US20160106158A1

US20160106158A1 - Maternity Exercise Garment

Info

Publication number: US20160106158A1
Application number: US14/886,083
Authority: US
Inventors: Traci Maughan; Chana Webster
Original assignee: Mumberry LLC
Current assignee: Mumberry LLC
Priority date: 2014-10-17
Filing date: 2015-10-18
Publication date: 2016-04-21

Abstract

A maternity exercise garment for pregnant women includes abdominal and breast support portions integrated with a cover portion. The abdominal support portion comprises a plush-elastic band which is hidden and provides compression and support while still promoting comfort and freedom of movement. The abdominal support is positioned at the base of the abdomen to assist with lift of the abdomen of the pregnant women and to redistribute the extra weight.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/065,450 filed on Oct. 17, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to maternity exercise garments and more particularly to improved abdomen, breast and back support for a pregnant woman.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a maternity exercise garment which includes, as main elements, the following items: a cover portion and support portion, wherein the support portion consists of an abdomen support (e.g. Mumband™) portion.
There has thus been broadly outlined some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.
In this respect, before explaining any embodiment of the invention in detail, the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
An object is to provide a maternity exercise garment to be used especially for expecting women to ensure support of the woman's abdomen, especially while the woman moves and especially while the woman exercises.
Another object is to provide a maternity exercise garment that is visually appealing designed with the pregnant woman's shape in mind, and that wearers will wear throughout normal everyday life.
Another object is to provide a maternity exercise garment that is novel, more simple (e.g. one piece), and more technical (e.g. more technical fabrics) than the current alternatives for pregnant women who wish to exercise.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader. It is intended that these objects and advantages be within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of this application.
Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a right side view of an exemplary maternity exercise garment.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of an exemplary maternity exercise garment.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of an exemplary exercise garment, with the cover portion.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of an exemplary exercise garment, with an alternate cover portion.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise garment, wherein the abdomen support (e.g. the Mumband™) is shown in a garment bottom.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise garment, wherein the abdomen support (e.g. the Mumband™) is shown in an alternate garment bottom.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternate embodiment, specifically a yoga pant.

FIG. 8 is a back view of an alternate embodiment, specifically a yoga pant.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternate embodiment, specifically a capri pant.

FIG. 10 is a back view of an alternate embodiment, specifically a capri pant.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of an exemplary maternity exercise garment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an exemplary Abdomen Support.

FIG. 13 is a back view of an exemplary Abdomen Support.

FIG. 14 is a left side view of an exemplary Abdomen Support.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of an alternate embodiment of the maternity exercise garment in a tank top style, with dotted lines designating placement of the Abdomen Support.

FIG. 16 is a right side view of an exemplary maternity exercise garment, with dotted lines designating placement of the Abdomen Support.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

- 10. Maternity Exercise Garment;
- 12. Abdomen Support (e.g. Mumband™);
- 12′. Abdomen Compression Fabric;
- 12″. Support Elastic;
- 14. Bra/Chest Support;
- 16. Shoulder Support/Shoulder Strap;
- 18. Cover;
- 20. Fastener;
- 22. Top Elastic;
- 24. Top Lining.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview

Throughout history pregnant women have had the desire to exercise during their pregnancies but have experienced various health concerns and at the very least great discomfort while exercising with a pregnant abdomen.
The pregnant abdomen can weigh as much as thirty (30) pounds. This extra weight can move and shift placing increased tension or strain on the torso section of the pregnant woman. More specifically, the abdomen, breasts (which are growing in size also), and back of a pregnant woman require increased support to prevent muscle strain (e.g. backaches and muscle fatigue). Pregnant women who want to work out desire to do so and still be safe. They further desire to be comfortable and avoid the intrusive and/or multiple piece garments available currently.
Various entities have attempted to create the solution to these problems by creating stopgap support systems. In alternative solutions, others entities have provided consumers support through belts, separate braces or other two step alternatives. Current one piece alternatives do not appear to be providing the desired support, apparently because of too few layers, with compression weaves that are woven around the belly in a single layer or because they utilize fabrics/materials which are not strong enough to support the necessary weight. Available abdomen supports are also bulky and intrusive. Further, available maternity activewear lacks support, style and technical fabrics.
With advances in modern technology, the maternity activewear industry that began many years ago is nevertheless susceptible to further advancements that may enhance or improve, for example, the way a skilled or non-skilled person may contribute to the area. Therefore, a need exists for the development of improved components, devices and the like that advance the art.
Activewear has been developed to assist pregnant women from experienced exerciser to the novice in their interest to maintain their fitness level while pregnant. These women have the need to exercise in activewear that is fashionable, comfortable and easy to put on.
Research shows that the pregnant woman's lower back tends to curve more throughout the pregnancy, shifting the body's center of gravity.
Foregoing products provide inadequate support for a woman's back and abdomen while she is engaged in weight-bearing exercise. These predecessors are also uncomfortable and restrictive.
There is much documentation describing the concerns and benefits exercise during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the activewear options for pregnant women are difficult to put on, wear and are not generally fashionable.

B. Maternity Exercise Garment

One of the major concerns focused on by the existing means used to support the abdomen (and other body parts) of pregnant women is the health of the pregnant woman. Healthy pregnancies have been shown to be a result (at least in part) of the mother's exercise during pregnancy. The instant invention makes it easier for the expectant mother to exercise. Lesser concerns include fashion concerns and comfort during exercise while pregnant. The invention described, addresses these problems.
The invention combines fashion and function in an exercise garment for the pregnant woman. This maternity exercise garment 10 is fashionable, comfortable and provides support through an integrated support structure. The fashion and comfort aspects encourage the pregnant woman to wear the exercise garment, over the alternatives and the support allows the pregnant woman to exercise, generally for the full pregnancy term. The integrated support has a two piece abdomen support (abdomen compression fabric 12′ and support elastic 12″) to assist in bearing the weight of the pregnant abdomen, thus alleviating the downward pressure associated with body movement and especially with exercise.
The present invention is a one piece garment with built in support that is also fashionable so that it may be worn with pride for daily life (when not exercising). This attention to style is currently lacking in the market.
The present invention contains a hidden layer (the Mumband™) which provides compression and support. The Mumband™ further promotes comfort and freedom of movement.
The present invention is designed to provide the wearer support from underneath the abdomen as well as holding the abdomen tighter from the sides. While wearing the present invention the wearer will clearly notice the benefit of the garment providing lift to the abdomen while additionally providing comfort to the wearer's back. The support plush-elastic band is positioned under the abdomen (e.g. at the base of the abdomen) and around the small of the lower-back to help lift and redistribute the extra weight.
Foregoing products are more tubular or cylindrical in shape and do not create the upward movement of the present invention. These tubular products just provide the wearer the benefits of compression without lift. Alternatively, the available support belts simply provide lift without much, if any, benefit of compression. The present invention combines compression and lift in a one piece maternity exercise garment 10.
The preferred embodiment of the invention is a maternity exercise garment 10 with support located around the waist of the wearer and fitting snuggly under the abdomen of the wearer.
The preferred embodiment of the invention contains a support elastic 12″ that is longer in the front portion of the garment (and thus the front of the wearer) and shorter in the back of the garment (and the wearer) to allow it to better fit around the abdomen of the wearer.
The preferred embodiment of the invention contains a support elastic 12″ that is secured (e.g. stitched) directly to the abdomen compression fabric 12′ and the elastic portion of the support elastic 12″ lays or ends in the lower back portion or lumbar portion of the abdomen compression fabric 12′ (and wearer) to carry more weight and thus provide the wearer with more support. The abdomen compression fabric 12′ is shorter or more narrow (as in height) in the back versus the front. The shorter fabric in the back brings the abdomen compression fabric 12″ up the lumbar section of the back to give it more support. In the preferred embodiment, the abdomen compression fabric 12′ is tubular in shape.
The cover 18 is utilized as an outer garment and to cover the abdomen compression fabric 12′, support elastic 12″ and bra/chest support 14 portions, if any.
The present invention contains a support elastic 12″ for the support located around the waist of the wearer. The support elastic 12″ goes from the lumbar portion of the back of the user to low on the front (under the abdomen) of the user.
An embodiment of the maternity exercise garment 10 in a top is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 11. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the present invention could be embodied in a garment other than the tank top shown.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the support elastic 12″ is secured (e.g. stitched) in bottoms (e.g. pants, shorts, or skirts). In the bottoms the support elastic 12″ goes all the way around the waist of the bottoms. The abdomen compression fabric 12′ does not go all the way around the torso, leaving the wearer's back exposed. Rather, the abdomen compression fabric 12″ in the bottoms is secured (e.g. stitched) into the sides, and is secured (e.g. stitched) at the edges around the support elastic 12″ in a manner to provide maximum compression for the abdomen of the wearer. The abdomen compression fabric 12′ in conjunction with the support elastic 12″ provide the desired upward lift of the abdomen of the wearer.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the support elastic 12″ is secured into the top (e.g. belt area or waist line) of the bottoms.
The wearer of the maternity exercise garment 10 may wear a top with an abdomen support 12, including an abdomen compression fabric 12′ and support elastic 12″ along with bottoms with a support elastic 12″ for increased support without sacrificing comfort.
Specifically, FIG. 11 is a cross-section (or X-ray view) of tank top which shows where the abdomen support 12 is situated in relation to the bra/chest support 14, shoulder support/shoulder strap 16. This view demonstrates the integrated inner support structure system of the maternity exercise garment 10 of the present invention.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the top elastic 22 of an embodiment of the present invention. The top elastic 22 is secured to the bra/chest support 14 and the bra/chest support 14 is secured to the cover 18 at the top of the maternity exercise garment 10 (e.g. at the shoulder of the wearer).
The preferred embodiment contains an abdominal support (consisting of an abdominal compression fabric 12′ and a support elastic 12″) that is two inches (2″) wide. Less width results in too little upward lift of the bottom of the abdomen of the wearer. More width results in too much fabric/elastic by the abdomen of the wearer and results in waste. Additional width may also pull/cut into the belly too much and cause discomfort to the wearer.
In alternate embodiments the abdomen support 12 consists of a support elastic 12′ which has a width ranging from one and three-quarter inches and two and one-quarter inches and an abdomen compression fabric 12′ which has a thickness ranging from 155 grams per square meter and 175 grams per square meter.
In the present invention the top of the abdomen compression fabric 12′ is sewn to the bra/chest support 14 which is sewn to the cover 18. No part of the abdomen support 12 is secured to the cover 18 directly. More specifically the abdomen support 12 is connected to an elastic portion of the bra/chest support 14 and the bra/chest support 14 is secured to the cover 18 at the shoulder. In an alternate embodiment, wherein a garment top does not contain a bra/chest support 14 the abdomen support 12 is attached to a lining 24 and then the lining 24 attached to cover 18 at the shoulder. The wearer can thus lift the cover 18 to the shoulders to reveal underneath (as seen in FIG. 11), the show either lining and an abdomen support 12 or a bra/chest support and an abdomen support 12, which are sewn into the cover 18 so that it is easier for the wearer to put on, wear and take off.
The preferred embodiment allows the wearer to move or adjust the support elastic 12″ in the front of the garment (of the user) allowing the support elastic 12″ to create more constant tension and thus more support.
Pregnant bellies come in many shapes and sizes. Some are wider than others and some are more out in front. An added benefit of the instant invention is that is more universally conforms to the many different shapes and sizes, thus providing a uniformity of support across a variety of belly shapes and sizes.
The preferred embodiment is made of fabrics (e.g. spandex) that will provide further effects of compression over the entire covered portion of the wearer.
The abdomen support 12 lifts and compresses the pregnant abdomen. The abdomen support 12 fights against gravity by pulling in with the abdomen compression fabric 12′ (compression) and up with the strong support elastic 12″ (lift) underneath the belly that angles up to low back creating upward pressure.
In an alternate embodiment, the invention does not contain the cover 18 and consists solely of the support portions (abdomen support 12 and Bra/Chest Support 14).
In an alternate embodiment, the invention does not contain the cover 18 or the bra/chest support 14 and consists solely of the abdomen support 12 (including the abdomen compression fabric 12′ and support elastic 12″).
In an alternate embodiment, the invention consists solely of the support elastic 12″.
In an alternate embodiment, the invention consists solely of an elastic band (not necessarily a support elastic 12″) that is worn around the waist/hips of the wearer.
In an alternate embodiment, the pieces of or the entire maternity exercise garment 10 (e.g. abdomen support 12, bra/chest support 14, and/or cover 18) are manufactured with fabrics that allow it to be better suited as attire to be worn while performing athletic activities (e.g. exercise). Fabrics that include spandex and a mix of other materials with properties that allow them to stretch with the wearer's body in motion. The fabrics further are of a weight, not too heavy or thick, to allow for better breathability for the wearer's skin and generally more comfortable movement for the wearer.
The preferred materials for the abdomen support 12 consist of a blend of nylon and spandex.
The preferred materials for the abdomen compression fabric 12′ consist of a blend of nylon and spandex.
In an alternate embodiment, the support elastic 12″ is stitched into the cover 18 in a way so as to allow it stretch to the maximum amount. For instance, the support elastic 12″ is secured into the cover 18 near the top of the cover 18 (e.g. near or at the shoulders) to provide the maximum stretch of the support elastic 12″ and the desired support. This positioning also allows the abdomen compression fabric 12′ to conform to and better support more shapes of bellies, because the fit is not limited by any of the seams (e.g. stitching).
In alternate embodiments of the invention the support elastic 12″ and/or bra/chest support 14 are secured (e.g. stitched) into various tops (e.g. tank top, t-shirt, or long sleeve shirt).
In an alternate embodiment the garment includes a bra/chest support portion.
The present invention eliminates the need for users to use separate pieces to cover specific body parts or body regions.
The present invention implements an integrated support system that is covered by a fashionable cover portion.
The maternity exercise garment 10 is designed to be supportive of the expectant woman, especially her torso, during any exercise and for any other movement.
In an alternate embodiment the maternity exercise garment 10 contains a fastener 20 to tighten the bottom of the maternity exercise garment 10 (more specifically the cover 18), for example around the woman's hips or base of the woman's belly.
In an alternate embodiment the support elastic 12″ is secured indirectly to the cover 18.
In an alternate embodiment, the top elastic 22 is situated under the bra or part of the bra in a top and/or above the abdomen compression fabric 12′ in the bottoms to hold or secure the abdomen compression fabric 12′ in the desired position.
The abdomen compression fabric 12′ is designed to compress the abdomen of the wearer to restrict movement of the abdomen during exercise. While the abdomen compression fabric 12′ (in the tops or bottoms) provide general support of the abdomen, it also acts as shapewear to provide smoothing of areas of the body that change during pregnancy or with extra weight.
The description and drawings contained herein display many of the advantages of the present invention. In particular, through market and product research it has been shown over and over that preceding garments designed to be worn during pregnancy are extremely uncomfortable, are not fashionable or flattering and lack the necessary support for pregnant women engaging in exercise. The present invention demonstrates significant improvements over the prior art because it includes a one piece support structure system which provides sufficient abdomen support and bra/chest support to support the enlarged (or enlarging) upper body. Together the support portions and the fabric provide abdomen, chest and back support and compression. The maternity exercise garment 10 may be made of a flexible and moisture wicking fabric that is preferably porous so that the body does not overheat.
What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect. For example, the garment (top and/or bottoms) may be worn by anyone in need of additional support during movement or exercise. As disclosed, the support components may be incorporated in different sequences and within other various maternity fitness wear (e.g. tank tops, short or long sleeve shirts, jackets, pants, shorts, skirts, etc.). The present invention is not limited to the materials or material properties or characteristics disclosed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment to be worn by a pregnant woman, comprising:

an abdomen support,

wherein said abdomen support is covered by a cover portion.

2. A garment to be worn by a pregnant woman, comprising:

an abdomen support,

wherein said abdomen support is covered by a cover portion, and

wherein said abdomen support consists of an abdomen compression fabric and a support elastic.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein said abdomen compression fabric is a blend comprising nylon and spandex and consists of moisture wicking material.

4. The garment of claim 2, wherein said abdomen support is a blend comprising nylon and spandex.

5. The garment of claim 2, wherein said abdomen support lifts and compresses the pregnant abdomen.

6. The garment of claim 2, wherein said support elastic has a width ranging from one and three-quarter inches and two and one-quarter inches and said abdomen compression fabric has a thickness ranging from 155 grams per square meter and 175 grams per square meter.

7. The garment of claim 2, wherein said abdomen support and said cover are secured together in a one piece maternity exercise garment.

8. The garment of claim 2, that contains an abdomen support with a support elastic and abdomen compression fabric that are each longer in the front portion of the garment and shorter in the back of the garment.

9. The garment of claim 2, wherein said abdomen support is a Mumband™.

10. The garment of claim 2, wherein said garment is worn around the upper body.

11. The garment of claim 2, wherein said garment is worn on the lower body.

12. The garment of claim 2, wherein a support elastic is located in a garment worn around the upper body and another support elastic is located in a garment worn on the lower body.

13. A garment to be worn by a pregnant woman, comprising:

a bra/chest support portion secured to a abdomen cover portion wherein said abdomen cover portion is secured to an abdomen support portion;

and said bra/chest support portion, said abdomen cover portion and abdomen support portion are covered by a cover portion.

14. The garment of claim 13, wherein said abdomen support portion is a blend comprising nylon and spandex.

15. The garment of claim 13 wherein said abdomen support portion consists of moisture wicking material.

16. The garment of claim 13, wherein said abdomen support portion lifts and compresses the pregnant abdomen.

17. The garment of claim 13, wherein said abdomen support has a width ranging from one and three-quarter inches and two and one-quarter inches and a thickness ranging from 155 grams per square meter and 175 grams per square meter.

18. The garment of claim 13, wherein said abdomen support consists of an abdomen compression fabric and a support elastic and said abdomen support portion and said cover are secured together in a one piece maternity exercise garment.