Boxer trunk with triangular-shaped tensioned structure

Abstract

An underwear garment (400) including a brief structure (410) including an upper elasticised loop or band (412), and front and rear webs of material (414,416). A genital portion (450) extends downwardly from the waistband (412). The brief structure is defined at its lower limits by a pair of preferably elasticised seam lines (420), each defining a loop for a leg hole. The garment (400) further includes the boxer trunk portion (440) including a pair of tubes (441a,b) of material. The seam lines (420) extend diagonally upwardly from the crotch (453) toward the upper sides (418). The seam lines (420) apply to provide a genital portion (450) with an upwardly diagonal tension T1 toward upper sides (418).

Description

[0001] BOXER TRU N K WITH TRIANGU LAR-SHAPED TE NSION ED STR UCTU RE

[0002] This application claims priority from three Australian provisional patent applications, namely AU2024900427 filed 21 February 2024, AU2024902594 filed 20 August 2024 and AU2024902621 filed 22 August 2024.

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates to a garment for men. More particularly, this invention relates to a boxer trunk with a triangular-shaped tensioned structure.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following prior art discussion should not be assumed to relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but to assist in the inventive process undertaken by the inventor(s) and in the understanding of the invention.

[0007] Men's underwear is typically provided in either a brief or boxer trunk form. The brief form is akin to a "Speedo®" shape, comprising a waist band of material, a deep central triangularshaped portion of material to cover a person's front, and a broadertriangular portion to cover the rear. The leg holes are elliptical and extend downwardly at an inclined angle from the side waist zone to the person's genitals. Boxer trunk s are shaped like shorts with cylindrical leg portions that end in generally circular openings lying in the same general horizontal plane that extends parallel to the waist band and are fitted to the legs.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to ameliorate one or more disadvantages of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0009] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0010] The invention according to one or more aspects is described herebelow and further defined in the independent claims. Some optional and / or preferred features of the invention are described herebelow and further defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided:

[0012] A garment in the form of boxer trunks with a triangular-shaped tensioned structure comprising: upper loop adapted to wrap around a wearer's waist and from which a body of the garment is adapted to depend; and a pair of seam lines in the form of tensioned loops that are adapted to orient diagonally at different angles to each other to receive a wearer's thighs, the loops each being: continuous and adapted to extend frontwardly from a wearer's lower groin, outwardly and upwardly along their groin line to a side hip region below the waist; and adapted to transition passed the side hip region rearward ly and downwardly in a curved path to follow the outer line of the wearer's buttocks to complete the loop at the wearer's lower groin.

[0013] The triangular shaped tensioned structure may follow a triangular shape when viewed from the front of the garment, with the base (longest side) extending in line with the upper loop. The two opposite diagonal sides at the front may correspond to the pair of seam lines. The triangular shaped tensioned structure may follow a triangular shape when viewed from the rear of the garment. The rear base line may extend in line with the upper loop at the rear of the garment. The two opposite diagonal sides at the rear may follow the curved path and the outer line of the wearer's buttocks down to the lower groin area.

[0014] The garment further described as including a body contacting layer adapted to contact a wearer's body, the garment including: a brief structure forming part of the body-contacting layer and including: an upper elasticised loop for positioning around a wearer's waist or hip above upper sides, and front and rear webs of material; a genital support and separation portion ("the genital portion"); and a pair of brief seam lines each defining a loop for a leg hole, the seam line extending diagonally upwardly from the genital portion toward the upper sides to apply to the genital portion upwardly diagonal tension toward the upper sides; and a boxer trunk portion also forming part of the body contacting layer and including: a pair of tubes of material, each tube depending and extending from one of the brief seam lines to form a short leg portion for each leg, wherein: the upper elasticised loop, the pair of brief seam lines, the genital portion and the webs of material extending therebetween, combine to form the brief structure that is adapted to cover the wearer's pubic region and rear end, and to support the wearer's genitals; the genital portion which, combined with the upwardly diagonal tension applied to the genital portion by the pair of brief seam lines, is adapted to comfortably support the wearer's genitals and provide separation from the wearer's inner thighs; the boxer trunk portion is adapted to provide separation between the wearer's respective inner thighs; and the leg portions terminate in respective leg openings adapted to be positioned below the genital portion.

[0015] Garment

[0016] Preferably, the garment is or includes underwear. The garment may be an undergarment. Preferably, the garment is male underwear. The garment may be sportwear. The garment may be football, basketball, hockey shorts, or the like. The garment may be sports shorts, wherein the body contact layer is an inner compression layer. The garment may be gymwear or swimwear.

[0017] Body contact layer

[0018] The body contact layer is preferably adapted to be fitted to the wearer's body. The garment is preferably adapted to be fitted to the wearer's body in the sense that it is applies at least slight compression to the wearer's body where it is in contact. The body contact layer is preferably adapted to be substantially in contact with each part of the wearer's body with which it is adapted to be coextensive. The body contact layer is preferably substantially coextensive with the garment as a whole. The body contact layer may be an undergarment lining attached to one or more outer layers of the garment. The body contact layer is preferably the only layer of the garment, apart from the genital portion and overlays across or between different portions and seams.

[0019] Brief structure

[0020] The brief structure gives superior support for male genitals when compared to boxer trunk style undergarments.

[0021] Contrast with Prior art boxer tru n ks

[0022] In prior art boxer trunks perse, the support for the genitals relies on the general and uniform elasticity of the boxer trunks undergarment material pulling substantially uniformly in all directions between the upper waist band, the genital region and the leggings. Prior art boxer trunks do not have brief seam lines that follows the top of the leg / groin line corresponding to the brief seam line or loop of the invention. Prior boxer trunks do not have an equivalent to the seam line loops of the invention that follow the groin line between the thighs and scrotum in use. Prior boxer trunks do not have seam lines continuous with a groin line that extend along the base of the buttocks in use and diagonally upwardly and outwardly whereby to complete the seam line loop by passing across the hip on the side of the boxer trunk to transition into the groin line portion of the seam line loop. Prior boxer trunks generally have an elastic seam that extends from below or in the region of the genitals in outwardly curved and divergent (relative to each other) seam lines that follow lines either side of the genitals in use up near-vertically and substantially centrally to the waistband. The prior art boxer trunk seam lines follow a near-upright line generally corresponding to the lateral extent of the pubic region. The seam line of the prior art boxer trunk does not follow the top of the leg / groin line, but rather is vertical and narrowly focuses on a front pouch area only. The prior art boxer trunks have vertical seams in the genital area only. However, men often prefer the look of boxer trunks.

[0023] In contrast, the seam line loops of the underwear of the present invention are adapted to follow the groin line between the thighs and scrotum. The seam lines are continuous through the groin line area and are adapted to extend at the rear along the base of the wearer's buttocks. The seam lines then adapted to pass diagonally upwardly from out of the crotch area and outwardly around the outer line of the buttocks. The seam lines complete the respective loops extending from the upper rear sides of the undergarment under the waistband by passing across the hip on the side of the boxer trunk. The seam lines then adapted to transition into the groin line portion of each of the seam line loops at the front of the garment. The seam lines follow the respective groins lines at the front of the garment down to the crotch area and are adapted to pass between the scrotum and thighs. The combination of the seam line loops that adapted to follow natural recess lines, troughs or valleys of the wearer's anatomy around the wearers groin region and buttocks, and the upper elasticised loop, provide an undergarment that conforms comfortably to the wearer's body without compressing uncomfortably against prominent parts of the body.

[0024] Brief Structure Advantage

[0025] The brief structure of the invention provides a brief seam line either side of the scrotum area that is adapted to follow the top of the leg / groin line which enables good support of the genitals.

[0026] The upper elasticised loop, the pair of brief seam lines adapted to follow the leg / groin line and base and side periphery of the wearer's buttocks, the genital portion and the webs of material extending therebetween, combine to form the brief structure that is adapted to cover the wearer's pubic region and buttocks, and to support the wearer's genitals and buttocks.

[0027] Upper elasticised loop

[0028] Upper elasticised loop is a waistband adapted to be positioned around a wearer's waist or hip above upper sides, and above front and rear webs of material. The waistband height may be between about 35mm - 50mm and more preferably about 40mm - 45mm. Most preferably, the upper elasticised loop is about 40mm in height. The waistband gives upper structural integrity to the brief structure, holding the brief structure on or just above the hips.

[0029] Genital portion and Separation Panel

[0030] The genital portion defines a soft recess. The upwardly diagonal tension applied to the genital portion by the pair of brief seam lines following the leg / groin line is adapted to comfortably support the wearer's genitals and provide separation from the wearer's inner thighs. Preferably, the soft recess, combined with the upwardly diagonal tension applied by the pair of brief seam lines is adapted to further support the wearer's genitals.

[0031] The brief seam lines are preferably formed using an elongate elastic material that assists to apply tension in use through the brief seam lines. The brief seam lines may be formed using non-stretchable stitching. The brief seam lines may include non-stretchable ribbon or other elongate lengths of material. The elongate lengths of material may be formed into a loop. The elongate lengths of material may non-stretchably hold the tension through the brief seam lines.

[0032] However, the brief seam lines are preferably elasticised seam lines. Elasticised brief seam lines are advantageous for improved comfort, can accommodate small variations in wearer size and shape. The elasticised seam lines may more effectively provide tension through the brief seam lines than non-stretchable material.

[0033] The underwear, more particularly the genital portion, may include a separator. The separator may be a panel, bridge, strip or band extending across the genital portion internally of a front layer of the underwear. The separator is adapted to separate a portion of a male's penis from a portion of his scrotum, namely the respective portions that typically rest against or face each other at rest (hereafter, simply the wearer's penis and scrotum).

[0034] Together with the front layer, the separator may define a fabric receptacle. Most preferably, the separator is a panel and defines a receptacle that is adapted to separate the wearer's penis from the scrotum. The separator may be effective to reduce the collection of sweat or stickiness, and / or prevent the sticking of the penis to the scrotum.

[0035] The separator may include a separation panel or a fabric bridge. The separator is preferably in the form of a separation panel.

[0036] The separation panel may extend across an internal side of a front layer of the underwear. The separation panel is preferably adapted to separate the penis from the wearer's scrotum. Such separation may be useful to reduce sticking together and sweating between the penis and the scrotum and to provide greater comfort for the wearer. The separation panel may be positioned to extend between the pair of brief seam lines. The separation panel may extend from the base of the crotch upwards to the upper elasticised loop or waistband in the genital portion region to a point intermediate the length of the genital portion. Preferably, the separation panel extends half way up the underwear from the base of the crotch upwards to the upper elasticised loop or waistband.

[0037] Note that the brief structure in its own right, apart from the separator, is effective to separate the wearer's scrotum from their thighs. The separation panel may be adapted to be sewn along the pair of brief seam lines. The separation panel may be adapted to laterally extend between the pair of brief seam lines. The separation panel may have a general trapezoid or triangular shape. The separation panel may be adapted to extend up into a region between the wearer's penis and scrotum, providing a divider therebetween.

[0038] Seam Lines

[0039] Stitching

[0040] The term seam line(s) may refer to a line of stitching. The seam line preferably joins the edges of adjacent pieces of material, such as the front and rear webs. The seam line may be a line of stitching to reinforce and strengthen the material along the line of the stitching.

[0041] The seam line may, in an embodiment according to the invention, extend across or intermediate the breadth, of a single piece of material. That is, the seam line may not correspond to a seam joining edges of adjacent material, but instead provide a line of stitching that reinforces the material along the seam line.

[0042] Preferably, the seam line corresponds to a seam joining edges of adjacent material. The line of stitching of the seam line may gather the material along the seam line. The stitching may provide elasticity along the seam line or at least contribute to the stretchability of stretchable material. The stitching of the seam line may be gathered. The stitching of the seam line may be overlocked. The stitching of the seam line may be a gathered overlooking stitch.

[0043] Pair of brief seam lines

[0044] Each loop of the pair of brief seam lines provides a leg hole, with the seam line extending diagonally upwardly from the genital portion toward the upper sides of the garment. This has the effect of applying bilateral upwardly diagonal tension to the genital portion toward the upper sides. The brief seam lines also follow the crease in the junction between the scrotum and the upper thighs to provide separation between the scrotum and the upper thighs, and also to define the side extents of the recess, allowing for the provision of a deep recess or pouch.

[0045] Body of Garment

[0046] The underwear includes front and rear webs of material. In one embodiment, the underwear optionally includes the separation panel. Where the separation panel is included, the front web is external to and a separate layer relative to the separation panel. The body of the underwear includes the material of the front outer web, the back web, and the sides of the garment. The front web and the sides and rear web may be integrally formed. The seam lines may be sewn across one or more sheets or webs of material. Alternatively, the material of body may be formed from one or more discrete webs. For example, the rear and side webs may be continuous and made from a single piece (collectively the rear and side web), and the front web may be formed from a separate sheet. The front and rear webs may be discrete relative to each other prior to the underwear being assembled and completed, and the seam lines may be used to join the separate sheets of material along the seam lines.

[0047] Boxer trunk portion

[0048] The boxer trunk portion provides the advantages of boxer trunks by incorporating the pair of tubes of stretchable material, extending them from the brief seam lines to form a short leg portion for each leg.

[0049] The leg portions terminate in respective leg openings below the genital portion. The leg portions may vary in length from one garment to another. The garment may be provided with short leggings wherein the distance between the lowest point of the genital portion and the terminal portion of the leggings is approximately lx - 1.5x the natural spacing of the leg portions immediately underneath the genital portion. The garment may be provided with longer leggings, wherein the distance between the lowest point of the genital portion and the terminal portion of the leggings is approximately 2x - 2.5x the dimension of the natural spacing of the leg portions immediately underneath the genital portion. ANTI-CHAFFING PANEL

[0050] As boxer trunks have legs extending below the wearer's genitals, the inside material of the thighs may be suitable to prevent chaffing of the wearer's inner thighs. The boxer trunk portion is adapted to provide separation between the wearer's inner thighs and may include panels of a different material relative to the material forming the front and back webs. The inner thigh portion of the legging tubes may include opposed anti-chaffing panels on each leg. This material is preferably smoother, reducing friction and heat in the inner thigh area.

[0051] The anti-chaffing panel may be made of microfibre.

[0052] ANTI-RIDE UP LEG BANDING

[0053] Another aspect of underwear is the tendency for boxer trunk legs to ride up. Preferably, the terminal portion of the leggings includes banding to better hold lower leg portion of the garment in a relatively fixed position on the wearer's thighs. The inner surface of the lower leg may include banding that includes high friction grippers to hold the lower leg portion to the wearer's thighs. The high friction grippers may be in the form of silicon dots on the inside of the banding. Preferably, however, the leggings include a folded over cuff. Preferably, the leggings terminate at a lower edge with the folder over cuff. Where the cuff is stitched, in a preferred form the cuff includes a loop of elastic material extendable around the lower leg portion to resist the lower leg portion riding up.

[0054] It will be appreciated that any of the features described herein can be used in any combination, and that the invention as described in respect of the second aspect may have the specific features referred to above in respect of the invention as described in respect of the first aspect.

[0055] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 is a front internal view of an underwear garment rendered inside out to show internal seams and structure of a front of a garment according to a first embodiment;

[0058] Figure 2 is an external rear view of the underwear garment shown in Fig. 1;

[0059] Figure 3 is a front internal view of the underwear garment shown in Fig. 1;

[0060] Figures 4a and 4b are front views of, respectively, underwear garments according to the first embodiment, and according to a second embodiment;

[0061] Figures 5a-c are a schematic top views of the underwear garment according to the first, second and third embodiments;

[0062] Figure 6a and 6b are front and back views respectively of an underwear garment according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0063] Figure 7a and 7b are front views of the underwear garment according to the third embodiment; Figures 8a and 8b are back views of the underwear garment according to the third embodiment;

[0064] Figures 9a and 9b are front inside out views of the underwear garment according to the third embodiment; and

[0065] Figure 10 is an internal view of the front of the garment according to a fourth embodiment.

[0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention. In describing the various embodiments of the invention, like features will be referred to using like references, with references for features of each embodiment generally preceded by 1, 2, 3, or followed by a Roman numeric sequence, such as i, ii, iii, etc. or an alphabetical sequence such as a, b, c, relative to the corresponding feature of the first embodiment. For example, a feature 10 of the first embodiment may represented as 110, 210, 310, (or nlO), or 10a, 10b, 10c, (or lOx) or lOi, lOii, lOiii, (or lOr) etc. in second, third and fourth embodiments, respectively.

[0068] Reference Key

[0069] 100, 200, 400 = garment in the form of a boxer trunk with a triangular-shaped tension structure

[0070] 110, 210, 410 = triangular-shaped tension structure

[0071] 112, 212, 412 = upper loop (waistband)

[0072] 114, 214, 414 = front web of brief structure (the upper front side portions 115 and the front exterior genital layer 117)

[0073] 115 - upper front side portions

[0074] 116 = back section of brief area

[0075] 117 = the front exterior genital layer which is the external webs of material on the front of the genital portion 150, which covers the separation panel 257, 457, when present.

[0076] 118, 218, 418 = side hip region

[0077] 120, 220, 420 = pair of seam lines

[0078] 130, 230, 430 - inner leg panels

[0079] 140, 240, 440 = the boxer trunk portion

[0080] 141a / b = leg tubes

[0081] 142 = leg openings

[0082] 144, 244, 444 = leg banding

[0083] 146, 246, 446 = terminal portion of legs 150, 250, 450 - genital portion area

[0084] 151 = upper section of genital portion

[0085] 152 = diagonally bracing stitching

[0086] 154 = soft recess of the genital portion

[0087] 155 - front midpoints of seam lines 120

[0088] 156, 256, 456 = separation receptacle (the area where the penis can go into for separation from the scrotum)

[0089] 157, 257, 457 = separation panel

[0090] 158, 258, 458 = crotch panel

[0091] 161 = slot

[0092] 215b = the rear boxer trunk main panel

[0093] 231 = lower rear seamline of crotch panel

[0094] 232 = top seamline of crotch panel which the bottom of the separation panel is sewn into

[0095] 251, 451 = top, open side of separation panel

[0096] 253a, c = side edges of separation panel

[0097] 253b = bottom edge of separation panel

[0098] 259 = concavely curved cut out saddle

[0099] In a broad form, there is provided a garment 100,200,400 in the form of boxer trunks with a triangular-shaped tension structure or a triangulated elasticised structure 110,210,410 comprising: an upper elasticised loop 112,212,412 adapted to wrap around a wearer's waist; and a pair of seam lines 120,220,420 intersecting leg tubes 141a, b of the trunks at an angle and together forming a general V-shape, the seams lines being in the form of tensioned loops that are adapted to orient diagonally at different angles to each other to receive a wearer's thighs, the loops each being: continuous and adapted to extend frontwardly from a wearer's lower groin, outwardly and upwardly along their groin line to a side hip region 118,218,418 below the waist; and adapted to transition passed the side hip region rearward ly and downwardly in a curved path to follow the outer line of the wearer's buttocks to complete the loop at the wearer's lower groin.

[0100] Referring to Figures 1- 4a, there is shown an underwear garment 100 including a body contact layer comprising a boxer trunk portion 140, and a triangular-shaped structure in the form of a brief structure 110.

[0101] As best seen in Figs 1 and 2, the triangular shaped tensioned structure 110 follows a triangular shape when viewed from the front of the garment 100 (Fig. 1 shows a cut-away view with the front layer 117 omitted from view to show the upper section 151). The base (longest side) of the triangle shape extends in line with the upper loop 112. The two opposite diagonal sides at the front of the garment correspond to the pair of seam lines 120. The triangular shaped tensioned structure 110 follows a triangular shape when viewed from the rear of the garment (refer to Fig. 2). The rear base line extends in line with the upper loop 112 at the rear of the garment 100. The two opposite diagonal sides at the rear of the garment 100 follow the curved path and the outer line of the wearer's buttocks (ref. 120 in Fig. 2) down to the crotch 158.

[0102] The brief structure 110 includes an upper elasticised loop or band 112 for positioning around a wearer's waist or hip above upper sides 118, and front and rear webs of material 114,116. The front layer 117, an external web of material, is at the front of the genital portion 150. In the second and third embodiments, the front layer 217,417 covers the separation panel 257,457, when present. The front portion of the front web overlapping with the separation panel 257,457 when present, is the front exterior layer 217,417.

[0103] The front layer 117 of the first embodiment is a front exterior layer extending over and / or across the genital portion area 150. The front layer 117 is preferably coextensive with the genital layer 150. The upper front side portions 115 and the front exterior genital layer 117 together constitute the front web 114.

[0104] A genital portion 150 extends downwardly from the waistband 112 centrally, containing, comprising, overlapping or co-terminal with the front exterior layer of material 117 down to the crotch area 158 and underneath the wearer's bulbosponglosus region, where the genital portion 150 terminates at the anatomical attachment of the rear and lower end of the genital region. The brief structure is defined at its lower limits by a pair of brief seam lines 120, each defining a loop for a leg hole. The seam lines 120 extend diagonally upwardly from the genital portion 150 toward the upper sides 118. The brief seam lines 120 are preferably in the form of elastic stitching or more preferably elastic ribbon or cord stitched along the brief seam lines 120. The upper sides 118 are higher in the garment 100 than the lowermost extents of the seam lines 120. The seam lines 120 apply to the genital portion 150 an upwardly diagonal tension T1 toward the upper sides 118 that is not achieved in prior art boxer trunks.

[0105] The garment 100 further includes the boxertrunk portion 140 including a pair oftubes 141a, b of material, each tube 141a, b depending and extending from one of the brief seam lines 120 to form a short leg portion 141a, b for each leg of the wearer.

[0106] The upper elasticised loop or waistband 112, the pair of brief seam lines or loops 120, the genital portion 150 and the webs of material 114,116 extending therebetween, combine to form the brief structure 110 that is outlined by the dotted lines referenced 110 in Figs. 1 and 2. The brief structure 110 is adapted to cover the wearer's pubic region up to the waist and their buttocks, and to support the wearer's genitals. The boxer trunk portion 140 is adapted to provide separation between the wearer's inner thighs. The leg portions 141a, b terminate in respective leg openings 142 below the genital portion 150.

[0107] The body contact layer is preferably the only layer of the garment 100, apart from the genital portion 150 and overlays across or between different portions 112, 114, 116, 140 and seam lines 120. However, the garment 100 may comprise a second or outermost layer, preferably attached to the waistband 112 and other portions, such as part or all of the seam lines 120. The second or outermost layer may be adapted to be loosely fitted to the wearer's body, so that the body contact layer forms an inner undergarment liner. The second layer may be for warmth, fashion, modesty, sport, fitness, dance and / or aesthetics.

[0108] Underwear garment

[0109] The material of the main body 114,116, and the leg banding 144 and the separation panel 157 (and equivalent components X14,X16, X44 and X57 of the second and third embodiments), is preferably a finely machine- woven blend of Tencel™ made from fibres sourced from raw material wood and a synthetic fibre, such as elastane. The material of inner thigh sections 130 is preferably a synthetic fibre such as microfibre having a low friction coefficient. The material of the waistband section 112 is preferably a polyester, elastane and nylon blend.

[0110] Brief structure

[0111] The brief structure 110 provides elastic in the seam line 120 that follows the top of the leg / groin line to enable good support of the genitals.

[0112] The tensional forces applied by the triangular-shaped tension structure are as follows:

[0113] The tension applied by the upper loop may be commensurate with a typical elasticised waistband of a standard underwear garment, sufficient to support the garment on the wearer's hips or about their waist, as appropriate. The tension applied by the tensioned loops of each pair of seam lines is sufficient to stably position the loop on the wearer's upper thigh and to support the wearer's genitals without the loops migrating down or up the wearer's thigh. The tension should not be so great as to constrict blood flow, but should be sufficient to provide a firm grip on the wearer's skin without migrating. Of course, the skilled person will appreciate that a certain amount of shifting of the loop relative to the wearers skin will occur during exercise and changes in body position, whilst still firmly fitting the wearer. The tension provided by a waistband of a standard pair of underwear, such as Bonds™ underwear for males is a guide to what is sufficient for the upper loop. The tension provided by the leg openings of a pair of Bonds™ brief underwear is a guide to the tension required of the loops of the invention. The width of the seam lines may be broadened or narrowed depending on comfort and functional stability on the wearer's body according to the typical activities undertaken using sports underwear.

[0114] Upper elasticised loop

[0115] Upper elasticised loop 112 is a waistband adapted to be positioned around a wearer's waist or hip, and above the upper sides 118 and front and rear webs 114,116 of material. The waistband height H may be between about 35mm - 50mm and more preferably about 40mm - 45mm. Most preferably, the upper elasticised loop 112 is about 40mm in height. The waistband gives upper structural integrity to the brief structure 110, being adapted to hold the brief structure 110 on or just above the wearer's hips. The waistband works to provide upper structural support for the wearer whereby to augment the superior support provided by the brief structure.

[0116] Genital portion and Separation Panel

[0117] The genital portion 150 defines a soft recess 154 which, combined with the upwardly diagonal tension T1 applied to the genital portion 150 by the pair of brief seam lines 120 following the wearer's leg / groin line, is adapted to comfortably support the wearer's genitals and provide separation of the wearer's penis from his scrotum. The leg portions 140 provide separation between the wearer's genitals from his thighs.

[0118] The recess 154 includes a separator in the form of a receptacle 156 to separate the wearer's penis from his scrotum. Such separation reduces sweating and / or sticking of the penis to the wearer's scrotum.

[0119] In one embodiment of the invention, the genital portion further includes an upper penis compartment 160 with a longitudinal (vertical) dimension 162 of about 100 - 110mm, a lateral dimension of about 30 -40 mm at its upper end which is defined by the lower edge of the waistband 112, and tapers along stitching lines (see location of reference 160) along curved convex lines down to a curved point at the compartment's 160 lower extent about two-thirds of the vertical length of the genital portion 150. The compartment 160 is wholly within the boundary of the genital potion 150 and the waistband 112. Internally, the compartment includes an internal layer 157 with a vertical central longitudinal slit 161 corresponding in location and length to the distance indicator of reference 162. A wearer's penis may be inserted into the compartment 160 for comfortable support and separation from the scrotum so that there is no sticking between the penis and scrotum. However, in another more preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper penis compartment 160 is omitted, whilst the separator receptacle 156 created by a recess 154 between the internal layer 157 and the front exterior layer 117 is preferably included.

[0120] The seam lines 120 are structurally supported by diagonal bracing stitching 152 intermediate their front length. The diagonal stitching 152 preferably meets the seam lines 120 at their approximate front midpoints 155, providing tensional support T2 for the seamlines 120 at the front of the garment 100. Moreover, the diagonal stitching 152 provides the upper side border of an upper section of the internal layer 157 of the genital portion 150. Together, the upper section of the internal layer 157 and the lower portion, namely the recess 154, combine to define a bi-truncated diamond shape with a vertical length of about 130 - 170mm, preferably about 140 - 150mm, and a lateral dimension of about 100 - 110mm between the midpoints 155.

[0121] References to the first and second embodiments of the invention also describe the third embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 6a - 9b. Brief seam lines 220 provide excellent structure and support when combined with the genital portion 250. The genital portion 250 includes a separation panel 257 that extends across an internal side of a front portion of the genital portion 250 of the underwear that is adapted to separate the penis from the wearer's scrotum. The separation panel 257 is shown in Figures 9a and 9b.

[0122] The separation panel 257 is made of skin-friendly, breathable material. The separation panel 257 is ideally made of mesh, woven fabric or a combination of both. Such separation may be useful to reduce sticking together and sweating between the penis and the scrotum and to provide greater comfort for the wearer. The separation panel 257 may be adapted to extend between the pair of brief seam lines 220. Preferably the separation panel 257 extends half way up the garment 200 from the base of the crotch 258 upwards to the upper waistband 212. The top edge 251 is left open, whereas the sides of the separation panel 257 are sewn with the seamline 220 to the legs 240.

[0123] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9b, the top edge 251 may include a concavely curved cut out or saddle 259 to correspond in shape and to accommodate the underside of the penis in the case where it crosses over the tope edge 251 of the separation panel 257 and is position frontward thereof. The top edge 251 may be elasticised. The top edge 251 may be untensioned. The separation panel 257 may be formed from stretchable material to accommodate the different genital sizes of wearers who otherwise would suit the same garment size. Alternatively, the separation panel 257 is formed using non-stretch material to give the wearer greater support.

[0124] The separation panel 257 has side edges. The panel side edges 253a, c are sewn along the pair of brief seam lines 220 located either side of the main brief body 214,216. The separation panel 257 may extend between the pair of brief seam lines 220. The separation panel 257 may be orientated to lie in a substantially vertically plane when the wearer or the garment 200 is upright. Two side edges 253a, c of the separation panel 257 are sewn or stitched in the seam lines 220. A lower edge 253b of the separation panel 257 is sewn into the bridging portion extending between lower extents of the seam lines 220. The top edge 251 of the separation panel 257 is not sewn or stitched to other portions of the boxer trunk 240 to allow the wearer's penis to hang over it. The top edge 251 of the separation panel 257 is a free edge that is only attached at its respective ends to the spaced seam lines 220.

[0125] Seam Lines

[0126] Stitching

[0127] The seam lines 120 join the edges of adjacent pieces of material, such as the rear web 116 (which is a continuous piece of material transitioning into the side webs 115), and the leg portions 140, the crotch panel 158, the inner leg panels 130 and the front web 117. The seam lines 120 are formed by stitching that is adapted to reinforce and strengthen the material along the line of the stitching. The seam lines 120 are adapted not to uncomfortably press into the wearer's body, but to follow natural crease lines and troughs of the wearer's anatomy through the groin line and lower buttock line, and riding over the wearer's hips. On the transition across the side hip region 118, the seam line 120 is positioned to follow a line immediately above, on or immediately below the greater trochanter. Immediately above the side hip region 118, the waistband 112 is positioned to follow a line immediately above, on or immediately below the wearer's ilium.

[0128] The line of stitching of the seam lines 220 extend along the seam lines 220 of the material of webs 216 (which is a continuous piece of material transitioning into the side webs 215), and the leg portions 240, the crotch panel 258, the inner leg panels 230 and the front web 217. The stitching may provide elasticity along the seam lines 220 or at least contribute to the stretchability of the stretchable material of the webs 214,216,240. Preferably, the stitching along the seam lines 220 increases tension along the seam lines relative to the adjacent web material 214,216,240,258 whereby the web material holds the wearer's parts comfortably with a soft, pliable support, whereas the higher tension of the seam lines 220 holds the garment better in the wearer's natural external crevices in the hip, groin and buttocks parts of the body. The stitching of the seam lines 220 may include a gathered overlocking stitch.

[0129] Pair of brief seam lines

[0130] Each loop of the pair of brief seam lines 120 provides a leg hole, with the seam line 120 extending diagonally upwardly from the lower section (see 154,156) of the genital portion 150 toward the upper sides 118 of the garment 100. This has the effect of applying bilateral upwardly diagonal tension T1 to the genital portion 150 toward the upper sides 118. The brief seam lines 120 also follow the crease in the junction between the scrotum and the wearer's upper thighs to provide separation between the scrotum and the upper thighs, and also to define the side extents of the recess 154, allowing a deep receptaclel56. As described above, the brief seam lines 120, 220 are preferably elasticised to facilitate the application of the bilateral upwardly diagonal tension Tl.

[0131] Boxer trunk portion

[0132] The boxer trunk portion 140 incorporates a pair of tubes 141a, b of stretchable material, each case depending downwardly from the brief seam lines 120 to form a short leg portion 141a,b for each leg. The material of the front and back webs 114,116, and sides 115,118 of the garment are integrally formed, with the seam lines 120 sewn across one or more sheets or webs of material. Alternatively, the material of one or more webs 114,116 may be discrete and the seam lines 120 may be used to join the separate sheets of material along the seam lines 120. The latter option allows for the use of materials of different properties to be used for the front and back webs 114,116 on the one hand, and the boxer trunk section 140 on the other, the front exterior genital layer 117 of the genital portion 150 also potentially being made of a softer more elastic material than the front and back webs 114,116.

[0133] Referring to Figs. 3 - 4b, the leg portions 141a, b terminate in respective leg openings 142 below the genital portion 150. The leg portions 141a, b may vary in length from one garment 100 to another 200. The garment 100 has short leggings 141a, b wherein the distance LI between the lowest point of the genital portion 150 along plane C (see Fig. 3) and the terminal portion 146 (at band 144) of the leggings 141a, b is approximately lx- 1.5xthe natural spacing W of the leg portions 141a, b immediately underneath the genital portion 150 at the level of plane C. A garment 200 has longer leggings 141a, b than garment 100, wherein the distance L2 between the lowest point of the genital portion 150 (at corresponding level equivalent to plane C) and the terminal portion 146 of the leggings 141a, b is approximately 2x - 2.5x the dimension W of the natural spacing of the leg portions 141a,b immediately underneath the genital portion 150.

[0134] Anti-Chaffing Panel

[0135] As the boxer trunk garment 100 has, in use, legs 141a, b depending below the wearer's genitals, the inside material (at 130) of the tubes of the boxer trunk portion 140 are suitable to prevent chaffing of the wearer's inner thighs. The boxer trunk portion 140 includes panels 130 of a different material relative to the material forming the front and back webs 114,115,116,117,118. The inner thigh portion of the legging tubes 141a, b includes the opposed anti-chaffing panels 130 on each leg 141a, b. This material is smoother, reducing friction and heat in the inner thigh area.

[0136] In the third embodiment of the invention, the anti-chaffing panels 230 are microfibre panels.

[0137] Anti-Ride Up Leg Banding

[0138] The terminal portion 146 of the leggings 141a, b includes the cuff and elastic material combination to hold lower leg portion (at banding 144) in a relatively fixed position on the wearer's thighs and to resist riding up. The inner surface of the lower leg banding 144 preferably includes the elasticised cuff to hold the lower leg portion (at banding 144) to the wearer's thighs to mitigate against the tendency for boxer trunk leg portions to ride up.

[0139] Using the equivalent references with reference to the first embodiment, the leg banding 240 is preferably formed by folding the terminal portion 246 of the leggings 241a, b and sewing it to form a cuff. The sewn cuff preferably envelops an elastic material to hold the terminal portion 246 in position on the wearer's thigh, resisting the leggings 241a, b riding up.

[0140] Underneath crotch panel

[0141] The third embodiment of the invention includes an underneath crotch 258 panel. The underneath crotch panel 260 is a separate panel layer in the genital portion 250. The underneath crotch 258 panel extends between and is attached to each anti-chaffing panel 230, the rear boxer trunk main panel 215b, the front exterior genital layer 217 and the separation panel 257.

[0142] Preferred Materials

[0143] In terms of the specific materials that may be preferred:

[0144] The waistband 112,212 may be waistband elastic;

[0145] The brief seam line 120,220 may be formed from elastic material or stitching;

[0146] The separation panel 257, the genital portion 150, the main boxer trunk material of features 116, 118, 215,215b and underneath crotch panel may be 95% Tencel Lyocell (or Modal) plus 5% Elastane; and The anti-chaffing panel 130 may be made of microfibre.

[0147] Preferred Dimensions

[0148] With reference to Figs. 7b, 8b and 9b, indicative and approximate dimensions for a man with an average waist size of 86cm-92cm (34-36inches) are given as follows when the boxer trunk are laid flat:

[0149] Waistband 112,212: 78cm in non-stretched circumference length and 4cm in width;

[0150] From bottom of waistband 112,212 to top of seam line 120,220, at the upper leg 118: 5cm;

[0151] From bottom of waistband 112,212 to the crotch 258 and lower front seamline 232 at the bottom of the separation panel 257: 16cm;

[0152] From bottom of waistband 112,212 to the top edge 251 of the separation panel 257: 6.5cm;

[0153] Seamline 220 from diagonal bracing stitching 252 to crotch panel 258: 10cm;

[0154] The crotch 258 panel, which sits underneath when worn and joins with anti-chaffing leg panels 230 is about 7cm wide, including seams;

[0155] Anti-chaffing leg panels 230 are each about 15.5cm wide, including seams;

[0156] Loops of leg banding 244: each about 44cm in length and about 3cm in width;

[0157] Lower rear seamline 231 sitting at back of the garment 200 when worn: 7.5cm including seams;

[0158] Lower front seamline 232 sitting at front of the garment 200 when worn: 7cm including seams;

[0159] From bottom of waistband 112,212 at sides to terminal portion of legs 146,246: 24cm or short leg portion 140 option and 30cm for longer leg portion 240 option; and

[0160] From bottom of waistband 112,212 middle rear to rear crotch 258 at lower rear seamline 231: 21cm.

[0161] In a fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the garment 400 may be modified with regard to the earlier embodiments. The genital portion 450 may be enlarged relative to the rest of the garment 400. The width of a separation panel 457 is increased along its upper edge 451. If the garment 400 is considered upright, i.e. as it would be oriented when worn by a person in a standing position, a vertical line bifurcating the separation panel 457 and representing the distance between the upper edge 451 and the bottom of the separation panel 457, is also increased relative to the first to third embodiments. This provides more usable volume in the cavity defined between the separation panel 457 and the front web 417 of the genital portion 450, being a front exterior genital layer 417 of material. This accentuates the 3-dimensional pocket shape defined by the front exterior genital layer 417 and the separation panel 457, so that this pocket 456 portion of the garment 400 does not lie flat in a packaged or folded state.

[0162] The garment's 400 seam lines 420 are therefore preferably pinched or gathered relative to other joining and elasticised portions of the garment 400, so that the upper portions of the garment 400 adjacent the waistband 412 and the lower portions of the garment 400 below the seam lines 420, i.e. the leg portions 440, spread or fan out as shown in Fig. 10. The line of stitching of the seam lines 420 therefore gather along the seam lines 420 of the material of webs 416 (which is a continuous piece of material transitioning into the side webs 415), and the leg portions 440, the crotch panel 458, the inner leg panels 430 and the front web 417. The side edges (see 253a, c of the second embodiment for reference) of the separation panel 457 are preferably not gathered, or at least gathered to a lesser extent, compared to the more intensive gathered regions of the rear web 416 along the region corresponding to a wearer's buttocks and the front upper side portions 415. The stitching may provide elasticity along the seam lines 420 or at least contribute to the stretchability of the stretchable material of the webs 414,416,440. Preferably, the stitching along the seam lines 220 increases tension along the seam lines 420 relative to the adjacent web material 414,416,440,458 whereby the web material holds the wearer's parts comfortably with a soft, pliable support, whereas the higher tension of the gathered seam lines 220 holds the garment better in the wearer's natural external crevices in the hip, groin and buttocks parts of the body. The stitching of the seam lines 420 comprises a gathered overlocking stitch.

[0163] When worn, the gathered seam lines 420 apply significant tension along the seam lines 420 to support the garment 400 on the wearer, whilst the increased cavity defined by the outer layer 417 and separation panel 457 improves the comfort experienced by the wearer. This may be because less inward pressure is applied to the genitals by the garment 400, and at the same time, the tighter seam lines 420 tighten the garment 400 adjacent the wearer's genitals. The seam line 420 is adapted to sit higher in the crook between the wearer's genitals and their inner thigh.

[0164] In use, the anti-chaffing panels 430 are wider and also sit higher on the inside leg area in the fourth embodiment.

[0165] DEFINITIONS, MEANINGS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPLANATIONS

[0166] "Genitals" means a human male's genitals.

[0167] "Boxer trunks" means underwear with short leg sections that extend below a wearer's groin, but not as far as the knees, and "boxer trunk legs" describes the leg portions of the boxer trunks and are fitted to the thighs.

[0168] "Briefs" means underwear that has its lowest point centrally at the groin region and has leg holes that extend laterally at an upward angle to the sides closer to the waist section.

[0169] "Leg / groin line" describes the part of the anatomy at the top of the leg where, at the front, there is a crease between the leg and hips when squatting or seated and, at the rear, the leg openings of brief structure follows the buttocks, there being, at the sides of the garment, a transition zone where the leg / groin line passes around the sides of the hips, and thereafter follows a downward line along the outer edge of the buttocks. Throughout the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0170] In the present specification, terms such as "apparatus", "means", "device" and "member" may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where an "apparatus", "means", "device" or "member" or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where an "apparatus", "assembly", "means", "device" or "member" is described as having multiple components, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0171] In the present specification, the phrase "and / or" refers to severally or any combination of the features. For example, the phrase "feature 1, feature 2 and / or feature 3" includes within its scope any one of the following combinations: Feature 1 or feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 and feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 or feature 2 and feature 3; feature 1 and feature 3 or feature 2; feature 1 and feature 2 and feature 3.

[0172] The meaning of descriptive, precise or absolute terms such as "flexed", "normal", "parallel", "horizontal", "vertical" or "fully" includes the preceding qualifier "substantially or almost", unless the context or contrary is expressly indicated.

[0173] Qualifying relative terms, such as "relatively", "sufficiently", "near", "almost" or "substantially", may be taken to indicate a variation in an absolute value of between 0? and 10- or between 0% and 10%, relative to the absolute value. For example, "near horizontal" may be taken to mean any orientation between 05 and 105 relative to the horizontal.

[0174] Where the word "for" is used to qualify a use or application of an object term, the word "for" is only limiting in the sense that the device or component should be "suitable for" that use or application.

[0175] In the present specification, the term "integral" means formed of one body in a single process. In particular, the term "integrally formed" means formed of the one body without postforming attachment of separately formed component parts. That is, "integrally formed" and the similar term "unitarily formed" mean formed in a single forming process and do not include post-forming attachment of component parts by means of fastener or other component fixing substances or methods.

[0176] Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, which will usually be apparent from the context.

[0177] In the present specification, the term "integral" means formed of one body in a single process. In particular, the term "integrally formed" means formed of the one body without postforming attachment of separately formed component parts. That is, "integrally formed" and the similar term "unitarily formed" mean formed in a single forming process and do not include post-forming attachment of component parts by means of fastener or other component fixing substances or methods.

[0178] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0179] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The features and components of each of the embodiments of the invention described in the detailed description and / or depicted in the accompanying drawings may be interchangeable as required, with regard to functional equivalency and compatibility. A feature or component described with reference to one but not all embodiments, if functionally and dimensionally compatible as an addition with another embodiment herein described, or substitutable with a corresponding feature or component of that other embodiment in relation to which it has not been expressly described, should be read as a potential addition or substitution to that other embodiment and as being within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in considering a feature or component that is described in relation a particular embodiment but may be omitted from the embodiment without losing the functionality characterising the invention and without departing from the scope of the invention, unless the context and expressions used in describing the embodiment imputes that the feature or component is essential to the invention as broadly described, the omittable feature or component may be read as not being included in the embodiment.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 04 July 2025 (04.07.2025)The claims:

1. A garment 100,200,400 in the form of boxer trunks comprising a body of the garment with a triangular-shaped tension structure 110,210,410 comprising: an upper loop 112,212,412 adapted to wrap around a wearer's waist and from which the body of the garment is adapted to depend; and a pair of seam lines 120,220,420 intersecting the body of the garment at an angle, the pair of seam lines together forming a general V-shape below which leg portions 140 of the garment are adapted to depend, the seams lines: being in the form of tensioned loops; adapted to orient diagonally at different angles to each other to receive a wearer's thighs; adapted to follow the crease in the junction between the scrotum and the wearer's upper thighs, the loops each being: continuous and adapted to extend frontwardly from a wearer's lower groin, and outwardly and upwardly along their groin line to a side hip region 118,218,418 below the upper loop; and adapted to transition passed the side hip region rearwardly and downwardly in a curved path to follow the outer line of the wearer's buttocks to complete the loop at the wearer's lower groin.

2. A garment as claimed in Claim 1, including a body contacting layer 114,116 adapted to contact directly a wearer's body, the garment including: the triangular-shaped tension structure in the form of a brief structure 110,210,410 adapted to form part of the body-contacting layer and including: the upper loop 112,212,412 adapted to be positioned above the upper sides 118; front and rear webs of material 114,116 forming a main garment body; a genital portion 150,250,450 adapted to provide support for the wearer's genitals and buttocks and comprising the pair of brief seam lines 120,220,420 each defining the loop whereby to provide a leg hole adapted to receive a wearer's leg, the seam line adapted to extend diagonally upwardly from the wearer's crotch toward the upper sides ; and the leg portion 140 also forming part of the body contacting layer, wherein: the upper loop 112,212,412, the pair of brief seam lines 120,220,420, the genital portion 150,250,450 and the webs of material 114,116 extending therebetween, combine to form the triangular-shaped tension structure that is adapted to cover thewearer's pubic region and buttocks, and to support the wearer's genitals and buttocks; the genital portion, combined with the upwardly diagonal tension applied to the genital portion by the pair of brief seam lines and the upper loop, is adapted to comfortably support the wearer's genitals and buttocks, and provide separation of the wearer's genitals from the wearer's inner thighs; the leg portion 140,240,440 is adapted to provide separation between the wearer's respective inner thighs; and the leg portions 140,240,440 terminate in respective leg openings below the genital portion.

3. The garment as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the brief structure 110 includes elastic in the seam line 120 that follows the top of the leg / groin.

4. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper loop 112 is an elasticised waistband adapted to be positioned around a wearer's waist or hip, and above the upper sides 118 and front and rear webs 114,116 of material, the waistband giving greater structural integrity to the triangular structure 110, and being adapted to hold the triangular structure 110 on or just above the wearer's hips.

5. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the genital portion 150 defines the recess 154 which, combined with the upwardly diagonal tension T1 applied to the genital portion 150 by the pair of seam lines 120 following the wearer's leg / groin line, is adapted to comfortably support the wearer's genitals and provide separation between the wearer's genitals and thighs.

6. The garment as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the soft recess provides greater support or comfort to the genitals, the recess being formed by the combination of an internal separation panel 257 of material that extends upwardly from the crotch 258 and laterally to the brief seam lines 220 and an outer front layer 217 also laterally defined by the seam lines.

7. The garment as claimed in Claim 6, wherein an upper edge 251 of the separation panel 257 includes a non-stitched portion to form an opening, the recess being in the form of a separation receptacle 256 that is defined by the separation panel 257 and a front web 217.

8. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the pair of seam lines 120 are structurally supported by diagonal bracing stitching 152 intermediate their front length, the diagonal stitching 152 meeting the seam lines 120 at their approximate front midpoints 155, providing tensional support T2 for the seam lines 120 at the front of the garment 100, the diagonal stitching 152 providing an upper side border of the upper section 151 of the genital portion 150.

9. The garment as claimed in Claim 8, wherein together, the upper section 151 and the lower portion, namely the recess 154, combine to define a bi-truncated diamond shapewith a vertical length in a laid-flat dimension of about 160mm-170mrnmrn, and a lateral laid-flat dimension of about 150mm-160mm between the midpoints 155.

10. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 5to 9, wherein each loop of the pair of seam lines 120 provides a leg hole, with the seam line 120 extending diagonally upwardly from the lower section (see 154,156) of the genital portion 150 toward the upper sides 118 of the garment 100, whereby having the effect of applying bilateral upwardly diagonal tension T1 to the genital portion 150 toward the upper sides 118.

11. The garment as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the leg portions provide separation between the scrotum and the upper thighs, and also define the side extents of the recess 154.

12. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the leg portion 140 incorporates a pair of tubes 141a, b of stretchable material, in each case depending downwardly from the corresponding seam line 120 to form a short leg portion 141a, b for each of the leg portions.

13. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the material of the front and back webs 114,116 and sides 118 of the garment are integrally formed, with the seam lines 120 sewn across one or more of the webs of material.

14. The garment as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the material of one or more webs 114,116 is discrete and the brief seam lines 120 are joining seams to connect the separate sheets of material along the seam lines 120, allowing for the use of materials of different properties for the front and back webs 114,116 on the one hand, and the leg portions 140 on the other.

15. The garment as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the front web 117 of the genital portion 150 and the front and back webs 114,116 is made, in each case, of the same soft material and is adapted to be fitted to the wearer in the sense that it is a stretchable material sized and tensioned to apply a slight compressive force to the wearer's body where the body contact layer is coextensive with the wearer's body.

16. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the leg portions 141a, b terminate in respective leg openings 142 below the genital portion 150 and are short leggings 141a, b wherein the distance LI between the lowest point of the genital portion 150 along plane C and a terminal portion (at banding 144) of the leggings 141a, b is approximately lx - 1.5x the natural spacing W of the leg portions 141a, b immediately underneath the genital portion at the level of plane C.

17. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein pair of tubes 141a, b of the garment 200 are in the form of long leggings 141a, b, wherein the distance L2 between the lowest point of the genital portion 150 at plane C and a terminal portion of the leggings 141a, b is approximately 2x - 2.5x the dimension W of the natural spacing of the leg portions 141a, b immediately underneath the genital portion 150.

18. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 12 to 17, wherein an inside material (at 130)of the tubes of the boxer trunk portion 140 are suitable to prevent chaffing of the wearer's inner thighs and includes panels 130 of a different material relative to the material forming the front and back webs 114,116, the inner thigh portion of the legging tubes 141a, b including the opposed anti-chaffing panels 130 on each leg 141a, b which is made of a material which is smoother, reducing friction and heat in the inner thigh area.

19. The garment as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 18, wherein the terminal portion 146 of the leggings 141a, b includes a cuff adapted to receive an elastic material to better hold the lower leg portion (at banding 144) in a relatively fixed position on the wearer's thighs.

20. The garment as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the body contact layer is an inner compression layer.

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