Male garment

Abstract

There is described a male garment having a body including a front portion and leg openings for a wearer's legs. A resiliently elastic stretch panel is attached to an interior of the body and includes an opening for receiving therethrough the wearer's genitalia. A pouch is defined between the stretch panel and the front portion for receiving therein the wearer's genitalia. A padded member is attached to the interior of the body for cushioning one or more areas of the wearer, such as their crotch and buttocks.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a type of men's clothing (such as an undershort). [Previous Technology]

[0002] Men's next-to-skin clothing should comfortably accommodate the wearer's genitals. In particular, for wearers engaged in sports or other physical activities, uncomfortable pressure and / or chafing in the genital area is a common problem with existing men's underwear.

[0003] Therefore, especially considering the genital area, there is a need for men’s and boys’ clothing that is more comfortable to wear than many existing garments. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a men's garment is provided, comprising: a body including a front portion and trouser leg openings for the wearer's legs; a resilient elastic stretch piece attached to the interior of the body and including an opening for receiving the wearer's genitals; a pouch defined between the stretch piece and the front portion for receiving the wearer's genitals within the pouch; and a padding member attached to the interior of the body for cushioning one or more areas of the wearer.

[0005] One or more areas of the wearer may include one or more of the wearer's groin and buttocks. One or more areas may additionally include the wearer's genitals.

[0006] The front part includes a front piece and a rear piece, wherein the space is limited between the front piece and the rear piece.

[0007] The filling member may extend into the space defined between the front piece and the rear piece.

[0008] The front portion may include pleated seams to help define the pouch.

[0009] The filling component can be attached to the pleat joint.

[0010] The filling component can be shaped to resemble a bicycle saddle.

[0011] The filling component may include polyester.

[0012] The filling component may include antimicrobial materials.

[0013] The filling component may include suede.

[0014] The body may further include a gusset, which includes a front gusset seam and a rear gusset seam. The front and stretch pieces may be attached to the gusset along the front gusset seam.

[0015] The crotch panel may include mesh fabric for improving the breathability of the garment.

[0016] The filling member is attached to the tension sheet along the front crotch seam.

[0017] The body may further include a rear portion, which is interconnected with the front portion via a crotch plate.

[0018] The filling member may be attached to the interior of the rear and may extend on a portion of the rear and a portion of the crotch.

[0019] The stretch sheet can be attached to the front at the top and bottom positions.

[0020] When not stretched, the stretch sheet may have a top-to-bottom length less than the distance between the top and bottom positions when measured along the front.

[0021] The top position may be part of the waistband seam of the garment.

[0022] The bottom position can be part of the front crotch seam of the garment.

[0023] The stretch sheet can be attached to the front part at the left and right positions.

[0024] When not stretched, the stretch sheet may have a left-to-right width less than the distance between the left and right positions when measured along the front.

[0025] The stretch sheet may include one or more fabrics having one or more asymmetric stretching properties, such that the stretch sheet is easier to stretch in the top-to-bottom direction than in the left-to-right direction.

[0026] The opening may include a rounded bottom edge and an opposite side edge.

[0027] The stretch sheet may include a fabric having a stretch of at least 30%.

[0028] The garment may be a pair of short trousers.

[0029] The stretch sheet may include a fabric different from that of the body.

[0030] The stretch sheet may include a pair of top edges, each top edge having a first end and a second end, the first end defining the upper corner of the stretch sheet. When the stretch sheet is not stretched, the top edge may extend downward from the first end to the second end.

[0031] The stretch sheet may be attached to the front along the top edge of the stretch sheet, such that when attached to the front, the stretch sheet is stretched.

[0032] According to a further aspect of this disclosure, a method of manufacturing men's clothing is provided, the men's clothing comprising: a body including a front portion and trouser leg openings for the wearer's legs; a resilient elastic stretch piece attached to the interior of the body and including an opening for receiving the wearer's genitals through the opening; and a pouch defined between the stretch piece and the front portion for receiving the wearer's genitals within the pouch, wherein the method includes attaching a padding member to the interior of the body for cushioning one or more areas of the wearer.

[0033] One or more areas of the wearer may include one or more of the wearer's groin and buttocks. One or more areas may additionally include the wearer's genitals.

[0034] The front portion may include a front piece and a rear piece, wherein a space is defined between the front piece and the rear piece, and attaching the filling member to the interior of the body may include inserting a portion of the filling member into the space defined between the front piece and the rear piece.

[0035] Attaching the filler to the interior of the body may include attaching the bottom of the stretch sheet to the filler.

[0036] The garment may further include a crotch panel having a front seam and a back seam, and attaching the bottom of the stretch piece to the filling member may include sewing the bottom of the stretch piece to the filling member along the front seam of the crotch panel.

Implementation Method

[0037] This disclosure seeks to provide an improved men's clothing. Although various embodiments of this disclosure are described below, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and variations of such embodiments may fall within the scope of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined only by the appended claims.

[0038] The terms "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the terms "comprising" or "including" in the claims and / or specification may mean "one," but are also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more," unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term "another" may mean at least one second or more, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] Depending on the context in which the terms “coupled,” “coupled,” or “connected,” as used herein, may be used, these terms may have several different meanings. For example, the terms “coupled,” “coupled,” or “connected” may have mechanical or electrical connotations. For example, as used herein, depending on the specific context, the terms “coupled,” “coupled,” or “connected” may mean two elements or devices directly connected to each other or connected to each other via electrical elements, electrical signals, or mechanical elements via one or more intermediate elements or devices. The term “and / or,” when used herein in connection with a list of items, means any or more of the items included in that list.

[0040] As used herein, references to “about” or “close to” a number or “substantially” equal to a number mean within + / - 10% of that number.

[0041] Generally, skin-friendly men's clothing is described, including a pouch for receiving the wearer's genitals. The men's clothing disclosed herein also includes padding elements such as suede for cushioning one or more areas of the wearer, such as the groin and buttocks. Such clothing can provide enhanced comfort for the wearer and is particularly suitable for wearers intending to engage in cycling-related activities.

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 show a pair of briefs 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The briefs 10 have an elastic waistband 12 supporting a fabric body 14. The body 14 extends to the leg openings 15R and 15L (collectively referred to as "leg openings 15"). The front portion 18 of the body 14 is shaped to include additional fabric such that the front portion 18 does not taut against the wearer's body. As described below, the front portion 18 forms the front part of a three-dimensional sac 20 that receives and gently supports the wearer's genitals. In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 18 includes a front seam (also referred to as a pleated seam 19) that extends along the front portion 18 to the midway from the crotch of the briefs 10 to the waistband 12. The pleated seam 19 allows additional fabric to be provided in the front portion 18. This, in turn, increases the volume of the sac 20. A passage opening or other suitable opening may optionally be provided in the front portion 18 to allow the wearer convenient urination.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the shorts 10 have a structure including a crotch piece connected to the front and rear sides of the body 14 by a front seam 26 and a rear seam 27, respectively. The crotch piece 25 may be referred to as an arc-shaped piece or a moisture-wicking piece. The shorts 10 further includes a stretch piece 22 extending between the waistband 12 and the crotch piece 25.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end of the stretch piece 22 is attached to the front seam 26, while the upper end of the stretch piece 22 is attached to the waistband seam 28 that connects the waistband 12 to the body 14. The side edges of the stretch piece 22 are connected to the front portion 18 of the body 14 along the seam 29 on either side.

[0045] For example, when the shorts 10 are opened as shown in FIG. 3, with the waistband 12 gently taut and the body 14 hanging freely, the stretcher 22 is contracted and pulled open from the front 18 to provide a three-dimensional pouch 20 between the stretcher 22 and the front 18. The offset of the contracted stretcher 22 beyond the front 18 helps the opening 30 (described below) remain open. When the wearer inserts his leg into the leg opening 15, the pouch 20 and the opening 30 can self-align with the wearer's penis and scrotum.

[0046] The stretch piece 22 includes an opening 30 for receiving the wearer's genitals. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 30 is U-shaped and has a soft binding 31. Soft thread is preferably used in any stitching of the binding 31. Alternatively, the stretch piece 22 may be shaped such that the sides 31L and 31R of the edges 31 are brought closer together near the waistband, making the opening 30 more teardrop-shaped. In a further embodiment, the upper portions of the sides 31L and 31R of the edges 31 may be adjacent to each other or connected together, such that the opening 30 has an oval or elliptical shape (not shown). Regardless of the specific shape of the opening 30, the stretch piece 22 is configured to define the opening 30 and provide support around and below the wearer's scrotum so that the wearer's genitals are comfortably positioned forward within the scrotum 20.

[0047] As can be seen in Figure 3, the waistband 12 of the shorts 10 is kept open, as if the wearer were naturally putting on the shorts 10, so that the pouch 20 is open to receive the wearer's genitals. When wearing the shorts 10, the wearer's genitals can fall into the appropriate position in the pouch 20 through the opening 30. In other words, when the man holds the shorts 10 in the ready-to-wear position (e.g., by holding it in the air by the waistband 12), the weight of the shorts 10 holds the stretcher 22, so that the opening 30 is open and clearly defined. Due to the offset, the man's genitals are thus naturally guided through the opening 30 and forward into the pouch 20. As the shorts 10 are pulled, the stretcher 20 stretches. In use, such as during physical activity and other movements, this offset prevents the man's genitals from falling out of the pouch 20.

[0048] It can be seen that the sides 31L and 31R of edge 31 and the bottom 31B of edge 31 are all free edges separated from the seam, wherein the stretch sheet is attached to the body 14 at the seam, and the front part 18 is separated from these edges in the forward direction. The bottom 31B is preferably curved.

[0049] The sides 31L and 31R of edge 31 are separated from each other by a gap to receive the wearer's genitals. In some embodiments, the gap has a width of 2 cm or more at a position just above the bottom 31B. In the illustrated embodiment, the sides 31L and 31R of edge 31 are generally straight.

[0050] The stretch piece 22 may be made of a two-way or four-way stretch material, so that when the shorts are worn, the stretch piece 22 is gently stretched. This allows the stretch piece 22 to be gently held in place without sagging relative to the wearer's body in the perennial area and in the area adjacent to the wearer's upper inner thigh. The stretch piece 22 is preferably made of or covered by a soft fabric that is comfortable against the wearer's skin. The stretch piece 22 is preferably made of a breathable fabric.

[0051] When the shorts 10 are worn, the stretch piece 22 extends between the wearer's genitals and the inside of the wearer's upper thighs, thereby reducing or completely eliminating friction between the wearer's genitals and thighs. Similarly, the stretch piece 22 extends downward between the wearer's genitals and the wearer's perineal area, thereby reducing or completely eliminating friction between the wearer's genitals and perineal area. Preferably, the front seam 26 is located in front of the crotch panel 25, such that the bottom of the stretch piece 22 is located in front of the wearer's perineum.

[0052] Figure 4 shows how the wearer's genitals pass through the opening 30 onto the upper portion 22A of the stretcher 22 when the shorts 10 are worn, with the stretcher 22 positioned directly below the wearer's genitals. Portion 22A of the stretcher 22 prevents friction on the underside of the wearer's genitals. The edge 31L along the bottom of the opening 30 gently abuts upwards by the elastic nature of the stretcher 22, providing gentle support for the wearer's genitals from below. Side portions 22B and 22C of the stretcher 22 help suspend the edge 31L. If the edge 31L is pressed down, the elasticity of the stretcher 22 (particularly the sides 22B and 22C) tends to pull the edge 31L back to its original position. In the illustrated embodiment, the sides 22B and 22C are typically rectangular.

[0053] The edges 31R and 31L gently accommodate the sides of the wearer's genitals and thus help resist swinging from one side to the other during activity. As can also be seen in Figure 4, the stretch piece 22 provides a soft layer between the wearer's genitals and upper thigh.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiments, the stretch piece 22 is generally rectangular. For example, at seams 26 and 27, the attachment length of the stretch piece 22 is within ±10% or ±15%. With the shorts 10 facing upwards and lying flat, the seam 29 is generally straight and generally perpendicular to the waistband 12. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the stretch piece 22 is approximately from about 1½:1 to about 2:1. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the stretch piece 22 has an unstretched height of about 17 cm and an unstretched width of about 10 cm.

[0055] In some embodiments, the material of the stretch piece 22 has asymmetric stretching (e.g., the elastic modulus of the material has a first value in a first direction in the plane of the material and a second value different from the first value in a second direction in the plane of the material perpendicular to the first direction). The material may be oriented such that it is easier to stretch the material of the stretch piece 22 in a direction parallel to the waistband 12 than to stretch the material in a direction perpendicular to the waistband 12.

[0056] Various materials can be used for the stretch sheet 22. For example, the stretch sheet 22 may include an elasticized fabric. In one exemplary embodiment, the fabric includes a polyester-Spandex™ blend and may further include an antimicrobial agent. In one exemplary embodiment, the fabric includes a blend of about 78% polyester, about 14% Spandex™, and about 8% XT2® polyester. XT2® can prevent the formation of bacteria during activity and thus can help reduce odors generated during activity. According to some embodiments, the stretch sheet 22 includes a polyester mesh fabric.

[0057] Fabric stretch can be measured in various ways. Fabric stretch can be measured by: taking a strip of material that is 30-40 cm long and 20 cm wide when taught but not stretched; anchoring one end of the strip and pulling the other end to stretch and lengthen the material; and determining the maximum stretch length, wherein, after the maximum stretch length, the strip does not return to its original length under the taught but not stretched condition. The ratio of the maximum stretch length minus the taught but not stretched length to the taught but not stretched length is the fabric stretch. For example, if the strip of material has a taught but not stretched length of 25 cm and a maximum stretch length of 50 cm, then the fabric stretch is (50-25) / 25 = 100%. In some embodiments, the material of the stretching strip 22 has a stretch of 30% or more. In some embodiments, the material of the stretching strip 22 has a stretch of at least 70% or at least 75%.

[0058] The stretch piece 22 may be pre-stretched relative to the front portion 18 when it is assembled to the front portion 18 of the body 14. Therefore, during assembly, the stretch piece 22 is substantially stretched, while the front portion 18 of the body 14 is not stretched or stretched less than the stretch piece 22. In some embodiments, the material of the stretch piece 22 is stretched by at least 50%, 55%, or 60% as the stretch piece 22 is being sewn into place. In an exemplary embodiment, the stretch piece 22 is 100% stretched, and is stretched at least as the final seam held in place is being sewn.

[0059] Figure 5 shows a stretch piece 22 "cut" according to the solid outline pattern and "stretched" according to the dashed outline pattern for assembly to the front part 18. In this embodiment, the stretch piece 22 is attached to the seam parallel to the waistband 12 at an angle to the top edges 23A and 23B of the stretch piece 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom edge 23C is also cut, causing it to be recessed at the center line. Therefore, when not stretched, the cut material of the stretch piece 22 is shorter in the vertical dimension along its vertical line extending from the edge of the opening 30 than it is further away from its center line. Due to the angle between the edges 23A and 23B and the recess of the bottom edge 23C, for assembly, the stretch piece 22 is stretched more in the portions along the edges 31R and 31L than in the portions of the stretch piece 22 closer to the side attached along the seam 29. This results in the tension along the edges 31R and 31L of the stretcher 22 being slightly greater than the tension in the other parts of the stretcher 22 when the shorts 10 are being put on or hanging to be put on. This tension gradient helps to better support the edge 31B and keep the opening 30 open when the shorts are being held to be put on.

[0060] As shown by the dashed outline in Figure 5, when the top edge 23A and 23B and the bottom edge 23C are attached along the parallel seams 26 and 28 and the side edge of the stretch sheet 22 is attached along the seam 29, for example by stitching, the material in the stretch sheet 22 can be stretched from the unstretched length L1 to the stretched length L2.

[0061] After assembly, the stretch sheet 22 can be tightened. This gathers the material of the front 18 and helps to form a pouch 20 with a three-dimensional volume opening, so as to receive the wearer's genitals even when the shorts 10 are about to be put on and are hanging from the waistband 12.

[0062] The stitching pattern used to attach the stretch sheet 22 to the body 14 preferably allows stretching along the length of the seam. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, seams 26, 28 and 29 can be stitched using stitching methods and / or combinations of threads that allow stretching along the lengths of seams 26, 28 and 29.

[0063] In some embodiments, during manufacturing, while the stretch piece 22 is being attached to the front portion 18, the stretch piece 22 is stretched only in length (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the waistband 12). In some embodiments, during manufacturing, while the stretch piece 22 is being attached to the front portion 18, the stretch piece 22 is stretched relative to the front portion 18 in both width and length (four-way stretching). Thus, in its relaxed, unstretched state, the stretch piece 22 pulls the sides of the front portion 18 toward each other at seam 29 and the top and bottom edges of the front portion 18 toward each other at seams 26 and 28. In particular, this creates volume in the pouch 20 when combined with shaping elements that make the front portion 18 uneven (e.g., by means of pleated seams 19).

[0064] In some embodiments, when at least 50% is not stretched, the length of the material along the front portion 18 measured from seam 26 to waistband 12 exceeds the length of the fabric measured along stretcher 22. In some embodiments, when the same seams are not stretched by 10 to 15% or more, the length of the material along the front portion 18 measured at the bottom 31B level from seam 28 to seam 29 exceeds the length of the fabric measured along stretcher 22.

[0065] In some embodiments, the front portion 18 is shaped such that the stretch sheet 22 is generally flat while remaining horizontal under just sufficiently large tension, wherein the front portion 18 hangs below the stretch sheet 22, with the center portion of the front portion 18 well suspended below the flat surface of the stretch sheet 22. In some embodiments, when the shorts 10 is held in this test state, the center portion of the front portion 18 hangs 3 cm or more below the flat surface of the stretch sheet 22.

[0066] Similar to all clothing, the shorts 10 can be made to fit men and boys of different sizes, and can be made of different fabrics to suit different personal preferences and price points. Therefore, individual sizes are not important.

[0067] In some embodiments, the distance A along the stretcher 22 from its point of connection to the body 14 to the lowest point along the edge of the opening 30 is at least 2 cm. In some embodiments, this distance is in the range of about 2 cm to about 3 cm. In some embodiments, when the shorts 10 or other garment according to some exemplary embodiments is not worn but is being hung, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal distance B between opposite sides of the opening 30 is in the range of about 3 cm to about 6 cm. In some embodiments, the horizontal distance C along the stretcher 22 from its point of connection to the body 14 (e.g., at seam 29) to the edge 31R or 31L of the opening 30 just above the bottom 31B is at least 2 cm. In some embodiments, this distance is in the range of about 2 cm to about 5 cm. In some embodiments, the distance D along the fabric at the center of the front portion 18 of the body from the lower edge of the waistband 12 to the point where the stretcher 22 is attached to the body 14 (e.g., seam 26) is at least 15 cm. In some implementations, this distance is in the range of about 15 cm to about 25 cm.

[0068] It is not mandatory that the stretch sheet 22 has no opening. In some embodiments, the stretch sheet 22 comprises a continuous layer of material without any openings other than the opening 30. In other embodiments, the stretch sheet 22 may have one or more openings around the periphery of the opening 30.

[0069] It is not mandatory that the material of the stretch sheet 22 is different from that of the rest of the body 14. In some embodiments, different fabrics are used for the stretch sheet 22 and the front 18 of the body 14.

[0070] The stretching sheet 22 may contain openings of various shapes that enter the pouch 20. Exemplary openings are U-shaped (as described above), oval, elliptical, teardrop-shaped, and similar shapes.

[0071] The stretching sheet 22 may optionally be formed from a plurality of fabrics sewn together. For example, the stretching sheet 22 may be formed from three fabrics, two of which extend vertically along the side of the opening 30, and one of which extends laterally across the bottom of the opening 30.

[0072] It is not mandatory for the garment to include a body covering the wearer's buttocks. In some embodiments, the construction described herein is applied to an athletic supporter (jock strap). Generally, the pouch described herein can be implemented in various types of men's clothing, particularly in the middle section of the front wall of men's clothing worn around the male torso.

[0073] Turning to Figure 6, a shorts 10' according to a further embodiment of this disclosure is now shown. Shorts 10' is similar to shorts 10 and similar features are indicated by similar reference numerals. In addition to including similar stretchers 22 and pouches 30, shorts 10' further includes padding members 40 to provide further comfort and support for the wearer.

[0074] As can be seen in Figure 6, a padding member 40 is provided inside the body 14. The padding member 40, also referred to as suede, includes padding material shaped to provide cushioning and support for the wearer's hips and buttocks during physical activity (particularly cycling). The padding member 40 includes a rear end 41 attached to the rear portion 14a of the body 14. The rear end 41 of the padding member 40 is shaped to provide cushioning for the wearer's ischium and adjacent areas of the wearer's buttocks when the wearer is wearing shorts 10' and, for example, sitting on a bicycle saddle.

[0075] The padding member 40 further includes a narrower middle portion 42 extending away from the rear end 41 and above the crotch panel 25. The middle portion 42 is shaped to provide cushioning for the wearer's hips. The front end 43 of the padding member 40 (not shown in FIG. 6) extends into a pocket or space 21 provided within the front portion 18 of the body 14, as described in a further detailed description below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0076] Turning to FIG7, a cross-sectional view of a shorts 10' having a padding member 40 attached thereto is shown. The rear end 41 of the padding member 40 attached to the rear portion 14a of the body 14 is shown. The middle portion 42 of the padding member 40 extends above the rear seam 27 of the crotch panel 25.

[0077] As can be further seen from this exemplary embodiment, the front portion 18 includes a front panel 18a and a rear panel 18b, defining a space between the front panel 18a and the rear panel 18b. The front end 43 of the padding member 40 extends into the space 21 defined between the front panel 18a and the rear panel 18b of the front portion 18. This ensures, for example, that the front end 43 does not protrude into the pocket 30, and therefore does not obstruct the wearer's genitals when the shorts 10' are being worn. The front end 43 of the padding member 40 is attached to the pleat seam 19 (not shown in FIG. 7). Attaching the front end 43 of the padding member 40 to the pleat seam 19 prevents the padding member 40 from moving / folding. The padding member 40 may be attached to other areas of the front portion 18, and not necessarily to the pleat seam 19. According to some embodiments, the front end 43 of the padding member 40 may further extend into the space 21 as a modesty cover.

[0078] When constructing the shorts 10', the front end 43 of the padding member 40 is first inserted into the space 21 provided between the front piece 18a and the back piece 18b of the front portion 18. Then, the front end 43 is sewn to the pleat seam 19. Next, to ensure that the padding member 40 is secured inside the body 14, the padding member 40 is sewn to the body 14 at the front seam 26 of the crotch piece 25. Thus, at the front seam 26, the bottom of the stretch piece 22 is sewn to the body 14, with the padding member 40 provided between the bottom of the stretch piece 22 and the body 14. Then, the rear portion 41 of the padding member 40 is sewn to the rear portion 14a of the body 14. Attaching the padding member 40 between the stretch piece 22 and the front seam 26 of the crotch piece 25 allows the stretch piece 22 to function properly and continuously as intended, without the padding member 40 obstructing the function of the stretch piece 22. Furthermore, the padding member 40 provides some protection to the interior of the shorts 10'.

[0079] Therefore, by inserting the front end 43 of the padding member 40 into the space 21, the padding member 40 can provide protection or cushioning for multiple areas of the wearer (e.g., the wearer's buttocks, hips, and genitals), while still allowing the pouch 30 to be formed via the stretcher 22 and the front portion 18. Accordingly, the genitals can be supported away from the seat (e.g., a bicycle saddle), thus reducing pressure on the genitals during the use of the shorts 10'.

[0080] The padding member 40 makes the shorts 10' particularly useful when the wearer is engaged in cycling or similar activities. In particular, when sitting on a bicycle saddle for extended periods of time, the padding member 40 provides cushioning for the wearer's hips (e.g., which may include the wearer's perineal area and genitals) and buttocks (e.g., which may include the wearer's ischium and any other adjacent areas of the wearer's buttocks).

[0081] The filling member 40 includes polyester and an antimicrobial agent to reduce the risk of bacterial growth on the shorts 10'. Furthermore, mesh fabric is provided for specific areas of the shorts 10' to improve breathability during high-output activities such as cycling. In particular, according to some embodiments, the crotch panel 25, the stretch panel 22, the front panel 18a, and the top 17 of the rear portion 14a of the body 14 (shown in Figures 9 and 10) include mesh fabric.

[0082] In addition to the padding member 40, the shorts 10' also includes silicone ball-impacted on the inside of the waistband 12 to provide additional grip to the wearer when the shorts 10' is being worn. Other forms of friction-enhancing surface treatments and / or patterning may be provided on the waistband 12. The shorts 10' additionally includes an elastic thigh pleat 16 that is larger than the thigh pleat of the shorts 10. This thigh pleat minimizes movement of the shorts 10' relative to the wearer during physical activity. For example, according to some embodiments, the inner seam of the thigh pleat 16 may be from about 3 inches to about 29 inches.

[0083] Figure 8 shows the front interior of the shorts 10'. The crotch panel 25 is visible over the middle portion 42 of the padding member 40, providing cushioning for the wearer's hips. Figure 9 shows the rear interior of the shorts 10'. The rear end 41 of the padding member 40 includes a region 41a for providing cushioning for the wearer's buttocks. In particular, region 41a is shaped to provide cushioning for the wearer's ischium and adjacent areas, for example, when the user is sitting, especially while seated in a bicycle saddle. Figure 10 shows the rear portion of the shorts 10', where the top 17 of the rear portion 14a of the body 14 is positioned above the rear end 41 of the padding member 40 and includes mesh fabric.

[0084] Although Figures 6 to 10 show a padding member 40 comprising a single suede material, according to some embodiments, the shorts 10' may include more than one padding member. For example, according to some embodiments, the shorts 10' may include multiple padding members placed at specific locations inside the body of the shorts to provide cushioning for a dedicated predetermined location.

[0085] Instead of wearing a cycling overshort, a shorts 10' allows a user to wear shorts 10' to provide the desired cushioning for their hips and buttocks. Standard non-cycling shorts can then be worn over the shorts 10'. Alternatively, according to some embodiments, the shorts 10' can be attached to an overshort using a single waistband. Therefore, the shorts and overshort can be integrated into a single garment.

[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to any men's below-the-waist clothing. For example, the principles discussed herein can be applied to shorts, swimwear, boarding shorts, briefs, boxer shorts, surf shorts, cycling shorts, unitards, long underwear, sports uniforms, sports bras, fighting shorts, pajamas, and other skin-friendly men's clothing.

[0087] Unless otherwise indicated or necessarily implied, the description herein uses relative directional terms with respect to the wearer who is wearing the described clothing and standing upright, such as front, back, above, below, top, bottom, up, down, right, and left.

[0088] Unless otherwise specified, in the places where the above-mentioned components (e.g., a piece, seam, elasticity, line, opening, etc.) are mentioned, the reference to such components (including the reference to “(means)”) shall be interpreted as, as equivalent to such components, including any component that performs the function of the described component (i.e., is functionally equivalent), which includes components that are structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs the function of the exemplary embodiments illustrated.

[0089] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make substitutions, modifications and variations to these embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0090] Furthermore, it is conceivable that any form or implementation discussed in this specification may be implemented or combined with any other form or implementation discussed in this specification. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0092] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG1 is a front perspective view of a pair of shorts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG2 is a front view of the shorts of FIG1; FIG3 is a top view of the interior of the shorts of FIG1; FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the shorts of FIG1 being worn and showing the wearer's genitals supported in the scrotum; FIG5 is a front view of a stretcher in an unstretched state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG6 is a top view of the interior of a pair of shorts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of the shorts of FIG6; FIG8 is a front view of the interior of the shorts of FIG6; FIG9 is a rear view of the interior of the shorts of FIG6; and FIG10 is a rear view of the shorts of FIG6.

Claims

1. A type of men's clothing, comprising: A body comprising a front portion and a leg opening for a wearer's leg; a resilient stretch piece attached to an interior of the body and including an opening for receiving the wearer's genitals; a pouch defined between the stretch piece and the front portion for receiving the wearer's genitals within the pouch; and a padding member attached to the interior of the body for cushioning one or more areas of the wearer.

2. The men's clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more areas of the wearer include one or more of the wearer's hips and buttocks.

3. The men's garment as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the front portion includes a front piece and a back piece, wherein a space is defined between the front piece and the back piece.

4. The men's garment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the padding member extends into a space defined between the front piece and the back piece.

5. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the front portion includes a pleated seam to help define the pouch.

6. The men's garment as claimed in claim 5, wherein the padding member is attached to the pleat seam.

7. The men's clothing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the padding member is shaped to resemble a bicycle saddle.

8. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filling member comprises a polyester.

9. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filling component comprises an antimicrobial material.

10. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the padding member comprises a suede.

11. The men's clothing as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The body further includes a crotch piece, which includes a front crotch piece seam and a rear crotch piece seam; and the front portion and the stretch piece are attached to the crotch piece along the front crotch piece seam.

12. The men's garment as claimed in claim 11, wherein the crotch panel includes a mesh fabric for improving the breathability of the garment.

13. The men's garment as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the padding member is attached to the stretch piece along the crotch seam.

14. The men's clothing as described in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The body further includes a rear portion interconnected with the front portion via the crotch panel; and a padding member attached to an interior of the rear portion and extending over a portion of the rear portion and a portion of the crotch panel.

15. The men's clothing as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The stretching tab is attached to the front portion at a top position and a bottom position; and when not stretched, the stretching tab has a top-to-bottom length that is smaller than the distance between the top position and the bottom position when measured along the front portion.

16. The men's garment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the top position is part of a waistband seam of the garment.

17. The men's garment as described in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the bottom position is part of a front crotch seam of a crotch piece of the garment.

18. The men's clothing as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The stretching tab is attached to the front portion at a left position and a right position; and when not stretched, the stretching tab has a left-to-right width smaller than the distance between the left and right positions when measured along the front portion.

19. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the stretch piece comprises one or more fabrics having one or more asymmetric stretching properties, such that the stretch piece is more easily stretched in a top-to-bottom direction than in a left-to-right direction.

20. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the opening includes a rounded bottom edge and an opposite side edge.

21. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the stretch piece comprises a fabric having a stretch of at least 30%.

22. The men's clothing as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the clothing is a pair of shorts.

23. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the stretch piece comprises a fabric different from a fabric of the body.

24. The men's garment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the stretch piece includes a pair of top edges, each top edge having a first end and a second end, the first end defining an upper corner of the stretch piece, and wherein, When the stretch sheet is not stretched, the top edge extends downward from the first end to the second end.

25. The men's garment as claimed in claim 24, wherein the stretch piece is attached to the front portion along the top edge of the stretch piece such that: when attached to the front portion, the stretch piece is stretched.

26. A method for manufacturing a men's garment, the garment comprising: A body including a front portion and a leg opening for a wearer's leg; a resilient stretch piece attached to an interior of the body and including an opening for receiving the wearer's genitals; and a pouch defined between the stretch piece and the front portion for receiving the wearer's genitals within the pouch, wherein the method includes attaching a padding member to an interior of the body for cushioning one or more areas of the wearer.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the one or more regions include one or more of the wearer's hips and buttocks.

28. The method of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the front portion includes a front piece and a rear piece, wherein a space is defined between the front piece and the rear piece, and wherein attaching the filler member to the interior of the body includes inserting a portion of the filler member into the space defined between the front piece and the rear piece.

29. The method of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein attaching the filler member to the interior of the body includes attaching a bottom of the stretch sheet to the filler member.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the garment further includes a crotch panel having a front seam and a back seam, and wherein attaching the bottom of the stretch panel to the filling member includes sewing the bottom of the stretch panel to the filling member along the front seam of the crotch panel.

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