US20120117705A1

US20120117705A1 - Pants With A Weight-Distributing Waistband

Info

Publication number: US20120117705A1
Application number: US12/948,333
Authority: US
Inventors: Sherry D. Hawkins; Saundra L. Lennartz
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2010-11-17
Filing date: 2010-11-17
Publication date: 2012-05-17

Abstract

A pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband is provided. The pants comprise a waistband with a first plurality of rigidity segments located within the waistband, and a second plurality of belt loops. At least a portion of the second plurality of belt loops is affixed to the waistband corresponding to a first rigidity segment of the first plurality of rigidity segments. In addition, the pants may have a posterior stretch panel located below the lower margin of the waistband, a seat panel made of abrasion resistant material, and a groin stretch panel. As well, the pants may have a posterior knee stretch panel and an anterior knee panel of abrasion resistant material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to pants. More particularly, the present invention relates to pants with a weight-distributing waistband.

BACKGROUND

Although pants are often worn to make a fashion statement, many people require that their pants serve a useful function as well. For example, many people hang implements off of the belt loops of their pants, or off of a belt or a holster attached to the waistband. When an implement is hung off of a belt loop, however, the weight of the instrument causes the waistband to roll over not only at the point where the implement is hung, but also along adjacent points. In addition, pants are often put through a great deal of wear-and-tear and stress. The result is knee areas and seat areas that thin and wear out, tears and rips in the groin area and the area below the waistband, and torn pockets.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present invention is defined by the claims.
The present invention relates to a pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband. The pants may have an upper portion with a waistband, where the waistband has a first end, a second end, an outer band portion, and an inner band portion secured to the outer band portion at an upper and lower margin to form a sleeve. A plurality of rigidity segments may be located within the sleeve and oriented in a linear fashion. In addition, there may be a plurality of belt loops that comprise a piece of material with a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the belt loops may be attached to the outer band portion so that they correspond to a first rigidity segment of the plurality of rigidity segments. In addition, the pants may have a posterior stretch panel located below the lower margin of the waistband, a seat panel made of abrasion resistant material, and a groin stretch panel. As well, the pants may have a posterior knee stretch panel and an anterior knee panel of abrasion resistant material.
Examples of the present invention may be directed toward a weight-distributing waistband. The waistband may have a first end and a second end, an outer band portion, and an inner band portion secured to the outer band portion at an upper and lower margin to form a sleeve. A plurality of rigidity segments may be located within the sleeve and oriented in a linear fashion. In addition, there may be a plurality of belt loops comprising a piece of material with a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the belt loops may be affixed to the outer band so that they correspond to a first rigidity segment of the plurality of rigidity segments.
Yet another example of the invention comprises a pair of pants with a waistband with a first end, a second end, an outer band portion, and an inner band portion secured to the outer band portion at an upper and lower margin to form a sleeve having an interior space. A first plurality of polyurethane foam segments may be situated within the interior space and oriented in a linear fashion. The first plurality of foam segments may be generally square in shape with dimensions generally between 3 and 6 centimeters in height, and between 3 and 6 centimeters in length, and have a thickness between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeter. In addition, the invention may have an elongated polyurethane foam segment that is situated within the interior space and substantially equidistant from the first end and the second end. As well, the elongated foam segment may be oriented between two of the first plurality of polyurethane foam segments. The elongated foam segment may have dimensions generally between 3 and 6 centimeters in height, 11 and 14 centimeters in length, and between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeter in thickness.
The invention may also comprise a second plurality of belt loops, between three and seven in number, which may be constructed in such a way to form a belt loop plus an additional loop that hangs below the lower margin of the waistband. At least one of this second plurality of belt loops may be attached to the outer band portion corresponding to a first foam segment of the first plurality of foam segments, and at least one of the second plurality of belt loops may be attached to the outer band portion corresponding to the elongated foam segment. In addition, the pants may have a posterior stretch panel located below the lower margin of the waistband, a seat panel made of abrasion resistant material, and a groin stretch panel. As well, the pants may have a posterior knee stretch panel and an anterior knee panel of abrasion resistant material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C depict a wearer wearing the pants in an as-worn position;

FIG. 2A depicts a front view of the pants embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 2B depicts a rear view of the pants embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a hidden and cut-away view of the anterior knee panel embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 4A depicts a front view of the waistband of the pants embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 4B depicts a cross-section of the waistband of the pants embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 4C depicts an anterior cut-away view of the waistband of the pants embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 4D depicts a posterior cut-away view of the waistband of the pants embodying features of the present invention; and

FIG. 4E depicts a hidden view of the waistband of the pants embodying features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.
The present invention relates to pants having a weight-distributing waistband containing a plurality of rigidity segments. When an implement, such as a tool, a mobile communication device holster, etc., is hung on a belt loop of the waistband or off of a belt or holster attached to the waistband, the weight of the implement is distributed to the corresponding rigidity segment instead of along the whole waistband. Additionally, the pants may have stretch panels in areas subject to movement-related stress, such as below the waistband, in the groin area, and behind the knee. The pants may also have abrasion resistant panels in areas subject to a disproportionate amount of wear-and-tear such as in the seat of the pants and the front part of the knee area.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate a wearer wearing the pants in an as-worn position. With respect to a wearer in this position, cranial 102 refers to portions of the body extending above an imaginary horizontal plane bisecting the midsection of the wearer's body. Likewise, caudal 104 refers to portions of the body extending below the imaginary plane bisecting the midsection of the wearer's body. Medial 106 refers to portions of the body closer to the midline of the wearer's body, while lateral 108 refers to portions of the body further away from the midline of the wearer's body. In addition, anterior 110 refers to the front side of the wearer's body, and posterior 112 refers to the back side of the wearer's body.
FIG. 2A illustrates an anterior view of a pair of pants 200 with a waistband 202. In an example of the present invention, material 208 of pants 200 might be any type of durable material suitable for heavy wear such as, but not limited to, cotton, nylon, twill, canvas or blends. Material 208 relates generally to all areas of the pants not corresponding to panels made of stretch material or abrasion-resistant material (discussed in more depth below). Pants 200 may have a waistband 202. Waistband 202 may contain a plurality of rigidity segments (not shown in FIG. 2A) situated in a linear fashion within the waistband. In addition, waistband 202 may have a plurality of belt loops 204 formed in such a way that a loop of material 206 extends below waistband 202.
Pants 200 may also have slant pockets 210 situated on the anterior portion of the pants below waistband 202. To prevent ripping or tearing of the pockets along their lateral aspect, slant pockets 210 may be reinforced along the exterior, lateral portion by reinforcing material 212. Such material may be, but is not limited to, webbing. Continuing along the anterior aspect of pants 200, the present invention may have a groin stretch panel 214 that is located along the inner margin of the pants and extends from the zipper area caudally to the knee area. The stretch panel of groin stretch panel 214 may be made from a material such as, but not limited to, a stretch material that stretches along a horizontal axis, a vertical axis and a diagonal axis. Pants 200 may also have an anterior knee panel 216 corresponding to the anterior aspect of the knee of a wearer's body in an as-worn position. Because the anterior knee area of pants is an area subject to a high amount of wear-and-tear, anterior knee panel 216 may be made from a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant material. Pants 200 may also have a tab 218 that may be used to adjust a diameter of the opening of a pant leg. Tab 218 may have a fastening-type material on its posterior aspect that can be fastened to the pant leg along its posterior aspect. Such fastening-type material may be, but is not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners. Although not discussed, it should be understood that pants 200 may also possess a variety of pockets in different configurations and styles and with various types of closures.
FIG. 2B illustrates the posterior aspect of pants 200 with waistband 202. Along with waistband 202 discussed above, pants 200 may possess a posterior stretch panel 220 affixed proximately and caudally to the lower margin of waistband 202. The stretch panel of posterior stretch panel 220 may be made from a material such as, but not limited to, a stretch material that stretches along a horizontal axis, a vertical axis and a diagonal axis. Continuing in a caudal direction on the posterior aspect of pants 200, pants 200 may have a seat panel 222 that is affixed proximately and caudally to the posterior stretch panel 220. Because the seat area of a wearer's body is an area subject to a high amount of wear-and-tear, the material of seat panel 222 may be made from a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant material. FIG. 2B also illustrates a posterior view of groin stretch panel 214. Groin stretch panel 214 may be affixed proximately to the seat panel 222 and may extend caudally to terminate in the knee region of the wearer's body. In addition, FIG. 2B illustrates a posterior knee stretch panel 224 corresponding to the posterior knee area of a wearer's body in an as-worn position. The stretch panel of posterior knee stretch panel 224 may be made from a material such as, but not limited to, a stretch material that stretches along a horizontal axis, a vertical axis and a diagonal axis. Finally, pants 200 may have a fastening area 226 that is designed to fasten to tab 218 to allow the wearer to adjust the diameter of the opening of the pants leg. Fastening area 226 may use any type of fastening material designed to couple with tab 218 such as, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners.
FIG. 3 is a hidden and cut-away view of anterior knee panel 216 and illustrates an example of the present invention with a kneepad 302 enclosed in a fabric sleeve on the interior of the pants leg 300. Kneepad 302 may be made from a variety of materials designed to cushion a wearer's knee when weight is placed upon the knee. Such materials may comprise, but are not limited to, rubber, foam or plastic.
FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E present a more detailed view of waistband 202. FIG. 4A illustrates that waistband 202 comprises a first end 402 and a second end 404. FIG. 4B is a cross-section of waistband 202 and illustrates that waistband 202 also comprises an outer band portion 414, and an inner band portion 416 that is secured to outer band portion 414 at an upper margin 410 and a lower margin 412 to form a sleeve having an interior space.
FIG. 4C is a cut-away view of waistband 202 and illustrates a plurality of rigidity segments 418 located within the interior space. In one example of the present invention, rigidity segments 418 may be polyurethane foam segments. Even more specifically, the polyurethane foam segments may be of a high resiliency (HR) foam type having a commercial density range between 1.5 pounds per cubic foot and 6.0 pounds per cubic foot. In an example of the invention, rigidity segments 418 may be between 10 and 14 in number, 3 and 6 centimeters in height, 3 to 6 centimeters in length, and between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeter in thickness. In yet another example of the invention, twelve rigidity segments 418 are 5 centimeters in height, 5 centimeters in length, and 0.8 centimeters in thickness.
FIG. 4D is a cut-away view of waistband 202 from a posterior aspect and illustrates an elongated rigidity segment 420. In one example of the invention, elongated rigidity segment 420 is located within the interior space of waistband 202 and is substantially equidistant from first end 402 and second end 404. In addition, elongated rigidity segment 420 is situated between two of rigidity segments 418. In one example, elongated rigidity segment 420 is positioned over a lumbar spine region of a wearer's body in an as-worn position. In an example of the invention, elongated rigidity segment 420 is a polyurethane foam segment. The polyurethane foam segment may be of a high resiliency (HR) foam type having a commercial density range between 1.5 pounds per cubic foot and 6.0 pounds per cubic foot. In an example of the invention, elongated rigidity segment 420 may be between 3 and 6 centimeters in height, between 11 and 14 centimeters in length, and between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeter in thickness. In yet another example, elongated rigidity segment 420 is 5 centimeters in height, 13 centimeters in length, and 0.8 centimeters in thickness.
FIG. 4A illustrates a plurality of belt loops 204 with a first end 406 and a second end 408. FIG. 4B illustrates that first end 406 is affixed to upper margin 410 of outer band portion 414 and extends toward bottom margin 412 of outer band portion 414. Belt loop 204 is affixed to bottom margin 412 and extends beyond bottom margin 412 to form a loop 206 with second end 408 affixed to bottom margin 412 of outer band portion 414. FIG. 4B also illustrates how in one example of the invention, belt loop 204 is affixed to outer band portion 414 so that belt loop 204 overlies rigidity segments 418 and/or elongated rigidity segment 420. In another example, belt loop 204 may correspond to at least one of rigidity segments 418 and elongated rigidity segment 420. Still further, belt loop 204 may be between three and seven in number, or belt loop 204 may be five in number.
FIG. 4E is a hidden view of waistband 202 in which waistband 202 is extended along its horizontal axis. FIG. 4E illustrates how in one example of the invention, belt loop 204 is affixed to outer band portion 414 so that belt loop 204 overlies rigidity segments 418 and elongated rigidity segment 420. FIG. 4E also illustrates, in one example of the invention, intervening area 422. Intervening area 422 corresponds to the area between adjacent rigidity segments 418 or the area between rigidity segment 418 and elongated rigidity segment 420. Intervening area 422 is generally between 3 centimeters and 6 centimeters in height, and between 0.5 centimeters and 3 centimeters in width.
The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband, comprising:

an upper portion with a waistband, the waistband comprising a first end, a second end, an outer band portion, and an inner band portion, the inner band portion secured to the outer band portion at an upper and a lower margin to form a sleeve;

a first plurality of rigidity segments situated in a linear orientation within the sleeve and affixed at predetermined locations along the sleeve;

a second plurality of belt loops, the second plurality of belt loops comprising a piece of material with a first end and a second end, at least a portion of the second plurality of belt loops affixed to the outer band portion corresponding to a first rigidity segment of the first plurality of rigidity segments;

a posterior stretch panel affixed proximately and caudally to the lower margin of the waistband;

a seat panel of abrasion resistant material affixed proximately and caudally to the posterior stretch panel;

a groin stretch panel affixed proximately to the seat panel and extending caudally; and

two leg portions with each of the leg portions having a posterior knee stretch panel corresponding to the knee of a wearer's body in an as-worn position and affixed proximately to the groin stretch panel, and an anterior knee panel of abrasion resistant material corresponding to the knee of a wearer's body in an as-worn position affixed proximately to the groin stretch panel and proximately to the posterior knee stretch panel.

2. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1, further comprising slant pockets on the anterior portion below the waistband, the slant pockets being reinforced on the exterior, lateral portion by reinforcing material.

3. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 2, wherein the reinforcing material is webbing.

4. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1, wherein the stretch panels comprise a material that stretches along a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and a diagonal axis.

5. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1, wherein the pants are made of a durable material in all areas not corresponding to panels made of stretch material or abrasion resistant material.

6. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1, wherein the anterior knee panel contains a pocket on its interior aspect, wherein the pocket contains a kneepad.

7. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 6, wherein the kneepad is made of rubber.

8. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the leg openings is adjustable.

9. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 8, wherein the leg openings are adjustable by the use of a tab with a hook-and-loop fastener on one surface that can be affixed to an opposing hook-and-loop fastener on the pant leg.

10. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cargo pockets.

11. A weight-distributing waistband, comprising:

a waistband for a garment that encircles the waist of a wearer's body in an as-worn position, the waistband comprising a first end, a second end, an outer band portion, and an inner band portion, the inner band portion secured to the outer band portion at an upper and a lower margin to form a sleeve;

a first plurality of rigidity segments affixed in a linear orientation within the sleeve; and

a second plurality of belt loops, the second plurality of belt loops comprising a piece of material with a first end and a second end, at least a portion of the second plurality of belt loops affixed to the outer band portion corresponding to a first rigidity segment of the first plurality of rigidity segments.

12. The weight-distributing waistband of claim 11, wherein the second plurality of belt loops are affixed to the outer band portion corresponding to a first rigidity segment of the first plurality of rigidity segments.

13. A pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband, comprising:

a waistband for a garment that encircles the waist of a wearer's body in an as-worn position, the waistband comprising a first end, a second end, an outer band portion, and an inner band portion, the inner band portion secured to the outer band portion at an upper and a lower margin to form a sleeve having an interior space;

a first plurality of polyurethane foam segments each having a height, a length and a thickness situated within the interior space and oriented in a linear fashion substantially parallel to the waistband, wherein the first plurality is between 10 and 14 in number, the height of each foam segment is between 3 and 6 centimeters, the length of each foam segment is between 3 and 6 centimeters, and the thickness of each foam segment is between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeters;

an elongated polyurethane foam segment of a predetermined height of between 3 and 6 centimeters, a predetermined length of between 11 and 14 centimeters, and a predetermined thickness of between 0.5 and 1.0 centimeters, located within the interior space and substantially equidistant from the first end and the second end and oriented between two of the first plurality of foam segments and substantially parallel to the waistband;

a second plurality of belt loops, each of the second plurality of belt loops comprising a piece of fabric with a first end and a second end, the first end affixed to the top margin of the outer band portion, the piece of fabric extending toward the bottom margin and affixed to the bottom margin of the outer band portion, the piece of fabric extending beyond the bottom margin of the outer band portion to form a loop with the second end affixed to the bottom margin of the outer band portion, wherein at least one of the second plurality of belt loops is affixed to the outer band portion corresponding to a first foam segment of the first plurality of foam segments, and at least one of the second plurality of belt loops is affixed to the outer band portion corresponding to the elongated foam segment;

14. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of polyurethane foam segments are of a high resiliency (HR) foam type having a commercial density between 1.5 pounds per cubic foot and 6.0 pounds per cubic foot.

15. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of foam segments comprises individual pieces of foam.

16. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of foam segments comprises twelve foam segments.

17. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13, wherein the height of each foam segment in the first plurality of foam segments is 5 centimeters, the length of each foam segment in the first plurality of foam segments is 5 centimeters, and the thickness of each foam segment in the first plurality of foam segments is 0.8 centimeters.

18. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13, wherein the elongated polyurethane foam segment comprises a high resiliency (HR) foam type having a commercial density between 1.5 pounds per cubic foot and 6.0 pounds per cubic foot.

19. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13, wherein the elongated foam segment has a height of 5 centimeters, a length of 13 centimeters, and a thickness of 0.8 centimeters.

20. The pants with a weight-distributing waistband of claim 13, wherein the elongated foam segment is positioned over the lumbar spine region of a wearer's body in an as-worn position.