 on the technical front surface 140a may be assigned a value of up to about 5%, or up to about 10%, or up to about 15%, or up to about 20%, or up to about 25%, or up to about 30%, or up to about 35%, or up to about 40%, or up to about 45%, or up to about 50%. Alternatively, the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area of ​​the voids 157 on the technical front surface 140a may be assigned a value of up to 50%. For example, the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area of ​​the voids 157 on the technical front surface 140a may be assigned a value of up to 5%, or up to 10%, or up to 15%, or up to 20%, or up to 25%, or up to 30%, or up to 35%, or up to 40%, or up to 45%, or up to 50%. In other cases, the ratio of the voids 157 to the second surface area of ​​the technical front surface 140a may be assigned a value of at least about 50%. For example, the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area of ​​the voids 157 of the technical front surface 140a may be assigned a value of at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%. Alternatively, the ratio of the voids 157 to the second surface area of ​​the technical front surface 140a may be assigned a value of at least 50%.For example, the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area of ​​the voids 157 of the technical front surface 140a may be assigned a value of at least 50%, or at least 55%, or at least 60%, or at least 65%, or at least 70%, or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 100%. However, in other cases, the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area of ​​the voids 157 of the technical front surface 140a may be assigned a value somewhat smaller or even higher than the values ​​recited above.

[0095] In further cases, the pores 151 may be omitted, and the technical face 140a of the first bladder layer 140 may include one or more other features configured to facilitate moisture management by absorbing, adsorbing, or transferring moisture. For example, in some cases, the technical face 140a may include a mesh structure including interconnected strands or fibers that allow moisture to pass through. In such cases, the size, thickness, geometry, arrangement, and / or other aspects of the strands or fibers of the mesh structure may be modified to provide desired moisture management characteristics. In other cases, the technical face 140a may include one or more (e.g., multiple) other features configured to wick, absorb, adsorb, or otherwise transfer moisture, including, but not limited to, channels, grooves, gradient structures, capillary structures, absorbent coatings, etc. In certain cases, the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140 may also include pores, a mesh structure, and / or other features designed to help facilitate moisture transfer from the technical front surface 140a to the technical back surface 140b via capillary action. For example, the technical back surface 140b may include pores (not shown) of smaller size than the pores in the technical front surface 140a, and / or the technical back surface 140b may be constructed from yarns having a different denier than the technical front surface 140a. It should be understood that the technical front surface 140a and the technical back surface 140b are not limited to the structures or configurations explicitly described herein.

[0096] Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that differences in texture and / or characteristics of the technical front surface 140a and the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140 and the third bladder layer 141 can facilitate moisture transfer from one surface of the first bladder layer 140 and the third bladder layer 141 to the opposite surface of the first bladder layer 140 and the third bladder layer 141. For example, the technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 may be designed to draw moisture outward from the wearer when the first bladder layer 140 is disposed within the bladder 114 and positioned adjacent to the wearer's body. As the wearer sweats, the first bladder layer 140 can transfer moisture outward from the wearer via capillary action. The moisture can migrate toward the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140. After moisture is provided to the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140, other layers of the bladder 114 (e.g., the third bladder layer 141, if provided, or the second bladder layer 142) can draw the moisture outward from the first bladder layer 140, and thus away from the wearer. Eventually, the moisture may reach the second bladder layer 142, which may be provided as the outermost layer of the bladder 114. The second bladder layer 142 can retain the moisture and / or transport the moisture across the surface and / or throughout the volume of the second bladder layer 142, until the moisture eventually evaporates and dissipates from the garment 100.

[0097] In contrast, the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140 may be provided with a second texture, which may be substantially flat and untextured, as shown in Figure 10B. In other words, in some cases, the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140 may not include pores 151 or other features as described above with reference to Figure 10A. However, in other cases, the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140 may include pores 151, other features, or may be provided in any other suitable form.

[0098] In certain cases, such as when first panel 138a and / or second panel 138b include three or more fabric layers, third bladder layer 141 may be provided in substantially the same configuration as first bladder layer 140, as shown and described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. In other cases, first bladder layer 140 and third bladder layer 141 may be provided in different configurations.

[0099] 11-14, several potential configurations or structures of a portion of the bag 114 are illustrated. More specifically, FIGS. 11-14 provide several exemplary layered configurations of the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b. Generally, the bag 114 may include a first bag layer 140 and a second bag layer 142. For example, the first bag layer 140 and the second bag layer 142 of FIGS. 11-14 may correspond to (and in some cases may be substantially similar to) the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b of the bag 114, respectively (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3). In some cases, such as FIG. 11, the bag 114 may be comprised of the first bag layer 140 and the second bag layer 142. However, in other cases, the bag 114 may include one or more additional layers, such as a third bag layer 141 positioned between or on either side of the first bag layer 140 and the second bag layer 142 (see FIG. 14).

[0100] 11 , in some cases, the bladder 114 may be provided in the form of a first bladder layer 140 and a second bladder layer 142, where the first bladder layer 140 may include a layer facing the wearer (e.g., a wearer-facing surface or sub-layer), and the second bladder layer 142 is configured opposite the wearer's body relative to the first bladder layer 140. The first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 may each include a technical front surface (e.g., technical front surfaces 140a, 142a) and a technical back surface (e.g., technical back surfaces 140b, 142b). 11, the technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 may constitute the wearer-facing surface 146 (see FIG. 8), the technical front surface 140a of the second bladder layer 142 may constitute the outwardly facing surface 144 (see FIG. 7), and the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140 may be adjacent to (or configured to face) the technical back surface 142b of the second bladder layer 142. In certain cases, one or more additional layers of moisture-wicking or moisture-absorbent fabric and / or one or more additional layers of moisture-resistant or moisture-repellent fabric may be positioned between or on either side of the first and second bladder layers (see, for example, FIG. 14).

[0101] In some cases, first bladder layer 140 and second bladder layer 142 (in addition to any additional layers of bladder 114) may each be provided in the form of a single layer of fabric or material. However, in other cases, first bladder layer 140 and second bladder layer 142 (in addition to any additional layers of bladder 114) may each include two or more separate sub-layers of fabric or material that together comprise first bladder layer 140 and / or second bladder layer 142. In the example shown in FIGS. 11-14 , first bladder layer 140 and second bladder layer 142 may each be provided in the form of two separate layers of fabric. First bladder layer 140 may include a first wearer-facing sub-layer 150 and a first outward-facing sub-layer 152, and second bladder layer 142 may include a second wearer-facing sub-layer 154 and a second outward-facing sub-layer 156. However, in other cases, the first and second bladder layers 140 and 142 (and / or additional layers of the bladder 114) may include any number of separate sub-layers of fabric or material that may be provided in any suitable form.

[0102] The first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 (or alternatively, the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b) may comprise substantially similar or different materials. In some cases, the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 may be provided as natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, semi-synthetic fabrics, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the first bladder layer 140 may include polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, viscose, modal, lyocell, rayon, other materials, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the first bladder layer 140 and / or the second bladder layer 142 may include fabric provided in the form of a double-knit semi-jacquard construction including hydrophobic (e.g., 100% polyester 75 / 72) microfiber filament yarn. As an additional example, the second bladder layer 142 may include polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, viscose, modal, lyocell, rayon, other materials, or combinations thereof. Additionally, in some cases, the first bladder layer 140 and / or the second bladder layer 142 may be provided in a knitted, double knitted, jersey knitted, ribbed, interlock knitted, and / or jacquard woven or other suitable construction.

[0103] Additionally, first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and first outward-facing sublayer 152 of first bladder layer 140 may be provided in substantially the same configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 11 ) or may be provided in different configurations (see, e.g., FIGS. 12 and 13 ). Similarly, second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and second outward-facing sublayer 156 of second bladder layer 142 may be provided in substantially the same configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 11 , 12 , and 14 ) or may be provided in different configurations (see, e.g., FIG. 13 ). First bladder layer 140 (e.g., including first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and / or first outward-facing sublayer 152) may comprise fabrics or materials having different compositions (e.g., synthetic materials, natural materials, blended materials, chemical treatments, chemical modifications, etc.) and different structures (e.g., woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, etc.).

[0104] The first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 may comprise substantially similar or different materials. In some cases, the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 may be provided in the form of natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, semi-synthetic fabrics, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the first bladder layer 140 may comprise polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, viscose, modal, lyocell, rayon, other materials, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the first bladder layer 140 and / or the second bladder layer 142 may comprise fabric provided in the form of a double-knit semi-jacquard construction including hydrophobic (e.g., 100% polyester 75 / 72) microfiber filament yarn. As an additional example, the second bladder layer 142 may comprise polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, viscose, modal, lyocell, rayon, other materials, or combinations thereof. Additionally, in some cases, the first bladder layer 140 and / or the second bladder layer 142 may be provided in a knitted, double knitted, jersey knitted, ribbed, interlock knitted, and / or jacquard woven or other suitable construction.

[0105] In some cases, at least a portion of first bladder layer 140 (e.g., first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and / or first outward-facing sublayer 152) may be provided in the form of a moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking fabric including an elastic material (e.g., a material that is stretchable to some extent, such as rubber, latex, silicone, elastane, recycled elastane, organic materials with an elastic core, etc.). Thus, the moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking fabric of first bladder layer 140 may include from at least about 0% elastic material to at least about 50% elastic material, or from at least about 1% elastic material to at least about 25% elastic material, although first bladder layer 140 may also be composed of a somewhat greater percentage of elastic material than these values. For example, the moisture wicking or moisture absorbing fabric of the first bladder layer 140 may be at least about 1% elastic material, or at least about 2% elastic material, or at least about 3% elastic material, or at least about 4% elastic material, or at least about 5% elastic material, or at least about 6% elastic material, or at least about 7% elastic material, or at least about 8% elastic material, or at least about 9% elastic material, or at least about 10% elastic material, or at least about 12% elastic material, or at least about 14% elastic material. Alternatively, the moisture wicking or moisture absorbing fabric of the first bladder layer 140 may comprise at least 0% elastic material, at least about 50% elastic material, or at least about 16% elastic material, or at least about 18% elastic material, or at least about 20% elastic material, or at least about 22% elastic material, or at least about 24% elastic material, or at least about 26% elastic material, or at least about 28% elastic material, or at least about 30% elastic material, or at least about 35% elastic material, or at least about 40% elastic material, or at least about 45% elastic material, or at least about 50% elastic material. Alternatively, the moisture wicking or moisture absorbing fabric of the first bladder layer 140 may comprise at least 0% elastic material to at least 50% elastic material, or at least 1% elastic material to at least 25% elastic material, although the first bladder layer 140 may also be comprised of a percentage of elastic material somewhat greater than these values.For example, the moisture wicking or moisture absorbing fabric of the first bladder layer 140 may include at least 1% elastic material, or at least 2% elastic material, or at least 3% elastic material, or at least 4% elastic material, or at least 5% elastic material, or at least 6% elastic material, or at least 7% elastic material, or at least 8% elastic material, or at least 9% elastic material, or at least 10% elastic material, or at least 12% elastic material, or at least 14% elastic material, or at least 16% elastic material, or at least 18% elastic material, or at least 20% elastic material, or at least 22% elastic material, or at least 24% elastic material, or at least 26% elastic material, or at least 28% elastic material, or at least 30% elastic material, or at least 35% elastic material, or at least 40% elastic material, or at least 45% elastic material, or at least 50% elastic material.

[0106] In some cases, at least a portion of first bladder layer 140 (e.g., first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and / or first outward-facing sublayer 152) may comprise at least about 50% to at least about 100% polyester fibers, or at least about 75% to at least about 100% polyester fibers, although first bladder layer 140 may also be comprised of polyester fibers at a somewhat lower percentage than these values. For example, first bladder layer 140 may be comprised of at least about 50% polyester fibers, or at least about 60% polyester fibers, or at least about 75% polyester fibers, or at least about 80% polyester fibers, or at least about 81% polyester fibers, or at least about 82% polyester fibers, or at least about 83% polyester fibers, or at least about 84% polyester fibers, or at least about 85% polyester fibers, or at least about 86% polyester fibers, or at least about 87% polyester fibers, or at least about 88% polyester fibers. The first bladder layer 140 may comprise at least about 89% polyester fibers, or at least about 90% polyester fibers, or at least about 91% polyester fibers, or at least about 92% polyester fibers, or at least about 93% polyester fibers, or at least about 94% polyester fibers, or at least about 95% polyester fibers, or at least about 96% polyester fibers, or at least about 97% polyester fibers, or at least about 98% polyester fibers, or at least about 99% polyester fibers, or at least about 100% polyester fibers. In some cases, at least a portion of the first bladder layer 140 may comprise up to about 100% polyester fibers. Alternatively, at least a portion of the first bladder layer 140 may comprise at least 50% to at least 100% polyester fibers, or at least 75% to at least 100% polyester fibers, although the first bladder layer 140 may also be comprised of polyester fibers with a percentage somewhat less than these values.For example, the first bladder layer 140 may comprise at least 50% polyester fibers, or at least 60% polyester fibers, or at least 75% polyester fibers, or at least 80% polyester fibers, or at least 81% polyester fibers, or at least 82% polyester fibers, or at least 83% polyester fibers, or at least 84% polyester fibers, or at least 85% polyester fibers, or at least 86% polyester fibers, or at least 87% polyester fibers, or at least 88% polyester fibers, or at least 89% polyester fibers, or at least 90% polyester fibers, or at least 91% polyester fibers, or at least 92% polyester fibers, or at least 93% polyester fibers, or at least 94% polyester fibers, or at least 95% polyester fibers, or at least 96% polyester fibers, or at least 97% polyester fibers, or at least 98% polyester fibers, or at least 99% polyester fibers, or at least 100% polyester fibers. In certain cases, at least a portion of the first bladder layer 140 may include up to 100% polyester fibers.

[0107] In other cases, at least a portion of first bladder layer 140 (e.g., first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and / or first outward-facing sublayer 152) may comprise a blend of polyester and spandex. In such cases, at least a portion of first bladder layer 140 may comprise at least about 0% spandex to at least about 25% spandex, although first bladder layer 140 may also be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of spandex than these values. For example, the first bladder layer 140 may comprise at least about 1% spandex, or at least about 3% spandex, or at least about 5% spandex, or at least about 6% spandex, or at least about 7% spandex, or at least about 8% spandex, or at least about 9% spandex, or at least about 10% spandex, or at least about 11% spandex, or at least about 12% spandex, or at least about 13% spandex, or at least about 14% spandex, or at least about 15% spandex, or at least about 16% spandex, or at least about 17% spandex, or at least about 18% spandex, or at least about 19% spandex, or at least about 20% spandex, or at least about 23% spandex, or at least about 25% spandex. Alternatively, at least a portion of first bladder layer 140 may contain at least 0% spandex to at least 25% spandex, although first bladder layer 140 may also be composed of a somewhat greater percentage of spandex than these values.For example, first bladder layer 140 may comprise at least 1% spandex, or at least 3% spandex, or at least 5% spandex, or at least 6% spandex, or at least 7% spandex, or at least 8% spandex, or at least 9% spandex, or at least 10% spandex, or at least 11% spandex, or at least 12% spandex, or at least 13% spandex, or at least 14% spandex, or at least 15% spandex, or at least 16% spandex, or at least 17% spandex, or at least 18% spandex, or at least 19% spandex, or at least 20% spandex, or at least 23% spandex, or at least 25% spandex. In other cases, however, first bladder layer 140 may comprise a percentage of spandex somewhat less than or even greater than these values.

[0108] In addition to the examples given above, first bladder layer 140 (or portions thereof) may include any percentage of polyester fiber that falls within the range bounded by any minimum and any maximum values ​​as described above. Similarly, in some cases, first bladder layer 140 (or portions thereof) may include any percentage of spandex that falls within the range bounded by any minimum and any maximum values ​​as described above. In still other cases, first bladder layer 140 may include materials other than those explicitly described herein.

[0109] In some cases, at least a portion of the first bladder layer 140 (e.g., the first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and / or the first outward-facing sublayer 152) may comprise a double-knit fabric constructed from polyester yarns, which may comprise up to about 100% polyester fibers (or up to 100% polyester fibers). For example, the first bladder layer 140 may comprise a 100% polyester double-knit (e.g., weft knit) fabric. In other cases, the first bladder layer 140 may also comprise a natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic fabric (including blends thereof), a rib knit, an interlock knit, and / or a jacquard woven fabric. The technical front surface 140a of the first bladder layer 140 may be textured (e.g., with a geometric or other pattern, multiple pores 151, or other features, etc.) to provide a soft, plush texture against the wearer's skin and / or to facilitate moisture absorption, wicking, and / or transport (see FIG. 10A ). In contrast, the technical front surface 142a of the second bladder layer 142 may be substantially flat and untextured (see FIG. 7). In particular, a substantially flat, untextured fabric surface may be more conducive to further modification, such as lamination. However, in other cases, the second bladder layer 142 may be imparted with any suitable texture or surface features.

[0110] In some cases, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 (e.g., the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and / or the second outward-facing sublayer 156) may comprise polyester, viscose, linen, lyocell, hemp, or other cellulosic fabric. In certain cases, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may comprise up to about 100% cotton fibers. For example, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may comprise between about 0% and about 100% cotton fibers, or between about 50% and about 100% cotton fibers, although the second bladder layer 142 may also be comprised of a somewhat smaller percentage of cotton fibers than these values. For example, the second bladder layer 142 may comprise at least about 0% cotton fibers, or at least about 10% cotton fibers, or at least about 20% cotton fibers, or at least about 30% cotton fibers, or at least about 40% cotton fibers, or at least about 50% cotton fibers, or at least about 60% cotton fibers, or at least about 70% cotton fibers, or at least about 80% cotton fibers, or at least about 90% cotton fibers, or up to about 100% cotton fibers. In certain cases, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may comprise about 100% cotton fibers. Alternatively, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may comprise between 0% and 100% cotton fibers, or between 50% and 100% cotton fibers, although the second bladder layer 142 may also be comprised of a percentage of cotton fibers somewhat less than these values. For example, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may comprise at least 0% cotton fibers, or at least 10% cotton fibers, or at least 20% cotton fibers, or at least 30% cotton fibers, or at least 40% cotton fibers, or at least 50% cotton fibers, or at least 60% cotton fibers, or at least 70% cotton fibers, or at least 80% cotton fibers, or at least 90% cotton fibers, or up to 100% cotton fibers. In certain cases, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may comprise 100% cotton fibers.

[0111] In other cases, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 (e.g., second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and / or second outward-facing sublayer 156) may comprise a blend of natural materials (e.g., cotton, wool, linen, hemp, etc.) and elastic materials (e.g., materials that are stretchable to some extent, such as rubber, latex, silicone, elastane, recycled elastane, organic materials with elastic cores, etc.). In such cases, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 may comprise at least about 1% elastic material to at least about 25% elastic material, although second bladder layer 142 may also be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of elastic material than these values. For example, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 may include at least about 1% elastic material, or at least about 2% elastic material, or at least about 3% elastic material, or at least about 4% elastic material, or at least about 5% elastic material, or at least about 6% elastic material, or at least about 7% elastic material, or at least about 8% elastic material, or at least about 9% elastic material, or at least about 10% elastic material, or at least about 12% elastic material, or at least about 14% elastic material, or at least about 16% elastic material, or at least about 18% elastic material, or at least about 20% elastic material, or at least about 22% elastic material, or at least about 24% elastic material, or at least about 25% elastic material. Alternatively, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 may include between at least 1% elastic material and at least 25% elastic material, although second bladder layer 142 may also be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of elastic material than these values.For example, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may include at least 1% elastic material, or at least 2% elastic material, or at least 3% elastic material, or at least 4% elastic material, or at least 5% elastic material, or at least 6% elastic material, or at least 7% elastic material, or at least 8% elastic material, or at least 9% elastic material, or at least 10% elastic material, or at least 12% elastic material, or at least 14% elastic material, or at least 16% elastic material, or at least 18% elastic material, or at least 20% elastic material, or at least 22% elastic material, or at least 24% elastic material, or at least 25% elastic material.

[0112] In some cases, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 (e.g., second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and / or second outward-facing sublayer 156) may include at least about 0% to at least about 100% natural material (e.g., cotton), although second bladder layer 142 may also be comprised of some lesser percentage of natural material. For example, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 may include at least about 0% natural material, or at least about 10% natural material, or at least about 20% natural material, or at least about 30% natural material, or at least about 40% natural material, or at least about 50% natural material, or at least about 60% natural material, or at least about 70% natural material, or at least about 80% natural material, or at least about 90% natural material, or up to about 100% natural material. Alternatively, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 may include an amount of natural material (e.g., cotton) ranging from at least 0% to at least 100%, although second bladder layer 142 may be composed of a somewhat smaller percentage of natural material than these values. For example, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 may include at least 0% natural material, or at least 10% natural material, or at least 20% natural material, or at least 30% natural material, or at least 40% natural material, or at least 50% natural material, or at least 60% natural material, or at least 70% natural material, or at least 80% natural material, or at least 90% natural material, or up to 100% natural material.

[0113] In other cases, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 (e.g., second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and / or second outward-facing sublayer 156) may comprise a blend of polyester and spandex. In such cases, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 may comprise at least about 1% spandex to at least about 25% spandex, although second bladder layer 142 may be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of spandex than these values. For example, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may comprise at least about 1% spandex, or at least about 2% spandex, or at least about 3% spandex, or at least about 4% spandex, or at least about 5% spandex, or at least about 6% spandex, or at least about 7% spandex, or at least about 8% spandex, or at least about 9% spandex, or at least about 10% spandex, or at least about 12% spandex, or at least about 14% spandex, or at least about 16% spandex, or at least about 18% spandex, or at least about 20% spandex, or at least about 22% spandex, or at least about 24% spandex, or at least about 25% spandex. Alternatively, at least a portion of second bladder layer 142 may contain at least 1% spandex to at least 25% spandex, although second bladder layer 142 may be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of spandex than these values.For example, at least a portion of the second bladder layer 142 may include at least 1% spandex, or at least 2% spandex, or at least 3% spandex, or at least 4% spandex, or at least 5% spandex, or at least 6% spandex, or at least 7% spandex, or at least 8% spandex, or at least 9% spandex, or at least 10% spandex, or at least 12% spandex, or at least 14% spandex, or at least 16% spandex, or at least 18% spandex, or at least 20% spandex, or at least 22% spandex, or at least 24% spandex, or at least 25% spandex. In further instances, the second bladder layer 142 (e.g., the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and / or the second outward-facing sublayer 156) may comprise other materials, such as any natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic fabric (including blends thereof).

[0114] In certain cases, a first material may be used to impart moisture management properties to the garment 100. For example, in cases where the first bladder layer 140 and / or the second bladder layer 142 include a synthetic material such as polyester (e.g., polyester yarn, a fabric including polyester, etc.), the polyester may be provided with a fabric weight selected for the desired moisture management properties. The first material may be provided with a fabric weight of at least about 135 grams per square meter (gsm) to at least about 185 gsm (or at least about 135 gsm to at least about 185 gsm), although the first material may be provided with a fabric weight less than or greater than these values. For example, in some cases, the first material may be provided with a weight of at least about 135 gsm, or at least about 140 gsm, or at least about 143 gsm, or at least about 146 gsm, or at least about 148 gsm, or at least about 150 gsm, or at least about 152 gsm, or at least about 154 gsm, or at least about 156 gsm, or at least about 158 ​​gsm, or at least about 160 gsm, or at least about 162 gsm, or at least about 164 gsm, or at least about 166 gsm, or at least about 168 gsm, or at least about 170 gsm, or at least about 172 gsm, or at least about 174 gsm, or at least about 176 gsm, or at least about 178 gsm, or at least about 180 gsm, or no more than about 185 gsm. Alternatively, the first material may be imparted with a weight of at least 135 gsm, or at least 140 gsm, or at least 143 gsm, or at least 146 gsm, or at least 148 gsm, or at least 150 gsm, or at least 152 grams per square meter, or at least 154 gsm, or at least 156 gsm, or at least 158 ​​gsm, or at least 160 gsm, or at least 162 gsm, or at least 164 gsm, or at least 166 gsm, or at least 168 gsm, or at least 170 gsm, or at least 172 gsm, or at least 174 gsm, or at least 176 gsm, or at least 178 gsm, or at least 180 gsm, or 185 gsm or less.

[0115] In other cases, a second material may be provided as first bladder layer 140 and / or second bladder layer 142. The second material may, for example, provide enhanced moisture management properties to the wearer. In certain cases, the second material may be a synthetic material (e.g., polyester) provided with a weight of at least about 230 gsm to at least about 295 gsm (or at least about 230 gsm to at least about 290 gsm), although the second material may be provided with a weight less than or even greater than these values. For example, the second material may be applied to a weight of at least about 240 gsm, or at least about 242 gsm, or at least about 245 gsm, or at least about 250 gsm, or at least about 255 gsm, or at least about 260 gsm, or at least about 265 gsm, or at least about 270 gsm, or at least about 275 gsm, or at least about 280 gsm, or at least about 285 gsm, or at least about 290 gsm, or up to about 295 gsm. Alternatively, the second material may be applied to a weight of at least 240 gsm to at least 295 gsm. For example, the second material may be provided with a weight of at least 240 gsm, or at least 242 gsm, or at least 245 gsm, or at least 250 gsm, or at least 255 gsm, or at least 260 gsm, or at least 265 gsm, or at least 270 gsm, or at least 275 gsm, or at least 280 gsm, or at least 285 gsm, or at least 290 gsm, or 295 gsm or less. In some cases, the second material may be provided with a greater surface area compared to the first material (e.g., due to surface texture or other aspects of the material), such that the second material is capable of trapping, capturing, and / or transporting more moisture than the first material.

[0116] In still other cases, one or more layers of the bag 114 (e.g., the first panel 138a, the second panel 138b, or one or more layers or sublayers thereof) may be constructed from a fabric having a weight that falls within any of the values ​​or ranges set forth above for the first material and the second material. Alternatively, one or more layers of the bag 114 (e.g., the first panel 138a, the cover) may be constructed from a fabric having a weight that is different from any of the values ​​or ranges given herein.

[0117] In some cases, the fabric weights listed above may apply only to the fabric including first bladder layer 140 (e.g., first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and / or first outward-facing sublayer 152) and / or second bladder layer 142 (e.g., second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and / or second outward-facing sublayer 156) and may not include the weight of any additional material (e.g., laminate film) applied to the fabric. However, in other cases, one or more layers of bladder 114 may include a hydrophobic film, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 12, and the fabric weights listed above may include the film.

[0118] In some cases, second wearer-facing sublayer 154 of second bladder layer 142 may be substantially the same as second outward-facing sublayer 156 of second bladder layer. However, in other cases, second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and second outward-facing sublayer 156 may be provided in different forms. Additionally, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, second bladder layer 142, i.e., one or both of second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and second outward-facing sublayer 156, may be treated with an agent that enhances the ability of second bladder layer 142 to repel moisture, such as a durable water repellent ("DWR"). For example, the second bladder layer 142 may be treated with HeiQ Eco-Dry, a non-polyfluorinated chemical ("PFC") available from HeiQ Materials AG (Zurich, Switzerland), or the second bladder layer 142 may be treated with other suitable water repellent or water resistant agents. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that applying a DWR treatment to a fabric can modify the surface energy characteristics of the fabric, such as reducing the surface tension of the fabric surface, thereby reducing the adsorption of water droplets to the fabric surface, thereby causing the water droplets to roll off or disperse from the fabric surface. It should be understood that the DWR treatments described herein may be applied to any fabric or fabric layer comprising the garment 100.

[0119] In certain cases, a first agent may be applied to first bladder layer 140 and a second agent may be applied to second bladder layer 142. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , a first agent may be applied to first wearer-facing sublayer 152 of first bladder layer 140, and a second agent may be applied to second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and second outward-facing sublayer 156 of second bladder layer 142. Both the first and second agents may be selected from the group consisting of water repellents, water resistance agents, sanitizing agents, odor control agents, antimicrobial agents, and combinations thereof. In some such cases, the first and second agents may be different, or the first and second agents may be the same.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 12 , in some cases, the bladder 114 may include a hydrophobic film 153 (e.g., the first panel 138 a and / or the second panel 138 b may include the hydrophobic film 153). For example, the hydrophobic film 153 may be positioned on the first bladder layer 140 and / or the second bladder layer 142 (e.g., the first bladder layer 140 and / or the second bladder layer 142 may be laminated to, bonded to, or otherwise associated with the hydrophobic film 153). The hydrophobic film 153 may be configured to be substantially impermeable to water while allowing water vapor to pass through. As shown in FIG. 12 , in some cases, the hydrophobic film 153 may be provided as a component of the first bladder layer 140 and may be positioned between the first outward-facing sublayer 152 and the second wearer-facing sublayer 154. For example, the hydrophobic film 153 may be laminated or otherwise bonded to the technical back surface 140b of the first bag layer 140. However, in other cases, the hydrophobic film 153 may be incorporated into or disposed on any of the layers of the bag 114 and / or bonded to the technical front or technical back surface or sub-layer of any of the layers of the bag 114.

[0121] In some cases, the hydrophobic film 153 may be provided in the form of a thermoplastic film formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). However, other suitable thermoplastic films may include polyolefins, polyurethanes, etc. Alternatively, the hydrophobic film 153 may include silicone or any other suitable material. In some cases, the first bladder layer 140 may be treated with a wicking agent to enhance the first bladder layer's ability to wick moisture, a stain repellent to enhance the first bladder layer's ability to repel contaminants / soil, an odor control agent, and / or a sanitizing agent. For example, in some cases, the first bladder layer 140 may be treated with a sanitizing agent configured to impart antimicrobial properties to the first bladder layer 140. In certain cases, a single agent, such as Agion® (available from Sciessent, Beverly, Massachusetts, USA) or another equivalent agent, may provide both odor control and sanitary (e.g., antimicrobial) benefits. Garment 100 including bladder 114 may omit hydrophobic film 153, wicking agent, and / or any other treatments described herein. It should also be understood that hydrophobic film 153, wicking agent, and / or any other treatments described herein may be applied to any of the fabrics or fabric layers comprising garment 100.

[0122] Depending on the desired characteristics of the bladder 114, the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 may comprise a single type of fabric or material (e.g., including a fabric including a blend of materials), or the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 may comprise two or more distinct types of fabric or material. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and the first outward-facing sublayer 152 of the first bladder layer 140 may be provided in substantially the same configuration, and the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and the second outward-facing sublayer 156 of the second bladder layer 142 may be provided in substantially the same configuration. However, in other cases, the first wearer-facing sublayer 150 and the first outward-facing sublayer 152 of the first bladder layer 140 may be provided in different configurations, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 .

[0123] Additionally, in some cases, the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and the second outward-facing sublayer 156 of the second bladder layer 142 may be provided in different forms. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the first wearer-facing sublayer 150, the first outward-facing sublayer 152, the second wearer-facing sublayer 154, and / or the second outward-facing sublayer 156 may be provided with different properties relative to one another. In some such cases, as shown in FIG. 13 , the first outward-facing sublayer 152, the second wearer-facing sublayer 154, and / or the second outward-facing sublayer 156 may be treated with a first agent, a second agent, and a third agent, respectively. Each of the first agent, the second agent, and the third agent may be selected from the group consisting of water repellents, water resistance agents, sanitizing agents, odor control agents, antimicrobial agents, and combinations thereof. In some such cases, the first agent, the second agent, and the third agent may be different, or the first agent, the second agent, and the third agent may be the same as the other agents. Additionally, in some cases, the fabric or material of the first outward-facing sublayer 152 may be imparted with a first weight, the fabric or material of the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 may be imparted with a second weight, and the fabric or material of the second outward-facing sublayer 156 may be imparted with a third weight. Alternatively, the first outward-facing sublayer 152, the second wearer-facing sublayer 154, and / or the second outward-facing sublayer 156 may differ with respect to one or more characteristics or attributes.

[0124] 14 , in some cases, the bag 114 may be provided in the form of three bag layers, including a first bag layer 140, a second bag layer 142, and a third bag layer 141. The third bag layer 141 may be positioned between the first bag layer 140 and the second bag layer 142, or the third bag layer 141 may be positioned on either side of the first bag layer 140 and / or the second bag layer 142. Additionally, in some cases, the bag 114 may include additional layers of fabric or material (e.g., a fourth bag layer, a fifth bag layer, etc.) provided in substantially the same or a different configuration compared to the third bag layer 141. The various fabric layers of the bag 114 may be made from the same or different materials. Additionally, a hydrophobic film 153, a wicking agent, and / or any other treatment described herein may be applied to any of the various fabric layers of the bag 114 (e.g., the third bag layer 141, the fourth bag layer, the fifth bag layer, etc.).

[0125] In some cases, the first bladder layer 140 may be the wearer-facing layer, and the second bladder layer 142 may be visible from the exterior of the garment 100 when the garment 100 is worn in its intended configuration. In such cases, the third bladder layer 141 may be disposed between the first outward-facing sublayer 152 and the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 (or between the technical back surface 140b of the first bladder layer 140 and the technical back surface 142b of the second bladder layer 142). Alternatively, the third bladder layer 141 may be provided as a wearer-facing layer or may be visible from the exterior of the garment 100. Similar to the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142, the third bladder layer 141 may include one or more layers of fabric or material.

[0126] 14 , third bladder layer 141 includes third wearer-facing sublayer 158 and third outward-facing sublayer 160, where third wearer-facing sublayer 158 and third outward-facing sublayer 160 are provided in substantially the same configuration relative to one another. However, in other cases, third bladder layer 141 may include more or fewer sublayers, and one or more of the sublayers of third bladder layer 141 may be provided in substantially the same or different configurations. For example, first bladder layer 141 and third bladder layer 141 may in some cases be substantially similar, where first wearer-facing sublayer 150, first outward-facing sublayer 152, third wearer-facing sublayer 158, and / or third outward-facing sublayer 160 may comprise substantially the same material.

[0127] 12 and 13, one or more agents may be applied to a layer including the first panel 138a and the second panel 138b of FIG. 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the third wearer-facing sublayer 160 of the third bladder layer 141 may be treated with a first agent, and a second agent may be applied to the second wearer-facing sublayer 154 and the second outward-facing sublayer 156 of the second bladder layer 142. Both the first and second agents may be selected from the group consisting of water repellents, water resistance agents, sanitizing agents, odor control agents, antimicrobial agents, and combinations thereof. In some such cases, the first and second agents may be different, or the first and second agents may be the same. Like the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142, the third bladder layer 141 may include a technical front side 141a (e.g., third wearer-facing sublayer 158) and a technical back side 141b (e.g., third outward-facing sublayer 160). In some cases, the third bladder layer 141 may be oriented such that the technical front side 141a of the third bladder layer 141 is adjacent to the technical back side 140b of the first bladder layer 140 and the technical back side 141b of the third bladder layer 141 is adjacent to the technical back side 142b of the second bladder layer 142.

[0128] The third bladder layer 141 (e.g., the third wearer-facing sublayer 158 and / or the third outward-facing sublayer 160) may comprise substantially similar or different materials compared to the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142. For example, in some cases, at least a portion of the third bladder layer 141 may be provided in the form of a moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking fabric including an elastic material (e.g., a material that is stretchable to some extent, such as rubber, latex, silicone, elastane, recycled elastane, an organic material with an elastic core, etc.). Thus, the moisture-wicking or moisture-wicking fabric of the third bladder layer 141 may comprise at least about 1% to at least about 50% elastic material, or at least about 1% to at least about 25% elastic material, although the third bladder layer 141 may be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of elastic material than these values. For example, the moisture wicking or moisture absorbing fabric of the third bladder layer 141 may include at least about 1% elastic material, or at least about 2% elastic material, or at least about 3% elastic material, or at least about 4% elastic material, or at least about 5% elastic material, or at least about 6% elastic material, or at least about 7% elastic material, or at least about 8% elastic material, or at least about 9% elastic material, or at least about 10% elastic material, or at least about 12% elastic material, or at least about 14% elastic material, or at least about 16% elastic material, or at least about 18% elastic material, or at least about 20% elastic material, or at least about 22% elastic material, or at least about 24% elastic material, or at least about 25% elastic material. Alternatively, the moisture wicking or moisture absorbing fabric of the third bladder layer 141 may comprise at least 1% to at least 50% elastic material, or at least 1% to at least 25% elastic material, although the third bladder layer 141 may be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of elastic material than these values.For example, the moisture wicking or moisture absorbing fabric of the third bladder layer 141 may include at least 1% elastic material, or at least 2% elastic material, or at least 3% elastic material, or at least 4% elastic material, or at least 5% elastic material, or at least 6% elastic material, or at least 7% elastic material, or at least 8% elastic material, or at least 9% elastic material, or at least 10% elastic material, or at least 12% elastic material, or at least 14% elastic material, or at least 16% elastic material, or at least 18% elastic material, or at least 20% elastic material, or at least 22% elastic material, or at least 24% elastic material, or at least 25% elastic material.

[0129] In some cases, at least a portion of third bladder layer 141 (e.g., third wearer-facing sublayer 158 and / or third outward-facing sublayer 160) may comprise at least about 0% polyester fibers to at least about 100% polyester fibers, or at least about 50% polyester fibers to at least about 100% polyester fibers, although third bladder layer 141 may also be comprised of polyester fibers with a percentage somewhat less than these values. For example, at least a portion of third bladder layer 141 may comprise at least about 0% polyester fibers, or at least about 10% polyester fibers, or at least about 20% polyester fibers, or at least about 30% polyester fibers, or at least about 40% polyester fibers, or at least about 50% polyester fibers, or at least about 60% polyester fibers, or at least about 70% polyester fibers, or at least about 80% polyester fibers, or at least about 90% polyester fibers, or up to about 100% polyester fibers. In some cases, at least a portion of the third bladder layer 141 may comprise up to about 100% polyester fibers. Alternatively, at least a portion of the third bladder layer 141 may comprise between at least 0% polyester fibers and at least 100% polyester fibers, or between at least 50% polyester fibers and at least 100% polyester fibers, although the third bladder layer 141 may be comprised of a percentage of polyester fibers somewhat less than these values. For example, at least a portion of the third bladder layer 141 may comprise at least 10% polyester fibers, or at least 20% polyester fibers, or at least 30% polyester fibers, or at least 40% polyester fibers, or at least 50% polyester fibers, or at least 60% polyester fibers, or at least 70% polyester fibers, or at least 80% polyester fibers, or at least 90% polyester fibers, or up to 100% polyester fibers. In certain cases, at least a portion of the third bladder layer 141 may comprise up to 100% polyester fibers.

[0130] In some cases, at least a portion of third bladder layer 141 (e.g., third wearer-facing sublayer 158 and / or third outward-facing sublayer 160) may comprise a blend of polyester and spandex. In such cases, at least a portion of third bladder layer 141 may comprise at least about 1% spandex to at least about 25% spandex, with the remainder of third bladder layer 141 comprising polyester, although third bladder layer 141 may also be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of spandex than these values. For example, the third bladder layer 141 may comprise at least about 1% spandex, or at least about 2% spandex, or at least about 3% spandex, or at least about 4% spandex, or at least about 5% spandex, or at least about 6% spandex, or at least about 7% spandex, or at least about 8% spandex, or at least about 9% spandex, or at least about 10% spandex, or at least about 12% spandex, or at least about 14% spandex, or at least about 16% spandex, or at least about 18% spandex, or at least about 20% spandex, or at least about 22% spandex, or at least about 24% spandex, or at least about 25% spandex. Alternatively, at least a portion of third bladder layer 141 may contain at least 1% spandex to at least 25% spandex, although third bladder layer 141 may also be comprised of a somewhat greater percentage of spandex than these values.For example, at least a portion of third bladder layer 141 may include at least 1% spandex, or at least 2% spandex, or at least 3% spandex, or at least 4% spandex, or at least 5% spandex, or at least 6% spandex, or at least 7% spandex, or at least 8% spandex, or at least 9% spandex, or at least 10% spandex, or at least 12% spandex, or at least 14% spandex, or at least 16% spandex, or at least 18% spandex, or at least 20% spandex, or at least 22% spandex, or at least 24% spandex, or at least 25% spandex. In other cases, however, third bladder layer 141 may include a percentage of spandex somewhat less than or even greater than these values.

[0131] Although not shown in FIG. 14 , in some cases, the bag 114 may include additional layers (e.g., additional moisture-wicking or moisture-adsorbing layers) positioned between or on either side of the first bag layer 140 and the second bag layer 142, and the additional layers may be provided in a substantially similar or different form compared to the third bag layer 141.

[0132] In some cases, the back panel 126 may also be provided with one or more portions or fabric layers to impart moisture management properties. In these cases, the discussion above with respect to Figures 11-14 also applies to the back panel 126, which may be substantially similar to the front panel 121 or the bag 114. For example, in some cases, the back panel 126 may be provided with similar surface areas, materials, fabric layers, dimensions, and / or other properties as compared to the bag 114. However, in certain cases, the back panel 126 may be substantially similar to the bag 114 in some respects, but may have a different shape and / or dimensions as compared to the bag 114 (e.g., the back panel 126 may be larger than the bag 114).

[0133] It is understood that any of the agents or treatments described herein may be applied to any of the technical face, technical back, or sublayers of a fabric described herein (e.g., wearer-facing sublayer 150, first outward-facing sublayer 152, second wearer-facing sublayer 154, second outward-facing sublayer 156, third wearer-facing sublayer 158, and third outward-facing sublayer 160 of FIGS. 11-14). Additionally, the same agent or treatment need not be applied to each of the technical face, technical back, or sublayers of a fabric described herein (e.g., different agents or treatments may be applied to different technical face, technical back, or sublayers of a fabric).

[0134] 15 and 16 illustrate additional non-limiting examples of garments 200 (e.g., lower torso garments 200) that may include one or more moisture management portions (e.g., bladders) constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The reference numbers used to identify different features in FIGS. 15 and 16 are similar to the reference numbers used throughout this disclosure. The garment 200 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 may be substantially similar to the garment 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-14 and may also provide moisture management benefits to the wearer. In various instances, elements of the garment 200 that have the same names and / or reference numbers as features of the garment 100 may be provided in substantially the same form as the features described with reference to the garment 100. For example, as described above, the garment 200 may include a bladder (e.g., bladder 214) that is configured to be positioned near the wearer's external genitalia during use or wear and to provide moisture management properties.

[0135] Like garment 100, garment 200 may be provided in the form of a main body 202 including a waistband 208, left and right leg openings 212a and 212b, and a pouch 214. The pouch 214 may include a first panel 238a and a second panel 238b that at least partially define a placket opening 232. However, in some cases, the placket opening 232 may be omitted (e.g., garment 200 may include one of the first panel 238a and the second panel 238b, but the other of the first panel 238a and the second panel 238b may be omitted). In some cases, main body 202 may be provided in the form of a front lower torso portion 216a (see FIG. 15) and a back lower torso portion 216b (see FIG. 16). One or more bladder seams 224, such as first bladder seam 224a and second bladder seam 224b, may at least partially define the shape of bladder 214. Additionally, in some cases, garment 200 may include a back seam 222 (e.g., positioned adjacent the back of the wearer's body when garment 200 is worn in its intended configuration) that may define at least a portion or edge of bladder 214. In other cases, garment 200 may include additional or alternative components not specifically shown or described herein.

[0136] In some cases, garment 200 may not include a gusset (e.g., a gusset similar to gusset 118 of garment 100). Instead, at least a portion of bladder 214 may be positioned on front lower torso portion 216a, while another portion of bladder 214 may extend into back lower torso portion 216b. For example, bladder 214 may be joined to back lower torso portion 216b via back seam 222 of garment 200. In other cases, bladder 214 may be provided in any suitable form and may be located in any suitable portion of garment 100.

[0137] Unlike the example of garment 100 shown in FIGS. 1-8 , in some cases, garment 200 may be provided in the form of briefs. In such cases, garment 200 may not include leg portions (e.g., leg portions 110 as described with reference to FIG. 1 may be omitted). Additionally, the shape of bladder 214 may differ from the shape of first bladder 114a (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ) and / or second bladder 114b (see, e.g., FIG. 3 ). However, bladder 214 may, in some cases, be shaped substantially similarly to either first bladder 114a or second bladder 114b. Bladder 214 may also differ from bladder 114 in one or more other aspects. While garment 200 may, in some cases, be provided in the form of briefs, garment 200 may also be provided in other forms, such as pants, leggings, joggers, tights, stockings, cycling shorts, a liner for another garment, and / or other forms of lower torso garment.

[0138] 17-18B illustrate additional non-limiting examples of garments 300 (e.g., lower torso garments 300) that may include one or more moisture management portions (e.g., bladders) constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. Reference numbers used to identify different features in FIGS. 17-18B are similar to reference numbers used throughout this disclosure. Garment 300 in FIGS. 17-18B may be substantially similar to garments 100 and / or garments 200 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-16 and may also provide moisture management benefits to the wearer. In various instances, elements of garment 300 having the same names and / or reference numbers as features of garments 100 and / or garments 200 may be provided in substantially the same form as the corresponding features described with respect to garments 100, 200. For example, as described above, garment 300 may include a bladder (e.g., bladder 314) that is configured to be positioned near the wearer's external genitalia during use or wear and to provide moisture management properties. 17-18B, apparel 300 may be provided in the form of boxer briefs. However, in other instances, apparel 300 may be provided in other forms, such as briefs, boxer shorts, leggings, base layers, and / or other forms of lower torso garments or underwear.

[0139] Like garments 100, 200, garment 300 may be provided in the form of a main body 302 including a waistband 308, left and right leg portions 310a, 310b, left and right leg openings 312a, 312b, and a bladder 314. In some cases, bladder 314 may be substantially similar to bladder 114, 214 in one or more respects, but bladder 314 may differ from bladder 114, 214 in that bladder 314 may not include a placket opening (e.g., placket opening 132 of garment 100 shown in FIG. 1 , for example, may be omitted). Thus, in some configurations, bladder 314 of garment 300 may include a single panel 338, as opposed to including first and second panels corresponding to first and second panels 138a, 138b of garment 100 and first and second panels 238a, 238b of garment 200. In some cases, one or more bladder seams 324, such as first bladder seam 324a and second bladder seam 324b, may at least partially define the shape of bladder 314. In other cases, garment 300 may include additional or alternative components not specifically described herein.

[0140] In some cases, the panel 338 of the bladder 314 may be provided in a configuration substantially similar to the first panel 138a and / or the second panel 138b (see, e.g., FIGS. 9A and 9B ) described above with reference to the garment 100. For example, the panel 338 may be provided with a structure and / or arrangement of materials or layers of fabric or material shown in any of FIGS. 9A , 9B , 11 - 14 . The bladder 314 may be defined by a first bladder end 334 and a second bladder end 336 opposite the first bladder end 334. In some cases, the bladder 314 may be substantially oval-shaped, substantially U-shaped, or other shaped. For example, the first bladder seam 324a and the second bladder seam 324b may each include a substantially linear portion proximate the second bladder end 336 and a substantially rounded portion proximate the first bladder end 334. Thus, in some cases, the width of the sack 314 may narrow from the sack second end 336 to the sack first end 334. However, in other cases, the first and second sack seams 324a, 324b and the sack 314 may be given any suitable shape or configuration.

[0141] In certain cases, the bladder 314 may be coupled to a gusset (not shown) provided within the garment 300. In other cases, the gusset may be omitted from the garment 300. In such cases, the bladder 314 may be coupled to a back panel and back portion (not shown) of the main body 302. In some cases, the bladder 314 may be provided only in a front portion of the garment 300, while in other cases, the bladder 314 may extend to a back portion of the garment 300.

[0142] In some cases, the panel 338 of the bag 314 may include a feature 301 (e.g., a seam, an area containing a stitching, etc.) positioned proximate the first end 334 of the bag. For example, the feature 301 may be provided in the form of a dart designed to increase the volume of the bag 314. However, in other cases, the feature 301 may be provided in a different form, or the feature 301 may be omitted.

[0143] The panel 338 may include one or more layers of fabric. For example, the panel 338 may include a single layer of fabric or material, or the panel 338 may include two, three, four, or any other number of layers of fabric or material. As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, in some cases, the panel 338 may include a first bladder layer 340 (Figure 18A) and a second bladder layer 342 (Figure 18B). For example, the first bladder layer 340 may be provided in the form of a moisture-wicking or moisture-adsorbing layer and may be substantially similar in one or more respects to the first bladder layer 140, and the second bladder layer 342 may be provided with moisture-resistant properties and may be substantially similar in one or more respects to the second bladder layer 142. However, in other cases, the first bladder layer 340 and the second bladder layer 342 may be provided in any suitable form and may differ from the first bladder layer 140 and the second bladder layer 142 in one or more respects (e.g., structure, location, material, dimensions, etc.). Further, in some cases, the panel 338 may include only a single layer of fabric or material. For example, the second bladder layer 342 may be omitted in certain cases, and the bladder 314 may be composed of the moisture wicking or moisture adsorbing material of the first bladder layer 340. In other cases, the panel 338 may include any number of layers of fabric or material (e.g., two layers, three layers, four layers, etc.).

[0144] The first bladder layer 340 and the second bladder layer 342 may be provided in substantially the same shape, although the shapes of the first bladder layer 340 and the second bladder layer 342 may also differ from one another. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B , the first bladder layer 340 and the second bladder layer 342 may each be provided in an hourglass or wineglass shape, although the first bladder layer 340 and the second bladder layer 342 may be provided in a virtually infinite number of shapes. Additionally, when the first bladder layer 340 and the second bladder layer 342 are joined together and / or disposed within the garment 300, the second bladder layer 342 may overlap the first bladder layer 340. Alternatively, the first bladder layer 340 and the second bladder layer 342 may be offset from one another when joined together and / or disposed within the garment 300.

[0145] In certain cases, the moisture management bags (e.g., bags 114, 214, 314) and garments (e.g., garments 100, 200, 300) described herein with reference to Figures 1-18B can retain their moisture management properties after being washed. For example, the moisture management bags of Figures 1-18B can partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their moisture management properties after being washed in a washing machine and / or dried in a dryer. In certain cases, the moisture management bags and garments of Figures 1-18B can partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their moisture management properties after about 1 to about 50 wash cycles (or 1 to 50 wash cycles), although the moisture management bags can also retain their moisture management properties after even more wash cycles. For example, the moisture management bags and garments of Figures 1-18B can partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their moisture management properties after at least about 1 wash cycle, or at least about 3 wash cycles, or at least about 5 wash cycles, or at least about 7 wash cycles, or at least about 10 wash cycles, or at least about 15 wash cycles, or at least about 20 wash cycles, or at least about 25 wash cycles, or at least about 30 wash cycles, or at least about 40 wash cycles, or at least about 50 wash cycles. As an additional example, the moisture management bags and garments of Figures 1-18B can partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their moisture management properties after at least 1 wash cycle, or at least 3 wash cycles, or at least 5 wash cycles, or at least 7 wash cycles, or at least 10 wash cycles, or at least 15 wash cycles, or at least 20 wash cycles, or at least 25 wash cycles, or at least 30 wash cycles, or at least 40 wash cycles, or at least 50 wash cycles.

[0146] As used herein, "washing machine" and "dryer" may refer to any current or future machine designed to clean and / or dry clothes. Additionally, as used herein, a "wash cycle" may refer to only washing clothes or both washing and drying clothes. Additionally, as used herein, boxers, boxer briefs, briefs, pants, shorts, compression tights, joggers, and the like may be collectively described as "lower torso garments."

[0147] Various characteristics of the garments of Figures 1-18B have been described with reference to one or more values ​​or one or more ranges of values. It is understood that each characteristic described herein with reference to a numerical value or range may be assigned a separate value or range of values ​​consistent with all values ​​described with reference to that characteristic. In addition, it is understood that each characteristic described herein with reference to a numerical value or range may be assigned a separate value or range of values ​​that falls within any minimum and maximum values ​​or ranges described with reference to that characteristic.

[0148] The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a moisture management garment. The method may include providing a main body, an optional pair of leg sections, and a bladder, the bladder comprising a first panel and a second panel, each panel including a first wearer-facing fabric layer and a coextensive second fabric layer disposed below the first wearer-facing fabric layer. The first wearer-facing fabric layer is capable of absorbing and / or absorbing moisture, and the second fabric layer is capable of repelling moisture. The method may further include joining the first wearer-facing fabric layer, the coextensive second fabric layer, the first and second panels, the main body, and at least a portion of the pair of leg sections (if leg sections are provided) along peripheral edges of the first and second panels. Alternatively, the method may include providing a bladder comprising a first panel assembly, a second panel assembly, and / or one or more additional panels or panel assemblies. The first panel assembly may include a first fabric layer (e.g., a wearer-facing panel assembly), which may include a first wearer-facing sublayer and a first outward-facing sublayer. Similarly, the second panel assembly (e.g., an outward-facing panel assembly) may include a second wearer-facing sublayer and a second outward-facing sublayer. The first wearer-facing sublayer of the first panel assembly may be capable of absorbing, adsorbing, or transferring moisture, and at least a portion of the second panel assembly may be endowed with moisture-resistant properties. In other cases, the method may include additional or alternative steps not specifically described herein. Moreover, in certain cases, one or more of the above-described steps may be omitted from the method.

[0149] While the above disclosure has been described above with reference to particular instances and examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other instances, examples, applications, modifications, and departures from the above instances, examples, and applications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the above disclosure are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment, a main body including a front lower fuselage portion and a rear lower fuselage portion; A waist opening, a left leg opening and a right leg opening; a bag at least partially disposed within the front lower body portion, the bag including a first bag panel and a second bag panel, the first bag panel and the second bag panel each including a first fabric layer bonded to a second fabric layer; Equipped with The garment, wherein the first fabric layer of the first bladder panel and the second bladder panel is designed to transfer liquids outwardly from the lower torso region of the wearer.

2. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the liquid comprises urine.

3. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the pouch extends into and is connected to the back lower torso portion.

4. The garment of claim 1 , further comprising a gusset positioned between the bladder and the rear torso portion, the gusset being coupled to the bladder and the rear lower torso portion.

5. The garment of claim 1 , further comprising a back panel positioned at least partially on the back lower torso portion, the back panel having moisture management properties.

6. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the first and second bladder panels each comprise the first and second fabric layers.

7. The garment of claim 1 , wherein a chemical treatment imparts moisture resistant properties to the second fabric layer.

8. a technical back surface of the first fabric layer of the first bag panel positioned adjacent to a technical back surface of the second fabric layer of the first bag panel; The garment of claim 1 , wherein the technical facing surface of the first fabric layer of the first bladder panel includes a plurality of pores designed to facilitate moisture transport.

9. the body includes a first fabric; the second fabric layer of the first bag panel and the second bag panel comprises a second fabric; The garment of claim 1 , wherein the first fabric and the second fabric comprise the same fabric blend.

10. 10. The garment of claim 9, wherein the first fabric layer of the first bladder panel and the second bladder panel comprises a third fabric, the third fabric comprising a synthetic blend fabric imparted with a fabric weight of between about 135 grams per square meter and about 185 grams per square meter.

11. 1. A lower torso garment comprising: a main body provided in the form of a front lower torso portion and a back lower torso portion joined together to define a waist opening; a bladder at least partially disposed within the front lower torso portion, the bladder having moisture management properties, the bladder comprising: a placket panel assembly positioned adjacent to the body of a wearer when the lower torso garment is worn in its intended configuration; a cover panel assembly positioned adjacent to the placket panel assembly; a bag including: a placket opening at least partially defined by the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly; 1. A lower torso garment comprising:

12. 12. The lower torso garment of claim 11, wherein a portion of the placket panel assembly is separate from the lower torso garment and a portion of the cover panel assembly is separate from the lower torso garment.

13. the bag is coupled to the body via a first bag seam, a second bag seam, and a third bag seam; the first bag seam and the second bag seam join two or more fabric layers of the bag together; the first and second bladder seams join the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly to the front lower body portion; 12. The lower torso garment of claim 11, wherein the third bladder seam joins the bladder to a gusset or the back lower torso portion.

14. 12. The lower torso garment of claim 11, wherein the placket panel assembly includes at least one fabric layer comprising moisture-wicking mesh and at least one fabric layer including a blend of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials.

15. 12. The lower torso garment of claim 11, wherein at least one of the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly is treated with one or more agents selected from the group consisting of wicking agents, stain repellents, odor control agents, water repellents, water resistance agents, antibacterial agents, antimicrobial agents, sanitizing agents, and combinations thereof.

16. 12. The lower torso garment of claim 11, wherein the placket panel assembly and the cover panel assembly each include a technical front surface and a technical back surface, the technical front surface of the placket panel assembly being imparted with a first texture to facilitate moisture transport, and the technical back surface of the placket panel assembly being imparted with a second texture different from the first texture.

17. 12. The lower torso garment of claim 11, wherein the placket panel assembly includes a first fabric layer configured to wick moisture outwardly away from the body of the wearer, a second fabric layer positioned proximate an exterior of the lower torso garment, and a third fabric layer positioned between the first and second fabric layers, the third fabric layer being provided in substantially the same configuration as the first fabric layer.

18. a first seam joining the placket panel assembly to the front lower body portion; a second seam located opposite the first seam joining the first and second fabric layers of the placket panel assembly; a third seam located opposite the first seam joining the cover panel assembly to the front lower body portion; 12. The lower torso garment of claim 11, wherein the second seam is proximate the placket opening.

19. 20. The lower torso garment of claim 18, wherein the second seam is provided in the form of a fold seam, the fold seam being joined to the third seam.

20. Boxer briefs, a body, the body comprising: a front lower fuselage portion and a rear lower fuselage portion defining an interior of the body; Waist opening, a left leg portion and a right leg portion connected to the front lower torso portion and the back lower torso portion; a bag positioned at least partially within the front lower body portion and coupled to the body; is provided in the form of The bag is configured to impart moisture management properties to the boxer briefs, the bag being defined by a first panel including a first fabric layer designed to transport moisture and a second fabric layer imparted with moisture resistant properties, the first fabric layer of the first panel being positioned adjacent to the wearer's body when the boxer briefs are worn in their intended configuration.

Images