GB2598587A

GB2598587A - Leg garment with movable knee portion

Info

Publication number: GB2598587A
Application number: GB2013798.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Innes Keith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-02
Filing date: 2020-09-02
Publication date: 2022-03-09
Also published as: GB202013798D0

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a leg garment 101, such as a pair of work shorts, comprising a waistband 102, and a thigh portion 105 for extending over a thigh of a wearer, permanently connected to a knee portion 106 for extending over a knee of the wearer. When being worn by the wearer, the leg garment is configurable in a first configuration in which the knee portion is retained against the front of the knee and in a second configuration in which the knee portion is free to move relative to the knee. The garment also comprises a removable knee pad, and one or multiple means for adjustably securing 107 the knee portion around the wearers knees or accommodated on the thigh portion. The securing means could be a press, hook and loop, zip, button, snap button, or hook latch fastener. A method for use is also disclosed.

Description

LEG GARMENT WITH MOVABLE KNEE PORTION

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to leg garments, such as protective shorts.

Background

Knee protectors e.g., knee pads provide comfort and protection to the knees of manual workers in situations involving kneeling. Knee pads need to be secured robustly around the knee when being worn to ensure they stay in place on the knee, even if the wearer moves around whilst kneeling. However, knee pads can be uncomfortable to wear when not kneeling. For example, the robust securement of the knee pad to the knee can make it difficult to stay cool when working. As a solution, wearers typically remove the knee pad when not required.

It is in this context that the present disclosure has been devised.

Summary of the invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a leg garment comprising: a thigh portion for extending over a thigh of a wearer; and a knee portion for extending over a knee of the wearer, configured to be permanently connected to the thigh portion. When being worn by the wearer, the leg garment is configurable in a first configuration in which the knee portion is retained against the front of the knee and in a second configuration in which the knee portion is free to move relative to the knee.

In other words, the leg garment is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Thus, the knee portion may be retained against the knee when the wearer requires knee protection, for example when kneeling to perform work. This results in an increased level of protection for the knees of the wearer and comfort for the wearer when kneeling.

Such a first configuration ensures that the knee portion of the leg garment cannot easily be moved from its position on the knee of the wearer, for example by rotating or translating. In this way, the knee portion may be substantially immovable relative to the knee in the first configuration. The protective effect to the knee of the wearer of the leg garment is thereby ensured. It will be understood that retaining the knee portion against the front of the knee restricts movement of the knee portion relative to the knee.

Conversely, the second configuration of the leg garment is typically utilised by the wearer when not kneeling. In the second configuration the knee portion is free to move relative to the knee. In other words, in the second configuration, the knee portion is not retained against the front of the knee. Of course, it will be understood that the second configuration is different from the first configuration. Thus, in the second configuration, the leg garment provides improved comfort and freedom of movement for the wearer for example by improving circulation of air around the legs of the wearer. In the second configuration, the knee portion may hang loose from the wearer.

In the second configuration, it may be that the knee portion ponds from the thigh portion. In other words, it may be that the knee portion is suspended from the thigh portion, such as that it hangs down from the thigh portion.

Although described as a leg garment, the garment of the present disclosure would typically cover both legs of a wearer. The leg garment may form, or be part of, a pair of trousers, breeches or shorts. The leg garment may form, or be part of, a pair of dungarees. The leg garment may be a working garment. In other words, the leg garment may be for wearing by a worker during manual labour. In some examples, the leg garment may comprise one or more utility pockets for storing tools or materials useful for carrying out a task whilst wearing the leg garment. The one or more utility pockets may be provided at a side of the leg garment.

As described herein, the knee portion is permanently attached to the thigh portion. In other words, the knee portion is not configured to be temporarily or reversibly removed from the thigh portion. In this way, the knee portion cannot be lost or misplaced, as it is an inseparable part of the leg garment, connected to the thigh portion. It will be understood that the limitation that the knee portion is permanently attached to the thigh portion need not require that the knee portion is directly connected to the thigh portion without any intermediate portion, only that the leg garment comprises both the thigh portion and the knee portion and that the knee portion is inseparable from any part of the leg garment comprising the thigh portion. Nevertheless, in some examples, the knee portion may extend directly from the thigh portion.

The knee portion and the thigh portion may be formed from different areas of the same piece, such as a piece of fabric.

The leg garment may be configurable in a third configuration in which, when being worn by the wearer, the knee portion is off the front of the knee of the wearer.

Thus, while the garment is being worn the knee portion may be moved away from the front of the knee, such as into a storage position, when not required, for example when the wearer is not kneeling or when the wearer is standing, walking or sitting. This further enhances the comfort of the wearer and promotes improved cooling of the legs. In the third configuration, it may be that the leg garment is configured such that the knee of the wearer is bare.

In the third configuration, the knee portion may be positioned against the thigh portion of the leg garment, typically against the front thigh portion, which position may be a storage position for the knee portion. In some examples, in the third configuration, the knee portion may be retained against the thigh portion, whereby to be held in the storage position.

In this way, the leg garment may be worn in the third configuration for an extended period of time, either prior to or following a period during which the garment has been worn with the purpose of protecting the wearer's knee.

The leg garment may comprise an accommodation for accommodating the knee portion in the third configuration. The thigh portion may comprise the accommodation.

It will be understood that the accommodation may be substantially any feature of the leg garment configured to retain the knee portion in the third configuration. The accommodation for accommodating the knee portion may be a compartment, a pocket, or a pouch, suitably sized, into which the knee portion may be placed. Such an accommodation may enable the knee portion to be safely stored in a manner avoiding entanglement with workplace hazards, for example cables, pipe-works, masonry, and so on, which may be present in the environment of the wearer. The safety of the wearer is thus enhanced.

In some examples, the leg garment may comprise a knee pad. The knee pad may be provided at the knee portion. The knee pad may be part of the knee portion. In other examples, the knee pad may be removable from the garment. The knee pad may be provided separately from the knee portion, for removable attachment to the knee portion. Where the knee pad is provided for removable attachment to the knee portion, the accommodation may be configured to retain the knee pad with the knee portion in the third configuration.

The knee pad may be removably attached to the knee portion by insertion into a pouch defined within the knee portion.

It will be understood that a knee pad can be considered to be any component of the leg garment configured to provide additional padding to the knee of the wearer to reduce discomfort and the likelihood of injury when the wearer is kneeling. Typically, the knee pad provides more protection to the knee than is provided by the thigh portion to the thigh. The knee pad also typically provides cushioned padding to help spread a load, typically the weight of the wearer, to be transferred between the knee and the surface on which the wearer is kneeling. The knee pad may be stitched into the knee portion.

Where the knee pad is removable from the leg garment, the knee pad can be replaced in the garment if the knee pad becomes worn, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable for continued use. The wearer is also able to utilise a knee pad which is specialised and particularly suitable for a particular situation, for example if the ground on which the wearer is required to kneel is of a particularly uncomfortable structure, or subject to particularly unusual environmental conditions, such as being at elevated temperature or at low temperature.

The knee pad may be a re-usable (e.g., a washable) knee pad.

The leg garment may be configured to receive the knee pad. Thus, it will be understood that the knee pad may be provided separately from the leg garment. In other words, the leg garment may be provided without a knee pad; the knee pad may be inserted into the leg garment subsequently.

The leg garment may comprise a first securing means configurable to securely retain the knee portion against the knee of the wearer in the first configuration.

Thus, the knee portion of the leg garment may be retained against the knee of the wearer by the first securing means. It will be understood that the first securing means will typically tightly retain the knee portion against the front of the knee of the wearer such that when the wearer kneels on a surface, the knee portion is retained securely in place and resists being moved or otherwise dislodged off the knee portion during use of the leg garment.

The first securing means may be formed from textile material which is used elsewhere in the garment, for example textile material used for forming the knee portion of the garment. The first securing means may be resiliently deformable. The first securing means may be formed from an elasticated material. Thus, the first securing means can resiliently retain the knee portion against the knee of the wearer in the first configuration. Specifically, the leg garment may be suitable for use both with a wearer having legs of a first size and with a wearer having legs of a second size, greater than the first size. Only part of the first securing means may be formed from the elasticated material. An elasticated material may provide assistance in retaining the knee portion against the front knee of the wearer in the first configuration.

The leg garment may comprise second securing means configurable to retain the knee portion in a position off the front of the knee of the wearer in the third configuration. Thus, the knee portion of the leg garment may be retained off the front of the knee by the second securing means.

Second securing means configurable to retain the knee portion in a position off the front of the knee of the wearer in the third configuration may retain the knee portion above the knee of the wearer. The second securing means may be to retain the knee portion on the thigh of the wearer, for example on a front of the thigh. This has the advantage that the knee portion can be conveniently stored while not required by the wearer. When stored in this manner the knee portion remains with the rest of the leg garment and is therefore readily accessible for the wearer when next required. In comparison to a separate knee pad of the type known in the prior art, it will be understood that the present leg garment ensures that the knee protection provided by the knee portion optionally also including a separate knee pad cannot easily be lost or misplaced in normal use.

In some examples, the second securing means may provided (e.g., at least partially) by the first securing means. In other words, the portion of the leg garment providing the first securing means in the first configuration can also function to provide the second securing means in the third configuration of the leg garment. The first securing means may be provided (e.g., at least partially) by the second securing means.

Thus, material or materials from which the first securing means are formed, also form at least part of the second securing means. In his way less material is used than if each securing means was entirely made from its own components. Furthermore, the number of loose straps or other suitable securing means can be reduced in either or both of the first configuration and the third configuration because such straps or other securing means are re-used.

In other examples, the second securing means may be separate to the first securing means. Thus, each of the first and second securing means can be optimised for the different requirements of the first securing means and the second securing means.

The first securing means may allow for different wearers, each having a different respective size of leg. The second securing means may allow for different wearers, each having a different respective size of leg. Where the first securing means and the second securing means are provided by the same securing means, it will also be understood that because different parts of a leg have different sizes, for instance the diameter of a person's thigh is generally larger than the diameter of their calf, the securing means may be suitable for retaining the leg garment in the first configuration and the third configuration by virtue of being able to secure around different-sized parts of the leg.

The provision of first securing means and/or second securing means which allow for different wearer leg sizes reduces the complexity of the manufacturing process of the leg garment by reducing the number of different garment options which need to be manufactured to cover the range of potential user sizes.

The first securing means may comprise any of a press fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a zip fastener, a button fastener, a snap button fastener, a buckle fastener, and a hook latch fastener.

Thus, the first securing means is easily operated in a way familiar to the wearer.

The second securing means may comprise any of a press fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a zip fastener, a button fastener, a snap button fastener, a buckle fastener, and a hook latch fastener.

Thus, the second securing means is easily operated in a way familiar to the wearer.

A hook and loop fastener is also known as a touch fastener and is sometimes referred to as Velcro. A securing means comprising any of a press fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a zip fastener, a button fastener, a snap button fastener, and a hook latch fastener may help in enabling the knee portion to be maintained in place, either retained against the knee or stored above the knee of the wearer, in a secure and easily reversable manner. The wearer can continue with their work without being concerned that the leg garment might become entangled with elements in the environment in any way.

The leg garment may comprise a waistband. In other words, the leg garment may be for being worn around the waist of a wearer. The waistband may form the upper edge of the garment. A leg garment comprising a waistband may enable the wearer to pull on the garment and fasten it around his or her waist. Unfastening the waistband assists the wearer to remove the garment. A waistband may be adjustable to accommodate a variety of girths.

When the leg garment is a pair of shorts, a length of the leg garment may be arranged to extend over and just below the knee in the first configuration. A length of the leg garment may be arranged to extend only to a position above the knee in the third configuration. Thus, when the shorts are worn in the third configuration, the wearer can be kept cooler and therefore more comfortable than when the shorts are worn in the first configuration.

Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of wearing a leg garment, the method comprising: providing the leg garment over a leg of a wearer; configuring the leg garment in the first configuration by retaining the knee portion of the leg garment against the front of a knee of the wearer; kneeling on a ground surface, with the knee portion provided between the knee of the wearer and the ground surface; standing on the ground surface; and reconfiguring the leg garment into the second configuration by freeing the knee portion to move relative to the knee. Thus, the use of the leg garment can provide the hereinbefore described benefits to the wearer.

It is understood that the configurations, although described by reference to the leg garment when it is being worn, are configurations of the leg garment itself and are not dependent on the garment being worn. In other words, the skilled person will readily recognise whether a leg garment is capable of carrying out the described functions without the leg garment needing to be worn by the wearer.

Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which: Figures 1(a) to 1(d) show an example of a pair of protective shorts in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; Figures 2(a) to 2(c) show an example of a pair of protective shorts being used by a wearer in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; Figures 3(a and 3(b) show a further example of a pair of protective shorts in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and Figures 4(a) to 4(c) show a yet further example of a pair of protective shorts in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

Figures 1(a) to 1(d) show an example of a leg garment in the form of a pair of protective shorts, sometimes referred to as a pair of work shorts.

Figure 1(a) shows a front view of the work shorts 101. The work shorts 101 comprise a waistband 102 at the top of the garment 101. The waistband 102 is for securing the shorts around a waist of a wearer (wearer not shown in Figure 1(a)). A front rise area 103a of the work shorts 101 runs from the waistband 102 down to a crotch area 103b. A left leg 104a and a right leg 104b extend from the front rise area 103a, past the crotch 103b, one each for extending over each of a pair of legs of a wearer when the work shorts 101 are worn. Each of the legs 104a, 104b of the work shorts 101 is provided with a thigh portion 105 and a knee portion 106. The thigh portion 105 is for covering a thigh of the wearer when the work shorts 101 are worn by the wearer. The knee portion 106 is for extending over a front of a knee of the wearer when the work shorts 101 are worn by the wearer. In this example of the work shorts 101, the same fabric material is used to form the front rise 103a, the crotch 103b, and the front thigh portion 105 and the knee portion 106 of each leg 104a, 104b. In this example, the knee portion 106 is padded or made using thickened material, providing a protective area on which the wearer can kneel. The knee portion 106 includes an integral knee pad (not shown in Figure 1(a)). In other words, the knee pad is stitched into the knee portion 106. In a further alternative, the knee pad may be replaceable.

In the work shorts 101 illustrated in Figure 1(a), a first securing means 107a, 107b is provided comprising a first leg flap 107a and a second leg flap 107b. The leg flaps 107a, 107b are provided at the knee portion 106 of each of the legs 104a, 104b. The first leg flap 107a extends laterally from a first side of a front part of the knee portion 106. The second leg flap 107b extends laterally from a second side of the front part of the knee portion 106, as shown most clearly at the right leg 104b of Figure 1(a). In Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the knee portion 106 of the work shorts 101 are in a position for extending over a front of a knee of the wearer, though each leg 104a, 104b is shown having the leg flaps 107a, 107b providing the first securing means in a different position, representing different stages of use of the work shorts 101.

The first leg flap 107a is releasably securable to the second leg flap 107b to provide the first securing means for retaining the knee portion 106 in place against the front of the knee of a wearer in a first configuration of the garment. To this end, the first leg flap 107a is provided with a first portion of a fastener, in this example a Velcro first portion 108a, and the second leg flap 107b is provided with a second portion of a fastener, in this example a Velcro second portion 108b. The Velcro first portion 108a is configured to be releasably engageable with the Velcro second portion 108b to secure the first leg flap 107a to the second leg flap 107b and provide the first securing means. The Velcro first portion 108a and the Velcro second portion 108b are located such that a distance between the Velcro portions 108a, 108b across an inner surface of the knee portion 106 and the leg flaps 107a, 107b is approximately equal to a circumference of the knee or calf of a typical wearer. In this example, the Velcro first portion 108a is configured to have a thickness in a lateral direction greater than a thickness of the fastener contact which would be needed for a secure connection. In this way, the exact positioning of the fastener providing the first securing means 107a, 107b can be adjusted depending on the size of the wearer's knee.

In this example, the Velcro first portion 108a is in the form of a loop portion 108a and the Velcro second portion 108b is in the form of a hook portion 108b.

To secure the knee portion 106 of a leg 104a, 104b of the work shorts 101 to the wearer, the wearer first inserts their legs into the work shorts 101, such that the knee portion 106 is positioned adjacent to the front of the knee. The leg flaps 107a, 107b are initially loose, as shown for the right leg 104b in Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b). The first leg flap 107a is then wrapped partially around a back of the knee of the wearer, such that the Velcro first portion 108a is facing outwards from the leg. Next, the second leg flap 107b is pulled tight against the knee and wrapped partially around the back of the knee of the wearer from the other side of the knee portion 106 to the first leg flap 107a and pressed against the first leg flap 107a, with the Velcro second portion 108b facing inwards towards the leg. In this way, the Velcro second portion 108b is pressed against the Velcro first portion 108a to provide the first securing means securing the knee portion 106 in place on the knee of the wearer, in other words retaining the knee portion 106 against the front of the knee. In this way, the working shots 101 are considered to be provided in a first configuration. The position of the work shorts 101 is shown for the left leg 104a in Figures 1(a) and 1(b). In this position, the wearer can kneel to complete work, as described further with reference to Figures 2(b) hereinafter, with knee protection provided using the knee portion 106.

In this example, the leg flaps 107a, 107b fasten behind the leg of the wearer at or around a calf of the wearer, but it will be understood that the leg flaps 107a, 107b can be arranged to fasten substantially anywhere along the leg as long as the knee portion 106 can be retained securely in position at the knee.

The work shorts 101 further comprise two pockets 109, one each provided on an outer side of the legs 104a, 104b. The pockets 109 are for storing tools or other supplies when the shorts 101 are in use. As can be seen from the Figures, the pockets are provided at the thigh portion 105 of the work shorts 101. The work shorts 101 additionally comprise pockets in the front rise area 103a, and a rear pocket situated in the back rise area.

As will be described further with reference to Figures 1(c) and 1(d) below, each leg 104a, 104b of the work shorts 101 further comprises an accommodation 111a, 111b in the form of a first retaining flap 111a and a second retaining flap 111b. The first retaining flap 111a and the second retaining flap 111b are positioned at the thigh portion 105 of the work shorts 101.

When the wearer no longer has a requirement to perform work whilst kneeling, the knee portions 106 can be easily released from being securely retained over the knee by separating Velcro first portion 108a from Velcro second portion 108b, such that the work shorts 101 can be considered to be in a second configuration in which the knee portion 106 is free to move relative to the knee. In this way, it will be understood that improved airflow around the legs is provided compared with the first configuration where the secure retaining of the knee portion 106 to the leg restricts airflow around the legs.

If the wearer knows they will not need to use the knee protection of the work shorts 101 again, or they want to move the knee portion 106 away from the knee, the knee portion 106 can be moved into a storage position as shown in Figure 1(d).

With the Velcro first portion 108a separated from the Velcro second portion 108b such that the knee portion 106 is loose against the knee, the knee portion 106 can be moved forward, off the knee and the Velcro first portion 108a can be secured against the Velcro second portion 108b without the leg of the wearer being between the Velcro portions 108a, 108b and the knee portion 106. In other words, even when the Velcro first portion 108a is fastened to the Velcro second portion 108b, the knee portion 106 can still be moved away from the knee because the knee is not provided between the knee portion 106, and the Velcro first and second portions 108a, 108b.

As shown in Figure 1(c), the first retaining flap 111a and second retaining flap 111b together with the thigh portion 105 form an accommodation, in other words a compartment, suitable for accommodating (e.g., storing) the knee portion 106. First retaining flap 111a sits under second training flap 111b, the two retaining flaps cooperating to close the compartment. A first flap Velcro portion 112a on the outside of first retaining flap 111a, engages with a second flap Velcro portion 112b on the underside of second retaining flap 111b, thereby securing the compartment in a closed configuration. The first flap Velcro portion 112a and the second flap Velcro portion 112b are releasably engageable with one another. Thus, by releasing first flap Velcro portion 112a from second flap Velcro portion 112b the compartment may be opened, when either moving the knee portion 106 into or out of a storage position in the compartment. The compartment may additionally be closed, by engaging first flap Velcro portion 112a with second flap Velcro portion 112b, for example when storing the knee portion 106. The compartment thereby serves as a second securing means for retaining the knee portion in a position off the front of the knee of the wearer in the third configuration of the garment. The first flap Velcro portion 112a may also be engaged with second flap Velcro portion 112b when the compartment is not required for storage, such as when the knee portion is retained against the knee of the wearer in the first configuration to protect the knee of the wearer.

In the example shown in Figures 1(a)-(d), the second securing means additionally comprises a storage Velcro first portion 110a located along the hem of the knee portion, and a storage Velcro second portion 110b located at the upper inside of the accommodation. Storage Velcro first portion 110a and storage Velcro second portion 110b are configured to releasably engage with one another, in such a way that knee portion 106 may be secured above thigh portion 105 through the engagement. Storage Velcro first portion 110a may be a loop portion, and storage Velcro second portion 110b may be a hook portion.

When the wearer desires to store the knee portion in the accommodation compartment, the wearer may secure the Velcro first portion 108a against the Velcro second portion 108b without the leg of the wearer being between the Velcro portions 108a, 108b, thereby allowing the knee portion to move off the front of the knee. The accommodating compartment is opened by releasing first flap Velcro portion 112a from second flap Velcro portion 112b and opening first and second retaining flaps 111a and 111b. The knee portion 106 is flipped up into the open compartment, where the engagement of storage Velcro first portion 110a with storage Velcro second portion 110b may help to retain the knee portion. Storage Velcro first portion 110a and storage Velcro second portion 110b thereby contribute to the second securing means. The right hand leg 104b of the example garment illustrated in Figure 1(d) has the knee portion retained over the thigh portion and held in the compartment through engagement of the Velcro portions 110a and 110b, with the first and second retaining flaps 111a and 111b remaining to be closed.

Once the knee portion is positioned over the front thigh of the wearer, inside the accommodation compartment, first flap Velcro portion 112a may be engaged with second flap Velcro portion 112b in such a manner as to close first and second retaining flaps, and thereby close the compartment. The left-hand leg 104a in Figure 1(d) shows the closed compartment storing the knee portion.

When the wearer requires again to use the garment to protect his knees, the above procedure is reversed. First and second retaining flaps 111a and 111b are opened by disengaging first flap Velcro portion 112a from second flap Velcro portion 112b. The wearer then disengages Velcro strip 110a from Velcro strip 110b to release knee portion 106, which is flipped down, to pend (i.e. hang) from the thigh portion of the garment over the knee of the wearer. Velcro first portion 108a can be disengaged from Velcro second portion 108b, thereby separating leg flaps 107a and 107b from each other. Leg flaps 107a and 107b are then reconnected by engaging Velcro portion 108a with Velcro portion 108b around the back of the leg of the wearer in such a way that the knee portion is retained against the front of the knee. First and second retaining flaps 111a and 111b may be closed by re-engaging first flap Velcro portion 112a and second flap Velcro portion 112b. Thus, the knee portion is again retained against the front of the knee, providing protection for the knee when the wearer is kneeling.

Figures 2(a)-(c) show an example pair of shorts on a wearer. In each of Figures 2(a) and 2(b) the shorts are illustrated in the first configuration, having the knee portion 206 retained against the front of the knee of the wearer. The knees of the wearer are thus protected when kneeling (Figure 2(b)). In Figure 2(c), the knee portion 206 of the shorts has been taken off the knee of the wearer and stored over the thigh portion 205 above the front thigh of the wearer in the storage compartment. The garment as shown in Figure 2(c) is being worn as a pair of shorts. It is apparent that, when worn as shorts (Figure 2(c)), air is freer to circulate around the lower leg region of the wearer than it is when the garment is worn as a protective item (Figure 2(a)). The comfort of the wearer is in this way enhanced.

Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show a further example of the garment 301 herein disclosed. The garment differs from that shown in Figure 1 in that it does not have a compartment comprising a first and a second retaining flap permanently present at the thigh portion. In this example, the second securing means comprises solely storage Velcro first portion 310a located along the hem of the knee portion 306, in a similar way to the previous example, and corresponding storage Velcro second portion 310b located at the upper thigh portion of the garment. In other words, the knee portion 306 is not held in place in the third configuration by any retaining flaps of the type described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 1(a) to 1(d).

In the example of the work shorts shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c) a first securing means 307a, 307b is provided in the form of a first leg flap 307a and a second leg flap 307b in a similar fashion to the previous example. In a similar way to the previous example, the first leg flap 307a is provided with a first portion of a fastener, in this example a Velcro first portion 308a, and the second leg flap 307b is provided with a second portion of a fastener, in this example a Velcro second portion 308b. The Velcro first portion 308a is configured to be releasably engageable with the Velcro second portion 308b to secure the first leg flap 307a to the second leg flap 307b. The Velcro first portion 308a may be engaged with the Velcro second portion 308b around the rear of the wearer's leg, in this way acting together to provide the first securing means, retaining the knee portion 306 against the front of the knee of the wearer. The Velcro first portion 308a may also be engaged with the Velcro second portion 308b after flipping the first leg flap 307a and the second leg flap 307b forward over the front of the knee portion 306 (Figure 3(c)).

When the wearer wants to protect his knee, first leg flap 307a and second leg flap 307b are engaged around the rear of the wearer's leg. First leg flap 307a lies closest to the wearer with Velcro first portion 308a facing outwards. Second leg flap 307b is placed over first leg flap 307a and Velcro second portion 308b is pressed down on Velcro first portion 308a, thereby engaging the two corresponding Velcro portions 308a, 308b. Thus, the knee portion 306 of the garment is retained against the front of the wearer's knee. The wearer's knee is thus protected by the knee portion, typically including a knee pad.

When the wearer has finished kneeling and does not require knee protection, or when the wearer requires to wear the garment as a pair of shorts, second leg flap 307b is lifted from first leg flap 307a, releasing the engagement of the Velcro first portion 308a with the Velcro second portion 308b. First leg flap 307a and second leg flap 307b are then each flipped around an axis corresponding to the seam between knee portion 306 and leg flap 307a, 307b, before reconnecting at the front of the knee portion 306 through reengagement of the Velcro first portion 308a with the Velcro second portion 308b (Figure 3(c)). From this position the knee portion is flipped forward and upwards to bring it onto the thigh portion 305 of the garment. Velcro strip 310a engages with Velcro strip 310b to store the knee portion over the thigh portion. With both knee portions stored in this manner the garment may be worn as a pair of shorts which finish above the knee. As is apparent, first leg flap 307a and second leg flap 307b are sized so as not to impede the connection between storage Velcro first portion 310a and storage Velcro second portion 310b when connected together in front of knee portion 306.

A pocket 309, for example for storing tools, is also present in this example.

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate a further example of a leg garment in the form of a pair of protective shorts. The protective shorts 401 comprise a first leg flap 407a and a second leg flap 407b, as in the previous examples. The first leg flap 407a is provided with a first Velcro fastener strip 408a, and the second leg flap 407b is provided with a second Velcro fastener strip (not seen). The first leg flap 407a and the second leg flap 407b serve to retain the knee portion 406 of the garment against the front of the knee of the wearer, in the same manner as the previous examples: first leg flap 407a and second leg flap 407b wrap around the back of the leg of the wearer and connect together via Velcro first portion 408a, lying closest to the wearer, and Velcro second portion 408b, pressed onto first portion 408a. Knee portion 406 is thereby retained against the front of the knee of the wearer. Any suitable fastening which will be apparent to the person skilled in the art may be alternatively used.

When the wearer wants to wear the garment as a pair of shorts and no longer as a garment for protecting the knees, Velcro second portion 408b is lifted from and thereby released from Velcro first portion 408a. The second leg flap 407b is then free to be removed from the rear of the leg of the wearer, as is the first leg flap 407a, as shown for the left leg 404a in Figure 4(a). Next, the knee portion 406 is flipped forwards and upwards, in such a way that it sits upon the front thigh portion 405. The second leg portion 407b may then be wrapped around the thigh of the wearer, exposing the Velcro second portion 408b. The first leg portion 407b may in a next step similarly be wrapped around the thigh of the wearer so that the Velcro first portion 408a comes into contact and engages with the Velcro second portion 408b behind the thigh of the wearer. In this way the knee portion 406 is retained, in particular stored, at the front thigh portion 405.

In this example, the securing means which serve to retain the knee portion of the working shorts against the front of the knee of the wearer, serve the additional purpose of holding the knee portion when it is being stored at the thigh level of the wearer.

In each of the examples, the knee portion is intended to act as a protection for the front portion of the knee, which knee portion may also be comfortably stored at the wearer's thigh level. The protection may be provided by the material of the garment, or by additional material. The protection may be provided by a replaceable knee pad which can be inserted into an area on the knee portion designed to receive such a pad.

The work shorts include a knee protector made of material capable of redistributing the weight borne by the knee, typically the bodily weight of the wearer, over as large an area as possible, thus relieving pressure on the knee. The knee portion of the work shorts may comprise a pouch for the knee protector. This pouch may be readily accessible from the top, enabling a knee pad to be replaced when it becomes worn for example. The pouch may be resealable.

In summary, there is provided a leg garment (101) comprising a thigh portion (105) for extending over a thigh of a wearer and a knee portion (106) for extending over a knee of the wearer. The knee portion (106) is configured to be permanently connected to the thigh portion (105). When being worn by the wearer, the leg garment (101) is configurable in a first configuration in which the knee portion (106) is retained against the front of the knee and in a second configuration in which the knee portion (106) is free to move relative to the knee.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A leg garment comprising: a thigh portion for extending over a thigh of a wearer; and a knee portion for extending over a knee of the wearer, configured to be permanently connected to the thigh portion, wherein, when being worn by the wearer, the leg garment is configurable in a first configuration in which the knee portion is retained against the front of the knee and in a second configuration in which the knee portion is free to move relative to the knee.
2. A leg garment according to claim 1, wherein the leg garment is configurable in a third configuration in which, when being worn by the wearer, the knee portion is off the front of the knee of the wearer.
3. A leg garment according to claim 2, wherein, in the third configuration, the knee portion is positioned against the thigh portion.
4. A leg garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first securing means configurable to securely retain the knee portion against the knee of the wearer in the first configuration.
5. A leg garment according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the thigh portion comprises an accommodation for accommodating the knee portion in the third configuration.
6. A leg garment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a knee pad.
7. A leg garment according to claim 6, wherein the knee pad is removable from the garment.
8. A leg garment according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising second securing means configurable to retain the knee portion in a position off the front of the knee of the wearer in the third configuration.
9. A leg garment according to claim 8, wherein the second securing means are provided by the first securing means.
10. A leg garment according to claim 8, wherein the second securing means are separate to the first securing means.
11. A leg garment according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the first securing means and/or the second securing means allow for different leg sizes of the wearer.
12. A leg garment according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the first securing means comprises any of a press fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a zip fastener, a button fastener, a snap button fastener, and a hook latch fastener.
13. A leg garment according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second securing means comprises any of a press fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a zip fastener, a button fastener, a snap button fastener, and a hook latch fastener.
14. A leg garment according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a waistband.
15. A leg garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg garment is a pair of shorts.
16. A method of wearing a leg garment, the method comprising: providing a leg garment as claimed in any preceding claim over a leg of a wearer; configuring the leg garment in the first configuration by retaining the knee portion of the leg garment against the front of a knee of the wearer; kneeling on a ground surface, with the knee portion provided between the knee of the wearer and the ground surface; standing on the ground surface; and reconfiguring the leg garment into the second configuration by freeing the knee portion to move relative to the knee.