Anti-exposure garment

Abstract

An anti-exposure garment includes a unitary body with a lower portion and a torso portion connected to the lower portion. Adjacent first and second portion of the unitary body extend along an access opening on a posterior side of the unitary body. The adjacent first and second portion are able to separate from one another when the wearer squats for water closet relief without the wearer having to remove or manipulate any other portion of unitary body of the anti-exposure garment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present description relates to anti-exposure garments with improved access for entry into the garment and ability to open the garment to obtain relief.BACKGROUND

[0002] Protective garments can be provided with trousers and a connected torso portion for protection of the body of the wearer from water, weather, and other elements. The protective garments may be worn over undergarments and / or with additional outer protective clothing, such as a jacket or dry suit. For example, such protective garments can be worn during skiing, snowboarding, sailing, wading, fishing, working, diving, or other activity to help keep the legs and torso of the wearer dry and / or protected.

[0003] Conventional protective garments provide difficulties to the wearer during entry into the garment and in manipulating the trouser portion in order for the wearer to relieve oneself, such as during a water closet break. For example, the wearer may have to remove the trouser portion, de-couple the trouser portion from the torso portion, un-clip and / or manipulate suspenders or other parts of the torso portion, unclip or remove belts, and / or unzip portions of the garment that are not necessary for entry into the garment or to provide the required exposure to obtain relief during a water closet break. Therefore, further improvements in this area are needed.SUMMARY

[0004] An anti-exposure garment is disclosed that includes a unitary body with a torso portion and a lower portion connected to the torso portion. An access opening is provided on the unitary body that extends along a posterior side of the unitary body from a first lateral side to an opposite lateral side of the unitary body. Adjacent portions of the unitary body along the access opening separate from one another when the wearer squats for water closet relief without the wearer having to remove or manipulate any other portion of unitary body of the anti-exposure garment.

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the illustrative embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

[0007] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an anterior side of an anti-exposure garment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a posterior side of the anti-exposure garment of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a first lateral side of the anti-exposure garment of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a second lateral side opposite of the first lateral side of the anti-exposure garment of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevation view of the first lateral side showing an access opening of the anti-exposure garment that is closed with a fastener.

[0012] FIG. 6 is the view of FIG. 5 with the access opening of the anti-exposure garment opened and a flap on the posterior side that is unfastened.

[0013] FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevation view of the second lateral side showing the access opening of the anti-exposure garment when closed by the fastener.

[0014] FIG. 8 is the view of FIG. 7 showing the placket along an interior of the anti-exposure garment that is for a zipper type of fastener.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view showing a wearer initiating unfastening of the flap and the portions of the anti-exposure garment along the access opening.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a posterior elevation view showing the access opening of the anti-exposure garment opened while the wearer is standing.

[0017] FIG. 11 is the posterior elevation view of FIG. 10 showing the wearer lowering the lower portion of the anti-exposure garment that is below the access opening.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a right side elevation view showing the wearer of the anti-exposure garment squatting to open the access opening.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a right side elevation view showing a wearer initiating opening the portions of the anti-exposure garment along the access opening.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a posterior elevation view showing the access opening of the anti-exposure garment opened while the wearer is standing.

[0021] FIG. 15 is the posterior elevation view of FIG. 14 showing the wearer lowering the lower portion of the anti-exposure garment that is below the access opening.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view showing the wearer of the anti-exposure garment squatting to open the access opening.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated herein.

[0024] FIGS. 1-16 show embodiments of an anti-exposure garment 10 to protect a body of a wearer 12 from water, weather, dirt, and other elements and debris. The anti-exposure garment 10 can, for example, be configured to cover all or a part of the body of the wearer 12. The wearer 12 may don undergarments 14 such as a dry suit, underwear, etc. before donning the anti-exposure garment 10, but undergarments are not required. The wearer 12 may also don overgarments after donning anti-exposure garment 10, such as a jacket (not shown), but use without overgarments is also contemplated. Anti-exposure garment 10 can be used as, for example, a tidal bib, a snow suit, a ski suit, a work suit, a cycling bib, a unisuit, a singlet, a unitard, with attached boots, and / or without attached boots, to name a few. In an embodiment, anti-exposure garment 10 is configured for use by a wearer 12 that is assigned female at birth but can also be configured for use by a wearer 12 that is assigned male at birth.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, anti-exposure garment 10 includes a unitary body 20 having an anterior side 22, a posterior side 24, and opposite first and second lateral sides 26, 28 connecting anterior side 22 and posterior side 24. Unitary body 20 includes a lower portion 30 and an upper torso portion 32 connected to lower portion 30 to form a one-piece unitary body 20 that covers at least a portion of the legs and torso of wearer 12. Lower portion 30 may be configured like trousers, knickers, shorts, or other similar configuration that covers the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer 12.

[0026] In an embodiment, the body of wearer 12 is covered by the unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10 from the ankles to the upper torso just below the shoulders when wearer 12 dons the anti-exposure garment 10. Coverage of the shoulders and / or arms of the wearer by torso portion 32 is contemplated by other embodiments. Coverage of all or a portion of the legs of the wearer 12 by lower portion 30 is also contemplated.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, anti-exposure garment 10 includes connection portions 34, 36 in the form of shoulder straps that extend over respective shoulders of the wearer 12 to connect anterior side 22 of unitary body 20 to posterior side 24. The shoulder straps and torso portion 32 form arm openings 38, 40 at opposites side of anti-exposure garment 10. Arm openings 38, 40 receive the arms of the wearer 12 therethrough. The head and neck of wearer 12 extend through the space between the shoulder straps. However, in other embodiments of anti-exposure garment 10, the connection portions 34, 36 are configured to extend over the wearer's shoulders without using shoulder straps, but rather shoulder coverings and / or sleeves of material that extend from a neck opening to the shoulders to cover all or part of the shoulders.

[0028] Embodiments in which sleeves are provided to cover all or a portion of the arms of wearer 12 are also contemplated.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, lower portion 30 includes a trouser configuration with leg portions 42a, 42b that extend along respective ones of the legs of wearer 12 to, for example, the ankles of wearer 12. Other lengths are also contemplated, such as knee length, thigh length, or lengths that cover all or part of the feet. Lower portion 30 also includes a seat portion 44 that connects leg portions 42a, 42b on posterior side 24 and a front portion 46 that connects leg portions 42a, 42b on anterior side 22. Seat portion 44 and front portion 46 are connected to torso portion 32 at or near the waist of wearer 12. Seat portion 44 covers the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of wearer 12.

[0030] Torso portion 32 includes an anterior upper end 48 at anterior side 22 connected to connection portions with releasable clips 50, 52. Torso portion 32 also includes a posterior upper end 54 at posterior side 24 to which connection portions 34, 36 are fixedly attached. In other embodiments, connection portions 34, 36 connect anterior upper end 48 and posterior upper end 54 with fabric that covers all or a part of the shoulders and / or all or a part of the arms of wearer 12. The connection portions 34, 36 can be integrally formed with unitary body 20, or engaged thereto with clips, snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, or other suitable fasteners.

[0031] In an embodiment, torso portion 32 includes a stretchable fabric portion 56 on posterior side 24 that extends downwardly along part of torso portion 32 from connection portions 34, 36 and between arm openings 38, 40 (or sleeves if provided). The connection portions 34, 36 can be made from elastic material and can be adjustable in length to provide an appropriate fit around the shoulders of wearer 12. As discussed above, embodiments without adjustable connection portions 34, 36 are also contemplated.

[0032] Anti-exposure garment 10 may also include other features connected to or part of unitary body 12. For example, anti-exposure garment 10 can include a waist belt 60 housed at least partially within unitary body 20 that is accessible along first lateral side 26 below arm opening 38. Waist belt 60 can be pulled and retained in a desired position to tighten unitary body 20 around the waist of wearer 12. Anti-exposure garment 10 may also include one or more pockets 62, hook and loop tabs 64a, 64b on the posterior side of leg portions 42a, 42b, and / or ankle cinches 66a, 66b at the bottom ends of leg portions 42a, 42b. One or more of the waist belt 60, pockets 62, hook and loop tabs 64a, 64b, and ankle cinches 66a, 66b may be omitted, and / or other features not disclosed may be present on anti-exposure garment 10.

[0033] Unitary body 20 includes an access opening 80 that extends across posterior side 24 from first lateral side 26 to second lateral side 28 that is shown in a closed condition in FIGS. 1-4. Access opening 80 separates unitary body 20 into a first portion 102 and an adjacent second portion 104 along access opening 80. Access opening 80 is normally closed, such as with a fastener or by overlapping regions of first and second portions 102, 104 along access opening 80.

[0034] Referring further to FIGS. 5-8, access opening 80 is opened and closed by a fastener 82 in one embodiment. However, embodiments without fastener 82 are also contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5-8, fastener 82 is a zipper that includes tracks 84 on first and second portions 102, 104 that extend along access opening 80. In an embodiment, fastener 82 includes a slider 86 that is moved along tracks 84 to engage or disconnect adjacent portions of track 84 that are secured to unitary body 20 along first and second portions 102, 104 on opposite sides of access opening 80. The term “fastener” should be broadly construed to cover any type of fastener that is able to be manipulated by the wearer 12 to open and close access opening 80, including clips, snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, or other suitable fasteners.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, slider 86 is moveable from a first closed position on torso portion 32 at first lateral side 26, across posterior side 24, to a second open position on trouser portion 30 at second lateral side 28. Other embodiments contemplate more than one slider and / or other directions of movement of one or more sliders 86 to open and close access opening 80. In an embodiment, torso portion 32 includes a zipper guard 78, such as a portion of fabric that extends over all or a portion of slider 86 in the closed position.

[0036] In an embodiment, access opening 80 and / or fastener 82 on posterior side 24 of unitary body 20 only cross median plane 88 of the body of wearer 12 a single time, and do not extend across median plane 88 at anterior side 22. In an embodiment, the first lateral side 26 and / or second lateral side 28 extend a sufficient distance toward or along anterior side 22 so that the wearer 12 can access front pockets in any donned undergarment 14, but do not cross median plane 88 on anterior side 22. In an embodiment, first lateral side 26, and / or second lateral side 28, can include a portion of unitary body 20 that extends along all or part of an arm of the wearer 12.

[0037] In an embodiment, access opening 80 and / or fastener 82 extend obliquely to medial plane 88 in a linear and / or curved configuration across posterior side 24 above seat portion 24. In the illustrated embodiment, access opening 80 and / or fastener 82 extend from a first location 90 under arm hole 38 at first lateral side 26 to a second location 92 on lower portion 30 at the hip of wearer 12 at second lateral side 28. In an embodiment, the first terminal end of access opening 80, such as at first location 90, is further above a transverse plane 89 of the body of wearer 12 than the opposite end of access opening 80, such as at second location 92.

[0038] In an embodiment, the first terminal end of access opening 80, such as at first location 90, is located on or just anterior of the sagittal plane of the body of wearer 12 without extending onto the anterior side of the body of wearer 12. In an embodiment, the second terminal end of access opening 80, such as at second location 92, is located on or just posterior of the sagittal plane of the body of wearer 12 without extending onto the posterior side of the body of wearer 12.

[0039] In an embodiment, with fastener 82 at first location 90, access opening 80 is closed and slider 86 is at a first closed position. With fastener 82 at second location 92, access opening 80 is open and slider 86 is at a second open position. Other embodiments contemplate an opposite arrangement for fastener 82, or a fastener arrangement with one or more fasteners that are not moved along access opening 80 to open or close the access opening 80, such as clips, snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, or other suitable fasteners.

[0040] In an embodiment, torso portion 32 includes a flap 70 that has a releasable end 72 fastened to torso portion 32 at or near first location 90 under arm hole 38. Flap 70 can be opened to create a larger opening on the posterior side 24 of torso portion 32 to facilitate entry into anti-exposure garment 10 by wearer 12. However, the arrangement of access opening 80 and fastener 82 also facilitates entry into anti-exposure garment 10 even while flap 70 is fastened to torso portion 32 at end 72. If flap 70 is opened for entry or for some other reason, end 72 of flap 70 can then be fastened to torso portion 32 during use of anti-exposure garment 10, even while fastener 82 is used to open and close access opening 80.

[0041] In an embodiment, a fastener 74 is provided at releasable end 72 of flap 70 to releasably fasten flap 70 to torso portion 26 at first location 90. In an embodiment, fastener 74 is a snap with interlocking first and second portions 74a, 74b that are releasably snapped together. Other embodiments contemplate other devices for fastener 74, such buttons, clips, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, hook and eye fasteners, and buckles, just to name a few. Still other embodiments of anti-exposure garment 10 are contemplated without flap 70.

[0042] In an embodiment, unitary body 20 includes a placket 100 that extends along or adjacent to an interior side of unitary body 20 from first location 90 to second location 92. Placket 100 projects beyond the start and stop locations of a zipper type of fastener 82 to reinforce unitary body 20 at these locations. Placket 100 can be secured in place with bartak stitching and to reduce strain on the zipper type of fastener 82.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, wearer 12 is shown wearing anti-exposure garment 10 over undergarments 14 and manipulating anti-exposure garment 10 to squat, such as for water closet relief. In FIG. 9, wearer 12 has unfastened fastener 74 to released end 72 of flap 70, such as by unsnapping a snap. It is also contemplated that fastener 74 need not be unfastened to complete the steps in FIGS. 10-12. Wearer 12 is also grasping slider 86 of fastener 82 in FIG. 9 to initiate the opening of access opening 80.

[0044] In FIG. 10, slider 86 of zipper 82 has been moved from first location 90 to second location 92 in order to disengage tracks 84 of zipper 82 to open the access opening 80 along posterior side 24. In FIG. 11, wearer 12 grasps the second portion 104 of unitary body 20 below access opening 80 at posterior side 24 to move the second portion 104 of unitary body 20 downwardly along the buttocks of wearer 12. In FIG. 12, wearer 12 is squatting for relief such that the first and second portions 102, 104 of unitary body 20 on opposite sides of access opening 80 are further separated by hinging at the opposite terminal ends of access opening 80 at first and second locations 90, 92, such as via a “clam shell” effect, to allow exposure of the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of wearer 12. The wearer 12 can thus complete relief activities through the opened access opening 80 without unitary body 20 interfering with wearer 12.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, wearer 12 is shown wearing another embodiment anti-exposure garment 10′ over undergarments 14 and manipulating anti-exposure garment 10 to squat, such as for water closet relief. Anti-exposure garment 10′ is similar to anti-exposure garment 10 discussed above, except flap 70 is omitted and no zipper type of fastener 82 is provided along access opening 80. Anti-exposure garment 10′ may not include any fastener along access opening 80, or may include any of the embodiment of fasteners 82 discussed herein.

[0046] In FIG. 13, wearer 12 has, if necessary, manipulated fastener 82 to decouple the first and second portions 102, 104 to initiate opening of access opening 80. In FIG. 14, first and second portions 102, 104 are separated along access opening 80. In FIG. 15, wearer 12 grasps the second portion 104 of unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10′ below access opening 80 at posterior side 24 to move the second portion 104 of unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10′ downwardly along the buttocks of wearer 12.

[0047] In FIG. 16, wearer 12 is squatting for relief such that the first and second portions 102, 104 of unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10′ on opposite sides of access opening 80 are further separated by hinging at the opposite terminal ends of access opening 80 at first and second locations 90. 92, such as via a “clam shell” effect, to allow exposure of the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of wearer 12. The wearer 12 can thus complete relief activities through the opened access opening 80 without unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10′ interfering with wearer 12.

[0048] In an embodiment, anti-exposure garment 10 is made from a multi-layer waterproof material. However, other materials are also contemplated and not precluded. In addition, the areas of anti-exposure garment 10 associated with the knees and / or seat portion 44 can include reinforcement and / or abrasion resistant material. Embodiments without reinforcement and / or abrasion resistant material are also contemplated.

[0049] Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated herein. One or more features of these aspects may be employed with any of the other aspects and features disclosed herein. For example, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an anti-exposure garment for protecting a wearer. The anti-exposure garment includes a unitary body configured to protect at least a part of the legs and torso of the wearer. The unitary body includes an access opening that extends obliquely across a posterior side of the unitary body from a first lateral side to an opposite second lateral side of the unitary body. The access opening is configured to open by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body along the opening in response to the wearer squatting for relief.

[0050] In an embodiment, a fastener is provided on the unitary body that is configured to releasably secure the first and second portions of the unitary body to one another to close the access opening.

[0051] In an embodiment, the fastener includes a zipper having teeth that extend along the first and second portions of the unitary body. The zipper includes at least one slider movable along the teeth to open and close the access opening.

[0052] In an embodiment, the at least one slider of the zipper is movable from a first position at the first lateral side of the unitary body in which the access opening is closed to a second position at the opposite lateral side of the unitary body in which the access opening is open.

[0053] In an embodiment, the access opening extends obliquely across a median plane of a body of the wearer a single time.

[0054] In an embodiment, the access opening hinges at the first lateral side and at the second lateral side of the unitary body when the first and second portions of the unitary body are separated.

[0055] In an embodiment, the termination of the access opening at the first lateral side is located higher relative to a transverse plane of a body of the wearer than the termination of the access opening at the second lateral side.

[0056] In an embodiment, the unitary body includes a flap along the access opening. The flap is releasably fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

[0057] In an embodiment, a fastener is provided for releasably fastening the flap to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

[0058] In an embodiment, the access opening is configured to open by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body along the access opening in response to the wearer squatting for relief with the flap fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an anti-exposure garment for protecting a wearer is provided. The anti-exposure garment includes a unitary body including a torso portion and a lower connected to the torso portion. The unitary body includes an access opening that extends across a posterior side of the unitary body from a first lateral side of the unitary body to an opposite second lateral side of the unitary body. At the first lateral side the access opening is located higher relative to a transverse plane of a body of the wearer than at the second lateral side so that in response to the wearer squatting for relief the access opening widens to expose the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body that extend along the opening.

[0060] In an embodiment, the access opening terminates at the first lateral side and at the second lateral side of the unitary body.

[0061] In an embodiment, the access opening does not extend to an anterior side of the unitary body.

[0062] In an embodiment, a fastener is provided to releasably secure the first and second portions to one another across the access opening.

[0063] In an embodiment, the access opening crosses a median plane of a body of the wearer only one time.

[0064] In an embodiment, the first lateral side is located on the torso portion of the unitary body.

[0065] In an embodiment, the second lateral side is located on the lower portion of the unitary body.

[0066] In an embodiment, the access opening is located along the posterior side above a seat of the lower portion of the unitary body.

[0067] In an embodiment, the first portion of the unitary body includes a flap along the access opening releasably fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body. The access opening widens to expose the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer while the flap is fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

[0068] In an embodiment, the torso portion includes an anterior side and a posterior side connected to the anterior side around the shoulders of the wearer. The connection around the shoulders remains in position in response to the wearer squatting for relief widen the access opening.

[0069] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.

[0070] In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,”“an,”“at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated herein.

[0024]FIGS. 1-16 show embodiments of an anti-exposure garment 10 to protect a body of a wearer 12 from water, weather, dirt, and other elements and debris. The anti-exposure garment 10 can, for example, be configured to cover all or a part of the body of the wearer 12. The wearer 12 may don undergarments 14 such as a dry suit, underwear, etc. before donning the anti-exposure garment 10, but undergarment...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present description relates to anti-exposure garments with improved access for entry into the garment and ability to open the garment to obtain relief.BACKGROUND

[0002] Protective garments can be provided with trousers and a connected torso portion for protection of the body of the wearer from water, weather, and other elements. The protective garments may be worn over undergarments and / or with additional outer protective clothing, such as a jacket or dry suit. For example, such protective garments can be worn during skiing, snowboarding, sailing, wading, fishing, working, diving, or other activity to help keep the legs and torso of the wearer dry and / or protected.

[0003] Conventional protective garments provide difficulties to the wearer during entry into the garment and in manipulating the trouser portion in order for the wearer to relieve oneself, such as during a water closet break. For example, the wearer may have to remove the trouser portion, de-couple the trouser portion from the torso portion, un-clip and / or manipulate suspenders or other parts of the torso portion, unclip or remove belts, and / or unzip portions of the garment that are not necessary for entry into the garment or to provide the required exposure to obtain relief during a water closet break. Therefore, further improvements in this area are needed.SUMMARY

[0004] An anti-exposure garment is disclosed that includes a unitary body with a torso portion and a lower portion connected to the torso portion. An access opening is provided on the unitary body that extends along a posterior side of the unitary body from a first lateral side to an opposite lateral side of the unitary body. Adjacent portions of the unitary body along the access opening separate from one another when the wearer squats for water closet relief without the wearer having to remove or manipulate any other portion of unitary body of the anti-exposure garment.

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the illustrative embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

[0007] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an anterior side of an anti-exposure garment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a posterior side of the anti-exposure garment of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a first lateral side of the anti-exposure garment of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a second lateral side opposite of the first lateral side of the anti-exposure garment of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevation view of the first lateral side showing an access opening of the anti-exposure garment that is closed with a fastener.

[0012] FIG. 6 is the view of FIG. 5 with the access opening of the anti-exposure garment opened and a flap on the posterior side that is unfastened.

[0013] FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevation view of the second lateral side showing the access opening of the anti-exposure garment when closed by the fastener.

[0014] FIG. 8 is the view of FIG. 7 showing the placket along an interior of the anti-exposure garment that is for a zipper type of fastener.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view showing a wearer initiating unfastening of the flap and the portions of the anti-exposure garment along the access opening.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a posterior elevation view showing the access opening of the anti-exposure garment opened while the wearer is standing.

[0017] FIG. 11 is the posterior elevation view of FIG. 10 showing the wearer lowering the lower portion of the anti-exposure garment that is below the access opening.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a right side elevation view showing the wearer of the anti-exposure garment squatting to open the access opening.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a right side elevation view showing a wearer initiating opening the portions of the anti-exposure garment along the access opening.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a posterior elevation view showing the access opening of the anti-exposure garment opened while the wearer is standing.

[0021] FIG. 15 is the posterior elevation view of FIG. 14 showing the wearer lowering the lower portion of the anti-exposure garment that is below the access opening.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view showing the wearer of the anti-exposure garment squatting to open the access opening.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated herein.

[0024] FIGS. 1-16 show embodiments of an anti-exposure garment 10 to protect a body of a wearer 12 from water, weather, dirt, and other elements and debris. The anti-exposure garment 10 can, for example, be configured to cover all or a part of the body of the wearer 12. The wearer 12 may don undergarments 14 such as a dry suit, underwear, etc. before donning the anti-exposure garment 10, but undergarments are not required. The wearer 12 may also don overgarments after donning anti-exposure garment 10, such as a jacket (not shown), but use without overgarments is also contemplated. Anti-exposure garment 10 can be used as, for example, a tidal bib, a snow suit, a ski suit, a work suit, a cycling bib, a unisuit, a singlet, a unitard, with attached boots, and / or without attached boots, to name a few. In an embodiment, anti-exposure garment 10 is configured for use by a wearer 12 that is assigned female at birth but can also be configured for use by a wearer 12 that is assigned male at birth.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, anti-exposure garment 10 includes a unitary body 20 having an anterior side 22, a posterior side 24, and opposite first and second lateral sides 26, 28 connecting anterior side 22 and posterior side 24. Unitary body 20 includes a lower portion 30 and an upper torso portion 32 connected to lower portion 30 to form a one-piece unitary body 20 that covers at least a portion of the legs and torso of wearer 12. Lower portion 30 may be configured like trousers, knickers, shorts, or other similar configuration that covers the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer 12.

[0026] In an embodiment, the body of wearer 12 is covered by the unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10 from the ankles to the upper torso just below the shoulders when wearer 12 dons the anti-exposure garment 10. Coverage of the shoulders and / or arms of the wearer by torso portion 32 is contemplated by other embodiments. Coverage of all or a portion of the legs of the wearer 12 by lower portion 30 is also contemplated.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, anti-exposure garment 10 includes connection portions 34, 36 in the form of shoulder straps that extend over respective shoulders of the wearer 12 to connect anterior side 22 of unitary body 20 to posterior side 24. The shoulder straps and torso portion 32 form arm openings 38, 40 at opposites side of anti-exposure garment 10. Arm openings 38, 40 receive the arms of the wearer 12 therethrough. The head and neck of wearer 12 extend through the space between the shoulder straps. However, in other embodiments of anti-exposure garment 10, the connection portions 34, 36 are configured to extend over the wearer's shoulders without using shoulder straps, but rather shoulder coverings and / or sleeves of material that extend from a neck opening to the shoulders to cover all or part of the shoulders.

[0028] Embodiments in which sleeves are provided to cover all or a portion of the arms of wearer 12 are also contemplated.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, lower portion 30 includes a trouser configuration with leg portions 42a, 42b that extend along respective ones of the legs of wearer 12 to, for example, the ankles of wearer 12. Other lengths are also contemplated, such as knee length, thigh length, or lengths that cover all or part of the feet. Lower portion 30 also includes a seat portion 44 that connects leg portions 42a, 42b on posterior side 24 and a front portion 46 that connects leg portions 42a, 42b on anterior side 22. Seat portion 44 and front portion 46 are connected to torso portion 32 at or near the waist of wearer 12. Seat portion 44 covers the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of wearer 12.

[0030] Torso portion 32 includes an anterior upper end 48 at anterior side 22 connected to connection portions with releasable clips 50, 52. Torso portion 32 also includes a posterior upper end 54 at posterior side 24 to which connection portions 34, 36 are fixedly attached. In other embodiments, connection portions 34, 36 connect anterior upper end 48 and posterior upper end 54 with fabric that covers all or a part of the shoulders and / or all or a part of the arms of wearer 12. The connection portions 34, 36 can be integrally formed with unitary body 20, or engaged thereto with clips, snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, or other suitable fasteners.

[0031] In an embodiment, torso portion 32 includes a stretchable fabric portion 56 on posterior side 24 that extends downwardly along part of torso portion 32 from connection portions 34, 36 and between arm openings 38, 40 (or sleeves if provided). The connection portions 34, 36 can be made from elastic material and can be adjustable in length to provide an appropriate fit around the shoulders of wearer 12. As discussed above, embodiments without adjustable connection portions 34, 36 are also contemplated.

[0032] Anti-exposure garment 10 may also include other features connected to or part of unitary body 12. For example, anti-exposure garment 10 can include a waist belt 60 housed at least partially within unitary body 20 that is accessible along first lateral side 26 below arm opening 38. Waist belt 60 can be pulled and retained in a desired position to tighten unitary body 20 around the waist of wearer 12. Anti-exposure garment 10 may also include one or more pockets 62, hook and loop tabs 64a, 64b on the posterior side of leg portions 42a, 42b, and / or ankle cinches 66a, 66b at the bottom ends of leg portions 42a, 42b. One or more of the waist belt 60, pockets 62, hook and loop tabs 64a, 64b, and ankle cinches 66a, 66b may be omitted, and / or other features not disclosed may be present on anti-exposure garment 10.

[0033] Unitary body 20 includes an access opening 80 that extends across posterior side 24 from first lateral side 26 to second lateral side 28 that is shown in a closed condition in FIGS. 1-4. Access opening 80 separates unitary body 20 into a first portion 102 and an adjacent second portion 104 along access opening 80. Access opening 80 is normally closed, such as with a fastener or by overlapping regions of first and second portions 102, 104 along access opening 80.

[0034] Referring further to FIGS. 5-8, access opening 80 is opened and closed by a fastener 82 in one embodiment. However, embodiments without fastener 82 are also contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5-8, fastener 82 is a zipper that includes tracks 84 on first and second portions 102, 104 that extend along access opening 80. In an embodiment, fastener 82 includes a slider 86 that is moved along tracks 84 to engage or disconnect adjacent portions of track 84 that are secured to unitary body 20 along first and second portions 102, 104 on opposite sides of access opening 80. The term “fastener” should be broadly construed to cover any type of fastener that is able to be manipulated by the wearer 12 to open and close access opening 80, including clips, snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, or other suitable fasteners.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, slider 86 is moveable from a first closed position on torso portion 32 at first lateral side 26, across posterior side 24, to a second open position on trouser portion 30 at second lateral side 28. Other embodiments contemplate more than one slider and / or other directions of movement of one or more sliders 86 to open and close access opening 80. In an embodiment, torso portion 32 includes a zipper guard 78, such as a portion of fabric that extends over all or a portion of slider 86 in the closed position.

[0036] In an embodiment, access opening 80 and / or fastener 82 on posterior side 24 of unitary body 20 only cross median plane 88 of the body of wearer 12 a single time, and do not extend across median plane 88 at anterior side 22. In an embodiment, the first lateral side 26 and / or second lateral side 28 extend a sufficient distance toward or along anterior side 22 so that the wearer 12 can access front pockets in any donned undergarment 14, but do not cross median plane 88 on anterior side 22. In an embodiment, first lateral side 26, and / or second lateral side 28, can include a portion of unitary body 20 that extends along all or part of an arm of the wearer 12.

[0037] In an embodiment, access opening 80 and / or fastener 82 extend obliquely to medial plane 88 in a linear and / or curved configuration across posterior side 24 above seat portion 24. In the illustrated embodiment, access opening 80 and / or fastener 82 extend from a first location 90 under arm hole 38 at first lateral side 26 to a second location 92 on lower portion 30 at the hip of wearer 12 at second lateral side 28. In an embodiment, the first terminal end of access opening 80, such as at first location 90, is further above a transverse plane 89 of the body of wearer 12 than the opposite end of access opening 80, such as at second location 92.

[0038] In an embodiment, the first terminal end of access opening 80, such as at first location 90, is located on or just anterior of the sagittal plane of the body of wearer 12 without extending onto the anterior side of the body of wearer 12. In an embodiment, the second terminal end of access opening 80, such as at second location 92, is located on or just posterior of the sagittal plane of the body of wearer 12 without extending onto the posterior side of the body of wearer 12.

[0039] In an embodiment, with fastener 82 at first location 90, access opening 80 is closed and slider 86 is at a first closed position. With fastener 82 at second location 92, access opening 80 is open and slider 86 is at a second open position. Other embodiments contemplate an opposite arrangement for fastener 82, or a fastener arrangement with one or more fasteners that are not moved along access opening 80 to open or close the access opening 80, such as clips, snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, or other suitable fasteners.

[0040] In an embodiment, torso portion 32 includes a flap 70 that has a releasable end 72 fastened to torso portion 32 at or near first location 90 under arm hole 38. Flap 70 can be opened to create a larger opening on the posterior side 24 of torso portion 32 to facilitate entry into anti-exposure garment 10 by wearer 12. However, the arrangement of access opening 80 and fastener 82 also facilitates entry into anti-exposure garment 10 even while flap 70 is fastened to torso portion 32 at end 72. If flap 70 is opened for entry or for some other reason, end 72 of flap 70 can then be fastened to torso portion 32 during use of anti-exposure garment 10, even while fastener 82 is used to open and close access opening 80.

[0041] In an embodiment, a fastener 74 is provided at releasable end 72 of flap 70 to releasably fasten flap 70 to torso portion 26 at first location 90. In an embodiment, fastener 74 is a snap with interlocking first and second portions 74a, 74b that are releasably snapped together. Other embodiments contemplate other devices for fastener 74, such buttons, clips, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, hook and eye fasteners, and buckles, just to name a few. Still other embodiments of anti-exposure garment 10 are contemplated without flap 70.

[0042] In an embodiment, unitary body 20 includes a placket 100 that extends along or adjacent to an interior side of unitary body 20 from first location 90 to second location 92. Placket 100 projects beyond the start and stop locations of a zipper type of fastener 82 to reinforce unitary body 20 at these locations. Placket 100 can be secured in place with bartak stitching and to reduce strain on the zipper type of fastener 82.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, wearer 12 is shown wearing anti-exposure garment 10 over undergarments 14 and manipulating anti-exposure garment 10 to squat, such as for water closet relief. In FIG. 9, wearer 12 has unfastened fastener 74 to released end 72 of flap 70, such as by unsnapping a snap. It is also contemplated that fastener 74 need not be unfastened to complete the steps in FIGS. 10-12. Wearer 12 is also grasping slider 86 of fastener 82 in FIG. 9 to initiate the opening of access opening 80.

[0044] In FIG. 10, slider 86 of zipper 82 has been moved from first location 90 to second location 92 in order to disengage tracks 84 of zipper 82 to open the access opening 80 along posterior side 24. In FIG. 11, wearer 12 grasps the second portion 104 of unitary body 20 below access opening 80 at posterior side 24 to move the second portion 104 of unitary body 20 downwardly along the buttocks of wearer 12. In FIG. 12, wearer 12 is squatting for relief such that the first and second portions 102, 104 of unitary body 20 on opposite sides of access opening 80 are further separated by hinging at the opposite terminal ends of access opening 80 at first and second locations 90, 92, such as via a “clam shell” effect, to allow exposure of the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of wearer 12. The wearer 12 can thus complete relief activities through the opened access opening 80 without unitary body 20 interfering with wearer 12.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, wearer 12 is shown wearing another embodiment anti-exposure garment 10′ over undergarments 14 and manipulating anti-exposure garment 10 to squat, such as for water closet relief. Anti-exposure garment 10′ is similar to anti-exposure garment 10 discussed above, except flap 70 is omitted and no zipper type of fastener 82 is provided along access opening 80. Anti-exposure garment 10′ may not include any fastener along access opening 80, or may include any of the embodiment of fasteners 82 discussed herein.

[0046] In FIG. 13, wearer 12 has, if necessary, manipulated fastener 82 to decouple the first and second portions 102, 104 to initiate opening of access opening 80. In FIG. 14, first and second portions 102, 104 are separated along access opening 80. In FIG. 15, wearer 12 grasps the second portion 104 of unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10′ below access opening 80 at posterior side 24 to move the second portion 104 of unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10′ downwardly along the buttocks of wearer 12.

[0047] In FIG. 16, wearer 12 is squatting for relief such that the first and second portions 102, 104 of unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10′ on opposite sides of access opening 80 are further separated by hinging at the opposite terminal ends of access opening 80 at first and second locations 90. 92, such as via a “clam shell” effect, to allow exposure of the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of wearer 12. The wearer 12 can thus complete relief activities through the opened access opening 80 without unitary body 20 of anti-exposure garment 10′ interfering with wearer 12.

[0048] In an embodiment, anti-exposure garment 10 is made from a multi-layer waterproof material. However, other materials are also contemplated and not precluded. In addition, the areas of anti-exposure garment 10 associated with the knees and / or seat portion 44 can include reinforcement and / or abrasion resistant material. Embodiments without reinforcement and / or abrasion resistant material are also contemplated.

[0049] Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated herein. One or more features of these aspects may be employed with any of the other aspects and features disclosed herein. For example, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an anti-exposure garment for protecting a wearer. The anti-exposure garment includes a unitary body configured to protect at least a part of the legs and torso of the wearer. The unitary body includes an access opening that extends obliquely across a posterior side of the unitary body from a first lateral side to an opposite second lateral side of the unitary body. The access opening is configured to open by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body along the opening in response to the wearer squatting for relief.

[0050] In an embodiment, a fastener is provided on the unitary body that is configured to releasably secure the first and second portions of the unitary body to one another to close the access opening.

[0051] In an embodiment, the fastener includes a zipper having teeth that extend along the first and second portions of the unitary body. The zipper includes at least one slider movable along the teeth to open and close the access opening.

[0052] In an embodiment, the at least one slider of the zipper is movable from a first position at the first lateral side of the unitary body in which the access opening is closed to a second position at the opposite lateral side of the unitary body in which the access opening is open.

[0053] In an embodiment, the access opening extends obliquely across a median plane of a body of the wearer a single time.

[0054] In an embodiment, the access opening hinges at the first lateral side and at the second lateral side of the unitary body when the first and second portions of the unitary body are separated.

[0055] In an embodiment, the termination of the access opening at the first lateral side is located higher relative to a transverse plane of a body of the wearer than the termination of the access opening at the second lateral side.

[0056] In an embodiment, the unitary body includes a flap along the access opening. The flap is releasably fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

[0057] In an embodiment, a fastener is provided for releasably fastening the flap to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

[0058] In an embodiment, the access opening is configured to open by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body along the access opening in response to the wearer squatting for relief with the flap fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an anti-exposure garment for protecting a wearer is provided. The anti-exposure garment includes a unitary body including a torso portion and a lower connected to the torso portion. The unitary body includes an access opening that extends across a posterior side of the unitary body from a first lateral side of the unitary body to an opposite second lateral side of the unitary body. At the first lateral side the access opening is located higher relative to a transverse plane of a body of the wearer than at the second lateral side so that in response to the wearer squatting for relief the access opening widens to expose the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body that extend along the opening.

[0060] In an embodiment, the access opening terminates at the first lateral side and at the second lateral side of the unitary body.

[0061] In an embodiment, the access opening does not extend to an anterior side of the unitary body.

[0062] In an embodiment, a fastener is provided to releasably secure the first and second portions to one another across the access opening.

[0063] In an embodiment, the access opening crosses a median plane of a body of the wearer only one time.

[0064] In an embodiment, the first lateral side is located on the torso portion of the unitary body.

[0065] In an embodiment, the second lateral side is located on the lower portion of the unitary body.

[0066] In an embodiment, the access opening is located along the posterior side above a seat of the lower portion of the unitary body.

[0067] In an embodiment, the first portion of the unitary body includes a flap along the access opening releasably fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body. The access opening widens to expose the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer while the flap is fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

[0068] In an embodiment, the torso portion includes an anterior side and a posterior side connected to the anterior side around the shoulders of the wearer. The connection around the shoulders remains in position in response to the wearer squatting for relief widen the access opening.

[0069] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.

[0070] In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,”“an,”“at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are contemplated herein.

[0024]FIGS. 1-16 show embodiments of an anti-exposure garment 10 to protect a body of a wearer 12 from water, weather, dirt, and other elements and debris. The anti-exposure garment 10 can, for example, be configured to cover all or a part of the body of the wearer 12. The wearer 12 may don undergarments 14 such as a dry suit, underwear, etc. before donning the anti-exposure garment 10, but undergarment...

Claims

1. An anti-exposure garment for protecting a wearer, the anti-exposure garment comprising:a unitary body configured to protect at least a part of the legs and torso of the wearer, the unitary body including an access opening that is configured to extend obliquely to a medial plane of a body of the wearer when donned by the wearer across a posterior side of the unitary body from a first lateral side to an opposite second lateral side of the unitary body, wherein the access opening is configured to open by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body along the access opening in response to the wearer squatting for relief to expose the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer without having to remove or manipulate any other portion of the unitary body.

2. The anti-exposure garment of claim 1, further comprising a fastener that is configured to releasably secure the first and second portions of the unitary body to one another to close the access opening.

3. The anti-exposure garment of claim 2, wherein the fastener includes a zipper having teeth that extend along the first and second portions of the unitary body, the zipper including at least one slider movable along the teeth to open and close the access opening.

4. The anti-exposure garment of claim 3, wherein the at least one slider of the zipper is movable from a first position at the first lateral side of the unitary body in which the access opening is closed to a second position at the opposite lateral side of the unitary body in which the access opening is open.

5. The anti-exposure garment of claim 1, wherein the access opening extends obliquely across the median plane of the body of the wearer a single time.

6. The anti-exposure garment of claim 1, wherein the access opening includes opposite terminal ends at the first lateral side and at the second lateral side of the unitary body and the first and second portions of the unitary body are separated by hinging at the opposite terminal ends via a clam shell effect to expose the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer.

7. The anti-exposure garment of claim 6, wherein the termination of the access opening at the first lateral side is located higher relative to a transverse plane of a body of the wearer than the termination of the access opening at the second lateral side.

8. The anti-exposure garment of claim 1, wherein the unitary body includes a flap along the access opening, the flap being releasably fastened to a torso portion and under an arm hole of the unitary body at the first lateral side of the unitary body.

9. The anti-exposure garment of claim 8, further comprising a fastener for releasably fastening the flap to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

10. The anti-exposure garment of claim 9, wherein the access opening is configured to open by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body along the access opening in response to the wearer squatting for relief with the flap fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

11. An anti-exposure garment for protecting a wearer, the anti-exposure garment comprising:a unitary body including a torso portion and a lower connected to the torso portion, the unitary body including an access opening that extends across a posterior side of the unitary body from a first lateral side of the unitary body to an opposite second lateral side of the unitary body, wherein at the first lateral side the access opening is located higher relative to a transverse plane of a body of the wearer than at the second lateral side so that in response to the wearer squatting for relief the access opening widens without having to remove or manipulate any other portion of unitary body to expose the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer by separating adjacent first and second portions of the unitary body that extend along the opening.

12. The anti-exposure garment of claim 11, wherein the access opening terminates under an arm hole of the torso portion at the first lateral side and on a hip portion of the unitary body at the second lateral side of the unitary body.

13. The anti-exposure garment of claim 11, wherein the access opening does not extend to an anterior side of the unitary body.

14. The anti-exposure garment of claim 11, further comprising a fastener to releasably secure the first and second portions to one another across the access opening.

15. The anti-exposure garment of claim 11, wherein the access opening crosses a median plane of a body of the wearer only one time.

16. The anti-exposure garment of claim 11, wherein the first lateral side is located on the torso portion of the unitary body.

17. The anti-exposure garment of claim 16, wherein the second lateral side is located on the lower portion of the unitary body.

18. The anti-exposure garment of claim 11, wherein the access opening is located along the posterior side above a seat of the lower portion of the unitary body.

19. The anti-exposure garment of claim 11, wherein the first portion of the unitary body includes a flap along the access opening releasably fastened to the torso portion under an arm hole at the first lateral side of the unitary body, wherein the access opening widens to expose the gluteal region and / or urethral opening of the wearer while the flap is fastened to the first lateral side of the unitary body.

20. The anti-exposure garment of claim 11, wherein the torso portion includes an anterior side and a posterior side connected to the anterior side around the shoulders of the wearer, and the connection around the shoulders remains in position in response to the wearer squatting for relief widen the access opening.

Images