EP3439495A1

EP3439495A1 - Lower torso garment

Info

Publication number: EP3439495A1
Application number: EP17718272.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Abby BIODROWSKI; John Luong
Original assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2016-04-06
Filing date: 2017-04-05
Publication date: 2019-02-13
Also published as: US20200397063A1; CN109068762A; WO2017176845A1; US20170290374A1

Abstract

A lower torso garment (100) has a genital portion (120) or gusset having a single layer panel or a double layer panel including inner and outer layers. The genital portion (120) includes at least one pair of darts (124a, 124b) extending from a crotch region (144) to at least a lower front part of a pelvic portion (104) to provide comfort and/or support to the wearer. In a double layer panel, may have a single dart on an inner layer and a single dart on an outer layer.

Description

LOWER TORSO GARMENT CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[01] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/478,353 filed April 4, 2017, which is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/318,949, titled "LOWER TORSO GARMENT" and filed April 6, 2016. These applications, in their entirety, are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[02] Various forms of lower torso garments have been developed over the ages for both men and women. In particular, undergarments such as boxers and briefs as well as various athletic wear such as compression shorts made from various materials have been developed. Conventional men's undergarments and athletic wear have many known setbacks. For example, conventional men's undergarments do not always provide sufficient comfort or support for the male genitals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[03] Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[04] FIG. 1A is a front view of a garment according to some embodiments. FIG. IB is a rear view of the garment of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a front view of the garment of FIG. 1A in an inside-out configuration. FIG. ID is a bottom view of the garment of FIG, I A. FIG. I E is a right side view of the garment of FIG. I A.

[05] FIG. 2A is a front view of a garment according to some additional embodiments. FIG. 2B is a front view of the garment of FIG. 2A in an inside-out configuration. FIG. 2C is a right side view of the garment of FIG. 2A.

[06] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G each show an orientation of darts in a genital portion of a garment according to some additional embodiments. [07] FIGS 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, and 4H show orientations of darts on inner and outer layers of a genital portion of a garment according to some additional embodiments.

[08] FIG. 5 A is a front view of a garment according to some further embodiments. FIG. 5B is a rear view of the garment of FIG. 5 A. FIG. 5C is a front view of the garment of FIG. 5A in an inside-out configuration.

[09] FIG. 6A is a front view of a garment according to some additional embodiments. FIG. 6B is a front view of the garment of FIG. 6A in an inside-out configuration.

[10J FIG. 7A shows a genital portion of a garment having a dart shown as a visible seam on one side of a layer and FIG. 7B shows the dart as an invisible seam on the other side of the layer.

[11] FIG. 8 A is a front view of a garment according to some additional embodiments. FIG. 8B is a front view of the garment of FIG. 8A in an inside-out configuration.

112] FIG. 9A shows an outer layer of a genital portion of a garment and FIG. 9B shows an inner layer of the genital portion.

[13] FIGS. 10A, 10B, IOC, and 10D show an embodiment of multiple layer construction of the genital portion and FIGS, 10E, 10F, LOG, and 10H show an alternative embodiment of multiple layer construction of the genital portion.

[14] FIG. 11 shows a pattern piece for a genital portion in accordance with one embodiment.

[15] FIG. 12 shows pattern pieces for a garment of FIG. 1 having the pattern piece for the genital portion in accordance with FIG. 1 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[1.6] In at least some embodiments, a garment can comprise an undergarment such as boxer-style or briefs-style underwear, long underwear, or compression style athletic wear such as compression pants having legs of various lengths or swim wear. The garment may be suitable to wear as an undergarment or as an exterior garment. As described in detail below, the garment may have a darted construction in crotch, genital, and/or suprapubic regions of the garment. This darted construction provides shaping and volume for a comfortable fit without the need for heavy seaming.

[17] As used herein, "configured for wear" refers to a garment being generally ready for wear by a person for whom the garment is properly sized. "Configured for wear" can contemplate some amount of adjustment or additional configuration such as opening and/or closing fasteners (zippers, hook and loop (e.g., VELCRO), snaps, etc.), and/or some amount of expansion such as one or more elastic regions and/or tight and loose fitting regions. Garments according to various embodiments may be worn under other articles of apparel, over other articles of apparel, or may be worn alone. Accordingly, the configuration of the garment and the manner in which the garment is worn by an individual may vary.

[18] For convenience, the following description names some portions of garments based on corresponding anatomical regions. In particular, the names of some portions of a garment may correspond, at least in part, to anatomical regions that will be covered (in whole or part) by those portions when the garment is worn by a person for whom the garment is configured for wear. In some cases, two or more portions may be joined to one another along a seam. In other cases, two or more portions may be separate parts or regions of a single continuous fabric panel and may lack a seam between those portions.

[19] In at least some embodiments, a lower body garment is configured to generally cover at least the pelvic area of the individual for whom the garment is configured for wear. That pelvic area may include the front, sides, and rear of the pelvis including generally the hip bones, buttocks, and crotch region. The crotch region is generally the bottom of the pelvis where the legs join the torso and generally includes the perineum. A lower body garment such as briefs or bikinis may generally cover all or part of the pelvic area but not extend down the legs. A lower body garment such as a string bikini, thong, or G-string generally covers the crotch area, genitals, and anus, and leaves part or most of the buttocks uncovered. The back of a bikini, thong, or G-string type of garment typically is a thin waistband and a thin strip of material designed to be worn between the buttocks that connects the middle of the waistband with the bottom front of the garment. A lower body garment such as short pants or brief-style underwear, tights, leggings, long pants or underwear, or capris, may surround and cover a portion of the legs in addition to the pelvic area. Shorts, for example, may have leg portions that surround the leg and extend partway down the legs such as partway down the thighs or to the knee regions. Capris may have leg portions that surround the legs and extend partway down the legs to beneath the knees to above the ankle regions. Long pants, tights, or leggings may have leg portions that surround the legs and extend to around the ankle regions. Embodiments include garments without leg portions as well as garments with leg portions of any length.

[20] In accordance with at least some embodiments, a lower body garment may include a panel or gusset covering and supporting the genital area. Such panel or gusset may be one layer (a single layer panel), two layers (a double layer panel), or three or more layers. Each layer may be the same or different. For example, a single layer panel may be utilized to provide a lighter weight, more breathable garment. Two or more layers may be utilized to address modesty concerns or moisture management, for example a layer next to the skin may^¬ be moisture wicking to draw moisture away from the body. Middle layers, for example, maybe used to provide further moisture wicking materials or thermal comfort in, for example, thermal long underwear.

[21] FIGS. 1A-1E depict various views of a shorts-type garment 100 according to some embodiments. Garment 100 is configured for wear as a lower body garment and includes a double layer panel or gusset covering the genital described below. FIG. 1A is an outside front view of garment 100 in an outside-out configuration. FIG. IB is a rear view of garment 100 in the outside-out configuration. FIG. 1C is a front view of garment 100 in an inside-out configuration. FIG. ID is a bottom view of garment 100 in the outside-out configuration, FIG. IE is a right side view of garment 100 in the outside-out configuration. Indicated in FIGS. lA, IB, and ID is the location of a midsagittal plane M of an individual wearing garment 100. Reference to a midsagittal plane of a garment, or to another standard anatomical plane of a garment, refers to that plane of the garment wearer.

[22] Garment 100 has a pelvic portion 104. Pelvic portion 104 is configured to extend around the pelvic region of a torso of a human for whom garment 100 is configured for wear. As indicated above, that pelvic region includes a front, sides, and a rear. Garment 100 further includes a pair of leg portions 140a, 140b, each of which extends around the front, sides, and back of a corresponding leg. The top of pelvic portion 104 may cover the navel, extend to the navel, or end below the navel. Whereas pelvic portion 104 has a configuration that covers portions of a pelvis of an individual, right leg portion 140a and left leg portion 140b extend downward and are configured to respectively cover portions of right and left legs of the individual.

[23J An upper area of pelvic portion 104 defines a waist opening 108, and lower areas of leg portions 140a, 140b define a pair of leg openings 142a, 142b, respectively. A center of the lower end of the pelvic portion forms a crotch region 144 located between right leg portion 140a and left leg portion 140b. An interior of the garment is accessible through the waist opening 108 and through right leg opening 142a and left leg opening 142b.

[24] Pelvic portion 104 includes a right pelvic portion 104a, a left pelvic portion 104b, and an upper central pelvic portion 104c. Right pelvic portion 104a is configured to extend over right inguinal and right groin regions, across the right hip and across the right buttock. Left pelvic portion 104b is configured to extend over left inguinal and left groin regions, across the left hip and across the left buttock. Upper central pelvic portion 104c spans a part of the front central pelvic region between right pelvic portion 104a and left pelvic portion 104b. A genital portion 120 is positioned under upper central portion 104c and between right pelvic portion 104a and left pelvic portion 104b. Genital portion 120 is configured to cover the genital area (front perineal and lower pubic regions) and to extend at least from a front part of the crotch region 144, toward the waist opening 108 on a front side of the garment and over the upper pubic region. Upper central pelvic portion 104c and genital portion 120 may generally be centered between front edges of pelvic portions 104a and 104b. The genital- portion 120 may have a panel with a single layer, double layer, or multiple layer construction that includes inner and outer layers. A double layer construction may have an inner layer 130, as seen in FIG. 1 C, and an outer layer 122, as seen in FIG. 1A.

[25] The top edge of upper central pelvic portion 104c, the top edge of right pelvic portion 104a, and the top edge of left pelvic portion 104b may be joined to waist band 138. The top edge of the genital portion 120 and the bottom edge of upper central pelvic portion 104c may be connected by a seam 114. In the embodiment of garment 100, seam 114 is arched to provide additional stability and support to genital portion 120. In other embodiments a seam between an upper central pelvic portion and a genital portion may be straight. The side edges of the upper central pelvic portion 104c are joined to portions of edges of right and left pelvic portions 104a, 104b along portions of seams 112a and 12b. In some embodiments, one or more of seams 112a, 1 12b, 114, 116 (described below), or 1 18 (also described below) may be omitted. In some embodiments, for example, one or more portions of a garment (e.g., a pelvic portion) may be formed by a knitting or weaving process (e.g., circular knitting, flat- knitting, etc.) so as to create seamless transitions between certain portions,

[26] The width of the upper central pelvic portion 104c may generally correspond to the width of the top of the genital portion 120 where they are connected and such width may be any suitable width but generally covers about 1/6 to 1/2, generally about 1/3, of the total width of the front of the garment. The width of the genital portion generally decreases toward the crotch region of the double layer portion.

[27] Genital portion 120 generally extends between the legs, covering the entire crotch area. As seen in FIG. I D, genital portion 120 may extend at least to the rear of the perineal region ending at seam 1 16. A further seam 118 may connect edges of right and left pelvic portions 104a, 104b along a center of the rear of garment 100, The location, design, and size of genital portion 120 may be based on aesthetics, comfort, and support for the wearer of the garment.

[28] In other embodiments, a garment may have any of various alternative constructions. In some embodiments, for example, a right pelvic portion, a left pelvic portion, and an upper center pelvic portion may be constructed from fewer or from more pieces of than are indicated in FIGS. 1A through IE. Different types of material may be used for different portions. For example, the front of a right pelvic portion and of a left pelvic portion may be one type of material whereas the back of that right pelvic portion and of that left pelvic portion may be of a different material. As another example, right and left pelvic portions may be formed from a single piece of material that extends from the right front pelvic region, around the buttocks region of the pelvic region, to the left front pelvic region. Materials used for one or more portions of a garment may differ based on the type(s) of natural or synthetic material(s) used for threads, filaments, etc., in the material, and/or based on the structure into which those threads, filaments, etc. are formed (e.g., the type of woven and/or knitted structure), and/or based on color or other aesthetic characteristics.

[29] As seen in FIGS. 1 A-1E, inner layer 130 and outer layer 122 may be attached at their respective edges via seams 112a, 112b, 114, and 116 so that no opening is present between genital portion 120 and pelvic portions 104a, 104b, 104c. Advantages of having no openings may include modesty, better support, and less seaming over sensitive regions resulting in, for example, less chaffing and better comfort than garments having such openings. In other embodiments, inner layer 130 and outer layer 122 may be attached to each other only at their top and bottom edges (seams 1 14 and 1 16) or at their top and bottom edges (seams 114 and 116) and one side edge (e.g. seam 1 12a) to allow access through one or both sides to the interior of the garment.

[30] The embodiment of garment 100 has a pair of darts on the inner layer (darts 132a, 132b) and a pair on the outer layer (darts 124a, 124b), resulting in a total of four darts. In some embodiments only the outer layer has a pair of darts and in some additional embodiments only the inner layer has a pair of darts. As seen in Fig. LA and Fig. ID, each pair of darts may extend from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion and may be displaced from one another in a left-right direction. As shown in Fig. IE, the darts may define a forward! y bulging pouch 134 in genital portion 120 providing comfort, support, and stability. The shape and size of each of outer layer 122 and inner layer 130 may^¬ be configured to provide the desired volume and three-dimensionality outcome and may be positioned to keep any seams away from sensitive regions such as below and to the sides of such regions.

[31] In the example embodiment of garment 100 shown in FIGS. lA- IE, darts 124a, 124b, 132a, and 132b have a particular configuration that comprises inclination of darts 124a and 132a toward a centerline of genital portion 120. There is an inclination of darts 124ab and 132b toward a centerline of genital portion 120 in a mirror image to darts 124a and 132a, respectively. Although not separately shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the centerline of genital portion 120 would coincide with the portion of midsagittal plane M that passes through genital portion 120. In the dart configuration of garment 100, the bottom ends of darts 124a and 132a in crotch region 144 are further from centerline CL than top ends of darts 124a and 132a, and the bottom ends of darts 124b and 132b in crotch region 144 are further from centeriine CL than top ends of darts 124b and 132b. See FIGS. 3A-3G for indication of centerline CL.

[32] In other embodiments, darts in a genital portion may have any of a variety of different configurations. Examples of dart configurations according to some embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3A-3G. Dart configuration, which may include locations, lengths, curvatures and/or angles of the darts, may be selected to provide a desired amount of volume (or "cupping") and support. The amount of volume needed may vary amongst various users and garments may be offered in various sizes and configurations to accommodate the variety of shapes and sizes of different intended wearers. The length of the darts may depend on where the darts begin and end. In some embodiments, darts are positioned to avoid being so close together so as to form a 'point' or 'peak' that may cause discomfort to the user and unsightly protrusions from the material. The actual distance between the darts will depend on the size of the garment, for example, garments made for youths will be smaller and have a smaller distance threshold than adults. However, by way of example, minimum distance thresholds between the darts for adult garments may be at least I cm, or at least 2 cm, or at least 3 cm, or at least 4 cm, or at least 5cm, measured at the shortest distance between the darts. The width between the darts can be adjusted to flatten out the face of the pouch or provide more curve to the pouch depending on the desired garment.

[33] Pairs of darts on the inside layer, outside layer, or both layers, may extend generally upward from the crotch region toward the waistband in a generally straight direction, in a curved direction, or in a combination of straight and curved directions. In some embodiments, the curvature of the dart may change from at least a first curvature orientation to a second curvature orientation. For example, a dart may have at least one concave section relative to a genital portion centerline, and at least one convex section relative to the genital portion centerline.

[34] FIGS. 3A-3G depict genital portions having darts configurations according to additional embodiments. The dart configurations shown in FIGS. 3A-3G may be used on an inner layer and/or an outer layer. Each genital portion depicted in FIGS. 3A to 3G represents an alternative configuration to genital region 120 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, and which may be incorporated into garment 100 in lieu of genital portion 120.

[35] Each of FIGS. 3A-3G is a front view of a genital portion according to a different embodiment. In each of FIGS. 3A-3G, the genital portion is in flattened form, and a centerline is indicated. Once incorporated into a garment, the indicated centerline would coincide with a midsagittal plane of the garment. Also indicated in each of FIGS, 3 A-3G are edges that will be joined to other portions so as to form seams similar to seams 112a, 112b, 1 14, and 1 16 of garment 100. For illustration purposes, the darts are shown on an outer layer of a genital portion in each of FIGS. 3A-3G. The darts on an inner layer may be of the same or different shape or of the same or different length, or both the same shape and length, as the darts on the outer layer. For example, differently shaped/sized darts between the layers may be used to achieve target 3-D configurations of the genital portion. The darts may be positioned in corresponding areas of the inner and outer layers or in different areas of the inner and outer layers, as discussed below in connection with FIGS. 4A-4H.

[36] FIG. 3A depicts a configuration in which darts 124a¹ and 124b¹ in an outer layer 122¹ of a genital portion 120¹ are generally straight and extend upward and inward from the crotch toward the waistband. The configuration in FIG. 3A is similar to the dart configuration of genital portion 120 of garment 100, with darts 124a¹ and 124b¹ inclined at their top ends toward centerline CL¹. Once incorporated into a garment, darts 124a¹ and 124b¹ would still be inclined toward centerline CL¹, but the inclination (when viewed from the front of the garment) would change slightly because of genital portion 120¹ wrapping under the crotch region. Moreover, darts 124a¹ and 124b¹ would have a curved appearance when view from the side of the garment as worn (in a view similar to that of FIG, I E). Also indicated in FIG. 3A is an edge 194¹ that could be joined to an edge of an upper central pelvic portion to form a seam similar to seam 114, edges 192a¹ and 192b¹ that could be joined to edges of right and left pelvic portions to form seams similar to seams 1 12a and 1 12b, and an edge 196¹ that could be joined to edges of right and left pelvic portions to form a seam similar to seam 116.

[37] FIG. 3B depicts a configuration in which darts 124a and 124b² in an outer layer 122² of a genital portion 120² that are curved with a "C" or backwards "C" shape. In the configuration of FIG. 3B, the darts extend first upward and inward from the crotch and then upward and outward toward the waistband. The curves in shown FIG. 3B are exaggerated for purposes of illustration and may be less pronounced in some embodiments. Each of the "C" shapes is convex toward centeriine CL². Bottom and top ends of each of darts 124a² and 124b² are further from centeriine CL² than parts of those darts between the ends. Once incorporated into a garment, darts 124a² and 124b² would still be have "C" and backwards "C" shapes that are convex toward centeriine CL², but those shapes (when viewed from the front of the garment) would change slightly because of genital portion 120² wrapping under the crotch region. Also indicated in FIG. 3B are edges 194², 192a², 192b², 196² that could be joined to edges of other gannent portions to form seams similar to seams 114, 112a, 112b, and 1 16, respectively.

[38] FIG. 3C depicts a configuration in which darts 124a³ and 124b^J in an outer layer 122^J of a genital portion 120³ are curved with a "J" or backwards "J" shape. In the configuration of FIG. 3C, the darts extend first upward and inward from the crotch and then generally straight upward toward the waistband. The curves in shown FIG. 3C are exaggerated for purposes of illustration and may be less pronounced in some embodiments. Each of the "C" shapes is convex toward centeriine CL³. Bottom ends of each of darts 124a³ and 124b³ are further from centeriine CL³ than parts of those darts between the ends and top ends. Once incorporated into a garment, darts 124a" and 124b ³ would still be have "C" and backwards "C" shapes that are convex toward centeriine CL³, but those shapes (when viewed from the front of the garment) would change slightly because of genital portion 120³ wrapping under the crotch region. Also indicated in FIG. 3c are edges 194³, 192a³, 192b³, 196³ that could be joined to edges of other garment portions to form seams similar to seams 1 14, 1 12a, 1 12b, and 116, respectively.

[39] FIG. 3D depicts a configuration in which darts 124a⁴ and 124b⁴ in an outer layer 122⁴ of a genital portion 120⁴ are generally straight and extend upward and inward from the crotch and then curve upward and inward from the waistband. The curves in shown FIG. 3D are exaggerated for purposes of illustration and may be less pronounced in some embodiments. Each of the "C" shapes is concave toward centeriine CL⁴. Bottom ends of each of darts 124a⁴ and 124b⁴ are further from centeriine CL⁴ than the top ends. Once incoiporated into a garment, darts 124a⁴ and 124b⁴ would still be have backwards "C" and "C" shapes that are concave toward centeriine CL⁴, but those shapes (when viewed from the front of the garment) would change slightly because of genital portion 120⁴ wrapping under the crotch region. Also indicated in FIG. 3D are edges 194⁴, 192a⁴, 192b⁴, 196⁴ that could be joined to edges of other garment portions to form seams similar to seams 114, 1 12a, 112b, and 116, respectively

[40] FIG. 3E depicts a configuration in which darts 124a⁵ and 124b⁵ in an outer layer 122⁵ of a genital portion 120⁵ are curved with an "S" or backwards "S" shape. In the configuration of FIG 3E, the darts extend first inward, then upward and outward, then upward and inward from the crotch toward the waistband. The curves in shown FIG. 3E are exaggerated for purposes of illustration and may be less pronounced in some embodiments. Each of the "S" shapes is convex then concave toward centerline CL⁵. Bottom ends of each of darts 124a⁵ and 124b⁵ are further from centerline CL⁵ than parts of those darts between the ends and top ends. Once incorporated into a garment, darts 124a³ and 124b⁵ would still be have "S" and backwards "S" shapes that are convex and concave toward centerline CL⁵, but those shapes (when viewed from the front of the garment) would change slightly because of genital portion 120⁵ wrapping under the crotch region. Also indicated in FIG. 3E are edges 194⁵, 192a⁵, 192b⁵, 196⁵ that could be joined to edges of other garment portions to form seams similar to seams 1 14, 112a, 112b, and 1 16, respectively.

[41] FIG. 3F depicts a configuration in which darts 124a⁶ and 124b⁶ in an outer layer I22⁶ of a genital portion 120⁶ are curved with a backwards "S" or "S" shape. In the configuration of FIG. 3F, the darts 124a⁶ and 124b⁶ extend first upward, then upward and inward, then upward and outward from the crotch toward the waistband. The curves in shown FIG 3F are exaggerated for purposes of illustration and may be less pronounced in some embodiments. Each of the "S" shapes is concave then convex toward centerline CL⁶. Bottom and top ends of each of darts 124a⁶ and 124b^fJ are further from centerline CL⁶ than parts of those darts between the ends. Once incorporated into a garment, darts 124a⁶ and 124b⁶ would still be have backwards "S" and "S" shapes that are concave and convex toward centerline CL⁶, but those shapes (when viewed from the front of the garment) would change slightly because of genital portion 120⁶ wrapping under the crotch region. Also indicated in FIG 3E are edges 94⁶, 192a⁶, 92b⁶, 196⁶ that could be joined to edges of other garment portions to form seams similar to seams 114, 1 12a, 112b, and 116, respectively i Z

[42] FIG. 3G depicts a pair of darts that are generally parallel and extend upward from the crotch toward the waistband. Bottom ends of each of darts 124a⁷ and 124b' are approximately the same distance as the top ends from the center line CL³. Once incorporated into a garment, darts 124a⁷ and 124b⁷ would change slightly because of genital portion 120⁷ wrapping under the crotch region. Also indicated in FIG. 3G are edges 194⁷, 192a⁷, 192b⁷, 196⁷ that could be joined to edges of other garment portions to form seams similar to seams 1 14, 112a, 112b, and 1 16, respectively

[43] Dart curvatures can be used to control the shape and volume of a pouch formed in a genital region. One end of darts may be positioned at or near a back seam such as seam 116 near side seams (such as seams 1 12a and 1 12b) of a genital portion. The length of the darts may depend on the amount of support desired in the genital portion. The darts may generally extend 1/4 to 1/3 the length of the double panel - the length of the double panel being the direction from the crotch region toward the waistband. The distance between the darts varies depending on the shape of the darts but generally the width is larger at the bottom of the panel and narrows as the darts extend upward or narrows and then widens as the darts extend upward.

[44] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict configurations of pairs of darts that may be utilized in a genital portion having double layer in accordance with one embodiment. In particular, FIG. 4A depicts a pair of darts 424a¹¹ and 424b¹¹ that may be located in an outer layer and FIG. 4B depicts a single dart 432¹¹ in an inner layer. Alternatively, the single dart may be located in an outer layer (FIG. 4B) and a pair of darts in an inner layer (FIG. 4A). FIGS. 4A and 4B together represent a configuration of darts that can replace the configuration depicted in in FIGS. 1 A-1 E. The pair of darts can have any suitable configuration such as the configurations shown in 3A-3G.

[45] In certain embodiments, the darts on the inner layer are the same shape or length, or both shape and length, as the darts on the outer layer. In some embodiments, the darts are positioned in corresponding areas of the inner and outer layers. In some embodiments, the darts are positioned in different areas of the inner and outer layers. For example, the width between the darts in the outer layer may larger or smaller than the width between the darts in the inner layer. In other embodiments, the darts in the outer layer are longer or shorter than the darts on the inner layer. Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIGS 4C-4H below.

[46] FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D depict configurations of pairs of darts that may be utilized in a genital portion having double layer in accordance with another embodiment. Outer layer FIG. 4C and inner layer FIG. 4D are a non-limiting example of pairs of darts positioned on the inner layer differently than the outer layer. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, a pair of darts 424a¹² and 424b¹² is located in an outer layer and a pair of darts 432a¹² and 432b¹² is located in an inner layer. In this case FIGS. 4C and 41) together represent a configuration that can replace the configuration depicted in in FIGS. 1 A- IE.

[47] FIG. 4E and FIG. 4F depict configurations of pairs of darts that may be utilized in a genital portion having double layer in accordance with another embodiment. Outer layer FIG. 4E and inner layer FIG. 4F are a non-limiting example of pairs of darts positioned on the inner layer differently than the outer layer. As shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, a pair of darts 424a¹³ and 424b¹³ is located in an outer layer and a pair of darts 432a¹³ and 432b¹³ is located in an inner layer. In this case FIGS. 4E and 4F together represent a configuration that can replace the configuration depicted in in FIGS. 1 A-1E. Darts 424a¹³ and 424b¹³ each have a first curvature and darts 432a¹³ and 432b^lj each have a second curvature. The first curvature might be greater than the second curvature in some examples. In other examples, the first curvature might be less than the second curvature.

[48] FIG. 4G and FIG. 4H depict configurations of pairs of darts that may be utilized in a genital portion having double layer in accordance with another embodiment. In each depicted embodiment, one set of darts may be configured on an inner layer of the genital portion and the other set may be configured on the outer layer of the genital portion.

[49] Outer layer FIG. 4G and inner layer FIG. 4H are a non-limiting example of pairs of darts positioned on the inner layer differently than the outer layer. As shown in FIGS, 4G and 4H, a pair of darts 424a¹⁴ and 424b¹⁴ is located in an outer layer and a pair of darts 432a¹⁴ and 432b¹⁴ is located in an inner layer. In this case FIGS. 4G and 4F together represent a configuration that can replace the configuration depicted in in FIGS. 1A-1E. Darts 424a^!4 and 424b¹⁴ each have a first curvature concave to the side seams of the genital portion 120 and darts 432a¹³ and 432b¹³ each have a second curvature convex to the side seams of the genital portion 120. The first curvature might he greater than the second curvature in some examples. In other examples, the first curvature might be less than the second curvature.

[50] Darts on the interior might have a first curvature (e.g., curvature may be defined as the reciprocal of the radius of a circle corresponding to an arc formed by the curved dart) and darts on the exterior might have a second curvature. The first curvature might be greater than the second curvature in some examples. In other examples, the first curvature might be less than the second curvature. In still other examples, the first curvature might be the same as the second curvature

[51] In some embodiments a single pair of darts is used to connect the inner layer to the outer layer. Such configurations may reduce shifting or bunching of the two layers. In addition, a single pair of darts for two layers may reduce costs associated with manufacturing and/or may reduce the number of steps in the manufacturing process providing more efficient and less expensive manufacturing. Attention is drawn to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. With the exception of certain features described below, garment 800 may be similar to garment 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E, with elements of garment 800 that are similar or identical to elements of garment 100 having similar reference numbers offset by 700. In garment 800, outer layer 822 and inner layer 830 are connected together via darts 824a and 824b. For example, FIG. 8 A is an outside front view of a shorts-type garment 800 according to some embodiments having a pair of darts 824a and 824b. FIG. 8B is a front view of garment 800 turned inside out showing darts 824b and 824a. The pair of darts may extend from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion and may be displaced from one another in a left- right direction. The darts may define a forwardly bulging pouch similar to the bulge shown in FIG. IE. Non-limiting dart configurations for the single layer may be those shown in FIGS. 3A-3G. The darts may extend generally upward from the crotch toward the waistband in a generally straight direction, in a curved direction, or in a combination of straight and curved directions.

[52] In some embodiments, the genital portion includes a single dart in an outer layer and a single dart in an inner layer wherein one dart extends from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion and the other dart extends from the upper front part of the pelvic portion toward the crotch region. At least in some embodiments, the single darts can be centered along the centerline of the genital panel. For example, FIG. 2 A is an outside front view of a shorts-type garment 200 according to some embodiments having a single dart on a genital portion outer layer and a single dart on a genital portion inner layer. FIG. 2B is a front view of garment 200 turned inside out. With the exception of certain features described below, garment 200 may be otherwise similar or identical to garment 100 of FIG. 1A-1E, with elements of garment 200 that are similar or identical to elements of garment 100 having similar reference numbers offset by 100,

[53] As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively, the genital portion 220 includes a single generally centered dart 254 on the outside layer 222 of genital portion 220 and a single generally centered dart 256 on the inside layer 230 of genital portion 220. As seen in Fig. 2 A, the dart may extend from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion. As seen in Fig. 2B, the dart may extend from the upper front part of the pelvic portion to the lower front part of the pelvic portion. Darts 254 and 256 may together define a forwardly bulging pouch in the genital portion 220 as seen in right-side view FIG. 2C.

[54] FIG. 5A depicts an outside front view of a briefs-type garment 500 according to some embodiments. With the exception of certain features described below, garment 500 may be othenvise similar or identical to garment 100 of FIG, 1A-1E, with elements of garment 500 that are similar or identical to elements of garment 100 having similar reference numbers offset by 400. Garment 500 has a pelvic portion 504 which extends around the torso including the front, sides, and back of the torso, and a pair of leg openings 542a, 542b. Unlike garment 100, garment 500 lacks leg portion extending below the crotch of the garment.

[55] An upper area of pelvic portion 504 defines a waist opening 508 and lower areas of the pelvic portion 504 define a right leg opening 542a and left leg opening 542b, A center of the lower end of the pelvic portion forms a crotch region 544 located between the right leg opening 542a and left leg opening 542b. An interior of the garment is accessible through the waist opening 508 and through the right leg opening 542a and left leg opening 542b.

[56] The right pelvic portion 504a, left pelvic portion 504b, upper central pelvic portion 504c, and genital portion 520 may be configured as described for the garment of FIGS. 1A- ID. Likewise, the number and orientation of the darts may be configured as described for FIGS. 1A-1D and as depicted and described for FIGS. 3A-3G and FIGS. 4A-4D.

[57] In another embodiment, instead of a genital portion having a double layer construction, the genital portion may be a single layer constaiction. A single layer may afford the advantages of being lighter and more breathable than a double layer. For example, FIG. 6A is an outside front view of a shorts-type garment 600 according to some embodiments having a single layer genital portion. FIG. 6B is a front view of garment 600 turned inside out. With the exception of certain features described below, garment 600 may be otherwise similar or identical to garment 100 of FIG. 1A-1E, with elements of garment 600 that are similar or identical to elements of garment 100 having similar reference numbers offset by 500.

[58] The genital portion 620 has a single layer 622 attached to and between pelvic portions 604a, 604b, and 604c on all edges with no opening provided. The right pelvic portion 604a, left pelvic portion 604b, upper central pelvic portion 604c, and genital portion 620 may be configured as described for the garment of FIGS. 1 A-1E.

[59] The single layer 622 includes a pair of darts 624a, 624b. The pair of darts may extend from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion and may be displaced from one another in a left-right direction. The darts may define a forwardly bulging pouch similar to the bulge shown in FIG. IE. Non-limiting alternative dart configurations for the single layer may be those shown in FIGS. 3A-3G. The darts may extend generally upward from the crotch toward the waistband in a generally straight direction, in a curved direction, or in a combination of straight and curved directions.

[60] Materi al s/Constructi on

[61] Garment in General

[62] A variety of materials and construction methods may be utilized for garments according to embodiments such as those described above. As an example of one configuration, the garment may be formed from a plurality of textile elements that are stitched or otherwise joined together to form pelvic portion 104 and leg portions 140a and 140b. Although the textile elements forming a majority of pelvic portion 104 and leg portions may include materials that stretch to conform with the shape of individual, an area that circumscribes waist opening 108 (i.e., a waistband) may include a material that stretches to a greater degree. In other configurations, pelvic portion 04 and leg portions may be knitted as a one-piece element that does not include seams or other discontinuities. In further configurations, a majority of pelvic portion 104 and leg portions may be knitted as a one- piece element, but a separate waistband may be subsequently added.

[63] A garment according to various embodiments can include various additional features. For example, one or more portions of the garment can comprise an absorbent material, a wicking material, or an elastic material. These materials can include natural and/or synthetic fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk, wool, rayon, polyester, cotton and polyester blends, elastane (spandex), rubber, nylon, nylon/polyester/elastane blends, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and other materials and combinations and blends thereof. Various weaves, knits, and warp knit constructions can be used, including tricot, raschels, niilanese, powernets, ribs, meshes, lockstitches, etc. and various circular knit constructions can be used including single knits, double knits, ribs, jacquard, and plaited as well as spacer mesh (e.g. knit spacer mesh.), etc.

[64] Seams used to connect various elements of a garment according to some embodiments may be wide or narrow, dense or loose. The seams may be, for example, bound seams, French seams, flat seams, top stitched seams, lapped seams, and superimposed seams. French seams, for example, are strong but narrow and inconspicuous. Flat-seams may, for example, utilize a zig zag lock stich, chain stitch, or covering stitch. Further, the seam may be any suitable width, such as I to 10 mm wide, generally 4 to 8 mm wide. The seam may be two separate seams (double seams) adjacent each other. Seams may be used that are not only functional but add a decorative or ornamental feature to the garment.

[65] The waist opening can include an elastic waistband, drawcord, button, snap, clip, hook-and-loop closure, etc. and the flap can include these or other various closure means.

[66] The Genital Portion

[67] The genital portion may be constructed from one or more layers from a variety of numerous materials. In a double panel construction, the inner layer material and outer layer material of a double layer may be the same material or different materials. In a multiple layer construction, such as example embodiments shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, IOC, and 10D or FIGS. 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H, each layer may be made of the same or different materials.

[68] FIG. 10A depicts an outer layer 1020 of a genital portion, FIG. IOC depicts an inner layer 1032 of the genital portion, and FIG. 10B depicts a middle layer 1060 between the outer layer 1020 and inner layer 1032. Middle layer 1060 may be one or more layers. In the embodiment of FIGS. I OA, 10B, and IOC, inner layer, outer layer, and middle layer(s) may be sewn together to the rest of the garment as schematically shown in FIG. 10D.

[69] In another embodiment, FIG. 10E depicts an outer layer 1020 of a genital portion, FIG. 10G depicts an inner layer 1032 of the genital portion, and FIG. l OF depicts a middle layer 1062 between the outer layer 1020 and inner layer 1032. Middle layer 1062 may be one or more layers. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10E and 10G, inner layer and outer layer may be sewn together to the rest of the garment but middle layer(s) is not sewn to the garment at its edges as schematically shown in FIG. I OH.

[70] The layers of any of the embodiments herein can be made from any suitable material or combinations of materials, including knit materials, woven materials, non-woven materials, foam materials, etc. The layers may be configured for different levels of moisture management utilizing combinations of different material weights, nature of structures used (e.g., open vs closed), yarn types and yarn sizes, finishes, etc.

[71] For example, at least one of the layers may be a mesh-type material or some other knit material having small apertures integrally knit within. At least one of the layers may be formed of moisture management materials, e.g., each layer might be knitted, such as with a cotton (or other absorbent yarn) that is plaited with a wi eking yarn (such as polyester or other wicking yarn). For example, through plaiting, the cotton may be exposed mainly on the interior surface of the fabric and the wicking yarn may be exposed on the exterior surface. As another example, the interior layer may comprise an absorbent material and the outer layer may comprise a wicking material. As still another example, the inner material may be formed from yarns having a first denier per filament (dpf) and the outer material may be formed from yarns having a second denier per filament (dpf), where the second dpf is smaller than the first dpf (this may cause moisture to be drawn from the inner layer to the outer layer) [72] Examples of fabrics that can be used include cotton, polyester, and spandex and other stretchable synthetic materials. In some embodiments, the fabric is a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex fibers that includes hollow polyester fibers that wick moisture. Examples of such fabrics include fabrics sold under the name DRI-FIT by NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. Such fabrics move perspiration from the skin to the garment surface where the perspiration can evaporate quickly so as to help keep a wearer dry and comfortable. The spandex fibers within the material stretch to provide a comfortable, personalized fit.

[73] In multiple layer materials, each layer may be of a slightly different shape or size. For example, as illustrated for a double layer panel in FIG, 9A and FIG. 9B, Outer layer 920 (FIG, 9A) may be slightly larger than inner layer 932 (FIG. 9B). Inner layer 932 may be made of a more stretchable fabric than outer layer 920. Alternatively, the outer layer may be smaller than the inner layer. One layer may, for example, have an area up to 10% larger than the other layer. In this manner, the layer with the smaller area may create tension in the genital portion to provide a more snug fit.

[74] The darts may be created by any suitable means such as, but not limited to, stitching, seam tape, knitting integrally into the fabric, and the like. In certain embodiments, the stitching used to form the darts might be exposed on the side of the fabric opposing the skin- side such as inverted V-shaped stitching. Seam tape may rely on heat and may be made of a polymer film, e.g., a polyurethane-based film that is heat activated to create the seam.

[75] In some embodiments, the dart is visible on one side of the layer and is invisible (or much less visible) on the other side of the material. For example, Fig. 7A depicts a genital portion 720 with dart 724 as a visible seam one side of layer 722 and FIG. 7B depicts dart 724' as an invisible seam (illustrated by a dotted line) on the other side 722' of the genital portion 720. In this manner, the side against the skin may have the invisible seam so that the seam does not irritate any skin area. Any suitable invisible seam may be utilized such as, for example, slip seams, ladder stitch, blind stitch, or slip stitch,

[76] Construction

[77] Individual elements of garments can be cut from larger sheets of fabric, and those elements can be assembled into garments using any of various standard assembly techniques. FFIIGG.. 1111 sshhooww oonnee eexxaammppllee ooff aa ppaatttteerrnn ppiieeccee ffoorr aa llaayyeerr ffoorr tthhee ggeenniittaall ppoorrttiioonn 11112200 wwhhiicchh mmaayy bbee uusseedd ffoorr aa ssiinnggllee llaayyeerr ccoonnssttrruuccttiioonn oorr mmuullttiippllee llaayyeerr ccoonnssttrruuccttiioonnss.. IInn tthhiiss eemmbbooddiimmeenntt,, tthhee ddaarrttss aarree ffoorrmmeedd bbyy jjooiinniinngg eeddggeess ooff VV--sshhaappeedd sseeccttiioonnss 11111100 aanndd 11 11 1122.. IInn ppaarrttiiccuullaarr <<ddeessccrriibbee>>..

[[7788]] AAss oonnee eexxaammppllee,, aa fifirrsstt ffaabbriricc eelleemmeenntt 11220044aa ccaann bbee uusseedd ttoo ffoorrmm rriigghhtt lleegg ppoorrttiioonn 114400aa aanndd aa ppaartrt ooff aa rriigghhtt ppeellvviicc ppoortrtiioonn 110044aa ooff ggaarrmmeenntt 110000.. AA sseeccoonndd ffaabbrriicc eelleemmeenntt 11220044bb ccaann bbee uusseedd ttoo ffoorrmm lleefftt lleegg ppoortrtiioonn 114400bb aanndd aa ppaarrtt ooff aa lleefftt ppeellvviicc ppoortrtiioonn 110044bb ooff ggaarrmmeenntt 110000., AA tthhiirrdd ffaabbrriicc eelleemmeenntt 11220044cc ccaann bbee uusseedd ttoo ffoorrmm uuppppeerr cceennttrraall ppeellvviicc ppoortrtiioonn 110044cc ooff ggaarrmmeenntt 110000.. AAddddiittiioonnaall ffaabbrriicc eelleemmeennttss 11222200 ccaann bbee uusseedd ttoo ffoorrmm ggeenniittaall ppoortrtiioonn 112200 ooff ggaarrmmeenntt 110000,, wwiitthh ffaabbrriicc eelleemmeenntt 11223388 uusseedd ttoo ffoorrmm aa wwaaiissttbbaanndd 113388 ooff ggaarrmmeenntt 110000.. EElleemmeennttss 11220044aa,, 11220044bb,, 11220044cc,, 11222200,, aanndd 11223388 ccaann bbee ssttiittcchheedd oorr ootthheerrwwiissee jjooiinneedd aalloonngg aaddjjooiinniinngg bboouunnddaaririeess iinn aa ccuussttoommaarryy mmaannnneerr.. IInn ootthheerr eemmbbooddiimmeennttss,, mmoorree oorr ffeewweerr ffaabbrriicc eelleemmeennttss ccoouulldd bbee uusseedd ttoo ccrreeaattee ggaarrmmeenntt 110000..

[[7799]] TThhiiss ccoonnssttrruuccttiioonn mmaayy aallssoo bbee uusseedd iinn vvaarriioouuss ttyyppeess ooff uunnddeerrwweeaarr ((bbooxxeerrss,, bbrriieeffss,, eettcc..)),, iinn bbaassee llaayyeerrss,, ccoommpprreessssiioonn ggaarrmmeennttss,, sslliiddeerr sshhoortrtss ((ee..gg.. ffoorr gglloobbaall ffoooottbbaallll)),, aanndd bbaatthhiinngg ssuuiittss oorr ootthheerr sswwiimmwweeaarr.. IInn ssoommee eemmbbooddiimmeennttss,, tthhee ggaarrmmeenntt mmaayy bbee uusseedd wwiitthhoouutt aannyy aaddddiittiioonnaall llaayyeerrss.. IInn ssuucchh ggaarrmmeennttss,, mmooddeessttyy mmaayy bbee aa ccoonncceerrnn oorr ddeessiirreedd.. IInn ssoommee eemmbbooddiimmeennttss,, ssuucchh aass ffoorr ggaarrmmeennttss uusseeffuull ffoorr rruunnnniinngg oorr ootthheerr aatthhlleettiicc aaccttiivviittiieess,, ssuuppppoortrt mmaayy^¬ bbee vveerryy iimmppoortrtaanntt.. IIff wwaarrmm oorr hhoott eennvviirroonnmmeennttss oorr aaccttiivviittiieess tthhaatt hheeaatt tthhee bbooddyy,, mmooiissttuurree aanndd cciirrccuullaattiioonn mmaayy bbee iimmppoortrtaanntt.. TThhee ttyyppeess ooff ffaabbriricc u usseedd iinn tthhee ggeenniittaall ppoortrtiioonn aanndd tthhee aarrrraannggeemmeenntt ooff tthhee ddaarrttss mmaayy aaddddrreessss ssuucchh mmooddeessttyy iissssuueess,, pprroovviiddee ddeessiirreedd ssuuppppoorrtt,, aanndd//oorr pprroovviiddee mmooiissttuurree aanndd tteemmppeerraattuurree mmaannaaggeemmeenntt..

[[8800]] NNoottwwiitthhssttaannddiinngg tthhee ccllaaiimmss,, tthhee iinnvveennttiioonn mmaayy aallssoo bbee ddeeffiinneedd bbyy wwaayy ooff tthhee ffoolllloowwiinngg ccllaauusseess:: a pelvic portion, wherein an upper end of the pelvic portion terminates in a waist opening; a left leg portion and a right leg portion, wherein upper ends of the left and right leg portions merge with respective left and right sides of a lower end of the pelvic portion, lower ends of the left and right leg portions terminate in respective left and right leg openings, and a crotc region is defined between the left and right leg portions; a genital portion extending at least from a front part of the crotch region and toward the waist opening on a front side of the garment, the genital portion comprising a multiple layer panel including an inner layer and an outer layer ; and the multiple layer panel includes a pair of darts extending from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion, the darts being displaced from one another in a left-right direction, the darts located in at least one of the inner and the outer layers.

2. A lower torso garment comprising a pelvic portion, wherein an upper end of the pelvic portion terminates in a waist opening and lower ends of left and right sides of the pelvic portion terminate in respective left and right leg openings, wherein a crotch region is defined between the left and right leg openings; a genital portion extending at least from a front part of the crotch region and toward the waist opening on a front side of the garment, the genital portion comprising a multiple layer panel including an inner layer and an outer layer; and the multiple layer panel includes a pair of darts extending from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion, the darts being displaced from one another in a left-right direction, the darts located in at least one of the inner and the outer layers.

3. The lower torso garment of clause 1 or clause 2 wherein the pair of darts define a forwardly bulging pouch in the multiple layer panel,

4. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 1 -3 wherein the pair of darts is formed in the outer layer, one of the darts of the pair extending upwardly along one side of the outer layer and the other of the darts of the pair extending upwardly on the other side of the outer layer, ] 5. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 1-3 wherein the pair of darts is formed in the inner layer, one of the darts of the pair extending upwardly along one side of the inner layer and the other of the darts of the pair extending upwardly on the other side of the inner layer. ] 6. The lower torso garment of clause 5 wherein the outer layer comprises an additional pair of darts, one of the darts of the additional pair extending upwardly along one side of the outer layer and the other of the darts of the additional pair extending upwardly on the other side of the outer layer. ] 7. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 1-3 wherein the inner and outer layers are connected to each other by the pair of darts, one of the darts extending upwardly along one side of the connected layers and the other of the darts extending upwardly on the other side of the connected layers. ] 8. The lower torso gar i ent of any one of clauses 1-3 wherein one of the darts of the pair extending upwardly and inwardly along one side of the layer and the other of the darts of the pair extending upwardly and inwardly on the other side of the layer, wherein the darts curve slightly toward each other. ] 9. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 1-8 wherein the inner and outer layers comprise different materials. ] 10. The lower torso garment of clause 9 wherein the inner layer comprises material that is more elastic than material of the outer layer. ] 1 1. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 1-10 wherein at least the inner layer comprises moisture-wicking material. ] 12. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 1-1 1 wherein the multiple layer panel comprises at least one middle layer between the inner layer and the outer layer. ] 13. The lower torso garment of clause 12 wherein the at least one middle layer comprises a moisture wicking fabric. ] 14. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 1-13 wherein at least one layer comprises a thermal fabric. ] 15. A lower torso garment comprising a pelvic portion, wherein an upper end of the pelvic portion terminates in a waist opening, a left leg portion and a right leg portion, wherein upper ends of the left and right leg portions merge with respective left and right sides of a lower end of the pelvic portion, lower ends of the left and right leg portions terminate in respective left and right leg openings, and a crotch region is defined between the left and right leg portions; ] a genital portion extending at least from a front part of the crotch region and toward the waist opening on a front side of the garment, the genital portion comprising a multiple layer panel including an inner layer and an outer layer; and ] one of the outer layer and inner layer of the multiple layer panel includes a single dart extending from the crotch region to a lower front part of the pelvic portion, and the other of the outer layer and inner layer includes a single dart extending from the upper front part of the pelvic portion toward the lower front part of the pelvic portion. ] 16. The lower torso garment of clause 15 wherein the darts define a forwardly bulging pouch in the multiple layer panel. ] 17. The lower torso garment of clause 15 or clause 16 wherein the outer layer of the multiple layer panel includes the single dart extending from the crotch region to a lower front part of the pelvic portion, and the inner layer the multiple layer panel includes the single dart extending from the upper front part of the pelvic portion to the lower front part of the pelvic portion. ] 18. The lower torso garment of clause 15 wherein the inner layer of the multiple layer panel includes the single dart extending from the crotch region to a lower front part of the pelvic portion, and the outer layer of the multiple layer panel includes the single dart extending from the upper front part of the pelvic portion to the lower front part of the pelvic portion. j 19. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 15-18 wherein the inner and outer layers comprise different materials. ] 20. The lower torso garment of clause 19 wherein the inner layer comprises material that is more elastic than material of the outer layer, ] 21. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 15-20 wherein at least the inner layer comprises moisture-wi eking material. 1 22. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 15-21 wherein the multiple layer panel comprises at least one middle layer between the inner layer and the outer layer. ] 23. The lower torso garment of clause 22 wherein the at least one middle layer comprises a moisture wicking fabric. ] 24. A lower torso garment comprising ] A pelvic portion, wherein an upper end of the pelvic portion terminates in a waist opening, a left leg portion and a right leg portion, wherein upper ends of the left and right leg portions merge with respective left and right sides of a lower end of the pelvic portion, lower ends of the left and right leg portions terminate in respective left and right leg openings, and a crotch region is defined between the left and right leg portions; the pelvic portion includes a genital portion extending at least from a front part of the crotch region and toward the waist opening on a front side of the garment, the genital portion comprising a single layer panel; and the single layer panel includes a pair of darts extending from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion, the darts being displaced from one another in a left-right direction.

11081 25. The lower torso garment of clause 24 wherein the pair of darts define a forwardly bulging pouch in the multiple layer panel,

[109] 26. The lower torso garment of clause 23 or clause 24 wherein one of the darts of the pair extend upwardly along one side of the layer and the other of the darts of the pair extending upwardly on the other side of the layer.

[110] 27. The lower torso garment of clause 26 wherein the darts curve slightly toward each other,

[111] 28. The lower torso garment of any one of clauses 23-27 wherein the layer comprises moisture- wi eking material.

[112] 29. The use of at least one pair of darts in a lower torso garment to provide support for male genitalia,

[113] 30. A lower torso garment comprising a forwardly bulging pouch, the pouch comprising at least one pair of darts.

[114] 31. The lower torso garment of clause 30, comprising one or more of any of the features identified in any of claims 1-29.

[115] The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments of the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments. The embodiments discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various embodiments and their practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Any and all combinations, subcombinations and permutations of features from above- described embodiments are the within the scope of the invention. With regard to claims directed to an apparatus, an article of manufacture or some other physical component or combination of components, a reference in the claim to a potential or intended wearer or a user of a component does not require actual wearing or using of the component or the presence of the wearer or user as part of the claimed component or component combination.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lower torso garment comprising a pelvic portion, wherein an upper end of the pelvic portion terminates in a waist opening, a left leg portion and a right leg portion, wherein upper ends of the left and right leg portions merge with respective left and right sides of a lower end of the pelvic portion, lower ends of the left and right leg portions terminate in respective left and right leg openings, and a crotch region is defined between the left and right leg portions; a genital portion extending at least from a front part of the crotch region and toward the waist opening on a front side of the garment, the genital portion comprising a multiple layer panel including an inner layer and an outer layer ; and the multiple layer panel includes a pair of darts extending from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion, the darts being displaced from one another in a left-right direction, the darts located in at least one of the inner and the outer layers,

3. The lower torso garment of claims 1 or 2 wherein the pair of darts define a forwardly bulging pouch in the multiple layer panel.

4. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the pair of darts is formed in the outer layer, one of the darts of the pair extending upwardly along one side of the outer layer and the other of the darts of the pair extending upwardly on the other side of the outer layer,

5. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the pair of darts is formed in the inner layer, one of the darts of the pair extending upwardly along one side of the inner layer and the other of the darts of the pair extending upwardly on the other side of the inner layer.

6. The lower torso garment of claim 5 wherein the outer layer comprises an additional pair of darts, one of the darts of the additional pair extending upwardly along one side of the outer layer and the other of the darts of the additional pair extending upwardly on the other side of the outer layer.

7. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the inner and outer layers are connected to each other by the pair of darts, one of the darts extending upwardly along one side of the connected layers and the other of the darts extending upwardly on the other side of the connected layers.

8. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein one of the darts of the pair extends upwardly and inwardly along one side of the layer and the other of the darts of the pair extends upwardly and inwardly on the other side of the layer, wherein the darts curve slightly toward each other.

9. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the layers comprise different materials.

10. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the multiple layer panel comprises at least one middle layer between the inner layer and the outer layer.

1 1. The lower torso garment of any of claims 1 to 10 wherein at least one layer comprises moisture-wicking material.

12. A 1 ower torso garment com pri si ng a pelvic portion, wherein an upper end of the pelvic portion terminates in a waist opening, a left leg portion and a right leg portion, wherein upper ends of the left and right leg portions merge with respective left and right sides of a lower end of the pelvic portion, lower ends of the left and right leg portions terminate in respective left and right leg openings, and a crotch region is defined between the left and right leg portions; a genital portion extending at least from a front part of the crotch region and toward the waist opening on a front side of the garment, the genital portion comprising a multiple layer panel including an inner layer and an outer layer, and one of the outer layer and inner layer of the multiple layer panel includes a single dart extending from the crotch region to a lower front part of the pelvic portion, and the other of the outer layer and inner layer includes a single dart extending from the upper front part of the pelvic portion toward the lower front part of the pelvic portion.

13. The lower torso garment of claim 12 wherein the darts define a forwardly bulging pouch in the multiple layer panel.

14. The undergarment of claim 12 wherein the outer layer of the multiple layer panel includes the single dart extending from the crotch region to a lower front part of the pelvic portion, and the inner layer the multiple layer panel includes the single dart extending from the upper front part of the pelvic portion to the lower front part of the pelvic portion.

1 5. The undergarment of claim 12 wherein the outer layer of the multiple layer panel includes the single dart extending from the crotch region to a lower front part of the pelvic portion, and the inner layer the multiple layer panel includes the single dart extending from the upper front part of the pelvic portion to the lower front part of the pelvic portion.

16. A lower torso garment comprising a pelvic portion, wherein an upper end of the pelvic portion terminates in a waist opening, a left leg portion and a right leg portion, wherein upper ends of the left and right leg portions merge with respective left and right sides of a lower end of the pelvic portion, lower ends of the left and right leg portions terminate in respective left and right leg openings, and a crotch region is defined between the left and right leg portions; the pelvic portion includes a genital portion extending at least from a front part of the crotch region and toward the waist opening on a front side of the garment, the genital portion comprising a single layer panel, and the single layer panel includes a pair of darts extending from the crotch region to at least a lower front part of the pelvic portion, the darts being displaced from one another in a left-right direction.

17. The lower torso garment of cl aim 16 wherein the pair of darts define a forwardly bulging pouch in the single layer panel.

18. The lower torso garment of claim 16 wherein one of the darts of the pair extend upwardly along one side of the layer and the other of the darts of the pair extending upwardly on the other side of the layer.

19. The lower torso garment of claim 16 wherein the darts curve slightly toward each other.

20. The lower torso garment of claim 16 wherein the layer comprises moisture- wi eking material.