Athletic shorts

FIELD

0001The present invention is related generally to articles of apparel, and in particular, to athletic shorts which are suitable for use by male and female wearers.

BACKGROUND

0002It is common that exercise enthusiasts such as runners wear athletic shorts that comprise a textile outer shell and an integral inner liner. Both the outer shell and the inner liner define a waistband and two leg apertures. The outer shell is commonly tailored to provide a very loose fit to allow for unrestricted movement of the legs and the underlying muscles of the lower body. The inner liner is commonly provided to provide support to the male reproductive anatomy as well as a modesty feature. The inner liner may be shaped as trunks or as briefs. It is common that only the waistband of the inner liner is sewn into the waistband of the outer shell creating an integral garment that is fixed at the waistband but provides separate mobility away from the waistband, with the inner liner hanging from the waistband of the outer shell.

0003With the advent of portable electronic devices such as radios, cell phones, and media players, athletes have been provided limited ways to carry such devices while exercising.

0004It is known that athletic shorts may be provided with a small rectangular pocket, referred to as a key pocket, which is sewn along a top edge into the waistband of the inner liner and hangs therefrom. The key pocket is located between the user's leg and the inner liner. The key pocket may have a fold-over opening at the waistline. The key pocket is usually sized to just accommodate a very small item such as a key or a few coins. The key pocket simply hangs from the waistband much like the inner liner. Some athletic shorts provide side pockets that may hold larger items. They are usually pockets having a generalized rectangular shape that extend from a side seam in the hip or leg portion of the outer shell and hang therefrom between the outer shell and the user's leg.

0005Whether it is the key pocket or the side pocket, during exercise, such as running, the pocket containing a relatively heavy object, such as a portable electronic device, will tend to swing in a lateral and/or anterior/posterior motion. This motion is undesirable for many reasons, such as, but not limited to, being distracting to the person, causing chafing of the leg, potential shock damage to the device, and potential ejection of the electronic device from the pocket.

0006It would therefore be desirable to provide athletic shorts that securely hold a portable electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a side view of a pair of athletic shorts shown in position on a wearer, in accordance with the prior art;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a posterior view of a pair of athletic shorts shown in position on a wearer, in accordance with the prior art;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a side partial cut-way view of a pair of improved athletic shorts shown in position on a wearer in accordance with an embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a posterior partial cut-way view of the pair of improved athletic shorts in accordance with the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a front view of an embodiment of a pocket assembly wherein the pocket assembly comprises a first fabric piece and a second fabric piece;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a front view of another embodiment of a pocket assembly wherein the pocket assembly comprises a first fabric piece and a third fabric piece, wherein the third fabric piece is of a rectangular pattern substantially sized as the resulting pocket;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side partial cut-way view of a pair of improved athletic shorts shown in position on a wearer in accordance with another embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a posterior partial cut-way view of the pair of improved athletic shorts shown in position on a wearer in accordance with the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts showing the outer layer, inner liner and pocket assembly in accordance with the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts showing the outer layer, inner liner and pocket assembly in accordance with an embodiment wherein the inner liner and the pocket assembly are coupled together;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts showing the outer layer, inner liner and pocket assembly in accordance with an embodiment wherein the pocket assembly is between the inner liner and the outer layer;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts showing the outer layer, inner liner and pocket assembly in accordance with another embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts showing the outer layer, inner liner and pocket assembly in accordance with another embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts showing the outer layer, inner liner and pocket assembly in accordance with another embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a double pocket assembly that comprises two pocket assemblies integrally coupled about a waistband;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> shows a posterior partial cut-way view of a pair of improved athletic shorts comprising the double pocket assembly shown in position on a wearer; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows a front view of another embodiment of a pocket assembly wherein the pocket the pocket is orientated on a bias away from a vertical orientation so as to be substantially parallel with the anterior edge of the pocket assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0025In the following description, embodiments of apparatus and methods will be disclosed. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, and/or configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other approaches, materials, components, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and/or operations are not shown and/or described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments. Accordingly, in some instances, features are omitted and/or simplified in order to not obscure the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the figures are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

0026Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments.

0027Reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language which will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the illustrated embodiments and further applications of the principles of the invention, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates, are also within the scope of the invention.

0028The following embodiments are described referencing novel elements added to athletic shorts of conventional construction. Athletic shorts of conventional construction comprise an outer layer and an inner liner. It is anticipated and understood that the novel elements may be incorporated in athletic shorts of other construction without departing from the scope of the invention.

0029The present invention teaches athletic shorts with one or more pockets that permit the containment of cargo, such as, but not limited to a portable electronic device, and substantially prevents the cargo and pocket from swinging in a lateral and/or anterior/posterior motion while facilitating relatively unrestricted flexion and extension of the legs.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> show a side view and posterior view, respectively, of a pair of athletic shorts <b>10</b> shown in position on a wearer <b>20</b> in accordance with the prior art. The athletic shorts <b>10</b> have an outer layer <b>30</b> and an integral inner liner <b>40</b> shown by dashed line. The outer layer <b>30</b> has an outer layer superior edge <b>32</b> defining a waistline <b>34</b>. The inner liner <b>40</b> has an inner liner superior edge <b>42</b>. The inner liner superior edge <b>42</b> may be coupled in functional relation with the outer layer <b>30</b> by sewing stitches or other conventional means along the waistline <b>34</b> adjacent the outer layer superior edge <b>32</b>, thus permitting the inner liner <b>40</b> to float relatively freely within the outer layer <b>30</b> of the athletic shorts <b>10</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the approximate location of an inferior edge <b>48</b> of a posterior portion <b>49</b> of the inner liner <b>40</b> is shown by dashed line.

0031As shown, a conventional horizontal waistline <b>34</b> comprises a retention means <b>36</b> that extends substantially continuously along the circumference of the waistline <b>34</b>. The athletic shorts <b>10</b> may be retained about the individual's abdomen <b>22</b> by retention means <b>36</b>, such as string draw, elastic, button and hole, or other mechanical means, whether in partial or complete combination.

0032The outer layer <b>30</b> of the athletic shorts <b>10</b> may be made of natural fibers such as cotton, or synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or various blends of natural and synthetic fibers. Manufacturers of suitable fabrics include Burlington Industries, Inc. of Hurt, Va., Milliken Research Corporation of Spartanburg, N.C., and Yagi &amp; Co., Ltd., of Osaka, Japan.

0033The inner liner <b>40</b> may substantially consist of a resilient or stretchlastic material including natural fibers such as cotton, synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene, nylon, or various blends of natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton and polyester. LYCRA® brand spandex, or various COOLMAX® textiles made or licensed by E.I. Dupont de Nemours Company can be used, and the like. Further, various textiles made by Milliken Research Corporation of Spartanburg, N.C., Burlington Industries, Inc. of Hurt, Va., or Darlington Fabrics Corporation of New York can be used, and the like. A stretchlastic material can consist of two-way, three-way or any other type of stretchlastic material.

0034Alternately, the inner liner <b>40</b> can partially or substantially consist of a relatively non-stretchlastic material made of cotton, and the like. It can be readily understood that different textile materials made of a particular material, such as cotton, can exhibit a wide range of elongation properties and be stretchlastic or non-stretchlastic, depending upon the type and size of the fibers, and also the type and size of the knit or weave.

0035The inner liner <b>40</b> can also include elastic material bordering the edge <b>44</b> of openings <b>46</b> for accommodating the wearer's legs <b>26</b>. Alternately, the inner liner <b>40</b> need not include elastic material <b>24</b> bordering the edge <b>44</b> of openings <b>46</b> for accommodating the wearer's legs <b>26</b>.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref> show a side partial cut-way view and a posterior partial cut-way view, respectively, of a pair of improved athletic shorts <b>12</b> shown in position on a wearer <b>20</b> in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The improved athletic shorts <b>12</b> comprises the athletic shorts of the prior art further comprising an integral pocket assembly <b>50</b>. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> defines a generalized triangular shape including a pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b>, a pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and a pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b>. The pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and the pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b> extend from the pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b> at downward angles defining an apex <b>58</b> so as to create an arcuate or V shaped configuration.

0037The pocket assembly <b>50</b> comprises a pocket <b>52</b> depending from adjacent the pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b> extending towards the apex <b>58</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a front view of an embodiment of a pocket assembly <b>50</b><i>a </i>wherein the pocket assembly <b>50</b> comprises a first fabric piece <b>51</b><i>a </i>substantially completely overlaid by a second fabric piece <b>51</b><i>b </i>with the pocket <b>52</b> defined by coupling the two fabric pieces <b>51</b><i>a</i>, <b>51</b><i>b </i>together about three sides <b>59</b> of a generalized rectangular pattern <b>57</b>, by way of example, but not limited thereto, by sewing stitches <b>62</b> or other conventional means, with a pocket superior edge <b>53</b> remaining open defining a pocket opening <b>60</b> operable to accept cargo therethrough. It is understood and appreciated that the pocket <b>52</b> may define other geometric shapes suitable for a particular purpose, such as, but not limited to, various shapes of electronic devices.

0038It is understood and appreciated that the pocket opening <b>60</b> may comprise many configurations, such as, but not limited to, a simple opening as shown and a fold-over flap. It is also understood and appreciated that the pocket opening may comprise a closure means such as a zipper, button, hook-and-loop fastener, among many others.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a front view of another embodiment of a pocket assembly <b>50</b><i>b </i>wherein the pocket assembly <b>50</b><i>b </i>comprises a first fabric piece <b>51</b><i>a </i>partially overlaid by a third fabric piece <b>51</b><i>c</i>, wherein the third fabric piece <b>51</b><i>c </i>is of a generalized rectangular pattern substantially sized as the resulting pocket <b>52</b>. The pocket <b>52</b> is defined by coupling the two fabric pieces <b>51</b><i>a</i>, <b>51</b><i>c </i>together about three sides <b>59</b> of the third fabric piece <b>51</b><i>c</i>, by way of example, but not limited thereto, by sewing stitches or other conventional means, with a pocket superior edge <b>53</b> remaining open defining a pocket opening <b>60</b> operable to accept cargo therethrough. It is understood and appreciated that the pocket <b>52</b> may define other geometric shapes suitable for a particular purpose, such as, but not limited to, various shapes of electronic devices.

0040The fabric pieces <b>51</b><i>a</i>, <b>51</b><i>b</i>, <b>51</b><i>c </i>may comprise the same textile or comprise a first textile material which consists of a relatively less stretchlastic, or non-stretchlastic material, and a second textile material which consists of a relatively stretchlastic material. Wherein at least one of the fabric pieces <b>51</b><i>a</i>, <b>51</b><i>b</i>, <b>51</b><i>c </i>is of a stretchlastic textile material, the pocket <b>52</b> may conform to and better retain the cargo placed therein.

0041Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, the pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b> may be coupled in functional relation with the inner liner <b>40</b> by sewing stitches or other conventional means along the waistline <b>34</b> adjacent the outer layer superior edge <b>32</b>, in accordance with an embodiment. In this embodiment, the pocket assembly <b>50</b> may float relatively freely between the inner liner <b>40</b> the wearer's leg <b>26</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a partial side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts <b>12</b><i>a </i>showing the outer layer <b>30</b>, inner liner <b>40</b> and pocket assembly <b>50</b> in accordance with the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref> show a side partial cut-way view and a posterior partial cut-way view, respectively, of a pair of improved athletic shorts <b>12</b> shown in position on a wearer <b>20</b> in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled in functional relation with the inner liner <b>40</b> by sewing stitches or other conventional means along the waistline <b>34</b> and for at least a portion of one or both of the pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b>. In this embodiment, a substantial portion of the pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled to the inner liner <b>40</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a partial side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts <b>12</b><i>b </i>showing the outer layer <b>30</b>, inner liner <b>40</b> and pocket assembly <b>50</b> in accordance with the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref> wherein the inner liner <b>40</b> and the pocket assembly <b>50</b> are coupled together.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a partial side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts <b>12</b><i>c </i>showing the outer layer <b>30</b>, inner liner <b>40</b> and pocket assembly <b>50</b> in accordance with another embodiment wherein the pocket assembly <b>50</b> is between the inner liner <b>40</b> and the outer layer <b>30</b>. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled in functional relation with the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b> by sewing stitches or other conventional means along the waistline <b>34</b> adjacent the outer layer superior edge <b>32</b> with the pocket assembly <b>50</b> extending between the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b>. In accordance with an embodiment, the pocket assembly <b>50</b> may float relatively freely between the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b>.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a partial side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts <b>12</b><i>d </i>showing the outer layer <b>30</b>, inner liner <b>40</b> and pocket assembly <b>50</b> in accordance with another embodiment. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled in functional relation with the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b> by sewing stitches or other conventional means along the waistline <b>34</b> adjacent the outer layer superior edge <b>32</b> with the pocket assembly <b>50</b> extending between the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b>. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled to the inner liner <b>40</b> along at least a portion of one or both of the pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b> by sewing stitches <b>62</b>.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a partial side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts <b>12</b><i>e </i>showing the outer layer <b>30</b>, inner liner <b>40</b> and pocket assembly <b>50</b> in accordance with another embodiment. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled in functional relation with the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b> by sewing stitches or other conventional means along the waistline <b>34</b> adjacent the outer layer superior edge <b>32</b> with the pocket assembly <b>50</b> extending between the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b>. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled to the outer layer <b>30</b> along at least a portion of one or both of the pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b> by sewing stitches <b>62</b>. Access to the pocket <b>52</b> may be made via outer layer opening <b>33</b> in the outer layer <b>30</b>.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a partial side cross-sectional view of the improved athletic shorts <b>12</b><i>f </i>showing the outer layer <b>30</b>, inner liner <b>40</b> and pocket assembly <b>50</b> in accordance with another embodiment. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled in functional relation with the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b> by sewing stitches or other conventional means along the waistline <b>34</b> adjacent the outer layer superior edge <b>32</b> with the pocket assembly <b>50</b> extending between the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b>. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> is coupled to the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b> along at least a portion of one or both of the pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b> by sewing stitches <b>62</b>. Access to the pocket <b>52</b> may be made via outer layer opening <b>33</b> in the outer layer <b>30</b>.

0047In the above embodiments wherein the pocket assembly <b>50</b> is between the outer layer <b>30</b> and the inner liner <b>40</b>, access to the pocket opening <b>60</b> may be made through an opening (not shown) in the waistline <b>34</b>, through an opening <b>33</b> in the outer layer <b>30</b>, or through an opening (not shown) in the inner liner <b>40</b>.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a double pocket assembly <b>50</b><i>c </i>that comprises two pocket assemblies <b>50</b> integrally coupled defining a continuous pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b><i>a</i>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> shows a posterior partial cut-way view of a pair of improved athletic shorts <b>12</b><i>g </i>comprising the double pocket assembly <b>50</b><i>c </i>shown in position on a wearer <b>20</b>. The continuous pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b><i>a </i>may be coupled in functional relation with the outer layer <b>30</b> and inner liner <b>40</b> by sewing stitches or other conventional means as described for the pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b> of the pocket assembly <b>50</b> of embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-4</figref> and <b>9</b>-<b>14</b>.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows a side view of another embodiment of a pocket assembly <b>50</b><i>d </i>wherein the pocket <b>52</b> is orientated on a bias away from a vertical axis X so as to be substantially parallel with the anterior edge <b>55</b> of the pocket assembly <b>50</b><i>d. </i>

0050Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> by way of example, in accordance with the embodiments presented herein, the pocket <b>52</b> defined by the pocket assembly <b>50</b> is substantially stabilized from anterior/posterior movement when the athletic shorts are worn during exercise by the extended sewing edge <b>80</b> provided by the pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b> that extends significantly beyond the pattern defining the pocket <b>52</b> in combination with the panel of material <b>82</b> defined between the pocket <b>52</b> and the pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and the pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b> that extend from the pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b> at downward angles towards an apex <b>58</b> so as to create an arcuate or V shaped configuration.

0051Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> by way of example, in accordance with other embodiments presented herein, the pocket <b>52</b> defined by the pocket assembly <b>50</b> is substantially stabilized from anterior/posterior movement by the extended sewing edge <b>80</b> provided by the pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b> that extends significantly beyond the pattern of the pocket <b>52</b> in combination with the panel of material <b>82</b> defined between the pocket <b>52</b> and the pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and the pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b> that extend from the pocket assembly superior edge <b>54</b> at downward angles towards an apex <b>58</b> so as to create an arcuate or V shaped configuration. The pocket assembly <b>50</b> is also substantially stabilized from lateral movement by an extended sewing edge <b>84</b> provided by the pocket assembly anterior edge <b>55</b> and the pocket assembly posterior edge <b>56</b> being at least partially coupled to either the inner liner <b>40</b> and/or the outer layer <b>30</b>.

0052The athletic shorts taught in the present embodiments can be advantageous for casual, recreational, or athletic use, e.g., in such varied sports as running, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

0053While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification, and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth, and as fall within the scope of the invention and the limits of the appended claims.