GB2582302A

GB2582302A - A garment device

Info

Publication number: GB2582302A
Application number: GB1903634.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Riaz Faraz
Original assignee: Strapt Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Strapt Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-18
Filing date: 2019-03-18
Publication date: 2020-09-23
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-18
Also published as: GB2582302B; GB201903634D0

Abstract

A garment device for wearing on a user's torso comprises a garment 1 with a pocket 2; and a belt 3; wherein the device comprises an anchor arranged to secure the belt 3 to the garment, the belt 3 including at least one free end. The garment further comprises a belt end fastening mechanism 5; the device arranged such that the belt 3 is arranged to move from a first position within the pocket 2 to a second position encircling the torso wherein in the second position the free end of the belt 3 fastens to the fastening mechanism 5. The garment may be used to provide support to a wear’s lower back during exercise.

Description

A GARMENT DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a garment device, in particular a device for providing a supportive garment, for example for use in exercising.

Background

Increasing numbers of people in many societies are spending increasing amounts of time in gymnasiums and/or training.

Training can cause tightness and awkwardness in lower backs and consequently users may wear compression or support belts.

However such additional items may be frequently forgotten, and many users would not feel able to borrow another person's belt for reasons of hygiene.

This can cause a risk to training regimes and/or bodily functions or preparedness.

Prior Art

US 9 936 740 (HOWARD et al) discloses a clothing support apparatus integrated within an article of clothing and which provides ample support for expectant mothers while providing them relief from certain discomforts associated with pregnancy. The apparatus includes a set of stretchable wings which extend from a rear or back section of the apparatus to wrap around and under the expectant mother's belly, thereby providing support. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention allow for continued use of the clothing apparatus all through the expectant mother's pregnancy.

US 5 611 084 (GARRY et al) discloses a garment for a person comprising: an outer garment layer surrounding a substantial portion of a person's upper torso and having a closable front seam; and an encircling back supporting belt having a substantial width for 360 (degree) around the torso for abdominal support connected to said outer garment layer, said back supporting belt having means for providing bending rigidity in a direction along the person's spine, said means including spaced apart flexible plate members, said belt having tightening straps engageable at a front side of the person's upper torso and completely concealed by said outer garment layer upon closure of said front seam; and said belt having an overlapping front region engageable by respective mating surface fastener regions applied between overlapping ends of the belt, and said belt end straps being independently closed with respect to said front seam of said outer garment layer such that said front seam of said outer garment layer can remain open with the overlapping front region of the belt being engaged.

US 5 007 412 (DEWALL) discloses a back-support vest including a lower back supporting section formed of elastic material that encircles the body in the lumbar and lumbosacral region, an upper back supporting section formed of non-elastic material that encircles the body in the thoracolumbar and thoracic region, and shoulder straps that join the front and rear lateral portions of the upper section. The vest also includes a reinforced section that spans the lower and upper section centering on the dorso-lumbar region. The elastic material of the lower section keeps the reinforced section in tension to provide effective support. Additional support is provided by pockets that releasably attach to the rear of the vest and are adapted to hold additional back support devices such as pillows, inflatables and moulded spinal orthoses.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a garment device comprising: a garment for wearing on a user's torso with a pocket; and a belt; wherein the device comprises an anchor arranged to secure the belt to the garment, the belt comprises at least one free end, and the garment comprises a belt end fastening mechanism; the device arranged such that the belt is arranged to move from a first position within the pocket to a second position encircling the torso wherein in the second position the free end of the belt fastens to the fastening mechanism.

The device of the present invention may be envisaged to cover the lower or middle or upper region of the user's body, and/or provide support to the lower, middle or upper regions of the user's body in use.

In some embodiments the pocket comprises a laterally arranged pocket.

Such pocket may extend around some or all of the user's torso.

In some embodiments the anchor is located to rear of the garment in use.

The pocket may therefore extend from a closed end at rear of the torso to an open end to one side or front of the torso in use.

In some embodiments the pocket's open end may comprise a closure means. Such 15 closure means may be temporary, so as to enable the user to close the pocket when the belt is in the first position.

For example the closure means of the pocket may comprise a zipper closure means. In other embodiments the closure means may comprise a popper or press stud 20 closure means.

In some embodiments opening of the pocket may be closed using other means, for example a button or hook and eye or hook and loop closure means such as Velcro (RTM).

The belt may be envisaged to comprise an elongate part, which part extends from the pocket to encircle the user's torso and thereby provide support to the user's lumbar region or other muscular region so as to limit back pain and damage during activities.

The anchor may relate to an end of the belt or may be related to the ends of two belts. Or in some embodiments the anchor may be located in the middle of the belt.

The fastening mechanism may comprise a fastener, which may be envisaged to be 35 located on the garment or belt. The fastener may correspond with a fastening location so as to form the fastening mechanism.

Such fastening mechanism may be adjustable or displaceable or capable of reformation to shorten or lengthen the belt length in use.

The end or ends of the belt may be reinforced, and/or comprise fastening mechanism parts. For example the end of the belt may comprise a fastener or hook or loop part formed of Velcro (RTM) for fastening to a fastening location comprising corresponding hook or loop part of Velcro (RTM) on the garment.

In some embodiments the garment may comprise a plurality of belts. In some embodiments the belts may therefore be envisaged to provide a tailored, adjustable or customisable support means.

In some embodiment the garment may comprise a top such as a T-shirt or similar.

For example the garment may comprise a running shirt which has a built-in belt which is advantageously attractive to look at, useful for gym and most conveniently comfortable to wear. In other embodiments the garment may comprise a zippered top, pullover or front marsupial pocket. For example the belt may pass through or behind the marsupial pocket.

In this way the device of the present invention may comprise a close-fitting compression-style garment for the upper body that has a waist strap inbuilt.

The garment aims to provide integrated support for the wearer whilst exercising, 25 specifically when weight training or for when the core and back of the body need that extra bit of support.

The device may not comprise hardware components so as to meet a need to remain soft and comfortable for the wearer.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the device with the belt partially fastened to the garment; Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 with 5 the belt retracted into the garment in the first position; Figure 3 shows a front view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 with the belt fastened to the garment; Figure 4 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 with the belt fastened to the garment; Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 with the belt fastened to the garment; Figure 6 shows a side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 with the belt fastened to the garment; and Figure 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 with 20 the retracted into the garment.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device 99 generally comprising: a garment 1 for wearing on a user's torso with a pocket; and a belt 3; wherein the device comprises an anchor (not shown) arranged to secure the belt 3 to the garment 1, the belt 3 comprises a free end, and the garment comprises a belt end fastening mechanism 6; the device arranged such that the belt is arranged to move from a first position within the pocket to a second position encircling the torso wherein in the second position the free end of the belt fastens to the fastening mechanism.

In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the belt exits from the open end 2 of a laterally arranged internal pocket 11 within the garment 1.

The pictured embodiment provides a sleek crew-neck shirt which is fast drying and lightweight, that keeps the user comfortable, even as they transition from their training to everyday life.

In reference to the pictured embodiment the garment may comprise an outer fabric that is a 4-way stretch jersey.

Contoured panelling at the front and back of the garment are joined by vertical side panels 6,12 to provide a fitted aesthetic of a running or known compression garment.

One of these side panels 6 comprises hook and loop material like Velcro (RTM) to act as the fastening mechanism.

The belt feeds out from the opening 2 which is closed with a zipper 7 and zipper tab 15 8 at a front seam of a side panel.

The main fabric used for the belt is envisaged as a neoprene, finished with an edge binding 9.

The embodiment comprises a Velcro (RTM) fastening means to the front of the garment, for ease of use and adjustment by the user and matching corresponding Velcro (RTM) strip 5 on the end of the belt.

The rear seam 10 of this fastening mechanism side panel 6 provides the securement 25 anchor for the other end of the belt, whereby the belt travels inside the garment in a pocket, which pocket may be sewn into or bonded to the inside face of the garment, and/or at seams thereof.

In this way in use the belt may be arranged to reach around the back from the anchor 30 seam 10, out of the opening 2 and round the front of the garment and body of the user, to the fastening means, so as to substantially form a circle around the body of the user.

The garment may comprise a lining fabric or fabrics inside the garment. Said lining 35 fabric(s) may be a stretch mesh or lighter weight jersey fabric.

The internal structure of the embodiment is clean and streamlined in construction ensuring that the integrated belt sits within a pocket to either side thereof, formed by a break 11 in the main garment material. The pocket may be sewn internal, external or integral the garment 1.

The pocket comprises two panels, a rear panel and a front panel, permanently joined along three sides to the main garment material.

The pocket is therefore seamed to the garment along top and bottom seams, and at 10 the anchor. The opening comprises a seam at the front edge of the pocket's rear panel, and at the front edge of a side panel.

The opening is closed by a stainless steel or thermoplastic zipper.

In some embodiments there may be use of 4-thread overlooking seams as a main method of fabrication to ensure the seaming flexes with the stretch nature of the chosen fabrics.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated 20 that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.