US20030079276A1 - Chamois for cycling pants and method of making - Google Patents
Chamois for cycling pants and method of making Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030079276A1 US20030079276A1 US10/012,922 US1292201A US2003079276A1 US 20030079276 A1 US20030079276 A1 US 20030079276A1 US 1292201 A US1292201 A US 1292201A US 2003079276 A1 US2003079276 A1 US 2003079276A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- cloth
- chamois
- foam
- shape
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 241001481789 Rupicapra Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 233
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 6
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 159
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 72
- 239000002649 leather substitute Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 210000001217 buttock Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 210000000689 upper leg Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000003187 abdominal effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 60
- 210000001696 pelvic girdle Anatomy 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 claims 10
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 3
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000007767 bonding agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000005445 natural material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003620 bony pelvis Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009950 felting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009998 heat setting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001981 hip bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000936 intestine Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000002239 ischium bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009940 knitting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004061 pubic symphysis Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000004999 sex organ Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003786 synthesis reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003932 urinary bladder Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009941 weaving Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D1/00—Garments
- A41D1/06—Trousers
- A41D1/08—Trousers specially adapted for sporting purposes
- A41D1/084—Trousers specially adapted for sporting purposes for cycling
Definitions
- This invention relates to the field of garments to be worn by humans, and, more specifically, to a chamois for use within cycling pants or shorts to be worn by a male or a female while operating a bicycle.
- Cycling pants/shorts of various configurations have become popular because they provide durability, they provide cushioning between the bicycle seat and the cyclist, and they minimize chafing of the body of the cyclist.
- Cycling pants conventionally include an inner pad that is located within the crotch and buttocks regions of the cyclist. Such pads have become known as chamois. While some chamois are composed of a number of pieces of flexible material that are stitched together, other chamois are formed of one piece of material.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,233 (incorporated herein by reference) provides a two-layer, one-piece, heat-formed, and seamless chamois that includes an inner liner that faces the body of the cyclist and is made of a synthetic leather-like material, such as the brand Ultrasuede, and an outer synthetic fleece (polyester) member that is compressible.
- the inner liner and the synthetic fleece are adhesive bonded.
- the chamois is heat-formed to impart a generally form-fitting shape to the chamois wherein the edges of the chamois are over edge stitched.
- U.S. Design Pat. DES. No. 360,971 also appears to be directed to the above anatomical seat pad.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,101 (incorporated herein by reference) provides cycling shorts that include a padded, three-layer, seat liner having a plurality of integrally formed and embossed break lines that create seamless indentations in the liner. These break lines are positioned such that the liner conforms to the anatomical profile of a cyclist who is positioned in a riding position on a bicycle.
- the liner is stitched or laminated to a body portion of the cycling pants.
- the liner includes a nylon tricot backing layer, a high-density polyurethane foam layer having open or closed cells that overlies the backing layer, and a synthetic suede covering layer that overlies the foam layer.
- the synthetic suede has a soft-napped side that faces the cyclist body.
- the embossed break lines are located in positions that represent pressure crease point of the seat liner when a cyclist is in a cycling position, and as the cyclist moves to other positions so as to prevent the bunching of excess material.
- the embossed break lines are formed without using stitching or sewn seams by heat molding the seat liner in a flat position.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,243 (incorporated herein by reference) describes bicycle shorts having openable pockets that removably receive seat and crotch synthetic foam pads having different thickness, thus adapting the padding to suit individual preferences.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,571 (incorporated herein by reference) provides bicycling shorts having a liquid-filled cushion for cushioning the rider thighs and buttocks, the cushion having a plurality of layers of material to facilitate perspiration wickage.
- the liquid cushions include overlying layers of a polyurethane material and water, non-freezable silicon or glycerin or mixtures thereof, oils or other slippery material.
- a cycling chamois is provided that is formed of a number of flexible sheets or pieces of fabric or fabric and/or synthetic leather, and that includes strategically located pieces of relatively low-hardness foam and relatively high-hardness foam.
- the pelvic girdle (also known as the bony pelvis) is a basin-shaped complex of bones that connect the truck and legs, that supports and balances the trunk, and that contains and supports the intestines, the urinary bladder, and the internal sex organs.
- the pelvic girdle includes paired hipbones that are connected in the front by the pubic symphysis and at the back by the sacrum, and includes the ischium on which weight falls in sitting wherein the ischial tuberosity is called the sitting bone.
- chamois constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention is attached to the inside of a cycling garment, and when the garment is then worn by a cyclist, a garment-side of the chamois that faces the garment, and a body-side of the garment faces the cyclist body.
- the side of the chamois that faces the garment will be called the bottom side or the garment-facing side of the chamois
- the side of the chamois that faces the cyclist body will be called the top side or the body-facing side of the chamois.
- This invention provides embodiments of chamois wherein two pieces of relatively high-hardness foam are strategically located to accommodate the pelvic girdle of a male cyclist, and the invention provides other embodiments of the invention wherein one piece of relatively high-harness foam is strategically located to accommodate the pelvic girdle of a female cyclist.
- male-use chamois in accordance with the invention provide two physically-spaced pieces of relatively high-hardness foam that support the two buttocks of a male cyclist, while leaving a crotch space therebetween that is occupied by relatively low-hardness foam
- female-use chamois in accordance with the invention provides one piece of relatively high-hardness foam that supports both the buttocks and the crotch of a female cyclist.
- Both a male-use chamois and a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention include a garment-facing cloth or cloth-like member whose outline forms the generally flat external shape or profile of the chamois.
- This garment-facing cloth member is adapted to physically engage the inner surface of a garment to be worn by a male/female cyclist
- This garment-facing cloth can be a woven cloth or a non-woven cloth, and it can be formed of a natural material or of a synthetic material, with polyester scrim being preferred, or with a non-woven interfacing or batting that is constructed of polyester fibers being preferred.
- this garment-facing cloth member is usually sewn to the inside of the seat area of a cycling garment.
- Both a male-use chamois and a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention include a layer of relatively low-hardness foam whose outline forms the external shape or profile of the chamois.
- this layer of relatively low-hardness foam contains two buttocks-region holes that are filled by two pieces of relatively high-hardness foam.
- this layer of relatively low-hardness foam is a continuous layer, and two physically-spaced pieces of relatively high-hardness foam overly two physically-spaced spaced buttocks regions on the layer of relatively low-hardness foam.
- this layer of relatively low-hardness foam contains one buttocks/crotch-region hole that is filled by one piece of relatively high-hardness foam.
- this layer of relatively low-hardness foam is a continuous layer, and one piece of relatively high-hardness foam overlies the buttocks/crotch-region on the layer of relatively low-hardness foam.
- the term foam means a flexible, porous, natural or synthetic material whose volume contains a relatively high percentage of open or closed cells, and a relatively low percentage of the natural or synthetic material from which the foam is formed. While the spirit and scope of the invention is not to be limited thereto, in an embodiment of the invention, the low-hardness foam had a hardness of about 20 durometer (20 d) as measured by a durometer, and the relatively high-hardness foam had a hardness from about 40 d to about 90 d.
- foam is also intended to mean a foamed or expanded plastic material that has been treated so as to cause air or gas bubbles or cells to be formed therein, these cells being either closed cells or open cells.
- foam includes both presently known and after-developed equivalent means, such as gel-filled members and/or liquid-filled members.
- a non-limiting example is an open-cell polyurethane foam.
- Both a male-use chamois and a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention include a garment-facing cloth or cloth-like member outline forms the external shape or profile of the chamois.
- this garment-facing cloth member is a continuous member.
- this garment-facing cloth member contains two buttocks-region holes that are filled by two pieces of synthetic leather.
- this garment-facing member is a continuous member, and two physically-spaced pieces of synthetic leather overly two physically-spaced buttocks regions on the body-facing cloth member.
- this garment-facing cloth member is a continuous member.
- this garment-facing cloth member contains one buttocks/crotch-region hole that is filled by one piece of synthetic leather.
- this garment-facing member is a continuous member, and one piece of synthetic leather overlies the buttocks/crotch-region on the body-facing cloth member.
- This body-facing member can be a woven cloth or a non-woven cloth, and it can be formed of a natural material or of a synthetic material, with warp knit polyester tricot having a wicking finish being preferred.
- a unitary chamois is formed of the various members by providing a heat-melting plastic ribbon the extends along the edges or boarders of the various member, such that the use of a heat press operates to melt the plastic ribbon and form a unitary chamois from the various chamois members.
- the chamois in accordance with this invention is formed into a single unit by the use of a bonding agent, and/or by the application of heat and pressure that operates to fuse the various pieces of the chamois together into a single unit.
- the application of heat and pressure to the chamois in accordance with this invention operates to form the chamois into a three-dimensional shape that generally matches the pelvic girdle of a male or a female.
- foam sheets which may include open cell and/or closed-cell foams
- the spirit and scope of the invention includes the use of both existing equivalent members and after-developed equivalent foam members.
- existing and equivalent foam members include, but are not limited to, gel-filled foam members, liquid-filled foam members, air-filled foam members, and combinations thereof, preferably to replace the above-descried thick foam sheets, but also to replace the above-described thin foam sheet.
- FIG. 1 is a top or body-side view of an embodiment of a chamois in accordance with the invention that is constructed and arranged for use by a male cyclist (i.e., the side of the chamois that faces the body of a cyclist).
- FIG. 2 is a bottom or garment-side view of the FIG. 1 male-cyclist chamois (i.e., the side of the chamois that faces a cycling garment), this figure also showing optional edge stitching that is provided along the forward and side edges of the chamois
- FIG. 3 is a body-side view of another embodiment of the invention for use by a male cyclist, this embodiment being generally similar to FIG. 1, but including an additional thin-foam pad that is stitched to the forward or lower-abdominal edge of the FIG. 1 chamois.
- FIG. 4 is a garment-side view of the FIG. 3 male-cyclist chamois.
- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 that is useful to identify exemplary and non-limiting dimensions of portions of the chamois, these dimensions being typical of embodiments of the invention intended for use by a male cyclist.
- FIG. 6 is a section view of the chamois of FIGS. 1 and 3 taken on the line 6 - 6 .
- FIG. 7 is a section view of the chamois of FIGS. 1 and 3 taken on the line 7 - 7 .
- FIG. 8 is a section view of the chamois of FIGS. 1 and 3 taken on the line 8 - 8 .
- FIG. 9 is a body-side view of another embodiment of a chamois in accordance with the invention that is constructed and arranged for use by a female cyclist.
- FIG. 10 is a garment-side view of the FIG. 9 chamois.
- FIG. 11 is a section view of the chamois of FIG. 9 taken on the line 11 - 11 .
- FIG. 12 is a section view of the chamois of FIG. 9 taken on the line 12 - 12 .
- FIG. 13 is a section view of the chamois of FIG. 9 taken on the line 13 - 13 .
- FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 9 that is useful to identify exemplary and non-limiting dimensions of portions of the chamois, these dimensions being typical of embodiments of the invention for use by a female cyclist.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded side view of a portion of male-use chamois of the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from five pieces that include (piece 1 ) a garment-side cloth member, (piece 2 ) a sheet of thin and low-hardness foam having two through-holes cut therein that complement the shape of (pieces 3 and 4 ) two pieces of thick and high-hardness foam, each piece of thick foam closely fitting within a through-hole that is formed in the sheet of thin foam, and (piece 5 ) a body-side cloth member.
- FIG. 16 is an exploded side view of a portion of a female-use chamois of the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from four pieces that include (piece 1 ) a garment-side cloth member, (piece 2 ) one sheet of thin and low-hardness foam and having one through-hole cut therein that complements the outer shape of (piece 3 ) a sheet of relatively thick and high-harness foam, this sheet of thick foam closely fitting within the through-hole that is formed in the sheet of thin foam, and (piece 4 ) a body-side cloth member.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded side view of a portion of a male-use chamois of the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from seven pieces that include (piece 1 ) a body-facing cloth member having two generally tear-drop shaped through-holes formed therein that directly overly two generally tear-drop shaped thorough-holes that are formed in (piece 2 ) a thin and low-hardness foam layer and (pieces 3 and 4 ) two thick and high-hardness foam pieces, each of the two through-holes in the body-facing cloth member being filled by (pieces 5 and 6 ) a piece of similarly shaped synthetic leather that directly overlies one of the two pieces of thick foam, and including (piece 7 ) a garment-facing cloth member.
- FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a portion of a female-use chamois of the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from five pieces that include (piece 1 ) a body-facing cloth member that has one through-hole formed therein that directly overlies a through-hole that is formed in (piece 2 ) a thin and low-hardness foam layer, the through-hole in the body-facing cloth member being filled by (piece 3 ) a piece of similarly-shaped synthetic leather that directly overlies (piece 4 ) a piece of thick and high-harness foam, and including a garment facing cloth member (piece 5 ).
- FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a male-use chamois in accordance with the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from seven pieces that include (piece 1 ) a continuous garment-facing cloth member, (piece 2 ) a continuous sheet of thin and low-hardness foam that overlies the garment-facing cloth member, (piece 3 ) a continuous body-facing cloth member that overlies the low-hardness foam sheet and that has two tear-drop shaped areas thereon that carry (pieces 4 and 5 ) two generally tear-drop shaped thick and high-hardness foam pieces, each of the thick foam pieces carrying (pieces 6 and 7 ) a piece of synthetic leather.
- FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from five pieces that include (piece 1 ) a continuous garment-facing cloth member, (piece 2 ) a continuous sheet of thin and low-hardness foam that directly overlies the garment-facing cloth member, (piece 3 ) a continuous body-facing cloth member that directly overlies the low-hardness foam sheet and that has an area thereon that carries (piece 4 ) a piece of thick and high-hardness foam, the thick foam piece carrying (piece 5 ) a piece of synthetic leather.
- FIG. 21 is an exploded view that shows how weld lines operate to bind layers of the chamois of the invention together by placing a thin ribbon of heat-meltable plastic intermediate adjacent chamois layers, such that when the chamois assembly is thereafter placed within a heat press, the plastic ribbon melts and binds the chamois assembly together as a thin weld lines are concomitantly formed.
- the present invention provides both male-use and female-use chamois for use within cycling garments in order to improve the comfort and the protection to the body of a male/female operating a bicycle.
- FIG. 1 is a body-side view (i.e., the side of the chamois that faces the cyclist body) of a chamois 10 in accordance with the invention wherein chamois 10 is constructed and arranged for use by a male cyclist.
- Chamois 10 is symmetrical about a front-to-back centerline 11 , the forward end of chamois 10 being indicated by numeral 12 , and the rearward end of chamois 10 being indicated by numeral 13 .
- Chamois 10 includes two relatively thick and high-hardness foam pad areas 14 and 15 that are established by two relatively high-hardness and generally tear-drop shaped pieces of foam 16 and 17 (see FIG. 6) that are contained within chamois 10 .
- Teardrop shaped thick pad area 14 is adapted to support the right buttocks of a male cyclist
- teardrop shaped thick pad 15 is adapted to support the left buttocks of a male cyclist.
- relatively thick pad areas 14 and 15 are about 10 mm to about 14 mm thick, preferably about 12 mm thick, and they are formed of a relatively high density, polyester-based, expanded polyurethane foam having a hardness in the range of from about 40 durometer (40 d) to about 90 d, as measured by a durometer instrument.
- polyester-based, expanded polyurethane foam is known to have a density of about 20 d, whereas relatively high density, polyester-based, expanded polyurethane foam has a hardness in the range of from about 40 d to about 90 d.
- cloth or cloth-like member or sheet as used herein is intended to mean a pliant sheet material that is usually made by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and/or filaments.
- All chamois areas with the exception of thick pad areas 14 and 15 are formed by a sheet of relatively thin foam having a relatively low hardness.
- these other pad areas are about 4 mm to about 8 mm thick, preferably about 6 mm thick, and the relatively thin foam that forms these other pad areas is expanded, polyester-based, polyurethane foam having a harness of about 20 d.
- These other relatively thin and low-hardness chamois pad areas include a relatively narrow, forward tapered, and centrally-located thin foam pad 20 that generally corresponds to the crotch area of a male cyclist, a right side upper interior thigh pad 21 , a left side upper interior thigh pad 22 , a forward lower abdominal pad 23 , and two rear pads 26 and 27 that generally surround the rear of thick and high-hardness form pads 14 and 15 .
- the various foam pad areas 14 , 15 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 26 , and 27 of chamois 10 are surrounded or outlined by thin heat-formed lines 24 that are about 2 mm thick.
- FIG. 2 is a garment-side view of chamois 10 (i.e., the side of chamois 10 that faces a cycling garment), this figure also showing the optional use of stitching 25 along the forward edge of chamois 10 and along the edges of the chamois' thigh portions.
- FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are section views of male-use chamois 10 that are taken along the lines 6 - 6 , 7 - 7 and 8 - 8 of FIG. 1. These three figures perhaps best show the relative thickness of the chamois' various foam pads and heat-formed line areas 24 .
- FIG. 3 is a body-side view of a chamois 30 in accordance with the invention that is constructed and arranged for use by a male cyclist.
- Chamois 30 is similar to above-described chamois 10 , with the exception that an additional lower-abdominal pad 31 has been stitched or heat attached to the forward edge 32 chamois 30 .
- Pad 31 contains a sheet of relatively thin and low-hardness foam, as was described above relative to pads 21 , 22 , 23 , 26 and 27 .
- FIG. 4 is a garment-side view of FIG. 3 chamois 30 , this figure showing that pad 31 has been stitched at 33 to the forward end 32 of chamois 30 .
- FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are section views of chamois 30 that are taken along the lines of 6 - 6 , 7 - 7 and 8 - 8 of FIG. 3. These three figures perhaps best show the relative thickness of the chamois' various foam pads and heat-formed line areas 24 .
- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 that is useful in identifying exemplary and non-limiting physical dimensions of portions of chamois 30 , these dimensions being typical of a chamois 10 or 30 in accordance with the invention that are for use by a male cyclist.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded side view of a portion of a male-use chamois 10 and 30 in accordance with the invention, this figure showing how the chamois is assembled from five pieces that include a garment-facing cloth member 35 , a sheet 36 of relatively thin and low-hardness foam that has the same outer shape as garment-side cloth member 35 , and that has two through-holes 37 and 38 cut therein in order to form two holes 37 , 38 that complement the outer shape of two pieces 39 and 40 of thick and high-hardness foam, each piece 39 , 40 of thick foam closely fitting within a through-hole 37 , 38 that is formed in thin foam sheet 36 , and a body-facing cloth member 41 .
- body-facing cloth member 41 is formed of a synthetic leather (for example, of the brand ALCANTARA), garment-facing cloth member 35 is formed of a polyester, preferably a wicking polyester, thin foam layer 36 is about 6 mm thick and has a hardness of about 20 d, and each of the two thick foam pieces 39 , 40 is about 12 mm thick and has a hardness in the range of from about 40 d to about 90 d.
- a synthetic leather for example, of the brand ALCANTARA
- garment-facing cloth member 35 is formed of a polyester, preferably a wicking polyester
- thin foam layer 36 is about 6 mm thick and has a hardness of about 20 d
- each of the two thick foam pieces 39 , 40 is about 12 mm thick and has a hardness in the range of from about 40 d to about 90 d.
- FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein a male-use chamois 45 comprises seven pieces that include a body-facing cloth member 41 that is formed of a wicking polyester, and includes two generally tear-drop shaped through-holes 47 and 48 that are formed therein so as to directly overly two generally tear-drop shaped through-holes 37 and 38 that are formed in a thin and low-hardness foam layer 36 .
- Each of the two through-holes 47 , 48 within body-facing cloth member 46 are then filled by a piece of similarly shaped and similar thickness synthetic leather 79 , 80 that individually directly overlie one of the two pieces 39 , 40 of thick foam.
- FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein a male-use chamois 81 comprises seven pieces that include a continuous garment-facing cloth member 35 , a continuous low-hardness foam layer 36 , a continuous body-facing cloth member 41 that is preferably formed of a synthetic wicking polyester (i.e., a warp knit polyester tricot with a wicking finish) that includes two generally tear-drop shaped areas 84 and 85 thereon that each receive a piece 39 , 40 of similarly shaped, thick, and high-harness foam 39 and 40 , with the top surfaces of thick foam pieces each individually receiving a piece of synthetic leather 79 , 80 .
- a synthetic wicking polyester i.e., a warp knit polyester tricot with a wicking finish
- chamois 81 The top and bottom views of chamois 81 are generally identical to FIGS. 1 and 2 with the exception that stitching 25 of FIG. 2 is not provided on chamois 81 .
- Chamois 81 does, however, include weld lines 24 .
- FIG. 21 is an exploded view that shows how the weld lines 24 that bind the edges of body-facing cloth member 35 , this foam layer 36 , and garment-facing cloth member 41 are formed by placing thin ribbons 100 of heat-meltable plastic intermediate layers 35 and 36 and intermediate layers 36 and 41 .
- ribbons 100 melt and bind the edges of the assembly together as a thin weld line 24 is formed.
- This or another heat/pressure process can also be used to form chamois 81 into a three-dimensional shape that approximates the pelvic girdle of a male cyclist.
- chamois 81 is devoid of stitching and the like.
- a first large-size sheet can be formed that comprises the three layers 35 , 36 , 41
- a second large-size sheet can be formed that comprises the two layers 39 , 40 and 79 , 80 .
- the layers of the first and second multi-layer sheets are bonded together to thereby form two unitary sheets that are relatively easy to handle during manufacture of a chamois in accordance with the invention.
- the first three-layer sheet can be then stamped or cut to form a plurality of individual three-layer pieces 41 , 36 , 35 (FIG. 19) that are each of the overall chamois shape that is shown in FIG. 1.
- the second two-layer sheet can then be stamped, or cut to form a first plurality of tear-drop shaped individual pieces 79 , 39 (FIG. 19) that are of the thick-pad shape 14 that is shown in FIG. 1, and the second two-layer sheet can also be stamped or cut to form a second plurality of tear-drop shaped individual pieces 80 , 40 (FIG. 19) that are of the thick pad shape 15 that is shown in FIG. 1.
- a single chamois 81 can then be formed by using one of the three-layer chamois-shaped pieces, by using one of the two layer thick pad shapes 14 , and by using one of the two-layer thick-pad-shapes 15 .
- FIG. 9 is a body-side view of a chamois 55 in accordance with the invention wherein chamois 55 is constructed and arranged for use by a female cyclist.
- Chamois 55 is symmetrical about a front-to-back centerline 56 , the forward end of chamois 55 being indicated by numeral 57 , and the rearward end of chamois 55 being indicated by numeral 58 .
- Chamois 55 includes one relatively thick and high-hardness foam pad area 59 that is generally of an elongated heart-shape. Thick pad area 59 is provided by a piece of relatively high-hardness foam, as discussed above, that is contained internally of chamois 55 , as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 Thick pad area 59 is symmetrical about centerline 56 and it is adapted to support the right buttocks, the left buttocks and the crotch area of a female cyclist.
- thick pad area 59 is about 12 mm thick, and the thick foam that forms pad area 59 has a durometer of about 40 d to about 90 d.
- All chamois areas are formed by a sheet of relatively thin and low-hardness foam.
- these other pad areas are about 6 mm thick, and the relatively thin foam that forms these other pad areas has a durometer of about 20 d.
- These other relatively thin chamois pad areas include a right-side upper inside thigh pad 60 , a left-side upper inside thigh pad 61 , a forward lower-abdominal pad 62 , and two rear pad areas 63 and 64 that generally surround the rear of thick foam pad 59 .
- FIG. 10 is a garment-side view of chamois 55 .
- FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are section views of chamois 55 that are taken along the lines 11 - 11 , 12 - 12 and 13 - 13 of FIG. 9. These three figures perhaps best show the relative thickness of the chamois' various pad areas 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , and 64 , and the heat-formed lines 66 that outline or boarder these pad areas.
- FIG. 14 is a view that is useful to identify exemplary and non-limiting physical dimensions of portions of female-use chamois 55 , these dimensions being typical of a chamois 55 in accordance with the invention for use by a female cyclist
- FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a portion of a female-use chamois 55 in accordance with the invention showing how chamois 55 is assembled from four pieces that include (piece 1 ) a garment-side cloth member 70 , (piece 2 ) a sheet 71 of relatively thin and low-hardness foam 71 having the same outer shape as garment-side cloth member 70 and having one through-hole 72 that is cut therein that complements the outer shape of (piece 3 ) a piece 73 of thick and high-hardness foam, wherein piece 73 of thick foam closely fits within the through-hole 72 that is formed in the sheet 71 of thin foam, and (piece 4 ) a body-side cloth member 74 .
- body-side cloth member 74 is formed of a synthetic leather and/or garment-side cloth member 70 is formed of a polyester, preferably a warp knit polyester tricot having a wicking finish, thin foam layer 71 is about 6 mm thick and has a hardness of about 20 d, and thick foam piece 73 is about 12 mm thick and has a hardness of from about 40 d to about 90 d.
- FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein a female-use chamois 75 is a five-piece chamois having a body-facing cloth member 74 that is formed of a wicking polyester that includes a through-hole 77 that is formed therein so as to directly overly a thorough-hole 72 that is formed in thin and low-hardness foam layer 71 .
- the through-hole 77 within body-facing cloth member 74 is then filled by a piece 78 of similarly shaped and similar thickness synthetic leather that directly overlies a piece 73 of thick and high-hardness foam.
- chamois 75 of FIG. 18 is held together by an adhesive and/or by heat sealing.
- FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein a female-use chamois 91 comprises a five-piece synthetic chamois having a continuous garment-facing cloth member 70 , a continuous thin and low-hardness foam layer 71 , a continuous body-facing cloth member 74 that includes one elongated and heart-shaped area 94 that receives a heart-shaped piece of thick and high-hardness foam 73 , and a heart-shaped piece of synthetic leather 78 that directly overlies thick foam piece 73 .
- chamois 91 includes weld lines 66 that are preferably formed as was above described relative to FIG. 21 wherein the heat/pressure process can also be used to form chamois 91 into a three-dimensional shape that approximates the pelvic girdle of a female cyclist As a result, chamois 91 is devoid of stitching and the like.
- a first large size sheet can be formed that comprises the three layers 70 , 71 , 74
- a second large size sheet can be formed that comprises the two layers 73 and 78 .
- the first three-layer sheet and the second two-layer sheet are layer bonded so as to form unitary three-layer and two-layer sheet assemblies.
- the first three-layer sheet assembly can be then stamped or cut to form a plurality of individual three-layer pieces that are each of the overall chamois-shape that is shown in FIG. 9.
- the second two-layer sheet assembly can then be stamped or cut to form a plurality of heart-shaped pieces that are of the thick pad shape 59 that is shown in FIG. 9.
- a single chamois 91 can then be formed by using one of the three-layer chamois-shaped pieces and by using one of the two-layer heart-shaped pieces.
- FIG. 5 shows various dimensions of male-use chamois in accordance with the invention, these dimensions being shown in the following Table 1.
- the chamois had a major width L10 of 205 mm and a major length L15 of 355 mm.
- FIG. 14 shows various dimensions of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention, these dimensions being shown in the following Table 2.
- the chamois had a major width L7 of 210 mm and a major length L10 of 290 mm.
- TABLE 2 Dimension L1 45 mm Dimension L2 90 mm Dimension L3 65 mm Dimension L4 45 mm Dimension L5 50 mm Dimension L6 145 mm Dimension L7 210 mm Dimension L8 200 mm Dimension L9 220 mm Dimension L10 290 mm
- One manner in which the various cloth/foam/leather layers/pieces of chamois in accordance with the present invention can be formed into a single unitary chamois assembly is to provide these various members as synthetic members (i.e., as members that are formed by chemical synthesis), and to then fuse these synthetic members together by the application of heat and pressure, perhaps in the presence of a bonding agent such as an adhesive.
- a bonding agent such as an adhesive
- such a heat/pressure bonding process can be accomplished by a hot press that additionally operates to emboss the above-described thin lines that outline the various areas of the chamois.
- a heat-meltable plastic ribbon can be used intermediate the layers, and at the location of the thin lines that outline the various areas of the chamois as above described relative to FIG. 21.
- a RF welding process may be used to fuse the various layers and pieces of the chamois together into a unitary chamois assembly, and a RF welding processes may also be used to form the chamois' thin seam-like lines.
- a heat-forming process can then be used to form the unitary chamois assembly into a three-dimensional shape that generally conforms to the pelvic girdle of a male or a female cyclist.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to the field of garments to be worn by humans, and, more specifically, to a chamois for use within cycling pants or shorts to be worn by a male or a female while operating a bicycle.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Cycling pants/shorts of various configurations have become popular because they provide durability, they provide cushioning between the bicycle seat and the cyclist, and they minimize chafing of the body of the cyclist. Cycling pants conventionally include an inner pad that is located within the crotch and buttocks regions of the cyclist. Such pads have become known as chamois. While some chamois are composed of a number of pieces of flexible material that are stitched together, other chamois are formed of one piece of material.
- For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,233 (incorporated herein by reference) provides a two-layer, one-piece, heat-formed, and seamless chamois that includes an inner liner that faces the body of the cyclist and is made of a synthetic leather-like material, such as the brand Ultrasuede, and an outer synthetic fleece (polyester) member that is compressible. The inner liner and the synthetic fleece are adhesive bonded. The chamois is heat-formed to impart a generally form-fitting shape to the chamois wherein the edges of the chamois are over edge stitched. U.S. Design Pat. DES. No. 360,971 also appears to be directed to the above anatomical seat pad.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,101 (incorporated herein by reference) provides cycling shorts that include a padded, three-layer, seat liner having a plurality of integrally formed and embossed break lines that create seamless indentations in the liner. These break lines are positioned such that the liner conforms to the anatomical profile of a cyclist who is positioned in a riding position on a bicycle. The liner is stitched or laminated to a body portion of the cycling pants. The liner includes a nylon tricot backing layer, a high-density polyurethane foam layer having open or closed cells that overlies the backing layer, and a synthetic suede covering layer that overlies the foam layer. The synthetic suede has a soft-napped side that faces the cyclist body. The embossed break lines are located in positions that represent pressure crease point of the seat liner when a cyclist is in a cycling position, and as the cyclist moves to other positions so as to prevent the bunching of excess material. The embossed break lines are formed without using stitching or sewn seams by heat molding the seat liner in a flat position.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,243 (incorporated herein by reference) describes bicycle shorts having openable pockets that removably receive seat and crotch synthetic foam pads having different thickness, thus adapting the padding to suit individual preferences.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,571 (incorporated herein by reference) provides bicycling shorts having a liquid-filled cushion for cushioning the rider thighs and buttocks, the cushion having a plurality of layers of material to facilitate perspiration wickage. The liquid cushions include overlying layers of a polyurethane material and water, non-freezable silicon or glycerin or mixtures thereof, oils or other slippery material.
- While the art provides various type of cycling garments, as exemplified above, the need remains in the art for chamois and cycling garments that provide additional and improved benefits to the wearer as a bicycle is operated.
- In embodiments of the present invention, a cycling chamois is provided that is formed of a number of flexible sheets or pieces of fabric or fabric and/or synthetic leather, and that includes strategically located pieces of relatively low-hardness foam and relatively high-hardness foam.
- Chamois in accordance with the present invention provide support for the pelvic girdle of a male or a female cyclist. As is well known, the pelvic girdle (also known as the bony pelvis) is a basin-shaped complex of bones that connect the truck and legs, that supports and balances the trunk, and that contains and supports the intestines, the urinary bladder, and the internal sex organs. The pelvic girdle includes paired hipbones that are connected in the front by the pubic symphysis and at the back by the sacrum, and includes the ischium on which weight falls in sitting wherein the ischial tuberosity is called the sitting bone.
- When chamois constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention is attached to the inside of a cycling garment, and when the garment is then worn by a cyclist, a garment-side of the chamois that faces the garment, and a body-side of the garment faces the cyclist body. In the following discussion, the side of the chamois that faces the garment will be called the bottom side or the garment-facing side of the chamois, and the side of the chamois that faces the cyclist body will be called the top side or the body-facing side of the chamois.
- This invention provides embodiments of chamois wherein two pieces of relatively high-hardness foam are strategically located to accommodate the pelvic girdle of a male cyclist, and the invention provides other embodiments of the invention wherein one piece of relatively high-harness foam is strategically located to accommodate the pelvic girdle of a female cyclist.
- More specifically, male-use chamois in accordance with the invention provide two physically-spaced pieces of relatively high-hardness foam that support the two buttocks of a male cyclist, while leaving a crotch space therebetween that is occupied by relatively low-hardness foam, whereas female-use chamois in accordance with the invention provides one piece of relatively high-hardness foam that supports both the buttocks and the crotch of a female cyclist.
- Both a male-use chamois and a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention include a garment-facing cloth or cloth-like member whose outline forms the generally flat external shape or profile of the chamois. This garment-facing cloth member is adapted to physically engage the inner surface of a garment to be worn by a male/female cyclist
- This garment-facing cloth can be a woven cloth or a non-woven cloth, and it can be formed of a natural material or of a synthetic material, with polyester scrim being preferred, or with a non-woven interfacing or batting that is constructed of polyester fibers being preferred.
- In use, this garment-facing cloth member is usually sewn to the inside of the seat area of a cycling garment.
- Both a male-use chamois and a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention include a layer of relatively low-hardness foam whose outline forms the external shape or profile of the chamois.
- In an embodiment of a male-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this layer of relatively low-hardness foam contains two buttocks-region holes that are filled by two pieces of relatively high-hardness foam. In another embodiment of a male-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this layer of relatively low-hardness foam is a continuous layer, and two physically-spaced pieces of relatively high-hardness foam overly two physically-spaced spaced buttocks regions on the layer of relatively low-hardness foam.
- In an embodiment of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this layer of relatively low-hardness foam contains one buttocks/crotch-region hole that is filled by one piece of relatively high-hardness foam. In another embodiment of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this layer of relatively low-hardness foam is a continuous layer, and one piece of relatively high-hardness foam overlies the buttocks/crotch-region on the layer of relatively low-hardness foam.
- As used herein, the term foam means a flexible, porous, natural or synthetic material whose volume contains a relatively high percentage of open or closed cells, and a relatively low percentage of the natural or synthetic material from which the foam is formed. While the spirit and scope of the invention is not to be limited thereto, in an embodiment of the invention, the low-hardness foam had a hardness of about 20 durometer (20 d) as measured by a durometer, and the relatively high-hardness foam had a hardness from about 40 d to about 90 d.
- The term foam, as used herein, is also intended to mean a foamed or expanded plastic material that has been treated so as to cause air or gas bubbles or cells to be formed therein, these cells being either closed cells or open cells. However, within the spirit and scope of the invention, the term foam includes both presently known and after-developed equivalent means, such as gel-filled members and/or liquid-filled members. A non-limiting example is an open-cell polyurethane foam.
- Both a male-use chamois and a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention include a garment-facing cloth or cloth-like member outline forms the external shape or profile of the chamois.
- In an embodiment of a male-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this garment-facing cloth member is a continuous member. In another embodiment of a male-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this garment-facing cloth member contains two buttocks-region holes that are filled by two pieces of synthetic leather. In another embodiment of a male-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this garment-facing member is a continuous member, and two physically-spaced pieces of synthetic leather overly two physically-spaced buttocks regions on the body-facing cloth member.
- In an embodiment of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this garment-facing cloth member is a continuous member. In another embodiment of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this garment-facing cloth member contains one buttocks/crotch-region hole that is filled by one piece of synthetic leather. In another embodiment of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention, this garment-facing member is a continuous member, and one piece of synthetic leather overlies the buttocks/crotch-region on the body-facing cloth member.
- This body-facing member can be a woven cloth or a non-woven cloth, and it can be formed of a natural material or of a synthetic material, with warp knit polyester tricot having a wicking finish being preferred.
- In embodiments of the invention, a unitary chamois is formed of the various members by providing a heat-melting plastic ribbon the extends along the edges or boarders of the various member, such that the use of a heat press operates to melt the plastic ribbon and form a unitary chamois from the various chamois members.
- As a feature of the invention, the chamois in accordance with this invention is formed into a single unit by the use of a bonding agent, and/or by the application of heat and pressure that operates to fuse the various pieces of the chamois together into a single unit.
- As a feature of the invention, the application of heat and pressure to the chamois in accordance with this invention operates to form the chamois into a three-dimensional shape that generally matches the pelvic girdle of a male or a female.
- While the invention will be described while making reference to the use of foam sheets, which may include open cell and/or closed-cell foams, the spirit and scope of the invention includes the use of both existing equivalent members and after-developed equivalent foam members. Examples of existing and equivalent foam members include, but are not limited to, gel-filled foam members, liquid-filled foam members, air-filled foam members, and combinations thereof, preferably to replace the above-descried thick foam sheets, but also to replace the above-described thin foam sheet.
- FIG. 1 is a top or body-side view of an embodiment of a chamois in accordance with the invention that is constructed and arranged for use by a male cyclist (i.e., the side of the chamois that faces the body of a cyclist).
- FIG. 2 is a bottom or garment-side view of the FIG. 1 male-cyclist chamois (i.e., the side of the chamois that faces a cycling garment), this figure also showing optional edge stitching that is provided along the forward and side edges of the chamois
- FIG. 3 is a body-side view of another embodiment of the invention for use by a male cyclist, this embodiment being generally similar to FIG. 1, but including an additional thin-foam pad that is stitched to the forward or lower-abdominal edge of the FIG. 1 chamois.
- FIG. 4 is a garment-side view of the FIG. 3 male-cyclist chamois.
- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 that is useful to identify exemplary and non-limiting dimensions of portions of the chamois, these dimensions being typical of embodiments of the invention intended for use by a male cyclist.
- FIG. 6 is a section view of the chamois of FIGS. 1 and 3 taken on the line6-6.
- FIG. 7 is a section view of the chamois of FIGS. 1 and 3 taken on the line7-7.
- FIG. 8 is a section view of the chamois of FIGS. 1 and 3 taken on the line8-8.
- FIG. 9 is a body-side view of another embodiment of a chamois in accordance with the invention that is constructed and arranged for use by a female cyclist.
- FIG. 10 is a garment-side view of the FIG. 9 chamois.
- FIG. 11 is a section view of the chamois of FIG. 9 taken on the line11-11.
- FIG. 12 is a section view of the chamois of FIG. 9 taken on the line12-12.
- FIG. 13 is a section view of the chamois of FIG. 9 taken on the line13-13.
- FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 9 that is useful to identify exemplary and non-limiting dimensions of portions of the chamois, these dimensions being typical of embodiments of the invention for use by a female cyclist.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded side view of a portion of male-use chamois of the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from five pieces that include (piece1) a garment-side cloth member, (piece 2) a sheet of thin and low-hardness foam having two through-holes cut therein that complement the shape of (pieces 3 and 4) two pieces of thick and high-hardness foam, each piece of thick foam closely fitting within a through-hole that is formed in the sheet of thin foam, and (piece 5) a body-side cloth member.
- FIG. 16 is an exploded side view of a portion of a female-use chamois of the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from four pieces that include (piece1) a garment-side cloth member, (piece 2) one sheet of thin and low-hardness foam and having one through-hole cut therein that complements the outer shape of (piece 3) a sheet of relatively thick and high-harness foam, this sheet of thick foam closely fitting within the through-hole that is formed in the sheet of thin foam, and (piece 4) a body-side cloth member.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded side view of a portion of a male-use chamois of the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from seven pieces that include (piece1) a body-facing cloth member having two generally tear-drop shaped through-holes formed therein that directly overly two generally tear-drop shaped thorough-holes that are formed in (piece 2) a thin and low-hardness foam layer and (pieces 3 and 4) two thick and high-hardness foam pieces, each of the two through-holes in the body-facing cloth member being filled by (pieces 5 and 6) a piece of similarly shaped synthetic leather that directly overlies one of the two pieces of thick foam, and including (piece 7) a garment-facing cloth member.
- FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a portion of a female-use chamois of the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from five pieces that include (piece1) a body-facing cloth member that has one through-hole formed therein that directly overlies a through-hole that is formed in (piece 2) a thin and low-hardness foam layer, the through-hole in the body-facing cloth member being filled by (piece 3) a piece of similarly-shaped synthetic leather that directly overlies (piece 4) a piece of thick and high-harness foam, and including a garment facing cloth member (piece 5).
- FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a male-use chamois in accordance with the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from seven pieces that include (piece1) a continuous garment-facing cloth member, (piece 2) a continuous sheet of thin and low-hardness foam that overlies the garment-facing cloth member, (piece 3) a continuous body-facing cloth member that overlies the low-hardness foam sheet and that has two tear-drop shaped areas thereon that carry (pieces 4 and 5) two generally tear-drop shaped thick and high-hardness foam pieces, each of the thick foam pieces carrying (
pieces 6 and 7) a piece of synthetic leather. - FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention wherein the chamois is assembled from five pieces that include (piece1) a continuous garment-facing cloth member, (piece 2) a continuous sheet of thin and low-hardness foam that directly overlies the garment-facing cloth member, (piece 3) a continuous body-facing cloth member that directly overlies the low-hardness foam sheet and that has an area thereon that carries (piece 4) a piece of thick and high-hardness foam, the thick foam piece carrying (piece 5) a piece of synthetic leather.
- FIG. 21 is an exploded view that shows how weld lines operate to bind layers of the chamois of the invention together by placing a thin ribbon of heat-meltable plastic intermediate adjacent chamois layers, such that when the chamois assembly is thereafter placed within a heat press, the plastic ribbon melts and binds the chamois assembly together as a thin weld lines are concomitantly formed.
- The present invention provides both male-use and female-use chamois for use within cycling garments in order to improve the comfort and the protection to the body of a male/female operating a bicycle.
- FIG. 1 is a body-side view (i.e., the side of the chamois that faces the cyclist body) of a
chamois 10 in accordance with the invention whereinchamois 10 is constructed and arranged for use by a male cyclist. -
Chamois 10 is symmetrical about a front-to-back centerline 11, the forward end ofchamois 10 being indicated bynumeral 12, and the rearward end ofchamois 10 being indicated bynumeral 13. -
Chamois 10 includes two relatively thick and high-hardnessfoam pad areas foam 16 and 17 (see FIG. 6) that are contained withinchamois 10. Teardrop shapedthick pad area 14 is adapted to support the right buttocks of a male cyclist, and teardrop shapedthick pad 15 is adapted to support the left buttocks of a male cyclist. - By way of a non-limiting example, relatively
thick pad areas - In the art, normal density, polyester-based, expanded polyurethane foam is known to have a density of about 20 d, whereas relatively high density, polyester-based, expanded polyurethane foam has a hardness in the range of from about 40 d to about 90 d.
- The term cloth or cloth-like member or sheet as used herein is intended to mean a pliant sheet material that is usually made by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and/or filaments.
- While the term synthetic leather will be used in describing embodiments of the invention, it is intended that the use of a more expensive natural leather, rather than a synthetic material that is fabricated so as to imitate natural leather, is also encompassed by this term.
- All chamois areas with the exception of
thick pad areas - These other relatively thin and low-hardness chamois pad areas include a relatively narrow, forward tapered, and centrally-located
thin foam pad 20 that generally corresponds to the crotch area of a male cyclist, a right side upperinterior thigh pad 21, a left side upperinterior thigh pad 22, a forward lowerabdominal pad 23, and tworear pads hardness form pads - The various
foam pad areas chamois 10 are surrounded or outlined by thin heat-formedlines 24 that are about 2 mm thick. - FIG. 2 is a garment-side view of chamois10 (i.e., the side of
chamois 10 that faces a cycling garment), this figure also showing the optional use of stitching 25 along the forward edge ofchamois 10 and along the edges of the chamois' thigh portions. - FIGS. 6, 7 and8 are section views of male-
use chamois 10 that are taken along the lines 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8 of FIG. 1. These three figures perhaps best show the relative thickness of the chamois' various foam pads and heat-formedline areas 24. - FIG. 3 is a body-side view of a
chamois 30 in accordance with the invention that is constructed and arranged for use by a male cyclist.Chamois 30 is similar to above-describedchamois 10, with the exception that an additional lower-abdominal pad 31 has been stitched or heat attached to theforward edge 32chamois 30.Pad 31 contains a sheet of relatively thin and low-hardness foam, as was described above relative topads - FIG. 4 is a garment-side view of FIG. 3
chamois 30, this figure showing thatpad 31 has been stitched at 33 to theforward end 32 ofchamois 30. - FIGS. 6, 7 and8 are section views of
chamois 30 that are taken along the lines of 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8 of FIG. 3. These three figures perhaps best show the relative thickness of the chamois' various foam pads and heat-formedline areas 24. - FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 that is useful in identifying exemplary and non-limiting physical dimensions of portions of
chamois 30, these dimensions being typical of achamois - FIG. 15 is an exploded side view of a portion of a male-
use chamois cloth member 35, asheet 36 of relatively thin and low-hardness foam that has the same outer shape as garment-side cloth member 35, and that has two through-holes holes pieces piece hole thin foam sheet 36, and a body-facingcloth member 41. - As a feature of the invention, body-facing
cloth member 41 is formed of a synthetic leather (for example, of the brand ALCANTARA), garment-facingcloth member 35 is formed of a polyester, preferably a wicking polyester,thin foam layer 36 is about 6 mm thick and has a hardness of about 20 d, and each of the twothick foam pieces - FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein a male-
use chamois 45 comprises seven pieces that include a body-facingcloth member 41 that is formed of a wicking polyester, and includes two generally tear-drop shaped through-holes holes hardness foam layer 36. Each of the two through-holes synthetic leather pieces - FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein a male-
use chamois 81 comprises seven pieces that include a continuous garment-facingcloth member 35, a continuous low-hardness foam layer 36, a continuous body-facingcloth member 41 that is preferably formed of a synthetic wicking polyester (i.e., a warp knit polyester tricot with a wicking finish) that includes two generally tear-drop shapedareas 84 and 85 thereon that each receive apiece harness foam synthetic leather - The top and bottom views of
chamois 81 are generally identical to FIGS. 1 and 2 with the exception that stitching 25 of FIG. 2 is not provided onchamois 81.Chamois 81 does, however, include weld lines 24. - FIG. 21 is an exploded view that shows how the weld lines24 that bind the edges of body-facing
cloth member 35, thisfoam layer 36, and garment-facingcloth member 41 are formed by placingthin ribbons 100 of heat-meltable plasticintermediate layers intermediate layers assembly ribbons 100 melt and bind the edges of the assembly together as athin weld line 24 is formed. - This or another heat/pressure process can also be used to form
chamois 81 into a three-dimensional shape that approximates the pelvic girdle of a male cyclist. As a result,chamois 81 is devoid of stitching and the like. - An important feature of the FIG. 19 embodiment of the invention is that a first large-size sheet can be formed that comprises the three
layers layers - The first three-layer sheet can be then stamped or cut to form a plurality of individual three-
layer pieces individual pieces 79, 39 (FIG. 19) that are of the thick-pad shape 14 that is shown in FIG. 1, and the second two-layer sheet can also be stamped or cut to form a second plurality of tear-drop shapedindividual pieces 80, 40 (FIG. 19) that are of thethick pad shape 15 that is shown in FIG. 1. - A
single chamois 81 can then be formed by using one of the three-layer chamois-shaped pieces, by using one of the two layer thick pad shapes 14, and by using one of the two-layer thick-pad-shapes 15. - Turning now to a description of chamois in accordance with the invention that are constructed and arranged for use by a female cyclist, FIG. 9 is a body-side view of a
chamois 55 in accordance with the invention whereinchamois 55 is constructed and arranged for use by a female cyclist.Chamois 55 is symmetrical about a front-to-back centerline 56, the forward end ofchamois 55 being indicated bynumeral 57, and the rearward end ofchamois 55 being indicated bynumeral 58. -
Chamois 55 includes one relatively thick and high-hardnessfoam pad area 59 that is generally of an elongated heart-shape.Thick pad area 59 is provided by a piece of relatively high-hardness foam, as discussed above, that is contained internally ofchamois 55, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12Thick pad area 59 is symmetrical aboutcenterline 56 and it is adapted to support the right buttocks, the left buttocks and the crotch area of a female cyclist. - Again by way of a non-limiting example,
thick pad area 59 is about 12 mm thick, and the thick foam that formspad area 59 has a durometer of about 40 d to about 90 d. - All chamois areas, with the exception of
thick pad area 59, are formed by a sheet of relatively thin and low-hardness foam. By way of a non-limiting example, these other pad areas are about 6 mm thick, and the relatively thin foam that forms these other pad areas has a durometer of about 20 d. - These other relatively thin chamois pad areas include a right-side upper inside
thigh pad 60, a left-side upper insidethigh pad 61, a forward lower-abdominal pad 62, and tworear pad areas thick foam pad 59. - The
various pad areas chamois 55 are outlined or surrounded by thin heat-formedlines 66 that are about 2 mm thick. FIG. 10 is a garment-side view ofchamois 55. - FIGS. 11, 12 and13 are section views of
chamois 55 that are taken along the lines 11-11, 12-12 and 13-13 of FIG. 9. These three figures perhaps best show the relative thickness of the chamois'various pad areas lines 66 that outline or boarder these pad areas. FIG. 14 is a view that is useful to identify exemplary and non-limiting physical dimensions of portions of female-use chamois 55, these dimensions being typical of achamois 55 in accordance with the invention for use by a female cyclist - FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a portion of a female-
use chamois 55 in accordance with the invention showing howchamois 55 is assembled from four pieces that include (piece 1) a garment-side cloth member 70, (piece 2) asheet 71 of relatively thin and low-hardness foam 71 having the same outer shape as garment-side cloth member 70 and having one through-hole 72 that is cut therein that complements the outer shape of (piece 3) apiece 73 of thick and high-hardness foam, whereinpiece 73 of thick foam closely fits within the through-hole 72 that is formed in thesheet 71 of thin foam, and (piece 4) a body-side cloth member 74. - As a feature of the invention, body-
side cloth member 74 is formed of a synthetic leather and/or garment-side cloth member 70 is formed of a polyester, preferably a warp knit polyester tricot having a wicking finish,thin foam layer 71 is about 6 mm thick and has a hardness of about 20 d, andthick foam piece 73 is about 12 mm thick and has a hardness of from about 40 d to about 90 d. - FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein a female-
use chamois 75 is a five-piece chamois having a body-facingcloth member 74 that is formed of a wicking polyester that includes a through-hole 77 that is formed therein so as to directly overly a thorough-hole 72 that is formed in thin and low-hardness foam layer 71. The through-hole 77 within body-facingcloth member 74 is then filled by apiece 78 of similarly shaped and similar thickness synthetic leather that directly overlies apiece 73 of thick and high-hardness foam. Again chamois 75 of FIG. 18 is held together by an adhesive and/or by heat sealing. - FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein a female-
use chamois 91 comprises a five-piece synthetic chamois having a continuous garment-facingcloth member 70, a continuous thin and low-hardness foam layer 71, a continuous body-facingcloth member 74 that includes one elongated and heart-shapedarea 94 that receives a heart-shaped piece of thick and high-hardness foam 73, and a heart-shaped piece ofsynthetic leather 78 that directly overliesthick foam piece 73. - The top and bottom views of
chamois 91 are generally identical to FIGS. 9 and 10.Chamois 91 includes weld lines 66 that are preferably formed as was above described relative to FIG. 21 wherein the heat/pressure process can also be used to formchamois 91 into a three-dimensional shape that approximates the pelvic girdle of a female cyclist As a result,chamois 91 is devoid of stitching and the like. - An important feature of the FIG. 20 embodiment of the invention is that a first large size sheet can be formed that comprises the three
layers layers - The first three-layer sheet assembly can be then stamped or cut to form a plurality of individual three-layer pieces that are each of the overall chamois-shape that is shown in FIG. 9. In addition, the second two-layer sheet assembly can then be stamped or cut to form a plurality of heart-shaped pieces that are of the
thick pad shape 59 that is shown in FIG. 9. - A
single chamois 91 can then be formed by using one of the three-layer chamois-shaped pieces and by using one of the two-layer heart-shaped pieces. - While physical dimensions of chamois in accordance with this invention are not to be construed as a limitation on the spirit and scope of the invention, FIG. 5 shows various dimensions of male-use chamois in accordance with the invention, these dimensions being shown in the following Table 1. In this male-use embodiment of the invention, the chamois had a major width L10 of 205 mm and a major length L15 of 355 mm.
TABLE 1 Dimension L1 55 mm Dimension L2 115 mm Dimension L3 105 mm Dimension L4 50 mm Dimension L5 60 mm Dimension L6 140 mm Dimension L7 180 mm Dimension L8 20 mm Dimension L9 75 mm Dimension L10 205 mm Dimension L11 245 mm Dimension L12 265 mm Dimension L13 35 mm Dimension L14 55 mm Dimension L15 355 mm - FIG. 14 shows various dimensions of a female-use chamois in accordance with the invention, these dimensions being shown in the following Table 2. In this female-use embodiment of the invention, the chamois had a major width L7 of 210 mm and a major length L10 of 290 mm.
TABLE 2 Dimension L1 45 mm Dimension L2 90 mm Dimension L3 65 mm Dimension L4 45 mm Dimension L5 50 mm Dimension L6 145 mm Dimension L7 210 mm Dimension L8 200 mm Dimension L9 220 mm Dimension L10 290 mm - One manner in which the various cloth/foam/leather layers/pieces of chamois in accordance with the present invention can be formed into a single unitary chamois assembly is to provide these various members as synthetic members (i.e., as members that are formed by chemical synthesis), and to then fuse these synthetic members together by the application of heat and pressure, perhaps in the presence of a bonding agent such as an adhesive. When such a heat/pressure process is used to fuse the various chamois layers/pieces together, the resulting chamois is devoid of stitching and the like.
- In addition, such a heat/pressure bonding process (perhaps with the additional use of a heat-setting adhesive) can be accomplished by a hot press that additionally operates to emboss the above-described thin lines that outline the various areas of the chamois. In addition, a heat-meltable plastic ribbon can be used intermediate the layers, and at the location of the thin lines that outline the various areas of the chamois as above described relative to FIG. 21.
- For example, a RF welding process may be used to fuse the various layers and pieces of the chamois together into a unitary chamois assembly, and a RF welding processes may also be used to form the chamois' thin seam-like lines.
- As a feature of the invention, a heat-forming process can then be used to form the unitary chamois assembly into a three-dimensional shape that generally conforms to the pelvic girdle of a male or a female cyclist.
- The present invention has been described in detail while making reference to various embodiments thereof. However, since it is known that others skilled in the related art will, upon learning of this invention, readily visualize yet other embodiments that are within the spirit and scope of this invention, the above detailed description is not to be taken as a limitation on the spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (66)
Priority Applications (10)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/012,922 US6565702B1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2001-10-22 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
CA2446521A CA2446521C (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-16 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
DK02778578.1T DK1437950T3 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-16 | Posts for bicycle pants and method of manufacture |
PCT/US2002/032985 WO2003037059A2 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-16 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
ES02778578T ES2374172T3 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-16 | CHAMPOO FOR CYCLING PANTS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD. |
EP02778578A EP1437950B1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-16 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
AT02778578T ATE521255T1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-16 | USE FOR CYCLING PANTS AND PRODUCTION PROCESS |
AU2002340230A AU2002340230A1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-16 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
PT02778578T PT1437950E (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2002-10-16 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
US10/249,224 US6687917B2 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2003-03-24 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/012,922 US6565702B1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2001-10-22 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/249,224 Division US6687917B2 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2003-03-24 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030079276A1 true US20030079276A1 (en) | 2003-05-01 |
US6565702B1 US6565702B1 (en) | 2003-05-20 |
Family
ID=21757376
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/012,922 Expired - Lifetime US6565702B1 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2001-10-22 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
US10/249,224 Expired - Fee Related US6687917B2 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2003-03-24 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/249,224 Expired - Fee Related US6687917B2 (en) | 2001-10-22 | 2003-03-24 | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6565702B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1437950B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE521255T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002340230A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2446521C (en) |
DK (1) | DK1437950T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2374172T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1437950E (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003037059A2 (en) |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2006233412A (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-09-07 | Campagnolo Sportswear Srl | Protector for cycling pants |
GB2431337A (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2007-04-25 | Endura Ltd | Cycle apparel containing a plurality of separate pads and a method of manufacturing the cycle apparel |
EP1815758A1 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2007-08-08 | Campagnolo Sportswear S.r.l. | Protection for cycling pants |
US20070204378A1 (en) * | 2006-01-27 | 2007-09-06 | Yves Behar | Garments affording protection against knocks or blows |
US20090126069A1 (en) * | 2005-08-05 | 2009-05-21 | Fun In The Saddle, Inc. | Equestrian riding breeches garment and method for its manufacture |
US20090165193A1 (en) * | 2006-07-17 | 2009-07-02 | Pjdo | Exterior Protective Case, In Particular For Integration Into A Protective Cover Or Into A Clothes Bag, Protective Cover And Protective Clothing Integrating Such Case |
US20100180358A1 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2010-07-22 | Drummond Yulia V | Cleavage Enhancing Push-up Swimsuit |
US20130000025A1 (en) * | 2009-11-25 | 2013-01-03 | Louis Garneau Sports Inc | Seat pad for cycling garment |
US8494324B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2013-07-23 | Frampton E. Ellis | Wire cable for electronic devices, including a core surrounded by two layers configured to slide relative to each other |
US8670246B2 (en) | 2007-11-21 | 2014-03-11 | Frampton E. Ellis | Computers including an undiced semiconductor wafer with Faraday Cages and internal flexibility sipes |
US20150074881A1 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2015-03-19 | Motoskiveez, LLC | Motorcycle underwear seat pads |
USD741045S1 (en) * | 2014-01-21 | 2015-10-20 | Ass Armor, LLC | Protective garment |
US20150313292A1 (en) * | 2012-12-07 | 2015-11-05 | W.L. Gore & Associates Gmbh | Seat pad for cycling trousers |
US20160183608A1 (en) * | 2014-01-21 | 2016-06-30 | Ass Armor, LLC | Protecting an Athletic Participant Against Impact Injury |
US10792175B2 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2020-10-06 | Claripharm | Ergonomic protective shell device of the perineal orthosis type |
US11559087B2 (en) * | 2018-06-27 | 2023-01-24 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Cycling garment with a seat pad |
USD1002993S1 (en) | 2021-04-02 | 2023-10-31 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Internal seat pad of a sports garment |
Families Citing this family (41)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT251489Y1 (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2003-11-19 | Marchi Sport Srl De | STRUCTURE OF PROTECTION ELEMENT PARTICULARLY FOR SHORTS FOR CYCLING. |
ATE328497T1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2006-06-15 | Michael Reschewitz | SEAT ELEMENT FOR BICYCLE PANTS |
US6918140B1 (en) * | 2002-03-29 | 2005-07-19 | Defeet International, Inc. | Protective fabric and apparel systems |
DE20215130U1 (en) * | 2002-10-01 | 2003-03-20 | Rosenberg Anja | Riding or underpants with one-piece or multi-part protective pads for the pubic area of the equestrian, whereby the pad (s) can be integrated in and attached to the pants and fixed there as well as removed / removed therefrom |
US20050223478A1 (en) * | 2003-08-29 | 2005-10-13 | Hogan Thomas B | Body support for cyclists' shorts or trousers |
US20050066423A1 (en) * | 2003-08-29 | 2005-03-31 | Hogan Thomas Bradford | Trousers for athlete particularly for cyclist and method of making the same |
US7100216B2 (en) * | 2003-10-15 | 2006-09-05 | Impact Innovative Products, Llc | Garment with energy dissipating conformable padding |
US7739754B2 (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2010-06-22 | Louis Garneau Sports Inc. | Seat pad for cyclist garment and method of manufacture |
US7757311B2 (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2010-07-20 | Louis Garneau Sports Inc. | Seat pad for cyclist garment and method of manufacture |
US6928665B1 (en) * | 2004-04-08 | 2005-08-16 | Paul M. Yates | Cycle pants with breathable saddle cushion |
US7707659B2 (en) * | 2004-08-23 | 2010-05-04 | Dashamerica, Inc. | Chamois for athletic shorts having relatively elastic portion and relatively inelastic portion |
US7854022B2 (en) * | 2005-01-10 | 2010-12-21 | Hbi Branded Apparel Enterprises, Llc | Garments having seamless edge bands and processes for making same |
EP1834532B1 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2009-05-13 | Assos of Switzerland S.A. | Cyclist trousers |
ATE431083T1 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2009-05-15 | Assos Switzerland Sa | CYCLIST PANTS |
US7784116B2 (en) * | 2006-07-27 | 2010-08-31 | Reebok International Ltd. | Padded garment |
US8087097B2 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2012-01-03 | Assos Of Switzerland S.A. | Protection pad for cyclist trousers and relative method of realization |
US20090089911A1 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2009-04-09 | Smith Timothy J | Comfortable Protective Garments |
EP2055202B1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2013-04-17 | Assos of Switzerland S.A. | Cyclist trousers with protection pads |
DE202008011774U1 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2009-01-02 | X-Technology Swiss Gmbh | Protection element for cyclist pants |
TW201014537A (en) * | 2008-10-15 | 2010-04-16 | shi-ming Liu | Protection pad of bicycle shorts |
US20100095442A1 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2010-04-22 | Kuipers Raymond J | Cushion insert pad for a pair of riding shorts |
US20100095432A1 (en) * | 2008-10-22 | 2010-04-22 | Shi Ming Liou | Exercise pant having cushioning member |
ITMO20090007A1 (en) * | 2009-01-15 | 2010-07-16 | T M F S N C Di Turrini Patrizia & C | REINFORCEMENT BOTTOM TO BE APPLIED TO SHORTS OR CYCLIST SUITS AND PROCEDURE TO CARRY OUT THAT BOTTOM. |
KR101035540B1 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2011-05-23 | 이현무 | A cushion pad for bicycles |
EP2494878B1 (en) * | 2011-03-02 | 2013-11-20 | Assos of Switzerland S.A. | A sports garment with a seat pad, in particular for cycling |
ITMO20110201A1 (en) * | 2011-08-05 | 2013-02-06 | T M F S N C Di Turrini Patrizia & C | ADHESIVE ELEMENT TO CONNECT A REINFORCEMENT BACKGROUND TO A CLOTHING, REALIZED METHOD AND OBTAINED GARMENT. |
ITTV20120131A1 (en) * | 2012-07-16 | 2014-01-17 | E Gi Srl Di | BOTTOM FOR CYCLIST PANTS, FOR "SADDLE" ACTIVITIES, SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND DIFFERENT USES, CHARACTERIZED BY AN INNER CUSHION WITH AIR CUSHION. |
US9877524B1 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2018-01-30 | Ray Kaviani | Air-cushioned shorts for cycling |
US9021618B2 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2015-05-05 | Ray Kaviani | Air-cushioned shorts for cycling |
ITPD20130173A1 (en) * | 2013-06-20 | 2014-12-21 | Padder Sarl | PROCEDURE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BOTTOM FOR BICYCLE SHORTS AND BOTTOMS MADE WITH THIS PROCEDURE |
WO2014210599A1 (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2014-12-31 | Dashamerica, Inc. D/B/A Pearl Izumi Usa Inc. | Bicycling cushion and methods of making the same |
ITMN20130008U1 (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2015-03-10 | Nicolini Silvana S R L | BOTTOM FOR CYCLIST PANTS. |
US20160000153A1 (en) * | 2014-07-01 | 2016-01-07 | Katherine Miller | Protective padded insert |
ITMI20140388U1 (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2016-06-17 | Giessegi S R L | SHORTS STRUCTURE |
ITPD20150025U1 (en) * | 2015-04-14 | 2016-10-14 | Dolomiti Pads Srl | PERFECT STRUCTURE OF BOTTOM FOR CYCLING SHORTS |
EP3278680A1 (en) | 2016-08-04 | 2018-02-07 | Bio-Racer NV | Sport pants with an externally located chamois |
IT201700082381A1 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2019-01-20 | Cytech S R L | PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PROTECTION FOR PANTS OR SHORTS FOR CYCLISTS. |
JP2021059824A (en) * | 2019-10-02 | 2021-04-15 | 智志 石井 | Cycling bottom guard: mounting fixture for relieving pain due to bicycle saddle |
IT202000032186A1 (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-06-23 | Cytech S R L | METHOD OF MAKING A PAD FOR CYCLING SHORTS AND PAD FOR CYCLING SHORTS |
USD1005641S1 (en) * | 2022-01-21 | 2023-11-28 | Shenzhen Aoshengda Technology Co., Ltd | Cycling shorts pad |
USD977197S1 (en) * | 2022-01-21 | 2023-01-31 | Shenzhen Aoshengda Technology Co., Ltd. | Cycling shorts pad |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4034137A (en) * | 1976-12-06 | 1977-07-05 | John Z. Delorean Corporation | Composite sheet structure and method for manufacturing same |
US4805243A (en) | 1987-05-04 | 1989-02-21 | Gibbens John C | Padded pant construction for athletic purposes |
US4945571A (en) | 1988-09-26 | 1990-08-07 | In Motion, Inc. | Liquid-cushioned outerwear |
US4961233A (en) | 1989-12-04 | 1990-10-09 | Cannondale Corporation | Cycling pants |
US5271101A (en) | 1992-09-18 | 1993-12-21 | Nike, Inc. | Cycling shorts with anatomical seat pad |
USD360971S (en) | 1992-09-18 | 1995-08-08 | Nike, Inc. | Anatomical seat pad for cycling shorts |
EP0776615B1 (en) * | 1995-12-02 | 2001-09-05 | Anton Maier | Trousers for cyclist |
US6009565A (en) * | 1996-10-29 | 2000-01-04 | Plum Enterprises | Protective garment for the hip area |
US5978970A (en) * | 1998-02-11 | 1999-11-09 | Bright; Patrick | Crotch cushion for a bicycle rider |
US6070273A (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 2000-06-06 | Sgro; Joseph | Body pads particulary for sports |
FR2779617B1 (en) * | 1998-06-15 | 2000-09-08 | Gerard Dailly | SPORTSWEAR, PARTICULARLY FOR A CYCLIST |
US6345396B1 (en) * | 1998-12-17 | 2002-02-12 | Jason Schuler | Buttocks and tail bone protector |
CA2349801C (en) * | 2000-06-13 | 2008-12-30 | Louis Garneau Sports Inc. | Seat pad for cyclist pant, and process of manufacture thereof |
USD453061S1 (en) * | 2000-06-13 | 2002-01-29 | Louis Garneau Sports Inc. | Seat pad for female cycling short |
USD452764S1 (en) * | 2000-06-13 | 2002-01-08 | Louis Garneau Sports Inc. | Seat pad for male cycling short |
-
2001
- 2001-10-22 US US10/012,922 patent/US6565702B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-10-16 AU AU2002340230A patent/AU2002340230A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-10-16 PT PT02778578T patent/PT1437950E/en unknown
- 2002-10-16 ES ES02778578T patent/ES2374172T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-10-16 AT AT02778578T patent/ATE521255T1/en active
- 2002-10-16 EP EP02778578A patent/EP1437950B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-10-16 DK DK02778578.1T patent/DK1437950T3/en active
- 2002-10-16 CA CA2446521A patent/CA2446521C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-10-16 WO PCT/US2002/032985 patent/WO2003037059A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2003
- 2003-03-24 US US10/249,224 patent/US6687917B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9107475B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2015-08-18 | Frampton E. Ellis | Microprocessor control of bladders in footwear soles with internal flexibility sipes |
US11503876B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2022-11-22 | Frampton E. Ellis | Footwear or orthotic sole with microprocessor control of a bladder with magnetorheological fluid |
US11039658B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2021-06-22 | Frampton E. Ellis | Structural elements or support elements with internal flexibility sipes |
US10021938B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2018-07-17 | Frampton E. Ellis | Furniture with internal flexibility sipes, including chairs and beds |
US9681696B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2017-06-20 | Frampton E. Ellis | Helmet and/or a helmet liner including an electronic control system controlling the flow resistance of a magnetorheological liquid in compartments |
US9339074B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2016-05-17 | Frampton E. Ellis | Microprocessor control of bladders in footwear soles with internal flexibility sipes |
US8567095B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2013-10-29 | Frampton E. Ellis | Footwear or orthotic inserts with inner and outer bladders separated by an internal sipe including a media |
US8925117B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2015-01-06 | Frampton E. Ellis | Clothing and apparel with internal flexibility sipes and at least one attachment between surfaces defining a sipe |
US8873914B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2014-10-28 | Frampton E. Ellis | Footwear sole sections including bladders with internal flexibility sipes therebetween and an attachment between sipe surfaces |
US8732868B2 (en) * | 2004-11-22 | 2014-05-27 | Frampton E. Ellis | Helmet and/or a helmet liner with at least one internal flexibility sipe with an attachment to control and absorb the impact of torsional or shear forces |
US8494324B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2013-07-23 | Frampton E. Ellis | Wire cable for electronic devices, including a core surrounded by two layers configured to slide relative to each other |
US8561323B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2013-10-22 | Frampton E. Ellis | Footwear devices with an outer bladder and a foamed plastic internal structure separated by an internal flexibility sipe |
JP2006233412A (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-09-07 | Campagnolo Sportswear Srl | Protector for cycling pants |
US8146176B2 (en) * | 2005-08-05 | 2012-04-03 | Fun In The Saddle, Inc. | Equestrian riding breeches garment and method for its manufacture |
US20090126069A1 (en) * | 2005-08-05 | 2009-05-21 | Fun In The Saddle, Inc. | Equestrian riding breeches garment and method for its manufacture |
GB2431337A (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2007-04-25 | Endura Ltd | Cycle apparel containing a plurality of separate pads and a method of manufacturing the cycle apparel |
GB2431337B (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2008-04-30 | Endura Ltd | Method of manufacturing cycle apparel |
US20070204378A1 (en) * | 2006-01-27 | 2007-09-06 | Yves Behar | Garments affording protection against knocks or blows |
EP1815758A1 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2007-08-08 | Campagnolo Sportswear S.r.l. | Protection for cycling pants |
US20070186328A1 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2007-08-16 | Campagnolo Sportswear S.R.L. | Protection for cycling pants |
US20090165193A1 (en) * | 2006-07-17 | 2009-07-02 | Pjdo | Exterior Protective Case, In Particular For Integration Into A Protective Cover Or Into A Clothes Bag, Protective Cover And Protective Clothing Integrating Such Case |
US9568946B2 (en) | 2007-11-21 | 2017-02-14 | Frampton E. Ellis | Microchip with faraday cages and internal flexibility sipes |
US8670246B2 (en) | 2007-11-21 | 2014-03-11 | Frampton E. Ellis | Computers including an undiced semiconductor wafer with Faraday Cages and internal flexibility sipes |
US8848368B2 (en) | 2007-11-21 | 2014-09-30 | Frampton E. Ellis | Computer with at least one faraday cage and internal flexibility sipes |
US20100180358A1 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2010-07-22 | Drummond Yulia V | Cleavage Enhancing Push-up Swimsuit |
US9526277B2 (en) * | 2009-11-25 | 2016-12-27 | Louis Garneau Sports Inc. | Seat pad for cycling garment |
US20130000025A1 (en) * | 2009-11-25 | 2013-01-03 | Louis Garneau Sports Inc | Seat pad for cycling garment |
US20150313292A1 (en) * | 2012-12-07 | 2015-11-05 | W.L. Gore & Associates Gmbh | Seat pad for cycling trousers |
US10792175B2 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2020-10-06 | Claripharm | Ergonomic protective shell device of the perineal orthosis type |
US20150074881A1 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2015-03-19 | Motoskiveez, LLC | Motorcycle underwear seat pads |
US20160183608A1 (en) * | 2014-01-21 | 2016-06-30 | Ass Armor, LLC | Protecting an Athletic Participant Against Impact Injury |
US20170245562A1 (en) * | 2014-01-21 | 2017-08-31 | Ass Armor, LLC | Protecting an Athletic Participant Against Impact Injury |
US9648916B2 (en) * | 2014-01-21 | 2017-05-16 | Ass Armor, LLC | Protecting an athletic participant against impact injury |
USD741045S1 (en) * | 2014-01-21 | 2015-10-20 | Ass Armor, LLC | Protective garment |
US11559087B2 (en) * | 2018-06-27 | 2023-01-24 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Cycling garment with a seat pad |
USD1002993S1 (en) | 2021-04-02 | 2023-10-31 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Internal seat pad of a sports garment |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6687917B2 (en) | 2004-02-10 |
DK1437950T3 (en) | 2011-12-19 |
CA2446521C (en) | 2011-03-01 |
WO2003037059A3 (en) | 2004-02-12 |
AU2002340230A1 (en) | 2003-05-12 |
WO2003037059A8 (en) | 2004-04-29 |
WO2003037059A2 (en) | 2003-05-08 |
CA2446521A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 |
ES2374172T3 (en) | 2012-02-14 |
EP1437950A2 (en) | 2004-07-21 |
US20030131399A1 (en) | 2003-07-17 |
EP1437950B1 (en) | 2011-08-24 |
US6565702B1 (en) | 2003-05-20 |
PT1437950E (en) | 2011-12-19 |
EP1437950A4 (en) | 2007-06-20 |
ATE521255T1 (en) | 2011-09-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6565702B1 (en) | Chamois for cycling pants and method of making | |
US5271101A (en) | Cycling shorts with anatomical seat pad | |
US20050223478A1 (en) | Body support for cyclists' shorts or trousers | |
US20050066423A1 (en) | Trousers for athlete particularly for cyclist and method of making the same | |
US5452477A (en) | Item of swimming wear | |
US4805243A (en) | Padded pant construction for athletic purposes | |
EP1179302B1 (en) | Protective element for cycling shorts | |
US6928665B1 (en) | Cycle pants with breathable saddle cushion | |
US7707659B2 (en) | Chamois for athletic shorts having relatively elastic portion and relatively inelastic portion | |
US7739754B2 (en) | Seat pad for cyclist garment and method of manufacture | |
US5978970A (en) | Crotch cushion for a bicycle rider | |
CA2300293C (en) | Enhanced personal cooling garment | |
US20150074885A1 (en) | Sports garments | |
US20190343195A1 (en) | Seam-in-pad apparatus with cycling shorts application | |
US9687723B2 (en) | Cycling suit with a seat pad | |
WO2017193020A1 (en) | Bottom garment with removable cushioned liner and uses thereof | |
EP3278680A1 (en) | Sport pants with an externally located chamois | |
EP3081103B1 (en) | Chamois pad for cycling shorts | |
KR101556770B1 (en) | Underwear for body line shaping | |
GB2459261A (en) | A protective insert for an underwear garment | |
EP2871988B1 (en) | Crotch liner for cycling shorts, for on-saddle activities, sports activities and other uses, characterised by an internal air cushion | |
US6547614B2 (en) | Personal flotation device construction method | |
CN105491901B (en) | Clothes comprising protective element and the method for manufacture | |
WO2023084042A1 (en) | Seat pad for a sport cycling garment | |
RU2293669C1 (en) | Car seat cover |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DASHAMERICA, INC., COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FORSYTH, ROBBIN D.;KNOLL, JONATHAN R.;REEL/FRAME:012383/0896;SIGNING DATES FROM 20011011 TO 20011016 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAT HOLDER NO LONGER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: STOL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, WA Free format text: NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DASHAMERICA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020098/0676 Effective date: 20071005 Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,WAS Free format text: NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DASHAMERICA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020098/0676 Effective date: 20071005 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:NAUTILUS, INC.;DASHAMERICA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020525/0445 Effective date: 20080116 Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:NAUTILUS, INC.;DASHAMERICA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020525/0445 Effective date: 20080116 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DASHAMERICA, INC., COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:059668/0001 Effective date: 20080416 Owner name: DASHAMERICA, INC., COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:059666/0721 Effective date: 20220419 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS FIRST LIEN ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ILLINOIS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DASHAMERICA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:062876/0467 Effective date: 20230303 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DASHAMERICA, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BMO BANK N.A., FORMERLY KNOWN AS BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:065662/0294 Effective date: 20231120 Owner name: MCDAVID, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BMO BANK N.A., FORMERLY KNOWN AS BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:065662/0294 Effective date: 20231120 Owner name: SHOCK DOCTOR, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BMO BANK N.A., FORMERLY KNOWN AS BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:065662/0294 Effective date: 20231120 |