WO2021127119A1

WO2021127119A1 - Foundation garment for use by uniformed personnel

Info

Publication number: WO2021127119A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/065516
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sara Beth Hall
Original assignee: Thin Gold Line, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-12-17
Filing date: 2020-12-17
Publication date: 2021-06-24
Also published as: US20210177069A1

Abstract

Undergarments (1202, 1202, 1203) to be worn beneath protective equipment are provided. The undergarments include a primary material (P) comprising a wick away material, the primary material defining a wearable undergarment; a plurality of pockets (1260) comprising the wick away material, wherein the plurality of pockets are attached to the wearable undergarment at positions that will contact an area on the wearer identified as routinely being irritated by the protective equipment; and a plurality of removable spacers (1270) comprising a secondary material (F), different from the primary material. The plurality of removable spacers are inserted into and/or removed from corresponding ones of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of removable spacers create space between the undergarment and the wearer of the undergarment to allow airflow and reduce heat trapping.

Description

FOUNDATION GARMENT FOR USE BY UNIFORMED PERSONNEL

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Application Serial No. 62/948,970, filed on December 17, 2019, entitled Foundation Garments for Use by Uniformed Personnel , the content of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present inventive concept relate generally to foundation garments or undergarments and, more particularly, to foundation garments or undergarments that improve comfort.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various occupations and/or organizations require employees/members to wear a specific uniform or set of clothing during performance of their duties. Uniforms may allow sight identification of a particular occupation/organization, for example, doctors, nurses, mail carriers, military personnel, and public safety personnel. Furthermore, some uniforms may provide a dual purpose of sight identification as well as safety. For example, select pieces of a uniform of public safety personnel, such as police officers and firefighters, may provide safety features that allow these public servants to better perform their jobs and reduce the likelihood of harm to the public servants. For example, firefighters wear fireproof suits that help protect them from the heat of fires, as well as masks and helmets. Similarly, police officers wear safety vests that reduce the likelihood that a bullet will penetrate the police officer. Military personnel may have similar safety features as part of their uniforms.

[0004] To increase the likelihood that the public safety and military personnel wear all the safety portions of their uniforms, it is important to make these portions of the uniform comfortable. In other words, if a police officer does not wear his or her safety vest because it is uncomfortable, the vest is rendered useless. SUMMARY

[0005] Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide garments including a primary material comprising a wick away material, the primary material defining a wearable garment; at least one pocket comprising the wick away material attached to the primary material; and at least one spacer comprising a secondary material, different from the primary material, that creates a space between the garment and a wearer of the garment, the at least one spacer being positioned in the at least one pocket, allowing airflow and reducing heat trapping. The at least one pocket is configured to stretch to receive the at least one spacer.

[0006] In further embodiments, the at least one spacer may be a removable spacer that is inserted and/or removed from the at least one pocket. The at least one removable spacer may include a foam material. In certain embodiments, the foam material may be a latex material blend. The latex material blend has both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is configured to allow the at least one spacer to conform to a body of the wearer without collapsing under weight of protective equipment worn thereon.

[0007] In still further embodiments, the primary material may include one of a composite blend of several textile components including Nylon, Polypropylene, Micromodal and/or ROICA, and HEMP.

[0008] In some embodiments, the primary material of the garment may apply a compressive force to a body of the wearer to reduce chafing, rubbing, and shifting during wear.

[0009] In further embodiments, the at least one spacer may include a plurality of removable spacers and the at least one pocket may include plurality of pockets. Each of the plurality of pockets may be configured to receive an associated one of the plurality of removable spacers. Each of the plurality of pockets may be strategically positioned to contact an area on the wearer identified as routinely being irritated by the protective equipment.

[0010] In still further embodiments, one of the plurality of pockets may be positioned to align with a left and right pectoral of the wearer; a left and right obliquus of the wearer; a left and right scapula of the wearer; a left and right erector of the wearer; and a plexus of the wearer. [0011] In some embodiments, the garment may have one of a leotard shape, a singlet shape, and a shirt shape. [0012] In further embodiments, the garment may further include a third material, different from the primary and secondary materials. The third material may be provided on edges and around openings in the garment.

[0013] Still further embodiments of the present inventive concept provide undergarments to be worn beneath protective equipment. The undergarments include a primary material comprising a wick away material, the primary material defining a wearable undergarment; a plurality of pockets comprising the wick away material, wherein the plurality of pockets are attached to the wearable undergarment at positions that will contact an area on the wearer identified as routinely being irritated by the protective equipment; and a plurality of removable spacers comprising a secondary material, different from the primary material. The plurality of removable spacers are inserted into and/or removed from corresponding ones of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of removable spacers create space between the undergarment and the wearer of the undergarment to allow airflow and reduce heat trapping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] FIG. l is a perspective view of an undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of an undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept

[0016] FIG. 3 is a back view of an undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a first side view of an undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a second side view, opposite the first side view of FIG. 4, of an undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of an undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the undergarment positioned on a subject in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept. [0022] FIG. 9 is an example of a safety vest that may be positioned over embodiments of the undergarment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8.

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a safety vest positioned on a subject in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating undergarments having pockets with seams allowing the material to be removed from the undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0025] FIGS. 12A through 12C are diagrams illustrating the leotard, singlet, and shirt, respectively, embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0026] FIGS. 13A through 13D are diagram illustrating front and back perspective views, a top view, and a side view of spacers in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0027] FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating assembly of the pockets including spacers in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0028] FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating assembly of the pocket and spacer in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0029] FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams of the front and back, respectively, of the leotard embodiment of the undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0030] FIG. 15C illustrates a “flapped” or “slotted” crotch to facilitate use of the facilities in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0031] FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams of the front and back, respectively, of the singlet embodiment of the undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0032] FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams of the front and back, respectively, of the shirt embodiment of the undergarment in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating formation of heat channels in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The inventive concept now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "comprises," "including" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0037] Some embodiments of the present inventive concept utilize Hemp based materials for producing undergarments in accordance embodiments discussed herein. It will be understood that Hemp is a type of “bast fibre,” one of a number of natural fibers derived from the stems of plants such as flax, jute and stinging nettle. Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a strain of the Cannabis Sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. It is one of the fastest growing plants and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber. It can be refined into a variety of commercial items, including paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed. Although cannabis as a drug and industrial hemp both derive from the species Cannabis Sativa and contain the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they are distinct strains with unique phytochemical compositions and uses. Hemp has lower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects. [0038] Although some embodiments of the present inventive concept are discussed as including a Hemp-based material, it will be understood that embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, a non-HEMP poly blend may be used. It will be further understood that the whole garment may not be made of the same material, for example, the majority of the garment may be one material, the seems may be a second material and the inserts may be a third, different material. Various embodiments will be discussed herein.

[0039] As discussed above, various occupations and/or organizations require employees/members to wear a specific uniform or set of clothing when performing duties associated with their position. Uniforms may allow sight identification of a particular occupation/organization, for example, doctors, nurses, mail carriers, military personnel, and public safety personnel. Furthermore, some uniforms have a dual purpose of identification as well as safety. For example, certain pieces of a uniform for public safety personnel, such as police officers and firefighters, provide safety features that allow them to better perform their jobs and reduce the likelihood of being harmed during performance of their duties. For example, firefighters wear fireproof suits that help protect them from the heat of fires, as well as masks and helmets. Similarly, police officers wear vests that reduce the likelihood that a bullet will penetrate the police officer. Certain members of the police force, for example, members of the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team, may also wear helmets and body armor as do military personnel. However, it is understood, these safety items (protective equipment) are only effective if they are routinely worn by the officers, firefighters and/or soldiers.

[0040] Thus, to increase the likelihood that the public safety and military personnel will wear all the safety features associated with their uniforms, it is particularly important that the uniform be comfortable. In other words, if a police officer does not wear his or her safety vest because it is uncomfortable, the vest is rendered useless. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide an undergarment or garment designed to sit between the skin of the wearer and the safety aspects of the uniform to provide “comfort” to the wearer such that the wearer is encouraged to use all safety items associated with the uniform.

[0041] As used herein, “undergarment” refers to a clothing item designed to be worn under portions of a uniform. Although it is designed to be worn “under” the uniform, personnel are not prohibited from wearing the undergarment without anything positioned on top thereof. As used herein, “comfort” refers to multiple aspects of the subject or person wearing the undergarment that allow the subject to experience a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. Thus, comfort may not only be defined by how the undergarment feels when positioned on the subject but the temperature of the subject while wearing the undergarment, the state of the subject’s body when the undergarment is removed and the like.

[0042] Although some embodiments of the present inventive concept are discussed herein with respect to undergarments designed to be worn under the safety vest of a police officer, it will be understood that embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto.

For example, garments, i.e, shirts, pants, gloves, hats, and the like, manufactured in accordance with embodiments discussed herein may be used by any individual who would benefit therefrom. In particular, some embodiments of the present inventive concept may be used by firefighters, paramedics, and military personnel in a similar fashion and for similar reasons without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. Thus, use under any “protective equipment” is envisioned in all embodiments discussed herein. Furthermore, use is not limited to first responders and military, anybody who can benefit from such a garment is envisioned. Thus, some embodiments refer to a “wearer” of the garment/undergarment, referring to anyone wearing the garment/undergarment.

[0043] Various embodiments of the undergarment will be discussed herein. In particular, a first series of embodiments is discussed below with respect to FIGS. 1 through 8 and a second series of embodiments is discussed below with respect to FIGS. 12A through 18. It will be understood that these example embodiments are provided for example only and that embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. Thus, various aspects of each embodiments may be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. [0044] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an undergarment 1000 in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept will be discussed. It will be understood that the undergarment illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided as an example only and, therefore, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the undergarment 1000 of FIG. 1 is shown as having “short sleeves.” Undergarments 1000 in accordance with embodiments discussed herein may have “long” or full-length sleeves, may be tank tops, crop tops, leotards, singlets and the like without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. Undergarments 1000 as discussed herein are customized for the specific purpose and use and can be made in any shape or size to satisfy that shape and use. Furthermore, although the various patches or padded portions 1100 of the undergarment 1000 are shown in specific locations in FIG. 1, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited to these specific locations. More patches and padded portions 1100 may be added or some may be removed without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.

[0045] Based on a survey of various active police officers it appears as if some police officers do not wear their protective/safety vest during performance of their duties. As used herein, “safety or protective vest” refers to any ballistic vest or bullet-resistant vest, often called a bulletproof vest, that can be worn for protection. These “vests” are generally an item of personal armor that help absorb the impact and reduce the likelihood, or possibly prevent, penetration to the body from firearm-fired projectiles, shrapnel from explosions and the like and is generally worn on the torso. Kevlar is a widely used material in bulletproof vests; however, a composite material called spectra shield has also been used. An example, safety vest 900 is illustrated in FIG. 9; however, this vest 900 is provided as an example only. Embodiments discussed herein may be used with any vest made of any material without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.

[0046] Since this safety vest is worn for protection, the fact that many police officers are not utilizing these vests is concerning. It appears that vests are not being worn because the vests cause the officers to overheat, chafe the officers at various locations where the vest contacts the officers’ body and retain body odor after a few shifts. Accordingly, undergarments 1000 in accordance with embodiments discussed herein are provided to address each of the complaints received by the officers. Generally, the undergarment 1000 includes padded areas 1100 corresponding to portions of the body that are generally chafed by the vest 900, thus, reducing the amount of chafing caused by wearing the vest. The undergarment 1000 and the padded areas 1100 are made of a specific material, possibly including hemp, that absorbs sweat/moisture, destroys bacteria associated therewith and wicks the sweat/moisture away from the officer’s body to reduce the increase in body temperature caused by wearing the vest 900 and the odor produced by the sweat and moisture as will be discussed further below.

[0047] It will be further understood that the undergarment in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept is not limited to use with a safety vest. In some embodiments, the undergarment may be used to increase comfort associated with other types of uniforms and/or uniform gear. For example, firefighters wear protective clothing and often carry air tanks on their backs. The straps securing the air tank to the firefighter may cause irritation to the firefighter’s skin. Some embodiments of the present inventive concept my provide relief for the firefighter in this situation.

[0048] In some embodiments, the undergarment may be made of a “wick away material.” As used herein, “wick away,” refers to any material designed to pull moisture away from the skin of the wearer. In other words, a material that wicks sweat, perspiration and/or moisture off the skin and out to the exterior of the fabric and away from the skin of the wearer. Moisture wicking relies on “capillary action,” which is the movement of a liquid, for example, sweat in this case, through tiny spaces within a fabric due to the molecular forces between the liquid and the fabric’s internal surfaces. In some embodiments of the present inventive concept, the undergarment 1000 is made of a synthetic hemp blend, synthetic cotton hemp blend, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the undergarment 1000 may be a polyester, spandex and hemp blend. However, as discussed above, some embodiments of the present inventive concept may provide a non-hemp option, which will be discussed further below. One having skill in the art will appreciate that many fabric materials may be used for the undergarment 1000 and the undergarment 1000 may be customized considering such issues as stylistic preference, wearer preference, manufacturing preference cost, structural requirements, available materials, and the like.

[0049] Similarly, the padded areas 1100 may be made of a foam material, for example, a memory foam material. As used herein, “memory foam” refers to material that may be easily compressed but may return to its original shape when the compression is removed. In some embodiments, the foam material may be wrapped in the same or similar “wick away” material of the undergarment 1000, for example, the synthetic hemp blend, synthetic cotton hemp blend or non-hemp material.

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 1, the undergarment 1000 includes short sleeves 1110, a rounded neckline 1120, an under arm (armpit) portion 1130, a terminating seam portion 1200 and a plurality of padded areas 1100. As illustrated, the under-arm portion 1130 and the terminating seam portion 1200 are also padded and could be termed padded portions 1100 without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. The under-arm portion 1130 and the terminating seam portion 1200 have been separately numbered for ease of reference to these portions.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the padded areas 1100, including the under-arm portion 1130 and the terminating seam portion 1200, all have all different shapes and sizes and, thus, are not limited to any particular shape or size. The padded areas 1100 are strategically placed on the undergarment 1000 to correspond to areas of the wearer’s body that routinely come in contact with the vest 900 and may become chaffed by the contact of the vest 900 with the skin.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the padded areas 1100, 1130 and 1200 are provided by pieces of padded material 1420 provided in corresponding pockets in the vest 900. Thus, the padded portions 1100, 1130 and 1200 may be removed to be cleaned or replaced when necessary. In these embodiments, the pockets may include a seam 1400 that may be opened/closed using, for example, Velcro or similar materials, such that the pieces of padded material 1420 may be inserted and removed. Further embodiments will be discussed below with respect to FIGS. 12A through 18. It will be understood that in some embodiments the padded material is permanently sewn into the undergarment 1000 and that the undergarment can be laundered when needed. As discussed above, the padded material 1420 may be provided by a foam material, for example, a memory foam material.

[0053] In embodiments where the padded material 1420 is replaceable/removable, i.e., can be inserted and removed through from pockets in the undergarment 1000, these pieces of padded material may be sold separately from the undergarment 1000. Thus, an officer may purchase a single undergarment 1000 and multiple “sets” of padding pieces so that one set may be used while the other is laundered. It will be understood that the padding pieces may be sold individually, as sets or with the undergarment itself without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. [0054] FIGS. 1 through 7 respectively illustrate a perspective view, a front view, back view, first and second side views, a top view and a bottom view of a short-sleeved undergarment 1000 in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept. Generally, the undergarment 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7 includes the plurality of padded areas 1100. The undergarment 1000 includes sleeves 1110 with varied lengths to suit the stylistic preference of the wearer or to conform to the equipment used therewith. In some embodiments, the sleeves 1110 (FIG. 2) are attached to the undergarment 1000 and one or more of the padded areas 1100 may bridge the body portion of the undergarment 1000 and the sleeves 1110. As discussed above, sleeve lengths may vary, for example, sleeve lengths may be cap, short, elbow, bracelet, long or three-quarter length without departing from the present inventive concept. Embodiments illustrated in Figs 1 through 7 also include padded material as an underarm patch 1130. This underarm patch 1130 of padding allows sweat produced under the arms to be wicked away from the body. However, in some embodiments, the undergarment 1000 may be sleeveless (not shown). As discussed above, in some embodiments, the undergarment is made of a “wick away” material.

[0055] As discussed above, embodiments illustrated in the figures are provided as examples only. Accordingly, although the neckline 1120 is illustrated as a standard round neck, embodiments of the present inventive may have necklines of various styles without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. For example, the neckline 1120 may be a plunging, v-shaped, bateau, draped, round, lunging, one-shoulder, scoop, halter, ballet neckline and the like. Design of the undergarment 1000 may be customized to suit the wearer as well as the equipment that the undergarment is designed to be used with.

[0056] Similarly, the length and coverage of the undergarment 1000 may be varied from that illustrated in figures. For example, in the figures, the bottom (termination portion) 1200 of the undergarment 1000 may be designed to fall below a waistline of the wearer. Furthermore, as illustrated in the figures, the bottom 1200 of the undergarment includes padding like areas 1100. The padded area may be any size and shape without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. For example, the bottom portion 1200 of the shirt may have no padding in some embodiments and up to about eight inches of padding in others. Again, these aspects of the present inventive concept may be customized based on user and use. [0057] In some embodiments, the bottom 1200 of the undergarment 1000 may be made of a different material than the rest of the undergarment 1000. In some embodiments, the two different materials for the bottom 1200 and the rest of the undergarment 1000 are similar in appearance to provide a uniform appearance as a single clothing item. However, the two materials may be completely different without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, positioning of the undergarment 1000 related to the safety vest will be discussed. In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates embodiments of the undergarment 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 7 positioned on an officer; FIG. 9 illustrates and example of a safety vest 900 and FIG. 10 illustrates the safety vest 900 positioned on the officer over the undergarment 1000 in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept. As is clear from FIGS. 8 through 10, the padded areas 1100, 1200 and 1130 are positioned where the vest 900 would come into contact with the officer the most, i.e., at the waist 1200, center of the chest, under the arms 1130. Providing the overall undergarment 1000 in a wick away material and the selected areas of padded material 1100 for wick away, comfort and antibacterial purposes may provide an overall comfort to the officer that will encourage the officer to actually wear his or her safety vest.

[0059] Further embodiments of the present inventive concept will now be discussed with respect to FIGS. 12A through 18. As illustrated in FIGS. 12A through 12C, the undergarment may have one of three separate physically shaped embodiments, a leotard shape 1201 (12A), a singlet shape 1202 (12B) and a shirt shape 1203 (12C). It will be understood that these shapes are provided as examples only and, therefore embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, some embodiments may provide a full body suit without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. The undergarment 1201, 1202, 1203 may be provided in a variety of sizes, for example, three to five sizes, S, M, L, XL, and XXL

[0060] As further illustrated, each of the undergarments 1201, 1202 and 1205 have a plurality of spacer pockets 1260. Although each undergarment in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C include five spacer pockets 1260 on the front thereof, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited to this configuration. For example, more or less than five spacer pockets 1260 may be provided without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. Each of the spacer pockets 1260 is shown as including a removable spacer 1270. [0061] In embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, the undergarment 1201, 1202 and 1203 are shown as including three different areas all including a different material. These three different areas are depicted by different patterns on the undergarments illustrated in FIGS. 12 A, 12B and 12C. In particular, the majority of the garment (primary garment P) depicted by diagonal lines in FIGS. 12 A, 12B and 12C (as shown in legend), includes a composite blend of several textile components, including, but not limited to, for example, Nylon, Polypropylene, Micromodal and/or ROICA. ROIC A is Premium Stretch Fiber with superior functionality that provides right response to various customers’ needs. ROICA has excellent stretch and recovery. Thus, the majority of the undergarment is made of an elastic material which is a blended composite of several textile components. The primary portion of the undergarment applies compressive force to the end-user’s (wearer’s) body during use, in much the same way that compression workout garments do. This may reduce the likelihood, or possibly prevent, undesirable chafing, rubbing, and shifting during use. As further illustrated in FIGS. 12 A, 12B and 12C, the primary material (P) is also used to construct the spacer pockets 1260.

[0062] A secondary material (S) depicted by small crosshatchings in FIGS. 12 A, 12B and 12C (legend) is used for edges and openings, for example, the neck, arms, legs, bottom, zipper edges, and the like. The secondary material (S) may also be a composite blend. In some embodiments of the present inventive concept, the composite blend of the secondary material may be similar to that of the primary material (P) discussed above but may have less Elastane- Type (ROICA) material to prevent it from stretching as much.

[0063] The final material in the legend is the material for the foam (F) depicted in the figures as larger cross hatchings then the spacer material (S). In some embodiments, the foam (F) spacer 1270 includes a natural latex material blend which is naturally antimicrobial/antibacterial and is tuned to a durometer (hardness) rating that allows the spacers 1270 to readily conform to the user’s (wearer’s) body-shape, without being so soft that the collapse under the weight of a piece of body armor when adorned. FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrate one embodiments of the foam spacer 1270 in accordance with embodiments discussed herein. FIGS. 13A and 13B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the foam spacer 1270 and FIGS. 13C and 13D are top and side views, respectively, the foam spacer 1270.

[0064] The all-natural foam spacers shown in FIGS. 14A through 14D allow for easy placement, exchange and washing of the mechanical component which creates “space” between the body and the armor/equipment. The antimicrobial, antibacterial and organic spacers may reduce contamination, naturally reduce trapped heat, and ensure hours of comfort without difficult assembly. In some embodiments, the spacers have a diameter of about 3 to 4 inches and a thickness of about ¾ to 1.0 inches.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the spacer pockets 1260 and the foam spacers 1270 will be discussed. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, a removable foam spacer 1270 is inserted into a spacer pocket 1260. The spacer pockets 1260 may be strategically placed (sewn in place) "pockets” provided in “problem areas.” As used herein, “problem areas” are areas on the body that have been identified as routinely being irritated by the protective equipment. In some embodiments, the pockets 1260 are sewn around the outer diameter, and have a thru-hole 1265 (FIG. 14B) into which the foam spacer 1270 is placed. As discussed above, the pockets 1260 are made of the primary material (P), which is highly elastic and breathable, which allows the pockets to stretch for insertion of the foam spacers 1270 but return to shape such that they hold the spacer 1270 in-place during use.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 15A through 15C, a front view , back view and flapped crotch, respectively, of the leotard 1201 form of the undergarment will be discussed. As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, embodiments illustrated therein include nine individual "pockets" 1260 placed strategically around the user’s body at points that typically create natural heat channels by which body heat may be readily vented away. FIG. 18 illustrates the creation of natural heat channels. As illustrated therein, the pockets/spacers are strategically placed to create a natural gap which reduces conductive heat trapping, while simultaneously allowing heat to escape and air to flow between armor/equipment and the body.

[0067] In other words, the positioning of the spacers on the undergarment naturally creates spaced channels (see arrows, FIG. 18) along the body of the geometry such that the heat is able to vent away and out, away from the body. Strategic placement and conforming fit by design, ensures that no matter the body dimensions, heat is able to efficiently escape and keep the user cool.

[0068] The locations of the nine pockets 1260 can be described as left and right Pectoral; left and right Obliquus; left and right Scapula; left and right Erector; and Plexus based upon the major muscle/body part they rest upon. It will be understood that the positions of these pockets in provide for example only and embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. As discussed above, a spacer 1270 is positioned in each of the pockets 1260. In some embodiments, the spacers 1270 are removable and can be washed separately from the undergarment. Furthermore, sets of replacement spacers 1270 can be purchases so that one can be used while the other is cleaned.

[0069] As further illustrated in FIG. 15B, the leotard version 1201 has a rear zipper 1580 to facilitate putting the undergarment on. In some embodiments of the present inventive concept, the undergarment may be “flapped” or slotted to allow for easy use of the restroom. For example, a “female” version may include the flap and a “male” version may include a slot. FIG. 15C illustrates both a flap 1592 and a slot 1591 version in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein. It will be understood that although FIG. 15C includes a two button 'flapped' crotch opening 1592 and singular slot 1593 to facilitate use of the facilities/restroom without removing all clothing and protective equipment, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited to this configuration. Any flap or slot configuration may be used without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. For example, the slot may be similar to a slot on a pair of traditional men’s briefs.

[0070] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the singlet form of the undergarment 1202. Similar to embodiments discussed above with respect to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the singlet 1202 includes nine individual "pockets" 1260 placed strategically around the user’s body at points that typically create natural heat channels by which body heat may be readily vented away. As further illustrated in FIG. 16B, the singlet version 1202 has a rear zipper 1680 to facilitate putting the undergarment on and may also include a 'flapped' and/or slotted crotch opening to facilitate using the facilities without removing all clothing similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 15C. [0071] Referring now to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a shirt form of the undergarment 1203 will be discussed. In addition to the pockets 1260, the spacers 1270 and the zipper 1780 discussed above, the shirt embodiments 1203 include a secondary panel 1290 including the same material as the primary garment. However, this panel 1290 includes a slightly rubberized inner-coating, to reduce the likelihood that the shirt will shift after it is tucked in.

[0072] As briefly discussed above, some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide an undergarment that may be used with protective gear, but also recreational attire without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. Undergarments as discussed herein fill a need as there is a lack of variation in undergarments designed to be worn under heavy equipment. The market today does not provide undergarments that provide moisture reduction as well as padded support, thus, resulting in stained, and damaged protective equipment due to bacteria that is within the sweat created by the body. Embodiments of the present inventive concept provide a solution that allows an officer or other user to wear a single undergarment garment that provides padded, sweat wicking areas that reduce the likelihood that sweat will damage the safety vest, that the safety vest will retain odor and that the safety vest will damage the officer’s skin. The padded, sweat wicking areas reduces the amount of sweat building on or inside the safety vest.

[0073] Embodiments discussed above include all types of garments, shirt, shorts, gloves and the like. Shirts may be long sleeved providing a full upper body coverage, with a moisture wicking material, but may also be short sleeved, cropped or tank tops, as well as bodysuits and singlets. Embodiments discussed herein provide an improved undergarment, serving multiple purposes, moisture wicking such that the amount of sweat that seeps through the safety vest is reduced; cushioning to support safety vests, thus, reducing chafing, rubbing, and the like; and bacteria destroying to reduce the likelihood of a lingering odor on the safety vest.

[0074] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed example embodiments of the inventive concept. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concept being defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A garment comprising: a primary material comprising a wick away material, the primary material defining a wearable garment; at least one pocket comprising the wick away material attached to the primary material; and at least one spacer comprising a secondary material, different from the primary material, that creates a space between the garment and a wearer of the garment, the at least one spacer being positioned in the at least one pocket, allowing airflow and reducing heat trapping, wherein the at least one pocket is configured to stretch to receive the at least one spacer.

2. The garment of Claim 1, wherein the at least one spacer is a removable spacer that is inserted and/or removed from the at least one pocket.

3. The garment of Claim 2, wherein the at least one removable spacer comprises a foam material.

4. The garment of Claim 3, wherein the foam material comprises a latex material blend, wherein the latex material blend has both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is configured to allow the at least one spacer to conform to a body of the wearer without collapsing under weight of protective equipment worn thereon.

5. The garment of Claim 1, wherein the primary material comprises one of a composite blend of several textile components including Nylon, Polypropylene, Micromodal and/or ROIC A, and HEMP.

6. The garment of Claim 5, wherein the primary material of the garment applies a compressive force to a body of the wearer to reduce chafing, rubbing, and shifting during wear.

7. The garment of Claim 1 : wherein the at least one spacer comprises a plurality of removable spacers and wherein the at least one pocket comprises a plurality of pockets, each of the plurality of pockets being configured to receive an associated one of the plurality of removable spacers; and wherein each of the plurality of pockets is strategically positioned to contact an area on the wearer identified as routinely being irritated by the protective equipment.

8. The garment of Claim 7, wherein one of the plurality of pockets is positioned to align with a left and right Pectoral of the wearer; a left and right Obliquus of the wearer; a left and right Scapula of the wearer; a left and right Erector of the wearer; and a Plexus of the wearer.

9. The garment of Claim 1, wherein the garment has one of a leotard shape, a singlet shape and a shirt shape.

10. The garment of Claim 1, further comprising a third material, different from the primary and secondary materials, wherein the third material is provided on edges and around openings in the garment.

11. An undergarment to be worn beneath protective equipment, the undergarment comprising: a primary material comprising a wick away material, the primary material defining a wearable undergarment; a plurality of pockets comprising the wick away material, wherein the plurality of pockets are attached to the wearable undergarment at positions that will contact an area on the wearer identified as routinely being irritated by the protective equipment; and a plurality of removable spacers comprising a secondary material, different from the primary material, wherein the plurality of removable spacers are inserted into and/or removed from corresponding ones of the plurality of pockets, wherein the plurality of removable spacers create space between the undergarment and the wearer of the undergarment to allow airflow and reduce heat trapping.

12. The undergarment of Claim 11, wherein the plurality of pockets are configured to stretch to receive the corresponding plurality of removable spacers.

13. The undergarment of Claim 11, wherein the plurality of removable spacers comprise a foam material.

14. The undergarment of Claim 13, wherein the foam material comprises a latex material blend, wherein the latex material blend has both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is configured to allow the plurality of removable spacers to conform to a body of the wearer without collapsing under weight of protective equipment worn thereon.

15. The undergarment of Claim 11, wherein the primary material comprises a composite blend of several textile components including Nylon, Polypropylene, Micromodal and/or ROIC A.

16. The undergarment of Claim 15, wherein the primary material of the undergarment applies a compressive force to a body of the wearer to reduce chafing, rubbing, and shifting during wear.

17. The undergarment of Claim 11, wherein the primary material comprises HEMP.

18. The undergarment of Claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of pockets is positioned to align with a left and right Pectoral of the wearer; a left and right Obliquus of the wearer; a left and right Scapula of the wearer; a left and right Erector of the wearer; and a Plexus of the wearer.

19. The undergarment of Claim 11, wherein the undergarment has one of a leotard shape, a singlet shape and a shirt shape.

20. The undergarment of Claim 11, further comprising a third material, different from the primary and secondary materials, wherein the third material is provided on edges and around openings in the undergarment.