US20140215690A1

US20140215690A1 - Garments

Info

Publication number: US20140215690A1
Application number: US14/246,263
Authority: US
Inventors: Frances Caulfield; Nancy Farkas
Original assignee: LITTLE BLACK LLC
Current assignee: LITTLE BLACK LLC
Priority date: 2012-10-11
Filing date: 2014-04-07
Publication date: 2014-08-07

Abstract

A garment including a pants portion, an upper portion, and a plurality of tethers attached to a waistline portion of the pants portion. Each tether includes a first fastening element adapted to engage releasably a second fastening element of an outer garment. A garment including a pants portion, an upper portion having a plurality of loops located on an inner side thereof, and a pair of straps having hooks at ends thereof. The hooks of the straps are adapted to engage releasably the loops of the upper portion. A pants portion having an inner crotch portion and a pad attached to the inner crotch portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application relating to and claiming the benefit of commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/900,941 entitled GARMENT WITH TETHERING SYSTEM, filed on May 23, 2013, which relates to and claims the benefit of commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,979 entitled GARMENT WITH TETHERING SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/712,367 entitled “BATHING DRESS WITH TETHERING SYSTEM,” filed Oct. 11, 2012, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to garments and, more particularly, to garments having a tethering system for attaching an outer garment to an undergarment and garments having strap systems for maintaining the garments' aesthetic look.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some garments, such as dresses, bathing suits, and bathing dresses, include an outer garment and an undergarment, while others include jeans with smoothing top portions. What is needed is a system that maintains the garment's aesthetic look and function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a garment, comprising a pants portion having a waistline portion, and a plurality of tethers, each of which includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first ends of the tethers being attached to the waistline portion, and each of the tethers including a first fastening element located at the second end thereof; an upper portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the upper portion and attached to the waistline portion of the pants portion; and an outer garment having a plurality of second fastening elements, wherein each of the first fastening elements of the tethers of the pants portion is adapted to engage releasably a corresponding one of the second fastening elements of the outer garment. In an embodiment, each of the tethers is made from an elastic material. In an embodiment, the pants portion includes a first side seam and a second side seam located opposite the first side seam, wherein one of the plurality of tethers is attached to the first side seam of the pants portion, and another of the plurality of tethers is attached to the second side seam of the pants portion.
In an embodiment, each of the first fastening elements of the plurality of tethers of the pants portion includes a female snap element, and each of the second fastening elements of the outer garment includes a male snap element. In an embodiment, each of the first fastening elements of the plurality of tethers of the pants portion includes a male snap element, and each of the second fastening elements of the outer garment includes a female snap element. In an embodiment, each of the first fastening elements of the plurality of tethers of the pants portion and the second fastening elements of the outer garment are selected from the group consisting of buttons, hook and eye fasteners, pins, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners. In an embodiment, the garment is jeans. In an embodiment, the upper portion is tubular in shape. In an embodiment, the upper portion is elastic and made from stretchable material. In an embodiment, a portion of the outer garment is attached permanently to an upper end of the upper portion. In an embodiment, the garment includes a pad, and wherein the pants portion includes an inner crotch portion, and wherein the pad is attached to the inner crotch portion of the pants portion.
In another embodiment, a garment, comprising a pants portion having a waistline portion; an upper portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end of the upper portion and attached to the waistline portion of the pants portion, an inner side, and a plurality of loops located on the inner side and located proximate to the first end thereof; and a pair of straps, each of which includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end of the strap, and a pair of hooks, one of which is located at the first end of the strap and the other of which is located at the second end of the strap, wherein each of the pair of hooks of the pair of straps is adapted to engage releasably a corresponding one of the plurality of loops of the upper portion. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of loops is made from a fabric material. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of loops is square in size and shape. In an embodiment, the plurality of loops includes four of the loops, two of which are located on a front portion of the upper portion and two of which are located on a back portion of the upper portion. In an embodiment, the pair of straps is elastic. In an embodiment, the garment includes a pad, and wherein the pants portion includes an inner crotch portion, and wherein the pad is attached to the inner crotch portion of the pants portion. In an embodiment, the garment is jeans. In an embodiment, the upper portion is tubular in shape. In an embodiment, the upper portion is elastic and made from stretchable material.
In an embodiment, a garment includes a pants portion having an inner crotch portion; and a pad attached to the inner crotch portion of the pants portion. In an embodiment, the pants portion is denim jeans. In an embodiment, the pad is made from foam. In an embodiment, the pad has a size and shape selected from the group consisting of elliptical, rectangular, and triangular.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a garment constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the garment shown in FIG. 1, with a skirt portion of an outer garment employed by the garment rolled up to reveal a pair of tethers;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and rear elevational views, respectively, of an undergarment employed by the garment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded front elevational view of the garment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4B;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a tethering system employed by the garment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the garment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, illustrating the tethering system facilitating attachment of the outer garment to the undergarment;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are close-up views of the tethering system shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a garment constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of a garment constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a garment constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a garment constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a garment constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are front elevational and enlarged views, respectively, of a garment constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 16A and 16B are top and side elevational views of a crotch support pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a garment 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the garment 10 is a dress. In another embodiment, the garment 10 is a bathing dress. In an embodiment, the garment 10 includes an outer garment 12 having a bust portion 14, a skirt portion 16 attached to and extending downwardly from the bust portion 14, and a waist band 18 formed around the periphery at the points of attachment of the bust portion 14 to the skirt portion 16. In an embodiment, the bust portion 14, the skirt portion 16, and the waist band 18 are attached to one another by stitching, sewing or other means known the art. In an embodiment, the waist band 18 is elastic. In an embodiment, the bust portion 14 includes bra cups 20, padding 22 and straps 24. In other embodiments, the bust portion 14 consists of other designs, styles, shapes and sizes. In an embodiment, the skirt portion 16 includes a length that covers a substantial portion of a user's legs. In other embodiments, the skirt portion 16 includes a length that terminates either below the user's knees or above the knees. In an embodiment, the skirt portion 16 is characterized by an A-line cut. In other embodiments, the skirt portion 16 consists of other designs, styles, shapes and sizes.
Referring to FIG. 3, an inner side 26 of the outer garment 12 includes a pair of tethers 28, 30 extending therefrom. In an embodiment, the tethers 28, 30 are diametrically opposed to one another. In an embodiment, each of the tethers 28, 30 includes a first end 32 and a second end 34 opposite the first end 32. In an embodiment, the first end 32 of the tether 28 is attached to a first side seam 36 of the skirt portion 16, while the first end 32 of the tether 30 is attached to a second side seam 38 of the skirt portion 16. In an embodiment, the first end 32 of each of the tethers 28, 30 is attached permanently to the outer garment 12. In an embodiment, the tethers 28, 30 are stitched to the first and second side seams 36, 38, respectively. In an embodiment, the tethers 28, 30 are attached to the first and second side seams 36, 38, respectively, at locations proximate to the hip of the user when she wears the garment 10. In other embodiments, the tethers 28, 30 are attached to the inner side 26 of the outer garment 12 at other suitable locations. In an embodiment, the tethers 28, 30 are flexible and made from an elastic material. In other embodiments, the outer garment 12 may include more than two of the tethers 28, 30. In another embodiment, the outer garment 12 includes at least one of the tethers 28, 30. In an embodiment, each of the tethers 28, 30 includes a first fastening element 40, 42, respectively, at the second end 34 thereof. In an embodiment, each of the first fastening elements 40, 42 includes a female snap element, as shown in the Figures. In another embodiment, each of the first fastening elements 40, 42 includes a male snap element.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the garment 10 includes an undergarment 44 having a front panel 46 and a rear panel 48 opposite the front panel 46, which form left and right side portions 50, 52, a waist portion 54, and leg openings 56, 58. In an embodiment, the undergarment 44 is a panty. In an embodiment, the front panel 46 includes a pair of second fastening elements 60, 62. In an embodiment, the second fastening element 60 is positioned on the left side portion 50 intermediate the waist portion 54 and the leg opening 56, while the second fastening element 62 is positioned on the right side portion 52 intermediate the waist portion 54 and the leg opening 58. In an embodiment, each of the second fastening elements 60, 62 includes a male snap element, as shown in the Figures. In another embodiment, each of the second fastening elements 60, 62 includes a female snap element. In an embodiment, the second fastening element 60 (e.g., a male snap element as shown in the Figures) is sized and shaped to be engaged removably with the first fastening element 40 (e.g., a female snap element as shown in the Figures) of the tether 28 of the outer garment 12, while the second fastening element 62 (e.g., a male snap element) is sized and shaped to be engaged removably with the first fastening element 42 (e.g., a female snap element) of the tether 30 of the outer garment 12. In other embodiments, each of the first fastening elements 40, 42 and the second fastening elements 60, 62 includes other fastening elements and systems known in the art, such as buttons/buttonholes, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, pins, and VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners.
In another embodiment, the first end 32 of each of the tethers 28, 30 is attached permanently to the outer garment 12, and the second end 34 of each of the tethers 28, 30 is attached permanently to the undergarment 44, thereby permanently connecting the outer garment 12 and the undergarment 44 to one another, and, therefore, in an embodiment, each of the tethers 28, 30 of the outer garment 12 need not include the first fastening elements 40, 42, respectively, and the undergarment 44 need not include the second fastening elements 60, 62. In another embodiment, the tethering system can be reversed, namely, the first end 32 of each of the tethers 28, 30 are attached to the undergarment 44, while the outer garment 12 includes the second fastening elements 60, 62 located at a suitable position, such as, for example, the first and second side seams 36, 38 of the skirt portion 16, respectively (not shown in the Figures).
In an embodiment, the outer garment 12 and the undergarment 44 are made from nylon. In another embodiment, the outer garment 12 and/or the undergarment 44 are made from antimicrobial fabric materials. In other embodiments, the outer garment 12 and the undergarment 44 may be made from other suitable materials for swimwear known in the art.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show the outer garment 12 and the undergarment 44 detached from one another. In an embodiment, a user puts on the undergarment 44 and the outer garment 12. Next, the user may roll up the skirt portion 16 of the outer garment 12 until the tethers 28, 30 are located and available to be grasped and manipulated by the user. In an embodiment, the user attaches the outer garment 12 to the undergarment 44 by engaging the first fastening element 40 of the tether 28 with the second fastening element 60 of the undergarment 44, and engaging the first fastening element 42 of the tether 30 with the second fastening element 62 of the undergarment 44, as shown in FIGS. 7 through 9. When the outer garment 12 is attached to the undergarment 44 in this manner, the skirt portion 16 can be released and allowed to “fall” into its intended shape. In this regard, the lengths of the tethers 28, 30 allow the skirt portion 16 to fall into shape and enable the garment 10 to maintain its aesthetic look and function, while inhibiting it to cling to the user. In an embodiment, when the garment 10 is a bathing dress, and when a user is bathing in a body of water, the tethers 28, 30 provide leeway and pull, due to their flexibility and elasticity, to inhibit the undergarment 44 and/or the bottom of the skirt portion 16 from floating up on the surface of the water and prevent unwanted visual exposure of the user's lower extremities. In an embodiment, a user may remove the undergarment 44 from the outer garment 12 without having to remove the outer garment 12 (e.g., to utilize the bathroom or for other reasons) by disengaging the first fastening elements 40, 42 from the second fastening elements 60, 62, thus allowing the user to slip out of the undergarment 44.
FIG. 10 shows a garment 110 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the garment 110 is a dress. In another embodiment, the garment 110 is a bathing dress. In an embodiment, the garment 110 is a one-piece bathing dress. In an embodiment, the garment 110 is constructed and functions similarly to the garment 10, with the foregoing differences. In an embodiment, the garment 110 includes a first portion 112 having a bust portion 114, an under portion 144 integral with the first portion 112, and a skirt portion 116 attached to and extending downwardly from the first portion 112. In an embodiment, the skirt portion 116 is attached to the first portion 112 intermediate the bust portion 114 and the under portion 144 such that the skirt portion 116 covers the under portion 144 when the garment 110 is in use.
With continued reference to FIG. 10, in an embodiment, an inner side of the skirt portion 116 includes a pair of tethers 128, 130 extending therefrom. In an embodiment, the tethers 128, 130 are diametrically opposed to one another. In an embodiment, the tethers 128, 130 are attached to the inner side of the skirt portion 116 at locations intermediate the hip of the user and a bottom end 117 of the skirt portion 116 when she wears the garment (see FIG. 10). In an embodiment, each of the tethers 128, 130 includes a first fastening element 140, 142, respectively, at the second end thereof, which have been described above in detail with respect to the garment 10.
With continued reference to FIG. 10, in an embodiment, the under portion 144 includes a front panel 146, left and right side portions 150, 152, a waist portion 154, and leg openings 156, 158. In an embodiment, the front panel 146 includes a pair of second fastening elements 160, 162. In an embodiment, the second fastening element 160 is positioned on the left side portion 150 proximate to the leg opening 156, while the second fastening element 162 is positioned on the right side portion 152 proximate to the leg opening 158. As described in detail with respect to the garment 10, the first fastening elements 140, 142 of the tethers 128, 130 engage releasably the second fastening elements 160, 162 of the under portion 144. In another embodiment, as described in detail above with respect to the garment 10, the ends of the tethers 128, 130 are attached permanently to the skirt portion 116 and the under portion 144. In another embodiment, as described in detail above with respect to the garment 10, the tethering system can be reversed.
FIG. 11 shows a garment 210 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the garment 210 is a bathing suit. In an embodiment, the garment 210 is a “tankini.” In an embodiment, the garment 210 is constructed and functions similarly to the garment 10, with the foregoing differences. In an embodiment, the garment 210 includes a tank top portion 212 having a bust portion 214, a tank cover 215 attached to and extending downwardly from the bust portion 214, and a bottom portion 244. In an embodiment, the tank cover 215 extends just below a waist portion 254 of the bottom portion 244. In an embodiment, the bottom portion 244 is a bikini bottom. In another embodiment, the bottom portion 244 is a skirted bottom.
With continued reference to FIG. 11, in an embodiment, an inner side of the tank cover 215 includes a pair of tethers 228, 230 extending therefrom. In an embodiment, the tethers 228, 230 are diametrically opposed to one another. In an embodiment, the tethers 228, 230 are attached to the inner side of the tank cover 215 at locations intermediate the hip of the user and a bottom end 217 of the tank cover 215 hen she wears the garment 210 (see FIG. 11). In an embodiment, each of the tethers 228, 230 includes a first fastening element 240, 242, respectively, at the second end thereof, which has been described above with respect to the garment 10.
With continued reference to FIG. 11, in an embodiment, the bottom portion 244 includes a front panel 246, left and right side portions 250, 252, a waist portion 254, and leg openings 256, 258. In an embodiment, the front panel 246 includes a pair of second fastening elements 260, 262. In an embodiment, the second fastening element 260 is positioned on the left side portion 250 intermediate the waist portion 254 and the leg opening 256, while the second fastening element 262 is positioned on the right side portion 252 intermediate the waist portion 254 and the leg opening 258. As described in detail with respect to the garment 10, the first fastening elements 240, 242 of the tethers 228, 230 engage releasably the second fastening elements 260, 262 of the bottom portion 244. In another embodiment, as described in detail above with respect to the garment 10, the ends of the tethers 228, 230 are attached permanently to the tank cover 215 and the bottom portion 244. In another embodiment, as described in detail above with respect to the garment 10, the tethering system can be reversed.
FIG. 12 shows a garment 310 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the garment 310 is a men's bathing suit. In an embodiment, the garment 310 is constructed and functions similarly to the garment 10, with the foregoing differences. In an embodiment, the garment 310 includes an outer garment 312 and an undergarment 344. In an embodiment, the outer garment 312 is swimming trunks. In another embodiment, the outer garment 312 is board shorts. In other embodiments, the outer garment 312 consists of other designs, styles, shapes and sizes. In an embodiment, the undergarment 344 is a swim brief. In other embodiments, the undergarment 344 consists of other designs, styles, shapes and sizes.
With continued reference to FIG. 12, in an embodiment, an inner side of the undergarment 344 includes a pair of tethers 328, 330 extending therefrom. In an embodiment, the tethers 328, 330 are diametrically opposed to one another. In an embodiment, the tethers 328, 330 are attached to the inner side of the undergarment 344 at locations intermediate a waistline 355 and a bottom end 317 of the undergarment. In an embodiment, each of the tethers 328, 330 includes a first fastening element 340, 342, respectively, at the second end thereof, which has been described above with respect to the garment 10.
With continued reference to FIG. 12, in an embodiment, the undergarment 344 includes a front panel 346, left and right side portions 350, 352, a waist portion 354, and leg openings 356, 358. In an embodiment, the front panel 346 includes a pair of second fastening elements 360, 362. In an embodiment, the second fastening element 360 is positioned on the left side portion 350 intermediate the waist portion 354 and the leg opening 356, while the second fastening element 362 is positioned on the right side portion 352 intermediate the waist portion 354 and the leg opening 358. As described in detail with respect to the garment 10, the first fastening elements 340, 342 of the tethers 328, 330 engage releasably the second fastening elements 360, 362 of the undergarment 344. In another embodiment, as described in detail above with respect to the garment 10, the ends of the tethers 328, 330 are attached permanently to the outer garment 312 and the undergarment 344. In another embodiment, as described in detail above with respect to the garment 10, the tethering system can be reversed.
FIG. 13 shows a garment 410 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the garment 410 includes an outer garment 412 having tethers 428, 430 with first fastening elements 440, 442, respectively, and an undergarment 444 having second fastening elements 460, 462 that engage releasably the first fastening elements 440, 442. In an embodiment, the garment 410 is a men's bathing suit. In an embodiment, the outer garment 412 is swimming trunks. In another embodiment, the outer garment 412 is board shorts. In other embodiments, the outer garment 412 consists of other designs, styles, shapes and sizes. In an embodiment, the undergarment 444 is a swim brief. In other embodiments, the undergarment 444 consists of other designs, styles, shapes and sizes. In an embodiment, the garment 410 is constructed and functions similarly to the garment 310, with the exception that the tethers 428, 430 are located proximate to a waistline 455 of the outer garment 312, and the second fastening elements 460, 462 are located proximate to a waistline 454 of the undergarment 444. In an embodiment, the waistline 455 of the outer garment 412 and the waistline 454 of the undergarment 444 are substantially aligned with one another when the user is wearing the garment 410. In another embodiment, the waistline 455 of the outer garment 412 sits slightly below the waistline 454 of the undergarment 444 when the user is wearing the garment 410. In another embodiment, the waistline 455 of the outer garment 412 sits slightly above the waistline 454 of the undergarment 444 when the user is wearing the garment 410. In another embodiment, as described in detail above with respect to the garment 10, the ends of the tethers 428, 430 are attached permanently to the outer garment 412 and the undergarment 444. In another embodiment, as described in detail above with respect to the garment 10, the tethering system can be reversed.
FIG. 14 shows a garment 510 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the garment 510 is jeans. In an embodiment, the garment 510 includes a lower pants portion 513 having a waistline portion 515, and an upper portion 517 (i.e., a smoothing top portion) having a first, free end 519 and a second end 521 attached to the waistline portion 515 of the lower pants portion 513. In an embodiment, the lower pants portion 513 is denim jeans. In an embodiment, the upper portion 517 is tubular in shape. In an embodiment, the upper portion 517 is elastic and made from stretchable material. In an embodiment, the lower pants portion 513 includes a pair of opposed side seams 536, 538. In an embodiment, the garment 510 includes a plurality of tethers 528, each having a first end 532 attached to the waistline portion 515 of the lower pants portion 513, a second end 534 opposite the first end 534, and a first fastening element 540 at the second end 534 that is adapted to engage releasably a corresponding one of a plurality of second fastening elements located on an outer garment (not shown in FIG. 15). In an embodiment, the outer garment can be any suitable garment and can be made from any suitable material such as lace, cotton, knit fabric, etc. In an embodiment, a portion of the outer garment may be attached permanently to an upper end 519 of the upper portion 517, such as by stitching or other means known in the art, so that the outer garment covers and hides the upper portion 517 (not shown in the Figures). In an embodiment, the first end 532 of each of the tethers of the plurality of tethers 528 is attached permanently to the waistline portion 515 of the lower pants portion 513. In an embodiment, the plurality of tethers 528 includes seven tethers. In other embodiments, the plurality of tethers 528 may include more or less than seven tethers. In another embodiment, one of the tethers 528 is attached to the side seam 536, and another of the tethers 528 is attached to the side seam 538. In another embodiment, as described above in detail with respect to the garment 10, the first and second ends 532, 534 of the tethers 528 are attached permanently to the garment 510 and to the outer garment, respectively (not shown in the Figures). In another embodiment, as described above in detail with respect to the garment 10, the tethering system can be reversed.
FIGS. 15A and 15B show a garment 610 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the garment 610 is jeans. In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 15A, the garment 610 includes a lower pants portion 613 having a waistline portion 615, and an upper portion 617 having a first, free end 619 and second end 621 attached to the waistline portion 615 of the lower pants portion 613. In an embodiment, the lower pants portion 613 is denim jeans. In an embodiment, the upper portion 617 is tubular in shape. In an embodiment, the upper portion 617 is elastic and made from stretchable material. In an embodiment, the upper portion 617 includes a plurality of loops 623 located on an inner side 625 thereof and located proximate to the first, free end 619 and along the periphery thereof. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of loops 623 is made from a fabric material. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of loops 623 is square in size and shape, but it can have other suitable shapes and sizes. In an embodiment, the plurality of loops 623 includes four of the loops, two of which are located on a front portion 627 of the upper portion 617 and two of which are located on a back portion 629 of the upper portion 617, and are suitably spaced apart from one another.
Still referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, in an embodiment, the garment 610 includes a pair of straps 631, 633, each of which includes a first end 635, a second end 637 opposite the first end 635, a pair of hooks 639, one of which is located at the first end 635 and the other of which is located at the second end 637. In an embodiment, each of the straps 631, 633 is elastic. In an embodiment, each of the hooks 639 of the straps 631, 633 is adapted to engage releasably a corresponding one of the plurality of loops 623 of the upper portion 617 (see FIG. 15B). In an embodiment, each of the straps 631, 633 includes an adjustment mechanism to accommodate various lengths and sizes of torsos of users (not shown in the Figures).
In an embodiment, when a user wears the garment 610, the straps 631, 633 fit over the shoulders of the user and the straps 631, 633 may be adjusted accordingly. Thus, the straps 631, 633 maintain the upper portion 617 in a stretched position and prevent it from bulging, such as above the waistline portion 615.
Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a crotch support pad 700 includes a concave first side 702 and a convex second side 704 opposite the first side 702. In an embodiment, the pad 700 is elliptical in shape and is slightly concaved, as shown. In an embodiment, the pad 700 has a consistent thickness. In an embodiment, the pad 700 is located on and attached to the interior crotch portion of a pair of pants, such as jeans, and on and along the inner seams thereof (not shown in the Figures). In an embodiment, the pad 700 may be attached permanently to the jeans, such as by stitching, fabric glue or other means. In another embodiment, the pad 700 may be attached releasably to the jeans, such as by VELCRO hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, etc. In an embodiment, the pad 700 is made from foam and may be lined with a fabric material. In an embodiment, when the pad 700 is attached to the crotch area of the jeans, the pad 700 provides support and comfort for a user. In other embodiments, the pad 700 may consist of other shapes and sizes (e.g., rectangular, triangular with an elongated neck, etc.) and have any thickness. In other embodiments, the pad 700 is used with the garments 510, 610 described above.
It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, many of which are described above. For example, as indicated above, each of the first fastening elements 40, 42 and the second fastening elements 60, 62 includes other fastening elements and systems known in the art, such as buttons/buttonholes, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, pins, and VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners. In other embodiments, the first fastening elements 40, 42 and the second fastening elements 60, 62 can be made of suitable materials known in the art. In an embodiment, the lengths of the tethers 28, 30 are selected to accommodate different sizes of the garment 10. In an embodiment, while the garment 10 is suitable for use as a bathing dress, it can be suitable for use as a formal or an informal dress. In an embodiment, while the garments 310, 410 are suitable for use as a men's swimsuit, they can be suitable for use as men shorts. In other embodiments, the tethering system, strap system, and crotch support systems described above can be used in connection with other types of garments, outer garments, and undergarments. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appending claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment, comprising:

a pants portion having a waistline portion, and a plurality of tethers, each of which includes a first end and a second end opposite said first end, said first ends of said tethers being attached to said waistline portion, and each of said tethers including a first fastening element located at said second end thereof;

an upper portion having a first end and a second end opposite said first end of said upper portion and attached to said waistline portion of said pants portion; and

an outer garment having a plurality of second fastening elements,

wherein each of said first fastening elements of said tethers of said pants portion is adapted to engage releasably a corresponding one of said second fastening elements of said outer garment.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein each of said tethers is made from an elastic material.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein said pants portion includes a first side seam and a second side seam located opposite said first side seam, wherein one of said plurality of tethers is attached to said first side seam of said pants portion, and another of said plurality of tethers is attached to said second side seam of said pants portion.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein each of said first fastening elements of said plurality of tethers of said pants portion includes a female snap element, and each of said second fastening elements of said outer garment includes a male snap element.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein each of said first fastening elements of said plurality of tethers of said pants portion includes a male snap element, and each of said second fastening elements of said outer garment includes a female snap element.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein each of said first fastening elements of said plurality of tethers of said pants portion and said second fastening elements of said outer garment are selected from the group consisting of buttons, hook and eye fasteners, pins, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment is jeans.

8. The garment of claim 7, wherein said upper portion is tubular in shape.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein said upper portion is elastic and made from stretchable material.

10. The garment of claim 7, wherein a portion of said outer garment is attached permanently to an upper end of said upper portion.

11. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a pad, and wherein said pants portion includes an inner crotch portion, and wherein said pad is attached to said inner crotch portion of said pants portion.

12. A garment, comprising:

a pants portion having a waistline portion;

an upper portion having a first end, a second end opposite said first end of said upper portion and attached to said waistline portion of said pants portion, an inner side, and a plurality of loops located on said inner side and located proximate to said first end thereof; and

a pair of straps, each of which includes a first end, a second end opposite said first end of said strap, and a pair of hooks, one of which is located at said first end of said strap and the other of which is located at said second end of said strap,

wherein each of said pair of hooks of said pair of straps is adapted to engage releasably a corresponding one of said plurality of loops of said upper portion.

13. The garment of claim 12, wherein each of said plurality of loops is made from a fabric material.

14. The garment of claim 12, wherein each of said plurality of loops is square in size and shape.

15. The garment of claim 12, wherein said plurality of loops includes four of the loops, two of which are located on a front portion of said upper portion and two of which are located on a back portion of said upper portion.

16. The garment of claim 12, wherein said pair of straps are elastic.

17. The garment of claim 12, further comprising a pad, and wherein said pants portion includes an inner crotch portion, and wherein said pad is attached to said inner crotch portion of said pants portion.

18. The garment of claim 12, wherein said garment is jeans.

19. The garment of claim 18, wherein said upper portion is tubular in shape.

20. The garment of claim 19, wherein said upper portion is elastic and made from stretchable material.

21. A garment, comprising:

a pants portion having an inner crotch portion; and

a pad attached to said inner crotch portion of said pants portion.

22. The garment of claim 21, wherein said pants portion is denim jeans.

23. The garment of claim 22, wherein said pad is made from foam.

24. The garment of claim 23, wherein said pad has a size and shape selected from the group consisting of elliptical, rectangular, and triangular.