CN112739230A

CN112739230A - Elongated elastic member for lower body garment

Info

Publication number: CN112739230A
Application number: CN201980060369.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A.阿赫蒂米丘克; O.阿尼利奥奈特; B.C.布兰特; J.L.赫尔塞思; A.希茨-辛格; A.西格尔
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc; Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2018-09-14
Filing date: 2019-09-13
Publication date: 2021-04-30
Also published as: US20200085123A1; WO2020056340A4; WO2020056340A1; EP3849364A1

Abstract

An elongated elastic member (516) for assisting athletic activities and a lower body garment (500) incorporating the same are provided. The elongated elastic member may have various configurations that allow it to be attached to a wearer's foot or shoe and to the wearer's torso. The configuration and wear arrangement of the elongated elastic members and associated lower body garments increases or inhibits joint moments during athletic activities, increasing the actual or perceived energy expended to perform the athletic activity.

Description

Elongated elastic member for lower body garment

Technical Field

Aspects herein relate to elongated elastic members and lower body garments characterized by one or more elongated elastic members configured to have an ergonomic effect on a wearer.

Background

Running, whether recreational or athletic, is a cardiovascular activity that often involves high metabolic costs. Whether running for general fitness or competition, runners often experience lower body muscle and joint fatigue before obtaining the desired cardiovascular effects. In addition, some runners may use inappropriate forms while running, increasing their likelihood of damaging one or more muscle, tendon, or group of ligaments (e.g., hip flexor, knee ligament, achilles tendon).

Drawings

Examples of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary elongated resilient member for assisting athletic activities, wherein the resilient member includes a split or bifurcated first end, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 2a illustrates an exemplary elongated elastic member having an anchor for attaching the elongated elastic member to a torso or a wearer and an aperture configured to be coupled to a lace of a shoe of the wearer, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 2b illustrates an example elongate elastic member having an adjustment component and an aperture configured to be coupled to a lace of a wearer's shoe, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 2c illustrates an exemplary elongated elastic member comprised of a first elastic strip and a second elastic strip, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 3 illustrates another alternative elongated elastic member having a stirrup configured to receive a foot of a wearer, according to aspects herein;

fig. 4 illustrates another elongate elastic member configured to extend continuously from a first leg opening of a lower torso garment to a waist opening of the garment to a second leg opening of the garment in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 5a illustrates a front view of an exemplary lower body garment having an elongated elastic member at least partially disposed between a first textile layer and a second textile layer at one or more portions of the lower body garment, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 5b illustrates a back view of the lower torso garment of fig. 5a, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 5c illustrates a side view of an outboard aspect of the lower torso garment of fig. 5a, in accordance with aspects hereof;

fig. 5d illustrates a side view of a medial aspect of the lower torso garment of fig. 5a, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 5e illustrates an exemplary stirrup configuration with tread-like features incorporated therein, according to aspects herein;

fig. 5f illustrates an exemplary stirrup configuration with a span plate formed from a first stirrup strap and a second stirrup strap, according to aspects herein;

fig. 6a illustrates a front view of an exemplary lower body garment having an elongated elastic member disposed at least partially between a first textile layer and a second textile layer on one or more portions of the lower body garment, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 6b illustrates a back view of the lower torso garment of fig. 6a, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 6c illustrates a side view of the lower torso garment of fig. 6a, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 7a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary lower torso garment of fig. 5 a-5 d and 6 a-6 c, fig. 5 a-5 d and 6 a-6 c depicting a first alternative construction having first and second textile layers coupled at a peripheral edge of the second textile layer, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 7b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the example lower torso garment of fig. 5 a-5 d and 6 a-6 c, fig. 5 a-5 d and 6 a-6 c depicting a second alternative construction having a first textile layer and a second textile layer coupled at a plurality of points, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 7c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary lower torso garment of fig. 5 a-5 d and 6 a-6 c, fig. 5 a-5 d and 6 a-6 c depicting a third alternative construction having integrally knit first and second textile layers in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 8a illustrates a cross-section of a first tread pattern that may be implemented in conjunction with a stirrup, according to aspects herein;

FIG. 8b illustrates a cross-section of a second tread pattern that may be implemented in conjunction with a stirrup, according to aspects herein;

FIG. 8c illustrates a cross-section of a third tread pattern that may be implemented in conjunction with a stirrup, according to aspects herein; and

FIG. 8d illustrates a cross-section of a fourth tread pattern that may be implemented in conjunction with a stirrup, according to aspects herein.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed 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" may 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.

By way of background, it may be desirable to assist physical exercise, such as running, by increasing or suppressing joint moments (applied forces or motion about a point or axis), or by creating a sensation in the wearer that physical exercise is easier to perform. For example, an amusement runner may find it helpful to have a device or garment that includes a means to assist in knee flexion during a running stride. By increasing the joint moment associated with knee flexion, runners can more effectively use their popliteal and quadriceps muscles in strides, reducing the actual or perceived energy expenditure required for running. In doing so, for example, a runner may be run farther or faster. In general, devices that increase joint torque tend to be bulky, rigid, awkward, or difficult to put on and take off-significantly reducing their usefulness outside of a rehabilitation or laboratory setting. To assist in athletic activities, aspects herein contemplate elongated elastic members and lower body garments including elongated elastic members that increase joint moments, are conveniently used in a variety of configurations, and are easy to don and doff.

At a high level, aspects herein relate to an elongated elastic member and a lower torso garment incorporating the elastic member. In an exemplary aspect, an elongated elastic member assists in athletic activities such as running, wherein the elastic member has a first end and a second end, and an intermediate portion extending continuously between the first end and the second end. The elongated resilient member disposed on the intermediate portion includes at least a first slit and a second slit, each of the first slit and the second slit disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated resilient member. In some aspects, the intermediate portion may further include a third slit for receiving a foot or shoe of the wearer, a pair of apertures configured to couple to a lace of a shoe of the wearer, and/or a stirrup configured to receive a foot or shoe of the wearer. In some aspects, the elastic member may include various features that facilitate anchoring the first end to the area adjacent the wearer's torso.

Continuing, the elastic members can be worn in various orientations that impart various anthropomorphic effects to the wearer. For example, the wearer may wear the elastic member such that the first end is disposed at the front portion of the wearer's lower torso, the thighs/upper legs extend through the opening formed by the first slit, and the lower legs extend through the opening formed by the second slit, with the middle portion of the elastic member between the first slit and the second slit disposed at the rear side of the legs. In this orientation, the elastic member may increase the joint moments generated during the swing phase of the running motion, including ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion, and/or hip flexion. The aforementioned worn orientation is only one application for the elastic member; in other as-worn orientations, the resilient member may supplement the ankle moment when pushed down and increase ankle plantarflexion, knee flexion, and/or hip flexion during the swing phase. In yet another as worn orientation, the elastic member may increase the joint moments generated during the stance phase of the running exercise, including ankle plantar flexion, knee flexion, and/or hip joint extension. In any orientation, the increase in joint moment may provide a kinematic benefit that makes running easier or more efficient and/or may provide a user with a sensation or awareness that feels running easier.

When aspects of the elastic member are incorporated into the lower body garment, the elastic member may be positioned such that it is at least partially disposed between the first textile layer and the second textile layer of the lower body garment in one or more portions of one or more zones of the lower body garment. By disposing portions of the elastic member at least partially between the textile layers, the elastic member is less likely to move from a desired as-worn orientation to an undesired orientation. Further, by incorporating aspects of the elastic member into the lower torso garment, the elastic member may be more easily donned and used as intended by the wearer. In aspects where the elastic members comprise separable stirrups or concealable stirrups, the lower body garment may allow the wearer to convert the lower body garment from a functional, running enhancement garment to a more aesthetic garment without the stirrups protruding from adjacent the leg openings of the lower body garment.

Accordingly, aspects herein relate to a lower torso garment that includes a torso portion having a waist opening, a first leg portion defining a first leg opening, and a second leg portion defining a second leg opening. The lower body garment may include a first textile layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second textile layer having a third surface and a fourth surface positioned at least in a first region of the lower body garment, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer is positioned adjacent the second surface of the first textile layer in the first region of the lower body garment. The lower body garment may further include a first elongated elastic member that extends continuously from a first location adjacent the first leg opening to a second location adjacent the waist opening, and the first elongated elastic member is at least partially disposed between the first textile layer and the second textile layer at the first region of the lower body garment.

Aspects herein also relate to a lower torso garment that includes a torso portion having a waist opening, a first leg portion defining a first leg opening, and a second leg portion defining a second leg opening. The lower torso garment has a first region including a first textile layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second textile layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer is positioned adjacent the second surface of the first textile layer at the first region. The lower torso garment also has a second region that includes the first textile layer and does not include the second textile layer. The lower body garment further includes an elongated elastic member extending continuously from a position adjacent the first leg opening to a position adjacent the waist opening to a position adjacent the second leg opening, wherein the elongated elastic member is disposed between the first textile layer and the second textile layer at a first region and the elongated elastic member is further disposed on the second surface of the first textile layer at a second region.

Other aspects herein relate to an elongated resilient member for assisting athletic activities. The elongated resilient member has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an intermediate length therebetween. The elongated resilient member may comprise at least a first slit and a second slit, each of the first slit and the second slit being disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated resilient member.

Positional terms used herein to describe a garment or a limb-covering portion of a garment, such as "front side", "back side", "inside", "outside", "distal", "proximal", "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "inwardly facing surface", "outwardly facing surface", and the like, are relative to a lower body garment that is appropriately sized and intended to be worn by an imaginary wearer standing in an upright position. As used herein, the term "continuous" is intended to encompass an elongated elastic member that is free of voids or breaks other than those specifically disclosed and/or claimed; it is also intended to encompass any textile layer that extends without interruption (e.g., voids, breaks, etc.). However, with respect to both the elongated elastic member and the textile layer, it is contemplated that two or more sheets, panels, etc. may be mechanically coupled where their respective ends meet (e.g., by a seam) to form a "continuous" structure, even if a seam line or small void is created.

Continuing, as used herein, the term "elongated elastic member" refers to any elastic member characterized by an elastic modulus and capable of resisting/storing kinetic energy during a portion of motion and releasing kinetic energy during a different portion of motion. Examples of the elongated elastic member may include an elastic band, strip, cable, etc., and may include any material having a desired modulus of elasticity, including natural and synthetic materials, such as natural rubber, or other elastomers, or combinations of materials having elastic properties. In some aspects, such materials may have an elastic modulus that exhibits stretch and recovery properties, allowing energy to be stored and released. As used herein, the term "about" means within ± 10% of a given value. The term "slit" refers to a cut, hole, or other through-member opening, including an opening formed between two elastic strips that have been joined (e.g., stitched) such that the area between their joints includes an opening that extends through the thickness of the elongated elastic member such that it provides a passage.

As used herein, the term "gripping yarn" as used herein refers to a yarn having a single yarn strand that may include up to 7000 or more filaments in number such that the single yarn strand has a denier per filament of less than or equal to about 0.01. In some aspects, the gripping yarn may comprise PET (commonly referred to as polyester). The large number of filaments provides a large surface-to-volume ratio for the single yarn strand, which contributes to the yarn gripping function. For purposes of the various descriptions, the large number of filaments within a single yarn strand provides a single yarn strand with a higher coefficient of friction than, for example, more typical yarns that include a smaller number of filaments within the single yarn strand (e.g., yarns that include, for example, 50 to 500 filaments per single yarn strand). As used herein, when referring to a lower body garment, terms such as "waist portion," "thigh region," "knee region," "calf region," "shin" and the like may be used to describe various locations on the leg portion of, for example, a lower body garment. These terms generally correspond to the lower body region of a wearer when the lower body garment is in a wear configuration and sized for a given wearer. As such, in one example, the knee region of the lower torso garment will correspond to the approximate knee region of the wearer.

Turning now to fig. 1, an elongate resilient member 100 for assisting athletic activities in accordance with aspects herein is shown. The elongated resilient member 100 includes a first end 104 and a second end 102. In aspects, the first end 104 may include a pair of anchor straps 108. The elongated resilient member 100 extends continuously along an intermediate length 106 between the first end 104 and the second end 102. In various aspects, the elongated elastic member 100 may include any one or more of the following: a first slit 114, a second slit 112, and a third slit 110. Each of the first, second, and

third slits

114, 112, 110, if any, is configured to define an opening for a portion of a wearer's leg. Each of the first slit 114, the second slit 112, and the third slit 110 may be disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated resilient member 100, wherein the longitudinal axis extends parallel to the intermediate length 106 and is centered along a centerline that generally bisects the width of the elongated resilient member 100.

The intermediate length 106 between the first end 104 and the second end 102 may be further divided into a plurality of sections. The first portion 126 of the elongated resilient member 100 may be defined as the portion between the first slit 114 and the point where the elongated resilient member 100 splits or bifurcates to form a pair of anchor straps 108. The second portion 124 of the elongated resilient member 100 may be defined as the portion between the first slit 114 and the second slit 112. The third portion 122 may be defined as a portion between the second slit 112 and the third slit 110. The fourth portion 120 may be defined as the portion between the third slit 110 and the second end 102.

In various aspects, the length of the first slit 114 may be about 20cm to about 30cm, or about 25 cm. The length of the second portion 124 may be about 4cm to about 7cm, or about 5.5 cm. The length of the second slit 112 may be about 15cm to about 25cm, or about 19 cm. The length of the third portion 122 can be about 5cm to about 8cm, or about 6.5 cm. The length of the third slit 110 may be about 6cm to about 10cm, or about 8 cm. The length or other dimension of the elongated resilient member 100, as well as any features, such as the intermediate length 106, the first slit 114, the first portion 126, the second slit 112, the second portion 124, the third slit 110, the third portion 122, and the fourth portion 120, may be different than that shown in fig. 1; FIG. 1 is for illustration purposes only and is not meant to be limiting. For example, in various aspects, the dimensions of the elongated elastic members may be longer or shorter, but in the same proportions relative to each other, as described herein for the dimensions. In various aspects, the elongated elastic member 100 is constructed of a single elastic material; however, it is contemplated herein that each of first portion 126, second portion 124, and third portion 122 may be configured with varying thicknesses, thereby imparting a variable modulus of elasticity between the various portions.

The elongated member 100 may include structure for attachment to the legs of a wearer and one or more features for anchoring the elongated member 100 to the torso of a wearer. In one aspect, the structure for attaching the elongated elastic member 100 to the leg of the wearer includes a third slit 110. The third slot 110 defines an opening that may be configured to receive a foot or shoe of a wearer. The elongated elastic member 100 may also include one or more features for anchoring the first end 104 to the torso of the wearer. In aspects, one or more features for anchoring may be anchors 128 located on one or more of the anchor bands 108. Although the anchors 128 are shown in fig. 1 as being located on two anchor straps 108, it is contemplated that the anchors 128 may be located on only one anchor strap 108. The anchors 128 may take the form of buttons, snaps, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, or any other mechanical structure that attaches the anchors 128 to a garment or article worn by the wearer (e.g., a belt), which in some aspects may include complementary attachment points (e.g., loops of a hook-and-loop, a convex side of a button for receiving a concave side on the anchor strap 108). In some aspects, the anchors 128 and the anchor straps 108 may be configured such that a first one of the anchor straps 108 wraps around the back side of the wearer's torso and is secured via the first anchor 128 to a second anchor 128 on a second one of the anchor straps 108, the second anchor strap 128 wrapping around the front side of the wearer's torso.

The elongated elastic member 100 may be worn in various configurations depending on the desired ergonomic effect of the wearer. For example, in certain wearing configurations, the first slit 114 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's thigh, the second slit 112 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's lower leg, and the third slit 110 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's foot (with or without a shoe). In such a configuration, the first portion 126 of the elongated elastic member 100 may be present on the front portion of the wearer's leg in a first zone (e.g., the thigh), the second portion 124 may be present on the back portion of the wearer's leg in a second zone (e.g., between the thigh and the lower leg), the third portion 122 may be present on the front portion of the wearer's leg in a third zone (e.g., the shin), and the fourth portion 120 may be distal from the foot in a fourth zone. In such a configuration, the elongated resilient member 100 may increase the joint moments associated with ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion, and hip flexion.

In an alternative configuration, the first slit 114 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's thigh, the second slit 112 may not be used, and the third slit 110 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's foot. In such a configuration, the first portion 126 of the elongated elastic member 100 may be present on the front portion of the wearer's leg in a first region (e.g., the thigh), the second portion 124 may be adjacent the rear portion of the wearer's leg in a second region, the third portion 122 may continue adjacent the rear portion of the wearer's leg in a third region and extend below the plantar surface of the foot on a rear side aspect, and the fourth portion 120 may be on the upper portion of the foot. In this configuration, the elongate resilient member 100 may increase the joint moments associated with ankle plantarflexion, knee flexion and hip flexion. The above-described on-wear configurations are merely two examples, and it is contemplated that many other configurations are possible based on the characteristics of the elongated elastic member 100.

Fig. 2A illustrates an aspect of an alternative exemplary elongated resilient member 200 for assisting athletic activities according to aspects herein. The elongated resilient member 200 includes a first end 204 and a second end 202. The elongated resilient member 200 extends continuously along an intermediate length 206 between the first end 204 and the second end 202. In various aspects, the elongated resilient member 200 may include any one or more of the following: a first slot 214, a second slot 212, a third slot 210, and a pair of holes 221. Each of the first slit 214, the second slit 212, the third slit 210, and the pair of apertures 221 may be disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated resilient member 200, wherein the longitudinal axis extends parallel to the medial length 206 and is centered along a centerline bisecting the width of the elongated resilient member 200. Each of the first slit 214, the second slit 212, and the third slit 210, if any, is configured to define an opening for a portion of a wearer's leg. The pair of apertures 221, if any, may be positioned adjacent to the second ends 202 (adjacent as used in this regard refers to within about 10cm of the respective second ends 202), and include a pair of slits or apertures configured to couple to one or more laces of a wearer's shoe.

The intermediate length 206 between the first end 204 and the second end 202 may be further divided into a plurality of portions. The first portion 226 of the elongated resilient member 200 may be defined as the portion between the first slot 214 and one or more anchors 228, the one or more anchors 228 being adjacent to the first end 204 (adjacent as used in this regard means within about 20cm of the respective first end 204). The second portion 224 of the elongated resilient member 200 may be defined as the portion between the first slit 214 and the second slit 212. The third portion 222 may be defined as a portion between the second slit 212 and the third slit 210. The fourth portion 223 may be defined as a portion between the third slit 210 and the pair of holes 221. The fifth portion 220 may be defined as the portion between the pair of holes 221 and the second end 202. It is contemplated herein that aspects that do not include one or more of the first slot 214, the second slot 212, the third slot 210, and the pair of holes 221 will therefore not include one or more of the first portion 226, the second portion 224, the third portion 222, the fourth portion 223, and the fifth portion 220. The length or other dimension of the elongated resilient member 200, as well as any features, such as the intermediate length 206, the first slit 214, the first portion 226, the second slit 212, the second portion 224, the third slit 210, the fourth portion 223, etc., may be different than that shown in fig. 2 a; fig. 2a is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting. In various aspects, the elongated elastic member 200 is constructed of a single elastic material; however, each of first portion 226, second portion 224, and third portion 222 may be configured to have varying thicknesses, thereby imparting a variable modulus of elasticity between the various portions.

The elongated elastic members 200 may include structure for anchoring to the legs of the wearer and one or more features for anchoring the elongated members 200 to the torso of the wearer. In various aspects, the elongated elastic member 200 may be anchored to the wearer's leg via the third slit 210 and at least one of the pair of holes 221. The third slot 210 defines an opening that may be configured to receive a foot or shoe of a wearer. In some aspects, the third slot 210 may receive a foot or shoe of a wearer in addition to a pair of holes 221 attached to the shoe of the wearer. The elongated elastic member 200 may also include at least one feature for anchoring the first end 204 to the torso of a wearer. As shown in fig. 2a, at least one feature for anchoring may be one or more anchors 228 located near first end 204. Although two anchors 228 are shown, the elongate resilient member 200 may include only one anchor 228 or up to four or more anchors 228. Each of the one or more anchors 228 may take the form of a button, a clasp, a magnet, a hook-and-loop fastener, or any other mechanical device that attaches the anchor 228 to a garment or item worn by the wearer (e.g., a leash), which, in some aspects, may include complementary attachment points (e.g., a loop of a hook-and-loop fastener, a male side of a button configured to receive a female side near the first end 204, etc.).

Fig. 2b illustrates an aspect of an elongated elastic member 201 for assisting athletic activities according to aspects herein. In addition to including the slits and the intermediate portion of the elongate elastic element 200, the elongate elastic element 201 may include one or more adjustment members 229. In some aspects, the elongate resilient member 201 may additionally include one or more anchors 228 of the elongate resilient member 200. Although the adjustment member 229 is shown adjacent the first end 204, the adjustment member 229 may additionally or alternatively be disposed in any one or more of the first portion 226, the second portion 224, the third portion 222, and the fourth portion 223. The adjustment feature 229 may include any mechanical device for adjusting the length (and thus the tension) of the elongated elastic member 200. For example, the adjustment feature 229 may take the form of a slider, bracket, hook and loop fastener, buckle and notch, or any other device that maintains the desired adjustment to withstand athletic activity. The length or other dimension of the elongated resilient member 201, as well as any features, such as the intermediate length 206, the first slit 214, the first portion 226, the second slit 212, the second portion 224, the third slit 210, the fourth portion 223, etc., may be different than that shown in fig. 2 b; fig. 2b is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting.

The elongated elastic member 200/201 may be worn in a variety of configurations depending on the desired ergonomic effect of the wearer. For example, in certain wear configurations, the first slit 214 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's thigh, the second slit 212 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's lower leg, and the third slit 210 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's foot (with or without a shoe). In this configuration, the first portion 226 of the elongated elastic member 200 may be located on an anterior portion of the wearer's leg in a first zone (e.g., the thigh), the second portion 224 may be present on a posterior portion of the wearer's leg in a second zone (e.g., between the thigh and the calf), the third portion 222 may be present on an anterior portion of the wearer's leg in a third zone (e.g., the shin), the fourth portion 223 may extend away from the anterior portion of the wearer's leg in a third zone (e.g., the shin), the pair of apertures 221 may be coupled to one or more laces on the wearer's shoe, and the fifth portion 220 may be adjacent to an upper side of the wearer's shoe. Alternatively, the elastic member 200 and/or the elastic member 201 may take other configurations, such as those described with respect to the elastic member 100.

Fig. 2c illustrates an aspect of an elongated elastic member 203 for assisting athletic activities according to aspects herein. In some aspects, any one or more of the elongated

elastic members

100, 200, 201, 300, and 400 may be constructed using features of the elongated elastic member 203. The elongated elastic member 203 may be comprised of a first elastic strip 240 and a second elastic strip 250. The first elastic strip 240 can be said to have a first edge 242 and a second edge 244 opposite the first edge 242. The second elastic strip 250 can be said to have a third edge 252 and a fourth edge 254 opposite the third edge 252. From the first end 204, the second edge 244 may be coupled to the fourth edge 254 by a first stitch 266 in the first portion 226. Proceeding toward the second end 202, each of the first strip 240 and the second strip 250 are twisted 180 degrees and remain uncoupled to form the first slit 214. Because each of the first strip 240 and the second strip have been twisted 180 degrees, the first edge 242 may be coupled to the third edge 252 via the second stitch 264 in the second portion 224. Continuing toward the second end 202, each of the first strip 240 and the second strip 250 may be twisted again 180 degrees and remain uncoupled to form the second slit 212. Because each of the first strip 240 and the second strip 250 have been twisted 180 degrees, the second edge 244 and the fourth edge 254 may be coupled by a third stitch 262 in the third portion 222. In aspects, the second end 202 of each of the first strip 240 and the second strip 250 may be coupled to a stirrup, to a shoe of the wearer, or may receive or be coupled to any other means for anchoring/coupling the second end 202 to the lower torso of the wearer.

Continuing, fig. 3 shows an alternative configuration of an elongated resilient member 300 for assisting athletic activities according to aspects herein. The elongated resilient member 300 includes a first end 304 and a second end 302. The elongated resilient member 300 extends continuously along an intermediate length 306 between the first end 304 and the second end 302. In various aspects, the elongated elastic member 300 may include any one or more of the following: a first slot 314, a second slot 312, and a stirrup 308. Each of the first slit 314 and the second slit 312 may be disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated elastic member 300, wherein the longitudinal axis extends parallel to the intermediate length 306 and is centered along a midline bisecting the width of the elongated elastic member 300. Each of the first slit 314, the second slit 312, and the stirrup 308, if any, is configured to define an opening for a portion of a wearer's leg.

The intermediate length 306 between the first end 304 and the second end 302 may be further divided into a plurality of portions. The first portion 326 of the elongated resilient member 300 may be defined as the portion between the first slot 314 and one or more anchors 328, the one or more anchors 328 being adjacent the first end 304. The second portion 324 of the elongated resilient member 300 may be defined as the portion between the first slit 314 and the second slit 312. The third portion 322 may be defined as the portion between the second slot 312 and the stirrup 308. The fourth portion 320 may be defined as the portion between the stirrup 308 and the second end 302. In various aspects, the elongated elastic member 300 is constructed of a single elastic material; however, each of first portion 326, second portion 324, and third portion 322 may be configured to have varying thicknesses, thereby imparting a variable modulus of elasticity between the various portions. The fourth portion 320 may include a non-slip coating having a relatively high coefficient of friction compared to other portions of the first elongate resilient member 300, such as silicon, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, or textured rubber on one or both surfaces of the resilient member 300. Fourth portion 320 may include texturing (e.g., bumps, waves, etc.), holes, or other three-dimensional features that enhance the ability of fourth portion 320 to remain in the as-worn configuration (e.g., configuring at least one surface of fourth portion 320 with a pattern that corresponds to and/or matches a portion of a shoe (e.g., tread of an outsole, holes on an upper, etc.). The above-described features may hold the stirrup 308 in place under the wearer's shoe or between the foot and the shoe worn by the wearer to prevent slippage or shifting during the performance of athletic activities.

The elongated member 300 may include structure for attachment to the legs of a wearer and at least one component for anchoring the elongated member 300 to the torso of a wearer. In various aspects, the elongated elastic member 300 may be attached to a wearer's leg via a stirrup 308, wherein the stirrup 308 defines an opening that may be configured to receive a foot or shoe of a wearer. The elongated elastic member 300 may also include at least one means for anchoring the first end 304 to the torso of the wearer. In various aspects, the at least one component for anchoring may be one or more anchors 328 located proximate the first end 304. Although only one anchor 328 is shown, the elongate resilient member 300 may include a plurality of anchors 328. Each of the one or more anchors 328 may take the form of a button, snap, magnet, hook and loop fastener, or any other mechanical device that attaches the anchor 328 to a garment or item (e.g., a belt) worn by the wearer.

The elongated elastic member 300 may be worn in various configurations depending on the desired ergonomic effect of the wearer. For example, in certain wearing configurations, the first slit 314 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's thigh, the second slit 312 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's lower leg, and the stirrup 308 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's foot or shoe. In such a configuration, the first portion 326 of the elongated elastic member 300 may be located on an anterior portion of the wearer's leg in a first zone (e.g., the thigh), the second portion 324 may be present on a posterior portion of the wearer's leg in a second zone (e.g., between the thigh and the lower leg), the third portion 322 may be present on an anterior portion of the wearer's leg in a third zone (e.g., the shin), and the fourth portion 320 may be adjacent to a plantar side of the wearer's foot, such as between the foot and an inner sole of a worn shoe or between an outer sole of the shoe and the ground.

Turning now to fig. 4, an elongate resilient member 400 for assisting athletic activities in accordance with aspects herein is shown. The elongated resilient member 400 includes a first end 404 and a second end 402. Elongate resilient member 400 extends continuously along an intermediate length between first end 404 and second end 402. In various aspects, the elongate elastic member 400 may take the form of any two of the elongate

elastic members

100, 200, 300 connected end-to-end with additional torso portions 408. Although each of the elongated

elastic members

100, 200, 300 is configured such that a different member is used for each leg, the elongated elastic member 400 is configured as a single member spanning both legs.

The elongated resilient member 400 may include any one or more of the following: a pair of first slits 414, a pair of second slits 412, and a pair of third slits 410. Each of the first pair of slits 414, the second pair of slits 412, and the third pair of slits 410 may be disposed longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated resilient member 400 and centered along a midline bisecting the width of the elongated resilient member 400. Each of the first pair of slits 414, the second pair of slits 412, and the third pair of slits 410, if any, is configured to define an opening for a portion of a wearer's leg. Although not shown in fig. 4, in addition to or instead of the pair of third slits 410, the elongated resilient member 400 may include a pair of holes at each of the first end 404 and the second end 402 configured to couple to a lace of a wearer's shoe and/or configured to receive a foot of a wearer or a stirrup of a worn shoe.

The intermediate length between first end 404 and second end 402 may be further divided into a plurality of sections, with each section being present on each side of torso portion 408. First portion 426 of elongate resilient member 400 may be defined as the portion between one of the first pair of slits 414 and adjustment feature 428, with adjustment feature 428 adjacent torso portion 408. The second portion 424 of the elongated resilient member 400 may be defined as the portion between one of the first pair of slits 414 and one of the second pair of slits 412. The third portion 422 may be defined as the portion between one of the second pair of slits 412 and one of the third pair of slits 410. A fourth portion 420 may be defined as the portion between one of the third pair of slits 410 and one of the first end 404 or the second end 402.

The elongated member 400 may include structure for attachment to the legs of a wearer and at least one component for anchoring the elongated member 400 to the torso of a wearer. In aspects, the elongated elastic member 400 may be attached to the wearer's legs via a third pair of slits 410. Each of the third pair of slits 410 defines an opening that may be configured to receive a foot or shoe of a wearer. In other aspects, the elongated elastic member 400 may include a stirrup adjacent each of the first end 404 and the second end 402 configured to receive a foot or a shoe of a wearer. Elongate elastic member 400 may also include at least one component for anchoring torso portion 408 to the wearer's torso. In various aspects, torso portion 408 may be anchored to the wearer's torso by having a length sufficient to allow the wearer to wrap torso portion 408 circumferentially around the torso, holding torso portion 408 in place over the waist or hips (e.g., a belt). In other aspects, torso portion 408 may include one or more mechanical anchors. Each of the one or more mechanical anchors may take the form of a button, snap, magnet, hook-and-loop fastener, or any other mechanical device for attaching torso portion 408 to a garment or item worn by a wearer (e.g., a belt). In other aspects, the torso portion 408 may be attached to the garment by stitching or other permanent attachment mechanisms (e.g., adhesive, welding, bonding, etc.).

The elongated resilient member 400 may include one or more adjustment features 428. Although two adjustment members 428 are shown in fig. 4, it is contemplated that more or fewer adjustment members may be provided in various portions of elongate elastic element 400. Similarly, although adjustment member 428 is shown between first portion 426 and torso portion 408, any one or more of adjustment member 428 may additionally or alternatively be disposed in any one or more of first portion 426, second portion 424, third portion 422, and torso portion 408. The adjustment feature 428 may be comprised of any mechanical device for adjusting the length (and thus the tension) of the elongated elastic member 400. For example, the adjustment feature 428 may take the form of a slider, bracket, hook and loop fastener, buckle and notch, or any other device that maintains the desired adjustment to withstand athletic activity.

The elongated elastic member 400 may be worn in various configurations depending on the desired ergonomic effect of the wearer. For example, in certain wear configurations, each of the first pair of slits 414 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's thigh, each of the second pair of slits 412 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's lower leg, and each of the third pair of slits 410 may define an opening for receiving a wearer's foot (with or without a shoe). In such a configuration, the first portion 426 of the elongated elastic member 400 may be present on the anterior portion of the wearer's leg in a first region (e.g., the thigh), the second portion 424 may be present on the posterior portion of the wearer's leg in a second region (e.g., between the thigh and the lower leg), the third portion 422 may be present on the anterior portion of the wearer's leg in a third region (e.g., the shin), and the fourth portion 420 may be adjacent the wearer's foot or the plantar side of the worn shoe.

While certain features of the various elongate elastic members have been discussed with respect to particular aspects, it is contemplated that each of the elongate elastic member 100, the elongate elastic member 200, the elongate elastic member 300, and the elongate elastic member 400 can have any combination of features disclosed with respect to any other aspect.

Turning now to fig. 5 a-5 d, front, outside, back, and inside views of a lower torso garment 500 in accordance with aspects hereof are depicted, respectively. In various aspects, and at a high level, the lower torso garment 500 may include a wearable garment to which an elongated elastic member, such as any of the elongated

elastic members

100, 200, 300, or 400, is applied. The lower torso garment 500 includes a torso portion 512, the torso portion 512 being configured to cover a lower torso portion of a wearer when the garment 500 is in an as-worn configuration. The lower torso garment also includes a first leg portion 504 and a second leg portion 506 extending from the torso portion 512, wherein the first leg portion 504 and the second leg portion 506 are configured to cover respective leg portions of a wearer when the garment 500 is in an as-worn configuration. Torso portion 512 defines a waist opening 502 configured to receive a wearer's torso. First leg portion 504 defines a first leg opening 505 and second leg portion 506 defines a second leg opening 507, through which second leg opening 507 a wearer's foot and/or lower leg, respectively, may extend.

In some aspects, the lower torso garment 500 includes a first elongate elastic member 516 and a second elongate elastic member 518, wherein the first elongate elastic member 516 is applied to the first leg portion 504 and a portion of the torso portion 512 adjacent to the first leg portion 504, and wherein the second elongate elastic member 518 is applied to the second leg portion 506 and a portion of the torso portion 512 adjacent to the second leg portion 506. In these aspects, the first elongate elastic member 516 may extend continuously from a first location adjacent the first leg opening 505 to a second location adjacent the waist opening 502, and the second elongate elastic member 518 may extend continuously from a third location adjacent the second leg opening 507 to a fourth location adjacent the waist opening 502. In other aspects, the first and second elongate

elastic members

516 and 518 may comprise a single elongate elastic member or be coupled (via, for example, stitching) to effectively create a single elongate elastic member (it is expressly contemplated that in such aspects, any one or more features relating to the first and/or second elongate elastic members may be incorporated into the right and/or left portions of a single elongate elastic member). In such an aspect, the single elongate elastic member may extend continuously from a first location adjacent the first leg opening 505, to a second location adjacent the waist opening 502, to a third location adjacent the second leg opening 507.

As best seen in fig. 5c, each of first and second elongate

resilient members

516 and 518 may include at least one adjustment feature 522 disposed adjacent torso portion 512. In some aspects, each of first and second elongate

elastic members

516 and 518 may include as few as one adjustment component 522 or more than one adjustment component 522 (e.g., three or more) adjacent torso portion 512. Further, each of the first and second elongated

resilient members

516, 518 may include a stirrup 554 and an optional stirrup adjustment feature 552. Although only one stirrup adjustment member 552 is shown in fig. 5a, each of the first and second elongated

resilient members

516 and 518 may include as few as one or as many as four stirrup adjustment members 552. The adjustment component 522 and stirrup adjustment component 552 may include any mechanical means for independently adjusting the length (and thus the tension) of each of the first and second elongated

elastic members

516 and 518. For example, the adjustment member 522 and stirrup adjustment member 552 may take the form of a slider, bracket, hook and loop fastener, buckle and notch, or any other device that maintains the desired adjustment to withstand athletic movements. In various aspects, the stirrup 554 may be detachably coupled to the first and/or second elongated

resilient members

516, 518 at the connection point 546 using at least one slider assembly, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or the like.

For example, referring to fig. 7a, it is contemplated herein that one or more regions of the lower torso garment 500 may include a first textile layer 510, shown in fig. 7a as a first textile layer 712, the first textile layer 712 having a first surface 714 and a second surface 716 opposite the first surface 714, and a second textile layer 718 having a third surface 720 and a fourth surface 722 opposite the third surface 720. While in other areas of the lower body garment 500, the lower body garment 500 may include only the first textile layer 712 and not the second textile layer 718. In areas of the lower body garment 500 that include the additional second textile layer 718, the third surface 720 of the second textile layer 718 is positioned adjacent the second surface 716 of the first textile layer 712 to form a channel 728 therebetween.

Returning to fig. 5 a-5 d, various regions of the lower torso garment 500 may include a first textile layer 510 and a second textile layer having a configuration such as that shown in fig. 7 a. In an exemplary aspect, the first textile layer 510 may form a majority of the lower torso garment 500. For example, it may form torso portion 512 and first and

second leg portions

504 and 506. With respect to the second textile layer, the lower body garment 500 may include an upper panel 514, which upper panel 514, when positioned adjacent the first textile layer 510, forms a two-layer construction (with the upper panel 514 being one layer and the first textile layer being a second layer), wherein the upper panel 514 may extend continuously from the inner thigh area to the front side of the respective first and

second leg portions

504, 506 to the opposite outer side of the torso portion 512, where it continues to the rear side of the lower body garment 500 adjacent the waist opening 502, as shown in fig. 5 b.

The lower torso garment 500 may also include a lower panel 544 that, when the lower panel 544 is positioned adjacent the first textile layer 510 that forms the first leg portion 504 and the second leg portion 506, forms a two-layer construction (the lower panel 544 being one layer and the first textile layer 510 being a second layer). In various aspects, a lower panel 544 may be provided on each of the lower leg portions of the lower body garment 500. More specifically, each

leg portion

504 and 506 may include a lower patch 544, in an exemplary aspect, the lower patch 544 extending circumferentially around the first and

second leg portions

504 and 506 in a lower or inferior aspect of the

legs

504 and 506 adjacent to the

leg openings

505 and 507, respectively. By positioning the textile layers adjacent to each other, as shown for example in fig. 7a, a channel or pocket may be formed in which the portions of the first and second elongated

elastic members

516 and 518 are disposed. Thus, each of the upper and

lower panels

514, 544 includes a plurality of outlet openings (described further below) through which one of the first and second elongate

resilient members

516, 518 passes.

In aspects, the lower body garment 500 may include one or more panels, such as an upper panel 514 and a lower panel 544, in portions of the first elongate elastic member 516 and/or the second elongate elastic member 518 of the lower body garment 500 adjacent to the first textile layer 510, distal from the second upper panel opening 524. In such an aspect, one or more panels may form the second textile layer and may create a channel for the first elongate elastic member 516 and/or the second elongate elastic member 518 such that the elongate elastic member is disposed between the first textile layer and the second textile layer along an entire length from the proximal opening (e.g., the second upper panel opening 524) to the distal opening (e.g., the third lower panel opening 542). That is, the first textile layer 510 and the second textile layer may cooperate to enclose the first elongated elastic member 516 or the second elongated elastic member 518 along the

entire leg portions

504 and 506 from an area distal from the adjustment component 522 to an area adjacent the stirrup 554.

In an exemplary aspect, the lower torso garment 500 may be considered as divided into a plurality of zones. Because these regions may be considered to be in approximately the same location on each side of the lower torso garment, any feature of the regions of first leg portion 504 and portions of torso portion 512 adjacent to first leg portion 504 is equally applicable to second leg portion 506 and portions of torso portion 512 adjacent to second leg portion 506. In various aspects, the first zone 520 exists between the waist opening 502 and the point at which the first elongated elastic member 516 separates to advance simultaneously medially and laterally along the thighs.

In the first region 520, the upper panel 514 may include a first upper panel opening 521 (see fig. 5c), a second upper panel opening 524 (see fig. 5a and 5c), and a waist opening 523 (see fig. 5 b). The first elongate elastic member 516 may be anchored to an anchoring band 517 by one or more anchors 519, the anchoring band 517 being positioned adjacent the waist opening 502 on a rear side aspect of the lower body garment 500 (the anchoring band 517 may be on a facing or front side of the first elongate elastic member 516 and the second elongate elastic member 518). Alternatively, the first elongate resilient member 516 may be directly anchored to the second elongate resilient member 518 by one or more anchors 519. Each of the one or more anchors 519 may take the form of a button, snap, magnet, hook and loop fastener, suture, adhesive, or any other mechanical device or chemical treatment for attaching the anchor strap 517 (or the second elongate resilient member 518) to the first elongate resilient member 516.

In other aspects, the upper panel 514 of the first zone 520 may not include the waist opening 523. In such an aspect, the first elongate resilient member 516 may be integrally formed with or coupled to the second elongate resilient member 518, with or without one or more anchors 519 and anchor straps 517. In addition, the upper panel 514 may include an integral channel through which one or more of the first and second elongate

elastic members

516, 518 may pass, which may hold the first and/or second elongate

elastic members

516, 518 in place to prevent proximal or distal slippage on the back side of the garment 500.

As shown in fig. 5a, the front side of the lower torso garment 500 may include a front side waist panel 570. A front side waist panel 570 may be present to resist forces generated by anchoring the first and/or second elongated

elastic members

516, 518 to the lower body garment 500 on the back side of the garment 500. As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view, the front side waist panel 570 may include two or more textile layers. In various aspects, the front side waist panel 570 may comprise four textile layers. The first and second front side waist panel layers 572, 574 may comprise a power mesh or similar base textile, the third front side waist panel layer 547 may comprise a compression textile (e.g., spandex, nylon spandex, neoprene, etc.), and the fourth front side waist panel layer 578 may comprise gripping yarns, wherein the first front side waist panel layer 572 is an outward facing layer of the front side waist panel 570, and wherein the fourth front side waist panel layer 578 is an inward facing layer (adjacent to the body of the wearer) of the front side waist panel 570.

As shown in fig. 5b, starting from the anchoring band 517, the first elongate elastic member 516 is advanced outboard adjacent the waist opening 502 and through the waist opening 523 into the channel formed between the upper panel 514 and the first textile layer 510. As best shown in fig. 7a, an elongated elastic member 730, such as the first elongated elastic member 516 of fig. 5a, is disposed in the channel 728 formed between the third surface 720 of the second textile layer 718 and the second surface 716 of the first textile layer 712. As shown in fig. 5c, the first elongate resilient member 516 is retained in the channel and extends outwardly to exit the channel at a first upper panel opening 521. The first elongate elastic member 516 is advanced down the outside of the torso portion 512 such that an inward facing surface of the first elongate elastic member 516 is positioned adjacent an outward facing surface of the upper panel 514 (e.g., with respect to the fourth surface 722 of the second textile layer 718 of fig. 7 a). In an exemplary aspect, the portion of the first elongate resilient member 516 may include an adjustment component 522. Turning to fig. 5a, the first elongate elastic member 516 re-enters the channel formed between the first textile layer 510 and the upper panel 514 at the second upper panel opening 524 and extends down and to the front side along the torso portion 512.

The second zone 530 may be defined as a zone that adjoins the first zone 520 and extends distally to a point on the front side portion of the lower leg portion 504, wherein the first elongated elastic member 516 integrally advances down the lower portion of the first leg portion 504. Proximal to the second region 530, the first elongate elastic member 516 is divided into a first branch 533 and a second branch 535, wherein the first branch 533 extends laterally outward around the first leg portion 504 and the second branch 535 extends laterally inward around the first leg portion 504. With respect to the first branch 533 of the first elongate resilient member 516, it exits the channel formed by the first textile layer 510 and the upper sheet 514 via the third upper sheet opening 532. Proceeding from this division to the inner side, the second branch 535 of the first elongate elastic member 516 remains in the channel formed by the first textile layer 510 and the upper sheet 514 to exit at a fourth upper sheet opening 531 positioned on the inner side aspect of the first leg portion 504 (visible in fig. 5 d). After extending around the lateral and medial aspects of the first leg portion 504 (e.g., as shown in fig. 5c), both the first branch 533 and the second branch 535 of the first elongate elastic member 516 are positioned on the posterior side of the first leg portion 504, as best shown in fig. 5 b.

As best shown in fig. 5b, the first branch 533 of the first elongated elastic member 516 is rejoined with the second branch 535 of the first elongated elastic member 516 on the posterior side of the first leg portion 504, generally at or below the knee region of the first leg portion 504 (e.g., at the calf region of the first leg portion 504). In aspects, the first leg portion 504 may be attached to the outward facing surface of the lower torso garment near the back side of the knee via one or more loops/cords, clasps, or other mechanical devices. By coupling the first elongate elastic member 516 to the lower torso garment 500, the elongate elastic member 516 is less likely to twist or shift during donning, doffing, or donning. After being recombined, the first elongate elastic member 516 again separates to form a third branch 536 and a fourth branch 537, wherein the third branch 536 extends laterally outward around the first leg portion 504 and the fourth branch 537 extends laterally inward around the first leg portion 504 toward the front of the first leg portion 504. At the lower end of the second zone 530, the third branch 536 of the first elongate elastic member 516 enters the first underpad opening 534 of the underpad 544, and the fourth branch 537 of the first elongate elastic member 516 enters the second underpad opening 538 on the inside of the first leg portion 504, as shown in fig. 5 d.

The third zone 540 can be defined as a zone that abuts the second zone 530 and extends distally to a point on the front portion on the lower leg portion of the first leg portion 504 at which the first elongated elastic member 516 is attached to the stirrup 554 or separated to form the stirrup 554. At the proximal end of the third region 540, the third 536 and fourth 537 branches of the first elongate elastic member 516 rejoin on the front side of the first leg portion 504 and progress down the lower leg in the channel formed by the first textile layer 510 and the lower panel 544. The first elongated elastic member 516 then exits the channel at the third underplate opening 542 and proceeds down the lower leg on the front side of the first leg portion 504 toward the stirrup 554.

The fourth zone 550 can be defined as a zone adjacent the third zone 540 and extending distally to the lower end of the stirrup 554. In various aspects, at the proximal end of the fourth region 550, the first elongate resilient member 516 can be detachably coupled to the stirrup 554. In aspects where the stirrup 554 is separable, the stirrup 554 may be separable at the attachment point 546 via stirrup coupling means (e.g., buttons, snaps, hook and loop, etc.), or the stirrup 554 may be attached to the first elongated resilient member 516 via a pair of stirrup adjustment members 552, which stirrup adjustment members 552 may double as both an attachment member and a length adjustment member. In other aspects, at the proximal end of the fourth region 550, the first elongate elastic strip 516 can be separated to form a stirrup 554. The stirrup 554 may include a non-slip coating, such as silicon or polyurethane, on one or both surfaces of the stirrup 554. A non-slip coating (e.g., a silicone deposit) may help hold the stirrup 554 in place under a wearer's shoe or between the foot and a shoe worn by the wearer to prevent slippage or shifting during performance of athletic activities. It is contemplated that the non-slip coating may be applied to any area and/or surface of the stirrup. In addition to or as an alternative to a non-slip coating, one or more tread-like elements may be implemented in conjunction with the stirrup to limit inadvertent slippage.

As shown in fig. 5e, in some aspects, the stirrup 554 may additionally include a plurality of treads 556, which may increase traction and prevent the stirrup 554 from slipping off the wearer's foot or shoe. The tread 556 may be formed in any pattern (e.g., triangular, as depicted in fig. 5 a) and may extend outward (proximally and toward the opening 507) from the proximal surface of the stirrup 554. Cross-sectional views of exemplary tread structures are depicted in fig. 8 a-8 d.

Fig. 8 a-8 d depict simplified cross-sections of various contemplated tread configurations that the stirrup 554 may incorporate, wherein the stirrup may be said to have a proximal surface 802 and a distal surface 804 opposite the proximal surface 802, and wherein the proximal surface 802 may be considered foot-facing and the distal surface 804 may be considered ground-facing (relative to the foot).

In a first aspect, fig. 8a depicts a tread option for a stirrup 554 having a proximal raised tread 806 on a proximal surface 802 having a proximal raised tread surface 808 and a distal recessed tread 809 on a distal surface 804 having a distal recessed tread surface 810, wherein the proximal raised tread surface 808 is in a plane adjacent to the plane of the proximal surface 802 of the stirrup 554 and wherein the distal recessed tread surface 810 is in a plane adjacent to the plane of the distal surface 804 of the stirrup 554.

In a second aspect, fig. 8b depicts a tread option for a stirrup 554 having a proximal raised tread 806 on a proximal surface 802 having a proximal raised tread surface 808, and a distal raised tread 812 on a distal surface 804 having a distal raised tread surface 814, wherein the proximal raised tread surface 808 is in a plane adjacent to the plane in which the proximal surface 802 of the stirrup 554 lies, and wherein the distal raised tread surface 814 is in a plane away from the plane in which the distal surface 804 of the stirrup 554 lies.

In a third aspect, fig. 8c depicts a tread option for a stirrup 554 having a proximal concave tread 816 on a proximal surface 802 having a proximal concave tread surface 818 and a distal convex tread 812 on a distal surface 804 having a distal convex tread surface 814, wherein the proximal concave tread surface 818 is in a plane away from the plane in which the proximal surface 802 of the stirrup 554 lies, and wherein the distal convex tread surface 814 is in a plane away from the plane in which the distal surface 804 of the stirrup 554 lies.

In a fourth aspect, fig. 8d depicts a tread option for a stirrup 554 having a proximal recessed tread 816 on a proximal surface 802 having a proximal recessed tread surface 818 and a distal recessed tread 809 on a distal surface 804 having a distal recessed tread surface 810, wherein the proximal recessed tread surface 818 is in a plane distal to the plane of the proximal surface 802 of the stirrup 554, and wherein the distal recessed tread surface 810 is in a plane proximal to the plane of the distal surface 804 of the stirrup 554.

Contemplated tread-like patterns can be formed by a variety of techniques. For example, additional material may be added or deposited on the stirrup to form the tread. The tread pattern may be molded with, in and/or on the stirrup. The tread pattern may be subtracted from or embossed into the stirrup. As such, in an example, it is contemplated that the tread-like pattern may be formed of the same or different material as the stirrup. The tread pattern may extend through the stirrup, and the tread-like elements may be positioned exclusively on the proximal surface of the stirrup. The tread pattern may be located exclusively on the distal surface of the stirrup. The tread-like pattern may be formed by individual elements or by a common unified material between tread-like elements.

It is contemplated that any combination of tread patterns may be implemented in a common stirrup. For example, a first tread pattern (e.g., fig. 8a) may be implemented in a first location (e.g., under the foot), and a second tread pattern (e.g., 8 b-8 d) may be implemented in a second location (e.g., medial and lateral to the first location). Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that two or more tread patterns may be incorporated in a common location of the stirrup. In an example, such adjustment of the tread pattern can be performed to impart different traction properties and/or sensory experiences to the wearer.

Returning to fig. 5 c-5 d, the stirrup 554 may be worn under the foot/shoe near the arch, heel or ball of the foot/shoe (different wearing configurations may impart different physiological or perceived physiological effects), as seen by the phantom position of the stirrup 554. As shown in fig. 5f, in some aspects, such as when the stirrup 554 is intended to be worn near the ball of the foot, the stirrup 554 may be configured as a straddle stirrup that is separated to form a first stirrup band 555 and a second stirrup band 557. In such an aspect, the ability of the first and second stirrup straps 555, 557 to straddle the front and rear sides of the foot's ball may improve the ability of the stirrup straps 554 to remain in a desired position relative to the foot's ball.

Thus, it is contemplated that the stirrup may be formed to include traction elements and/or a straddle configuration. As such, it is contemplated that one or more portions of the straddle stirrup may also include one or more tread-like features, as provided herein.

In various aspects, whether the stirrup 554 is detachably coupled to the first elongated elastic member 516 or the first elongated elastic member 516 is separated to form the stirrup 554, the stirrup 554 may be stowed or folded into a pocket or other similar stowage compartment incorporated into the lower torso garment 500, such as within about 12 inches of the respective first or

second leg opening

505, 507. The configurations and components in fig. 5 a-5 d are merely examples, and other configurations of sheets, components, etc. are contemplated herein.

Turning now to fig. 6 a-6 c, front, back, and side views, respectively, of a lower torso garment 600 in accordance with aspects herein are depicted. In various aspects, and at a high level, the lower torso garment 600 may include a wearable garment to which an elongated elastic member, such as elongated

elastic members

100, 200, 300, or 400, is applied. The lower torso garment 600 includes a torso portion 612, a first leg portion 604 and a second leg portion 606 extending from the torso portion 612. The torso portion 612 defines a waist opening 602, the waist opening 602 configured to receive a wearer's torso. The first leg portion 604 defines a first leg opening 605 and the second leg portion 606 defines a second leg opening 607, through which second leg opening 607 a respective foot or lower leg of the wearer may extend.

In some aspects, the lower torso garment 600 includes a first elongate elastic member 616 and a second elongate elastic member 618, wherein the first elongate elastic member 616 is applied to the first leg portion 604 and a portion of the torso portion 612 adjacent the first leg portion 604, and wherein the second elongate elastic member 618 is applied to the second leg portion 606 and a portion of the torso portion 612 adjacent the second leg portion 606. In these aspects, the first elongate elastic member 616 may extend continuously from a first location adjacent the first leg opening 605 to a second location adjacent the waist opening 602, and the second elongate elastic member 618 may extend continuously from a third location adjacent the second leg opening 607 to a fourth location adjacent the waist opening 602. In other aspects, the first and second elongate

elastic members

616 and 618 can comprise a single elongate elastic member or be coupled to effectively create a single elongate elastic member. In such an aspect, the elongate elastic member may extend continuously from a first location adjacent the first leg opening 605 to a second location adjacent the waist opening 602 to a third location adjacent the second leg opening 607.

As best shown in fig. 6a and 6c, each of first elongate resilient member 616 and second elongate resilient member 618 may include at least one adjustment feature 622 disposed adjacent torso portion 612. In some aspects, each of first elongate resilient member 616 and second elongate resilient member 618 may include as few as one adjustment feature 622 or more than one adjustment feature 622 adjacent torso portion 612. Further, each of the first and second elongated

resilient members

616, 618 may include a stirrup 654 and a stirrup adjustment component 652. Although only one stirrup adjustment component 652 is shown in fig. 6a, each of the first and second elongated

resilient members

616, 618 may include one or more stirrup adjustment components 652. Each of the adjustment component 622 and the stirrup adjustment component 652 may include any mechanical means for independently adjusting the length (and thus the tension) of each of the first elongated elastic member 616 and the second elongated elastic member 618. For example, the adjustment member 622 and stirrup adjustment member 652 may take the form of slides, brackets, hook and loop fasteners, buckles and notches, or any other means of maintaining the desired adjustment to withstand the athletic movements. In various aspects, the stirrup 654 may be detachably coupled to the first elongated resilient member 616 and/or the second elongated resilient member 618. In other aspects, whether the stirrup 654 is detachably coupled to the first elongated elastic member 616 or the first elongated elastic member 616 is separated to form the stirrup 654, the stirrup 654 may be stowed or folded into a pocket or other similar stowage compartment incorporated into the lower torso garment 600, such as within about 12 inches of the respective first leg opening 605 or second leg opening 607.

Similar to the lower body garment 500, in some areas the lower body garment 600 may include a bi-layer construction including a first textile layer 610 and a second textile layer positioned adjacent the first textile layer to form a channel therebetween, while in other areas the lower body garment 600 may include only the first textile layer 610 and no second textile layer. In an exemplary aspect, the lower body garment 600 can include one or more channel panels 614, wherein the channel panels 614 include a second textile layer positioned adjacent to the first textile layer 610 forming a majority (or all) of the lower body garment 600. One or more channel panels 614 extend circumferentially around the lower leg portions of the first and

second leg portions

604, 606 and then upwardly along the outboard aspect of the first and

second leg portions

604, 606 to the torso portion 612 where it terminates at the front side and extends across the rear side adjacent the waist opening 602. As previously described, the channel panel 614 may be used to form a channel or pocket in which one of the first elongate elastic member 616 and the second elongate elastic member 618 is at least partially disposed. Thus, the one or more channel panels 614 include a plurality of openings through which one of the first elongate resilient members 616 and the second elongate resilient members 618 pass. In portions of the lower body garment 600 (and/or the lower body garment 500) where the first elongate elastic member 616 is not disposed between the first textile layer 610 and the one or more channel panels 614, the first elongate elastic member may be disposed adjacent an outward facing surface of the first textile layer 610.

Fig. 6a to 6c illustrate how the lower torso garment 600 is considered to be divided into zones. Because these regions may be considered to be in approximately the same location on each side of the lower torso garment, any feature of the regions of the first leg portion 604 and the portion of the torso portion 612 adjacent the first leg portion 604 is equally applicable to the portions of the second leg portion 606 and the torso portion 612 adjacent the second leg portion 606. In various aspects, the first zone 620 exists between the waist opening 602 and the point at which the first elongated elastic member 616 separates to advance simultaneously medially and laterally along the thighs.

In the first region, the one or more channel panels 614 include a waist opening 623 (see fig. 6b), a first opening 621 (see fig. 6c), a second opening 624 (see fig. 6a and 6c), and a third opening 632 (see fig. 6 a). The first elongate elastic member 616 may be anchored to the lower body garment 600 and/or the second elongate elastic member 618 via one or more anchors 619 on the anchoring band 617. Each of the one or more anchors 619 can take the form of a button, snap, magnet, hook and loop fastener, or any other mechanical device that attaches the anchor strap 617 to the first elongate resilient member 616.

As shown in fig. 6b, starting with the anchoring band 617, the first elongate elastic member 616 advances outboard adjacent the waist opening 602 and through the waist opening 623 into the channel formed between the first textile layer 610 and the channel panel 614. As shown in fig. 6 b-6 c, the first elongated resilient member 616 is retained in the channel and extends outwardly to exit the channel at the first opening 621. First elongate elastic element 616 then travels down the lateral side of torso portion 612. In this position, the inward-facing surface of the first elongate resilient member 616 is adjacent the outward-facing surface of the channel sheet 614 (e.g., the fourth surface of the second textile layer with respect to fig. 7 a). The portion of the first elongate elastic element 616 includes at least one adjustment feature 622. Turning to fig. 6a, the first elongate elastic elements 616 re-enter the channels formed between the first textile layer 610 and the channel panel 614 at the second openings 624 and travel down the torso portion 612 along the front side of the torso portion 612.

The second region 630 may be defined as the region adjoining the first region 620 and extending distally to the point of the lower leg at which the first elongated resilient member 616 integrally progresses downward on the anterior portion of the shin region. In the second region 630, the one or more channel patches 614 include a fourth opening 634 (see fig. 6b), a fifth opening 636 (see fig. 6b), and a sixth opening 638 (see fig. 6 a). At the proximal end of the second region 630, the first elongate elastic member 616 is divided into a first branch 633 and a second branch 635, wherein the first branch 633 extends laterally outward about the first leg portion 604 and the second branch 635 extends laterally inward about the first leg portion 504. With respect to the second branch 365 of the first elongate resilient member 616, it exits the channel formed by the first textile layer 610 and the channel panel 614 via the third opening 632. Proceeding from this division to the outboard side, the first branches 633 of the first elongate elastic members 616 remain in the channel formed by the first textile layer 610 and the channel panel 614 to exit the fourth openings 634 positioned on the outboard side of the first leg portion 604. After extending around the lateral and medial aspects of the first leg portion 604 (e.g., as shown in fig. 6b), both the first branch 633 and the second branch 635 of the first elongate elastic member 616 are positioned on the posterior side of the first leg portion 604, as best shown in fig. 6 b.

As best shown in fig. 6b, the first branch 633 of the first elongated elastic member 616 is rejoined with the second branch 635 of the first elongated elastic member 616 on the rear side of the first leg portion 604 below the knee region of the first leg portion 604 (e.g., at the calf region of the first leg portion 504). After being recombined, the first elongate elastic member 516 again separates to form a third branch 639 and a fourth branch 637, wherein the third branch 639 extends laterally outward around the first leg portion 604 to re-enter the one or more channel panels 614 at the fifth opening 636 and continues to advance laterally outward toward the front of the first leg portion 604. Meanwhile, the fourth branch 637 extends around the first leg portion 604 toward the front side of the first leg portion 604 toward the inside. At the lower end of the second zone 630, the fourth branch 637 of the first elongate elastic member 616 re-enters the one or more channel panels 614 at a sixth opening 638 on the inside of the front portion of the first leg portion 604.

The third zone 640 can be defined as a zone that abuts the second zone 630 and extends distally to a point on the lower leg front side portion at which the first elongate elastic member 616 is attached to the stirrup 654 or detached to form the stirrup 654. In the third zone 640, the one or more channel panels 614 include a seventh opening 642 (see fig. 6 a). At the proximal end of the third zone 640, the third and

fourth branches

639, 637 of the first elongate elastic member 616 rejoin on the front side of the first leg portion 604 and progress down the lower leg in the channel formed by the first textile layer 610 and the channel panel 614. The first elongated resilient member 616 then exits the channel at the seventh opening 642 and proceeds down the lower leg on the front side of the first leg portion 604 toward the stirrup 654.

The fourth zone 650 can be defined as a zone adjacent the third zone 640 and extending distally to the lower end of the stirrup 654. In various aspects, at a proximal end of the fourth region 650, the first elongate resilient member 616 may be detachably coupled to the stirrup 654. In aspects in which the stirrup 654 is separable, the stirrup 654 may be separable via stirrup coupling components (e.g., buttons, snaps, hook and loop, etc.), or the stirrup 654 may be attached to the first elongated resilient member 616 via a pair of stirrup adjustment components 652, which stirrup adjustment components 652 may double as attachment components and length adjustment components. In other aspects, at the proximal end of the fourth region 650, the first elongate elastic strip 616 may be separated to form a stirrup 654. The stirrup 654 may include a non-slip coating, such as silicon or polyurethane, on one or both surfaces of the stirrup 654. The non-slip coating may hold the stirrup 654 in place under the wearer's shoe or between the foot and the shoe worn by the wearer to prevent slippage or shifting during the performance of athletic activities.

Fig. 7 a-7 c illustrate an exemplary configuration of portions of a lower body garment 500 and/or 600, according to aspects herein, including first

textile layers

510 and 610 and a second textile layer forming a channel therebetween. As described with respect to the lower body garment 500 and the lower body garment 600, and for example, fig. 7a, some portions of the lower body garments described herein include a

first textile layer

510 or 610 that includes a first textile layer 712 having a first surface 714 and a second surface 716 opposite the first surface 714 and a second textile layer 718 having a third surface 720 and a fourth surface 722 opposite the third surface 720, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer 718 is positioned adjacent the second surface 716 of the first textile layer 712 to form a channel 728 therebetween. In the first cross-section 710 shown in fig. 7a, the first and second textile layers 712, 718 can be coupled at a joint 726, adjacent a peripheral edge 724 (e.g., a free edge) of the second textile layer 718. The joint 726 may be a permanent mechanical joint (e.g., created by stitching), a temporary mechanical joint (e.g., using hook and loop fasteners), or any other desired manner of joining the first textile layer 712 to the second textile layer 718 (e.g., fabric welding, using an adhesive, etc.). Coupling the second textile layer 718 to the first textile layer 712 defines a channel 728 (i.e., pocket, void, gap) within which an elongate elastic member 730 (such as the first elongate elastic member 516 of the lower body garment 500 or the first elongate elastic member 616 of the lower body garment 600) can be disposed.

Fig. 7b illustrates, by cross-section 740, a second alternative construction configuration for coupling the second textile layer 718 to the first textile layer 712. In the cross-section 740, the second textile layer 718 is coupled to the first textile layer 712 via a first joint 726 and a second joint 727, the second joint being a distance 725 from the first joint 726, and wherein the second joint 727 is adjacent to the peripheral edge 724 of the second textile layer 718. Coupling the second textile layer 718 to the first textile layer 712 at the first joint 726 defines a channel 728 (i.e., pocket, void, gap) within which an elongate elastic member 730 (such as the first elongate elastic member 516 of the lower body garment 500 or the first elongate elastic member 616 of the lower body garment 600) can be disposed within the channel 728. Coupling the second textile layer 718 to the first textile layer 712 at the second joint 727 ensures that the second textile layer 718 remains adjacent to the first textile layer 712 at a distance 725 between the first coupling point 726 and the peripheral edge 724. First joint 726 and second joint 727 may be any joint formed by permanent mechanical joints (e.g., formed by stitching), temporary mechanical joints (e.g., using hook and loop fasteners), or by any other suitable joining method (e.g., textile welding, using an adhesive, etc.).

Fig. 7c illustrates yet another alternative configuration as shown in cross-section 760. In this regard, according to aspects herein, first textile layer 712 may be integrally knitted or woven with second textile layer 718. For example, first textile layer 712 and second textile layer 718 can be formed in a single knitting or weaving process. Cross-section 760 illustrates how first textile layer 712 and second textile layer 718 are integrally knitted or woven into a single layer 766 in first region 762. In second region 764, first textile layer 712 and second textile layer 718 are knitted or woven into discrete textile layers. Because textile layers 712 and 718 are integrally knitted or woven from single layer 766, yarns or other textile elements may extend from single layer 766 into second textile layer 718 and/or into first textile layer 712. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated within this document.

Some aspects of the invention have been described with reference to examples provided in the accompanying drawings. Additional aspects of the disclosure will now be described which may be related subject matter included in one or more claims or clauses of the present application or one or more related applications at the time of filing, but the claims or clauses are not limited to the subject matter described only in the following portions of this specification. These additional aspects may include features illustrated in the figures, features not illustrated in the figures, and any combination thereof. In describing these additional aspects, reference may be made to elements depicted in the figures for illustrative purposes.

As used herein and in conjunction with the claims set forth below, the term "any clause" or similar variations of the term are intended to be interpreted such that the features of the claims/clauses may be combined in any combination. For example, exemplary clause 4 may indicate the method/apparatus of any of clauses 1-3, which is intended to be construed such that the features of clause 1 and clause 4 may be combined, the elements of clause 2 and clause 4 may be combined, the elements of clauses 3 and 4 may be combined, the elements of clauses 1, 2, and 4 may be combined, the elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, the elements of clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, and/or other variations. Furthermore, the term "any of the clauses" or similar variations of the described terms is intended to include "any one of the clauses" or other variations of such terms, as indicated by the examples provided above.

Clause 1. a lower torso garment, comprising: a torso portion having a waist opening; a first leg portion and a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the first leg portion defining a first leg opening and the second leg portion defining a second leg opening; a first textile layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second textile layer positioned at least at a first area of the lower body garment, the second textile layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the first textile layer at the first area of the lower body garment; and a first elongate elastic member extending continuously from a first location adjacent the first leg opening to a second location adjacent the waist opening, the first elongate elastic member being disposed at least partially between the first textile layer and the second textile layer at the first region of the lower body garment.

Clause 2. the lower body garment of clause 1, wherein the first elongate elastic member is disposed on a front side of the lower body garment in a first zone, is disposed on a back side of the lower body garment in a third zone, and is disposed on an inner side and an outer side of the lower body garment in a second zone.

Clause 3. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the third zone is disposed between the first zone and the second zone.

Clause 4. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 1-3, the first elongate elastic member further comprising a stirrup configured to receive a foot of the wearer.

Clause 5. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 1-4, the first elongate elastic member further comprising one or more adjustment features operably configured to change a length of the first elongate elastic member.

Clause 6. the lower body garment of any of clauses 1-5, wherein at a second region of the lower body garment, the lower body garment includes the first textile layer and does not include the second textile layer, and wherein the first elongate elastic member is disposed adjacent to the second surface of the first textile layer at the second region.

Clause 7. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the first elongate elastic member further extends continuously from the second location adjacent the waist opening to a third location adjacent the second leg opening.

Clause 8. the lower body garment of any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the lower body garment further comprises a second elongate elastic member extending continuously from the third location adjacent the second leg opening to the second location adjacent the waist opening.

Clause 9. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the first elongate elastic member is coupled to the second elongate elastic member.

Clause 10. an elongated resilient member for assisting sports activities, comprising: a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an intermediate length therebetween; and at least a first slit and a second slit, each of the first slit and the second slit being disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated elastic member.

Clause 11. the elongate resilient member of clause 10, further comprising a third slit positioned adjacent the second end, the third slit disposed longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate resilient member.

Clause 12. the elongate elastic member of any of clauses 10 and 11, further comprising a pair of apertures positioned adjacent the second end, the pair of apertures configured to be coupled to a lace of a wearer's shoe.

Clause 13. the elongate elastic member according to any one of clauses 10-12, further comprising a stirrup extending from the second end, the stirrup configured to receive a foot of a wearer.

Clause 14. the elongate elastic member of any of clauses 10-13, further comprising an adjustment component coupled to the elongate elastic member, the adjustment component configured to operably adjust the length of the elongate elastic member.

Clause 15. a lower torso garment, comprising: a torso portion having a waist opening; a first leg portion and a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the first leg portion defining a first leg opening and the second leg portion defining a second leg opening; a first region, the first region comprising: a first textile layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second textile layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer is positioned adjacent the second surface of the first textile layer at the first region; a second region comprising the first textile layer and not the second textile layer; and an elongated elastic member extending continuously from a position adjacent the first leg opening to a position adjacent the waist opening to a position adjacent the second leg opening, the elongated elastic member being disposed between the first and second textile layers at the first region, the elongated elastic member also being disposed on the second surface of the first textile layer at the second region.

Clause 16. the lower body garment of clause 15, wherein the elongated elastic member is disposed in the first region on an outer side of the lower body garment and is disposed in the second region on an inner side of the lower body garment.

Clause 17. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 15 and 16, wherein the elongated elastic member further comprises a stirrup configured to receive a foot of the wearer.

Clause 18. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 15-17, wherein the second textile layer is integrally knitted or woven with the first textile layer.

Clause 19. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 15-18, wherein the second textile layer is a separate piece of fabric from the first textile layer, and wherein the first textile layer and the second textile layer are coupled together at one or more peripheral edges of the second textile layer.

Clause 20. the lower torso garment of any of clauses 15-19, wherein the elongated elastic member further comprises a plurality of adjustment features operably configured to change a length of the elongated elastic member.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. As many possible aspects may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. A lower torso garment, comprising: a torso portion having a waist opening; a first leg portion and a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the first leg portion defining a first leg opening and the second leg portion defining a second leg opening; a first textile layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second textile layer positioned at least at a first area of the lower body garment, the second textile layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the first textile layer at the first area of the lower body garment; and a first elongate elastic member extending continuously from a first location adjacent the first leg opening to a second location adjacent the waist opening, the first elongate elastic member being disposed at least partially between the first textile layer and the second textile layer at the first region of the lower body garment, wherein the first elongate elastic member is disposed on a front side of the lower body garment in a first zone, is disposed on a back side of the lower body garment in a third zone, and is divided into a first leg and a second leg, wherein in the second zone the first leg extends laterally outward about the first leg and the second leg extends laterally inward about the first leg.

2. The lower torso garment of claim 1, wherein the third zone is disposed between the first zone and the second zone.

3. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 2, the first elongate elastic member further comprising a stirrup configured to receive a foot of a wearer.

4. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 3, the first elongate elastic member further comprising one or more adjustment features operably configured to change a length of the first elongate elastic member.

5. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein at a second region of the lower torso garment, the lower torso garment includes the first textile layer and does not include the second textile layer, and wherein the first elongate elastic member is disposed adjacent the second surface of the first textile layer at the second region.

6. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first elongate elastic member further extends continuously from the second location adjacent the waist opening to a third location adjacent the second leg opening.

7. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower torso garment further comprises a second elongate elastic member extending continuously from a third location adjacent the second leg opening to the second location adjacent the waist opening.

8. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first elongate elastic member is coupled to the second elongate elastic member.

9. An elongated resilient member for assisting sports activities, comprising: a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an intermediate length between the first end and the second end; and at least a first slit and a second slit, each of the first slit and the second slit being disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated elastic member.

10. The elongated resilient member of claim 9, further comprising a third slit positioned adjacent the second end, the third slit disposed longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated resilient member.

11. The elongated resilient member of any one of claims 9 to 10, further comprising a pair of apertures positioned adjacent the second end, the pair of apertures configured to be coupled to a lace of a wearer's shoe.

12. The elongated elastic member according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a stirrup extending from the second end, the stirrup configured to receive a foot of a wearer.

13. The elongate elastic member according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising an adjustment component coupled to the elongate elastic member, the adjustment component configured to operably adjust a length of the elongate elastic member.

14. A lower torso garment, comprising: a torso portion having a waist opening; a first leg portion and a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the first leg portion defining a first leg opening and the second leg portion defining a second leg opening; a first region, the first region comprising: a first textile layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second textile layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer is positioned adjacent the second surface of the first textile layer at the first region; a second region comprising the first textile layer and not the second textile layer; and an elongated elastic member extending continuously from a location adjacent the first leg opening to a location adjacent the waist opening to a location adjacent the second leg opening, the elongated elastic member being disposed between the first textile layer and the second textile layer at the first region, the elongated elastic member further being disposed on the second surface of the first textile layer at the second region, wherein the elongated elastic member is divided into a first branch and a second branch, and wherein the first branch is disposed in the first region on an outer side of the lower body garment and the second branch is disposed in the second region on an inner side of the lower body garment.

15. The lower torso garment of claim 14, wherein the elongated elastic member further comprises a stirrup configured to receive a foot of a wearer.

16. The lower torso garment of any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the second textile layer is integrally knitted or woven with the first textile layer.

17. The lower torso garment of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the second textile layer is a separate piece of fabric from the first textile layer, and wherein the first textile layer and the second textile layer are coupled together at one or more peripheral edges of the second textile layer.

18. The lower torso garment of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the elongated elastic member further comprises a plurality of adjustment features operably configured to change a length of the elongated elastic member.

Claims

1. A lower torso garment, comprising: a torso portion having a waist opening; a first leg portion and a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the first leg portion defining a first leg opening and the second leg portion defining a second leg opening; a first textile layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second textile layer positioned at least at a first area of the lower body garment, the second textile layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the first textile layer at the first area of the lower body garment; and a first elongate elastic member extending continuously from a first location adjacent the first leg opening to a second location adjacent the waist opening, the first elongate elastic member being disposed at least partially between the first textile layer and the second textile layer at the first region of the lower body garment.

2. The lower torso garment of claim 1, wherein the first elongate elastic member is disposed on a front side of the lower torso garment in a first zone, on a back side of the lower torso garment in a third zone, and on an inner side and an outer side of the lower torso garment in a second zone.

3. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the third zone is disposed between the first zone and the second zone.

4. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 3, the first elongate elastic member further comprising a stirrup configured to receive a foot of a wearer.

5. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 4, the first elongate elastic member further comprising one or more adjustment features operably configured to change a length of the first elongate elastic member.

6. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at a second region of the lower torso garment, the lower torso garment includes the first textile layer and does not include the second textile layer, and wherein the first elongate elastic member is disposed adjacent the second surface of the first textile layer at the second region.

7. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first elongate elastic member further extends continuously from the second location adjacent the waist opening to a third location adjacent the second leg opening.

8. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lower torso garment further comprises a second elongate elastic member extending continuously from a third location adjacent the second leg opening to the second location adjacent the waist opening.

9. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first elongate elastic member is coupled to the second elongate elastic member.

10. An elongated resilient member for assisting sports activities, comprising: a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an intermediate length between the first end and the second end; and at least a first slit and a second slit, each of the first slit and the second slit being disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated elastic member.

11. The elongated resilient member of claim 10, further comprising a third slit positioned adjacent the second end, the third slit disposed longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated resilient member.

12. The elongated resilient member of any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising a pair of apertures positioned adjacent the second end, the pair of apertures configured to be coupled to a lace of a wearer's shoe.

13. The elongated elastic member according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a stirrup extending from the second end, the stirrup configured to receive a foot of a wearer.

14. The elongate elastic member according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising an adjustment component coupled to the elongate elastic member, the adjustment component configured to operably adjust a length of the elongate elastic member.

15. A lower torso garment, comprising: a torso portion having a waist opening; a first leg portion and a second leg portion extending from the torso portion, the first leg portion defining a first leg opening and the second leg portion defining a second leg opening; a first region, the first region comprising: a first textile layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second textile layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the third surface of the second textile layer is positioned adjacent the second surface of the first textile layer at the first region; a second region comprising the first textile layer and not the second textile layer; and an elongated elastic member extending continuously from a position adjacent the first leg opening to a position adjacent the waist opening to a position adjacent the second leg opening, the elongated elastic member being disposed between the first and second textile layers at the first region, the elongated elastic member also being disposed on the second surface of the first textile layer at the second region.

16. The lower torso garment of claim 15, wherein the elongated elastic member is disposed in the first region on an outer side of the lower torso garment and is disposed in the second region on an inner side of the lower torso garment.

17. The lower torso garment of any of claims 15 and 16, wherein the elongate elastic member further comprises a stirrup configured to receive a foot of a wearer.

18. The lower torso garment of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the second textile layer is integrally knitted or woven with the first textile layer.

19. The lower torso garment of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the second textile layer is a separate piece of fabric from the first textile layer, and wherein the first textile layer and the second textile layer are coupled together at one or more peripheral edges of the second textile layer.

20. The lower torso garment of any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the elongated elastic member further comprises a plurality of adjustment features operably configured to change a length of the elongated elastic member.